Let’s Talk About Pills
If you or someone you know is misusing pills, be sure to get help today by calling 1-800-662-4357 (HELP).
What are Pills?
Prescription pills are a common treatment for physical illnesses, managing anxiety or depression, and soothing pain. When taken as prescribed by your healthcare professional, pills can be safe and effective. Unfortunately, many people use these pills recreationally (for ‘fun’), meaning they have not been prescribed by a professional or obtained legally. Misused and abused prescription pills can lead to addiction and other consequences.
Some prescription medications, like opioids, can be highly addictive, as they are the strongest drugs available for pain management. For example, Percocet (sometimes called ‘percs’) is a brand-name prescription opioid that is a combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen.
Other prescription drugs, like Adderall and Xanax, are also commonly misused. Adderall is prescribed to treat Attention Deficit Disorder, while Xanax is prescribed to treat anxiety and panic disorders.
Some prescription medications, like opioids, can be highly addictive, as they are the strongest drugs available for pain management. For example, Percocet (sometimes called ‘percs’) is a brand-name prescription opioid that is a combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen.
Other prescription drugs, like Adderall and Xanax, are also commonly misused. Adderall is prescribed to treat Attention Deficit Disorder, while Xanax is prescribed to treat anxiety and panic disorders.
Why People Misuse Prescription Drugs
Opioids, specifically, can be very addictive because they trigger the brain to release endorphins, or “feel-good” chemical messengers that decreases one’s perception of pain and boosts pleasure. Some people misuse opioids to mask mental or physical pain. Others might misuse stimulants for a variety of reasons including to help them focus or increase performance or to elevate their mood. Additionally, some may misuse depressants in order to experience a feeling of calmness and escape from anxiety-inducing situations.
Risks of Misusing Prescription Drugs
Misusing prescription drugs can impact individuals in various ways. These impacts can have mental, physical, and even social consequences.
Common side effects of prescription drug misuse are:
Common side effects of prescription drug misuse are:
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Drowsiness
- Feeling high, confusion, or poor concentration
- Anxiety
- Irregular heartbeat or slowed breathing
- Changes in mood and appetite
- Increased alertness and sleep problems
Signs that you or someone else might be abusing pills include:
- Stealing or selling prescription medications
- Gradually increasing doses or requiring higher doses to experience effects
- Changes in mood or personality
- Making up excuses, exaggerating symptoms, or telling lies to medical providers to get more pills
- Becoming angry or upset when confronted about pill use
Some consequences of drug abuse are:
- Issues with breathing
- Hallucinations or paranoia
- Seizures
- Overdose
- Coma, and
- Death.
Do's and Don'ts of Prescription Pill Use
Do:
- Take medication as prescribed
- Talk with your healthcare provider before you stop taking prescribed medication(s)
- Notice if you are experiencing signs of dependence, meaning that you have to take the medication in order to feel ‘normal’ or get through your day
- Properly throw away or flush your unused or expired medications
Don’t:
- Take prescription medications incorrectly or when you no longer need them
- Share prescription medications with anyone else
- Sell or redistribute medications prescribed to you
- Take medications prescribed to someone else, recreationally or otherwise
Impact on Family
Taking pills other than prescribed can have long-lasting effects on you and the people in your life. When a parent is abusing prescription drugs, it impacts their ability to be fully present for their child(ren) and can lead to more serious issues. Their mental state is altered as a result of prescription drug abuse, which could lead them to become aggressive, easily agitated, and physically ill. One in five children grow up in households where drug and alcohol abuse is happening, and the trauma associated with that has lifelong impacts on them. Children may also experience feelings of guilt or worthlessness, sleep problems, issues in school, and mental health concerns because their parents are not fully present in their lives. Families are often left with financial hardship and trauma when a loved one has a substance misuse problem. In some cases, children are taken from their parents and placed with other family members or into foster care.
Getting Help
If you or someone you know is coping with prescription drug misuse, there is hope. Many people go on to recover from their addiction through rehabilitation, therapy, and other resources. Knowing the signs, having good self-awareness, and minimizing overall use of addictive prescription pills are all great ways to prevent misuse. If you need help, ask for it–you need to take care of yourself so you can be there for your family.
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