What Are The Symptoms Of Prescription Drug Abuse?

 

The symptoms of prescription drug abuse may vary, depending on the type of prescription drug, the frequency of drug use, and the amount consumed. It is possible to misuse any prescription drug, but the effects and properties of certain medications increase the likelihood, including the potential harm and long-term problems that prescription drugs addiction can cause. 

The Most Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs 

Prescription opioids. These drugs have strong painkilling properties. In addition to numbing pain, opioid-based prescription drugs can cause you to experience a sense of relaxed euphoria. This pleasurable sensation, combined with the addictive nature of the opioid medication, can quickly trap you in a cycle of continued prescription drugs addiction. 

Prescription benzodiazepines. Also known as sedatives and tranquilizers, these are widely-abused classifications of prescription medication. These drugs may be prescribed to you if you have been having panic attacks, anxiety, seizures and certain other psychiatric conditions. Benzodiazepines cause the person to feel calm, relaxed, and serene, feelings that can be highly addictive to some people. This can result in the development of a benzodiazepine dependency. 

Prescription stimulants. Stimulants are typically prescribed in the treatment of conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and narcolepsy, a disorder that is characterized by uncontrollable episodes of deep sleep. For these conditions, prescription stimulants are designed to increase alertness, attention, and energy, and they do this by increasing the activity of different chemicals in the brain, including dopamine. As dopamine is connected to the pleasure center of the brain, taking stimulant medication can lead to unmanageable prescription drugs addiction. 

Symptoms of Prescription Drug Addiction in Various Aspects 

Physical Symptoms:

• Slowed breathing
• Diminished or increased appetite
• Heart palpitations
• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation
• Slurred speech
• Catatonia
• Coordination problems
• Insomnia 

Psychological Symptoms:

• Feelings of euphoria
• Mood swings and hostility
• Memory problems
• Chronic low mood or flat affect
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Inability to focus or concentrate
• Confusion and paranoia
• Agitation
• Irritability 

Behavioral and Social Symptoms: 

• Feelings of wanting to stop taking prescription drugs, but are unable to
• Stealing or forging prescriptions
• Consuming prescription medication faster than indicated
• Social isolation
• Poor attendance or performance at work
• Visiting multiple doctors to obtain multiple prescriptions for the same condition
• Prioritizing taking prescription drugs over other activities
• Frequently requesting replacements for lost drugs 

What Are the Long-Term Effects? 

Prescription drugs addiction can bring about a range of long-term problems that can have a devastating effect on all areas of your life. These may include: 

• Family breakdowns
• Financial difficulties
• Legal problems, including arrest and imprisonment
• Job loss and unemployment
• Strained or ruined relationships 

If you have prescription drugs addiction, which can happen quite fast with certain medications, you will lose the ability to control how often you take it, how much of the drug that you take, which can cause the addiction to worsen in the long run. 

If you are struggling with prescription drug abuse, know that you are not alone and that there are professional teams dedicated to substance abuse treatment, providing comprehensive support, helping you to stop misusing prescription drugs and pursue a healthy, drug-free life.