Identifying warning signs of prescription drug abuse is not as easy as you might think. In general, it is easy to recognize drunkenness in most people, particularly people you know well. Some symptoms produced by prescription drug addiction are almost identical; however, not all warning signs are physical, and some people can appear quite normal while abusing prescriptions.
Who Abuses Prescription Drugs?
Many prescription abusers start out with a legitimate initial need for the drug. They may take more than recommended to increase the drug's effects, or insist that the prescription is renewed even though it's no longer needed. Some addicts will engage in "doctor shopping," setting up appointments with physician after physician until they find one who will give them more of the drug. They may also turn to online pharmacies that sell drugs without a prescription.
The image of the malnourished, pale addict often doesn't apply. Many abusers hide their addictions, and anyone, anywhere who receives a prescription for a painkiller or antidepressant is at risk for developing an addiciton. Teens are also at risk, if prescription drugs can be found in the family medicine cabinet. Many teens are stealing prescriptions and experimenting with them, failing to realize that prescription addiction is just as dangerous as addiction to illegal drugs.
Warning Signs of Addiction
Prescription addiction becomes immediately apparent if the addict experiments with a different drug or takes a larger than usual dose of the drug. Episodes of euphoria may occur, depressive events may grow more frequent over time and the person may become withdrawn. Some mental disorders share these symptoms, so it may be possible that a separate disorder is being enhanced by abuse of prescription drugs. Prescription drug addicts sometimes resort to stealing drugs to feed their habit.
Other physical signs of prescription drug abuse are deterioration of the teeth, unexplained cycles of weight gain and loss and unusual sleep patterns. Some drugs prescribed for depression may also cause a lethargic reaction.
Another warning sign of prescription drug abuse is financial difficulties that arise for no apparent reason. The abuse becomes so expensive, depending on what kind of drug is being taken, that necessary expenses take a backseat to the cost of supporting the drug habit.
When drug abuse has a firm hold and drugs cannot be readily obtained, the abuser is likely to become agitated and possibly aggressive. People who abuse drugs frequently spend much of their time preoccupied with getting their next fix. Prescription drug addicts often change doctors on a regular basis, and some even use a false identity to secure the drugs they need.
Treatment and Recovery
When confronted about a suspected drug addiction, most abusers will deny it. Some may admit to having taken too many pills, but they are quick to assure friends and family that there is no problem and the situation is under control. Unfortunately, by the time the drug abuse has become apparent to others, the opposite is usually the case.
Recovery from prescription drug addiction is a long and agonizing process, so recognizing the signs of abuse as early as possible can significantly help with recovery. Education is one key to identifying prescription drug abuse in teens, and nobody knows a child as well as a parent. However, prescription drug addiction is often well-hidden by adolescents, and if it is suspected, one should not be afraid to look through the child's belongings for the drugs. With the availability of prescription drugs on the Web at an all time high, being able to spot the tell-tale signs of drug addiction and irregularities in behavior may just save your child's life.
 | Kids have found a new place to get high: the family medicine cabinet. Teenage drug abuse and Pharm Parties where kids swap stolen pills are on the rise. |
 | Drug abuse among teenagers starts earlier and occurs with around one third of kids. While alcohol is still the drug of choice, meth and pharmaceuticals are becoming more popular. |
 | There are many causes of teenage drug abuse, including a lack of parental involvement, a lack of education on the dangers of drugs and an atmosphere of tolerance at schools. |
If you decide to drug test at home, there is a variety of drug test kits on the market. It can be hard to choose kit which will be reliable and accurate. |
Even as the number of kids using alcohol and illegal drugs dropped, the number of teens getting high with cough syrup abuse has been increasing. |
