Americans of all age groups suffer from prescription drug addiction – yes, even teenagers misuse prescription drugs and fall victim to codependency. Abusing prescription drugs can vary from taking high doses of other people’s prescription painkillers to snorting mashed up pills or injecting them. When drug use becomes ongoing and compulsive despite negative side effects and consequences, individuals will need outside assistance to help them overcome their addiction. Being aware of the potential signs of drug abuse will help individuals assist any loved ones in dealing with addiction.
Most Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs
Due to their mind-altering and euphoria producing abilities, the most commonly abused prescriptions are opioids, anti-anxiety medications, sedatives, and stimulants.
Opioids are prescribed to treat severe pain, which often includes medications containing oxycodone and hydrocodone. A few examples of the most commonly prescribed opioids are Oxycontin, Percocet, and Norco. Some commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medications and sedatives include Xanax, Valium, and Ambien. Lastly, some of the stimulants used to treat ADHD and sleep disorders include Ritalin, Adderall, Mydayis, and Dexedrine.
Symptoms of Prescription Drug Use
Symptoms and signs of drug abuse vary depending on the prescription drug. For example, some common symptoms of individuals abusing opioids include confusion, inability to concentrate, higher tolerance, drowsiness, euphoric feelings, constipation, and nausea. Symptoms of anti-anxiety prescription drug abuse also include drowsiness, confusion, and inability to concentrate. However, other symptoms include slurred speech, poor memory, slowed breathing, and inability to walk straight. Lastly, some common symptoms of stimulant misuse include abnormal heartbeat, heated body temperature, high blood pressure, inability to sleep, irritation, feeling high, anxiety, paranoia, and heightened alertness.
Other obvious signs of drug abuse include stealing from strangers or loved ones, taking more than the prescribed dosage, pretending to lose prescriptions just to get more refills, going to more than one doctor to get prescriptions, experiencing constant mood swings or aggressiveness, lacking in proper decision making, and appearing high or sedated.
If you believe you or a loved one may be abusing prescription drugs, it’s important to seek help immediately before the problem worsens and becomes irreparable. Even if you feel embarrassed or ashamed, medical professionals are trained to assist and not judge. Not receiving help could lead to accidental overdose, which is not uncommon. Overdoses result from individuals increasing their dosage without realizing the negative effects certain drugs have on their heart and other organs. Those who lost their lives from overdosing often suffered from respiratory or cardiac arrest.
Alternative Treatment Center in Tennessee
At Discovery Place, we offer various programs for individuals seeking alternative treatment centers for themselves or their loved ones in Burns, Tennessee. Our programs are tailored to meet our patients’ needs regardless of where they’re at in their recovery journeys. We are passionate about helping our patients maintain sobriety and regain control of their lives. Some of our services include a 30-Day Alternative Residential Addiction Recovery Program and a Long-Term Alternative Addiction Recovery Program. If you would like more information or have additional questions, please contact us today for a free consultation at (800) 725-0922.
