For many Americans, rural and urban, prescription drug abuse is extremely high and a leading cause of accidental death in the United States. However, this is not new. Prescription drug misuse has a long history. Because the stakes are high when it comes to the misuse of any drug—medication or otherwise—seeking help from a prescription drug abuse center is recommended if you believe you have moved away from the safe, medically necessary use of a drug toward dependence or addiction.
At Insight Recovery Center, we understand how drug misuse happens and are here to guide you to get help for yourself or a loved one.
Understanding prescription drug misuse
Prescription drug misuse is a serious issue that has been steadily rising over the years. Misusing medication can take many forms, and the consequences can be harmful to a person’s health, legal standing, and personal relationships.
Prescription drug misuse refers to using a medication in a way not intended by the prescribing doctor. This can include behaviors like taking higher doses than prescribed, using someone else’s prescription, or using a prescription drug to get high.
Common ways prescription drugs are misused
Misuse often does not begin with an intent to abuse prescription medication, but it can quickly become a habit that leads to dependency or addiction. Here are some of the most common ways prescription drugs are misused:
- Taking someone else’s prescription.
- Not following dosage guidelines. For example, doubling the prescribed dose to experience stronger effects.
- Not following frequency guidelines, like taking a drug more frequently than instructed.
- Misusing the form of the medication, such as crushing pills to snort them.
- Purchasing medication illegally from street dealers or online sources.
These examples highlight the many ways prescription drugs can be misused, often leading to serious health, legal, and social consequences. Awareness of these behaviors is crucial, as early detection can help prevent further harm and enable timely intervention.
How to spot early warning signs
Recognizing the signs of prescription drug misuse early can help families and caregivers intervene before the situation escalates.
Behavioral and physical changes
- A loved one may become unusually secretive about their medications or display mood swings and erratic behavior.
- Frequent mood shifts, irritability, or extreme fatigue
- Trouble keeping track of their medication or seeming to run out too quickly
- Missing medication from the prescription bottle or empty bottles lying around
- Declining academic or work performance due to distractions or focus issues
- Neglect of personal hygiene or changes in appearance
Dangers of misusing prescription medications
While beneficial when used correctly, prescription medications can pose significant risks if misused. Some of the risks include:
Health risks and side effects
Taking prescription drugs incorrectly can lead to serious physical health risks, such as overdoses, organ damage, or even death. Long-term misuse can also lead to dependence or addiction, which often requires professional intervention for recovery.
Legal and social consequences
Misuse of prescription drugs is illegal, and the social and legal ramifications can be severe. Individuals who misuse medications can face legal consequences, loss of employment, strained relationships, or expulsion from school. The social stigma surrounding drug misuse can often isolate individuals from their support networks, making recovery more challenging.
Practical prevention strategies
For families and caregivers, there are practical steps that can be taken to prevent prescription drug misuse and protect loved ones from harm.
Proper medication storage
Ensure that all prescription medications are stored in a secure, locked area. This is especially important if there are children or others in the household who might misuse the medication.
Patient education
Talk to your loved one about the importance of taking their medication exactly as prescribed. Encourage open communication about how they feel about the medication, any side effects, or concerns about dependence.
Supportive environment
Foster an environment of support and understanding to help your loved one feel comfortable discussing their health concerns. Encourage healthy coping mechanisms and be proactive in managing their medication needs.
When to seek professional help
If you suspect that someone in your life is misusing prescription drugs, it’s crucial to seek professional help as soon as possible. If signs of misuse escalate—such as withdrawal symptoms, erratic behavior, or legal issues—getting professional help is essential. It’s important to address the problem early, as addiction can quickly take hold, making recovery more challenging.
The team at Insight Recover Center can help.
Enroll in the prescription drug abuse program at Insight Recovery Center today
At Insight Recovery Center, we offer outpatient treatment to those who seek recovery from prescription drug addiction. With a partial hospitalization program and gender-specific men’s rehab and women’s rehab programs, Insight Recovery Center provides comprehensive and compassionate treatment. Some of the evidence-based therapies we offer include acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and motivational interviewing.
Supportive treatments and programs, such as life skills training and aftercare programs, acupuncture, yoga, and other holistic approaches, can assist in managing withdrawal symptoms and maintaining mental health during recovery. We also treat co-occurring disorders to maximize the success of your rehab time.
Let Insight Recovery Center help. We are here to support you now and into the future. Reach out by completing this form or simply calling 828.826.1376.