warning signs of prescription drug abuse |
Prescription drug abuse occurs when a person uses a prescription drug outside of the normally accepted standard for its use (i.e. not used for its intended purpose). According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, over 6.3 million people in the U.S. use prescription drugs non-medically on a current or past-month basis. This level of use is second only to marijuana in the number of users. Pain relievers – which include Morphine, Oxycontin and Demerol – are the most highly abused prescription drugs (an estimated 4.7 million users, according to the survey).
Prescription medications can be helpful — even life saving — when used for treating injury or illness. But they are to be used only when prescribed to you by a doctor or other healthcare professional. When misused or abused, they can have very serious adverse health effects and can easily and unknowingly turn into a physical dependence.
Do you know the warning signs of prescription drug dependency?
The warning signs of prescription drug addiction may include:
1. Usage Increase — Over time, it is common for a person taking prescription medication to build up a tolerance to the prescribed dose. Increasing the dosage often indicates that the original amount prescribed is no longer providing relief and a sign of a drug dependency.
2. Ongoing Use — Continuing to use a prescribed medication after a medical condition has improved is another indicator of drug dependency. In order to continue using a person may:
3. Going to Great Lengths to Obtain Prescriptions — A drug dependent person will spend large amounts of time driving long distances and visiting multiple doctors to obtain drugs. Preoccupation with the quest for medication demonstrates that the drug has become a top priority. He/she may:
4. Change in Personality — Changes in a person’s normal behavior can be a sign of dependency. Shifts in energy, mood, and concentration may occur as everyday responsibilities become secondary to the need for the relief the prescription medication provides. A dependent person may exhibit an attitude of indifference, a lack of emotion, or demonstrate disinterest in things that previously brought them pleasure.
5. Change in Daily Habits or Appearance — Personal hygiene may diminish as a result of drug addiction. Sleeping and eating habits may change, including significant weight loss. A constant cough, runny nose or red, glazed eyes may be evident.
6. Social Withdrawal — A person experiencing a dependency problem may withdraw from family, friends, co-workers or other social interaction.
7. Blackouts and Forgetfulness — Regularly forgetting events that have taken place or appearing to suffer from frequent blackouts is another clear indication of a drug dependence.
8. Defensiveness — Most often a person abusing prescription medication will attempt to hide their use, become defensive when confronted, rationalize their use, and often deny that it is a problem. They might respond to simple requests or questions by lashing out.
Do you have a problem?
Upon realizing that they are "hooked" on a prescription drug, many people are reluctant to tell their doctor or are afraid their medication will be discontinued, so they do not seek the help they need. Admitting that you have a problem with drugs takes courage. Whether you have reached the "addiction" stage or not, recognizing and admitting that your abuse of prescription drugs is negatively impacting your life is the first step toward overcoming it. The next step is seeking professional help.
