Is My Loved One’s Prescription Drug Problem My Fault?

If you are the parent, child, spouse or friend of a person who is abusing prescription drugs, you want to know what has caused the drug problem. This investigation into the causes of prescription drug abuse may lead you to blame yourself for some aspect or all aspects of your loved one’s addiction. The drug user may even openly blame you for his or her problem, but this is a denial of his or her role in...

How Do I Tell My Family I Overdosed?

Addiction is a frightening disease that causes deep changes in the way a person thinks, feels and acts. These changes are often unnoticed by the addict until the disease is well established, but friends and family members often suspect there is a problem long before the addict knows. It is often extremely difficult, if not impossible, for addicts to admit to themselves – let alone their families – that they have...

Can I Use a Family Member’s Pain Medication to Treat an Injury?

Prescription pain medications are among the most addictive chemicals available. Names like oxycodone, hydrocodone and Demerol are common with both street dealers and in tabloid headlines. A common source of abused painkillers is pills left over from legitimate prescriptions. The Risks of Non-prescribed Use of Painkillers Most physicians will encourage patients to discontinue use of prescription painkillers as...

Benefit from Learning the Dangers of Prescription Drug Abuse

People can become addicted to prescription drugs without realizing they are at risk. They may do nothing more dangerous than fill a legitimate prescription for painkillers, antidepressants, sleep aids or other medications. They may assume that addiction only affects reckless, irresponsible or maladjusted people, but the truth is that prescription drug addiction can affect anyone including the following:...

Prescription Drug Addiction after Major Surgery

Painkillers and other drugs prescribed after surgery can be extremely addictive. It is unlikely that someone with no history of substance abuse or addiction will become addicted to painkillers, if they follow their doctor’s instructions and quit taking medication as soon as possible. However no one is immune to prescription drug addiction. Once a person has developed a dependency to painkillers, he or she will...

Migraines and Prescription Drug Abuse

Those suffering from migraines will go to great lengths to find relief, but many of the most commonly prescribed medications carry a strong risk for addiction. When given a choice between intense headaches or chemical dependency, many of these people don’t know what to do. If you are addicted to your prescription for migraines, there is a way to get clean while also managing your migraines. Addictive Migraine...

Is It Legal to Take Prescription Drugs that Aren’t Prescribed to Me?

It is difficult for someone with a prescription drug abuse problem to get continued access to painkillers or other drugs. An individual may start using prescription medication that was not specifically prescribed to him or her, and this can result in legal troubles. The Prescription Medication Problem Painkillers are controlled substances and are prescribed to those who need them to meet a specific medical need....

Can I Take My Leftover Prescription Drugs Later On?

One of the most dangerous practices that people engage in is either prescription drug swapping or taking leftover prescription drugs when they are no longer needed. Some of the reasons that people engage in these drugs are attempts to justify drug abuse. If you are considering taking an old prescription, there are a few things you should consider first. Is Using Leftover Prescription Drugs Safe? Since the drug was...

If the Doctor Prescribes It to Me, How Can It Be Harmful?

It doesn’t make sense for a doctor to give you something that can hurt you, but when they prescribe drugs that is often what they are doing. These drugs are intended to help, but many things can hurt you when taken in excess or used incorrectly, and prescription drugs are a perfect example. As long as prescription drugs are used as directed you are unlikely to experience negative effects, but when prescription...

Get an Objective View of Prescription Drug Abuse

When you or someone you love is in the midst of a prescription drug addiction, it can be difficult to know what to do. An objective view can provide clear information about prescription drug abuse. How Can an Objective View of Prescription Drug Abuse Help Me? An objective point of view is not influenced by personal experience or emotions. It can help you learn more about addiction and recovery without bringing...