Can a Person Become Addicted to Medications Prescribed by a Doctor?

Prescription drug abuse refers to the inappropriate or excessive use of prescription medicine, particularly those that are intended to treat medical conditions.

This type of abuse occurs when patients take their prescription drugs in ways other than prescribed. They may take their medications in higher doses, for recreational purposes, or without a valid medical reason. Some people even combine their prescription medications such as opioid painkillers with other substances, like alcohol or illicit drugs. This significantly increases the risk of a fatal overdose.

Here are the three main categories of prescription drugs that are most commonly abused:

Opioids: These are pain-relieving medications that can lead to a sense of euphoria when taken in higher doses than prescribed. Examples include oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine.

Sedatives or Benzodiazepines: These medications are often used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and other sleep disorders. They can cause relaxation and a calming effect when abused. Examples include diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam (Xanax).

Stimulants: These drugs are typically prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. When abused, they can increase energy, alertness, and euphoria. Examples include Adderall and Ritalin.

Prescription drug abuse can affect people of all ages and backgrounds. It’s crucial to use prescription medications only as directed by a healthcare professional and to be aware of the potential risks and side effects associated with these drugs.

If you suspect that you or someone you know may be struggling with prescription drug abuse, seeking help from a healthcare provider or addiction specialist is recommended.

Early identification of prescription drug abuse is important as early intervention may help prevent the problem from becoming a full-blown addiction.

The signs and symptoms of prescription drug abuse can vary depending on the specific medication being abused. We should also take note that the severity of these symptoms may also vary from one person to another.

Substance abuse affects people in different ways. That said, there are some common signs and symptoms to look out for.

For example, opioid abuse may lead to constipation, nausea, drowsiness, confusion, poor coordination, and slowed breathing. Anti-anxiety medicines and sedatives may cause slurred speech, unsteady walking, drowsiness, confusion, poor concentration, and memory problems.

Meanwhile, stimulant abuse may lead to irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, high body temperature, agitation, insomnia, anxiety, reduced appetite, and paranoia.

Other physical symptoms to look out for include: dilated or constricted pupils, vomiting, impaired motor skills, changes in appetite, and sudden weight loss or gain.

There are also psychological signs to watch out for such as euphoria, confusion, disorientation, poor decision-making, and even hallucinations.

The other signs of prescription drug abuse are behavioral. Forging, stealing, or selling prescriptions may be an indication of substance abuse. Even if it’s not yet on that level, your loved one may take higher doses than they were prescribed or run out of their medication much sooner than they are supposed to. They may either sleep less or sleep more depending on what drug they are taking.

A person who is misusing their prescription drugs may become more secretive or isolated. They may have frequent mood swings or display erratic behavior. If they become addicted, they may even begin to neglect their responsibilities as the drug becomes their top priority. Family members and close friends are usually the first ones to notice these changes in a person’s behavior.

People abuse their prescription medications for a variety of reasons. Such reasons are often complex yet interconnected.

The most common reason for prescription drug abuse is self-medication. Some people misuse their medications because they want to cope with emotional or psychological issues, like stress, anxiety, or depression. Their medications may provide temporary relief, but this is just a short-term solution that leads to even bigger problems.

Some people abuse prescription drugs just to relax or feel good. Certain prescription medications, such as opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants, can produce pleasurable or euphoric effects when taken in larger doses. This can produce a high that people enjoy. This often becomes the gateway for serious substance abuse that turns into addiction.

Teens and young adults may be convinced to misuse prescription drugs as they are especially vulnerable to peer pressure. If their friends or peers are doing it, they may feel pressured to do the same in order to fit in or avoid rejection.

Some students, athletes, and professionals use stimulant medications to enhance their cognitive abilities, focus, or alertness, allowing them to perform better academically, at work, or in their chosen sport.

Prescription drug use is necessary for some individuals. But those who misuse their prescriptions are often unaware of the potential risks and dangers associated with these medications. They may wrongly believe that because a medication is prescribed by a doctor, it is safe to use in any way they choose.

Prescription medications are often readily available in households, making them easily accessible to family members or friends. This accessibility can also contribute to misuse.

Individuals with a history of substance abuse or addiction have a particularly high risk of misusing prescription medications. Some people may even engage in doctor shopping—the act of visiting multiple doctors to receive the same prescription repeatedly. Others engage in other fraudulent activities to misuse prescription drugs.

It’s worth noting that not everyone who is prescribed medications will misuse it, and many people use prescription medications responsibly to manage medical conditions. There are risk factors at play such as a person’s genetics, environment, economic status, education level, etc.—that contribute to the development of substance abuse and addiction.

Not only is it possible to get addicted to prescription drugs, but it is also possible to experience a wide range of adverse effects on your physical and mental health.

Drug overdose is one of the most dangerous consequences of prescription drug misuse as it can be fatal. This risk is particularly high with opioids, sedatives, and certain other medications. Opioid abuse, for example, can slow down breathing, potentially leading to respiratory depression and death.

In addition, some prescription drugs, when abused, can damage vital organs such as the liver, kidney, and heart.

Prescription drug abuse can also cause mental, emotional, and cognitive effects such as anxiety, depression, mood swings, irritability, poor judgment, impaired decision-making, memory problems, and reduced ability to perform daily tasks.

Addiction also affects the people around the addicted individual. It can lead to strained relationships, isolation, and legal problems. Illegally obtaining or distributing prescription medications can lead to legal troubles. Unfortunately, addicted people are more likely to participate in risky behaviors due to their condition.

Prescription drug abuse can even be financially burdensome due to the expenses associated with obtaining and using the drugs.

Keep in mind that the exact effects of prescription drug abuse and addiction on a person will vary depending on a number of factors. Everybody experiences addiction differently, so a personalized treatment plan is often necessary.

If you or someone you know is struggling with prescription drug abuse, seeking help from a medical professional or addiction treatment center is crucial for addressing the issue and minimizing the potential harm.

We’ve established that prescription drugs can indeed cause addiction, but what exactly does that mean? Just like other forms of addiction, prescription drug addiction is characterized by the continued use of a substance even when the person is already experiencing its adverse effects. This is a chronic and relapsing condition that requires proper medical attention.

Addiction is a complex behavioral disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite the consequences. It involves a psychological craving for the drug and loss of control over its use. Addiction affects almost every aspect of a person’s life including their health, relationships, career, finances, spirituality, etc.

Prescription drugs are addictive because they activate the brain’s reward center.

Aside from addiction, however, prescription drugs can also cause drug dependence or physical dependence. Physical or psychological dependence occurs when the body becomes accustomed to the presence of a drug.

Over time, the body may develop a tolerance to the drug, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect. Eventually this turns into dependence, wherein the person can no longer function normally without their prescription drugs.

When a person suddenly stops using the drug, they may experience withdrawal symptoms, which can be uncomfortable or even dangerous.

Withdrawal symptoms can vary widely depending on the specific drug and the person’s condition. Here are some examples of prescription drugs and their associated withdrawal symptoms:

Opioids (e.g., oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine): Opioid withdrawal symptoms can include anxiety, restlessness, muscle aches, insomnia, sweating, yawning, runny nose, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dilated pupils.

Benzodiazepines (e.g., alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam): Benzodiazepine withdrawal can lead to anxiety, irritability, insomnia, restlessness, muscle tension, headaches, sweating, nausea, vomiting, and, in severe cases, seizures.

Antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs): Withdrawal symptoms from antidepressants can include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headache, fatigue, irritability, flu-like symptoms, electric shock sensations (known as “brain zaps”), and mood swings.

Stimulants (e.g., amphetamines, methylphenidate): Withdrawal symptoms from stimulants can involve fatigue, increased appetite, depression, sleep disturbances, and in some cases, suicidal thoughts.

Antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol, risperidone, quetiapine): Discontinuing antipsychotic medications can lead to symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, agitation, nausea, and a return of psychotic symptoms.

Sedative-Hypnotics (e.g., zolpidem, eszopiclone): Withdrawal from these drugs can cause rebound insomnia, anxiety, restlessness, and in some cases, seizures.

It’s important to emphasize that withdrawal symptoms should not be taken lightly, especially for drugs with a potential for severe withdrawal effects.

There are many factors that can contribute to prescription drug dependence and addiction including genetics, environment, peer pressure, social support, access to medications, and the presence of chronic pain as well as underlying mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, etc.

Overprescribing or inadequate monitoring by healthcare professionals can also play a role in the development of dependence and addiction.

Prevention is better than cure. Fortunately, there are many ways to prevent prescription drug abuse in your home or even just minimize the risk of addiction.

For starters, you need to make sure you are getting the right medicine and dosage for your condition. Tell your healthcare provider about all your other prescriptions as well as over-the-counter medicines so that they can decide the appropriate medication for your condition.

Follow their instructions carefully and do not take your medication more often than you are supposed to. If you experience side effects, tell your doctor about them. Do not stop or change the dosage of a prescription drug on your own. If it doesn’t seem to be working, consult your healthcare provider. They can prescribe other drugs if necessary.

Store all prescription medications in a secure and locked cabinet or box to prevent unauthorized access. Keep track of the quantities of pills in each prescription bottle to notice any discrepancies. It can help if you keep an inventory of your prescription medications, noting the name of the medication, dosage, and quantity. Regularly check your medication supply to ensure nothing is missing or tampered with.

At the same time, never use another person’s prescription because everyone is different. Even if you have the same medical condition, the medication may not be right for you.

Dispose of unused or expired medications safely. Many communities have medication take-back programs or drop-off locations. If not, you can mix medications with an undesirable substance (like coffee grounds) and place them in a sealed container before throwing them in the trash.

Educate your family members, especially teenagers, about the potential dangers of prescription drug abuse, including the risks of addiction, overdose, and other health complications. Encourage open communication within your household about prescription medications and their proper use.

Be a positive role model for your family members by using prescription medications responsibly and following your doctor’s instructions.

Preventing prescription drug abuse at home is crucial for maintaining the health and safety of your household members. Prescription medications can be effective for managing various medical conditions, but they can also be misused and lead to serious health consequences if not handled properly.

If you or a family member is struggling with prescription drug abuse, seek assistance from a healthcare professional or addiction treatment center. Addiction is a medical condition that requires proper treatment.

Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider if you think you have a problem with prescription drug use. There are plenty of treatments for people who are dealing with all kinds of substance use disorders.

Treatment for prescription drug abuse typically involves a combination of medical, psychological, and behavioral interventions. It usually begins with a medical evaluation wherein a medical professional will assess the extent of the prescription drug abuse, including any potential physical health complications. This will help them come up with a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs.

If the abuse involves physically addictive substances, a supervised detoxification process may be necessary to manage withdrawal symptoms and ensure safety. This involves gradually lowering the patient’s drug intake while their withdrawal symptoms are being managed.

In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Medication-assisted treatment or MAT can be a part of the treatment plan for opioid or other substance abuse.

Behavioral therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), individual counseling, group therapy, and family therapy, can also help address the psychological aspects of addiction, identify triggers, and develop coping strategies.

If you think you or someone you love is abusing prescription drugs, look for a rehab near you and learn more about the various treatment options. The road to long term recovery begins today.

Treatment is an addicted individualʼs best option if they want to recover. Beating an addiction not only requires eliminating the physical dependence, but also addressing the behavioral factors that prevent them from wanting to get better. Simply quitting may not change the psychological aspect of addiction. Some people quit for a while, and then take drugs or alcohol again, only to overdose because they did not detox properly. Recovery involves changing the way the patient feels, thinks, and behaves.