Many people think that prescription medicines are always safe, especially when a doctor gives them. Using these drugs in any way that is not specifically advised can be more risky than it appears. Using prescription painkillers, addiction to strong opioids in the wrong way is harmful. It is also seen as drug abuse and is against the law, just like using illegal drugs.
The 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health shared some findings. It said that nearly 16% of people misused mental health medicines. This happened in just one year. About 9 million Americans were involved. They were 12 years old or older. It’s even more concerning that prescription painkiller addiction came in third place, just after alcohol and marijuana, for the most new users or people misusing them, with a total of 1.9 million people starting to misuse substances that year alone.
What is a Prescription Painkiller Addiction
Prescription painkiller addiction occurs when a person becomes dependent on these medications, which are often opioids prescribed by doctors for pain relief. The physical meaning of this dependency can be that the body needs the drug. And the psychological meaning is that the person feels they cannot cope without it. These medicines are effective for managing moderate to severe pain, but they can be easily abused and may result in addiction. The risk goes up if people use these medications in larger doses more frequently than their doctor advises.
Common Prescription Painkiller Addiction
Opioids: They include drugs like Oxycodone (found in OxyContin and Percocet) or Hydrocodone (known as Vicodin). These may be Morphine and Codeine or Fentanyl and Tramadol.
Gabapentinoids: Gabapentinoids like Pregabalin (Lyrica) and Gabapentin (Neurontin) are becoming more associated with abuse.
Benzodiazepines: They are medications that doctors sometimes give to help with pain and anxiety. Examples of these drugs include Xanax and Ativan.
The Stats on Prescription Drug Misuse
New studies indicate a troubling increase in the improper use of prescription medications in the UK. More and more people are using painkillers and anxiety medications in unsafe ways, and this issue is becoming more serious.
A major study conducted by the University of Bristol revealed that:
- One out of three people who took strong painkillers such as codeine and tramadol or morphine showed signs of becoming reliant on these medications.
- What’s even more concerning is that 1 in 10 people became fully addicted to these drugs.
Other Prescription Medications Being Abused
In a single year (2023–2024) 3 872 adults in the UK began treatment for misusing benzodiazepines. These are medications such as diazepam and temazepam, which people commonly use to help with anxiety or sleep issues.
Pregabalin and gabapentin, which help with nerve pain and epilepsy, are also being misused by some people. In 2023, doctors in England prescribed pregabalin more than 9 million times. Surprisingly, it now has the highest increasing death rate of all prescription drugs in the UK.
How Does Addiction Start
People commonly start prescription painkiller addiction for valid reasons, like managing pain after surgery or an injury. However, this can quickly lead to dependence and misuse. To understand why addiction occurs, we need to examine how people get these medications and why they decide to use them incorrectly.
Sources of Prescription Painkillers
People get prescription painkiller addiction drugs from different sources, such as:
- Authorized prescriptions from doctors or hospitals.
- People who give away or share medications they don’t use, like friends or family.
- “Buying illegal drugs from dealers.”
- “Illegal clinics and other untrustworthy medical providers.”
- Stealing is like taking someone’s medicine from their house without asking.
Research indicates that teenagers normally get prescription painkiller addiction opioids for free from friends or family members. This makes the medicine cabinet at home a surprisingly risky spot.
Motives Behind Prescription Drug Misuse
People misuse prescription painkiller addiction drugs for different reasons. Addiction usually starts when someone uses the medication for various reasons, not just to relieve pain. Some typical reasons are:
Getting high: Some people look for the happy feelings that opioids and other prescription medications can create.
Regulating pain: Chronic pain sufferers may misuse medication when their prescribed dose no longer feels effective.
Decreasing unpleasant emotions: People struggling with anxiety, depression, or emotional distress may turn to painkillers to numb those feelings.
Improving sleep: Certain prescription drugs cause sedation and making them appealing for those with insomnia or restlessness.
Managing withdrawal: Once a person is physically dependent, they may misuse the drug simply to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Enhancing social experiences: Some individuals misuse drugs in social settings to feel more relaxed or confident.
The more reasons someone has to misuse prescription painkiller addiction drugs, the greater their chance of becoming fully addicted. Addiction occurs not just because of the chemicals in drugs but also because they are easy to get, and some people are more likely to become addicted.
Effects of Drug Misuse: Physical and Mental
| Substance | Physical Effects (Short + Long Term) | Mental Effects (Short + Long Term) |
| Alcohol | Short-term: Feeling dizzy, nauseous, having red skin, throwing up and struggling to coordinate movements are some immediate effects. Long term: Over time, these issues can lead to serious health problems like liver disease, heart troubles, strokes, cancer, pancreatitis and a weakened immune system. | Short Term: Feeling very happy, less anxious and experiencing mood swings when stopping use. Long Term: sadness, trouble remembering things, anxiety and difficulties with social interactions. |
| Methamphetamines | Short term: Increased energy, heart rate, and temperature. Long-term: severe dental issues, weight loss, skin sores, high infection risk from needle use | Short term: Increased alertness, withdrawal anxiety. Long-term: paranoia, confusion, insomnia, hallucinations, violent behavior |
| Cocaine | Short term: Dilated pupils, high blood pressure, nausea, erratic behavior. Long-term: nasal damage, bowel tissue death, malnutrition, heart issues | Short term: Intense euphoria, irritability. Long-term: paranoia, aggression, anxiety, cognitive impairment |
| Benzodiazepines | Short term: Drowsiness, slurred speech, slowed breathing. Long-term: dependence, respiratory issues, poor motor function | Short-term: Relaxation for a very short time, and memory problems. Long-term: concentration issues, emotional instability, withdrawal anxiety |
| Heroin / Opioids | Short-term: Dry mouth, nausea, itching, slowed breathing. Long-term: collapsed veins, infections, constipation, organ damage, overdose risk | Short-term: Euphoria, mental clouding. Long-term: addiction, withdrawal symptoms, brain function changes |
| Tobacco / Nicotine | Short-term: Increased heart rate and blood pressure. Long-term: lung/oral cancer, chronic bronchitis, heart disease, pneumonia | Short-term: Withdrawal irritability, attention issues. Long-term: brain development issues in teens, depression, anxiety |
| Cannabis | Short-term: Sensory enhancement, red eyes and appetite changes. Long-term: respiratory problems (smoking), possible heart strain | Short-term: Relaxation, euphoria, anxiety. Long-term: increased psychosis risk (in teens), cognitive decline, sleep disturbances |
| Prescription Stimulants | Short-term: Increased wakefulness, BP, breathing. Long-term: heart problems, appetite loss, insomnia | Short-term: Alertness, focus boost. Long-term: dependency, mood swings, anxiety, withdrawal-related depression |
Signs of Prescription Painkiller Addiction
- Using more medicine than the doctor ordered.
- “Doctor shopping” means visiting different doctors to get more than one prescription for the same medication.
- Taking the medication to feel euphoric or to ease emotional pain.
- When you stop using a substance, you might experience withdrawal symptoms like feeling sick or having chills and feeling pain, or being anxious.
- Failing to take care of duties or connections because of drug use.
- Failed efforts to reduce or quit using.
Prescription Painkiller Addiction Treatment
If you or someone you care about is having a hard time with addiction to prescription painkillers, there is support out there, and getting better is possible. Prescription Painkiller Addiction treatment works best when it is customized to fit a person’s specific needs and the kind of drug they are using. Here are the most popular and effective ways to treat the issue:
Detox (Detoxification)
Detox is the first step in treatment. It helps the body get rid of the drug while managing withdrawal symptoms. During medically supervised detox, professionals are available 24/7 to ensure safety and comfort.
Inpatient Treatment (Rehab)
In inpatient rehab, you stay at a treatment center like IRC full-time. You will receive:
- One-on-one and group counseling
- Psychiatric support
- Education on addiction
- Medication if needed
This environment helps you focus fully on recovery and build healthy coping skills.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment allows you to live at home while attending regular sessions at a clinic. It offers:
- Similar therapies to inpatient care
- Flexibility for work, school, or family life
- Group and individual counseling
- Medication support if needed
Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is often used in addiction treatment. It helps you:
Understand triggers for drug use and change negative thinking and behavior patterns. It also builds healthy habits and stronger relationships. Prevent relapse, and these therapies can be individual or involve your family.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Some people benefit from FDA-approved medications that reduce cravings and lessen withdrawal symptoms or lower the chance of relapse. Medication may also help those with mental health issues or chronic pain alongside addiction.
If you notice that you are spending most of your time thinking about or using prescription drugs, experiencing withdrawal or having trouble quitting, it may be time to seek help. Prescription painkiller addiction can affect anyone, but it is possible to recover. IRCL can create a healthier future together by raising awareness and getting help early.
