Prescription Drug Abuse, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Prescription drug abuse refers to the misuse, snorting, and injecting of pills to feel high, as well as taking another person’s painkiller. It also includes utilizing prescription medicine in ways not specified by the doctor or prescriber.

People of all ages are affected by the rising misuse of routinely prescribed medications, including stimulants, opioid painkillers, sedatives, and anti-anxiety medications. Timely identification and assistance are necessary to prevent this misusage from getting worse and turning into a more severe addiction.

Reducing your dosage gradually or tapering with the help of a detox center is the safest method of quitting your addiction to prescription pills. Call We Level Up Texas Treatment Center 24/7 for a free consultation.

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Anti-anxiety medicines and sedatives addiction symptoms include:

• Drowsiness or sedation.
• Confusion.
• Slurred speech.
• Impaired coordination.
• Memory problems.
• Mood swings.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Increased risk of accidents.
• Respiratory depression (in high doses).
• Withdrawal symptoms.

Stimulants

Stimulant-class medications give you more energy, attention, and alertness. They are widely used to treat both narcolepsy and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

The most abused stimulants include:

• Adderall.
• Ritalin.
• Concerta.
• Vyvanse.
• Dexedrine.
• Methamphetamine (Illicit use).
• Cocaine (Illicit use).

The signs and side effects of a stimulant addiction include:

• Increased energy and alertness.
• Elevated heart rate and blood pressure.
• Insomnia or disturbed sleep patterns.
• Decreased appetite and weight loss.
• Agitation and irritability.
• Anxiety or panic attacks.
• Paranoia.
• Impaired judgment.
• Hallucinations (in extreme cases).
• Social withdrawal.
• Excessive sweating.
• Dental issues (bruxism).
• Repetitive behaviors or tics.
• Risky behaviors.
• Cardiovascular problems.

People struggling with this drug abuse problem frequently show different behavioral and physical changes. However, these are the general indicators that someone may have been abusing their prescriptions:

• Changes in sleep patterns.
• Frequent requests for prescription refills.
• Mood swings or noticeable changes in behavior.
• Isolation from friends and family.
• Neglect of personal hygiene.
• Lack of interest in usual activities.
• Financial difficulties.
• Secretive or defensive behavior regarding medication use.
• Unexplained weight loss or gain.
• Decline in academic or work performance.
• Engaging in “doctor shopping” (seeking prescriptions from multiple healthcare providers).

Get prescription drug addiction rehab counseling that works. Discover professional help from We Level Up Texas’ addiction and mental health therapists. Start getting support with a free call to our addiction hotline.

Prescription Drug Addiction Risk Factors

The most common risk factors of prescription drug abuse include:

• Previous substance abuse issues increase the risk.
• Co-occurring psychiatric disorders, including anxiety attacks and depression.
• A family history of addiction.
• Influence of friends or family members with substance abuse.
• Easy access to prescription drugs.
• Influence from peers to misuse prescription medications.
• Prescription medication is used for pain relief over an extended period.
• The danger of experimenting is higher among adolescents and young adults.
• Prescription medication addiction may be more common in women.
• Low knowledge about the risks of prescribed medications.

Complications from Prescription Drug Abuse

A significant number of drug overdose cases stem from prescription drug abuse, stressing the concerning intersection of accessible medications and potential harm. Other possible complications include:

• Addiction and dependence.
• Increased risk of overdose.
• Respiratory depression.
• Cardiovascular issues.
• Liver damage.
• Kidney damage.
• Gastrointestinal problems.
• Cognitive impairment.
• Psychiatric disorders.
• Increased risk of accidents.
• Legal consequences.
• Social and relationship strain.
• Financial difficulties.
• Impact on employment.
• Long-term health consequences.

Our prescription drug addiction treatment tailors the program to the individual and the individual to the program of recovery. We begin by assessing our client’s history of mental health, drugs, and alcohol-related past. The needs of each patient are specific and personalized, as we aim to provide comprehensive support for mental health, addiction, and dual diagnosis treatment.

Patients in our residential therapy programs will live comfortably within the facility during this crucial and fragile time. This supportive environment is designed to give patients 24-hour care for sobriety, removing temptations for relapse and applying an air of recovery into every component of the treatment timeline.

We Level Up Texas Treatment Center finds that when patients live in a supportive community, especially during their early recovery process, they can truly focus on what matters most: their recovery. Make this your opportunity to reclaim your life. Call today to speak with one of our treatment specialists.

Prescription Drugs Addiction Recovery Story | Testimonial Video