Over 30 million people (aged 12 or older) misused varying types of prescription drugs in 2021. Unfortunately, prescription drug abuse is straightforward to hide compared to abusing other drugs. This makes it more difficult to know whether a loved one you know may be suffering from a prescription drug abuse problem. However, while it may be more challenging to know if someone you know is struggling with prescription drug abuse, there are several common signs of prescription drug addiction to look out for that may point to recognizing if your loved one is abusing prescription drugs.
At Hammocks On The Edisto, we are a premier women’s treatment center in South Carolina that offers comprehensive substance abuse treatment for women struggling with addiction. Our women’s addiction treatment program offers a range of treatment programs so clients can receive the best possible care to overcome their addiction and maintain life-long sobriety.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, contact us today to learn how we can help you overcome your addiction for good.
What is Prescription Drug Abuse?
Before diving into common signs of prescription drug abuse, it’s important to clarify what prescription drug abuse is. Prescription drug abuse is when an individual uses prescription medicine that is not prescribed to them. For instance, this could be a friend stealing and using painkillers that were not prescribed to them.
There are all sorts of prescription medicine that someone can abuse. However, the most commonly abused types of prescription drugs include opioid painkillers, anti-anxiety medicines, sedatives, and stimulants.
Common Prescriptions Drug Addiction Symptoms & Signs
Although it may be more difficult to spot signs of prescription drug abuse, there are some common signs of pill abuse to look out for if you suspect someone you know may be abusing prescription drugs.
Common signs of prescription drug abuse include:
- Nausea
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Slowed Breathing
- Feeling High
- Extreme changes in mood/ hostility
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Being unusually energetic
- Poor concentration or coordination
It’s important to understand that depending on the type of prescription someone is abusing will influence the specific prescription drug addiction symptoms and signs that individual may be showing.
Therefore, try to be aware of other noticeable signs like the individual is selling or stealing prescriptions, or someone is continually refilling their prescription early, “losing” their prescriptions to get more prescriptions sooner.
How to Help Someone Showing Signs of Prescription Drug Abuse?
It can be difficult to watch someone you know fall victim to addiction. Therefore, if you suspect your loved one is struggling with prescription drug abuse, it’s important that you express your concern, but do so in an organized and judgment-free manner.
Below are some tips to follow on how to help someone you know struggling with prescription drug abuse:
- Express your concern and state facts you’ve noticed about changes or actions you’ve witnessed.
- Be patient and don’t yell or get angry.
- Offer your friend or loved one information about potential treatment programs they can go to to help them overcome their addiction.
- Never enable the addict’s behavior.
While it can be difficult to watch someone you know abuse prescription drugs, it’s important you understand the difference between being a supportive friend or family member vs helping them quit using all on your own. There are countless addiction treatment centers available so your loved one can seek professional care to overcome their addiction safely and effectively.
Top Drug Rehab for Prescription Drug Abuse
Now you know all about the different prescription drug abuse signs and symptoms to look out for. Although watching your friend or family struggling with prescription drug abuse can be extremely challenging, you should never feel like you are responsible for helping them get sober. Countless addiction treatment centers provide a variety of treatment options for addicts, including those struggling with prescription drug abuse, so they can receive the exact support and care essential to maintain life-long sobriety.
At The Hammocks On The Edisto, we are a South Carolina drug and alcohol rehab for women that offers tailored treatment plans focused on each client’s exact recovery needs. We use a holistic approach to help our clients overcome their addiction and lead a happier, healthier life. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you break free from the chains of addiction for good.
