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Understanding Prescription Drug Addiction

Learn about prescription drug and substance abuse

Prescription drug abuse is the use of a prescription medication in such a way not intended by the prescribing physician. This can include taking another person’s prescription medication, taking more than prescribed, using for longer than prescribed, or crushing and injecting pills to get high. This type of drug abuse may continue despite the negative consequences that are occurring in a person’s life. The most common types of prescription drugs that are abused include painkillers, CNS depressants, and stimulants. Since these drugs are prescribed by a physician and regulated by the FDA, many people are under the misconception that they are safe to take. This couldn’t be further from the truth, in fact, prescription drugs act the same way as illegal drugs do and can lead to very serious consequences.

Statistics

Prescription drug addiction statistics

In 2010, about 7 million people (or 2.7% of the United States population) were current users of psychotherapeutic drugs taken for non-medical purposes.

Causes and Risk Factors

Causes and risk factors for prescription drug addiction

Most researchers believe that addiction is caused by a number of risk factors working together to lead to the development of a prescription drug addiction. The most commonly recognized causes for prescription drug abuse include:

Genetic: People who have first-degree relatives, such as a parent or sibling, who struggle with addiction are at a greater risk for developing an addiction as opposed to people who do not have a similar history.

Physical: People who struggle with chronic health conditions such as pain-related conditions or mental health disorders, such as anxiety disorders, are at greater risk for developing addiction to prescription drugs.

Environmental: Environmental stressors often play a large part in the development of addiction. People who began to abuse drugs and alcohol early in their youth are at greater risk for developing an addiction later in life. Additionally, a peer group or circle of friends who abuse drugs may influence someone to begin abusing prescription medication.

Risk Factors:

Addiction to other substances
Younger age – between the teen years and early 20s
Existence of mental health disorders
Easy access to prescription drugs, such as working in a hospital or doctor’s office
Lack of knowledge about prescription drugs

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of prescription drug addiction

The symptoms experienced from prescription drug abuse will vary depending upon the type of drug abused, use of other drugs, individual genetic makeup, frequency of use, amount of drug used, and length of drug abuse. The most common symptoms of prescription drug abuse include:

Prescription Painkiller Abuse Symptoms:

Constipation
Hypotension
Depression
Mood swings
Confusion
Drowsiness
Impaired coordination

Sedatives and Anti-Anxiety Agent Abuse:

Drowsiness
Confusion
Unsteady gait
Poor judgment
Nystagmus – involuntary, rapid movement of eyeball
Dizziness

Stimulant Abuse:

Weight loss
Agitation
Irritability
Insomnia
Hypertension
Cardiac arrhythmias
Restlessness
Impulsive behaviors

Other Symptoms:

Drug-seeking behavior
Continuing use against medical advice
Seeking prescriptions from more than one doctor
Appearing unusually high, intoxicated, or amped up
Poor decision making
Taking higher doses than prescribed more often than intended
Lying to others about drug use
Stashing drugs in various places around home, work, and car
Withdrawing socially
Inability to fulfill responsibilities at work, school, or home
Withdrawing from once-enjoyed activities
Changes in behavior
Sudden need for money – may borrow or steal from others
Frequent doctor visits

Effects

Effects of prescription drug addiction

Long-term abuse of prescription drugs can lead to a wide variety of unpleasant complications that affect every aspect of an addict’s life. The effects are most notable when people abuse several drugs at once. The most common complications of prescription drug abuse include:

Prescription Painkiller Effects:

Increased risk of aspiration and choking
Hypotension
Slowed respiration rate
Respiratory depression
Respiratory arrest
Coma

Anxiolytic Effects:

Impaired memory
Needing more medication to achieve the same effects
Loss of normal coping abilities; relying upon medication to deal with unpleasant emotions
Hypotension

Stimulant Effects:

Dangerous hyperthermia
Cardiovascular complications
Hypertension
Seizures
Tremors
Hallucinations
Aggressiveness
Paranoia

Other Effects of Prescription Drug Abuse:

Job loss
Homelessness
Poverty
Worsening mental health
Addiction
Incarceration
Organ system damage
Organ system failure
Seizures
Self-harming behaviors
Coma
Suicidal ideations
Death

Withdrawal & Overdose

Effects of prescription drug withdrawal & overdose

Taking medications in a way they are not prescribed can lead to dangerous consequences, especially when mixed with other drugs and alcohol. This can very easily lead to overdose. If you suspect someone you love is experiencing an overdose, call 911 immediately. Common symptoms of overdose on prescription medications include:

Prescription Painkiller Overdose Symptoms:

Awake but unable to talk
Limp body
Pale, clammy skin
Cyanosis
Slow, erratic heartbeat
Choking sounds
Vomiting
Loss of consciousness
Respiratory depression
Respiratory collapse
Coma
Death

Anxiolytic Overdose Symptoms:

Falling
Confusion
Stupor
Seizures
Coma
Death

Stimulant Overdose Symptoms:

Tachycardia
Rapid respiration rate
Chest pain
Large pupils
Seizures
Muscle cramping
Dizziness
Coma

Once an individual becomes physically dependent upon a prescription medication, they will experience withdrawal symptoms when the drug abuse is discontinued. Due to possible complications, withdrawal should always take place under the supervision and help of a doctor and trained medical staff. The most common symptoms of withdrawal include:

Prescription Medication Withdrawal: