The Dark Side Of Prescription Painkillers

Over the last several decades, prescription drug abuse has become a national crisis. It affects all socioeconomic backgrounds, ethnicities and age groups. The most heavily abused prescription drugs include stimulants, sedatives and opioids. With this increase in abuse also comes an increase in overdoses, with 14,716 overdoses reported in 2022. Many people become addicted after being prescribed medication for a legitimate health concern. Identifying your risks of addiction and when it may be time to seek help can prevent potential misuse and addiction.

Which Prescription Drugs Are Most Commonly Abused?

While opioids are a significant source of prescription drug abuse, they are not the only ones. Several types of prescription medications can lead to abuse and the development of substance use disorders. These medications can include:

• Central nervous system (CNS) depressants – These include anti-anxiety medications and benzodiazepines such as Valium (diazepam) and Xanax (alprazolam).
• Stimulants – Medications used to treat ADHD and insomnia. These include Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine sulfate), Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) and Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate).
• Opioids – Intended to treat pain and include Oxycodone, Morphine, Hydrocodone and Fentanyl.

This is not an exhaustive list of medications with the potential for misuse. Although these medications treat legitimate health issues, they are highly addictive. Even if properly used, the potential for abuse remains. Once this occurs, some may fall into an addictive use pattern and then “doctor shop” for additional prescriptions or attempt to gain access to pills by purchasing them illicitly or gaining access in other ways.

What Are the Dangers Associated With Prescription Drug Abuse?

The dangers associated with prescription drugs are significant due to their strength and potential for misuse. When combined with other substances or taken in ways other than prescribed, you run the risk of potential health complications or even overdose. The risks involved may differ depending on the type of medication:

• Opioids – When misused, opioid abuse can lead to decreased respiration, vomiting, increased risk of bone fractures, coma or even death.
• CNS depressants – Can lead to dizziness, depression and other mental health issues, respiratory problems, sexual dysfunction, insomnia, weight gain and suicidal thoughts and behavior.
• Stimulant abuse – Paranoia, psychosis, depression and suicidal ideation are potential chronic psychological effects of stimulant abuse. Long-term physical complications associated with stimulant abuse include a higher chance of cardiovascular events like stroke and heart attack.

These risks may increase when combining prescription pills with other substances such as alcohol.

Those over the age of 65 are especially at risk for negative consequences of prescription drug abuse. Falls, memory problems, and worsening health problems are all risks for older adults who abuse prescriptions. 

Why Prescription Drug Abuse Continues To Rise

While prescription drug abuse has been an issue for several years, it has skyrocketed over the last decade. Some experts believe that the wide availability of prescription drugs is intensifying the problem. With the recent rise of online pharmacies, access to prescription medication is easier than ever.

A wider availability of prescription drugs means there is a significant opportunity for misuse. Teenagers also have access to their parent’s medicine cabinet, making it easier for them to take and use these medications for themselves or give to friends. People can also gain access when they visit others. In addition, some who do not have a prescription may be tempted to use these drugs to improve their work or academic performance (such as with stimulants) or believe that because they are prescriptions, they are safe to use, even if the prescription isn’t theirs.

Unfortunately, these factors are driving the prescription abuse epidemic. While prescription drug monitoring databases are supposed to prevent the overprescription of controlled substances, the effectiveness of these systems is questionable.

Signs and Symptoms of Prescription Drug Abuse

The signs associated with prescription drug abuse vary depending on the type of medication. The most commonly misused ones are opioids, central nervous system (CNS) depressants and stimulants.

Opioids 

Opioids, like Vicodin (hydrocodone) and OxyContin (oxycodone) block pain receptors, and doctors often prescribe them after surgery or for those who are living with conditions that cause chronic pain. Signs associated with opioid abuse include:

• Slowed or shallow breathing
• Slurred speech
• Poor coordination
• Mood swings
• Upset stomach, constipation and vomiting
• Depression, anxiety and mood swings

Central nervous system (CNS) depressants

These medications are used to help treat sleep disorders and anxiety. This class of drugs includes benzodiazepines like Valium (diazepam), Klonopin (clonazepam) and Xanax (alprazolam). Common signs associated with abuse of CNS depressants are:

• Difficulty walking
• Mood swings
• Slowed breathing
• Memory difficulties
• Slurred speech
• Poor judgment
• Inability to concentrate
• Slower reflexes

Stimulants 

Stimulant drugs boost alertness and increase energy and attention. They include medications like Vyvanse, Ritalin and Adderall. Some symptoms associated with stimulant abuse include:

• Paranoia
• Dizziness
• Weight loss
• Decreased appetite
• Insomnia
• Headaches
• Hypertension
• Nervousness
• Irregular heart rate

Depending on the amount you use and the presence of other drugs in your system, the intensity of these symptoms may vary.

Preventing Prescription Drug Abuse

Prescription drugs are powerful medications, and it can be easy to misuse them if you aren’t careful. This potential for abuse is also true for others who are living in your home if they have access to your medicines. If you have a prescription and are worried about developing a dependence or someone in your household using them, there are several things you can do:

• Store your medications in a safe place where no one else has access.
• Always follow the directions and use your medications as directed by your doctor. 
• Understand the side effects and risks of your medication, including the risk of abuse and dependence. 
• Never adjust your doses without your doctor’s approval.
• Do not crush your pills (especially those that are time-released).
• Understand how your medication affects you before you drive or do other tasks.
• Be honest with your doctor if you have a previous history of abuse or a family history of addiction.
• Never let anyone else take your prescription medications.
• Learn about the interactions between your medication and other substances like alcohol and other medications (including over-the-counter drugs).

One of the most effective ways to prevent prescription drug abuse is to honestly assess yourself for your risk for abuse. Some people have higher risk factors, such as a previous history or family history of addiction or preexisting mental health conditions that make them more susceptible to addiction. If you are concerned with any of these risk factors, talk to your doctor before they write you a prescription. They may suggest a different option or give you further guidance to minimize your chance of becoming dependent.

How To Treat Prescription Drug Abuse

Battling addiction by yourself is difficult and can be dangerous without professional guidance. If you or someone you love is struggling with prescription drug abuse, Oasis Recovery Center can help. Oasis Recovery Center offers comprehensive substance abuse treatment programs and therapies that can restore you back to health and help you begin your recovery journey. We offer a variety of treatment modalities including trauma-informed care, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and holistic therapies. 

By providing therapeutic support, community and holistic forms of treatment, we can help you heal from prescription drug addiction so you can enjoy long-term, meaningful sobriety and a brighter future.