Recognizing the Dangers of Prescription Drug Addiction

Medications prescribed by a doctor to treat specific conditions save lives. Prescription drugs can also help dramatically improve one’s quality of life, including those who suffer from chronic pain or mental health conditions. However, prescription drugs can also be incredibly dangerous, including in cases when individuals have developed an addiction to the medication. 

This article explores dangers of prescription drug addiction and how you or someone you love can get help for an addiction to prescribed medication.

The Slippery Slope to Prescription Drug Addiction

Many people who become addicted to prescription drugs start as patients with prescribed medication to help manage health conditions. However, over a period of use, taking the medication according to prescribed guidelines develops into an addiction to the medication.

One factor for such an outcome is that certain drugs cause physical dependence, which can happen when your body becomes tolerant to the drug, resulting in the dosage not having the same effect as before.

Also, individuals who have physical dependence on a medication may suffer withdrawal symptoms if they cut back or stop taking the medication. Common withdrawal symptoms include:

• Excessive sweating
• Nausea and vomiting
• Increased anxiety
• Hot and cold flashes
• Insomnia
• Muscle cramps
• Pain
• Extreme cravings
• Irritability

These withdrawal symptoms may be very difficult to deal with and, in extreme cases, can even be dangerous.

Opiods, Sedatives, and Stimulants

Some of the prescription drugs often associated with addiction issues are common prescription medications, including opiods, sedatives, and stimulants.

Opiods

Opioids are designed for pain relief. They bind to opiate, or dull, receptors in the brain, which blocks pain signals and thus provides comfort to people who experience extreme or chronic pain. Some of the opioid drugs most commonly prescribed include codeine, Vicodin, oxycodone, morphine, and fentanyl. 

Sedatives

Sedatives and central nervous system depressants are designed to slow brain activity. They do this by increasing the calming effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA, on the brain. They’re usually prescribed to help people cope with panic disorders, high levels of anxiety, and problems with their sleep. The most common sedatives are Ambien, Xanax, Valium, and phenobarbitals. 

Stimulants

Stimulants are often prescribed to treat some sleep disorders and ADHD Hyperactive disorder. They increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain, which helps people focus and remain alert. Commonly prescribed stimulants include Adderall, Ritalin, and Vyvanse.

Prescription Misuse and Addiction

When prescription drugs are used as intended, they can be incredibly useful. But drug misuse can be very harmful. Misuse of prescription drugs means either taking more than the prescribed dose or someone taking prescription medication that hasn’t been prescribed to them.

The side effects of misuse differ depending on the types of prescription drugs being used. 

Opioid misuse can cause:

• Increased pain and pain sensitivity, even when painkillers are taken
• Drowsiness
• The need for higher doses for pain relief
• Poor coordination
• A sensation of being high
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Confusion

Sedative misuse can cause:

• Confusion
• Drowsiness
• Slurred speech
• DIzziness
• Poor concentration
• Memory problems

Stimulant misuse can cause:

• A sensation of feeling high
• Increased or irregular heartbeat
• High blood pressure
• Insomnia
• High temperature
• Agitation or irritation
• Increase alertness
• Reduced appetite
• Feelings of anxiety or paranoia

Prescription medication misuse isn’t a minor concern. It can lead to multiple health and social problems and is one of the early signs of prescription drug addiction. Prescription drug misuse and addiction may lead to lost employment, family connections, health, and mental stability.  

Indicators of Prescription Drug Addiction

There are multiple ways a prescription drug addiction may be presented, whether by yourself or a loved one.

Indicators of prescription drug addiction include:

• Forging, stealing, selling, or buying prescription medication
• Taking higher doses of medication than prescribed by a doctor
• Mood swings and hostility
• Requesting early refills or finding other ways to get extra prescriptions
• Using multiple prescribers to get prescriptions
• Being excessively drowsy or excessively active or energetic
• Poor or impulsive decisions
• Changes in sleep patterns

Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment in San Diego

Located in San Diego, Jackson House Recovery Centers offers personalized and professional treatment for prescription drug addiction. Our treatment includes multiple services to help individuals overcome prescription drug addiction:

Detoxification: This is to safely remove substances from the body. Professional oversight is in place to help in the management of withdrawal symptoms.

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): Available to support clients through cravings and withdrawal, our MAT involves medications and counseling to support recovery and sobriety.

Therapeutic counseling: Individual, group, and family counseling services are available as part of our prescription drug addiction treatment.

Addiction psychiatry: Our addiction psychiatry service is a way to support those dealing with a co-occurring condition, which is the simultaneous presence of mental health issues and substance addiction.

Recovery meetings: Making and building connections with others dealing with addiction is a key element of recovery meetings.

Nutrition and wellness guidance: We give attention to the support of physical and mental wellness for each client.

Aftercare support: Providing resources to help individuals continue in their recovery after their residential treatment is an important aspect of our overall approach.

Reach Out for a Consultation

Prescription drug addiction is a serious issue that can lead to both short- and long-term negative effects. Yet recovery is possible. Our compassionate team is in place to help individuals move forward with improved health and lasting wellness.

If you are dealing with a prescription drug addiction, contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.

21 Jul 2025

• Sobriety