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Key Takeaways

Prescription opioids, benzodiazepines and stimulants are commonly misused medications that can lead to addiction, even when taken as prescribed.
Behavioural symptoms such as neglect of responsibilities, social withdrawal and erratic behaviour, along with physical symptoms like mood swings, cognitive impairment and withdrawal, are key indicators of addiction.
Addiction can be influenced by personal factors like genetic predisposition, mental health conditions and a history of substance misuse, as well as environmental factors such as exposure to drug use, high stress and easy access to medications.
Both inpatient and outpatient treatment options are available, including a medically supervised detox, individual and group therapy and daycare treatment. Inpatient care offers a structured environment, while outpatient programmes provide flexibility and ongoing support.
Prescription drug addiction is treatable with the right support and intervention. CATCH Recovery offers comprehensive, personalised treatment plans designed to help individuals achieve long-term sobriety.

Prescription drug addiction is a rapidly growing problem, affecting millions of people worldwide.¹ What often begins with the well-intentioned use of medication for pain relief can quickly spiral into physical dependence and addiction. Addiction can happen to anyone, regardless of background or intention. At CATCH Recovery, we help those trapped in this relentless cycle reclaim their lives with compassion, expertise and evidence-based care.

Understanding Prescription Drug Addiction

Misusing prescription drugs can result in serious long-term problems affecting all areas of life. With societal stigma often only targeting street drugs, prescription drug addiction is largely overlooked and misunderstood.

Prescription drug addiction occurs when a medication is taken for a reason other than originally prescribed. Unfortunately, it may not be taken as seriously as illicit substance misuse because these medications come with the authority of a doctor’s prescription, which is why many people underestimate their addictive potential.

When prescribing medication, the focus is usually on immediate relief rather than long-term risks. Without providing the necessary information about dependency and proper usage, meaning patients are unaware of the potential dangers of prescription drug misuse.^2,3

Types of Prescription Medications: Opioids and Benzodiazepines

Opioids, benzodiazepines and stimulants are used to treat various medical conditions and are also among the most commonly misused prescription drugs. Misuse of these medications can lead to severe health risks including physical dependence, addiction, overdose and even death.⁴ Below is an overview of the most widely prescribed opioids and benzodiazepines along with their uses, potential for misuse and associated risks.

Prescription Opioids

Prescription opioids are strong medications typically prescribed to help manage pain, such as post-surgical pain, injury and chronic pain issues. Some of the most commonly used prescription painkillers include oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine and fentanyl. These drugs work by binding to the opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, reducing pain perception and producing a sense of euphoria.⁵

However, the euphoric effects of opioids make them highly addictive and they are frequently misused, either by taking higher doses than prescribed, using someone else’s prescription or obtaining them illegally. Misuse of opioids can quickly lead to physical dependence, addiction and a high risk of overdose, which can cause respiratory depression and be fatal if not treated promptly.

Prescription Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are a category of medications typically prescribed for the treatment of anxiety, panic disorders, insomnia and seizures.⁶ Some of the most commonly prescribed benzodiazepines include diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax) and lorazepam (Ativan). These drugs enhance the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that promotes calmness and relaxation in the brain.⁷

While effective for short-term use, benzodiazepines can be highly addictive, particularly when used long-term or in higher doses than prescribed. Misuse can lead to physical dependence, withdrawal symptoms, cognitive impairment and an increased risk of overdose, especially when combined with other depressants like alcohol or opioids. Benzodiazepine overdoses can cause severe respiratory depression, sedation and even death.

Risks of Co-Prescribing Opioids and Benzodiazepines

Opioids and benzodiazepines are sometimes prescribed together for conditions involving both pain and anxiety and sleep disorders. However, their combined use significantly increases the risk of severe side effects, including profound sedation, respiratory depression and overdose. This dangerous combination is a leading cause of prescription drug overdose deaths, emphasising the importance of careful monitoring, patient education and adherence to prescribing guidelines.

While prescription opioids and benzodiazepines are essential in medical treatment, they are commonly misused prescription drugs and their potential for addiction further highlights the need for responsible prescribing, patient education and awareness of the risks.

Signs and Symptoms of Prescription Drug Addiction

Recognising the signs and symptoms of prescription medication misuse is important as it allows for timely support and intervention. Symptoms can manifest both behaviourally and physically, often affecting an individual’s daily life, relationships and overall well-being.

Behavioural Symptoms

Behavioural signs of prescription drug addiction often show up in changes to a person’s habits, actions and responsibilities.⁸ These changes can disrupt daily life and are red flags that someone may be misusing substances. Common behavioural signs include:

Neglect of responsibilities: Not meeting obligations at work, school or home because of drug use
Social withdrawal: Avoiding loved ones, social events or spending too much time alone
Erratic behaviour: Mood swings, increased aggression or irritability
Doctor shopping: Visiting multiple doctors or pharmacies to get more prescriptions
Risky behaviour: Driving under the influence or combining medications with other substances
Changes in relationships: Strained relationships with friends and family, more time spent with people who support drug use
Preoccupation with medication: Thinking obsessively about obtaining or using the drug

Physical Symptoms

Physical symptoms of addiction can affect mood, cognitive function and overall health.⁹ These will vary depending on the medication used and often include:

Changes in appearance: Sudden weight gain or loss, poor personal hygiene or noticeable changes in grooming
Changes to sleep patterns: Insomnia, excessive sleeping or irregular sleep-wake cycles
Mood swings: Frequent mood changes from anxiety and depression to euphoria and agitation
Cognitive impairment: Difficulty concentrating, memory problems, slow thinking and reaction times
Other physical symptoms: Nausea, dizziness, headaches and unexplained aches and pains Sweating, shaking, nausea or intense cravings when not using the medication.

Early recognition and intervention are vital when it comes to preventing the progression of addiction and further highlight the need for awareness and support from loved ones, healthcare providers and treatment professionals.¹⁰ By identifying the issue early, these support systems can work together to provide the necessary care and guidance, increasing the chances of successful recovery.

Risk Factors and Causes: Personal and Environmental Factors

Addiction to prescription medications can happen due to a combination of personal and environmental factors.¹¹ Knowing these risk factors can help you identify who may be more likely to become addicted and prevent and intervene early.

Personal Factors and Risk

Genetic predisposition: Genetics play a significant role in the risk of addiction. Someone with a family history of substance use disorders is more likely to become addicted because of inherited traits that affect their behaviour and brain chemistry.

Mental health conditions: People with anxiety, depression or other mental health disorders may misuse prescription drugs as self-medication and become addicted.

Medical conditions: Those who have been prescribed opioids, benzodiazepines or stimulants for chronic pain, anxiety or other long-term health conditions may become physically dependent even when taking the medication as directed.

History of substance misuse: A personal history of alcohol or drug misuse increases the risk of becoming addicted to these meds.

Environmental Factors that Influence Addiction

Exposure to drug use: Being in an environment where drug use is normalised or having friends who misuse prescription meds can increase the risk of becoming addicted.

Stressful life events: Traumatic events or high levels of stress can lead to prescription drug misuse because people will use these as a coping mechanism.

Accessibility of medications: Having access to prescription meds can tempt you to use, eg. leftover meds at home.

Lack of Awareness: Underestimating the risks of prescription drugs leads to misuse.

Physical Dependence and Mixing Medications

Medications including opioids benzodiazepines and stimulants – can cause physical dependence even when they are used at therapeutic levels as prescribed. Dependence occurs when the body adapts to the medication, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effects and causing withdrawal symptoms when the drug is not used. Additionally, mixing prescription medications with other drugs or alcohol can intensify their effects, leading to dangerous side effects, overdose, or even death.

Overcoming Prescription Drug Addiction: Seeking Help and Treatment

If you suspect you have a problem with prescription drugs, seeking help as soon as possible is necessary to prevent the illness from progressing. Effective treatment typically involves a combination of medication and behavioural therapy with a treatment plan designed to address your individual needs.

Treatment Options: Inpatient and Outpatient

The two main treatment options for prescription drug addiction are inpatient and outpatient care. Inpatient is more intensive and best for those with severe addictions who require detox, while outpatient is more flexible and works around your life. Choosing the right treatment setting will impact recovery outcomes as each option provides different levels of care and support.

Inpatient

Inpatient rehab refers to treatment that involves a residential stay at the facility. Here patients receive 24/7 care and supervision. The structured environment is best for those with severe addictions or those who need a safe and supportive place to detox. Some of the main benefits of inpatient treatment include:

Inpatient clinics offer medically supervised detox which helps manage withdrawal symptoms safely and comfortably. Medical professionals are on site to monitor your vital signs, administer medication and help if complications arise.

These programmes include individual therapy, group therapy and other evidence-based treatments. Residential care can vary in length but most clinics recommend a minimum of four weeks depending on the severity of the addiction and the individual’s needs. Inpatient treatment allows for intense work on understanding the underlying causes of addiction, developing coping strategies, and using a combination of individual therapy, group therapy and other evidence-based treatments.

Outpatient

Outpatient rehab is more flexible, as it allows you to live at home and attend scheduled therapy sessions. Outpatient programmes, like those at CATCH Recovery, are for individuals with milder addictions, those transitioning from inpatient care or those who have work, family and other commitments that make inpatient treatment impractical. Outpatient options include:

Treatment involves individual or group therapy sessions which may include CBT, motivational interviewing and other therapeutic approaches to address the addiction and any related issues.

Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment at CATCH Recovery

At CATCH Recovery we offer a comprehensive approach to treating prescription drug addiction. With personalised treatment plans and evidence-based therapies, we support patients at every stage of their recovery from detox, all the way through to aftercare.

During your initial phone assessment, we will advise you on the best course of treatment based on the information you share with us. Depending on certain factors such as the severity of your addiction we may feel that you would benefit from inpatient rehab. In this case, we can refer you to one of our trusted inpatient clinics in Scotland and Ireland.

Start Your Recovery Today

Overcoming prescription drug addiction is possible with the right treatment and support. Whether you are worried about yourself, or a loved one struggling with prescription drug misuse, reaching out for help can put you on the path to a healthier, more fulfilling life. Recovery is a continuous process that requires commitment and the right resources. Here at CATCH, we are dedicated to helping our patients achieve long-term success in recovery.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with prescription drug addiction, don’t hesitate to seek help. With the right treatment and support, you can overcome prescription drug addiction and move on to a healthier, happier life.

References

1 Dr. Chekwube Nkemjika Ifeadi The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) MISUSE AND ABUSE OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS: AN OVERVIEW 2024 https://iiasglobal.net/jiias/2024-Edition-Online.pdf#page=27

2 Preuss CV, Kalava A, King KC. Prescription of Controlled Substances: Benefits and Risks. [Updated 2023 Apr 29]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537318/

3 Riggs, P. (2008). Non-medical use and abuse of commonly prescribed medications. Current Medical Research and Opinion, 24(3), 869–877. https://doi.org/10.1185/030079908X273435

4 Yaser Mohammed Al-Worafi, Medication abuse and misuse. Drug Safety in Developing Countries, Academic Press, 2020 https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-819837-7.00011-X.

5 Nicholson, B. Responsible Prescribing of Opioids for the Management of Chronic Pain. Drugs 63, 17–32 (2003). https://doi.org/10.2165/00003495-200363010-00002

6 S.V. Argyropoulos, D.J. Nutt, The use of benzodiazepines in anxiety and other disorders, European Neuropsychopharmacology, 1999, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0924-977X(99)00052-8.

7 Kaur, S. et al. (2020). Pharmacology of GABA and Its Receptors. In: Kumar, P., Deb, P.K. (eds) Frontiers in Pharmacology of Neurotransmitters. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-3556-7_8

8 Caplan, J.P., Epstein, L.A., Quinn, D.K. et al. Neuropsychiatric Effects of Prescription Drug Abuse. Neuropsychol Rev 17, 363–380 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11065-007-9037-7

9 Prescription drug misuse, Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prescription-drug-abuse/symptoms-causes/syc-20376813

10 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. EARLY INTERVENTION, TREATMENT, AND MANAGEMENT OF SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK424859/

11 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. THE NEUROBIOLOGY OF SUBSTANCE USE, MISUSE, AND ADDICTION. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK424849/