Understanding the Signs of Prescription Drug Addiction

Understanding the signs of prescription drug addiction

Prescription drug abuse is the use of a prescription medication in such a way not intended by the prescribing physician. This type of behavior can include taking another person’s prescription medication or crushing and injecting pills to get high. This type of drug abuse may be ongoing and compulsive despite the negative consequences in a person’s life. The most common types of drugs that are abused include prescription painkillers, CNS depressants, and stimulants. Early identification of prescription drug abuse and early intervention may be able to prevent this type of behavior from turning into an addiction. Prescription drug abuse is a growing epidemic in the United States and elsewhere and is likely the result of certain factors working together.

As these drugs are prescribed by a physician and regulated by the FDA, many people mistakenly assume that they are safe. This is not the case; prescription drugs act the same way as illegal drugs do and can lead to very serious consequences. Also, prescription medication has become more widely prescribed, which increases the amount of medication available and is likely driving the increasing amount of people abusing these drugs.

Statistics

Statistics for prescription drug addiction

In 2010, about 7 million people (or 2.7% of the United States population) were current users of psychotherapeutic drugs taken for non-medical purposes.

Causes & Risk Factors

Causes & risk factors for prescription drug addiction

Most researchers believe that addiction is caused by a number of risk factors working together to create addiction to prescription drugs. The most commonly cited causes for prescription drug abuse include:

Genetic: People who have first-degree relatives, such as a parent or sibling, who struggle with addiction are at a greater risk for developing an addiction as opposed to people who do not have a similar history.

Physical: People who struggle with chronic health conditions such as pain-related conditions or mental health disorders, such as anxiety disorders, are at greater risk for developing addiction to prescription drugs.

Environmental: Environmental stressors often play a large part in the development of addiction. People who began to abuse drugs and alcohol early in their youth are at greater risk for developing an addiction later in life. Additionally, a peer group or circle of friends who abuse drugs may influence a man or woman to abuse prescription medication.

Risk Factors:

Addiction to other substances
Younger age – between the teen years and early 20s
Co-occurring mental disorders
Easy access to prescription drugs, such as working in a hospital or doctor’s office
Lack of knowledge about prescription drugs

Symptoms

Symptoms of prescription drug addiction

The symptoms of prescription drug abuse will vary tremendously based upon the type of drug abused, polydrug use, individual genetic makeup, frequency of use, amount of drug used, and length of use. The most common symptoms of prescription drug abuse include:

Prescription Painkiller Abuse Symptoms:

Constipation
Hypotension
Depression
Mood swings
Confusion
Drowsiness
Impaired coordination

Sedatives and Anti-Anxiety Agent Abuse:

Drowsiness
Confusion
Unsteady gait
Poor judgment
Nystagmus – involuntary, rapid movement of eyeball
Dizziness

Stimulant Abuse:

Weight loss
Agitation
Irritability
Insomnia
Hypertension
Cardiac arrhythmias
Restlessness
Impulsive behaviors

Other Symptoms:

Drug-seeking behavior
Continuing use against medical advice
Seeking prescriptions from more than one doctor
Appearing unusually high, intoxicated, or amped up
Poor decision making
Taking higher doses than prescribed more often than intended
Lying to others about drug use
Stashing drug in various places around home, work, and car
Withdrawing socially
Inability to fulfill responsibilities at work, school, or home
Withdrawing from once-enjoyed activities
Changes in behavior
Sudden need for money – may borrow or steal from others
Frequent doctor visits

Effects

Effects prescription drug addiction can have

Long-term abuse of prescription drugs can lead to a host of unpleasant complications that leave virtually no part of an addict’s life unscathed. The effects are most notable when people abuse several drugs at once. The most common complications of prescription drug abuse include:

Prescription Painkiller Effects:

Increased risk of aspiration and choking
Hypotension
Slowed respiration rate
Respiratory depression
Respiratory arrest
Coma

Anxiolytic Effects:

Impaired memory
Needing more medication to achieve the same effects
Loss of normal coping abilities; relying upon medication to deal with unpleasant emotions
Hypotension

Stimulant Effects:

Dangerous hyperthermia
Cardiovascular complications
Hypertension
Seizures
Tremors
Hallucinations
Aggressiveness
Paranoia

Other Effects of Prescription Drug Abuse:

Job loss
Homelessness
Poverty
Worsening mental health
Addiction
Incarceration
Organ system damage
Organ system failure
Seizures
Self-harming behaviors
Coma
Suicidal ideation
Death

Withdrawal Effects

Effects prescription drug withdrawal can have

Many people who abuse prescription drugs use a mixture of drugs and alcohol to increase the feelings of happiness and reduce the unpleasant side effects. This can very easily lead to overdose. If you suspect someone you love is experiencing an overdose, call 911 immediately. Common symptoms of overdose on prescription medications include:

Prescription Painkiller Overdose Symptoms:

Awake but unable to talk
Limp body
Pale, clammy skin
Cyanosis
Slow, erratic heart beat
Choking sounds
Vomiting
Loss of consciousness
Respiratory depression
Respiratory collapse
Coma
Death

Anxiolytic Overdose Symptoms:

Nystagmus
Falling
Confusion
Stupor
Seizures
Coma
Death

Stimulant Overdose Symptoms:

Tachycardia
Rapid respiration rate
Chest pain
Large pupils
Seizures
Muscle cramping
Dizziness
Coma

When a person becomes physically dependent upon a prescription drug, he or she will experience withdrawal symptoms when the drug is discontinued. Withdrawal should always take place under the supervision of a doctor and trained medical staff. The most common symptoms of withdrawal include:

Prescription Painkiller Withdrawal:

Agitation and anxiety
Muscle aches
Insomnia
Sweating
Abdominal cramping and diarrhea
Goosebumps
Nausea and vomiting

Anxiolytic Withdrawal:

Benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome
Tachypnea
Tachycardia
Tremors
Weakness
Confusion
Seizures
Status epilepticus
Hallucinations
Coma
Death

Stimulant Withdrawal:

Fatigue
Insomnia or hypersomnia
Psychomotor agitation or agitation
Increased appetite
Vivid, unpleasant dreams

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions about prescription drugs

What are the effects of painkiller overdose?

In the event of a painkiller overdose, the following effects can occur:

Vital organ damage
Coma
Heart attack
Asphyxiation
Death

What are the symptoms of painkiller overdose?

While it depends on the painkiller being abused, the most common symptoms of painkiller overdose include the following:

Loss of consciousness
Pinpoint pupils
Respiratory depression
Irregular pulse
Nausea
Vomiting

What are the symptoms of painkiller addiction?

Painkiller addiction is associated with a variety of signs and symptoms, such as:

Visiting multiple doctors to obtain prescriptions for painkillers
Social isolation and withdrawal from activities
Disrupted sleep patterns
Impaired coordination
Disorientation
Poor decision-making skills
Significant mood changes
Irritability

Can you overdose on painkillers?

Yes. Painkillers, even if they are prescribed by a medical professional, can be extremely dangerous when misused or abused, and doing so can lead to an overdose that could potentially be fatal.

What are the withdrawal symptoms from prescription painkillers?

Withdrawal symptoms from prescription painkillers can vary based on the specific painkiller being abused, but they often include the following:

Loss of appetite
Irritability and agitation
Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
Tremors and twitches
Sweating
Inability to sleep

What is the best way to detox from painkillers?

Because the detoxification, or detox, process from prescription painkillers can be dangerous, it is best to detox in a professional facility that is equipped to provide detox services. Most facilities utilize medications to help manage withdrawal in order to increase patient comfort during this time.