Find the Right Resources
You don't have to figure this out alone. Whether you're a patient managing a prescription, a parent with concerns, or someone who needs treatment, there are people ready to help.
For Patients
Managing a prescription can feel overwhelming. These resources are here to help.
For Parents
Let your kids know that prescription medications can be powerful and addictive. Teens who learn about the dangers of misusing prescription drugs from their parents or grandparents are 42% less likely to abuse prescription drugs than teens who do not.
- Have your kids talk to their doctor about the negative side effects of prescription medications.
- Spend quality time with your children and help them develop pro-social skills.
- Keep an open conversation about drug use at home.
- Store prescriptions safely, never share medication, and properly dispose of any leftovers.
- Be aware of social triggers that can enable drug misuse, such as divorce, changing schools, depression, and bullying.
- If you're concerned about your child's possible drug misuse, contact your family doctor right away.
- Early drug use significantly increases the risk of addiction, so prevention and open communication are key.
To learn more about prescription drugs and other drugs, visit the NIDA website at drugabuse.gov or contact the DrugPubs Research Dissemination Center at 877-NIDA-NIH (877-643-2644; TTY/TDD: 240-645-0228).
- Taking higher doses or taking more frequently than prescribed
- Running out of prescriptions too soon
- Compulsively seeking and using opioids despite harmful consequences
- Continuously "losing" prescriptions and requesting replacements
- Seeking medications for more than one injury or with multiple doctors or pharmacists
- Withdrawing from friends, family, or social activities
- Neglecting responsibilities
- Change in sleep patterns
- “Craving" just one more pill or refill
- Taking an opioid for its psychological effects or to feel high
- Taking a prescription medication for reasons other than why it was prescribed
- Mixing pills and alcohol
- Exhibiting abnormal behaviors, hostility, excessive mood swings, or sudden personality changes
- Losing appetite and extreme changes in weight
- Distracted, unable to focus, confused
- Poor decision-making
NIDA websites and webpages
Information about prescription drug misuse is also available through the following websites: