Why Trust Recovery Guide With National Prescription Drug Take Back Day occurring twice yearly (typically in April and October), some people are examining their relationship with prescription drugs. Visit DEA.gov for the current Take Back Day schedule and to find a drop-off location near you.
Here you’ll find information on prescription drug misuse, including types of prescription misuse and signs of substance use disorders (SUD).
Types Of Prescription Drug Abuse
Not all prescription drugs are habit-forming or addictive, but some prescription medications do carry risk factors for drug misuse.
Some common types of prescription drug misuse include:
- stimulant use — using drugs that speed up the central nervous system (CNS), including amphetamines (Adderall) or methylphenidates (Ritalin)
- sedative use — using drugs that slow down the CNS, including benzodiazepines such as Xanax
- opioid use — using prescription painkillers, such as hydrocodone or oxycodone (OxyContin)
When a person has a legitimate prescription for one of these medications and uses it appropriately, they are not abusing drugs.
However, if a person uses these substances without a prescription, or if they use them in non-prescribed ways, they may have an addiction.
It’s also important to note that many pills sold outside of a pharmacy as prescription opioids now frequently contain illicitly manufactured fentanyl. These pills are visually indistinguishable from legitimate prescriptions but can be lethal even in small amounts.
Signs And Symptoms Of Prescription Drug Abuse
There are several warning signs and symptoms you can look for if you suspect that you or a loved one is addicted to prescription drugs.
1. Using Drugs In Spite Of Negative Consequences
Addiction causes people to continue using substances even when they experience negative consequences for doing so.
In contrast, a person without an SUD may alert their doctor to any negative consequences of their medication and ask to discontinue or adjust their prescription.
Some examples of these negative consequences include:
- severe or worsening side effects such as drowsiness, constipation, unregulated body temperature, or weight loss
- mental health problems such as mood swings or poor decision-making
- strained relationships with friends or family members
- financial difficulties
- legal difficulties
2. Non-Prescribed Drug Use
A person experiencing prescription drug addiction might use drugs in ways other than prescribed.
Some examples of unapproved prescription drug use include:
- using a drug without a prescription
- stealing drugs from somebody else’s medicine cabinet
- taking higher doses than prescribed
- snorting or injecting oral medications
- combining prescription medications with other drugs, over-the-counter medicines, or alcohol
3. Behavioral Changes
All types of substance use disorder, including prescription drug misuse, can cause behavioral changes.
These changes may include:
- secretive behavior
- defensiveness
- seeking multiple healthcare providers to obtain multiple prescriptions (“doctor shopping”)
- sudden isolation or abandoning old friends for new ones
- changes in grades or work performance
- hygiene difficulties
4. Withdrawal Symptoms
Different classes of drugs cause different withdrawal symptoms when a person uses them for a long time.
It’s also important to never stop taking prescription medications abruptly without medical guidance. Sudden discontinuation of benzodiazepines, opioids, or certain other medications can cause severe or life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.
If you’re concerned about your use, speak with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication.
It is important to note that withdrawal symptoms, in and of themselves, do not always indicate an SUD.
Withdrawal symptoms occur due to physical dependence on a drug rather than the mental health condition of addiction, and it is possible to experience withdrawal even after taking a drug appropriately.
However, withdrawal does commonly occur alongside addiction, and its symptoms may be worse among people who use drugs.
Safe Storage And Disposal Of Prescription Medications
Unused or expired prescription medications, particularly opioids, stimulants, and sedatives, should be stored securely and disposed of promptly to reduce the risk of misuse by others in the household.
Safe storage tips include keeping medications in a locked cabinet and never leaving them in a car or bag where someone can easily access them.
For disposal, the safest option is a DEA-authorized drug take-back location. If one isn’t available, the FDA recommends mixing most medications (check the label) with an undesirable substance like coffee grounds or dirt, sealing them in a bag, and placing them in household trash.
A few specific high-risk medications, including certain opioids, have flush instructions on the label due to their overdose risk.
Find Addiction Treatment Today
Addiction is a complex mental health disorder, but like other mental health disorders, it is treatable.
If you or a loved one needs help from a treatment center, contact Addiction Resource today to learn more.