Meperidine is a highly addictive drug for anyone who takes it whether they have it prescribed and follow the recommended dose or who obtain it by illegal means and uses it recreationally. One of the first signs of being addicted to meperidine is having an obsession with obtaining it and a pre-occupation with consuming the drug.

Individuals who are addicted to this drug and can no longer get it from their primary physician, will often go to different doctors and pharmacies in order to continue to obtain it; another big red flag for addiction and dependency.

If you find you cannot live a normal life without it, you are addicted to it. Other signs of addiction include symptoms that you will experience when you aren't under the influence of meperidine but reappear when you consume it again. These include:

Meperidine Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms after stopping meperidine typically take affect immediately and come as a result of quitting "cold turkey" or suddenly. For this reason, you should consult with your doctor before discontinuing use of meperidine as some of the withdrawal symptoms can be quite severe. If you decide to quit use of this drug, the best thing to do is gradually decrease the dose.

Some of the more common withdrawal symptoms, which will vary based on the individual, include loss of appetite and subsequent weight loss, fast breathing, fast heartbeat, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, upset stomach, back pain, nervousness, sweating and chills, excessive yawning, stuffy nose, watery eyes, restlessness and varying degrees of agitation, mood swings and angry outbursts. If you have been taking a high dose for a long period of time, your withdrawal symptoms will typically be worsened and may last up to 2 weeks. If you decide to stop taking the drug suddenly, you should seek professional help and treatment for addiction 800-559-9503 before attempting to do this on your own. Receiving a reduced dose over a period of time before quitting use of meperidine can help reduce many of these symptoms.

Meperidine Addiction Treatment

If you or someone you know has become dependent on meperidine or is suffering from an addiction to the drug, it can be quite frustrating and overwhelming. While you are dependent on it to sustain a balanced and happy life, you also feel that dependence to affect the rest of your life in a negative way which then affects your work, school, personal relationships and obligations to yourself.

Finding help for your addiction is the first step to recovery, and local drug rehab centers can help you get through the addiction, help you deal with any withdrawal symptoms you experience and provide additional resources for avoiding temptation through counseling session and support groups.