What Are the Signs of Prescription Drug Addiction?

People often go to the doctor for legitimate reasons and are given medications to manage symptoms of a particular condition. These medications are called prescription drugs. These drugs are legally provided to individuals based on a doctor’s or a licensed healthcare provider’s written orders. The government regulates them to ensure safety and effectiveness. However, some individuals tend to like the effects of these drugs and continue using them in a way other than the doctor or physician intended. This is called prescription drug abuse.

Prescription drug abuse is using prescription medications in a way not recommended by the prescriber, usually a doctor or physician. Individuals abuse this class of drugs by crushing them into powder and snorting them or diluting them in water for injection to obtain a certain level of effect. The most common prescription drugs abused are painkillers, anti-anxiety agents, sedatives, and stimulants.

Prescription drug abuse has become a widespread disease affecting all age groups and races. Still, it seems more prevalent among teens and young adults. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, about 3.7 million people misused stimulants in 2021. Teenagers and young adults organize pill parties to abuse prescription medications and randomly take them as a form of competition. It can lead to fatal consequences. This post explains pill abuse symptoms, the side effects of these drugs, and how you can treat the abuse.

Contact our men’s residential treatment center in Colorado today to learn more about available treatment.

Signs of Prescription Drug Addiction

Prescription drugs are more powerful and can produce adverse effects than over-the-counter drugs. Therefore, using this class of drugs only as the physician instructs is essential. However, that’s not the case, as many individuals derive happiness from taking these drugs other than approved.

Many people erroneously believe that because a physician issued a medication, they are safe to take in all doses. It is false in all ramifications. All drugs have life-threatening side effects, so individuals should understand this to avoid any risk of complications. When mixed with alcohol or other pills, the consequences can be grave. The side effects may include; coma, heart attack, and death.

Prescription drug addiction can be potentially life-threatening. Common signs of Prescription drug addiction are:

• Taking larger quantities than instructed or the medications more frequently.
• Using even after the medical condition that it was initially prescribed for has been resolved.
• Taking medication as a coping mechanism for stress, anxiety, or other emotional issues.
• Finding it difficult to stop taking or reduce use.
• Becoming irresponsible and neglecting your work, school, or home responsibilities.
• Looking for possible ways to get or obtain more prescriptions from different doctors illegally.
• Abandoning your friends and families. You only establish ties with those who abuse prescription drugs.
• Losing desire for hobbies or activities that you once enjoyed.
• Developing a high tolerance to the medication. You require higher doses each time to achieve the same effect.

If you or someone you know has any of the above signs, it may be signs of pill addiction. Seek medical help as soon as possible to address the issue. The earlier you seek help, the faster the recovery.

How to Treat Prescription Drug Addiction

The good news is prescription drug addiction is treatable. However, it needs a multifaceted, comprehensive approach that may involve a combination of medication and therapy.

The first step is to seek professional help. A healthcare specialist with experience treating prescription addiction will provide the required guidance, support, and treatment option to aid the individual’s recovery. Once a medical team is contacted, the medical specialist will employ the following methods;

Detox

Detoxification is usually the first step to treating addiction, including prescription drug abuse. It means flushing the drug out of your system and managing the withdrawal symptoms. Detoxification can be performed in an inpatient or outpatient setting, according to the seriousness of the condition.

Medications

Medical experts can administer certain medications to alleviate prescription drug addiction symptoms and minimize cravings.

Therapy

Therapies, like behavioral therapy, can help doctors pinpoint and replace the thoughts and behaviors that led to addiction with positive ones. Therapy can help you develop coping skills to avoid relapse.

Support groups

Some rehab facilities have support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous to foster recovery. These support groups provide a platform where you can share your struggle with other people going through similar occurrences. It is a great way to stay motivated and accountable.

Health Pines Treat Prescription Drug Addiction

Prescription drug abuse is a condition that can lead to several complications. Although it is treatable, recovery takes time and effort. Therefore, you need to be patient and trust the process. With the help of the medical team in the Health Pines rehab clinic, recovery is possible.

An underlying problem can cause prescription drug addiction. Our team identifies and addresses these issues holistically to foster faster recovery. We work with our patients to develop a relapse prevention plan to help them avoid triggers, manage cravings, and maintain sobriety. If you have noticed any of the signs of prescription drug abuse in yourself or a loved one, contact us today and get started with your recovery journey at our men’s Colorado drug rehab center.