Abuse of prescription drugs refers to the use of a substance in a way that was not intended by the prescribing physician. Early detection of prescription drug usage and prompt treatment measures may stop the issue from developing into an addiction. Learning to recognize the warning signs of prescription drug abuse could be key to helping you or a loved one.
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Addiction To Prescription Medication Is Common
Many people associate drug abuse with illegal drugs such as cocaine or heroin. But addiction is far more common with prescription medications like anti-anxiety and pain medications. More than 18 million adults aged 12 and older are thought to have used prescription medications non-medically in the previous year, according to experts.
- Over 16 million people misuse prescriptions in a year.
- 43.3% of first-time abusers use painkillers while 32.1% use sedatives or tranquilizers.
- 52 million Americans over the age of 12 have deliberately misused prescription drugs at least once in their lifetime.
- 2 million people who misuse prescriptions are definitively addicted to the prescription drugs they misuse.
- Among addicts, 12% acknowledge their addiction.
- Prescription drugs are the third-most abused illegal substance after marijuana and cocaine.
A Change In How Much/Often They Take Their Medications
An early sign of prescription drug addiction is often reflected in the lack of medication adherence. When taken as directed, potentially addictive medications rarely cause addiction. However, using higher doses or for an extended time increases the risk of abuse and addiction. If the person you are worried about lives with you, talk about taking control of the prescription to ensure it is taken as prescribed. Although this strategy might not always be successful, a person who acknowledges a problem can be appreciative of your support in getting back on track.
Their Behavior Reflects Misuse
Although each person’s experience with addiction varies slightly, there are common behavioral signs and symptoms to look out for, such as lying, drastic mood swings, and shifting social groups. It’s also important to understand drug tolerance and withdrawal.
- Tolerance: Involves the need to engage in the addictive behavior more and more to get the desired effect.
- Withdrawal: When the person does not take the substance they experience unpleasant physical symptoms.
Withdrawal symptoms can include:
- Trembling and tremors
- Muscle pain or aches
- Hunger or loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Sweating
- Irritability and agitation
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Confusion
- Insomnia
Change In Sleep/Eating
We now understand that the majority of substance use severely disrupts the brain’s sleep-regulatory mechanisms, impacting the latency, duration, and quality of sleep. Drug users who go through withdrawal also endure insomnia.
A change in eating habits is another common sign of substance abuse. It’s important to note that some prescription medications have side effects that will alter a person’s appetite. So eating habits as a means of determining addiction may not be reliable.
Doctor Shopping
The practice of getting controlled medications from several doctors without telling them about other prescriptions is known as “doctor shopping.” To put it another way, when someone becomes dependent on a medication, they may go out of their way to find several doctors who will write a prescription for it. Doctor shopping is a blatant red flag of drug abuse if you’re not sure if your loved one has a prescription drug addiction.
Lying About Their Use
Addiction has the power to transform someone you love and once trusted into someone unrecognizable. Addiction impacts the brain and alters behavior. The addict will eventually go to any lengths necessary to feel good or even just “normal.” It’s possible that the area of the brain that regulates morals and judgment has experienced damage, which makes it harder to make logical decisions. Eventually, addiction will lead them to say or do anything to get more of the substance, prevent withdrawal symptoms, or escape the repercussions of their actions.
Ordering From Online Pharmacies
Without ever having to visit a doctor, you can easily get prescription medications online with a few mouse clicks and have them delivered straight to your home. Much like doctor shopping, this enables the addict to circumvent the proper and legal process of obtaining a prescription. This is extremely dangerous as many of these online providers are functioning illegally.
Using Medications That Are Prescribed To Another
Stealing prescriptions from others is another serious warning sign. Not only is this dangerous to the health of the individual but it’s also illegal. Theft of a controlled substance is always a felony, even if you only steal one pill. Furthermore, An allergic response, a drug interaction, or severe side effects may occur by taking a medication that was intended for someone else.
Know When To Intervene
If your loved one exhibits these symptoms, he or she may be struggling with addiction, but there are things you can do to help. The sooner you can spot the symptoms, the better the chances are that your loved one will recover. Getting help with a substance abuse problem before it takes control of a person’s life is why it is important to take action immediately. We offer men and women’s rehab programs to fully support your loved one.
How We Can Help You
The signs are there. Once you have recognized them and determined the correct action to take, Ethan Crossing is well-equipped to help our clients recover from all varieties of addiction in a safe and welcoming environment. While our patients are in treatment with us, they can expect a variety of therapeutic programs such as motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy, working the 12-steps, and self-help alternatives. Let us help. Give our expert staff at Ethan Crossing Recovery a call for more information about how to help a loved one with addiction.