Living with a person who is addicted to prescription drugs means a life of mood swings–a roller coaster ride that, without recovery intervention, can often lead to incarceration or even death.

Approximately 6 million families are living with someone who is addicted to a prescription drug.

Cross addiction (being addicted to a combination of alcohol, street drugs and/or prescription drugs) first burst into the public consciousness with the deaths of rock-and-roll icons like Janis Joplin, Elvis Presley, and Jimi Hendrix. Former U.S. President Gerald Ford dealt with addiction when his wife, Betty, became addicted to alcohol and prescription opioids and shared her story with the world. Prescription drug addiction usually begins with an actual prescription and develops from there into misuse, dependence, and addiction.

Sometimes, people begin taking prescription medication illicitly. Many teens, for example, have become afraid of the dangers of street drugs and erroneously believe that prescription drugs are safer. Teens report that prescription drugs are readily available and prescriptions are easy to come by.  Adults and teens both mix prescription drugs with alcohol in unsafe cocktails and risk their life by doing so.

How does living with a someone who is addicted to prescription drugs different from living with someone with an alcohol or drug addiction? In short, it is no different. The person who is addicted is not fully present in the home. Their biggest goals are to protect the product, hide how many pills are being taken, and avoid being discovered. The person may routinely steal prescription drugs from their friends’ or parents’ medicine cabinets. They will create constant upset and chaos – especially if a family member interferes with their use.

Anyone living with someone suffering addiction should seek support for themselves. You cannot help your loved one if you are caught up in their roller coaster ride. The addiction will not go away without some kind of intervention and treatment. Attending 12-step programs and seeking counsel from professionals in the field can be of enormous benefit.

Please contact us anytime at (337) 456-9111 if you are concerned about your prescription drug use. We’re here to help.

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