Prescription Drug Abuse and Addiction
Prescription drug abuse and addiction remain a complex challenge, often hidden behind the veil of legitimate medical use. It’s important to understand the difference between using prescription drugs correctly and misusing them, as abuse is on the rise.
Understanding Prescription Drug Abuse and Addiction
Prescription drug addiction signs can often be subtle and difficult to identify. This condition can affect anyone, whether they are taking their medication as prescribed or misusing it on purpose.
When people experience substance use disorders simultaneously with chronic physical or mental health conditions, professionals identify them as co-occurring disorders. Such situations necessitate a comprehensive treatment strategy that addresses all factors involved in prescription drug addiction.
Prescription drug addiction is widespread and complex, regardless of its origin. It mainly affects people who take prescription medications for actual medical conditions. This issue is becoming increasingly prevalent in the US.
While it’s not feasible to forecast who will succumb to addiction, some people are more vulnerable than others.
Risk factors for developing an addiction include:
- Long-term disease
- Convenient availability of prescribed drugs
- Past instances of drug misuse
- Genetic predisposition to substance misuse
- Personal or familial background of mental disorders
- Unsteady domestic surroundings
- Societal influences
- Early encounter with substance misuse
- Lack of a supportive circle
About Prescription Drug Abuse
Prescription drug abuse in the United States is a serious issue. Just because a doctor prescribes these drugs doesn’t mean they are safe.
Abusing prescription drugs doesn’t just happen because someone wants to feel high. Misusing prescription drugs doesn’t only occur when someone wants to get high. It can start by taking a friend’s prescription painkiller or by taking more than prescribed due to building a tolerance.
Drug abuse includes using medications in ways other than prescribed, like snorting or injecting, increasing the risk of addiction.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) watches for prescription drug abuse and dependency across the country. They study patterns and ways to treat it effectively.
Symptoms of Prescription Drug Abuse
People with medical conditions or mental illness conditions that require medication often understate warning signs of prescription drug use. Nevertheless, addiction manifests through various behavioral, physical, and psychological signs and symptoms.
Signs of drug abuse can differ from person to person. They can also vary based on the specific drug being used. Additionally, signs can be influenced by the person’s biology. The severity of the addiction can also impact the signs of drug abuse.
Indications of prescription drug misuse in terms of behavior include:
- Consuming more than the recommended dosage
- Rapidly exhausting prescription stocks
- Seeing various doctors to get prescriptions
- Stockpiling drugs because of anxiety shortage
- Asking for prescriptions from relatives and friends
- Isolating from social activities
- Alterations in school or job performance
- Being dishonest about drug consumption
- Theft to sustain the drug addiction
Indications of prescription drug misuse can be physical and include:
- Changes in sleeping habits
- Sleep disorders
- Appetite modifications
- Variations in weight
- Unusual levels of energy
- Tiredness
- Head pains
- Feeling lightheaded
- Decreased muscle strength
- Poor coordination
- Visible marks from injections
- Burns on the mouth and hands due to smoking
- Eyes that are red and irritated
- Changes in the size of pupils
- Gastrointestinal problems such as constipation or loose stools
- Skin discoloration, appearing as grey or yellow
- Ignoring personal cleanliness
- Excessive perspiration
- Shivering or shaking
- Irregular pulse
- Slow breathing
- High blood pressure
- Fluctuating body temperature
- Symptoms of withdrawal when drugs are not consumed
Indications and symptoms of prescription drug misuse that are psychological in nature include:
- Bewilderment
- Disarray
- Loss of memory
- Struggling with concentration
- Worry about obtaining additional medication
- Despondency
- Regular shifts in mood
- Compromised decision-making
- Testiness
- Propensity to make hasty or hazardous choices
Some people who take prescription drugs may not realize changes in their behavior or may deny their condition. If you notice these signs in yourself or someone close, talking openly about getting help from a professional is important.
The “3 Cs” model, as outlined by NIDA, is used to characterize the behaviors linked to drug addiction. This model includes:
- Lack or loss of self-control
- Cravings for the Substance
- Continuing abuse despite detrimental consequences
Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs
The most frequently abused prescription drugs are opioids, sedatives, and stimulants. Each of these categories can rapidly result in physical dependence, a major precursor to addiction.
Here is a concise summary of each type of prescription medicine and its effects on the body.
Opioids
Medications such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, codeine, and fentanyl work on the nervous system to help manage and create feelings of calmness and overall well-being.
People misuse opioids by taking too much. They also misuse opioids by mixing them with other drugs or alcohol. Additionally, people misuse opioids by crushing and using them in ways other than prescribed.
Sedatives
Commonly referred to as central nervous system (CNS) depressants, sedatives include drugs to treat anxiety, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and sleep medications. These materials modify and slow down the brain’s operations, creating a feeling of calmness and sleepiness.
People misuse sedatives in various ways. This includes taking too much, mixing them with other drugs or alcohol, crushing and snorting them, or injecting them. Sometimes, sedatives are combined with opioids during misuse.
Stimulants
Prescription stimulants, also known as cognitive boosters, encompass drugs for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, better known as ADHD, and narcolepsy, like Adderall and Ritalin. Stimulants boost brain chemicals to improve alertness and focus.
People misuse stimulants when they take too much, mix them with other substances, or use them in ways other than prescribed. This can include snorting or injecting the stimulants.
Since all these drugs lead to physical dependence, people will face withdrawal symptoms that can vary from uncomfortable to life-threatening if they stop taking them.
It is crucial to seek medical advice before stopping any medication; often, medically supervised detox is the safest approach.
Long-Term Effects of Prescription Drug Addiction
The long-term consequences of prescription drug addiction differ depending on co-occurring disorders, the particular prescription medication involved, and the person’s physical health.
The enduring consequences of addiction to prescription drugs can include:
- Mental health degradation
- Physical addiction
- Decline in cognitive function
- Persistent health issues
- Harm to vital organs such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, and liver
- Undernourishment
- Loss of memory
- Joblessness
- Unstable living conditions
- Relationship breakdowns
- Increased susceptibility to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
- Legal complications
- Delusions of persecution
- Visual and auditory hallucinations
- Clinical depression
- Thoughts of suicide
- Chronic unease
- Cerebrovascular accident (stroke)
- Cardiac arrest
- Convulsions
- Unconsciousness
- Coma or death
While most long-term complications from drug abuse can resolve over time with appropriate medical care, overcoming addiction involves more than just healing physical damage. Seeking professional help provides the best opportunity for sustained recovery.
Treatment for Prescription Drug Abuse
At White Oak Recovery Center, we recognize that each person has unique circumstances and needs. We help people beat addiction to prescription drugs with personalized treatment programs in a supportive environment focused on healing.
We provide medical detox at our facility to help you stay safe during withdrawal. Our team offers 24/7 medical care and support.
We use proven treatments to address the root causes of dependence and addiction, not just the symptoms. We offer superior care to assist you in establishing a solid foundation for maintaining sobriety. We also help you overcome challenges and live a meaningful life without addiction.
Our treatment specialists are available to answer your questions confidentially and compassionately. Reach out now to begin your journey toward lasting recovery.
Medical Disclaimer:
