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Prescription drug abuse is on the rise in the United States. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, 52 million people over the age of 12 have used prescription drugs for non-medical reasons in the US.

One of the trickiest things about prescription drug abuse is that these drugs are not illegal. Doctors prescribe these medications to assist those who actually need it and it is against the law to take medicine that has not been prescribed by your doctor. However, the physical act of taking any sort of medication typically causes no alarm, making it more difficult for those to spot a potential prescription drug addiction.

While the actual substance may be different from other drugs out there, the behavior associated with being addicted to prescription drugs is the same. Those who are addicted to prescription drugs will do almost anything to get them – and that is when it’s time to seek help.

Signs of Prescription Drug Abuse

As mentioned above, spotting a prescription drug abuse problem can be difficult. However, if you feel that a loved one may be addicted to prescription drugs, be on the lookout for these symptoms (courtesy of the Mayo Clinic):

• Stealing prescriptions (from family members, friends, etc.)
• Frequent mood swings
• Hostility
• Number of pills remaining in prescribed medications running out before anticipated
• Frequently “losing” perscriptions to obtain more
• Visiting more than one doctor to obtain prescriptions
• A general appearance of being “high” (either sedated or completely revved up)

Seeking Help for Prescription Drug Abuse

If you or a loved one is experiencing a prescription abuse problem, you are not alone and help is available. Don’t let prescription drugs consume your life and destroy your relationships with the ones you love.

At Crossroads, we offer a variety of substance use treatment programs and options. Our services and programs include inpatient detoxification, residential and outpatient treatment, aftercare services, and more. Our compassionate staff are leaders in the field and are dedicated to helping those affected by substance use.

Our goal is to empower individuals to recover from addiction by providing affordable, quality, and holistic treatment to those suffering from substance use.

If you’re ready to seek help for yourself or a loved one suffering from prescription drug abuse, contact us today or call us at (239) 354-1428.