If you’re taking a prescription medication, there’s a chance that you’re taking a drug that has the potential of developing dependence. Now, we’re not talking about Lipitor! Drugs types like painkillers, sleep aids, anti-anxiety medications, and ADHD treatments (among others) are what we could call “addictive medications”. That is, they have the ability and tendency to cause users to develop an unhealthy level of dependency.

So, if you’re taking one of these medications, how do you know if you have problem? Let’s first make a couple of things clear:

If you’re taking prescription medications in any way other than prescribed, that is a major warning sign. That means if you’re taking medications in higher doses or more frequently than your prescription allows, you have crossed the line to misuse of drugs. And if you’re taking medications without a prescription, or taking medications that were prescribed to somebody else, that’s potentially dangerous. And against the law.

If you do feel that the medications you’re prescribed are not doing the job well enough, talk with your doctor. Don’t self-prescribe or self-medicate. There may be other drugs that will work better. And seek a consultation with a psychotherapist who specializes in addictions. In many situations, therapy can help reduce the need for prescription medications.

Now, ask yourself a few questions:

  1. Have you ever thought you were misusing your prescription drugs?
  2. Have you ever become annoyed when someone questioned or criticized your drug use?
  3. Have you ever felt scared, bad, or guilty about your prescription drug use?
  4. Have you ever needed a “wake-up” dose to feel better in the morning?

If you answered Yes to one or two questions, you may have a problem. If you answered Yes to three or four, you probably do.

If you do think you may have a prescription drug use problem, here’s what to do:

-Speak with your doctor immediately about your concerns. And make sure to speak openly and honestly about your pattern of use. But speaking with your prescribing physician or psychiatrist may not be enough - many clients of mine began using drugs with prescriptions from well-meaning doctors who are not knowledgeable about addiction. The medical field is very broad, and no one can specialize in everything. Your physician may not have been trained to notice the warning signs of addiction. Which leads us to our next point.

-Attend an assessment with a substance use counselor. A trained addictions specialist will know what questions to ask, will help educate you about the level of risk you are under, and will provide a menu of treatment options if necessary. Again, honesty and openness is your friend if you want to get help.

-Don’t completely stop taking your meds before talking to your doctor. Withdrawal from some drugs can be life-threatening.

Prescription drug abuse has become one of the most insidious public health issues in the United States. It destroys careers, marriages, and even lives. But prescription pill abuse need not be a death sentence. If you think you may have a problem, or if you think someone you know has a problem, call an addictions specialist today.

Shimmy Feintuch, LCSW CASAC-G maintains a private practice in Brooklyn, NY, and Washington Heights, NYC, with specialties in addictions and anxiety. He is also an Adjunct Professor at the Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva University. Contact: (530) 334-6882 or shimmyfeintuch@gmail.com. 

 

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