Clinically Reviewed on 16/12/2023 11:48 am by Dr. Olalekan Otulana (Advanced Practitioner) All information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.
Prescription drug addictions are just as dangerous as illegal drug addictions. The number of deaths related to prescription drugs in the UK has been steadily rising, and drugs such as methadone are responsible for more deaths than illegal drugs such as cocaine.
The mortality rate for drug poisoning has also increased in the UK from 34.6 per million to the latest figures of 53.9 people per million, according to the ONS.
Unfortunately, some drugs prescribed by GPS to alleviate pain or as drug substitutes are highly addictive, and many people do become afflicted with a prescription drug addiction. These can both be acquired legally in the UK as a prescribed medicine, acquired on the black market or passed around amongst friends.
Understanding how people become addicted to prescription medications and the symptoms of prescription drug addiction will help you identify if you or a loved one needs to seek treatment.
Prescription drugs are usually viewed as harmless, but continued abuse can lead to serious consequences for the health of the individual.
They are prescribed by medical professionals on a daily basis as pain relief for medical issues, issued as a preventative measure for some illnesses or prescribed to help people with mental health disorders.
It is easy to see how this can develop into a prolonged prescription drug addiction. If you live with a chronic pain disorder, where greater doses ease your side effects, you’ll continue to opt for higher quantities.
If you have been on a waiting list for an operation that will ultimately relieve a medical issue that is causing you pain, you may have found yourself taking prescription drugs as pain relief for a longer than recommended time.
The University of Aberdeen found there has been a 40% increase in people with opioid addiction since pre-pandemic levels due to rising waiting lists for surgery in the UK for knee and hip replacements alone.
As we can see, prescription drug abuse is very unfortunate, and people often start abusing prescription drugs as a result of some other issue they may face, either physically or mentally.
If you have been taking prescription medication for a period of time, it is important to realise the signs of prescription drug addiction.
Initially, we can ask ourselves some questions such as:
Commonly misused prescription drugs such as opioid painkillers, prescription stimulants or drugs can change your behaviour, and you may find yourself seeking more doses other than what your doctor prescribed.
When you stop your prescription drug use, you may find yourself experiencing extreme cravings and withdrawal symptoms such as:
Please be aware the symptoms of this abuse are not only consolidated to prescribed drugs. People can also become addicted to over-the-counter drugs, and people take in increasing quantities to have the desired effect as their body builds up tolerance.
Physical symptoms can vary from person to person and on the drug they have been taking. People who have become addicted to prescription benzodiazepines will face challenging withdrawal symptoms as they essentially have an opioid addiction, similar to those who abuse illicit drugs such as heroin.
Prescription medications can vary in application from people looking to relieve pain to people with medical conditions such as epilepsy or mental health disorders. Here is a list of the most common prescription medication people may become addicted to.
Opioid painkillers like codeine, tramadol, and morphine are used to relieve pain. Prescription opioids are very strong and can cause addiction relatively quickly if abused, as they are highly addictive. To give this context, Heroin is also an opioid commonly abused and well understood to be highly addictive and dangerous to individuals.
Drugs such as diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), and lorazepam (Ativan) are prescribed for anxiety and sleep disorders but are often abused for their calming effects.
Medications like methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall) are prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). They are also abused for their stimulating effects, including increased energy and alertness.
While not typically considered addictive in the same way as opioids or benzodiazepines, antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) can be misused for their mood-altering effects.
If you have been taking Prozac for some time when you try to stop, your body has to adjust to a lower level of serotonin, and you may experience withdrawal symptoms. Here, people may keep on trying to source the drug as they believe it helps the withdrawal symptoms go away, instead of understanding the drug is the actual cause of these symptoms.
Drugs such as zopiclone and zolpidem are prescribed for insomnia. People can become addicted, and they can also be abused for their sedative effects and potential to induce relaxation or euphoria.
Here at Asana Lodge, we specialise in prescription drug addiction rehabilitation treatment. If you believe either yourself or a family member has an issue with prescription medication, we can help you through our range of treatment options.
We provide a secure, private setting for inpatient rehabilitation treatment. You will undertake an initial assessment and prescription drug detoxification as an inpatient.
Here, you will stay in our rehab centre under the guidance of addiction specialists, counsellors and health care professionals. We have been treating people who suffer from prescription drug misuse, and as a CQC-registered rehabilitation centre, we are one of the safest places to overcome prescription drug addiction in the long term.
We also provide all our clients with aftercare services and help reduce the chances of relapses post-rehab. We hold regular sessions with you and work together with local services for your future long-term health.
Prescription drugs are medications that are legally available only with a healthcare provider's written prescription. They are often used to treat specific medical conditions and require supervision by a healthcare professional due to their potential risks and side effects.
Prescription drugs require a healthcare provider's prescription for purchase, whereas over-the-counter medications can be bought without a prescription. Prescription drugs are typically more potent, have a higher risk of side effects, and are used to treat more complex or serious medical conditions.
Follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider or pharmacist carefully. Take the medication exactly as prescribed, at the correct dose, and at the specified times. Do not skip doses or stop taking the medication without consulting your healthcare provider, even if you start feeling better.
Common side effects vary depending on the medication but may include nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, or allergic reactions. Read the medication's information leaflet for a list of possible side effects. If you experience any adverse effects, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance.
It depends on the specific medication. Some prescription drugs can interact with alcohol or other medications, leading to adverse effects or reduced effectiveness. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before consuming alcohol or taking other medications while using prescription drugs to avoid potential interactions and complications.
Dr. Olalekan Otulana (Advanced Practitioner) - Clinical Reviewer - Last Reviewed: 16/12/2023 11:48 am
Dr. Otulana is a highly skilled General Practitioner and Addiction Specialist. He possesses extensive expertise in the field of Substance Misuse Management and boasts a diverse background in evaluating, overseeing (including detox procedures), and overseeing the residential recovery of individuals grappling with various drug and substance addiction issues. His primary goal is to conduct thorough assessments of patients dealing with addiction issues and determine their medical detoxification and psychological treatment requirements. Dr. Otulana is well-versed in caring for patients who need dual drug and alcohol detoxification therapies.
In addition to his medical qualifications, Dr. Otulana is a proficient healthcare professional who holds a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) degree from the prestigious Cambridge University Judge Business School.
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