How to Prevent Prescription Drug Abuse

Prescription drugs can be addictive. Many individuals think abuse and addiction only happens with illegal drugs. This is a common misconception. Even if a person has a prescription for medication, she may abuse it and exhibit addict-like behaviors. Gaining knowledge of prescription drug abuse is the first step towards preventing addiction.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Recognize drug addiction. Addiction is an inability to stop taking a drug. It can have physical symptoms, such as cravings or withdrawal.
2. Evaluate your risk, as certain drugs are more likely to be abused than others. Additionally, if your family has a history of addiction, you may be at a higher risk for prescription medication abuse. Make sure your doctor is aware of any risk factors.
3. Stick to your prescription. Take only the amounts prescribed, at the times recommended by your doctor. If you feel that your prescribed dosage is not having an effect, contact your doctor.
4. Consider the type of drug you are taking and the length of time you have used it. Narcotics, sedatives and stimulants are the drugs that are most likely to be abused. Also, long-term usage of a medication increases the likelihood of dependency or addiction.
5. Make a plan with your doctor for getting off your prescription. If you have been prescribed an addictive drug, you may need to slowly reduce your dosage.
6. Be aware of drug dependency warnings and seek medical intervention if you feel that you are becoming dependent on a medication. An early sign of drug abuse is building up a tolerance to your current dosage. However, it is possible to build up a medication tolerance without becoming addicted.
7. Dispose of unneeded prescription drugs, either by donating them or throwing them away. Removing temptation can be the easiest way to prevent drug abuse.
8. Contact your doctor or a drug abuse treatment center if you are concerned about your drug use. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides an online facility locater. See the Resources Section below for a link. Use it to find a center specializing in the treatment of drug abuse.
9. Take notice if someone expresses concern over drug abuse symptoms, such as mood swings, irritability or overuse.

Tips & Warnings

• Limiting your prescription drug use can be one of the easiest ways to prevent dependency. There are alternative pain-management systems beyond prescription medications. There are also alternatives to stimulants and depressants, including lifestyle changes.