Prescription Drug Abuse: When Medicine Becomes a Problem

Prescription drug abuse is one of the most misunderstood forms of addiction — in part because it often begins in a doctor's office. A person prescribed opioids for back pain, benzodiazepines for anxiety, or stimulants for ADHD may find themselves dependent on their medication without ever intending to misuse it. Understanding how prescription drug abuse develops, and what to do about it, can save lives.

The Most Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs

The three categories of prescription drugs most frequently misused are opioid painkillers such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and codeine; central nervous system depressants including benzodiazepines like Xanax, Valium, and Klonopin, as well as sleep medications; and stimulants such as Adderall and Ritalin, which are prescribed for ADHD but frequently misused for their energizing and appetite-suppressing effects.

How Prescription Drug Dependence Develops

Dependence can develop even when medication is taken as prescribed. Over time, the brain adapts to the presence of the drug and requires it to function normally. When use escalates — taking higher doses, using more frequently, or obtaining pills outside a prescription — it has crossed into misuse. Risk factors include a personal or family history of addiction, mental health conditions, chronic pain, high stress, and a history of trauma.

Getting Help for Prescription Drug Abuse

If you or someone you love is struggling with prescription drug misuse, professional treatment is available and effective. Treatment typically involves medically supervised tapering or detox, therapy to address underlying causes, and a plan for managing the original condition without dependence. There is no shame in developing a dependency on a medication prescribed to you — but there is hope in getting the right help. Athena Behavioral Health Group specializes in prescription drug addiction treatment and is here to guide you toward recovery.