Understanding Prescription Drugs and Addiction

When most people think of addiction, they imagine seedy scenes of others drinking to excess and injecting themselves in rundown flats. Addiction is not always a clear picture, and illegal drugs aren’t the only substance that people misuse.

Prescription drug misuse and addiction are grave issue that affects people in this country. Sometimes, the very things people are given by medical professionals to get better have the potential to take over their lives.

According to the NHS Business Services Authority, in data published from 2025, 4.39 million patients were prescribed dependency-forming medicines. It is not inevitable that these types of prescription drugs result in addiction, but it is a powerful force that can take over a person’s life.

Addiction not only affects the individual’s health and livelihood, but it can also destroy relationships, families and filter out to the wider community. Because of this, it’s important to know about the dangers of prescription drug addiction, what the signs are and what help is available.

What Are Prescription Drugs?

Prescription drugs are medications that can only be legally consumed if you have been prescribed them by your doctor. These types of drugs are prescribed to help with many reasons, including managing conditions, treating them completely, managing pain and slowing the progression of illnesses.

The government and health sector are aware of the risks of some of the medications prescribed, but they are used because they can be helpful for people, especially those dealing with chronic conditions such as constant pain or mental health issues.

There are many types of prescription drugs, and many types can be misused. The most common types of drugs associated with misuse and addiction include:

Opioids:

• Morphine
• Codeine
• Tramadol
• Fentanyl

Benzodiazepines:

• Diazepam
• Lorazepam
• Temazepam
• Clonazepam

Stimulants:

• Methylphenidate
• Dexamphetamine
• Lisdexamphetamine

How Does Prescription Drug Addiction Develop?

Addiction doesn’t happen overnight. Firstly, a person will develop a tolerance to the prescription drug they are taking. This means that your body becomes used to the drug, and higher amounts of it need to be taken for you to achieve the same effects as when you started taking it.

Tolerance of a drug usually occurs through misuse and eventually develops into a dependency. You’ll know you are dependent on a drug if you attempt to stop taking it and are hit with withdrawal symptoms.

Dependency tips over into addiction when it begins to take over your life. It becomes a psychological need as well as a physical one.

Painkillers are particularly addictive, especially when using them to deal with chronic pain, and the addiction takes hold as these drugs hijack your brain. Eventually, you need higher and higher amounts to function anywhere close to normal.

Other factors that can influence the development of an addiction include:

• Genetics
• Peer pressure
• Mental health problems
• The prescription drugs you have are highly addictive

Signs of Prescription Drug Addiction

Not all drug addictions are the same; however, there are some common symptoms you should be aware of. Prescription drug tolerance and dependency can quickly turn to addiction. The way you get ahead of it is by noticing the signs and acting before the problem gets any worse.

These symptoms can impact a person and the people around them every day, with some potentially having lifelong and even fatal consequences.

Symptoms for addiction can be separated into three categories: physical, psychological and behavioural. Here are some you should be aware of.

Common Physical Symptoms

• Change in sleep pattern
• Weight change
• Feeling sick more often
• Nausea
• Lethargic

Common Psychological Symptoms

• Depression
• Increased anxiety
• Paranoia
• Mood swings
• Confusion

Common Behavioural Symptoms

• Doctor shopping
• Social isolation
• Attempting to stop and being unable to
• Neglecting work and personal responsibilities
• Strain in relationships

Prescription Drugs and Addiction: Risks and Consequences

A prescription drug addiction can impact every aspect of your life if you don’t deal with the problem.

Health Risks

An addiction can be a debilitating problem. Prescription drugs can cause damage to your brain, liver, heart and kidneys. You leave yourself at risk of overdosing, which can result in death. Developing an addiction can also wreck your mental health, potentially leading to suicide attempts.

Social Impacts

The consequence of addiction can be a breakdown in your social life. You may lose friends and family over your behaviour and the addiction taking over your life. Many people who are going through addiction lose the trust of their spouses and children—and sometimes these relationships are never repaired.

Legal Implications

Misusing drugs can lead to legal troubles. Despite being legally prescribed, if you begin to abuse drugs or get them through other channels, then you are breaking the law.

Amphetamines and painkillers such as codeine are Class B drugs—meaning they are controlled substances that could land you in prison for up to 5 years if caught with them.

Benzodiazepines are Class C, which could result in up to 2 years in prison just for possession.

Seeking Help for Prescription Drug Addiction

Prescription drug addiction is a problem that will only get worse if not dealt with. For many people, they need professional help to begin the recovery. At Rehab Directory, we can help individuals and families find the right treatment for them and their situation.

Every person’s recovery journey is different, but there are certain paths that have proven to be effective. Detoxification, various therapies and aftercare all make up a comprehensive treatment approach that you should consider.

Detoxification

In rehab, you will first go through detox, which will initially involve purging the harmful toxins from your body by ending your consumption of prescription drugs. At a prescription drug rehab centre, this will be medically supervised so you are safe and as comfortable as possible.

Treatments in Rehab

You will take part in a combination of therapies to help uncover the causes behind your addiction and learn healthier coping techniques. Therapies you may take part in include:

• Individual therapy
• Group therapy
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Aftercare

Your recovery isn’t completed once you go through rehab. In some ways, it is just the beginning, and what comes after can be much harder than what you’ve already been through.

Because of this, aftercare is vital to achieving long-term recovery. Many treatment centres offer aftercare support, giving you access to peer group support meetings and continuing therapy. Engaging in aftercare can lessen the risk of relapsing and help you build a support network.

Take the First Step Towards Recovery

Overcoming an addiction may seem like an impossible task. It’s important to remember that every journey starts with a single step.

At Rehab Directory, we can help you take that first step towards recovery. For confidential help in exploring available treatment options, contact us now.

You can also get in touch by phone, where our lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 0330 0414 845 now.