Addictive Prescription Drugs
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What are Prescription Drugs?
Prescription medications can definitely be helpful when used exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Navigation: Why is Prescription Drug Abuse Dangerous?, Opioids, Benzodiazepines, Stimulants, Treatment Options for Prescription Drug Addiction, Conclusion, Rehab Is Your Best Chance
Prescription drugs are often seen as a safer alternative to illegal drugs, but the reality is that they can be just as addictive and dangerous. In fact, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, nearly 18 million people in the US have misused prescription drugs at least once in their lifetime.
Prescription medications can definitely be helpful when used exactly as prescribed by your doctor. For example, stimulants can help manage narcolepsy and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Opioids can be used to treat pain. Meanwhile depressants can help with anxiety, panic, and sleep disorders. However, when they are misused, these medications can cause serious problems. [1]
Taking prescription drugs informally, also known as “non-medical use,” is a growing problem. Prescription drug abuse may refer to the act of taking prescription drugs without a prescription or in a way that is not prescribed by a doctor.
According to a New York Times article, this trend is particularly prevalent among young adults, who may take prescription drugs to enhance their academic or athletic performance. This can be extremely dangerous, as it can lead to addiction, overdose, and other serious health consequences.
But with so many different types of prescription drugs available, it can be difficult to determine which ones are the most addictive. In this article, we will explore the most addictive prescription drugs and the dangers of misusing them.
Why is Prescription Drug Abuse Dangerous?
Prescription drugs are medications that can only be obtained with a written prescription from a licensed healthcare professional, such as a doctor or a nurse practitioner.
Examples of prescription drugs include antibiotics, painkillers, antidepressants, and medications for chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension. These medications are regulated and controlled because they typically have strong effects on the body and can pose risks if not used properly.
According to addiction experts, more than 18 million people ages 12 and older have used prescription medications for non-medical reasons in the previous year. This accounts for over 6% of the US population. [2]
Many people have the misconception that prescription drugs are safe to misuse because they are given by doctors, but that is not the case.
Prescription drugs can change the way your brain works. They can eventually affect your ability to make good decisions and control your intake. You may even experience intense cravings for these drugs. This makes them no different from illicit substances. The only difference is that most illegal drugs have no medical purpose. [2]
Prescription drug abuse is dangerous for several reasons. Firstly, these medications are formulated to treat specific health conditions and are prescribed in specific doses for patients based on their needs.
When abusing these medications, people often take higher doses or combine drugs without medical supervision, leading to severe health complications.
Taking medications in higher doses or in ways other than prescribed can lead to organ damage, respiratory issues, heart problems, seizures, and even overdose, which can be fatal.
The risk of an overdose is even greater when these medications are taken in combination with other drugs. Mixing prescription drugs with other substances can cause dangerous and unpredictable effects on the body.
Over time, individuals may develop a tolerance to the drug, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effects. Every time they attempt to quit or reduce their intake, they may experience severe withdrawal symptoms and intense cravings. This is a sign of drug dependence.
There’s also the possibility of addiction. This is a chronic and relapsing medical condition that is characterized by the compulsive intake of a particular drug. The person will keep taking it even when they are already suffering from its consequences.
Now let’s talk about some of the most dangerous and addictive prescription medications.
Opioids
Opioids are a class of drugs that are commonly prescribed for pain relief. They work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and blocking pain signals. However, they also produce a sense of euphoria, making them highly addictive.
Since the early 1990s, doctors have been prescribing opioid painkillers like codeine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, and morphine. While these medicines can help manage pain, they can also be highly dangerous. Opioids can slow down breathing and lead to overdose when misused. In fact, it is possible to become addicted to opioids when you use them for a short time. [2]
Opioids can create a strong physical and psychological dependence, leading individuals to crave them and make it hard to stop using them even when they want to.
These medications, when abused, can slow down breathing to dangerous levels. An overdose can be fatal as it may cause respiratory failure, leading to death. The risk of an opioid overdose is even greater when these medications are taken with alcohol, barbiturates, or benzodiazepines. [2]
Long-term use of opioids can lead to a range of health issues such as constipation, hormonal imbalances, decreased immunity, and increased sensitivity to pain.
Over time, the body can build a tolerance to opioids, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effects. This can lead to a cycle of increasing doses and heightened risk of overdose.
Opioid abuse can even exacerbate mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. Overall, opioid abuse poses serious risks to both physical and mental health, often leading to severe consequences and, in some cases, fatalities.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines, sometimes called “benzos,” are a class of drugs that are commonly prescribed for anxiety and sleep disorders. They work by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter called GABA, which produces a calming effect. When used properly and as prescribed, they can be effective and safe.
Some of the most commonly prescribed benzodiazepines include Xanax, Valium, and Ativan. Just like opioids, these drugs can be highly addictive, and long-term use can lead to physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms.
Unfortunately, benzodiazepine abuse is more common than you may think. And left unaddressed, these drugs can negatively impact many different aspects of your life, including your health, career, and relationships. [3]
Long-term or high-dose use can lead to physical dependence. When the body becomes accustomed to the presence of the drug, it becomes much more difficult to quit. The withdrawal symptoms caused by benzos can be severe and even life-threatening.
Over time, people might develop a tolerance, meaning they need higher doses to achieve the same effects. This can lead to escalating doses, increasing the risk of overdose.
High doses of benzodiazepines can cause respiratory depression. This can slow breathing to dangerous levels and, in extreme cases, result in coma or death. The risk is greater when the medications are combined with other CNS depressants like alcohol or opioids.
Abuse of benzodiazepines can also impair cognitive function, affecting judgment, coordination, and reaction times. This can lead to accidents, injuries, or impaired decision-making abilities. It can even lead to mental health issues like depression and anxiety. There are some cases of paradoxical reactions where the intended calming effects are reversed, causing increased agitation or aggression.
Watch out for symptoms of benzodiazepine overdose like extreme drowsiness, confusion, impaired coordination, and respiratory distress. An overdose can be fatal.
Other long-term health risks include liver damage, cardiovascular issues, and impaired immune function.
Due to these dangers, it’s crucial to use benzodiazepines only as prescribed by a healthcare professional. Do not mix them with other substances without medical guidance. If there’s a concern about benzodiazepine use or addiction, seeking help from a healthcare provider or addiction specialist is essential.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of drugs that are commonly prescribed for conditions like ADHD and narcolepsy. They work by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which can improve focus and alertness.
Some of the most commonly prescribed stimulants include Adderall, Ritalin, and Concerta. These drugs can be highly addictive, and long-term use can lead to tolerance and dependence.
During the early stages of stimulant use, people often underestimate the number of times they can take these substances. Those who have impulsive tendencies have been shown to have a higher risk of stimulant abuse. Those who are addicted to cocaine, for example, are more likely to agree with statements that show impulsivity, studies show. [4]
Similar to opioids and benzodiazepines, stimulant abuse can be incredibly dangerous for several reasons including health risks and mental health effects.
Continual use of stimulants can lead to cardiovascular problems, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, heart failure, and other serious health problems. They can even cause seizures, strokes, and respiratory issues.
As for mental health effects, prolonged use of stimulants can result in anxiety, paranoia, aggression, and even psychosis. Abruptly stopping their use can cause severe depression and fatigue.
Stimulants have a high potential for tolerance, addiction, and dependence. Taking high doses of stimulants can lead to overdose, which can be fatal. Symptoms of an overdose may include chest pain, dangerously high body temperature, hallucinations, seizures, and unconsciousness.
Stimulant abuse can even lead to changes in behavior, affecting relationships, work, and overall functioning. It can lead to neglect of responsibilities, isolation, and strained relationships.
In summary, stimulant abuse poses significant risks to both physical and mental health, often leading to addiction and a range of serious health complications. Seeking help and support is crucial for those struggling with stimulant abuse to prevent these harmful consequences.
Treatment Options for Prescription Drug Addiction
When it comes to the treatment of prescription drug abuse and addiction, the two main categories are medications and behavioral treatments. Medications help manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms. This keeps the patient safe and comfortable, allowing them to focus on their recovery. [5]
On the other hand, behavioral treatments like contingency management (CM) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) are designed to address the root causes of addictive behavior. By helping the patient understand their triggers, stressors, and the causes of their addiction, they can take steps towards long-lasting sobriety and abstinence. [5]
Prescription drug treatment involves a combination of approaches tailored to an individual’s needs. While the exact approach may be different from person to person, there are some common treatments that are often used in rehab.
For example, detoxification is a common first step. This is a gradual process wherein the body clears itself of the drug. Cravings and withdrawal symptoms are managed by health care providers during this difficult stage. It’s usually done under medical supervision.
Medication-Assisted Treatment or MAT involves the use of medications like methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone, etc., to help ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings. There is a misconception that using medications during treatment is just replacing one addiction with another. However, this is not the case. [5]
These medications are approved by the FDA because they do not produce a high. They allow patients to function in life and engage with treatment without the distractions of their addiction.
MAT is not a standalone treatment and works best alongside behavioral therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), contingency management, and motivational interviewing. Therapies can help individuals in recovery modify their attitudes and behaviors related to drug use.
Participation in support groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or SMART Recovery can provide valuable peer support and guidance in maintaining sobriety. It can be helpful for your recovery to be surrounded by people who understand exactly what you are going through. Not only can they relate to your situation but they can also offer guidance, encouragement, and accountability during your recovery process.
For severe cases or when there’s a need for intensive care and monitoring, inpatient or residential treatment programs may be recommended. Some patients get better results from outpatient treatment, however. This involves regularly scheduled appointments for therapy, counseling, and medication management while allowing patients to continue with their daily routines.
The best rehab programs use a personalized approach to suit the patient’s specific circumstances. What works for one person may not work for another. Seeking guidance from healthcare professionals or addiction specialists is crucial in determining the most effective treatment approach.
Conclusion
While prescription drugs may seem like a safer alternative to illegal drugs, they can be just as addictive and dangerous. Opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants are among the most addictive prescription drugs, and taking them informally can have serious consequences.
If you or someone you know is struggling with prescription drug addiction, seek help from a medical professional immediately. Remember, all drugs issued under a prescription should only be taken as directed by a doctor. Stay safe and informed when it comes to prescription drugs. Look for a rehab near you today to learn more about the available treatment options for prescription drug abuse.
Rehab is Your Best Chance
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.
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