When people do not use prescription drugs as intended, it can be considered prescription drug abuse. It includes taking your friend’s prescription for painkillers to help your pain or taking medications in a manner that is not directed, such as crushing prescription pills. Although prescription drug abuse has negative consequences, it can be compulsive and ongoing. This problem affects individuals in all age groups, including teens. Unfortunately, prescription drug abuse comes with an array of symptoms, which can be dangerous.
Symptoms of Prescription Drug Abuse
The most commonly misused prescription drugs are sedatives, opioid painkillers, stimulants, and anti-anxiety drugs. The signs and symptoms of prescription drug abuse depend on the type of drug being abused.
Opioid Abuse
Abusing opioid medications can result in the following signs and symptoms:
- Nausea
- Constipation
- A slower breathing rate
- Feeling high
- Feeling confused
- Drowsiness
- You feel as though you need a higher dose to relieve real pain
- You have poor coordination
- You have more sensitivity to pain when you take a higher dose
Stimulants
- Mental impairment
- You have increased alertness
- Your blood pressure is high
- You have an irregular heartbeat
- You don’t have an appetite, or it is reduced
- Your body temperature is elevated
- You feel agitated
- You have insomnia
- You feel anxious
- You feel paranoid
Sedatives and Anti-Anxiety Medications
- You feel drowsy
- Your walk is unsteady
- You seem to be confused
- You have a hard time concentrating
- Your speech is slurred
- You feel dizzy
- Your breathing is slower than normal
- You have a hard time remembering things
Individuals struggling with prescription drug abuse may also engage in risky behaviors. This can include stealing and forging prescriptions or selling prescriptions. They may also experience mood swings or hostility, make poor decisions, take a higher dose than what the doctor prescribed, “lose” prescriptions, request early refills, and try to get prescriptions from more than one doctor.
If you notice any of these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, get help from our medical professionals at Wasatch Crest as soon as possible.
Get Help for Prescription Drug Abuse in Heber, UT
Our professionals at Wasatch Crest have extensive experience helping individuals in Heber, Park City, and the surrounding areas in Utah get the help they need to overcome their prescription drug addictions. Our team can provide the tools you need to live a happier and healthier life. To find out more about help for prescription drug abuse, speak with our counselor at Wasatch Crest. To schedule a consultation, please call 800-385-3507.
