Individuals from all walks of life may experience different problems with their drug use, regardless of background, age, race, history, beliefs, culture, or reason they began using prescription pills. Some individuals also experiment with recreational drugs because friends are doing the same, out of curiosity, having a great time, or easing life problems, like depression, stress, and anxiety.
Though it is not just prohibited drugs, like heroin or cocaine, which may result in addiction and abuse. Prescription pills, such as tranquilizers, painkillers, and sleeping pills, may result in the same problems. As a matter of fact, next to cannabis, prescription painkillers are mostly abused in the United States, and many individuals die from overdosing powerful opioid painkillers. To avoid the addiction, here are warning signs to watch out for:
1. Thinking about Medication a lot
Among the first warning signs of addiction is getting preoccupied with two major things; whether your supply is enough and when you may take the next dose. Checking the clock every minute so that you may take your next dose can also be a concern.
In case it is fresh dental work, and you are in deep pain, watching the clock every time makes sense. However, if the pain is gone for a while and think of taking the pills, it could be possible that you have become very dependent on your medication.
2. Failing to Quit or Cut Back
Due to intense withdrawal symptoms, efforts to quit or cut back might fail. Withdrawal symptoms and cravings may take over, and it becomes simple to go back to taking prescription drugs, making you ignore your better judgment or inner dialogue that you need to stop.
Quitting or cutting back prescription pills is challenging to DIY, but going to a prescription drug rehabilitation center and talking to a doctor can be the best course of action. Most rehab centers also provide detox assistance to make the addiction recovery more comfortable.
3. Increasing Tolerance
Pain management can’t rise to the level of addiction until you have started experiencing aching despite taking an acceptable dosage. According to medical experts, this is tolerance, which is among the two diagnostic criteria for opioid addiction.
Tolerance happens because opioid painkillers slow the production of endorphins, which are basically the body’s pain reliever.
4. Personality Change
Prescription pills usually cause changes in people’s personalities. For instance, individuals abusing benzos like Valium can have a slower reaction or be confused and tired most of the time.
Individuals who abuse stimulants like Adderall can become easily irritable and agitated. They may also go to great lengths to hide their issues with prescription pills, demand more privacy, withdraw from normal family activities, become secretive, and keep odd hours. While some of these warning signs can be subtle, they are deeply troubling and noticeable for family members.
In Conclusion
Although anyone may misuse prescription pills, there are a few behaviors, making a person more likely to become addicted and continue misusing the drugs.
Some research indicates that youths are more likely to misuse these drugs if they fail to maintain a balance between extracurricular activities, schoolwork, and grades. As a parent, the best course of action is to speak to your kids regarding prescription drugs, like opioids, and discuss various alternatives to the pills with prescribers.
