DRUG REHAB
Prescription Drug Addiction Signs and Symptoms
Prescription drugs when abused can lead to addiction and dependence. Learn more about the signs of prescription drug abuse and dependence below.
Prescription drugs are often seen as innocent medications to alleviate certain conditions’ physical and psychological symptoms. However, going off prescription and continuing to use or abuse them once the advised period is over can lead to dependence and even addiction.
The first essential step toward recovery is spotting the signs and symptoms of prescription drug dependence.
Which Prescription Drugs are Abused?
Prescription drugs are given by a medical professional to address a pain-related condition, like recovering from an operation or a physical injury or to alleviate symptoms of a mental health disorder, like insomnia or anxiety. The contrast between being in physical or psychological pain and being able to relax, feel peaceful and not experience the pain can be an intoxicating and addictive feeling.
The reason why a prescription drug is abused will vary depending on the type of substance used, which is why we will explore the most common categories.
The Unique Signs of Addiction, Abuse and Dependence
Opioid painkillers are one of the most common substances in cases of addiction. The relationship between pain management and addiction is still a major sticking point for medical professionals of different levels. The scale of people falling into substance abuse because of them in the US and UK has led some medical experts to call the issue an “opioid epidemic”.
Opioid painkillers are abused because they produce a very powerful effect, calming a person’s nerves, inducing a strong feeling of relaxation, and even causing euphoria and other pleasant sensations.
Furthermore, since they are perceived as an innocent and safe medicine, people don’t realise the potential danger and become more prone to take higher and more frequent doses.
Majority of prescription drug abuse cases start without any ill intent from the individual by continuing to take medication a “little bit” longer than prescribed or increasing dosage that “little bit” to boost the effect of the drug. Cases of starting on prescription drugs for recreational purposes are relatively rare.
Stimulant Medication
Stimulants, like Adderall, Concerta and Ritalin, are often prescribed to treat mental health disorders like depression, ADHD, OCD, and other conditions. They can considerably alter brain chemistry by encouraging the production of neurotransmitters like dopamine and other brain chemicals.
The result of these changes is a substantial increase in concentration, focus and energy levels. When abused, in order to get the same effect, people take it more frequently or at higher doses than prescribed.
Depressants and Sedatives
Depressants are central nervous system (CNS) medications mainly used for anxiety and ADHD. They work by slowing down brain activity, creating a calming and relaxing state. Similar to opioids, they can cause euphoria and other pleasant sensations when taken in high doses outside of recommended use.
Benzodiazepines, or “benzos” for short, are among the most popular depression drugs leading to addiction. Benzos create a very strong feeling of relaxation, reducing stress, making the person feel peaceful and turning emotions more mellow.
Benzos are often prescribed to treat anxiety, insomnia, and other mental health disorders, but their intense psychological effect can tempt a person to go against the prescription.
Since the body naturally adapts and builds a tolerance, benzos need to be taken in higher and more frequent doses, which can increase the chance of addiction.
Prescription drugs have an addiction element, which is controlled under proper medical supervision, and when patients strictly follow their doctor’s instructions. Unfortunately, the strong psychological effect of those medications can be used as a coping mechanism for many discontents, struggles and sources of trauma in a person’s life much after their original purpose was fulfilled.
Sleeping Pills
Technically, they are also depressants, however the mainstream sleeping pills don’t induce the typical “high” associated with other prescription drugs.
Nevertheless, insomnia medication can be equally as dangerous in the long run.Sleep medications like Zopiclone and Zolpidem are often considered harmless if used for 4 weeks or less.
Increasing the treatment period or failing to comply with the doctor’s orders to stop taking the medicine can lead to addiction problems.
The key to successful insomnia therapy is addressing the underlying issues of sleep cycle disruption and gradual reduction of sleep medicine dosage to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Although considered less harmful than other typically abused prescription drugs, sleeping pill addiction is a serious matter and can lead to long-term health problems and dual diagnosis where the individual attempts to deal with signs and symptoms of sleeping pill addiction by introducing another drug.
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Finding the best addiction treatment is vital for long-term recovery success. Our friendly and compassionate team will hold your hand through the process until you learn to love yourself again.
Difference between Symptoms of Addiction, Abuse and Physical Dependence
Confusion often arises around the terms used to describe a person’s issues with prescription drugs and other addictive substances. Knowing the difference is important to better understand treatment options and information about the condition and its nuances.
Addiction: A mental disorder or a psychological state where prolonged substance use has caused differences in brain chemistry or even brain structure. As a result, the person experiences intense cravings for the substance and is often dismissive, ignorant, or unwilling to acknowledge an issue because that would limit their drug supply.
Drug Abuse: A harmful set of actions where a person goes against their prescription and medical advice and uses a substance in unintended ways, often taking it long after recommended, mixing it with other substances, and consuming higher doses.
Physical dependence: A physiological condition where a person’s body gets used to the substance and builds a tolerance. Consequently, the person must continue using the substance to feel “normal” and function adequately. Physical dependence usually leads to the need for higher doses, to receive the same “high” as before, and causes severe withdrawal symptoms if a person suddenly stops.
Physical Symptoms
Physical symptoms of prescription drug dependence are some of the most common and visible signs of addiction. They will occur daily, with varying severity depending on how serious the addiction is, and will cause disruptions in productivity, work quality, and life enjoyment.
If you suspect that you or a loved one may develop a prescription drug dependence, observe whether multiple of those symptoms persistently present and rule out other potential explanations.
- Sweating and clammy skin
- Constipation
- Stomachaches
- Dizziness and disorientation
- Headaches
- Reduced heart rate and heart palpitation
- Slurred speech
- Brain fog
- Disorientation and confusion
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue and lethargy
- Forgetfulness and memory issues
Psychological Symptoms of Prescription Drug Addiction
Just because they are not as visible doesn’t mean that psychological symptoms ought to be neglected. Prescription drugs, especially in high doses, can significantly alter the brain chemistry balance by causing wide divergences in how many endorphins, neurotransmitters and other brain chemicals are produced. Very often, the “high” a person gets from medication is followed by a “crash”, which can cause mental health issues.
Prescription drugs are not only directly harmful to a person’s mental health due to the symptoms they produce but can also exacerbate symptoms of other mental health disorders. For example, stimulants may be taken to treat ADHD, OCD, or ASD, but excessively high doses and prolonged unadvised use can make a person unable to function normally due to worsened symptoms.
- Mood swings
- Irritability, frustration and anger issues
- Symptoms of depression
- Significant fluctuations in energy levels – euphoria followed by crashes
- Anxiety and increased sensitivity to stress
- Apathy and loss of motivation
- Lack of interest in previously loved hobbies and passions
- Paranoia and hallucinations
Behavioural and Social Symptoms
Physical and psychological symptoms of prescription drug abuse don’t exist in a vacuum. Very often, they affect a person’s everyday life, especially how they behave around and treat the people around them.The very intense psychological effect and the subsequent development of physical dependence on the substance can make a person highly irrational and desperate to use the substance, even if it puts their health and that of others in danger.
Furthermore, the strong stigma against drug use can make confrontations hard and communication a one-sided effort to help a person who only grows more distant and defensive as time goes on
- Defensive and dismissive behaviour when confronted about the issue
- Distancing and avoidance of social interactions and communication with loved ones
- Doctor shopping and lying to medical professionals
- Taking prescription drugs from friends and loved ones
- Doing prescription drugs in dangerous situations, like when driving and working
- Putting their consumption of prescription drugs above other essential needs
Common Withdrawal Symptoms of Prescription Drugs
Withdrawal symptoms of prescription drugs can vary depending on the type of prescription drug, ranging from opioids to stimulants, depressants, and sleeping pills.
Here are the most common symptoms associated with each category
Opioid Painkillers
- Intense cravings
- Sweating and clammy skin
- Stomachaches and gastrointestinal distress
- Muscle aches and pains
- Yawning and runny nose
- Anxiety and agitation
- Rapid heartbeat
- Nausea and vomiting
- Insomnia
Stimulants
- Fatigue and lethargy
- Depression and dysphoria
- Increased appetite
- Sleep disturbances
- Intense drug cravings
- Slowed thinking and movements
- Anxiety and irritability
Depressants and Sedatives
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Insomnia and sleep disturbances
- Tremors and shakes
- Sweating and increased heart rate
- Nausea and vomiting
- Hallucinations
- Muscle pain and stiffness
- Seizures (in severe cases)
Sleeping Pills
- Rebound insomnia
- Anxiety and restlessness
- Headaches
- Sweating and increased heart rate
- Nausea
- Muscle cramps
- Tremors
- Irritability and mood swings
Reach out to our expert support team 24 hours a day
Start the Drug Rehabilitation Process Today
Finding the best addiction treatment is vital for long-term recovery success. Our friendly and compassionate team will hold your hand through the process until you learn to love yourself again.
Importance of Weaning Off Prescription Drugs Under Medical Supervision
Withdrawal from prescription drugs can lead to severe physical and psychological symptoms. Recently published research revealed some worrying trends in withdrawal management.
72% respondents who’ve used prescribed antipsychotic drugs admitted they have suffered from severe withdrawal symptoms and none of them recalled medical professionals explaining or assisting with the process of weaning off. Our own experience shows that the situation is not much different with depressants, stimulants or other potentially dangerous medications.
In some cases, abrupt cessation, especially of depressants and sedatives, can result in life-threatening conditions such as seizures and severe dehydration from vomiting and diarrhoea. Medical professionals can provide medications and therapies to mitigate these symptoms, ensuring a safer and more comfortable withdrawal process.
Customised Tapering Plans
Medical professionals can devise a customised tapering plan that gradually reduces the drug dosage. This gradual reduction helps the body adjust to lower levels of the substance, thereby minimising withdrawal symptoms and reducing the risk of relapse.
Monitoring and Immediate Support
During the weaning process, continuous monitoring by healthcare providers ensures that any adverse reactions are promptly addressed. This immediate support can prevent complications and provide reassurance to the patient, making the process less daunting.
Psychological Support and Counseling
Withdrawal can significantly impact mental health, often exacerbating conditions like anxiety and depression. Medical professionals can offer psychological support and counselling, helping patients cope with the mental and emotional challenges of withdrawal.
Addressing Underlying Conditions
Many individuals who use prescription drugs do so to manage underlying physical or mental health conditions. A medical professional can address these root issues concurrently, adjusting treatment plans as necessary to ensure that the patient remains stable and healthy throughout the withdrawal process.
Reducing the Risk of Relapse
The structured environment provided by medical supervision reduces the risk of relapse. Patients are less likely to revert to drug use when they have consistent support and a clear plan in place. Withdrawal from prescription drugs is a complex process that requires careful management. The risks associated with unsupervised withdrawal, including severe physical and psychological symptoms, underscore the importance of medical supervision. Professional guidance ensures a safer, more effective transition away from dependency, paving the way for long-term recovery and well-being.
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