Prescription Drug Addiction

More than 16 million Americans aged 12 or older admitted to prescription drug abuse in 2020.¹Prescription drug abuse occurs when you use a prescription medication in any way not intended by the prescriber.

Prescription drug abuse includes injecting prescription medications, taking more of a medication than your doctor prescribed, or taking someone else’s medication for your own use.² Abusing any kind of prescription drug poses health risks, and if you misuse the medications long enough, it can easily lead to prescription drug addiction.

What Are Prescription Drugs?

Prescription medications are drugs that a doctor or clinician prescribes in order to treat someone’s mental or physical conditions. When these medications are taken as prescribed, they generally improve these conditions or alleviate their symptoms. However, prescription drug abuse poses serious risks and results in harmful consequences. A look at the numbers highlights these serious consequences.

Prescription Drug Statistics

By looking at the most recent statistics, we can see that prescription drug abuse and addiction are significant issues in the United States:

In 2020, nearly 16,500 overdose deaths were linked to prescription opioids.³
In the same year, 12,300 overdose deaths involved benzodiazepine drugs like Valium, Xanax, and Ativan.⁴
In 93% of benzodiazepine overdose deaths, opioids were also involved. In two-thirds of those cases, fentanyl was involved.⁴
About 80% of people who use heroin first misused prescription opioids.³
A 2020 study found that students in 8th, 10th, and 12th grade misuse prescription stimulants most (such as Adderall), followed by tranquilizers, and then opioids.⁵
Most people who misuse prescription stimulants began that abuse in college.⁵

What Are the Most Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs?

The most common prescription drug abuse occurs with three types of medications: opioids, CNS (central nervous system) depressants, and stimulants. Each of these medications are prescribed to treat different conditions, and they all have different effects when misused.

Opioids

Opioid medications are prescribed for pain relief. That’s why they’re often referred to as “painkillers.”

Some of the most common examples of opioids (produced as a single opioid or in combination with another medication) include:

MS-Contin, Roxanol, Kadian (morphine)
Sublimaze, Duragesic (fentanyl)
Methadone
Robitussin A-C (codeine)
OxyContin, Roxicodone, Percocet (oxycodone)
Vicodin, Norco, Lortab (hydrocodone)
Ultram, Ultram ER, Ultracet (tramadol)
Demerol (meperidine)
Opana, Opana ER (oxymorphone)

Symptoms of intoxication from opioids include:⁶

Pain relief
Euphoria
Drowsiness/sedations
Weakness
Dizziness
Nausea
Impaired coordination
Confusion
Constipation
Lowered blood pressure
Sweating/clammy skin
Itching
Dry mouth
Slowed breathing

CNS Depressants

Healthcare providers prescribe these medications for insomnia and anxiety. Central nervous system (CNS) depressants are also called tranquilizers and sedatives. They include benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and certain sleep medications.

Brand names include:

Amytal
Xanax
Ativan
Ambien
Lunesta

Symptoms of intoxication from CNS depressants include:⁶

Sedation/drowsiness
Reduced anxiety
Lowered inhibitions
Slurred speech
Poor concentration
Confusion
Dizziness
Impaired coordination
Lowered blood pressure
Slowed breathing

Stimulants

Stimulants are prescribed for narcolepsy, obesity, and ADHD. Examples include amphetamines and methylphenidate.

Brand names include:

Adderall
Ritalin
Concerta

Symptoms of intoxication from stimulants include:⁶

Increased energy
Feelings of exhilaration
Mental alertness
Increased heart rate & blood pressure
Reduced appetite and weight loss
Nervousness
Irritability
Insomnia
Seizures
Heart attack
Paranoia
Stroke

Specific Risks and Concerns of Prescription Drug Abuse

Prescription drug abuse comes with a host of physical risks, in addition to the risk of prescription drug addiction. Each type of drug can affect the body in different ways, posing specific hazards when abused, including death.

Risks of Abusing Opioids: Opioids can make breathing slow down or stop. Misusing opioids can cause a coma or even death. Regular use of opioids results in tolerance (needing to take more of the drug to feel the same effects), which increases the risk of overdose and prescription drug addiction.²
Risks of Abusing CNS Depressants: CNS depressants tend to cause slowed breathing and slowed heart rate. Thanks to their effects on the central nervous system, they can also cause memory problems, low blood pressure, coma, and even death. Abuse of these depressants can also lead to addiction.²
Risks of Abusing Prescription Stimulants: Abuse of stimulant drugs can cause an increase in blood pressure and body temperature, along with heart problems, seizures, paranoia, and psychosis.²

Predisposing Risk Factors for Prescription Drug Abuse

Anyone who abuses prescription drugs is at risk of developing a prescription drug addiction. However, there are many factors that can increase your risk.

Factors that can affect your risk of prescription drug abuse include:²

Previous addictions: Past or current addictions to other substances, such as tobacco or alcohol, can increase your risk
Family history: If substance abuse runs in your family, it can increase your odds of experiencing prescription drug addiction.
Mental health: Certain preexisting mental health conditions affect your risk of prescription drug addiction.
Social environment: Peer pressure or other social settings where drug use occurs can increase your risk of prescription drug abuse.
Access: Easier access to prescription drugs, such as having medications in the home, can increase your risk.
Lack of knowledge: If you are unaware of the dangers posed by prescription drug abuse and the potential harm it causes, it can put you at a higher risk of developing an addiction.