Prescription drug addiction occurs when someone misuses medication that is given to them by a medical professional. These most common drugs that are abused are opioids such as oxycodone, fentanyl and codeine. People also abuse Xanax, Valium and Klonopin these are benzodiazepines given to patients to treat medical conditions. Stimulants are abused by individuals as well and include Adderall and Ritalin.
When not taken as prescribed, these medications can become addictive, harm your health and in some cases overdose. Even though there are several factors that can contribute to addiction, there are many noticeable signs that reveal drug abuse. Since an individual may not know when they need help, here are 10 signs it’s time to seek treatment for prescription drug addiction:
1. Stealing
When someone participates in illegal activities such as shoplifting, burglary or forgery to get prescription drugs this is an indicator of a problem. When an individual has a drug problem, they may engage in criminal activity. The drug user may steal money, automobiles or become involved in larceny to obtain drugs.
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2. Taking Higher Doses
Since taking the drug at the prescribed dosage may not give the user, the feeling of euphoria they will take a higher dosage of the drug. Although consuming more of the drug will give the sense of feeling high, it is dangerous and can lead to an overdose. It also increases their dependence on the drug and cravings.
3. Mood Swings
Another sign that is time to seek treatment is if you are having intense mood swings. Having extreme feelings of happiness, hostility and sadness that are uncontrolled are caused by drugs. When you are abusing your medication, it affects the chemistry in your brain and makes it difficult for you to control emotions.
4. Changes in Sleep Patterns
Prescription drug abuse can interfere with sleep patterns and bring on sleep disorders. These disturbances may increase or decrease your ability to sleep. They can upset your REM sleep and cause nightmares, insomnia or make it difficult for you to sleep. This can affect your ability to function during the day and make you prone to accidents.
5. Making Poor Decisions
If your brain is not functioning properly and under the influence of drugs, your ability to make good judgments will become impaired. The abuse of prescriptions affects your behavior and choices when you are under the influence. These poor decisions can lead you to become financially irresponsible and affect your family life.
6. Physical Appearance
When you are abusing prescription drugs, it takes a toll on your physical appearance. Your personal grooming habits begin to take a back set to obtain the drug. You may begin to stop showering, bathing and combing your hair. Since your body is lacking nutrients, your teeth begin to rot, and you may develop skin conditions.
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7. Running out of Prescription Medications
When you do not take your medications as prescribed, you always need more before the refill date. You take more than the doctor has prescribed and do not follow instructions, so you never have enough medication. You may come up with excuses for using the medication and consistently ask your medical professional for additional refills.
8. Getting prescriptions from more than one doctor
Since you always want a supply of the drug, you may go to additional doctors that can give you the prescription. This type of behavior ensures that you have more than one physician to prescribe you the medication, and you always have the drug at your disposal. If you go without the medication for a short amount of time, you begin to seek it out. Since you are addicted, your brain and body are reliant on the drug, so you need it every day.
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9. Always energetic or sedated
The drug you take affect your energy level. For instance, if you are abusing Xanax you will feel sedated for the majority of the time. On the other hand, taking Adderall makes you anxious and revved up.
10. Withdrawal from Friends and Family
People that abuse prescription drugs tend to avoid friends and family. They either prefer to be alone with the drug or with people that partake in the same behavior. The abuser will hide their drug-seeking behavior from those close to them.
To learn more, please visit https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/prescription-drug-addiction/.
