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signs of prescription drug abuse

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signs of prescription drug abuse

Risk factors for drug addiction

  • If you or someone you know exhibits any of the signs of prescription drug abuse or addiction, it’s important to speak to a doctor and seek help.
  • It’s not out of the ordinary for a person to have mood swings every now and then.
  • There are a number of judgment biases in the field of psychology that explain how perceptions of prescription pills become warped in the minds of their users.
  • Prescription drug abuse is a serious problem in the United States, and understanding its signs and symptoms can help to identify people who may need help.

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signs of prescription drug abuse

Understanding Drug Use and Addiction DrugFacts

signs of prescription drug abuse

Stimulants are becoming a very popular drug of choice among teenagers and young adults and are often used recreationally as party drugs due to the intense euphoria and increased energy they produce. Those who abuse stimulants may take these prescriptions more often in higher doses or if the drug is used for a nonmedical purpose. Another example is if someone offers their painkillers to a friend who is also suffering from experiences of pain. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies it as drug misuse since the individual is attempting to treat oneself but is not following their doctors’ recommendations. Weight fluctuations are another indicator of abuse, as stimulants may cause weight loss, while other drugs can lead to weight gain. Poor coordination is also common, as drugs affecting the central nervous system impair motor skills, leading to difficulty with balance and movement.

  • Prescription drug abuse in older adults is a growing problem, especially when they combine drugs with alcohol.
  • People who are struggling with substance abuse issues often have underlying mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder.
  • Additionally, anti-anxiety medications like Xanax and stimulants for ADHD, such as Adderall, are widely used.
  • Experiencing legal trouble, such as arrests for disorderly conduct, driving under the influence, or stealing to support a drug habit.

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They believe they can appreciate the drug for its sensational effects instead of its assistance in daily functionality and adjust their dosage as they please. Prescription drug abuse in older adults is a growing problem, especially when they combine drugs with alcohol. Having multiple health problems and taking multiple drugs can put people at risk of misusing drugs or becoming addicted.

signs of prescription drug abuse

Reach out to your loved one’s healthcare professional if your answers point toward a possible addiction. The healthcare professional is an important partner if you decide it’s time to take action. Twelve percent of all prescription drug abusers have an addiction, and the majority of those have an addiction to opioids, with four Alcohol Use Disorder out of five pharmacy-filled prescriptions being opioids. There are also behavioral treatments for substance use disorders, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and contingency management.

signs of prescription drug abuse

Drug Abuse and Addiction

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  • This can include taking more than the recommended dosage, taking someone else’s medication, or using it for non-medical purposes.
  • For example, stimulants prescribed for ADHD may cause agitation and insomnia when misused.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, an estimated 18 million people in the United States have misused prescription drugs at least once in their lifetime. This makes it crucial to be able to recognize the signs of prescription drug abuse. Prescription drug abuse is the nonmedical use of prescription drugs in a way other than prescribed or for reasons other than intended. It is a growing problem that can have serious consequences for individuals and society as a whole.

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The body can develop a tolerance for the drug, leading people to use higher doses more frequently to produce the desired effect. They may also include physical changes such as sudden, unexplained weight loss, dilated or constricted pupils, and poor hygiene. Psychologically, abusing these drugs can result in anxiety, depression, mood swings, and paranoia. Social and occupational issues may also arise, resulting in unemployment and isolation. When a loved one can identify the potential signs, it fosters the ability to encourage someone who is struggling to seek professional help.

The risk of addiction and how fast you become addicted varies by drug. Some drugs, such as opioid painkillers, have a higher risk and cause addiction more quickly than others. In 2014, 35.3 percent of adults 18 to 25 years old with a serious mental illness also had a co-occurring substance use disorder. CNS depressants are used to treat a number of conditions, including depression, anxiety and sleep disorders.

The Dangers of Mixing Alcohol and Xanax

Signs of overdose include cold, sweaty skin, tremors or shaking, trouble breathing, difficulty speaking, seizures, and unconsciousness. If you are concerned about overdosing with your loved one or yourself, keep Naloxone with you in an signs of prescription drug abuse accessible place. Naloxone is an antidote to opioid overdose and can reverse the effects of the overdose 6. These signs can include sudden and drastic mood swings, irritability, agitation, and confusion. Paranoia may also become prominent when abusing different prescription drugs, resulting in unhealthy or unwarranted fears. These signs can make daily life extremely difficult for the individual who is struggling.

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