We’ve all heard of prescription drug addiction, but what are the signs that someone you know is addicted to pills?
Here are some signs that can tell that you or your loved one might be struggling with an addiction to prescription medications, and it is time to start overcoming painkillers.
Keep an eye out for these symptom signs, and if you suspect someone you care about is in drug problem, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
Prescription Pill Abuse: The Silent Epidemic
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, prescription drug abuse is now considered an epidemic in the United States.
In fact, more people now use prescription medications for non-medical reasons than abuse illegal drugs like marijuana, cocaine, and heroin combined.
While most people think of illegal drugs when they hear the word “addiction,” it’s important to remember that any type of drug can be addictive, including prescription medications.
In fact, some prescription drugs are even more potent and dangerous than illegal drugs, making them extremely easy to abuse and leading to addiction.
Some of the most common signs include:
You Noticed Changes In Their Physical Appearance
If someone in your household gets addicted to prescription drugs, it will likely cause physical changes. These modifications could result in purely physical signs consequence of drug effects.
Stimulant abuse medications are often used in weight management to prevent weight gain.
If a person abuses such a drug, they probably lose fast weight. Contrary to this, some medications like antidepressants may cause weight gain in varying amounts.
Generally speaking, when people abuse prescription painkillers or drugs, be careful not to put on excessive weight.
You’ve Noticed Missing Money, Items, Or Medications
Another sign that points in the direction of addiction is when things start disappearing from your home, and you can’t seem to figure out where they’ve gone.
This could be anything from cash to small electronics or even prescription medications.
While it’s possible that someone could have simply misplaced these items, it’s also possible that they’re selling them to get money to buy more drugs.
If you notice that things have gone missing and you can’t find a reasonable explanation, it’s worth considering the possibility of addiction.
They Show Symptoms Of Prescription Drug Intoxication
One needs to know what medications to take when they are a drug user. They usually go for the three most commonly abused drugs – opioid painkillers, stimulants, and CNS depressants.
The effects of such prescription painkiller abuse on the brain can sometimes cause depression. Stimulants, on the other hand, tend to have the opposite effect and can cause anxiety, irritability, and even paranoia.
CNS depressants slow down the brain’s activity, which can lead to feelings of drowsiness and confusion.
Behavioral Signs
Behavioral indicators relate to the outward relationship to the world, whereas physical indicators relate to the body showing symptoms attributed to prescription drug abuse.
Behavioral health signs include:
Denial Of Addiction Or Hiding Drug Use
When faced with addiction, the individual can deny or underestimate their drug consumption. To avoid having to tell someone they were consuming drugs secretly. The use of drugs is no longer hidden. Too drastic and consuming medicines can cause a serious problem quickly.
The emergence and persistence of drug-related behavior are accompanied by an increasing number of behavioral and financial difficulties, which is a significant warning sign.
Family members and colleagues may find drugs easier as they are well versed in their behaviors and habits.
Obsessive Thoughts And Actions
Taking the medication becomes a priority in the lives of those with other obligations like work, family, or education are left to the side.
Disregard Of Harm Caused By Drugs
The addict will continue to use drugs even when they are well aware of the harmful consequences it may have on their health, relationships, or job.
This is often a result of the grip that addiction has on the individual’s life.
Signs Of Prescription Drug Abuse
Prescription drug abuse includes depression, stimulants, and pain relief.
In Mayo Clinic’s opinion, indications for prescription drug abuse are different according to the particular drug category.
However, some general symptoms of prescription drug dependence are listed below and are not necessarily indicative of their severity.
Drug-Seeking Behavior
This may include requesting prescriptions from more than one doctor, filling prescriptions from different pharmacies, and asking people who are legally entitled to purchase prescription drugs from them.
Drowsiness
The common signs of drugs don’t go far beyond fatigue. Those taking a prescription drug may appear dizzy erectile, and drowsy or might deal with sleep disorders at night.
Inability To Concentrate
It affects thinking, and the constant use of medicine can hinder a person’s regular job or school obligations.
Alcoholism And Drug Dependence
Both have many similarities, such as both conditions involving chronic relapsing brain diseases.
However, there are essential differences between the two disorders that impact signs of drugs, symptoms, and treatment.
Alcoholism is characterized by compulsive alcohol abuse, loss of control over alcohol, and a negative emotional state when not using (e.g., anxiety, angry outbursts, depression).
On the other hand, drug dependence is defined as a compulsive need to use drugs despite negative consequences, such as financial problems or social isolation.
Drug dependence also involves tolerance (needing to use more and more of the drug to get the same effect) and withdrawal symptoms (e.g., nausea, sweating, tremors) when not using.
Signs And Symptoms Of Drug Addiction
The symptom signs of drug addiction can vary depending on the person and their drug type. However, some common symptoms and signs are associated with most types of drug addiction, including:
Tolerance: the need to increase the dose of a drug in order to achieve the same effect.
Withdrawal symptoms: physical and psychological reactions that occur when a person stops using a drug
Cravings: the robust and intense urge to use the drug
Loss of control: using more of the drug than intended or for more extended periods than intended
Neglecting other areas of life: work, school, hobbies, family, and social obligations are ignored in favor of drug use
Repeatedly using something: Even though the drug causes problems in other areas of life, people still use it.
Signs Of Cocaine Abuse
Cocaine is a dangerously addictive drug that can have severe consequences. The following are some general signs that may indicate someone has an abuse problem with cocaine:
- Change in eating or sleeping habits
- Loss of interest in school or work
- Unexplained weight loss
- Paranoia or delusions
- Aggressive behavior
- Flushed skin
- Hallucinations
- Nosebleeds
- Financial problems
- Secrecy and lying
- Change in friends
FAQs
How Can You Tell If Someone Is High On Prescription Drugs?
Symptoms that are usually associated with drug use are:
- Taking drugs.
- Take a more significant amount of medication.
- A person is exhibiting intoxicating, excessive energy, or sedentary behavior.
- Sleep patterns change.
- A rise in drinking.
- Mood swings are associated with available drugs.
How Do People Act When They Are In Pain?
People experiencing chronic pain often feel stressed out or anxious. They could have substance abuse or mental health problems. Other common emotions that respond when someone suffers pain include fear, anger,
frustration, or mistrust.
Do Drugs Make Your Pupils Small?
Pupils may constrict (get smaller) with some drugs, such as alcohol, cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA (ecstasy). A substance use disorder, such as LSD and certain types of antidepressants, can cause pupils to dilate (enlarge).
What Happens When You Are Addicted To Pills?
Physical addiction occurs when repeated consumption alters how you think about pleasure. It can change the structure of the brain cells. Neurons use neurochemical agents in communicating. They are permanent after a drug is discontinued.
When To Consider Mental Health Services?
If you or your loved ones might be struggling with addiction and abuse drugs, it is important to seek professional help from multiple doctors, if not one. Mental health services can provide support and resources to recover from addiction.
Conclusion
So, if you or your loved ones are showing any of the above signs, it may be time to seek help. Addiction is a problem that can affect your health, relationships, and finances. However, it is possible to recover and live a healthy, drug-free life with treatment.