7 Signs of Prescription Drug Addiction
Individuals who become addicted to prescription drugs face a tough fight on their road to recovery. And that struggle is made even more difficult when the addiction goes untreated for an extended period of time. Because individuals addicted to prescription drugs will rarely admit they have a problem until "late in the game", it is up to family and friends to identify that their loved one needs drug treatment.
The following are some of the most common warning signs that an individual may have an prescription drug addiction. Although every individual is different, and habits vary according to the drugs in question, these symptoms run across the majority of those who have developed a dependence on prescription meds.
7 signs of prescription drug addiction
- Euphoric behavior - Individuals taking opiate-based painkillers such as Vicodin, OxyContin and others will experience periods of extreme euphoria when they are taking the drug. Of course, as the individual develops a tolerance to painkillers, that "high" will not only become less pronounced, but it will take more and more of the drug to achieve that state.
- Aches, pains and other nagging illnesses - In between doses of the medication, the individual is likely to develop moderate illnesses as well as nagging aches and pains. Prescription drugs alter the nerves in the brain that regulate pain and illness, so when the drug intake stops, the body is often thrown into chaos.
- Irritability and mood swings - In between doses of the drug, most individuals will be prone to significant mood swings. Because many prescription drugs alter the functioning of the brain, this can lead to behaviors such as anxiety and irritability.
- Chills or fever - Another classic sign of withdrawal from many prescription drugs is fever-like symptoms. While the individual is attempting to find more of the drug in question, the body will begin to act as if the person has a severe flu.
- Withdrawal from friends and family - Much like those addicted to heroin or cocaine, individuals with a prescription drug addiction will withdraw from family and friends, and fail to engage in activities they once found fulfilling. The reason? To the addict, nothing is more important that procuring and taking the drug in question.
- Unethical behavior - Individuals with a prescription drug addiction may begin engaging in unethical behavior, specifically "doctor shopping" (which refers to the act of faking illness and then going from doctor to doctor to obtain prescriptions) and stealing medication from the medicine cabinet of friends and family.
- Criminal behavior - Finally, many of those who become addicted to doctor-prescribed medications will steal money to support their habit or even take part in robberies of pharmacies or doctors' offices.
Michael's House is a residential alcohol and drug rehab facility located in Palm Springs, California. Using the most advanced treatment methods available, Michael's House saves the lives of those who have become caught in the deadly grasp of prescription drug addiction. Contact Michael's House today at for more information about their outstanding drug treatment programs.
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