Someone with prescription drug addiction takes medication at dosages and frequencies different from their doctor’s orders. Apart from addiction, misusing prescription drugs can also lead to a very high risk of fatal overdose. That’s why someone with a substance use disorder must go to prescription drug addiction rehab.
It’s not enough to let someone know that misusing prescription drugs is wrong and could be life-threatening. Drug dependency can set in, and drug abuse can quickly become compulsive. Even if people want to start on the path to prescription addiction recovery, they might have trouble stopping their drug use. They might continue to take them despite being aware of negative consequences. If you are looking for pill addiction treatment options in Ohio, contact Midwest Detox Center online or call 833.647.0392.
Which Prescription Drugs Are Highly Addictive?
There are three main types of prescription drugs that people can misuse.
Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants
These drugs are also called sedatives, sedative-hypnotics, and tranquilizers. These barbiturates and benzodiazepines are often prescribed for people with sleep or anxiety problems. Common barbiturates include pentobarbital (Nembutal) and mephobarbital (Mebaral).
Opioids
These painkillers are some of the most abused prescription medications in the United States. Most medical professionals that prescribe opioids instruct their patients only to take these drugs for short periods. It’s common knowledge that taking them can lead to dependence and eventual addiction. Common prescription opioids include:
- Oxycodone
- Fentanyl
- Codeine
- Hydrocodone
- Morphia
People the develop an opioid addiction may also move on to using heroin.
Stimulants
Unlike opioids and CNS depressants, stimulants can increase a patient’s attention and alertness. These drugs can treat narcolepsy or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Stimulants can provide a euphoric and intense high that leaves people feeling more energetic and focused. Common prescription stimulants include amphetamine (Adderall) and methylphenidate (Ritalin).
How to Tell If Someone Has a Prescription Drug Addiction
There are five things you can look for if you’re worried that someone has a prescription drug addiction:
1. Psychological and Behavioral Symptoms
Other behavioral changes may include:
- Frequent bathroom breaks
- Not following previously regular routines
- Seeing multiple doctors for the same health issue
- Requesting early refills of their prescriptions
Prescription drug addiction can also result in mood swings, irritability, and the tendency to neglect responsibilities.
2. Physical Symptoms
Signs of prescription drug addiction usually depend on the type of drug being misused. For example, symptoms of opioid addiction can include confusion, drowsiness, nausea, constipation, and intense pain. However, symptoms of CNS depressant addiction can consist of dizziness, problems with balance, poor concentration, memory loss, and slow breathing.
3. Financial Problems
People with any addiction will need to spend large amounts of money to buy the substances they’re misusing. Someone with a hidden prescription drug addiction could start selling valuable belongings. They may even borrow or steal to support their habit.
4. Relationship Problems
The symptoms listed above can also affect how someone interacts with their family and close friends. Someone with a prescription drug addiction may lash out or go the other way and isolate themselves from everyone that cares about them.
5. Obvious Withdrawal Symptoms
Some of these signs may already be listed above as psychological, behavioral, and physical symptoms. When they all coincide, it’s likely because the person with prescription drug addiction hasn’t dosed in a while. Withdrawal symptoms can arise even if someone isn’t going through a detox process, and their reaction to withdrawal can make their addiction more obvious.
How To Support Someone With a Prescription Drug Addiction
Prescription medications can be lifesavers if patients take them properly. However, some can be addictive and very dangerous when someone misuses them.
It’s not always easy to spot a prescription drug addiction. Anyone can develop a pill addiction. Many people taking prescription medications don’t intend to become an addict, but sometimes, a drug dependency still occurs.
To support someone that you suspect is dealing with prescription drug addiction, look for signs to confirm your suspicion first. Check to see if they’re exhibiting any of the signs we’ve listed above. You can ask other friends and family members if they’ve noticed the same symptoms you have. If they’re as concerned as you are, you can look into finding a professional interventionist or therapist to help stage an intervention.
However, you should be ready for denial or an angry reaction from the person that’s addicted. Even though you’re bringing up their addiction and helpfully suggesting professional help when it comes to detox and treatment, they may not see your concern as a form of care. They may feel attacked and ganged up upon, which is why professional help is ideal when staging an intervention.
Find Out More About Midwest Detox Center
Seeking help, going through detox, and attending an addiction treatment program should all be done voluntarily by the person with an addiction. Sometimes, the best support you can provide is giving them space to make the decision. While doing this, though, be on the lookout for a possibly fatal overdose. Taking a high enough dosage of prescription drugs can be life-threatening. It would be best if you were ready to get them admitted into a hospital or treatment center right away to start detox and prescription addiction rehab.
If you are in Ohio and start observing pill addiction signs in someone you love, contact Midwest Detox Center online or call 833.647.0392. Learn more about our prescription drug addiction recovery services and programs.
