Signs of Prescription Drug Abuse: What to Watch For
Date Published
Signs of Prescription Drug Abuse: What to Watch For
Understanding the Categories
Prescription drug misuse generally falls into three commonly misused categories: opioids (like oxycodone or hydrocodone, prescribed for pain), benzodiazepines (like Xanax or Valium, prescribed for anxiety), and stimulants (like Adderall, prescribed for ADHD). Each category has some distinct signs, but there are also common patterns across all three.
General Behavioral Signs Across All Categories
Regardless of which type of medication is involved, certain behavioral patterns are common indicators of misuse:
– Taking a medication more often or in higher doses than prescribed
– Running out of prescriptions early and requesting early refills
– Seeing multiple doctors for the same or similar prescriptions
– Becoming defensive or secretive about medication use
– Using someone else’s prescription
– Continuing to seek a medication after a medical need has ended
– Combining prescription medications with alcohol or other substances
Signs More Specific to Opioid Painkillers
With opioid pain medications, watch for drowsiness or “nodding off,” constricted pupils, slowed breathing, constipation, and mood swings between euphoria and irritability. A person may also express intense worry about running out of medication before their next refill is due.
Signs More Specific to Benzodiazepines
With benzodiazepines like Xanax or Valium, signs can include drowsiness, slurred speech, memory problems, poor coordination, and, notably, increased anxiety between doses (a possible early sign of dependence). Combining benzodiazepines with alcohol or opioids is especially dangerous and a significant warning sign.
Signs More Specific to Stimulants
With prescription stimulants like Adderall, watch for appetite loss, weight changes, difficulty sleeping, increased heart rate, unusual bursts of energy or talkativeness, followed by “crash” periods of exhaustion, and using the medication to stay awake or work longer hours rather than for a diagnosed medical need.
Why Early Recognition Matters
Prescription drug misuse can escalate gradually, which makes early signs easy to rationalize (“it’s just what the doctor gave them,” or “everyone takes something to focus”). Recognizing the pattern early, rather than after significant escalation, tends to make it easier to have a productive conversation and connect someone with an assessment before the situation becomes more serious.
FAQ
How is prescription drug misuse different from addiction?
Misuse refers to using a medication outside how it was prescribed, which can happen without meeting the criteria for a substance use disorder. Misuse significantly raises the risk of addiction developing, especially with regular or escalating patterns.
Is it dangerous to combine prescription medications with alcohol?
Yes, particularly with benzodiazepines and opioids, combining these medications with alcohol can be extremely dangerous and increases the risk of serious complications.
What should I do if I suspect a family member is misusing prescription medication?
Have a direct, nonjudgmental conversation and consider reaching out to a medical provider or treatment professional for guidance on next steps, including a formal assessment if needed.
CTA: If you’re noticing signs of prescription drug misuse in yourself or someone you love, an assessment can help clarify the next step. Call (281) 393-4058 to talk it through. Discovery Point Retreat’s licensed treatment program operates from the Dallas-Fort Worth area; Houston-area callers can ask about traveling to DFW for treatment or discuss a suitable local referral.