Abuse of prescription medications occurs when they are used for purposes other than those prescribed. Using a friend’s prescription pain medication to treat your own backache is one example of prescription drug abuse, but it can escalate into snorting or injecting powdered or broken-down pills for a high.
Despite the obvious risks, prescription medication addiction can develop into a chronic, compulsive condition.
Prescription drug misuse is on the rise, and it is affecting people of all ages, including teenagers. Opioid painkillers, anti-anxiety medications, sedatives, and stimulants are among the most commonly abused prescription drugs.
Prescription drug addiction can be prevented if misuse is detected and treated early. In this article, we discuss the best prescription drug addiction treatment.
The signs of prescription drug abuse vary depending on the type of drug, the amount used, whether or not it is combined with other drugs, and how long someone has been addicted. Below, we explore some of the general symptoms of prescription drug addiction.
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- Engaging in drug-seeking behaviour
- Taking higher doses than prescribed
- Hostility
- Appearing intoxicated, overly energetic, or excessively tired
- Changes in sleep and eating patterns
- Increased alcohol consumption
- Mood swings linked to the availability of prescription medications
- Irritability when medication is not available
- Withdrawal symptoms when a prescription drug is not available
- “Doctor shopping”—visiting multiple doctors to obtain more prescriptions
- “Borrowing” prescription medications from others
- Using prescriptions at a much faster rate than prescribed
- Frequently “losing” prescriptions to obtain more medication
- Crushing or breaking pills
- Lying about the amount of medication used
- Stashing medication in multiple places around the house
- Ordering prescriptions from internet pharmacies
- Stealing or forging prescriptions
Opioid pills, like many other drugs, have a significant effect on the brain’s reward system. Dopamine is released in high quantities, and if drug use persists, the brain’s chemistry gradually changes, leading to addiction. Many people find that the same dose of pain medication becomes less effective over time.
Building up a tolerance leads to taking more pills to achieve the same high, which can result in serious health problems, including overdose.
Those with an opioid addiction struggle to control their cravings while they experience the unpleasant effects of withdrawal. This can escalate into full-blown addiction, where finding and using drugs becomes the central focus of their lives—impacting their relationships, careers, and overall health.
There are more prescription drugs on the market, which some experts believe is contributing to the rise in prescription drug abuse. Medical professionals report that more prescriptions are being issued now than ever before.
It is also easy to find online pharmacies that provide these medications.
Children as young as 13 have been caught stealing from their parents’ medicine cabinets. Many young people do not fully understand the prescriptions they are taking, let alone which ones can be fatal when combined with others. Some people also assume that because these drugs require a doctor’s prescription, they are always safe to take.
Addiction treatment for prescription medication is most effective when it begins as soon as possible. Addiction is a chronic but treatable condition that can be overcome with the help of a comprehensive treatment team and high-quality care.
Finding a treatment centre that meets your specific needs and lifestyle is a crucial step in overcoming an addiction to prescription drugs.
Substance abuse disorders are treatable brain conditions, with research showing that long-term recovery is possible. A personalised treatment plan should consider each person’s unique needs and the specific drug(s) they have been abusing.
Finding a treatment centre that meets your specific needs and lifestyle is a crucial step in overcoming an addiction to prescription drugs.
Substance abuse disorders are treatable brain conditions, with research showing that long-term recovery is possible. A personalised treatment plan should consider each person’s unique needs and the specific drug(s) they have been abusing.
Successful treatment may include a combination of:
- Detoxification
- Therapy
- Medication (if appropriate)
- Recovery often requires multiple rounds of treatment before achieving long-term success.
Medication and behavioural therapies—such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and contingency management—are essential components of treatment for substance use disorders.
Patients who abuse prescription drugs benefit from behavioural treatments that help them:
- Identify and change destructive thought and behaviour patterns
- Learn how to manage cravings and avoid triggers
- Receive positive reinforcement for sobriety
- Therapeutic approaches such as individual, family, and group counselling help patients rebuild relationships and reintegrate into work and daily life.
We also explore the differences between voluntary and forced addiction treatment.
Who is most at risk of prescription drug abuse?
Many people, especially young people, the elderly, and women, struggle with prescription drug misuse. Prescription drug abuse is most common among people aged 18 to 25.
What are the red flags for prescription drug abuse?
Actions designed to maintain or achieve a state of intoxication induced by drugs. Withdrawal symptoms can manifest themselves physically or mentally. Always needing more to achieve the same result. Drug abuse that persists despite obvious consequences.
