Frequently Asked Questions About Prescription Drugs

All drugs can be abused. It doesn’t matter if it is a prescription drug given to you by a doctor or an illegal drug bought on a street corner. Knowing this, everyone should be careful about the drugs they use and closely follow medical professionals’ advice.

If you or a loved one have become addicted to an illegal substance, help is always available. Read the following list of frequently asked questions and figure out the best strategy for beating addiction. Recovery is always possible.

For Prescription Drug Users

The next five questions are for people who have become addicted to prescription drugs. However, plenty of other people might find them helpful too. 

If you have become addicted to prescription drugs, read the following questions. Just know this: Knowledge alone isn’t enough to beat addiction. Only treatment can help you if you have developed a dependency to substance abuse. We would be more than happy to help you find out more about available treatment options. Our phone number is 614-502-6247. Feel free to call us anytime.

Is It Dangerous to Take More Than I Was Prescribed?

In most cases, yes. Not all drugs are particularly dangerous, but all of them can be abused. Drug abuse often results in unexpected short and long-term effects. Many of which are harmful.

And some can even be deadly. Take opioids, for example. Prescription opioids are somewhat safe if taken for a short period as directed by a doctor. But they can be easily abused. This form of abuse often leads to addiction. Opioids change the habit center within our brains, making people want to use it more and more.

Many people who become addicted to opioids took the drug in its normal form. Sometimes you can crush up pills to snort or inject, but you don’t need to take them like this to become addicted.

Since it’s possible to overdose on opioid medication, it is essential to seek treatment if you have become addicted. Treatment is often the best way to overcome addiction. But whatever the case might be, we would be more than happy to help answer any questions you might have. Our phone number is 614-502-6247. 

How Do I Know if I Have a Problem with Rx Drugs?

The answer to this question really depends on how we define the word “problem.” Most of the time, having a problem with prescription drugs means being unable to stop abusing them. But anyone who abuses drugs beyond their intended use has a “problem.” 

If you are knowingly using a drug outside of what the doctor prescribed it for, you have a drug problem. While some of these problems are worse than others, all of them have negative consequences. 

Let’s go through a couple of examples. If you have a problem with prescription drugs, you likely have developed an addiction. The signs of addiction include the following: 

• Taking more than what your doctor initially prescribed
• Stealing medication from other people
• Forging prescriptions
• Hostility or excessive mood swings
• Making poor decisions
• Insomnia or sleeping more than you intended
• Getting high on purpose
• Requesting early refills to get more of the drug

If you are experiencing any of the above signs, you should consider getting help. If you call us at 614-502-6247, we can help you decide what to do next.

What Long-Term Damages Could Result from Prescription Drug Abuse?

There are many different kinds of effects resulting from drug abuse. Most of them are negative, especially in the long-term. We can broadly divide these consequences into three categories: medical consequences, addiction consequences, and others.

Medical consequences are adverse effects that directly impact your health. For example, opioids can lower your blood pressure. They can also cause a drop in blood oxygen resulting in permanent brain damage or death. Anti-anxiety meds can cause memory problems. And stimulants can create heart problems or inspire paranoia.

None of these issues touch on addiction. If you happen to become addicted to stimulants or opioids, of course, the risk of having other medical problems also increases. This is because you end up using the drug even more than before.

Finally, there are other effects. Many addicts become so locked into a dependency that they end up making poor choices. These poor decisions often lead to legal repercussions or strain relationships. For example, you might steal prescription meds from a loved one to get a fix.

If you are worried about any of these problems or experiencing them in your life, don’t be afraid to look for help. We can get you started on recovery. Reach out: 614-502-6247.

Why Don’t My Pain Prescriptions Work Anymore?

For many pain medications, people can build a physical tolerance to the drug. This means that, over time, you will not receive the same effects from taking the same amount. For example, all opioids build tolerance over time.

Knowing this, you might think about increasing the amount you are taking. But this is often a bad idea. Taking more increases the likelihood of developing an addiction and physical dependency to the drug. One reason why overdoses are so common when it comes to opioids is because of tolerance. People struggling with addiction try to take more to get the same high, and by doing so, they take too much.

Never attempt to manage pain without talking to your doctor. Medical professionals can give you another drug or tell you how to change the dosage you’re taking safely. A simple phone call could save your life. If you have any other questions about prescription medications, we can help too. Our number is 614-502-6247.

Why Did I Get a Prescription for Narcan with My Pain Medication?

Narcan, which is the brand name for naloxone, is a drug that can reverse or stop an opioid overdose. If taken early enough, it can save your life.

An opioid overdose can slow the rate of breathing so far that it causes brain death. In many cases, even if medical help arrives on time, permanent brain damage can result. This is why it can be so important to prevent overdose. 

If your doctor has prescribed naloxone, they are not implying that you will abuse your prescription. Instead, they are providing a rescue option in case you or someone else accidentally overdoses. In the event, you experience an overdose, every second counts. If medical care is further away, this is especially true. Using Narcan early can save lives.

In addition, doctors often prescribe Narcan in case opioids fall into the wrong hands. Opioids are highly addictive, and people often abuse them. Due to the high risk, having naloxone can be helpful.

If you have more questions about how Narcan can be useful, feel free to contact us: 614-502-6247. We would be happy to answer your questions about opioids.

For Loved Ones

If your loved one is abusing prescription drugs, you should help them find treatment. Typically, this involves having a serious conversation or intervention. But before you can do either of these, it is crucial to already have a plan in place. Having a plan is more than knowing what to talk about. You should always have a course of action. Know what treatment options are available, read the following questions, and call us if you need more help. We can be reached at 614-502-6247. 

What Are the Signs of Prescription Drug Abuse?

There are many signs that come with prescription drug abuse. Be sure to keep an eye out for some of them. Some of the physical warning signs include:

• Bloodshot eyes
• Pupil dilation
• Changes in sleep/appetite
• Slurred speech or poor coordination

In addition to the physical warning signs, addiction and abuse often come with behavioral symptoms. Here are some to watch for:

• Failure to meet responsibilities
• Sudden change in relationships
• Loss of enthusiasm for hobbies
• Getting into trouble
• Unexplained financial trouble including a need to borrow or steal

Sometimes, substance abuse also comes with psychological warnings. If you see your loved one doing any of the following, they could have a problem:

• Changes in personality or attitude
• Mood swings
• Angry outbursts
• Unexplained fear, anxiety, paranoia
• Lack of motivation

Of course, different drugs will have their own warning signs. Typically, however, the warning signs of addiction are similar for all kinds of drugs. If you are worried your loved one might be addicted to prescription medication, help them find treatment. We can point you in the right direction. Call us: 614-502-6247.

My Loved One Stole My Prescription Medication, What Should I Do?

The theft of prescription drugs is a common occurrence in America. In fact, crime in America is often drug-related. Studies have shown that 63% of larceny cases, 50% of burglaries, and 68% of car thefts are related to drug addiction.

When someone becomes addicted to drugs, it becomes incredibly difficult for them to quit. This happens because substance abuse often changes the chemistry of our brains, making it hard to stop. That’s why addicts often steal prescription medication. 

To handle this problem, first, do not lash out at them. As we said above, this is a disease. Approach them out of concern and love, and have a serious talk. If this doesn’t work, consider staging an intervention to show them how substance abuse harms them. 

If you have any questions about the best way to approach your loved one, we are ready to help. You can call us at 614-502-6247.

How Can I Convince My Loved One to Seek Help?

Trying to convince your loved one to get help is a difficult task. There are many things you can do well, and there are many things that can go wrong. 

If you are planning on approaching your loved one about their addiction, tread carefully. Follow these simple rules:

• Try to approach them when they are already thinking of quitting; let them acknowledge the problem first
• Be emphatic and caring about their problem
• Stay calm no matter how they react
• Have treatment options ready

Whatever you do, however, try to avoid doing any of the following:

• Talking to them in public or when they’re high
• Casting blame
• Being aggressive and confrontational 

No matter what you choose to do, remember addiction is a disease. They are suffering from an illness that makes it incredibly challenging to quit. If they are going to beat their problem, they might need treatment. If you are wondering what treatment options are available, phone us: 614-502-6247.

What Are the Best Treatment Options for Someone Addicted to Prescription Drugs?

For many addicts, treatment is the best choice. Since addiction can be so difficult to beat, behavioral therapy and support groups are often the best way to find recovery. Behavioral therapy is a science-based form of treatment to help patients stop abusing substances.

One key part of behavioral therapy is counseling. Licensed counselors or addiction specialists typically offer individual, group, and family counseling. Choosing one of these depends on your situation. From there, your counselor will help their patient discover what factors led to their substance abuse. Then the patient learns to develop skills and strategies to resist addiction.

If you want to learn about the different kinds of treatment and what might be best for you, call us. We can go through all of the details and help you find a way to recovery for your loved one. Our number is 614-502-6247.

Why Have Prescription Drugs Become So Widely Misused in the US?

Prescription opioids, depressants, and stimulants have become a severe health problem. Most people in the country take their prescription medications responsibly, but this isn’t enough. In 2017, around 18 million people had abused these medications over the last year. The reason this happens is because many drugs are often overprescribed. Furthermore, many Americans don’t properly dispose of these medications after finishing them.

Over the last 20 years, a large black market of prescription drugs has grown in size. In addition, many teenagers steal the medication their parents take responsibly. In other cases, people develop addictions even while taking their medicine as instructed.

No matter the reason, the problem isn’t going to go away soon. For anyone dealing with a prescription medication addiction, the best way forward is to find help. We would be more than happy to help your loved one live a happier life without the need for prescription meds. You can contact us at 614-502-6247.

Call Today

If some of the above questions applied to you or your loved one, it might be worthwhile to seek more help. Dealing with addiction is difficult. The road to recovery is a long one, and at times, it might even seem lonely. But treatment is not something you have to do on your own. We would be more than happy to help you find answers and seek help. You can call us at 614-502-6247. We are ready to help you with whatever you need.