Has a loved one’s behavior changed for the worse? Is he or she avoiding you for no apparent reason or refusing to participate in activities that he or she once enjoyed? Have you noticed a loved one’s personality change, and you feel as if the best part of him or her went missing? If so, prescription medication abuse may be the root cause of the problem.
Symptoms of medication abuse vary depending on a person’s age, the type of medication a person is addicted to, and how long a person has been engaging in medication abuse. Even so, there are several tell-tale signs of prescription drug addiction to be on the lookout for if you suspect someone struggles with substance abuse. To learn more, contact Pennsylvania Adult and Teen Challenge today at 844.442.8673.
1. Drowsiness
There are many reasons why a loved one may feel more tired than usual. Poor sleeping habits, lack of exercise, excessive exercise, and unhealthy eating habits can make one feel fatigued and more tired than usual. However, drowsiness can also be a symptom of addiction to opioids, anti-anxiety medications, and sedatives. Drowsiness, coupled with one or more symptoms below, is a warning sign that your loved one may be engaging in prescription drug abuse.
2. Confusion
Is your loved one having a hard time finding his or her way around? Is he or she missing appointments or forgetting important events? Confusion is a common symptom of opioid, anti-anxiety medication, and sedative abuse. It’s often followed by mood swings as an individual becomes frustrated at being unable to manage life or lashes out in anger at friends and relatives who show concern over their mental well-being. Deal with confusion gently and tactfully; being too forceful or accusing a person of addiction can result in your loved one becoming secretive in order to cover up ongoing medication abuse.
3. Agitation/Paranoia
Agitation and paranoia are both common symptoms of stimulant addiction. These symptoms are often coupled with insomnia. Be careful when dealing with a loved one who exhibits these symptoms, as getting angry and accusing them of abusing prescription medication won’t help remedy the problem. Talk to a therapist about planning an intervention or getting professional drug addiction treatment. Agitation and paranoia can lead to other, more severe symptoms such as aggression, extreme anxiety, depression, hallucinations, and even suicidal thoughts.
4. Inability to Concentrate
Stimulant addiction can increase alertness, but most drug addictions result in an inability to concentrate. If your teenager is battling drug addiction, you may notice the results in his or her grades. Adults battling prescription drug abuse may have difficulty holding down a job, managing finances, or even driving around town. Naturally, everyone gets distracted or lost in their thoughts from time to time, but there should be a valid reason for a prolonged inability to focus on school, work, or home activities.
Get Effective Drug Addiction Treatment Today
The symptoms of medication abuse can be serious or even life-threatening. If you suspect a loved one is abusing medications, get professional help as soon as you can. Be prepared to do this on your own, as your loved one may not be willing or even able to accept the need for treatment right away.
Pennsylvania Adult and Teen Challenge offers all the services you need to help a loved one get rid of addiction permanently. Our team provides safe medical detoxification to help your loved one handle withdrawals. We provide in-patient and outpatient treatment and various therapy options. These services help individuals identify the root cause of addiction and deal with it to avoid future problems. Get in touch with us on our website or call us at 844.442.8673 to learn more or schedule an appointment with one of our licensed therapists.
