How to Stop Using Prescription Drugs

There may come a time when you wish to stop using prescription medications. Addiction and abuse are common concerns, especially when dealing with painkillers. However, there are other concerns. For instance, some prescription drugs can be very beneficial in the short-term, but harmful in the long run. Read on to learn how to stop using prescription drugs.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Discuss any new medication with your doctor before you begin taking it. Ask questions and find out whether the medication is addictive. Learn about the long-term effects of taking the medication, as well as the names of any alternative drugs.

2. Have a plan for using your medication. If you are not expected to use all the pills prescribed, know what you should do with the leftovers. There are many prescription drug donation programs, as well as other options for disposal.

3. Learn the symptoms of drug dependency. One symptom involves feeling that you can't complete a task without taking medication.

4. Contact your doctor for help with planning to stop your use of a particular prescribed drug. If you have become dependent on a medication, your doctor can direct you to resources helpful for dealing with dependency and abuse situations. Depending on your situation, your doctor may refer you to a treatment specialist or a psychiatrist.

5. Avoid taking old, expired prescription drugs, as they are potentially harmful. Many medications decay as they age and can turn from helpful medications into harmful chemicals.

Tips & Warnings

• When doctors prescribe antibiotics, they generally expect you to continue using the drugs until you run out of pills. With painkillers, however, the doctor may suggest that you take them only when certain symptoms occur. You need to know when your doctor expects you to stop taking your prescription.
• If someone expresses a concern that your behavior has changed, take his or her worries seriously. You may be behaving in an out of control manner because of drug dependency.
• If you feel that you have built up a tolerance to a drug, do not take a higher dosage without first consulting your doctor.
• If you have been taking a drug for a long period of time, you may experience withdrawal effects. You may be especially vulnerable to these side effects if you were prescribed a narcotic. If withdrawal is a concern, your doctor can help develop a plan to reduce your usage gradually. Exercise and nutrition can also limit withdrawal effects.

Resources

• Drug Abuse Facts on the Prescription Drug Abuse Website

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