For 30 years, Youth Care Treatment Center has helped teens all over the United States overcome prescription drug addiction. Our unique approach features superior clinical services, compassionate support, and an emphasis on respect, integrity, and accountability.

Understanding Prescription Drug Addiction

Learn about prescription drug addiction and substance abuse

While prescription medication is designed to help those who require it for a number of different medical conditions, prescription drug abuse is a growing problem, especially for young individuals. Many young people abuse prescriptions drugs in an effort to alter their moods and bring about feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and detachment from their surroundings. The prescription medications most commonly abused are sedatives, painkillers, antianxiety medications, and stimulants. However, many types of prescription medication can be abused.

When prescription medications are not consumed as directed by a prescribing physician, many negative consequences can occur, including the development of addiction. Once prescription drug addiction has occurred, it can be highly challenging for individuals to defeat it without the help of professionals.

Statistics

Prescription drug addiction statistics

Studies show that roughly 52 million Americans have abused some form of prescription medication. In addition, research has found that prescription drug overdose in the United States takes more lives than gunshot wounds, car accidents, or suicides.

Causes and Risk Factors

Causes and risk factors for prescription drug addiction

There are many varying components that can explain why some young individuals will develop a prescription drug addiction while others will not. Consider the following:

Genetic: Years of research have shown that there is a prominent genetic link to one’s risk of substance abuse and addiction. A young individual who has a family history of chemical dependency is at a greater risk for facing addiction at some point in his or her life.

Environmental: Many environmental factors can affect one’s risk of prescription drug addiction. For instance, those who grow up in an environment where drug abuse is common are more likely to abuse drugs, too.

Risk Factors:

Suffering from a condition that requires the use of prescription drugs for symptom relief
Easy access to prescription drugs
Peer pressure
Experiencing a trauma
Being the victim of abuse or neglect
Personal or family history of mental illness
Family history of chemical dependency

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of prescription drug addiction

The signs and symptoms a young individual might show when abusing prescription pain medications will depend on the type of substance being abused, how long one has been abusing, and the amount that he or she is consuming. Some examples of the symptoms one might experience when abusing prescription medications can include:

Behavioral symptoms:

Skipping school
Breaking curfew
Frequently getting in trouble
Behaving in an aggressive manner
Lying or other deceitful behavior
Stealing
Decline in academic performance
No longer participating in activities that he or she once enjoyed
Social withdrawal
Change in peer group

Physical symptoms:

Tremors / shakes
Lack of good hygiene
Lethargic
Deterioration of physical appearance
Slurred speech
Impaired coordination
Bloodshot eyes
Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
Weight gain or weight loss

Cognitive symptoms:

Delayed thought processes
Disorientation
Altered perceptions of reality
Lack of judgment
Unable to concentrate
Confusion

Psychosocial symptoms:

Depression
Anxiety
Lack of motivation
Appears fearful or paranoid for no reason
Changes in personality
Sudden mood swings
Irritability or anger outbursts

Effects

Effects of prescription drug addiction

The abuse of any drug, including prescription medications, will lead to an individual experiencing a variety of negative outcomes that can disturb all areas of his or her life. Some of the many ways in which prescription drug abuse can impact a young individual’s life can include:

Cognitive impairment
Organ damage and failure
Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Family discord
Onset of symptoms of other mental health conditions
Physical harm as a result of accidents or engagement in risky behavior
Social isolation
Destroyed interpersonal relationships
Interaction with law enforcement
Poor academic performance
Increased risk for accidents

Co-Occurring Disorders

Prescription drug addiction and co-occurring disorders

The presence of additional mental health conditions has been known to develop in those who battle prescription drug addiction. The mental health conditions listed below have been known to develop in those who are simultaneously struggling with a prescription drug abuse problem:

Bipolar disorder
Depressive disorders
Additional substance use disorders
Anxiety disorders
Borderline personality disorder

Effects of Withdrawal and Overdose

Prescription drug withdrawal and overdose

Effects of prescription drug withdrawal: The continued abuse of prescription drugs can lead to the onset of withdrawal symptoms when the use stops. The specific symptoms that one might experience will depend on the type of drug that is being abused, but might include:

Confusion
Disorientation
Tremors / shakes
Hallucinations
Restlessness
Abdominal cramping
Nausea and Vomiting
Diarrhea
Vivid dreams
Sleep problems
Profuse sweating

Effects of prescription drug overdose: Whenever a child or adolescent abuses more of a substance that he or she is able to handle, overdose will occur. If an overdose happens, immediate medical attention should be obtained. The symptoms that a child or adolescent has overdosed on prescription drugs can include: