There are so many kinds of addiction in this day and age that it is difficult to keep track!
But, the worst is the prescription drug kind.
Firstly, it is not an intravenous drug with a severe chemical reaction. However, this is the reason why they aren’t taken much seriously.
Another dangerous element of this addiction is availability. It is not easy to detect these kinds of addictions, and the patient can get access to the substance because they have the prescription with them at all times.
So, what should be done?
Not to give up hope!
Because that is the first step, the rest will follow as long as you are willing to help yourself or someone else who might be facing the same problem.
Table of Contents
How To Detect A Prescription Drug Addiction?
Since this addiction is so subtle, it can be hard to detect. However, there are some red flags that you could be missing.
If you find yourself ticking all the boxes for the following red flags, then it is high time that you take help.
No, you do not have to do it alone. There is always an excellent treatment facility that can cater to all the physical and emotional requirements of a patient and help their level best in the recovery.
Constipation & Nausea
Opioids, also known as pain drugs, are the most common substance for medicinal addiction.
These can numb the nerves, essentially numbing the pain. Plus, they can give you a slight sense of euphoria. Constipation and nausea are the two major concerns when it comes to opioids.
It is like the body is physically not able to resist these heavy doses of medicine.
Dizziness & Slurred Speech
These kinds of symptoms are common when you are taking too many antidepressants or anxiety medicines.
For someone suffering from these mental health problems, it is always desperation. Thinking that taking these medicines over and over again will help them.
But, in reality, it can make things worse.
High Blood Pressure & Body Temperature
Another common symptom for someone who is consuming too many stimulants on a daily basis.
These physical and mental symptoms are already dangerous, and if not stopped, they can worsen with time.
Handling Addiction To Prescription Drugs
Once you understand that you have a problem, the next step is handling this situation. Yes, it can be a little difficult at first with all the withdrawal symptoms.
But, with time, you will be able to manage this easily. Don’t be afraid to get some professional help if that is the requirement.
1. Acknowledge The Problem
If you find yourself dealing with any of the severe symptoms mentioned above, you might be suffering from this addiction.
The first step is to always accept that there is a problem. Unless and until you do so, no one can help you.
If you see a friend or a family member dealing with this problem, try to talk to them about it. Don’t immediately start accusing them since it is only civil talk that will help them accept the problem.
2. Talk To Your Doctor
If you are getting addicted to prescribed drugs, a medical professional is surely prescribing them to you.
Once you accept that there is a problem, go and talk to your doctor. They will understand the situation and try to prescribe something different or withdraw the prescription entirely.
This will help you cut the source.
3. Let Someone Else Handle The Prescription
If these are medicines that you absolutely need at a certain dosage, let someone else handle the consumption.
For example, if you have recently gone through surgery and you need painkillers, give the prescription to someone else. Help them understand the timing and everything for the drug, and they will give you the dose according to the schedule.
4. Talk To A Loved One
Sometimes patients can go to extra lengths to forge prescriptions, only to get access to these prescribed drugs.
If you find yourself doing this, then the red flag is staring right at your face.
Ensure that you talk about this to someone and let them know there is a problem. With the proper supervision, you won’t be able to indulge in such activities. Choose someone who will be absolutely non-judgemental about your situation.
It could be a parent you trust or a friend.
5. Seek Therapy
Even if we have people in our lives who would be more than willing to help us, we can still feel scared to share our stories.
If this is the case, you are not alone, but you will always have someone to talk to, thanks to therapy. With a therapist who will be giving you an in-depth analysis of your addiction, you will see it through the eyes of a professional.
Through cognitive behavioral therapy, you will also understand the elements that coils have triggered these sudden wants to those drugs. So, in short, you are helping yourself.
6. Get Into A Detoxification Center
If the problem seems too severe to solve by just talking, then you can enroll yourself in a detoxification center.
An inpatient or an outpatient one, based on the level of addiction you are dealing with. With the right help and support, your healing will be much easier in the detoxification center.
7. Try Holistic Approach Of Healing
These medicines, which bind you through the clutches of addiction, solve a certain problem in your body.
If it is for mental health issues, you can easily talk to your therapist and learn more of a holistic approach to healing. This is when you leave the dependency on drugs and find natural medicines like yoga, mindful meditation, and regular exercise.
Embrace Sobriety!
Sobriety is always beautiful!
Especially if you have just unlatched yourself from the dangerous grip of addiction, while you are through your recovery program for prescribed rugs, embrace the thought of sobriety.
Your motivation is thinking about the positive world that waits beyond your recovery.
Have a happy recovery!
