Even medicines intended to help us can hurt our health. Doctors commonly prescribe some of the most addictive prescription drugs to treat conditions like pain or sleep problems. Using prescription medicines in ways not prescribed by your doctor or using them chronically can lead to dependence and addiction. Furthermore, some people use certain prescription drugs illegally. If you spot any signs of prescription drug dependence, contact detox centers in WV for professional support. In this post, you will find answers to questions like: what is the most addictive prescription drug, and what is the most sold prescription drug? Keep reading for input on the most addictive prescription drugs and their common use. We will share with you signs of addiction to prescription drugs, as well as advice on what sort of treatments to seek if you have developed dependence on these classes of medicines.
Opioids: Powerful Pain Relievers with High Addiction Risk
People commonly use the class of medicines known as opioids and opiates to treat different levels of pain. When used according to the instructions, they are powerful pain relievers. Still, their continuous use can lead to dependence and addiction and require help from a professional opiate rehab center like Harmony Ridge RC.
If you’re using opioids in any other way than how a doctor instructed you, you’re putting yourself at risk of developing dependence and addiction. Signs of addiction include increased tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and doctor shopping.
What are the most frequently prescribed opioids?
Opioids are among the most commonly prescribed pain medications, but they also carry a high risk of addiction. Here are some of the most frequently prescribed opioids and the dangers they pose:
- Medical professionals use Oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet), a potent semi-synthetic opioid, to treat moderate to severe pain. Both acute and chronic pain can benefit from its use. The box warning states it can be habit-forming and it’s a commonly abused drug.
- Another semisynthetic opioid, hydrocodone (Vicodin, Norco), serves as a pain reliever and cough suppressant. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) warns that hydrocodone can be encountered in tablets, capsules, and liquid form in the illicit Market. The most popular form is tablets.
- The widespread abuse of fentanyl (Duragesic, Actiq) has prompted government institutions to discuss the fentanyl crisis. This is a highly potent synthetic opioid (30 to 50 times more potent than heroin) primarily used for pain management in cancer patients. Dependence on fentanyl requires professional fentanyl detox treatment.
- Morphine is an opiate naturally found in puppies. Due to its impact on the central nervous system (CNS), people primarily use it as an analgesic.
- Codeine is an opiate and prodrug of morphine mainly used to treat pain, coughing, and diarrhea. The sap of the opium poppy naturally contains it. Chronic cues may lead to addiction, and codeine is a frequent choice as a recreational drug.
Benzodiazepines: Anti-Anxiety Medications with Dependence Potential
Benzodiazepines, or benzos for short, are the present drugs commonly prescribed to treat anxiety disorders, insomnia, or seizures. As with opioids, when used chronically or in a way that derives from medical instructions, they tend to lead to dependence and addiction. Signs that you have developed a benzo addiction are memory problems, drowsiness, mood swings, withdrawal-induced anxiety, or seizures. Harmony Ridge Benzo addiction treatment can address all these signs and symptoms.
The most commonly prescribed benzos include:
- Alprazolam, also known as Xanax, is a fast-acting, potent tranquilizer with a moderate duration that treats anxiety disorders and panic attacks. It’s highly effective, but prolonged use can lead to dependence and tolerance.
- Clonazepam, sold under the brand name Klonopin, is used to prevent and treat anxiety disorders, seizures, bipolar mania, agitation associated with psychosis, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and akathisia. It is a long-acting tranquilizer.
- Lorazepam, sold as Ativan, produces a calming effect on the brain and nerves, which helps to reduce anxiety symptoms and treat seizures. It can also be used to calm down agitated patients and treat alcohol withdrawal delirium and syndrome. Other than having many adverse effects, it can also lead to dependence.
Depressants: Barbiturates for Sedation
Barbiturates are a class of sedative-hypnotic medications. They are highly efficient when used medically as anxiolytics, hypnotics, and anti-convulsions. Doctors commonly prescribe them to treat seizure disorders, neonatal withdrawal, insomnia, pre-operative anxiety, and induction of coma.
Barbiturates can be highly effective if used under the guidance of a medical professional. However, if you take them on your own for a prolonged period or in increased quantities, they can lead to dependence and addiction, which requires barbiturates rehab. Signs like persistent symptoms of intoxication, constantly feeling drowsy or tired, low inhibition and impulse control, or change of interest in previously enjoyable activities can all be indicators of barbiturate addiction.
Stimulants: Commonly Prescribed for ADHD but Highly Addictive
Often used to enhance attention, motivation, cognition, mood, and physical performance, stimulants are a class of medicines that increase alertness. When prescribing them, doctors need to be aware of what drug gives the most euphoria. Commonly prescribed for ADHD, stimulants are highly addictive. You should consider seeking professional help at a rehab center Marietta OH offers, if you notice the following signs of stimulant addiction: insomnia, weight loss, paranoia, and compulsive drug-seeking behavior.
The two most addictive prescription drugs in this category are:
- Amphetamines (Adderall, Dexedrine) are used to treat not only ADHD but also narcolepsy and obesity. Their effect on the body is similar to that of cocaine, making them a popular drug for illicit use.
- Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) is used in the pharmacotherapy of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy in adults. It can be habit-forming, especially if taken in larger doses or more often than it should.
Sleep Medications: Often Misused for Their Sedative Effects
Many people experience difficulties sleeping due to the fast pace of life and increased stress levels. Sleep medications are often prescribed despite being among the most addictive prescription drugs. You’ll recognize addiction by the following signs: sleepwalking, memory lapses, increased tolerance, and reliance on the drug for sleep.
The most commonly prescribed sleep medications are:
- Typically, doctors prescribe zolpidem (Ambien) for the short-term treatment of insomnia. We recommend using it only after undergoing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for insomnia and implementing behavioral changes. Behavioral changes refer to improved sleep hygiene. If you develop an addiction to this prescription medicine, seek Ambien rehab for professional guidance.
- Eszopiclone (Lunesta) is used for similar purposes. It helps you go to sleep faster and sleep throughout the night. Use it for no more than 1 to 2 weeks, as prolonged use may lead to dependence.
Prescription Muscle Relaxers: Risk of Misuse and Dependence
As the name suggests, muscle relaxers are medications that help reduce muscle tension, stiffness, and pain. They can treat muscle spasms and spasticity. These drugs have sedative-like effects and are known as central nervous system depressants. Doctors usually prescribe them short-term to alleviate pain or tension following an injury. Long-term, they’re being prescribed to people struggling with certain medical conditions, including multiple sclerosis (MS), cerebral palsy (CP), or spinal cord injuries.
You can use them orally or topically. Some of them, like carisoprodol and diazepam, are controlled substances, meaning they can be habit-forming. We would like to warn you about the addictive potential of two muscle relaxers:
- Carisoprodol (Soma) is a muscle relaxer that blocks pain sensations between the nerves and the brain. Carisoprodol should be combined with rest, physical therapy, and other measures to relax muscles and relieve pain and discomfort. As it can be habit-forming, clinicians have to consider risk factors, like a history of substance abuse, before prescribing this medication. Misusing Soma can have serious negative consequences, including coma and death.
- Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) works the same way as Soma. It’s used for treating muscle spasms from musculoskeletal conditions of sudden onset. It can interact with several other medicines, leading to undesirable effects. Flexeril is also potentially habit-forming, making it crucial to follow the doctor’s instructions.
If you have used any of these medications without your doctor’s approval or for too long, you risk dependence. You should be aware of signs of dependence and addiction, such as dizziness, confusion, withdrawal symptoms, and behaviors such as mixing medications with alcohol or opioids for enhanced effects.
Recognizing the Signs of Prescription Drug Addiction
Despite being the most addictive prescription drugs, you might feel at ease taking any of the medicines mentioned above. This trust can often make it difficult to recognize the signs of dependence. Therefore, it might take time to seek professional assistance.
There are three categories into which prescription drug addiction signs or symptoms fall:
- Physical signs include drowsiness, dizziness, slurred speech, changes in appetite, and withdrawal symptoms.
- Psychological signs like anxiety, depression, mood swings, and cravings.
- Behavioral signs refer to doctor shopping, secretive behavior, and missing work or responsibilities.
Keeping in mind the different impacts prescription drugs have on a person, holistic therapy for addiction is the best solution. Holistic treatments care for your body, mind, and spirit, ensuring long-lasting and sustainable results.
How to Seek Help for Prescription Drug Addiction
Prescription drugs can make you both physically and psychologically dependent on them. When you recognize the signs of addiction, you should seek professional help and guidance for reclaiming your life from drugs. Addiction cannot be cured, but Harmony Ridge Recovery Center can equip you with the skills and mindset that will help you manage your condition successfully and lifelong.
Our well-rounded, comprehensive programs include a combination of the following:
- We will cleanse your body with medication-assisted detox. This is the first step in any recovery process. With a medication-assisted approach, you can count on safety and comfort. Our licensed staff will ensure you feel taken care of. They’re there 24/7, ready to react to any unforeseen situation.
- We will help you overcome the underlying causes of addiction with various forms of psychotherapy. We rely on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which has proven its effectiveness in addressing various addictions. CBT helps you reframe your thinking patterns and consequently change your behavior. Furthermore, group counseling sessions can provide support and inspire your recovery.
Recovery at Harmony Ridge can happen within different rehabilitation programs. We offer inpatient programs for those who require more support and outpatient care for those who need more flexibility and to keep their daily routine. Additionally, we include you in various support groups, like NA and SMART. Finally, to ensure your lifelong sobriety, we dedicate time to creating a relapse prevention plan to keep you on the right track.
Costs and Insurance
Our services and programs are top quality yet affordable. Your insurance plan will likely cover at least a portion of your rehab. For instance, if you have Blue Cross Blue Shield drug rehab coverage, you can expect your prescription drug addiction treatment to be fully or partially covered.
Hope and Help Are Within Reach
Addictive prescription drugs can take over a person’s life before they even realize what’s happening. Many people start taking them for pain, anxiety, or sleep issues, but some medications create a dependency that’s hard to break. The most addictive prescription drugs don’t just affect health—they impact relationships, work, and overall well-being. If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t wait for things to get worse. Talk to a doctor, reach out to support groups, or explore treatment options. Recovery is possible, and help is available. The sooner you take action, the better your chances of regaining control. No one plans to become dependent on medication, but there’s always a way forward. You don’t have to face this alone—support is out there. Take the first step today.
References:
https://nida.nih.gov/sites/default/files/rxreportfinalprint.pdf
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