How to Diagnose Addition to Prescription Meds

• 1). See a doctor. Medical professionals are aware of symptoms that are common among drug abusers. Doctors will ask the alleged drug abuser and her family questions, usually regarding the behavior of the individual. Answers to these questions may flag that the individual does abuse prescription drugs.
  
  
• 2). Conduct a blood test. Blood tests are often requested by doctors. Blood is drawn from the alleged drug abuser and tested in a laboratory. Contents of the blood will tell whether high amounts of prescription drugs are present. If so, it is likely that the individual is addicted to prescription drugs.
  
  
• 3). See a psychologist. A psychologist can evaluate the behavior of the individual to determine if he or she is suffering from symptoms of addiction or withdrawal.
  
  
• 4). Observe behavior. The majority of the time, prescription drug abusers will withdraw from social, recreational and occupational activities. This is often the first sign of a problem, because the drug addict only focuses on when he can get high again. Abusers may have erratic, unpredictable behavior. They may also daydream and be unresponsive when asked questions.
  
  
• 5). Study drug effects. If the addict has regularly taken the prescription for a certain condition, consistent, excessive intake of the drug can cause the effects of the drug to diminish. For abusers who take prescription drugs for a condition, these drugs will no longer be able treat or reduce the symptoms of that condition.
  
  
• 6). Observe physical appearance. Drug abusers may have a dazed look or appear unexpressive during conversations. Drug addictions can also cause abusers to lose interest in their physical appearance. Clothes may be ratty and dirty. Depending on the drug taken, excessive sweating and flush skin may also be present.