In 2025/26, there were 66 million items of dependency-forming medicines prescribed in England. Of these, opioids were the most prescribed form of medicine, but this does not mean that means they rank number 1 in the substance that is most people are addicted to in the country.

We’re going to look at the evidence behind what the most common prescription drug addiction is, different medications that can cause dependence, what the signs are and how you can get help.

 

What Does Prescription Drug Dependence Mean?

Dependence does not mean addiction.

Instead, dependence refers to physical dependence. When using a medication and then suddenly reducing or stopping your intake, if you begin to experience withdrawal symptoms, that means a physical dependence has formed.

This can happen because your body becomes used to the substance, and a physical reaction occurs when it is no longer present at expected levels. Tolerance can develop, meaning you need more to feel the same effects as before.

When tolerance and physical dependence develop, it can turn into a psychological one. If you begin to lose control over your use, taking medication compulsively and doing it despite the harm it is causing, you may have an addiction.

Using prescription medicines appropriately can help treat health conditions. However, you should review your prescription regularly with your doctor to evaluate risks.

 

Which Prescription Medicines Are Most Commonly Associated With Dependence?

Opioids were the most prescribed dependency-forming group in England, with 39 million items.

This can be a concerning number, but prescription items don’t equal unique patients, diagnoses or measures of dependence prevalence in the country. The 66 million items prescribed in England went to 7 million patients. Some patients will be taking multiple medications at once and often do not develop a dependence.

Other dependency-forming medications often prescribed include benzodiazepines, gabapentinoids and Z-drugs. The number of prescription items prescribed was 5.5, 17 and 4.6 million, respectively.

Whilst prescribing rates have decreased for opioids, benzodiazepines and Z-drugs, gabapentinoid prescribing rates increased slightly this year.

These figures can be telling that while prescription drugs can lead to dependence, they are still widely used for a reason by our healthcare service. The numbers, though, cannot establish a definitive UK-wide ranking of diagnosed prescription drug dependence. The most prescribed medicine group is not always the group associated with the largest number of people experiencing dependence.

 

The Growing Concern of Opioid Dependence

Opioids are used as pain medicines, and medications like codeine, tramadol and morphine are commonly prescribed for pain relief.

They work on the body by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, blocking pain signals and calming nerve activity. Opioid dependence and addiction can occur even if you take opioids as prescribed. This is because taking them can bring about feelings of pleasure and relaxation. Some people come to desire that feeling, and if a tolerance builds, then you want to continue taking opioids to experience those effects again.

You should also review your medications to ensure you’re using them safely.

Opioids also carry an overdose risk. They are central nervous system depressants, and if you take them with other depressants like alcohol or another sedating medicine, you risk compounding the sedation. Your breathing and heart could stop, proving fatal.

 

Other Prescription Medicines With Dependence or Withdrawal Risks

  • Benzodiazepines – These are medications like diazepam that are usually prescribed for anxiety, muscle spasms and other conditions. Long-term use can lead to benzodiazepine dependence, with withdrawal being particularly difficult. With severe withdrawal, there is a chance of experiencing seizures.
  • Z-drugs – They are medications, such as zopiclone, that are used as a short-term treatment for insomnia. Z-drugs are only prescribed for a short amount of time because they carry a serious risk of addiction.

Another commonly prescribed form of medication is antidepressants. Whilst they can cause withdrawal symptoms, they are not classed as dependence-forming medicines. That is because going through withdrawal does not always mean that you are addicted to a substance.

 

Signs That a Medication Review May Be Needed

Experiencing withdrawal symptoms if you miss a dose or take a reduced one can be a sign that perhaps you need to talk to your doctor. This will be true especially if you feel like the amount you are taking is not having any effect, indicating you are building up a tolerance.

Whilst this can point to a dependence, an addiction is the next step up. If you are taking extra doses without advice, have lost control over taking your medication or continued to take it despite negative effects, you may have developed a more serious substance misuse issue.

These signs are not a diagnosis, as these symptoms can overlap with your condition you are trying to manage or other health issues. You should get a clinical assessment to confirm.

If you have any concerns, speak honestly to your prescriber or pharmacist. They will not judge you and need the full, accurate picture to decide on the best course of action.

 

Getting Help With Prescription Drug Dependence

First, you should see your GP or prescribing doctor and review the medicine you are taking, exploring if the benefits outweigh the risk and whether there are alternatives. In the case that you have to go through withdrawal, plans are typically personal to you and gradual. You should not stop abruptly or alter your dose without medical advice.

Withdrawal doesn’t mean addiction. However, it may be that you have developed a serious addiction where you need professional treatment. Prescription drug rehab can provide you with the medically managed detox and psychological support you need to deal with your addiction.

In the case of an emergency, don’t think about rehab or talking to a GP. If you suspect an overdose in someone, and they are having severe breathing difficulties, a seizure, or are unconscious, call 999 immediately.

 

Take the First Step Towards Recovery Today

If you have concerns about prescription drug dependence, we at Asana Lodge can help. We can help you explore your options and also provide personalised treatment if you believe our rehab is right for you.

You can also look for help through your GP or local NHS drug and alcohol services if you think that’ll suit you. In an emergency, call 999.

Contact the team today for a confidential discussion about your next steps.

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