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 are addicted to any kind of drugs need treatment.

What kinds of drugs are abused?

Commonly abused prescription drugs include:

• painkillers such as Vicodin, Lortab, Percocet, Ultram, 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?

A person who is abusing drugs may:

• have trouble paying attention
• be more forgetful than usual
• miss work or school
• be moodier than usual
• have trouble sleeping
• lose interest in things they 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 healthcare providers so that they can get more prescriptions
• pretend to be in pain just to get pain medicine
• forge prescriptions
• take medicine prescribed for others

How can I prevent prescription drug abuse?

Tell your healthcare 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 healthcare provider approves. Prescription drugs taken with alcohol may increase the effects of the alcohol or medicine.

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

Ask your healthcare 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 healthcare provider or a counselor about your problems and your drug use can be helpful too.

Speak to a pharmacist or healthcare provider if you are concerned about someone misusing prescription drugs. To learn more, contact:

The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence
800-622-2255
Web site: http://www.ncadd.org

The National Institute on Drug Abuse Referral Hotline
800-662-4357