Prescription Drug Addiction

What are prescription drugs?

Prescription drugs are medications that can only be obtained with a prescription from a licensed healthcare professional. Unlike over-the-counter (OTC) medications that can be purchased without a prescription, these drugs are regulated and controlled because they are used to treat more serious conditions, have a higher potential for side effects and may pose a greater risk of abuse or dependence.

Are all prescription drugs addictive?

Prescription medications serve a wide variety of purposes, each tailored to address specific health concerns and outcomes. It’s crucial to recognise that not every prescription drug has an addiction risk. Whether a medication might lead to dependence or addiction depends on several factors, such as the drug’s unique pharmacological properties, the duration of the prescription and the dosage.

In general, we can organise prescription drugs into several broad categories. Each of these groups serves different health needs and has its own set of considerations when it comes to their use and their potential for addiction.

Why do some prescription drugs have the potential to be addictive?

The potential for prescription drugs to become addictive mainly comes from how they interact with the body and brain. Below, we take a look at some of the reasons these prescription drugs have the potential to be addictive: 

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines enhance the effect of the neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which slows down activity in the neurons it binds to, resulting in a calming effect. However, the body can quickly get used to their presence, leading to tolerance (needing more of the drug for the same effect) and physical dependence. 

Trying to stop using benzodiazepines once dependent can trigger severe withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, insomnia and even seizures. The potential for tolerance, dependence and withdrawal makes benzodiazepines quite addictive.

Opioids

By binding to these receptors, opioids can stop pain signals and trigger a large release of dopamine, leading to feelings of euphoria alongside pain relief. This pleasure can make opioids highly addictive, as the brain starts to crave the drug for those positive feelings again. Similar to benzodiazepines, tolerance and dependence can develop rapidly, leading to an addiction cycle.

Stimulants

Prescription stimulants increase levels of dopamine in the brain, enhancing attention, energy and alertness. However, these drugs can also cause euphoria, especially when taken in non-prescribed ways, like in higher doses or through snorting or injecting. This euphoric effect can lead to misuse and addiction, as people may chase those pleasurable feelings repeatedly.

Sleeping medication

They typically work by targeting brain receptors to slow down the nervous system, helping to induce sleep. However, there’s a significant concern about the risk of psychological dependence on these medications. People may start to believe they need these drugs to sleep well, thinking they’re incapable of getting good sleep on their own. This mindset can lead to a psychological addiction, where the mere idea of trying to sleep without these aids causes anxiety and worry, deepening the dependence. 

Though physical dependence can occur, it’s the psychological grip of these medications that can be more covert and challenging. Many don’t realise they’re psychologically hooked until they try to quit and find their insomnia and anxiety worsen significantly.

I’ve been prescribed prescription drugs; will I get addicted? 

The chance of becoming addicted to prescription drugs can greatly differ based on the medication type, your own health history and how closely you follow the doctor’s orders. It’s vital to keep the lines of communication with your healthcare provider open regarding your treatment, especially if you have any worries about becoming dependent or experiencing side effects. They’re there to help you deal with these risks and make sure your treatment is both effective and safe.

To help you spot any potential signs of addiction to prescription drugs and keep yourself in a preventative mindset, you could benefit from self-assessment. This can be as simple as frequently asking yourself the following questions:

• Am I taking my medication more often or in larger doses than instructed?

Taking your medication more frequently or in larger amounts than your doctor prescribed can be a sign that you’re beginning to depend on or misuse it.

• Do I feel like I can’t get through my day normally without my medication?

Feeling incapable of handling your daily routines or feeling significantly worse without your medication could indicate you’re developing a dependence.

• Have I ever lied to or misled my doctor to get more medication?

If you’ve deceived your healthcare provider to get more medication, it’s a common sign that addiction might be developing.

• Do I use my prescription medication for reasons other than what it was prescribed for? (For example, to feel euphoric, to “escape”, or for any off-label use)

Using your medication for non-intended purposes, particularly to achieve a high or change your mood, is a major warning sign of possible misuse or addiction.

• Have I tried and failed to cut down or stop taking my medication on my own?

If you’ve found it difficult to reduce or quit your medication despite wanting to, it suggests dependence. Always talk to your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication plan.

• Do I go through withdrawal symptoms if I miss a dose or try to cut back?

Experiencing withdrawal symptoms, which can be physical or psychological effects when reducing or stopping medication, shows your body might have gotten used to it.

Remember, saying “yes” to any of these questions doesn’t automatically mean you’re addicted. However, it does mean you should talk openly with your healthcare provider about how you’re using your medication. They can offer advice and support and, if needed, tweak your treatment to meet your needs better.

Tips to ensure you stay safe on prescription drugs

Staying safe while using prescription drugs is crucial, especially with medications that have a potential for addiction. While no strategy guarantees 100% protection against addiction, several precautions can significantly reduce the risk. Here are some preventative tips:

1. 1. Follow the prescription exactly: Take your medication exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not increase the dose, take it more frequently, or use it in a way other than directed.
   2. Communicate openly with your doctor: Keep an open line of communication with your healthcare provider about your experience with the medication, including any side effects or concerns about addiction. If you feel you’re starting to rely too heavily on the medication, it’s important to discuss this immediately.
   3. Educate yourself: Understand the medication you are taking, including its potential for addiction. Knowledge about what to expect can help you stay alert to early signs of dependency.
   4. Limit access: If you have medications that are known for their addictive potential, don’t keep large quantities at home. Ask your healthcare provider if it’s possible to prescribe the medication in limited amounts.
   5. Dispose of unused medication safely: If you have leftover medication, dispose of it properly to prevent misuse. Many communities offer drug take-back programmes, or you can ask your pharmacy for the best way to dispose of medications safely.
   6. Monitor changes in your behaviour: Pay attention to any changes in your behaviour, mood, or physical health that may suggest a developing dependency. This includes increased tolerance (needing more of the medication to achieve the same effect) or withdrawal symptoms when not taking the drug.
   7. Seek support: If you’re concerned about addiction, don’t hesitate to seek help. This could include talking to a healthcare provider, a mental health professional, or a support group for individuals who are facing similar challenges.

How are addictions to prescription drugs treated?

If, after discussions with your healthcare provider, it seems as though you may be addicted to prescription drugs, there are recovery methods available for you to access. One of these methods could be prescription drug rehab. 

Prescription drug rehab encompasses several key stages: detox, therapy and aftercare. 

• Prescription drug detox is the first step, helping people safely withdraw from the drug under medical supervision to manage withdrawal symptoms. 
• Therapy, both traditional and holistic, addresses the psychological aspects of addiction. Traditional therapy might include cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), while holistic methods could involve meditation, yoga and nutrition counselling to support overall well-being. 
• Aftercare is crucial for long-term recovery, offering ongoing support through group meetings and further counselling. 

This comprehensive approach ensures individuals have the tools and support network necessary to maintain sobriety and rebuild their lives post-rehab.

What are the next steps?

Taking the next step towards a life free from prescription drug addiction can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. Reach out to your local rehab facility today. Their compassionate team is ready to guide you through detox, therapy and aftercare, providing the support you need to reclaim your life. It’s time to heal.

References

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2. Pétursson H. The benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome. Addiction. 1994 Nov;89(11):1455-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1360-0443.1994.tb03743.x. PMID: 7841856.
3. Dydyk AM, Jain NK, Gupta M. Opioid Use Disorder. [Updated 2024 Jan 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553166/
4. Loi B, Sahai MA, De Luca MA, Shiref H, Opacka-Juffry J. The Role of Dopamine in the Stimulant Characteristics of Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS)-Neurobiological and Computational Assessment Using the Case of Desoxypipradrol (2-DPMP). Front Pharmacol. 2020;11:806. Published 2020 Jun 5. doi:10.3389/fphar.2020.00806
5. “By the Way, Doctor: Are Sleeping Pills Addictive?” Harvard Health, 9 Mar. 2014, www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/By_the_way_doctor_Are_sleeping_pills_addictive.