If you’re thinking someone in your life is abusing prescription drugs, it’s important to observe their behavior and try to get them the proper help.
What to Look For
Prescription drug abuse and overdose are rapidly growing in the United States and many European countries, yet treatment for this has yet to match. Prescription drug abuse is a social, health, and economic threat, and commonly stems from ease of access to medications that are used to treat pain, anxiety, sleep-deprivation and lack of focus. Drug abuse is usually initiated with legitimate use of a prescription drug. This introduction to relief can spark the desire to try other medications that then leads to abuse or overdose.
There are several signs of abuse to look out for. Signs of dependency or abuse relies on the type of drug, amongst other factors.
Abuse of opioids: intended to relieve pain (Codeine, Fentanyl, Hydrocodone, etc.)
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Constricted pupils
- Seeks constipation remedies
Abuse of benzodiazepines: intended to treat anxiety or sleepiness (Valium or Xanax)
- Drowsiness
- Unable to walk steadily
- Blurry vision
- Irritability
- Forgetfulness
- Impaired judgement
Abuse of sedatives or tranquilizers:
- Poor memory
- Slurred speech
- Poor coordination
- Dilated pupils
- Depression
- Paranoia or suicidal thoughts
- Headaches or dizziness
Prescription Drug Abuse Can Look by Young Adults
How do you know the difference between your child experiencing the growing pains associated with becoming a teenager, and those of prescription drug abuse? Start with this list.
Abuse symptoms in young adults:
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Routine irritability
- Crying spells
- Odd sleep-patterns such as sleeping all day or staying up for nights on end
- Disinterest in achievements such as grades or quality of performance
- Disinterest in usual activities or hobbies
- Lack of usual hygiene
- Disinterest in appearance
- No care for rules or curfews
Saving Yourself or Your Loved One
There are several types of therapy and treatments available for prescription drug abuse that Advantage Mental Health Center can implement to help individuals overcome addiction.
What can buprenorphine do to help?
This FDA approved medication can minimize opioid dependence and get you back to the healthy lifestyle you deserve. Simply stopping opioid use can lead to negative outcomes due to physical dependence. Buprenorphine offers you a healthy escape from opioid dependency.
What does treatment with buprenorphine involve?
- Consultation
- At home buprenorphine care
- Counseling
We can help manage dependency and get you back to the life you love.
- Advantage Mental Health is owned and managed by a medical doctor who has undergone a specialized residency in psychiatry.
- We offer medically based treatment in addition to mental health counseling and behavioral therapy.
- Our staff includes highly-qualified physicians and nurse practitioners who work tirelessly and compassionately with our patients.
- We offer weekend appointments to meet the demands of your busy lifestyle.