Prescription Drug Abuse Report: 10+ Signs, Symptoms & Statistics

Lisa works as a one-on-one counselor at Elevate Addiction Services, helping clients develop new positive coping skills to address challenging emotions and situations. Her role is to help our clients develop and improve their physical and mental health well-being. She approaches her clients from a place of authenticity, genuine compassion, and believes that everybody deserves a rich and fulfilling life free of addiction and maladaptive behaviors. Lisa is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 25 years of clinical experience working in the field of addiction treatment and mental health stabilization and care.

signs of prescription drug abuse

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The symptoms of prescription drug abuse will vary depending upon the substance abused, frequency of abuse, other drug abuse, and length of addiction. The symptoms have been broken down into general symptoms and those specific to the drug of abuse. In 2010, about 7.0 million people (or 2.7% of the population in the United States) self-reported non-medical usage of prescription medications.

How Common Is Prescription Pain Medication Addiction?

If you or a loved one is at risk or currently addicted to prescription pain medications, Gateway can help. We offer programs for men, women and adolescents to help manage withdrawal from prescription drugs and take the first step toward recovery. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers. Many individuals operate under the erroneous assumption that simply because a medication was prescribed by a physician, they are safe at all doses and for all people.

For Loved Ones

Common indicators include an overwhelming desire for the substance or behavior, financial difficulties due to these compulsions, and an inability to reduce or stop usage despite negative consequences. Evidence-based therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy can identify harmful behaviors triggering the addiction and seek to correct them by replacing the thoughts. The therapist encourages the individual with the addiction to find motivation from within to push through recovery. In teens, use of nicotine may cause changes to the development of the parts of the brain that control attention and learning. PCP is generally considered to have low addiction potential, although it is possible for people to develop a phencyclidine use disorder. In teens, nicotine use may cause changes to the development of the parts of the brain that control attention and learning.

signs of prescription drug abuse

signs of prescription drug abuse

Withdrawal symptoms are similar to, but more severe, than those with cannabis, though more research is needed. They have the potential to change a person’s sense of reality, leading them to see, hear, and feel things that are not happening in real life, or to experience reality in a different way. Also, illegal counterfeit pills, which are often made to resemble prescription medications, can contain deadly doses of fentanyl. Methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone are all FDA-approved medications to treat opioid use disorder. NBOMes (N-Benzylphenethylamines) are lab-made (synthetic) chemical compounds originally developed for use in brain research.

Early identification of prescription drug abuse and early intervention may prevent the problem from turning into an addiction. While stimulant withdrawal is typically not life-threatening, it can be psychologically distressing. For example, some people may experience depression and suicidal thoughts. However, safe, effective treatment options are available to make the withdrawal and detox process as comfortable as possible, avoiding the risks of stopping without medical supervision. Medically-supervised detoxes can significantly reduce the risk of severe withdrawal symptoms and relapse.

If you begin to notice these prescription drug addiction symptoms, it’s important to understand that long-term side effects of painkillers or other prescription medications can occur soon after. One of the most significant side effects of prescription drug abuse is the impact on physical health. In addition to the harms of drug abuse, prescription drug withdrawal symptoms can be difficult and potentially lethal.

How do people take amphetamines?

Sudden weight loss or gain can be physical signs of prescription drug abuse. Changes in appearance like lacking personal hygiene like not showering or brushing heroin addiction their teeth and hair can be red flags. Other signs can include larger or smaller pupil size, nausea and vomiting, slurred speech, tremors or shakes, and changes in the skin. Those who are worried about a loved one often wonder what the signs of prescription drug abuse are.

  • Initially, you might seek out prescription drugs to find relief from everyday problems, including lack of sleep, muscle tension, chronic pain, inability to focus, and poor emotional or mental well-being.
  • These pressed pills may also contain fentanyl, which has high overdose and death rates and is more commonly found in illegal substances.
  • The misuse of prescription drugs, such as opioids, can lead to respiratory depression, liver damage, and heart problems—and not to mention, overdose and death.
  • They are thought to have fewer side effects and less risk of dependence than benzodiazepines.
  • By recognizing the signs and symptoms and seeking help early on, it’s possible to overcome addiction and achieve long-term recovery through a prescription drugs rehab program.
  • Dan brings a unique and modern perspective to substance abuse and the problems faced by addicts, families, and society.

Getting Treatment for Prescription Drug Abuse with Multi-Concept Recovery

All medications carry some risks for side effects, and many individuals should avoid certain types of medications to reduce the risk of life-threatening consequences. When mixed with alcohol or other prescription medications, all prescription drugs carry very serious side effects including coma, seizures, heart attack, and death. This cycle of addiction can have devastating effects on an individual’s physical and mental health, as well as their relationships and daily functioning. Pre-existing mental health issues can significantly increase https://ecosoberhouse.com/ the likelihood of abusing prescription drugs.

Some of the most commonly prescribed drugs have the potential for abuse and physical dependence. There are many behavioral changes that accompany prescription drug abuse, but these are more noticeable during momentary withdrawal phrases. Some of the most common symptoms for both simulations and opioids are anxiety attacks (sudden euphoria followed by deep anxiety, restlessness, depression, etc.), mood swings, social aversion, and increased ego. Also, patients tend to sweat profusely, say illogical things, exuberate simple facts, and experience memory loss in times of extreme stress. Prescription drug abuse has become a significant public health concern in recent years.

The hidden warning signs of prescription drug abuse can be less prominently visible to loved ones. These signs may include financial struggles that could be sudden and unexplained. They may also include secretive behaviors like hiding or lying about drug use, visiting multiple doctors for prescriptions, and being evasive about their medical history.

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