Recognizing Prescription Drug Abuse or Addiction
Posted on October 23, 2009It is often more difficult to notice the signs and symptoms of addiction when a loved one is abusing prescription drugs than if he or she were abusing drugs like heroin or cocaine. But there are still many signs of prescription drug abuse that parents, friends, and family should be on the lookout for.
If you notice one or more of these characteristics in your loved one, you should talk to him or her in a non-accusatory way, expressing your concern for his or her health and well-being. Knowing how to recognize prescription drug abuse can help you save the life of a loved one.
Mood Swings: If your loved one is experiencing drastic mood swings—one minute he or she is laughing and the next minute crying—you should heighten your awareness.
Uncharacteristic behavior: Has your loved one been lying, stealing, or acting in ways that are uncharacteristic of him or her? Watch for behavior that is out of the ordinary, including violent behavior and aggression.
Recent injury or illness: Has your loved one experienced a recent injury or illness that he or she may have been prescribed medication for? If so, find out what prescriptions he or she has been taking and whether he or she is taking the prescribed amount or more. If your loved one is taking more than the prescribed dose, there may be a problem.
