Know the Signs and Symptoms of Prescription Drug Addictions

| April 1, 2020

Have you noticed a change in your employee or loved one since their surgery or since they were in that car accident? Have they been increasingly moody or hostile? Or perhaps more energetic or lethargic?

You having an awareness of the signs and symptoms of prescription drug overuse can be the lifeline someone needs before this overuse turns into addiction!

Prescription drugs are often given as painkillers after a major surgery or accident. Starting off as harmless pills to ease the pain, these can quickly turn into addictive substances as the body becomes dependent upon them. Watch this video to see how quickly a small prescription can turn into an addiction:

Individuals particularly at risk for prescription drug addiction include those who have had previous or a family history of addiction to drugs, tobacco, or alcohol, pre-existing psychiatric conditions, and easy access to prescription drugs.

As the body becomes accustomed to the prescription drug (called tolerance), individuals may notice they need more of the drug in order to feel the same affect. But eventually, a tolerance to the upped dose is acquired, as well. This is an endless cycle, quickly turning from physical dependence into addiction.

Mayo Clinic lists the follow as the symptoms of opioid drug abuse:

  • Constipation
  • Nausea
  • Feeling high (euphoria)
  • Slowed breathing rate
  • Drowsiness
  • Confusion
  • Poor coordination
  • Increased dose required for pain relief
  • Worsening or increased sensitivity to pain with higher doses (hyperalgesia)
  • Excessive mood swings or hostility
  • Increase or decrease in sleep
  • Poor decision-making
  • Appearing to be high, unusually energetic or revved up, or sedated

As the individual becomes more addicted, they may engage in risky and illogical behaviors to obtain more drugs, such as:

  • Stealing, forging or selling prescriptions
  • Taking higher doses than prescribed
  • Requesting early refills or continually “losing” prescriptions, so more prescriptions must be written
  • Seeking prescriptions from more than one doctor

If you notice any of these changes to your employee or loved one, it’s important to firmly encourage a physician visit to receive counsel on how to proceed forward. Prescription drug abuse doesn’t go away—it often escalates into using other illegal drugs in order to obtain the “high.” Acting quickly and giving unconditional support is the best way to help your employee or loved one not be overcome by drug abuse!

At Nationwide Drug Testing Service, our staff is not only understanding and considerate, but knowledgeable as well. From the moment you contact us, you can expect to deal with a professional, well-trained Representative who will be with you throughout the entire process.

Nationwide Drug Testing Services is one of the largest accredited drug testing networks in the U.S. We offer testing in every state Nationwide, for affordable, Same-Day-Appointment Drug Testing and Fast, Accurate results.

Call us today at 877.497.1002 or Order a Test Online!