Those who are worried about a loved one often wonder what the signs of prescription drug abuse are. These signs can be both easily visible and harder to identify. The struggle that people face when it comes to abusing these drugs can be intense, leading to lies, unemployment, incarceration, and even death.
When a loved one can identify the potential signs, it fosters the ability to encourage someone who is struggling to seek professional help. These addiction professionals can help the loved ones begin a process of healing and learning to live without the substances.
Dangers of Prescription Drug Abuse
The dangers associated with the abuse of prescription drugs are severe. They can affect someone both physically and psychologically. One of the greatest dangers is addiction. Prolonged abuse of these drugs can result in tolerance building, leading to requiring more and more of the drug to feel the effects. Addiction can occur quickly and without warning, as well as affect people of all backgrounds.
Physically, prescription opioid drug abuse can lead to respiratory depression, causing difficulty breathing. Prescription stimulants such as Adderall can result in high blood pressure, seizures, and irregular heartbeat. Abusing benzodiazepines such as Xanax can result in memory impairments and impaired coordination.
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.
Strained relationships may become prominent due to behaviors associated with drug abuse, and financial difficulties often occur due to unemployment due to drug abuse. Prolonged prescription drug abuse can lead to diminished quality of life and overall well-being.
Signs of Prescription Drug Abuse
What are the signs of prescription drug addiction?
Recognizing the signs of prescription drug addiction is crucial to preventing tragedy. These signs can vary based on the drug being abused, however, some common signs can be indicative of the struggle. These signs include things like changes in behavior, including sudden and extreme mood swings, irritability, depression, and anxiety.
They may also include physical changes such as sudden, unexplained weight loss, dilated or constricted pupils, and poor hygiene. Other signs may include decreased performance at work or school, social withdrawal, secretive behavior, financial difficulties, chronic fatigue, insomnia, running out of medication early, or using/stealing someone else’s medications.
Physical Signs of Drug Abuse
Sudden weight loss or gain can be physical signs of prescription drug abuse. Changes in appearance like lacking personal hygiene like not showering or brushing their teeth and hair can be red flags. Other signs can include larger or smaller pupil size, nausea and vomiting, slurred speech, tremors or shakes, and changes in the skin.
Emotional and Mental Signs of Drug Abuse
Emotionally, the signs can be more prominent. These signs can include sudden and drastic mood swings, irritability, agitation, and confusion. Other signs may include depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. 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.
Hidden Signs of Drug Abuse
The hidden warning signs of prescription drug abuse can be less prominently visible to loved ones. These signs may include financial struggles that could be sudden and unexplained. They may also include secretive behaviors like hiding or lying about drug use, visiting multiple doctors for prescriptions, and being evasive about their medical history.
Changes in routine may also be more subtle and less noticeable. Behavioral changes like not participating in once-enjoyed activities, social withdrawal, and disrupted sleep patterns may be harder to identify. However, being able to spot these changes can help intervene before major impacts occur.
Mental Health and Prescription Drug Addiction
Mental health struggles and prescription drug abuse are closely intertwined, making each impact the other in complex ways. Often, people with existing mental health conditions turn to prescription drugs as a means of self-medication to alleviate the symptoms of their condition.
However, this causes exacerbation in the symptoms of conditions like depression, anxiety, and panic disorders, as well as the development of a dual diagnosis. On the other hand, long-term, prolonged prescription drug abuse can contribute to the development of mental health conditions or the worsening of existing ones.
Prescription Drug Rehab
The signs of prescription drug abuse are indicators of a major and persistent problem. Without proper care, the impacts will only become greater and result in devastating impacts on the individual’s overall well-being. Prescription drug treatment is available to these individuals who have found themselves struggling.
During this process, the individual can address the root causes of their drug abuse and addiction, leading to a path of healing and recovery. Having the right care and support can make a huge difference in their lives, and provide a foundation for long-term recovery.
We Can Help
The abuse of prescription drugs is something that many communities across the country face. It contributes to broken family units, unemployment, and the rise in crime rates in the communities affected. It is important to recognize the warning signs of prescription drug abuse Many people are unaware that there is help available.
If you or a loved one are grappling with prescription drug addiction, we can help. At Spirit Mountain Recovery we provide a serene, safe, and healing environment to begin recovery.
Call us now and begin your journey.
