The National Institutes of Health estimate that nearly 20 percent of Americans have used prescription drugs for non-medical reasons. Prescription drugs have become the second most commonly abused drug, falling only behind marijuana.

The most commonly misused prescription drugs are:

• Narcotics (painkillers), such as Vicodin, OxyContin and Demerol
• Sedatives and tranquilizers (for sleep and anxiety), such as Valium and Xanax
• Stimulants (for ADHD), such as Ritalin and Adderall

Many people believe that prescription drugs are safer to use than street drugs because they’re prescribed by a doctor. But that's not the case. When used inappropriately, they can have serious effects on your health and can even ultimately lead to death.

If you think you or someone you know might be abusing prescription drugs, here are a few signs you can watch for:

• Past history of drug addiction
• Seeing more than one doctor in an effort to get more pills
• Using a higher dosage than that recommended
• Stealing, buying or taking pills prescribed for other people
• Slurred speech
• Changing sleep patterns
• Droopy eyes
• Social withdrawal
• Defensiveness
• Neglecting responsibilities
• Forging prescriptions
• Ordering prescriptions over the internet

One of the most serious dangers of prescription drug abuse is a lack of knowledge about drug interactions. If your doctor is not aware of what you’re taking, they may prescribe a medication that could have an adverse reaction when combined with other things you’re already using. In addition, drinking alcohol in combination with certain drugs can produce serious negative side effects. For example, drinking while taking sedatives or painkillers can cause respiratory distress or failure—even death.

You should always consult with a physician when dealing with prescription drug abuse. Trying to quit “cold turkey” can cause serious health complications. You should not attempt to detox alone, and certainly not without the supervision of a physician.

If you or a loved one is struggling with prescription drug abuse, get addiction treatment now at Solace Counseling.