Prescription Drug Abuse – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Overview

Prescription drug abuse is a condition that compels you to consume medication without being prescribed to do so. You can become addicted to the drugs if continued long enough. Swallowing medicines without any reason or snorting the powdered drug, or injecting it into your body are all types of prescription drug abuse. 

About Prescription drug abuse

Consuming prescription medicines without any apparent reason is known as Prescription drug abuse. You may find relief from pain or any other physical problem initially, but even after the course of treatment is over , you may become addicted to the medicine and feel a compulsion to use it regularly. It is sure to affect your body and mind . Common drug abuse includes the consumption of pain medication, sedatives, and stimulants. Identifying the source of the problem as early as possible can help you or any of your family/friends to avoid getting addicted. You need to visit an experienced doctor for help.

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Symptoms of Prescription drug abuse

Abuse of prescription drugs can get identified by various symptoms. The doctor can diagnose the problem by noting a few complications caused by the overuse of specific drugs.

Opioids Pain Killer abuse can cause : 

• Nausea
• Constipation
• Unnatural Excitement and joy
• Shallow breathing
• Drowsiness
• Lack of coordination
• Confusion
• Increased drug sensitivity

Overuse of CNS Depressants can cause:-

• Mood swings
• Trouble with walking
• Lack of concentration
• Slowing down of reflexes
• Impaired judgment
• Slurring
• Poor memory

Stimulant Abuse can cause:-

• Weight Loss due to lack of appetite
• Dizziness
• Sleeplessness
• Headache
• High Blood Pressure
• Uneven heartbeat
• Paranoia

When do you need to see a doctor?

Speak with a doctor about the urge to consume prescribed drugs regularly. You may have a friend or family member accompany you to explain your condition.

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How do you prevent Prescription drug abuse?

You may be addicted to the medicine after you begin consuming it to eliminate a medical problem. The mediation usually get prescribed by a competent doctor. You will feel the urge to take the drug even when you do not need the support anymore. You will be able to reduce your dependence on prescribed medicines .

The doctor will advise you to try the following:

• Double-check with your doctor and ask for an alternative if you find yourself longing for a medication
• Consult the doctor regularly
• Follow your doctor’s instructions perfectly and do not increase or decrease the dosage
• Be informed about the drug and its effects on the body
• Do not buy medicines by using a prescription meant for another individual
• Refrain from ordering medicines in bulk by visiting an untrustworthy online pharmacy

How is Prescription drug abuse treated?

Treatment for abuse of prescription drugs varies from patient to patient. It depends on the type of drug you are addicted to, your age, and your physical condition. Your doctor will recommend several treatment options that include:

Counseling / Psychotherapy

You will be counseled by a counselor or a psychotherapist individually or as part of a group. You will learn more about yourself and pick up skills to:-

• Resist the craving
• Develop determination for staying positive and form healthy relationships with your family members and friends
• Identify activities that do not rely on drug consumption
• Be determined to get rid of the problem if you relapse

Preventing withdrawal  symptoms

• A decrease in the dosage of Opioid until it is no longer essential
• Buprenorphine, buprenorphine with naloxone
• You will get asked to consume a low dose of anti-anxiety pills or sedatives to overcome the withdrawal symptoms until your body is ready to sleep naturally.
• The doctor will advise you to stop taking stimulants . Problems of insomnia, fatigue and depression will get treated separately.

Support

You may need to rely on your near and dear ones to help you give up the addiction for good. It is a long process with multiple challenges to overcome. You may ask your doctor for references about organizations that assist patients who have the problem of prescription drug abuse.

Conclusion

Prescription drug abuse is a severe problem that may affect people of all age groups. You need to identify the issue early to get rid of it. Consulting a doctor will help you to understand the problem and obtain treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it illegal to consume prescription drugs regularly?

No, the drugs are not illicit, but they are medicines that need to get consumed as advised by the doctor. Taking more than necessary or when not needed ,  may affect your body and mind causing you to become ill and depressed.

Why do people get addicted to prescription drugs?

Painkillers provide relief from pain, making patients think that more is better. Stimulants produce a feeling of intense pleasure, leading to craving.

Can I recover fully after abusing prescription drugs?

You will have to undergo extensive treatment for a prolonged period, and also get counseled to improve your state of mind. Recovery is possible once you understand the harm associated with it.