How to Prevent Prescription Drug Addiction in Your Family

Prescription drug abuse is one of the most serious health issues in the United States. Data from the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics show that over 16 million people abuse prescription drugs in the U.S. every year, with around 2 million of those addicted to the misused prescription medication. Prevention is always better than a cure, and family members can play a pivotal role in reducing risks. In this informative guide, we’ll discuss effective steps you can take to prevent prescription drug addiction in your family.

Misused Prescription Drugs

Prescription medicines are used to treat a wide range of conditions and symptoms. Prescription drugs offer significant benefits for people dealing with health disorders, but there’s a risk of becoming dependent on or addicted to them. Common types of drugs people misuse include:

• Opioids: Opioids are powerful painkillers. Common examples include fentanyl, codeine, and oxycodone.

• Sedatives: Sedatives are commonly prescribed for sleep troubles, anxiety, and panic disorders. Common examples include Nembutal, Valium, and Ambien. 

• Stimulants: Stimulants are designed to enhance alertness and focus. They are often prescribed for ADHD and some types of sleep disorders. Examples include Adderall, Vyvanse, and Ritalin.

Families and Prescription Drug Addiction Prevention

Families can play an instrumental role in preventing prescription drug addiction. Key steps include educating about safe, effective use of prescription medication and promoting responsible drug use:

Teaching proper prescription drug use

There are two main points to cover when teaching proper prescription drug use within family units. These include:

Acknowledging the positives

Taking medication can be hugely beneficial when treating symptoms and disorders, but it’s crucial to understand how drugs work and how to use them. Teaching relatives about the benefits of prescription drugs and educating them about how to take them is crucial for encouraging proper use. 

Talking about the effects of different types of medication, explaining why they have been prescribed for specific symptoms, and outlining dosage instructions, potential side effects, and complications will help your family members develop positive habits. It’s also critical to underline the importance of seeking medical advice and following instructions from professionals.

Discussing the dangers

Discussing the potential dangers and harms of inappropriate drug use is valuable for educating family members and ensuring they have the knowledge to make well-informed decisions. While there are advantages to using prescription medications, abusing them carries serious risks.

Taking strategic action

Taking strategic action is beneficial for reducing the risk of prescription drug abuse and addiction. Steps include:

Follow prescription instructions

Always follow instructions from healthcare professionals when using prescription drugs. Make sure you’re aware of the dosage, the duration of treatment, possible side effects, and additional advice, such as consuming drugs at a certain time of day or with food, for example.

Store medications safely

Medications should be stored safely. Keep tablets in the sealed containers provided. It’s best to store prescription drugs in locked cupboards or drawers.

Don’t share prescriptions

Prescriptions are approved by medical professionals based on individual evaluation. It’s important to avoid sharing prescriptions with others, as medications are designed for personal use. Some drugs may not be safe for other users, and individuals shouldn’t take medications if they don’t need them. Sharing prescriptions can increase risks in terms of side effects, drug interactions, and complications, but it can also elevate the risk of prescription drug addiction

Dispose of drugs properly 

Follow expert advice when disposing of prescription medications.

Signs of Prescription Drug Addiction

Signs of prescription drug addiction to look out for include:

• Medication missing from its usual storage location

• Drugs running out sooner than expected

• Medication found in unexpected places

• Changes in behavior (becoming more withdrawn, being secretive, lying, and neglecting responsibilities)

• Physical signs (new, unexplained health issues, changes in appetite, weight loss, taking more medication to achieve the desired effects, and sleep troubles)

• Emotional changes (dramatic weight loss, sudden onset of symptoms of anxiety and depression, becoming isolated, and thinking obsessively about medication)

Prevention and Support

As an individual, you can make a difference for others, whether that means helping prevent prescription drug addiction, lowering medication-related risks for family members, or being there to support a loved one who is dealing with prescription drug addiction.

Effective ways to reduce risks and prevent prescription drug addiction include teaching others about responsible drug use, setting a good example, and highlighting the risks of prescription drug misuse.

If you have a family member who is addicted to prescription drugs, or if you are worried that your partner, a sibling, or your son or daughter may have an addiction, it’s beneficial to reach out for help and advice. We also offer support for client referrals.

Jackson House Prescription Addiction Treatment Services

Jackson House prescription addiction services include:

Family services

Prescription drug addiction doesn’t just impact the individual who is addicted to medication. It also affects the people closest to them. Jackson House recognizes the impact of prescription drug addiction on families and the difficulties parents, partners, and children face when somebody they love is dealing with prescription drug addiction. Jackson House provides professional family services, which are designed to support relatives, provide access to useful resources, and help them to help their loved ones. 

Prescription addiction services

There are multiple treatment options for prescription drug addiction. Jackson House delivers personalized prescription addiction treatment services, which provide access to the following specialist services:

• Detoxification
• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
• Therapeutic counseling
• Individual and group therapy
• Psychiatry services
• Recovery meetings
• Nutrition and wellness guidance
• Aftercare support

Contact Jackson House

If you’re worried about a loved one who is dealing with prescription drug addiction, or if you need help or advice to support a family member, the experienced, compassionate team at Jackson House is here for you. Specializing in residential treatment in San Diego, Jackson House offers tailored prescription drug addiction treatment in addition to support and access to family resources. Contact us today to find out more and to get the help you need.

04 Mar 2025

• Sobriety