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What are the signs of prescription drug addiction?

Signs of Prescription Drug Addiction

Prescription drug addiction can happen to anyone. It often starts innocently – you get prescribed painkillers after an injury or surgery, and you take them exactly as directed. But over time, you start needing more and more to get the same effect. Before you know it, you’re dependent on them and can’t function without your next dose.

Addiction sneaks up on you. Most people don’t realize they’re addicted until it’s too late. But if you know the signs, you can catch it early and get help before it takes over your life. Here are some common signs that you or a loved one may be addicted to prescription drugs:

You’re Taking More Than Prescribed

This is one of the clearest signs of addiction. If you find yourself taking extra pills because your prescribed dose isn’t working anymore, it means you’ve built up a tolerance and your body now craves more to get the same effect. This is a dangerous pattern that can quickly lead to dependence and addiction.

You Feel Unable to Function Without Your Medication

If you dread the thought of going a day without your medication – or even just a few hours – it’s a major red flag. Needing your pills just to get through normal daily activities means you’re dependent on them.

You Go “Doctor Shopping”

This is when you visit multiple doctors to get new prescriptions. Since most doctors won’t prescribe opioids long-term, addicts often rotate through different doctors to keep getting more. Doctor shopping is illegal and a clear sign of addiction.

You’re Taking Prescription Drugs for Non-Medical Reasons

Using prescription meds to simply get high or numb emotional pain is abuse. These drugs alter your brain chemistry and can easily lead to addiction. If you’re taking them for reasons other than treating a medical condition, it’s time to get help.

Your Behavior Has Changed

Look for any sudden shifts in your personality or behavior, like:

• Mood swings
• Withdrawing from family/friends
• Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy
• Decline in performance at work or school
• Engaging in secretive or dishonest behavior

These could all stem from an addiction and the changes prescription drugs cause in your brain.

You Have Strong Drug Cravings

If you obsessively think about getting your next dose – to the point where it interferes with your daily life – it’s a sign of drug dependence. An addicted brain gets wired to constantly crave the drug.

You Experience Withdrawal Symptoms

Stopping prescription drug use suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms like:

• Muscle aches
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Cold sweats
• Bone/joint pain
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Cravings

Going through withdrawal makes it very difficult to quit without help – which is why rehab is often needed to break the cycle of addiction.

You’re Neglecting Other Areas of Your Life

If your drug use starts interfering with work, relationships, hobbies, or your health, it’s likely out of control. An addiction causes you to prioritize drug-seeking and use over everything else.

You Keep Using Despite Consequences

A big sign of addiction is continuing to misuse prescription drugs even though you know it’s hurting you. If you’ve faced relationship problems, financial issues, arrests, health declines, or other consequences but keep using anyway, it’s a clear indicator you need help to stop.

You Have a Tolerance

Over time, your body adapts to prescription drugs and you need more to get high or relieve pain. Needing increasingly higher doses is a warning sign your body now depends on the drug.

You Take Prescription Drugs to Avoid Withdrawal

If you take prescription meds mainly to stave off withdrawal symptoms instead of for a medical purpose, it’s a sign of addiction. Withdrawal is painful, so addicts will do anything to avoid it.

You’ve Tried Quitting But Can’t

Making attempts to cut back or quit using but being unable to follow through is a clear indicator of addiction. Your brain and body are too dependent on the drugs to function without them. Professional help is often the only way to overcome prescription drug dependence.

You Have a High Risk of Addiction

Certain factors can increase your risk of becoming addicted, including:

• Family history of addiction
• History of substance abuse or mental illness
• Early exposure to drugs/alcohol
• Trauma or chronic stress

If any of these apply to you, take extra care with prescription drugs.

What to Do If You Notice Signs of Addiction

Don’t wait to get help. Prescription drug addiction only gets worse without treatment. Here are some steps to take right away if you think you may have a problem:

• Talk to your doctor and be totally honest about your drug use. They can help you taper off safely.
• Consider inpatient rehab if you’ve tried quitting but can’t. You need professional support.
• Join a support group like Narcotics Anonymous to help fight cravings and feel less alone.
• Ask a close friend or family member for help holding you accountable as you work to get clean.
• Remove all prescription drugs from your home so they aren’t a temptation.
• Make healthy lifestyle changes to help repair your brain and body.

Don’t let fear or shame hold you back from getting treatment. Prescription drug addiction affects people from all walks of life. With the right help and support, you can overcome it and reclaim your health and happiness.