Warning Signs of Prescription Drug Misuse and Addiction

Prescription drugs misuse and dependency on them is a critical issue that concerns millions of people across the globe. WHO research in 2022 mentions that approximately 275,000,000 people around the globe utilized drugs, prescription drugs misuse accounted for a considerable part of this figure. Such substances as opioids, stimulants, and sedatives can lead to severe health complications, addiction, and in the worst-case scenario – death due to the improper consumption of prescription medication. 

To help address the problem of prescription drug abuse and the need for early treatment, it is important to know which of the following is true about warning signs of prescription drug misuse and addiction. When individuals, families, and healthcare providers recognize these warning signs, they can be in a position to take effective measures to prevent the wrong use of substances from escalating to actual addiction. This, in turn, reduces the terrible effect of substance abuse on individuals and the society as a whole. As a result, this blog post will discuss some general tips to focus on while considering the steps that should be taken.

If you or someone you know is showing the warning signs of prescription drug misuse and addiction, we are here to help in every way possible. Do not hesitate to consult our professional staff and call the Inpatient Rehab Center right now. 

Physical and Behavioral Changes: Which of the Following is True About Warning Signs of Prescription Drug Misuse and Addiction?

One of the most considerable warning signs of prescription drug misuse and addiction is the visible transformation in physical appearance and behavior. Listed below are some specific indicators that can assist in recognizing these alterations.

Physical Changes

The primary warning sign that can reveal prescription drug misuse and addiction is observable changes in physical appearance. 

• Substance abusers often complain of fatigue or they may look tired, sleepy or somnolent at odd hours of the day. 
• Sleeping patterns are also affected and many people either sleep too much or have problems sleeping and so they have irregular sleeping patterns. 
• Abnormal fluctuations in weight that cannot be explained can also be considered a concern, whether it be losing or gaining weight rapidly. 
• Moreover, the failure to take good care of the body hygiene and tidiness lead them to having a bad appearance, which looks uncouth. 
• Pupil abnormality, which is either enlargement or constriction, is another sign since it is among the side effects of some prescribed medications. 
• Excessive sneezing is a usual characteristic of people who sniff prescription substances. 
• Lack of coordination and an unstable posture suggest that an individual struggles to achieve and sustain balance and coordination. 
• Trembling and sweating, which can also be indicative of withdrawal or side effects, are also noted. 
• In addition, one may experience unexplainable bruises or marks on his or her body since they may easily fall or get injured because of poor coordination. 

These physical changes are some of the signs likely to indicate that a person has developed a prescription drug addiction and needs medical help.

Behavioral Changes

The people that are involved in prescription drug misuse and addiction are also likely to show some of these signs. 

• One is the increase in the level of privacy, where people will become more discreet with their conducts and location, especially when they are under the influence of the substance. They may also show erratic changes in interpersonal relationships; suddenly making new friends while avoiding the old friends and even members of the family. 
• There are often constant issues with finances, such as losing money, constantly asking for money or having a peculiar way of spending money, as well as missing items such as jewelry and other valuable items to finance the drug habit. 
• It also causes extreme variation in mood, which includes increased susceptibility to irritation, agitation, and depressive episodes. 
• Furthermore, there is usually a marked decline in activities that used to be pleasurable or important and an avoidance of hobbies, social contacts, and obligations. This results in lack of performance or increase in absenteeism from work, school, or other responsibilities at home. 
• Anxiety can become chronic, people can become more paranoid and anxious thereby worsening their mental health. 
• Risky behaviors are established, and alcohol may lead the individual to engage in criminal activities, reckless driving, or unsafe sex, showing no consequences or repercussions. 
• Last but not least, doctor shopping is a major warning sign where patients visit several doctors to get more prescriptions or constantly request for early refill indicating that they are developing a dependency on the substance in the medication.

It is important that people are able to identify these behavioral changes so that they can get help for their condition.

Have you noticed any of these warning signs of prescription drug misuse and addiction? Contact us today to join our 30 day inpatient rehab program and avail the treatment interventions that are available at your disposal.

Increased Tolerance and Withdrawal Symptoms: Which of the Following is True About Warning Signs of Prescription Drug Misuse and Addiction?

Another important sign of the misuse and prescription drug dependency is an improved tolerance level and also withdrawal symptoms due to the substance. This is an indicator that people should be needing higher quantities of the prescription in the course of time just to get the same feelings that they felt and experienced in the first place. Due to this improved tolerance, dangerous consumption levels may be attained and this results in higher chances of overdosing. As well, there may be withdrawal symptoms that appear when the medicine is out of stock, and these symptoms are likely to include nausea, anxiety, irritability, and physical discomfort. These symptoms depict the severity of the addiction as well as the extent to which the body depends on the substance in order to perform its normal functions. To be able to determine whether any of the following warning indications of prescription medication misuse and addiction is real, it is crucial for early intervention as well as to find the appropriate treatment. Hence, the most alarming warning signs of prescription drug misuse and addiction are tolerance and withdrawal symptoms.

Do not wait for the situation to get worse before taking action towards its resolution. For more information on our comprehensive treatment services, feel free to contact our expert staff at the Inpatient Rehab Center.

Key Takeaways

To be better equipped in managing this growing problem, it is crucial to identify which of the following is true about warning signs of prescription drug misuse and addiction . For those who suffer, there is a significant change if one can identify these signs. The most common behavioral and physical signs which are often associated with substance abuse include fatigue, shift in sleeping patterns, increased inclination to hide things, and signs of mounting financial woes. The severity of the addiction increases when the person needs higher amounts of the substance to achieve the same results, and when they have withdrawal signs when the drug is not accessible. Furthermore, failure to meet responsibilities at the workplace, school, or home and a noticeable decline in productivity both at work and in personal endeavors are clear signs that drug abuse has become a priority in one’s life. 

If the individuals and the people closest to them know these warning signs, they can do something about it and seek professional help. Rehabilitation also requires early action because it can effectively halt the development of substance dependence and thus minimize the negative effects of substance dependency on individuals and society. It is possible to get the help one needs and the treatment to overcome addiction and regain one’s life by consulting the specialists at the Inpatient Rehab Center as we are experts in treating alcohol and drug addiction.