Prescription Drugs

Learn about prescription drug addiction, including warning signs, symptoms, treatment approaches, and how to support a loved one struggling with medication dependence.

Prescription drug addiction, also known as prescription drug use disorder, occurs when someone develops a dependence on medications prescribed by a healthcare provider. Despite being legally prescribed, these medications can lead to addiction when misused or taken in ways other than prescribed [1]. This condition affects millions of Americans each year and can happen to anyone, regardless of background, age, or initial intentions.


Living with prescription drug addiction—or supporting someone who does—presents unique challenges, but recovery is possible. This guide provides essential information about prescription drug addiction and pathways to healing.


What is Prescription Drug Addiction?

Prescription drug addiction is a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug-seeking and use despite harmful consequences [2]. It develops when regular use of medication leads to changes in the brain that affect self-control and the ability to resist intense urges to take drugs.


Three classes of prescription drugs are most commonly misused:

  • Opioids: Pain relievers like oxycodone (OxyContin®), hydrocodone (Vicodin®), and fentanyl

  • Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants: Sedatives and tranquilizers like benzodiazepines (Xanax®, Valium®)

  • Stimulants: Medications like Adderall® and Ritalin® prescribed for ADHD


Prescription drug addiction often begins innocently. Many people start taking medication exactly as prescribed for legitimate medical conditions. However, over time, some may increase their dosage without medical guidance, take medication prescribed for someone else, or use the drugs for non-medical purposes [3].

Common Signs and Symptoms of Prescription Drug Addiction

Recognizing prescription drug addiction can be challenging, as symptoms vary depending on the specific medication involved. However, certain warning signs typically appear across different types of prescription drug misuse.

Behavioral Signs:

  • Taking higher doses than prescribed or more frequent use

  • "Doctor shopping" (visiting multiple doctors to obtain more prescriptions)

  • Requesting early refills or claiming medications were lost

  • Stealing, forging, or selling prescriptions

  • Mood swings, social withdrawal, and continued use despite negative consequences


Physical and Psychological Symptoms:

  • For opioid addiction: drowsiness, constricted pupils, slurred speech, confusion, and slowed breathing.

  • For CNS depressant addiction: slurred speech, poor concentration, memory problems, dizziness, and lowered blood pressure.

  • For stimulant addiction: increased alertness, reduced appetite, elevated blood pressure, insomnia, agitation, and paranoia [4].


How Prescription Drug Addiction Manifests Differently

Prescription drug addiction doesn't look the same for everyone. Age can be a significant factor - teenagers might show different warning signs than older adults, including sudden friend group changes or unexplained financial needs. Older adults may develop addiction problems unintentionally due to having multiple prescriptions or age-related metabolism changes.


Some people maintain their daily responsibilities while struggling privately with dependency—a pattern sometimes called "high-functioning addiction." Others show more obvious signs that affect multiple areas of their life.


Many people with prescription drug addiction also have co-occurring disorders like depression or anxiety disorders. In some cases, people begin misusing prescription medications as a form of self-medication for untreated mental health symptoms [5].


Causes and Risk Factors

Prescription drug addiction rarely has a single cause. Instead, multiple factors typically contribute to its development:

Biological Factors

  • Family history accounts for roughly 40-60% of addiction vulnerability

  • Brain chemistry differences mean some people experience stronger effects from medications

  • Pre-existing mental health conditions increase vulnerability


Environmental Factors

Early exposure to drug use within the family, history of trauma, high stress levels, and social environments where drug misuse is normalized all contribute to risk.


Medication-Related Factors

Longer prescribed use increases risk, as does higher-potency medications and taking medications in ways other than prescribed (such as crushing pills to snort) [3].


Impact on Daily Life and Relationships

Prescription drug addiction can profoundly affect every aspect of a person's life. Physical health deteriorates, with symptoms specific to the misused medication. Sleep patterns become disrupted, and energy declines. Financial strain often results from purchasing medications or lost work opportunities.


Family members typically experience confusion, frustration, and helplessness. Trust issues emerge when behaviors like lying about drug use or financial deception occur. Children of parents with prescription drug addiction may take on inappropriate responsibilities or experience neglect.


Professional performance suffers as the addiction progresses. Concentration difficulties, missed work days, and impaired decision-making impact work quality. Social isolation increases as the person withdraws from activities that don't involve drug use [5].


Effective Treatment Approaches

Recovery from prescription drug addiction is possible with appropriate treatment. Effective approaches typically include:

Medical Detoxification

For many prescription medications, especially opioids and benzodiazepines, supervised medical detoxification is crucial for safety. Medical professionals can provide medications to ease withdrawal and monitor for complications.


Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

For opioid addiction, medications like buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone may be prescribed to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. These medications, when combined with counseling, significantly improve recovery outcomes [6]. Learn more about medication-assisted treatment.


Behavioral Therapies

Several evidence-based therapeutic approaches help address the psychological aspects of addiction:


Treatment Settings

Depending on addiction severity and individual needs, treatment might occur in inpatient/residential settings, partial hospitalization programs, intensive outpatient programs, or standard outpatient care [6].


Self-Care Strategies and Coping Skills

Recovery extends beyond formal treatment. Sustainable recovery involves developing healthy coping mechanisms through consistent daily routines, regular physical exercise, proper nutrition, healthy sleep habits, and finding meaningful activities that provide purpose.


Stress management techniques like mindfulness therapy, deep breathing exercises, journaling, and creative expression help maintain emotional balance. Building support networks through support groups, reconnecting with supportive friends and family, and finding sober social activities creates a foundation for lasting recovery [7].


How Family Members Can Provide Support

If your loved one is struggling with prescription drug addiction, your support can make a significant difference:

Educate Yourself

Learn about addiction as a medical condition to reduce stigma and judgment. Understand that relapse is often part of the recovery process rather than a failure.


Practice Healthy Communication

Express concerns calmly using "I" statements, listen without interrupting, avoid accusatory language, and be honest about boundaries and expectations.


Set Boundaries

Establish clear, consistent boundaries to protect your wellbeing while supporting recovery. Refuse to provide money that might fund drug use, don't make excuses for addiction-related behaviors, and care for your own physical and emotional needs.


Family therapy helps repair damaged relationships, improve communication patterns, understand family dynamics, and learn how to support recovery while maintaining healthy boundaries [7].


Finding Professional Help

When you're ready to seek treatment for yourself or help a loved one, these resources can guide you:


Start with your primary care physician for referrals and initial assessment. SAMHSA's National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP) offers confidential, free information and treatment referrals. Online resources like the SAMHSA treatment finder help identify local options. Your insurance provider can direct you to in-network treatment providers.


When evaluating treatment programs, ask about types of addiction treated, evidence-based treatments offered, credentials of staff members, typical length of treatment, and aftercare support provided.


Many insurance plans cover addiction treatment services. The Affordable Care Act requires coverage for substance use disorder treatment as an essential health benefit. If you don't have insurance, many treatment centers offer sliding scale fees or payment plans [4].


Moving Forward with Hope

Recovery from prescription drug addiction is a journey rather than a destination. While challenges will arise, many people achieve long-term recovery and rebuild fulfilling lives.


Remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Each person's recovery path is unique, and finding the right combination of treatment, support, and self-care strategies may take time.


Whether you're struggling with prescription drug addiction yourself or supporting someone who is, know that healing is possible. With appropriate treatment and support, people recover from prescription drug addiction every day and go on to lead healthy, meaningful lives.


Related conditions you may want to learn more about:


References

[1] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). Prescription Drug Misuse. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/prescription-drugs

[2] American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). https://psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/dsm

[3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Prescription Opioids. https://www.cdc.gov/opioids/basics/prescribed.html

[4] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2022). Know the Signs of Prescription Drug Misuse. https://www.samhsa.gov/talk-they-hear-you/parent-resources/prescription-drug-misuse

[5] National Institute of Mental Health. (2022). Substance Use and Co-Occurring Mental Disorders. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/substance-use-and-mental-health

[6] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). Medications to Treat Opioid Use Disorder Research Report. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/medications-to-treat-opioid-addiction/overview

[7] Partnership to End Addiction. (2023). Help & Support for Families. https://drugfree.org/get-support/