Warning Signs of Prescription Drug Abuse
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 Episodes of euphoria may occur, depressive events may grow more frequent over time and the person may become withdrawn.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.
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