Signs of trouble

Opioids can affect your thinking and judgment. Even when you take an opioid medication as prescribed, you might make decisions too quickly, without thinking things through. You may think you're OK and you're making good decisions when you're not. You may take risks and put yourself and others in danger. These are signs that you need to make a plan with your doctor to safely taper off your medications.

In addition, if you or a loved one is currently taking opioid medications, stay on the lookout for signs of trouble. Signs of opioid abuse include:

• Regularly taking more than the prescribed dose of medication
• Taking pain medication "just in case," even when you're not in pain
• Mood changes
• Borrowing medication from other people, or using medication prescribed for someone else

If taking opioids becomes the center of your life, tell your doctor how the medication is affecting you.