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As with the most massive prescription drugs, numerous people do not realize they can develop an addiction to Demerol. Regular abuse of this painkiller can swiftly lead to tolerance—wanting the user to take more of the drug to feel its effects—and physical dependence.
Physical dependence occurs when the user has arrived at a state where they begin to encounter unpleasant withdrawal symptoms if they cease taking Demerol or decrease their amount. Addiction to Demerol occurs when the user starts to act in ways damaging to them to continue Demerol use.
A user who is addicted to Demerol may “lose” prescriptions to get new ones or visit the emergency room with a fake or self-inflicted injury to get more of the drug. They may also begin “doctor shopping” or visiting multiple doctors to get prescriptions from each of them.
A person addicted to Demerol may also:
- Neglect responsibilities and relationships while using or looking for the drug
- Continue using Demerol despite problems it’s causing with their health or relationships
- Isolate themselves from loved ones to hide their drug use
- Spend a lot of money on the drug or even steal to pay for it
Once a Demerol addiction has taken hold, users often have difficulty quitting the drug—even if they want to. When an addicted user leaves taking Demerol, they’ll experience severe withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety and nausea. This causes many people to relapse in an attempt to feel better.
A treatment program that allows medical detox can help Demerol users break this cycle and luckily get sober. Call a treatment provider for help finding a plan that fits your needs.
Understanding Demerol (Meperidine)
Demerol is the brand name for an injectable form of meperidine, an opioid painkiller called pethidine. The drug classified as a narcotic analgesic is used to treat moderate to severe pain, with effects similar to morphine or oxycodone. Although Demerol is only one-tenth as potent as morphine, it is short-acting and has a high risk of abuse.
As listed by the Controlled Substances Act, Demerol is a schedule II controlled substance that cannot legally be obtained without a prescription. Some people who abuse Demerol buy it on the streets under the names “dillies,” “D,” or “dust.”
Demerol comes in tablet or liquid forms. The tablets are circular in shape, white in color, and come in 50 mg or 100 mg strengths. As a liquid, Demerol comes in syrup or as an injectable solution; however, the injectable form is typically only administered by medical professionals. When used as prescribed, Demerol tablets and syrup are taken orally.
Demerol Effects and Abuse
Many people unknowingly become addicted to painkillers like Demerol because they don’t realize they’re abusing the substance. They may start taking the drug as prescribed for pain, but once tolerance sets in, they start increasing their dose to feel relief better. Eventually, they develop a physical dependence on the drug, which is often (but not always) followed by psychological support—in other words, they’re hooked.
Using Demerol in more unusual doses, more frequently or for longer than prescribed, are all considered abuse of this drug. If you or a loved one is struggling with Demerol addiction, you are not alone. Millions of people have found relief from their addiction through the help of our treatment programs. United Recovery Project offers some of the best facilities and treatment resources for recovery. Our luxurious rehab center is adequately staffed so that each of our patients gets the necessary attention for a successful recovery.
Resources and References:
- Controlled Substances Act
- Painkiller Addiction
