{"id":3970,"date":"2023-08-01T11:04:00","date_gmt":"2023-08-01T11:04:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/?page_id=3970"},"modified":"2025-02-07T12:35:20","modified_gmt":"2025-02-07T12:35:20","slug":"addiction","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/drugs\/prescription-drugs\/addiction\/","title":{"rendered":"Prescription Drug Abuse and Addiction"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Understanding that these substances have addictive potential and knowing the signs and symptoms of addiction can help provide people with a better chance at recovery.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prescription drug abuse and addiction is a growing problem in the United States. Prescription drugs<\/a> are meant to be taken at a certain dose to treat a specific condition. When they are taken in a way that was not prescribed, there is a potential for misuse and addiction to occur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Though prescription drugs are safe when used correctly, their use still carries some risks. Understanding that these substances have addictive potential and knowing the signs and symptoms of addiction can help provide people with a better chance at recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Are Prescription Drugs Addictive?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Doctors prescribe drugs at a specific dose for a certain amount of time because certain prescription drugs can be physically and psychologically addictive. The most common addictive prescription drugs include opioids, stimulants<\/a> and central nervous system (CNS) depressants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many addictive substances, including prescription drugs, artificially create high dopamine releases in the brain, causing pleasurable feelings. The brain then rewires its reward pathway to seek the drug, leading to addiction. An addicted individual may experience psychological or physical withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking the drug.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10 Most Addictive Prescription Drugs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Prescription medications are safe to take when used properly, but their use can still lead to\u00a0addiction<\/a>, especially if they are being misused. when the The 10\u00a0most commonly abused prescription drugs<\/a>\u00a0include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Barbiturates<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

These are CNS depressants that are used to treat sleep disorders like insomnia. Barbiturate addiction occurs because of the drug\u2019s ability to lower inhibitions and cause euphoria, sedation and unusual excitement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benzodiazepines<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

These CNS depressants are used to treat anxiety and panic disorders, and they can also act as muscle relaxants. Benzodiazepine addiction<\/a> occurs due to the drug\u2019s ability to cause euphoria and sedation, reduce anxiety and lower inhibitions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sleep Medications<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

These CNS depressants are used to treat sleep disorders like insomnia. Addiction to sleep medications<\/a> occurs due to their ability to cause sedation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Codeine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This opioid is used to treat mild to moderately severe pain. Addiction to codeine<\/a> is caused by its ability to relieve pain and relax the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Morphine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This opioid is used to treat moderate to severe pain. Addiction to morphine<\/a> occurs due to its relaxing properties, which can make people feel happy and can also cause a high.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Methadone<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This synthetic opioid is used to treat addiction to opioid drugs, such as heroin<\/a>. Though it replaces other types of opioid addiction, methadone<\/a> can become addictive as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fentanyl and Analogs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This synthetic opioid is used to treat severe pain, and it is 80 to 100 times more potent than morphine. Addiction to fentanyl<\/a> occurs because of the pain relief, euphoria and sedation experienced when taking it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Opioid Pain Relievers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

These drugs are used to treat moderate to severe pain. Addiction to opioids<\/a> is caused by their pain-relieving properties, which relax the body and create feelings of pleasure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amphetamines<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This stimulant drug is used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. Amphetamine addiction<\/a> results from the feelings of exhilaration, increased energy, and alertness that occur when the drug is taken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Methylphenidate<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This stimulant drug is used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. Addiction to methylphenidate<\/a> is caused by the drug\u2019s effects on energy, heart rate, and alertness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Causes of Prescription Drug Abuse<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There is a common misconception that prescription drugs are always safe to use because they are given under the supervision of a doctor. While this is often the case, prescription drugs must be taken at the correct dose and length of time to remain as safe as possible. When they are taken for other purposes or used in other ways, addiction and misuse is more likely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prescription drug misuse often begins with someone getting a prescription for a potentially addictive drug for a reasonable purpose. For example, someone may be given an opioid pain reliever after a surgery or injury. They take it for pain management in the beginning, but they soon become addicted. Dependence can occur when someone takes a prescription for so long that their body becomes dependent on it to function. They may also become physically and psychologically addicted. Other causes of prescription drug abuse are related to the ease of access to these drugs. The number of prescriptions given out by doctors has been increasing<\/a> since the 1990s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Are Prescription Drugs Abused?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Prescription drugs can be misused in many different ways. Examples include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n