Signs and Symptoms of Prescription Drug Abuse
Prescription drug use is widespread in the United States. It is estimated that two-thirds of all American adults currently use prescription medications. When used as prescribed and under strict medical supervision, prescription medications are effective in helping treat a wide variety of illnesses and diseases. While effective, prescription medications are potent and have a high addiction potential. Prescription medication can quickly become prescription drug abuse, and users can get caught in a vicious cycle of addiction that can become a matter of life and death.
This article will outline the signs of prescription drug abuse and why people become addicted to prescription medications. If you or a loved one are addicted to prescription drugs, Arista Recovery will help you break the cycle of abuse once and for all. We offer multiple levels of care and a dynamic fusion of traditional and holistic therapies to help you address and overcome prescription drug abuse. Don’t wait another day; call Arista Recovery toll-free today and regain control of your life.
Arista Recovery offers comprehensive addiction treatment and a full continuum of care.
Why Do People Abuse Prescription Drugs?
It is important to understand that no one sets out to abuse prescription drugs. People take prescription medications for a variety of valid reasons. Some people take these medications to help deal with mental illness, while others take prescriptions to manage the pain from surgery or to lessen the pain of diseases such as cancer. No matter the reason, people can quickly go from responsible use to abuse and addiction in a relatively short period.
The main reason why people abuse prescription drugs is simply because of their potency. Many prescriptions are powerful and can hook people in a short period—even if they are taking them as directed and under the strict supervision of a doctor. People will abuse these medications because they like the euphoria they experience and want to repeat those feelings. In other cases, prescription drugs help people to find focus and clarity. Additionally, some prescription drugs help people relax, and they want to continue utilizing them long after their usefulness.
What Are the Signs of Prescription Drug Abuse?
The signs of prescription drug abuse are often hard to detect. Those who abuse prescription drugs hide their use from others, and they will often deflect blame or rationalize their use when confronted. One of the most obvious symptoms of prescription drug abuse is taking more than the prescribed dosage or taking medications longer than what medical staff intended. In reality, prescription drug addiction symptoms depend on the type of medication that is abused. For those abusing opioid medications, the signs of abuse include the following:
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Drowsiness
- Impaired speech and coordination
Those abusing stimulants may show the following signs of abuse:
- Prolonged periods of hyperawareness
- Irregular heartbeat
- Insomnia
- Increased agitation and irritability
For those who are abusing anti-anxiety medications, the common signs of abuse include:
- Slowed breathing and respiration
- Slurred speech
- Poor concentration and prolonged lapses in concentration
In addition to these signs, there are other symptoms of prescription drug abuse that must be noted. People who abuse these medications will forge prescriptions or have multiple prescriptions simultaneously. Prescription abusers will also engage in a practice called doctor shopping, where they visit multiple providers to obtain prescriptions. Additional signs include stealing prescriptions out of medicine cabinets and engaging in high-risk and impulsive behavior. People who are addicted to prescriptions may turn to the black market or street dealers to obtain what they need to continue their use.
Prescription drug addiction is extremely dangerous. Those addicted to these powerful medications need to find professional help as soon as possible.
Break Free From Prescription Drug Addiction With Help From Arista Recovery
Prescription drug abuse is not to be taken lightly. If you or a loved one need help breaking your addiction to prescriptions, call Arista Recovery toll-free right now. Our prescription drug treatment program features evidence-based detox services, individual, group, and family counseling, and our wide spectrum of traditional and holistic therapies. We are committed to helping you recover and will be with you every step of the treatment process, giving you the support you need to boldly step onto the path of recovery. Call Arista Recovery today to learn more about our inpatient drug rehab.
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