Understanding Prescription Drug Abuse

Learn About Prescription Drug Addiction

When an individual takes more medication than was prescribed, takes someone else’s prescription, or uses meds in a way that was not intended by the prescribing physician, it is considered prescription medication abuse. Prescription medications are needed for a number of different mental and medical health conditions, but still many of them are highly addictive. Some of the most commonly abused prescription medications include narcotic painkillers like OxyContin or Vicodin, sedatives like Xanax, and stimulants like Adderall.

In addition to the mood and mind-altering effects associated with prescription drug use, many individuals abuse these substances because they are under the false assumption that prescription pills are safer to abuse than illegal street drugs. For these reasons, it is important that a person who abuses prescription medications to seek treatment in order to live a happy and healthy life.

Co-Occurring Disorders

Prescription Drug Abuse and Co-Occurring Disorders

When people are battling an addiction to prescription medication it is quite common for them to also be struggling with the symptoms of an additional mental health disorder. Many times the prescription medication abuse is an unhealthy attempt to try and cope with the presence of distressing symptoms. The following mental health conditions are those that are frequently diagnosed in individuals who are struggling with an addiction to prescription medications:

Another substance use disorder
Bipolar disorder
Schizophrenia
Anxiety disorders
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Depressive disorders

Statistics

Prescription Drug Abuse Statistics

Recent statistics show that 52 million adults in America have used prescription drugs for non-medical purposes at some point in their lifetimes. Furthermore, reports have shown that more people die as a result of prescription medication abuse than from gun violence, suicides, or car accidents.

Causes and Risk Factors

Causes and Risk Factors for Prescription Drug Abuse

A number of different factors have been cited as playing a role in influencing whether or not an individual will begin to abuse prescription medication and subsequently develop an addiction. The following concepts are some of the most commonly agreed upon causes and risk factors:

Genetic: Multiple studies have drawn the conclusion that genetics influence the development of an addiction. Individuals who developed substance abuse concerns were found to be more likely to have a family history of substance abuse and addiction. An individual’s genetic makeup may explain why some individuals are more likely to drug abuse than others.

Environmental: A person’s environment and certain life circumstances can influence whether or not he or she will begin to abuse prescription medications. For instance, if a person is exposed to prescription drug abuse or has easy access to such medications, it is more likely that prescription medication abuse will occur. Additionally, if an individual lacks the necessary skills for coping with distress and turmoil, the abuse of prescription medications could occur if said individual has access to prescription medication.

Risk Factors:

Personal or family history of mental illness
Family history of substance abuse, addiction, or dependence
Personal history of abusing other substances
Presence of a chronic pain condition
Working in an industry where injury is more likely to occur
Exposure to high levels of stress or conflict
Easy access to prescription medications

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and Symptoms of Prescription Drug Abuse

Since each medication is going to have a different set of side effects, the signs and symptoms associated with prescription drug abuse are going to vary depending upon the specific medication an individual is misusing. Furthermore, should an individual mix prescription drug abuse with other substances, such as alcohol, other symptoms may arise. The following signs and symptoms may indicate the presence of prescription drug abuse:

Behavioral symptoms:

Change in interests and/or friends
Poor attendance at work
Not fulfilling roles and responsibilities
Increased conflict with others
Engagement in aggressive behavior
Engagement in reckless behavior
Stealing or engagement in other illicit behavior
Possessing multiple prescriptions
Visiting multiple doctors in order to acquire multiple prescriptions
Lying or being deceitful

Physical symptoms:

Lack of good hygiene
Tremors
Change in sleep patterns
Lack of coordination
Slurred or incoherent speech
Bloodshot eyes
Change in eating habits
Weight loss or gain
Hyperactivity
Sweating
Fast or irregular heart beat
Respiratory depression

Cognitive symptoms:

Forgetfulness
Impaired judgment
Delayed thinking
Confusion
Disorientation
Altered perceptions of reality
Poor concentration

Psychosocial symptoms:

Sudden mood changes
Irritability
Personality changes
Agitation
Anxiousness
Declined motivation
Inability to experience pleasure
Depressed mood

Effects

Effects of Prescription Drug Abuse

Abusing prescription medications comes with several dangers, including serious health risks and impairment in other areas of daily life. Below is a list of just some of the negative effects of misusing prescription medications:

Cognitive impairment
Cardiovascular problems
Organ damage
Organ failure
Addiction leading to dependence
Increased risk for involvement in accidents and physical injury as a result
Poor occupational performance resulting in job loss
Social withdrawal or isolation
Loss of interpersonal relationships
Development or exacerbation of mental illness symptoms
Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Death as a result of overdose or suicide

Withdrawal and Overdose

Effects of Prescription Drug Withdrawal and Overdose

Effects of prescription medication withdrawal: When an individual stops using prescription medication that his or her body has become dependent upon, he or she will likely experience symptoms of withdrawal. The specific symptoms one experiences will depend upon the prescription medication being abused, and may include the following:

Restlessness
Vivid dreams
Fatigue
Weakness
Insomnia or hypersomnia
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Muscle aches
Abdominal cramping or pain
Changes in appetite
Agitation
Anxiety
Confusion or disorientation
Tremors
Hallucinations
Coma
Seizures

Effects of prescription medication overdose: Taking more than the recommended amount of any type of prescription medication is known as an overdose. An overdose on prescription medication can result in serious, harmful symptoms or even death if immediate medical attention is not provided. If any of the following effects occur, it may indicate that someone is experiencing an overdose: