| ption painkiller abuse is on the rise in the United | | | | 6) You take the drug despite potential interaction |
| States. According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement | | | | with other drugs or alcohol. You take the drug |
| Administration, over six-million Americans abuse | | | | despite potential hazards while driving or at work. |
| prescription drugs, a startling number considering | | | | 7) You take the drug to alleviate withdrawal |
| these drugs cause more than 26,000 fatal overdoses | | | | symptoms |
| each year, says the Centers for Disease Control and | | | | 8) You’ve developed a tolerance to the drug, |
| Prevention. Even kids are abusing prescription drugs, | | | | where the original dose you took is no longer |
| with one in ten teenagers admitting to using painkillers | | | | effective, which means either upping the dose or |
| such as Vicodin and Codeine. | | | | switching medications. |
| So how can this epidemic be stopped? In order to | | | | 9) You’ve gotten into trouble with the law |
| stop the prescription painkiller addiction epidemic, you | | | | because of your painkiller use, either through |
| must first recognize the warning signs of abuse. If | | | | purchasing the drug illegally, or using it and getting a |
| these sound like you or someone you know, seek | | | | DUI. |
| help immediately. You could potentially save your own | | | | 10) Your drug use is harming your relationship with |
| life, or a loved one’s life. | | | | family and friends. You’re withdrawn from |
| 1) Use of drugs beyond intended medicinal purposes, | | | | activities you once enjoyed. |
| or beyond prescribed dose. | | | | Does this sound like you or someone you love? |
| 2) Using a prescription drug without an actual | | | | Prescription painkiller abuse treatment is available |
| prescription. This includes obtaining the drug through a | | | | throughout the U.S. There are both in-patient and |
| friend or family member. | | | | out-patient programs available to those who are |
| 3) Neglect of responsibilities at work or home | | | | struggling to cope with their addictions or need |
| because of drug use. | | | | medical support as they withdraw. There are even |
| 4) You find yourself warding off or attempting to | | | | substance abuse programs for working professionals |
| ward off powerful cravings for the drug. | | | | so you don’t have to quit your job or leave |
| 5) The drug becomes a coping mechanism or source | | | | your family, although sometimes, it may be |
| of comfort on bad days at work or during difficult | | | | necessary. |
| situations | | | | |