7 Warning Signs That You Might Be Addicted to Prescription Drugs

Believe it or not, people don't become prescription drug addicts on purpose.

It starts with a doctor visit. We like to think men and women in the service of humanity have enough integrity to at least have the best interest of the person they're serving in mind. But with the many overdose deaths in high profile circles and recent Medicaid fraud exposures, it's fair to say the medical profession workers require a second look.


If a person has the misfortune of getting an unethical physician, then that person will likely end up taking medications he or she doesn't need. In other words, unethical doctors write several prescriptions on the first visit, whether you need them or not--and thereby facilitate prescription drug addiction.

Now that we have that out of the way, we can get to the subject..."7 Warning Signs That You Might Be Addicted to Prescription Drugs."

Going forward in this post, use what we discuss in these seven points to determine if you're addicted or if you're at risk of addiction because of the types of medicines you take.

Signs of prescription drug abuse vary by the type of drug:

• Those who abuse opiates or pain relievers are seldom normal or alert. A person addicted to painkillers is always drowsy and confused. They complain of constipation or nausea. Pupils will be constricted. Breathing may be slow if they nod off. If they stop using the medication, they are likely to manifest muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting and chills for several days. This is a sign of addiction.
• A person addicted to benzodiazepines is taking a drug to treat anxiety and panic attacks. Those drugs are Valium (diazepam), Xanax (alprazolam), Ativan (lorazepam) and Halcyon (triazolam). If you take more than 4 mg of Xanax a day, you're probably addicted and will need professional assistance getting off of it. Ambien and Lunesta are of a different chemistry, but still addictive if taken daily. You will be unnaturally relaxed and drowsy every day. You're addicted.
• You spend most of your time alone and no longer interact with family the way you used to. 
• When you run out of the prescription, you become agitated and short-tempered.
• You become restless, shaking your legs, wringing your hands together, nervousness
• Panic begins to set in when you get down to one or two pills. If your prescription has no refills, you start planning how to get more illegally or how you can pretend to have the same ailment so your doctor will write another prescription.
• When you get another 30-day supply your attitude lifts and you're easier to get along with

These are only seven of many revealing signs that signal a person's drug addicted state. And of course, the user will probably be in denial that he or she has a problem with prescription drugs.

As I said earlier, no one becomes addicted to prescription pills on purpose. The doctor is in the leadership role and knows the addiction potential associated with each prescription he writes. If he continues to write them when he knows the danger, then he fits the description of an unethical quack.

I'm sorry. There's no respect to waste on doctors who deliberately hook their patients on drugs they don't need. In case you didn't know, doctors receive hundreds of thousands of dollars from pharmaceutical companies for pushing their meds.

The only person you can control is you. Research various drugs you doctor prescribes for you. Read and become as knowledgeable as possible. If you don't need them, don't take them. You can also report doctors you suspect of harmful prescription practices. In fact, USA Today ran a story about 700 doctors suspected of harmful excessive prescription practices.

Change physicians if you have to. Just clean your system of these dangerous chemicals.

Researched and compiled by the blog author.
Copyright © 2015 by Peggy Hatchet James