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How Prescription Drug Addiction Occurs?

There are many ways that prescription drug abuse may occur. Many prescription medications can have addictive qualities that make them more likely to be misused or abused. Addictive medications should be taken with caution and only within the strict guidelines of a medical professional to avoid any adverse complications.² 

Some people may also misuse prescription drugs for recreational purposes. Misusing addictive medications for recreational use or taking large doses of addictive medications is dangerous and can lead to many adverse effects.

Signs and Symptoms of Prescription Drug Addiction

There are many prescription drug addiction signs and symptoms you can look for to help determine if someone is struggling. Prescription drug addiction signs can be physical, psychological, or behavioral. 

Physical Symptoms of Prescription Drug Addiction

Physical prescription drug addiction symptoms include:

• Impaired coordination
• Slurred speech
• Disorientation
• Sleep disturbances, including insomnia
• Irregular heartbeat and slowed breathing
• High body temperature
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headaches

Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants

Central Nervous System (CNS) depressants are typically prescribed to treat anxiety, acute stress, panic disorders, and sleep disorders. While CNS depressants have many medical uses, they also have a high potential for addiction and misuse due to their sedative properties.⁴

Stimulants

Stimulant medications such as Adderall and Ritalin are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). However, these stimulant medications also have the potential for addiction if they are misused or abused. 

Avoiding Prescription Drug Misuse

To avoid misusing prescription drugs, it is important to only take drugs personally prescribed by a medical professional, to that amount, and contact your doctor if any signs of dependence begin to occur.

Causes of Prescription Drug Addiction

There are many common causes of prescription drug abuse. It’s important to look out for the risk factors for prescription drug abuse to try to prevent it or be able to provide help for those who are struggling. 

To Feel Good or Get High

The effects of prescription drugs may be abused to feel good or get high. Recreational use of prescription drugs can have many adverse effects. It’s important to avoid prescription drug use to avoid the dangers of prescription drugs. 

To Relax or Relieve Tension

Prescription drugs may also be abused for relaxation or to relieve tension. High levels of stress in someone’s daily life can be one of the leading causes of prescription drug misuse. However, self-medicating stress with prescription medications is dangerous, as there are many adverse effects of abusing prescription drugs. 

To Reduce Appetite or Increase Alertness

Some people may also misuse prescription medications because they help suppress appetite or increase alertness. While the side effects of prescription drugs may help with these things, there are also many negative effects of abusing prescription drugs that can be harmful to someone’s well-being in the long term. 

To Experiment with the Mental Effects of the Substance

Prescription drugs may also be abused by those who want to experiment with the mental effects of the substance. Experimentation with a prescription substance can be very harmful and may lead to many adverse side effects if the medication is taken in high doses. 

To Maintain an Addiction and Prevent Withdrawal

If someone already struggles with an addiction, they may choose to take prescription drugs to maintain their addiction or prevent withdrawal symptoms from occurring. This is often a sign of drug dependence that someone feels like they can’t function normally without taking drugs. 

To be Accepted by Peers or to be Social

Peer pressure or social factors are also common risk factors for addiction, specifically in younger people. It’s important to educate young people about the dangers of prescription drug misuse to avoid the adverse effects that addiction to these substances can create. 

Complications From Prescription Drug Addiction

Many complications may occur from prescription drug addiction and long-term abuse of these substances. 

Use of Other Medications and Drugs

The use of other medications and drugs can cause harmful interactions that impact someone’s health and well-being. Some drug interactions can be dangerous and may lead to long-term health consequences. 

Age

Age can also be a factor in complications from prescription drug misuse. Younger people who abuse prescription substances may have more severe complications since their brains aren’t fully developed yet. Long-term prescription drug addiction in teens can cause damage to brain cells and may prevent important brain cell growth and development. 

Pre-Existing Health Conditions

Prescription drug addiction can also worsen pre-existing health conditions. Effects of prescription drug abuse on pre-existing health conditions can lead to severe health issues and health complications that may be fatal.