Some people consider that because these drugs are prescribed by doctors, they are safer to abuse than illicit drugs. This is never the case and is a dangerous belief.
Prescription drug addiction can start as innocently as taking painkillers or anti-anxiety medications as prescribed by the doctor. Many doctors do not warn their patients about the possibility of addiction and may not understand how to deal with a patient who becomes addicted. If the pills are taken continuously for a few months, a patient will normally become dependent on them and may seek more pills just so they can function in life. If their usual doctor won’t offer them, they may begin looking for a new doctor who will. This is the slippery slope to full-blown addiction.
A second route to addiction starts with that idea that prescription drugs are safer than illicit drugs. People who believe this idea may then think it’s okay to misuse prescriptions for recreational purposes. Someone may give them a few pills at a party. If they like the way the pills make them feel, they may start looking for more of them.
Drug education has been shown to be a very effective tool to prevent prescription drug abuse. For this reason, we offer free drug educational materials on the signs of drug abuse to assist you in safeguarding yourself and your loved ones. Narconon can also assist you in finding a recovery program for any loved one that may be struggling with addiction. Please call us today to get the help you need.
Signs of Prescription Drug Abuse:
- Driving long distances to get see a doctor or fill prescriptions
- Switching doctors frequently or seeing more than one doctor
- Having prescription bottles with someone else’s name on them
- Suffering from poor memory
- Losing interest in usual activities
- Needing unusual amounts of money
- Being sluggish and tired most of the time
- Being depressed or isolated
- Having dilated or pinpoint pupils
- Poor coordination or slurred speech