Could your loved one have an addiction to prescription drugs? The signs of prescription drug abuse are often hard to spot. That is especially true when they are using prescription medications given to them by their doctor. Even if a person follows the prescription properly, they may develop an addiction requiring Florida prescription drug abuse treatment. That puts them at risk for a wide range of health complications. Recognizing what is happening is important so you can help your loved one to get the help they need.
Which Drugs Are Risky?
If your loved one is using a medication that has a high risk of causing addiction, you should monitor for the signs of prescription drug abuse. This includes medications such as opioids (prescription pain medications), as well as stimulants and anti-anxiety medications. This may include medications for ADHD, sleep disorders, and anxiety.
What Are the Signs of Prescription Drug Abuse?
What makes it hard to know if a person is abusing prescription drugs is the simple fact that they should be taking them. That is why you need to look deeper to find the signs of prescription drug abuse, especially in those cases where they are using the drugs over a longer period.
The signs of prescription drug abuse of opioids are some of the most commonly seen. You may notice changes such as:
- Feelings of being high
- Being tired all of the time
- Increased need for more pain medications than before
- Worsening sensitivity to pain
- Confusion
- Slowed breathing
Stimulants create many of the same symptoms, but also include more health impacting outcomes such as irregular heartbeats, high blood pressure, and increased body temperature, and depression. Individuals abusing stimulants also struggle with anxiety and agitation, especially if they do not get the drugs of choice.
For those using anti-anxiety medications or sedatives outside of prescription, you may notice things like memory problems, unsteady walking, poor concentration, and slowed breathing.
Is Your Loved One Abusing Prescription Drugs?
The signs of prescription drug abuse typically are felt by the person who is using it. Family members and others who spend a lot of time with loved ones may also notice some signs and changes. Look for things like these:
- Stealing prescription drugs
- Running out of medications before they should
- Poor decision making even when the decisions seem simple
- Hostility and frustration when they do not have medications
- Seeking medications from more than one doctor
- Losing prescriptions and needing to write new ones
It may not be easy to see the signs of prescription addiction in some people. That is because they consistently use these drugs and have developed a strong tolerance for them.
Yet, the key is to notice what happens when they run out of the medications. Are they able to handle it? Do they have emotional or physical symptoms? When they are struggling with addiction, men’s and women’s drug rehab in Florida can help.
Talking to Your Doctor Is Important
If you find yourself simply unable to stop using or you cannot face the pain, discomfort, or anxiety, you feel when you do not use, that is a clear indication that addiction is present. The signs of prescription addiction can be hard for a doctor to see. However, if you suspect there could be a problem, ask your doctor about it. They can often provide you with insight into the addiction risks as well as provide alternatives that can still accomplish the goals you have, with less risk. Reaching out for help for addiction is also an important step for many.
Do You Need to Find Help for Your Loved One?
If you see the signs of prescription drug abuse in a loved one, now is the time to take action with Florida substance abuse treatment. Having the support of a trusted counseling team can help.