There will be points in all of our lives where we’ll need prescription drugs to improve our health and get us feeling fit again. Unfortunately, some people can become too reliant on prescription drugs, developing an addiction that significantly hinders their health rather than helps it.
There’s been a significant rise in prescription drug abuse in recent years, with the likes of codeine addiction and sleeping pill addiction spiking significantly. In many cases, a partner or loved one may not even realize they’re addicted, and you may not even notice.
It’s far more commonplace than you’d think and here are five signs that could suggest a loved one may be addicted to their prescription…
Behavior and mood are changing
One of the easiest things to spot is that they’ll be behaving differently. Mood swings become more common and you’ll find they become more irritable, anxious, and agitated due to the fact that prescription drugs alter the brain’s chemistry, leading to different emotional states.
This can cause huge problems in relationships and is certainly the point where you should get your partner some help.
They could be secret about their intake of drugs
In any form of addiction, you’ll tend to find those suffering will start being secretive about their dosages and how frequently they are ingesting a substance. That’s the same for prescription drugs.
You’ll find they may hide pills or bottles, and that can affect their day-to-day life.
People become more on edge and paranoid as a result, which can completely alter a person’s behavior, often leaving them withdrawn not just from themselves, but also from things like friendship groups and work.
They may begin to look and function differently
While a partner may behave differently, you may also see a number of other physical and mental changes depending on the prescription drug they are addicted to.
You may find they are becoming more unsteady on their feet, slurring words, have a lack of coordination, or may find it difficult to focus and concentrate as a result of the side effects of prescription drugs.
They begin to have withdrawal symptoms
Naturally, a tell-tale sign is your partner having withdrawal symptoms.
If their prescription has run out or they are trying to cut down or quit, withdrawal symptoms could begin to appear, which can include things like restlessness, nausea, vomiting, and pretty significant cravings for the pills.
This is one of the strongest signs of addiction and you should consult with your partner about getting him help.
Become unreliable and irresponsible
Most addicts’ number one priority is feeding their addiction. This puts everything else down the pecking order, from simple household chores to work, school runs, and everything in between.
It can lead to strained relationships and if you start to note this is happening more regularly, then it could be time to address the issue by finding an affordable drug rehab cost.