Tablet addiction is often not easy to recognize. That’s why it’s important for doctors, family members and friends to look closely. Below, you can learn what clues to tablet addiction may look like.
Beware of self-medication!
Even minor ailments should not be self-medicated in the long run: Nasal sprays are not addictive, but they alter the nasal mucosa, which becomes more susceptible to infection. Diuretics can cause deficiency symptoms. And laxatives, often misunderstood as an aid to losing weight, impair intestinal function, so that in the end nothing works at all.
In the case of insomnia or persistent headaches, do not simply reach for leftovers from the medicine cabinet, but ask your doctor beforehand. Otherwise, it is quickly “shot with cannons on sparrows”.
Hidden addiction in old age
65 percent of the dangerous benzodiazepine preparations and related agents are prescribed to women over 50 years. This was the result of the latest analysis of DAK drug data.
Unlike other addictive drugs, the younger generation is hardly affected here. On the contrary, the consumption of prescription drugs increases with age: among 18- to 20-year-olds, 12.5 percent take drugs with dependence potential on a weekly basis; among 50- to 59-year-olds, the figure is almost twice as high (24.6 percent). The crux of the matter: Since many of those affected do not admit their dependence, it usually remains untreated. Most also manage to keep their addiction hidden for a long time.
Take a closer look
The DAK warns against trivializing the problem and sees above all the medical profession as having a duty: “Older patients in particular are often prescribed sleeping pills and painkillers for too long and in too large quantities,” explains Kremer. “Doctors should be more attentive to signs of addiction, such as when medications are thought to have been ‘lost’ and frequent requests are made for refills.”
In addition, the social environment and the public should be sensitized to the issue: “We have to realize that we’re not talking about harmless little remedies with which older people can better manage their everyday lives,” Kremer demands. “The physical and psychological consequences are just as devastating as with alcohol or drug addiction!”
Indications of a drug addiction
The presence of an addiction is suspected if at least 3 of the following answers apply:
- The affected person feels the strong urge to take the drug, “feverish” the taking virtually.
- The effect of the drug wears off, so larger amounts are needed.
- The affected person can not or do not want to independently reduce or stop taking the drug.
- They develop physical withdrawal symptoms when stopping the drug or replace it with another.
- They spend a lot of time obtaining, taking, and recovering from the effects of the medication.
- They take the medication even though they are aware of the harmful consequences.
