Helping A Loved One Cope From Prescription Drug Abuse

What is prescription drug abuse?

Prescription drug abuse happens when a person takes a prescribed drug which is for another person or which is used for another reason. It may start from taking prescription painkillers for simple discomforts and later on progress to serious matters such as taking stimulants to get high. This type of drug abuse is common in young people and those with access to the medications that are not sold over-the-counter. This usually happens when a member of the family discovers the effects of the drugs that are prescribed for another member. Drug abuse has serious consequences since there are reasons why these drugs are being regulated and controlled. It is very risky to take this matter for granted. Immediate action is beneficial if you think a family member is beginning to show signs of drug abuse.

What are the signs of prescription drug abuse?

The most common prescription drugs abused are the stimulants. When people are abusing these medications, they seem to be agitated and irritable most of the time. They become less productive at work and may usually come looking tired because stimulant abuse can make the experience difficulty in sleeping. They may complain of having rapid heart rate and they begin to lose weight. When they abuse the use of sedatives, they will appear the opposite of those who abuse stimulants. They may seem sleepy, tired and sedated most of the time. At certain times, when their addiction magnifies, they may ask for more prescriptions, increase the dosage they are taking and pay visits to their physicians more often. Some may even forge or steal prescriptions just to buy more medications.

How to help that person cope

Know about prescription drug abuse. A lot of people think that people who abuse drugs are not having a tough time. They actually do, especially those who have recognized their problem already. Learn about this condition and be oriented with the things you need to do in order to help them. You can talk to medical professionals or do your own research through books and the internet.

Talk to them and make them feel that you are ready to help. At this point in their life, they need understanding and support from their loved ones and those who are significant to them. Refrain from blaming them and giving negative reactions and comments. It will only make them feel worse and will not be of help if they are trying to recover.

Refer them to professional help. When their addiction becomes serious and hard to control, professional help will be very beneficial. Medications and therapies are some of ways to help them overcome their addiction to these substances. They might feel uncomfortable during the first few visits so you can offer to go and stay with them through out the therapies.

Look for support groups. There are a lot of people who have undergone or are still undergoing this condition. Bringing them to a support group will make them feel that they can express their worries and concerns without being misjudged and misunderstood.