5 Signs of Prescription Drug Addiction

By Tony Bylsma

Social Withdrawal

Persons abusing and becoming addicted to prescription drugs have a need to conceal what is happening. Increased contact with others simply increases the chance of discovery, and so is avoided. As the need to conceal what is happening gets stronger, so does the need to withdraw. Functions they normally attend are skipped and activities which require social interaction are more and more neglected.

Increased Usage

When dealing with the pain of an injury, dependence on an opiate pain killer such as OxyContin or Vicodin can result. One strong indication is increased usage of the medication. During the healing process, pain should subside over time unless the injury is not healing which should be obvious. If it appears to be improving but the use of pain killers is remaining the same or increasing, it is time to become suspicious. Dependency on the drug could be developing and rehab needed.

Attitude Changes

Hypersensitivity to criticism, especially where the drugs are concerned is a strong indication of developing problems. If the whole subject is completely untouchable, it is likely time to seek help.

Increased Efforts to Obtain Prescriptions

As use increases beyond normal limits, it becomes necessary for the addict to get more creative in obtaining the drug. Going to pharmacies further away from home, visiting new doctors and having new "pains" are just a few of the signs of a budding drug abuse problem. Most doctors will cut the prescriptions off or at least cut the amounts and strengths down when they suspect addiction setting in.

This makes it necessary for the user to go the extra mile.

Personal Appearance and Hygiene Changes

Very common signs of increasing prescription drug addiction are changes in normal everyday functions such as personal hygiene and care of personal appearance. These functions become less of a priority when the obtaining of and use of the addictive substance becomes more encompassing.

These factors can be signals of other problems too, but when two or more of them are becoming obvious, it is definitely time to look for a substance abuse problem and seek prescription drug addiction treatment.

For advice regarding addiction or help finding the best treatment, visit the link above or visit Tony's blog at http://www.detoxrehab.org.
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