Addiction to prescription drugs is becoming an increasingly common problem. Prescription drug addiction is different to other drug addictions because the drug was originally prescribed to help the individual. However, when a person becomes addicted to prescription drugs they become hooked in the same way that a person becomes hooked on illegal drugs and their addiction can have very serious implications for their health.
What is prescription drug addiction?
An addiction is consuming and changes the way an individual behaves. If somebody has an addiction to prescription drugs, this will change the way they take the drugs and the reason why they take the drugs. Initially, the doctor will prescribe a drug to treat a condition or ease the symptoms associated with an illness or condition. The patient will take the drug in order to make them feel better and their condition will hopefully be cured or their symptoms will improve. In the case of an addict, they will continue to take the drug, despite the absence of illness, because they like the way it makes them feel. As they become increasingly dependent on the drug, they will start to experience cravings for the drug and they may experience withdrawal symptoms between doses.
Which kinds of drugs do people become addicted to?
People can become addicted to a variety of different drugs but the most common addictions are opioids, which are used for pain relief, depressants (commonly known as tranquilisers or sedatives), which are prescribed to reduce anxiety and pain and provide a sense of wellbeing, and stimulants, which are prescribed to increase mental alertness, increase heart rate and blood pressure and increase energy levels.
Spotting the signs of prescription drug addiction
Prescription drug addiction can be more difficult to spot than other types of drug addiction because the drug is legal and comes from a doctor. This means that the addiction is easier to cover up. Here are some signs of prescription drug addiction to look out for:
- Do you exaggerate your symptoms or make up symptoms in order to get another prescription?
- Do you experience mood swings?
- Do you feel guilty when you take drugs?
- Do you turn down alternative treatments so that you can stay on medication?
- Do you try and see other doctors to get more medication?
- Have you tried to look for other pills in the house or taken somebody else’s tablets?
- Do you exceed the recommended dose of your medication?
- Do you make up excuses to get more drugs?
- Do you become irritable or aggressive if you do not take drugs or you are running out of pills?
- Has your addiction started to cause problems with family members and loved ones?
Help for prescription drug addiction
There are various treatment methods available for people with prescription drug addictions, including rehabilitation centres and programmes, outpatient treatment and one to one counselling and therapy sessions. Drug prevention is important in the treatment of prescription drug addiction. However, it is important to gradually come off the drugs under medical supervision, as suddenly stopping taking drugs will cause very unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.
If you think you have a problem with prescription drugs, or you are worried that somebody you know has a problem, arrange to see your GP. Your GP will discuss the situation with you and suggest an appropriate course of action with you. They will be able to explain treatment options to you and explain what is going to happen. If you do not want to talk to your GP, you can contact FRANK or get in touch with the Samaritans or Narcotics Anonymous.
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