Getting Help

Do you have a prescription painkiller or other drug abuse problem?
Although prescription medications have different physical effects, the symptoms of their abuse and addiction are similar.

Common signs of drug abuse:

• You’re neglecting your responsibilities at work, school, or home because of your drug use.

• You’re using drugs under dangerous conditions or taking risks while high, such as driving while on drugs.

• Your drug use is getting you into legal trouble such as stealing to support a drug habit.

• Your drug use is causing problems in your relationships, such as arguments with your partner or family members and loss of friends.

Common signs of drug addiction:

• You’ve built up a drug tolerance, meaning you need more of the drug to experience the same effects.

• You take drugs to avoid or relieve withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms may include jitters, anxiety, muscle cramps, nausea and vomiting, and diarrhea.

• You’ve stopped participating in activities you once enjoyed.

• You continue to use drugs even when you realize they could be causing problems.

• Your life revolves around drug use.

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Recognizing that you have a drug problem is the first step in getting better.