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Prescription Drug Addiction Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Written by
On August 13, 2024

Prescription drugs are meant to treat medical or mental health issues, but in some cases, they come with a hefty cost. Despite the medical use of some prescription medications, many lead to dependence and have a high likelihood of abuse.

These substances that many look to for relief can spiral into abuse and addiction with devastating impacts on physical health, mental health, and overall well-being. Detox isn’t enough to combat some of the health challenges prescription drug addiction introduces.

At IKON Recovery, we’re committed to building a long-term relationship with each person who comes to us for assistance. We’re here for you and with you from the beginning stages of recovery through establishing a new, healthy, and successful life.

Key Points:

  • The most commonly abused drugs include CNS depressants, CNS stimulants, opioids, and benzodiazepines.
  • CNS depressants slow down nervous system function, and CNS stimulants increase natural function.
  • More than 43% of people who are first-time medication misusers do so with painkillers, and over 32% do so with sedatives or tranquilizers.
  • Prescription medication rehab helps address prescription drug misuse, overcome cravings, and build coping skills for a sustainable, healthy future.

What Are Prescription Drugs?

Prescription drugs are medications commonly prescribed by a physician, nurse practitioner, psychiatrist, or other medical provider to treat a wide range of illnesses, from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) to chronic pain.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has classified many prescription drugs as controlled substances. This classification indicates the recognized medical uses for these drugs but with an awareness of their potential for dependence and abuse.[1]

Most commonly abused drugs fall into three categories based on their active ingredients, all of which interact with the central nervous system (CNS), and each carries a high likelihood of abuse:[2]

  • Stimulants / Amphetamines
  • Analgesics, opioids, and painkillers
  • Benzodiazepines

Some of the most commonly abused prescribed substances include:[3]

  • Adderall: Prescribed for ADHD and narcolepsy
  • Ativan: Prescribed for anxiety
  • Morphine: Narcotic painkiller
  • OxyContin / Percocet / Oxycodone: Opioid painkiller
  • Vicodin / Hydrocodone: Opioid painkiller
  • Ritalin: Prescribed for ADHD
  • Xanax / Valium / Alprazolam: Prescribed for anxiety and panic disorders

Prescription Drug Addiction and Abuse

Many prescription medications are effective because they alter how you think and feel or your perception of those sensations. When you make the transition from experiencing chronic pain or anxiety to finally finding relief in prescription medicines, the initial reaction can be joyful and hopeful.

However, due to the nature and interaction of many prescription substances, dependence, cravings, and the increased risk of prescription drug misuse may soon follow. This makes them challenging as a long-term solution.

Prescription drug treatment centers like IKON Recovery offer a healthy, effective solution to overcome addiction and build back a healthy, positive life. We’ll be with you every step of the way as you restore balance.

Addiction Treatment by Substance

Prescription Drug Quick Reference Chart

Drug Category
Stimulants / Amphetamines, Analgesics, Painkillers, Opioids
Commercial & Street Names
Adderall: A-train, Abby, Amps, Study buddy Oxycodone/ OxyContin / Percocet: O.C, Oxy, Hillbilly Heroin, Percs Ativan Xanax: Zannies, Z-bars, Blue footballs, Upjohn Vicodin: vike, Watson-387, Ritalin: Kibbles and bits, skiipy, smarties, kiddy cocaine Morphine: M, Miss Emma, Monkey, White Stuff
DEA Schedule
Schedule II or Schedule IV
Administration
Oral, snorting, injection

Identifying Signs of Prescription Drug Addiction

A doctor’s Rx is required to obtain many of the commonly abused substances legally, but access to illicit sources and counterfeit products is common. Misuse can look like taking more doses than prescribed, taking them more often, getting medication from an illicit source, or taking them in any way other than prescribed (E.g., snorting vs. oral).

Other signs indicating abuse of prescription drugs can include:[4]

  • Mishandling prescriptions (forgery, selling, etc.)
  • Consuming higher doses than prescribed
  • Mood swings
  • Drowsiness or sleep disruption
  • Poor decision-making
  • Uncharacteristically high energy
  • Early refill requests and frequently “losing” medication or prescriptions
  • Seeking additional care to receive another prescription

Side-Effects and Symptoms of Prescription Drug Addiction

The side effects and symptoms will vary depending on the drug in question. CNS depressants and CNS stimulants are the most abused substances, as mentioned above, but they have the opposite effects on your body. CNS depressants slow down nervous system function (breathing, heart rate, brain activity, etc.), whereas CNS stimulants increase natural chemical levels in the brain to speed up function.[5][6]

Sticking with these two most common drug categories, the side effects and symptoms indicating someone may abuse prescription drugs may include:[7]

CNS Depressants, opioids, narcotics, and analgesics:

  • Constipation
  • Drowsiness
  • Nausea
  • A euphoric “high”
  • Reduced breathing
  • Confusion
  • Lack of coordination
  • Reduced pain relief without a higher dose
  • Heightened sensitivity to pain

CNS Depressants, Benzodiazepines, sedatives, and anti-anxiety medications

  • Feeling drowsy
  • Reduced breathing rate
  • Confusion
  • Vertigo
  • Memory issues
  • Lack of balance
  • Slurring words
  • Lack of concentration

CNS Stimulants and amphetamines

  • Heightened alertness
  • A euphoric “high”
  • Rapid heartbeat and high blood pressure
  • Increased body temperature
  • Reduced appetite
  • Sleep disruption
  • Feeling agitated and anxious
  • Paranoia

Prescription Drugs Abuse Statistics

According to recent data, over 45% of American adults have used prescription medications within the last month, and 16 million people over the age of 12 misuse prescription medications every year.[8] Additionally, it has been documented that more than 43% of first-time medication misusers do so with painkillers, and over 32% do so with sedatives or tranquilizers.[9]

Unfortunately, medication misuse is only half of the story. Addiction to prescription drugs often follows quickly behind. Official numbers indicate that 2.0 million people who misuse prescriptions are addicted to the prescription substances they misuse.[10]

Treatment For Prescription Drug Abuse at Ikon Recovery

There is hope for those who struggle with prescription drug addiction. With compassionate care and innovative holistic support, you or your loved one can face these challenges and come out stronger on the other side of prescription drug abuse treatment.

The treatment programs at IKON Recovery span multiple levels of care, from the early stages of recovery after prescription drug detox to living a sustainable, healthy life you love. Prescription drug addiction treatment programs include:

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

Full-time day program for full-time care to address substance use disorder issues, attend therapy, receive medication-assisted treatment, and a wide range of other innovative interventions, like NAD+.

Intensive Outpatient (IOP)

This is a part-time program for later recovery. In it, you participate in many of the same therapies and treatments as the PHP program but with a lower schedule commitment.

Outpatient Program

This is a long-term level of care that supports you over time as you transition back into daily routines while still getting the support you need.

Aftercare Program

IKON Recovery is committed to you for life. After formal treatment ends, we’ll support you with peer groups, vocational support, housing resources, and more.

Recovery Capital

Developing recovery capital encompasses all aspects of your life: personal, social, and community. Investing in these other areas makes you more committed to your lifelong recovery.

Alumni Services

Every member of our alumni community is part of the IKON family for life. This recovery group is where individuals find lasting connection, inspiration, and ongoing support.

Sober Living

A sober living community offers a place to share experiences, build lasting connections, and reinforce your new, healthy foundation for a brighter future.

Frequently  Asked Questions About Prescription Drug Addiction

Do prescription drug treatment centers take insurance?

Yes, most prescription drug treatment centers take insurance. IKON Recovery works with most major insurance carriers and will work with you to create a financially viable treatment solution. Call now to verify your insurance or learn more here.

Does anti-craving medication work for alcoholism?

Anti-craving medication for alcohol use disorder may be an effective solution. At IKON Recovery, we offer a Vivitrol treatment program as part of our treatment plans, though it is not a good fit for every participant. Learn more about that process here.

What is being done to stop prescription drug abuse?

One single solution of any kind is insufficient to resolve the prescription drug addiction concerns our nation faces. Communities, primary care providers, insurance companies, and prescription drug rehab centers must come together to provide 360 degrees of access to life-saving support, treatment, and accountability. At IKON Recovery, we are doing our part to provide recovery solutions for families and communities.

Sources

[1]Drug scheduling. DEA. (n.d.-a). https://www.dea.gov/drug-information/drug-scheduling

[2][3][8][9][10]Prescription drug abuse statistics. NCDAS. (2024, May 2). https://drugabusestatistics.org/prescription-drug-abuse-statistics

[4][7]Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, October 25). Prescription drug abuse. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prescription-drug-abuse/symptoms-causes/syc-20376813

[5]NCI Dictionary of Cancer terms. Comprehensive Cancer Information – NCI. (n.d.). https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/cns-depressant

[6]NCI Dictionary of Cancer terms. Comprehensive Cancer Information – NCI. (n.d.). https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/cns-stimulant