80 percent of Americans are at risk of prescription drug addiction. People that have no history of drug abuse or addiction have tumbled down the slippery slope of pain killers. Even the most outstanding people have found themselves in this trap.
You may be familiar with this vicious cycle. Maybe you’ve seen it happen to a family member, a friend; maybe it’s happened to you.
This is a family matter, and it concerns us as family physicians. Prescription drug abuse has a particularly damaging effect on the family. Treating prescription drug addiction is very important, but taking action at the earliest sign of trouble can prevent a lot of heartache and suffering.
Have you recognized these signs in a friend or a loved one:
Increased usage
It is common for people to develop a tolerance to their medication, which leads them to take more than their prescribed dose. If they aren’t getting the relief they need then they should see their doctor. Their doctor can safely adjust the dosage.
Change in Personality
Changes in a person’s normal behavior can be a sign of dependency. Shifts in energy, mood, and concentration may occur as every day responsibilities become secondary to the need for the relief the prescription provides.
Social Withdrawal
A person experiencing a dependency problem may withdraw from family, friends and other social interaction.
Ongoing Use
Continued usage after a medical condition has improved will result in the person needing extensions on his/her prescription. The person might talk of how they are “still feeling pain” and need just a little longer on the medication in order to get well. He or she might also complain frequently about the doctors who refused to write the prescription for one reason or another.
“Doctor Shopping”
A dependent person will spend large amounts of time driving great distances and visiting multiple doctors to obtain the drugs. Watch for signs that he or she seems preoccupied with a quest for medication, demonstrating that the drug has become their top priority.
Change in Appearance
Personal hygiene may diminish as a result of a drug addiction. Sleeping and eating habits change, and a person may have a constant cough, runny nose and red, glazed eyes.
Neglects Responsibilities
A dependent person may call in sick to work more often, and neglect household chores and bills.
Increased Sensitivity
Normal sights, sounds and emotions might become overly stimulating to the person. Hallucinations, although perhaps difficult to monitor, may occur as well.
Blackouts and Forgetfulness
Another clear indication of dependence is when the person regularly forgets events that have taken place and appears to be suffering blackouts.
Defensiveness
When attempting to hide a drug dependency, abusers can become very defensive if they feel their secret is being discovered. They might even react to simple requests or questions by lashing out.
Early detection is the greatest defense against prescription drug addiction. Once someone is dependent, they will rarely seek treatment for their addiction themselves, and influencing them to make the right choice becomes very difficult.
For more information on prescription drug addiction and how to help those who have become dependent, click here.