People who suffer from pain are often prescribed medications such as Vicodin, OxyContin, and Hydrocodone.

These pain medications are beneficial when they’re taken as directed—but when misused, they can be dangerous and addictive. One study of more than 900,000 people with chronic pain published in the journal Population Health Management found that only 25 percent of people who had been given a prescription for pain medications were taking them as directed.

Here are answers to two common questions about this problem.

How can I prevent prescription addiction?

Doctors, pharmacists, and patients each have a role in preventing prescription drug addiction. As a patient, you should:

  • Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements you take before you receive a new prescription.
  • Provide a complete medical history and accurate description of your condition. That can help ensure the physician prescribes appropriate medication and treatment.
  • Always follow prescription instructions on the dosage and timing.
  • Be aware of potential interactions with other drugs and alcohol. Read all the information provided by the pharmacist when you get a new medication.
  • Never increase or decrease doses or abruptly stop taking a medication without discussing it with your doctor. If a prescription pain killer you’re taking isn’t controlling your pain, for example, you shouldn’t take more of the medication without your doctor’s approval.
  • Never take another person’s prescribed pain medication.

What are some signs and symptoms of prescription abuse and addiction?

The warning signs of prescription abuse vary depending on the medication. They may include:

  • Constricted pupils, slurred speech, or loss of appetite
  • Personality changes, mood swings, or clumsiness
  • Needing to borrow money or acting increasingly secretive
  • Unfamiliar pills or missing pills
  • Running out of prescription pain medication sooner than expected

See a doctor if you believe you or someone you love could be abusing or addicted to prescription pain medications.

Source: Kramer StayWell; Barbara Floria, senior writer for Vitality.