Ways to Tell if Your Loved One Needs Prescription Drug Rehab
If your loved one seems withdrawn, out of sorts, or has abruptly changed in a similar way they could be using drugs.
Medications that have been prescribed by a doctor for treatment of pain and other ailments are generally safe when taken as directed. Unfortunately, there are people who abuse medicated drugs and this can pose threats to their health, and cause distress to those around them. If you suspect a loved one is addicted to painkillers, you should consider contacting a prescription drug rehab program.
The misuse of prescription drugs is not only dangerous to their health, but it can also lead to death. Prescription drugs can be very addictive, and the longer someone takes them -the more they want, and the higher the chances that an addiction will develop.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), an addiction to prescription pain relievers is similar to being hooked on heroin, and the withdrawal symptoms are not much different. This means you can expect diarrhea, vomiting, cold flashes, muscle pain, and insomnia.
Physical and behavioral changes are some ways to tell if your loved one is misusing medication, and may need to enter a prescription drug rehab program. Knowing the signs of abuse and addiction can save their life.
What Are the Signs That Show a Loved One Needs Prescription Drug Rehab?
It is important to be aware of signs that show your loved one may have a problem with prescription drugs and is abusing them, and becoming addicted. Ignoring such a situation can be devastating, and traumatically life changing.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the visits to the emergency hospital rooms for prescription drug addiction increased 114% between 2004 and 2011.
To avoid such painful life changing events, here are some signs to watch out for:
Common Signs of Prescription Drug Abuse
- Going to multiple doctors to get more prescriptions for pain killers
- Using medication not prescribed to them or stealing someone elseâs prescription
- Taking higher doses of the medication other then the prescribed amount
- Having problems at school or work due to behavioral changes caused by overmedicating
Common Signs of Prescription Drug Addiction
- They have built a tolerance to the medication, and feel they need more to attain the same effects
- They have mood swings unless they take another dose of the prescription drug
- Their physical appearance can start to deteriorate, and they no longer care about hygiene
- They either hardly sleep or sleep too much, either one can be indicative of drug addiction
Other Warning Signs that Your Loved One Needs Prescription Drug Rehab
It can be hard to tell sometimes if your loved one is suffering from an addiction to pain relievers. They may try hard to conceal their addiction but some signs can be an obvious alert to progressive addiction problems.
- They may start on other destructive habits such as taking alcohol along with medication.
- Their mood swings become violent if they do not take the pain medication.
- Your loved one has gotten in trouble with the law for stealing prescription medication.
- They seem spaced out, lack motivation and do not care about family activities.
- The are loosing weight, and have a poor appetite.
- If they have not taken the drug for some time, they may experience withdrawal symptoms like nausea, sweating, restlessness or depression.
If you feel that any of the signs above resonate with you, contact a prescription drug rehab clinic as soon as possible. This can be the most important decision you can make to help your loved one suspected of prescription drug addiction.
