Prescription Drug Abuse

What is prescription drug abuse?

When prescription drugs are taken the right way, they are safe. Taking too much or taking them when they are not needed is drug abuse. Abusing drugs can be dangerous. People can become addicted to prescription medicines the same way people are addicted to illegal drugs. People who abuse any kind of drugs need treatment for their addiction.

What kinds of drugs are abused?

Commonly abused prescription drugs include:

painkillers such as Vicodin, Lortab, Percocet, and Fiorinal
sleeping pills such as Halcion, Dalmane, Ativan, and Restoril
anti-anxiety medicines such as Valium, Xanax, Klonopin, and Ativan
cough medicines that contain codeine
stimulants such as Ritalin, Dexedrine, and Adderall.

How does it occur?

People who have problems with pain, severe anxiety, or insomnia may believe that more is better. They may think that if one pill helps them, two will help more. Other people may try to prevent problems by taking the medicine before it is really needed. Sometimes the medicine seems to be the only thing that makes someone feel better or function better. They may think that they cannot get along without it.

What are signs of abuse?

Possible signs of drug abuse include:

having trouble paying attention
being more forgetful than usual
missing work or school
being more moody than usual
having trouble sleeping
believing that people are "out to get you"
losing interest in things you used to enjoy.

Friends and family may see signs of prescription drug abuse before the person realizes it.

People who abuse medicines may:

see several different doctors so that they can get more prescriptions
forge prescriptions
take medicine prescribed for others.

How can I prevent prescription drug abuse?

Tell your health care provider about all the medicines you are taking, including nonprescription and herbal medicines. Do not drink alcohol while you are taking prescription medicines unless your health care provider approves. Prescription drugs taken with alcohol may increase the effects of the alcohol or medicine.

Take all medicines exactly as directed by your health care provider. Do not take more medicine, take it more often, or take it longer than directed.

Ask your health care provider for help. He or she may be able to prescribe medicine that makes you less likely to crave the addictive medicine. Talking with your health care provider or a counselor about your problems and your drug use can be helpful too.

To learn more, call the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence at 800-622-2255 or visit their Web site at http:// www.ncadd.org. Speak to a pharmacist or health care provider if you are concerned about someone misusing prescription drugs. You can also call the National Institute on Drug Abuse Referral Hotline at 800-662-4357.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIA File BHV3351F.HTM Release 9.0/2006