There will perhaps be a time in all of our lives when we need the help of prescription drugs. They’re what help us manage pain, chronic health conditions and even anxiety, and are provided to us by our GP or doctor to do exactly that.
However, even when taken as directed, some people find themselves running the risk of becoming dependent on them. In fact, it’s estimated that around 1.5 million people misuse prescription medication, while many more have become addicted to painkillers such as paracetamol.
Visit any drug addiction rehab treatment centre today and you’ll find that it’s not just the likes of cocaine or heroin in which people are getting treatment for, but prescription drugs too, so it’s important to understand your relationship with them if you regularly take prescription drugs.
There generally are telltale signs that addiction has come into play, and here are five that could suggest that you are in need of help…
You’re Taking More Than Prescribed
One of the clearest signs of a developing addiction is using higher doses than your doctor originally advised. This might begin with the belief that the medication isn’t working as well as it used to, a sign your body has developed a tolerance, and can gradually increase as you seek stronger effects or longer relief.
You may find yourself topping up doses, taking medication more frequently, or using someone else’s prescription. If you feel tempted to stockpile pills or stretch your prescription by getting it early, it could be time to re-evaluate your relationship with the drug.
You Feel Anxious When You Run Low
If the thought of running out of your medication causes anxiety, stress or panic, that may be a warning sign. A healthy reliance on prescription medicine for a specific condition is understandable, but addiction creates a psychological and physical dependence that goes beyond what the body truly needs.
You might notice that you’re constantly checking how many pills you have left, planning your days around access to the medication, or even exaggerating symptoms to obtain more.
You Experience Withdrawal Symptoms
One of the defining characteristics of addiction is physical withdrawal. If you’ve gone a short time without your medication and begin to feel unwell, mentally or physically, it could be a sign your body has become dependent.
Common withdrawal symptoms vary by drug but may include nausea, sweating, headaches, irritability, anxiety, shaking, and sleep disturbances. If you continue taking the drug primarily to avoid these symptoms rather than to treat your original condition, this may suggest a problematic dependency.
You’re Using the Drug for Non-Medical Reasons
Prescription drugs should be used to treat specific medical conditions. But if you’ve started taking your medication to “take the edge off,” to relax, to sleep, or to feel good, you may be using it in a way that’s no longer medically appropriate.
This can include taking painkillers for emotional distress or using sedatives to cope with social anxiety. If you’re relying on a prescription drug as a coping mechanism or emotional crutch, rather than a medical treatment, this is a red flag for misuse.
Your Use Is Affecting Other Areas of Your Life
Addiction doesn’t exist in isolation. If your medication use is starting to impact your relationships, work, finances, or day-to-day functioning, it’s time to take it seriously.
You may find yourself withdrawing from loved ones, struggling to concentrate, being dishonest about your use, or making excuses for poor performance or missed obligations. These are all signs that the drug is taking priority over other important areas of your life and you should reach out for support to change that.
