Typical Habits of a Prescription Drug Addict

Doctor Shopping: A person addicted to prescribed medicine, such as tranquilizers, may go from doctor to doctor to get the desired medications. Some patients will go to several doctors to receive several prescriptions for the same medications. They will have these filled at different pharmacies so as not to be detected.

These persons become skillful at feigning panic attacks and other physical ailments to receive the desired medication. Another tactic is 'losing' medications.

These persons take prescriptions in a way not prescribed by the physician, such as multiple dosing, injecting, sniffing, or mixing medications.

A drug which is designed to be released slowly into the bloodstream may be chewed by the abuser to get a stronger reaction more quickly.

Some knowingly take alcohol, painkillers, or marijuana with the medication to increase its effect.

Some convince themselves that prescription medications are 'safer' than street drugs.

Social problems develop in the abuser. The person may be habitually late for work or fall asleep at work. Falling asleep at the wheel has resulted in the injury of others and their lives being endangered. Some have had their driver's licenses revoked or have had to spend time in jail for endangering others.

Ritalin is commonly prescribed for ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Many middle and high school students are prescribed this medication, so have it available. Some students use this substance stay awake while studying or to suppress their appetite.

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Sources:

Awake! "Prescription Drug Abuse", May 2009 pages 3-10

Federal Drug Administration, US Government, "Prescription Drug Use and Abuse", http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2001/501_drug.html