The Most Addictive Prescription Drugs

There are many different types of prescription drugs on the market and any type of prescription drug can be misused. However, the effects and the properties of certain types of prescription medications increase the likelihood that they will be misused. These types of drugs can cause harm and long-term problems if the drug is misused.

In recent years, it has become more and more common for prescription drugs to be misused. This increase has seen users misusing painkillers, benzodiazepines, and stimulant medications. This in effect leads to more people seeking rehab treatment for prescription drug abuse.

The improper use of these drugs can have devastating effects on the individual in question, their families, and communities around the UK.

In this article, we will take a look at the most addictive prescription drugs. We will go over some information on each type and take a look at the effects that these drugs can have on a person if misused.

Prescription Opioid Drugs

Opioids are very strong painkillers and are the most common type of prescription drug to be misused. In addition to helping with pain, these drugs can also provide a feeling of relaxation and euphoria. This pleasurable sensation and the fact that these drugs are addictive means that users can quickly get into a cycle of addiction with these drugs if not taken properly.

Some examples of opioids include the following:

• Fentanyl
• Codeine
• Oxycodone
• Hydrocodone
• Tramadol
• Co-codamol

You may get a prescription for opioids if you are experiencing some severe pain as the result of an injury, a chronic condition, or after surgery. This type of drug can also help with reducing fevers and improving your mood. The strength of the drugs means that they can be very dangerous for recreational use and overdoses are very common.

Some of the symptoms involved with opioid misuse may include the following:

• Lethargy
• Euphoria
• Changes in behaviour
• Changes in personality
• Drowsiness
• Confusion
• Difficulty breathing
• Seizures
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Changes in vision
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Vomiting

If you are addicted to opioid drugs, you will most likely develop some withdrawal symptoms when you cease taking them. Some of the withdrawal symptoms you may encounter include the following:

• Intense drug cravings
• Runny nose
• Agitation or irritability
• Excessive sweating
• Trouble with sleeping
• Digestive issues
• Chills

Prescription Benzodiazepine Drugs

Benzodiazepines are also often referred to as benzos, tranquilisers, or sedatives. These are another type of prescription drugs that are often misused. These drugs may be prescribed to you if you have been struggling with certain things such as panic attacks, anxiety, seizures, and some other mental health conditions.

Some examples of prescription benzodiazepines include the following:

• Diazepam
• Alprazolam
• Zolpidem
• Chlordiazepoxide

These drugs are known to make people feel relaxed, calm, and serene. These are feelings that can be highly addictive to some people and this can lead to the development of a dependency on these drugs.

Some of the signs and symptoms of benzodiazepine misuse include the following:

• Memory problems
• Lethargy
• Irritability
• Drowsiness
• Confusion
• Changes in behaviour
• Changes in personality
• Dizziness
• Changes in vision
• Slurred speech
• Loss of coordination
• Nausea
• Vomiting

If you are addicted to benzodiazepines, you will most likely experience some withdrawal symptoms when you stop consuming them. Some of the withdrawal symptoms that you may experience can include the following:

• Anxiety
• Intense cravings for the drug
• Nausea
• Panic
• Headaches
• Muscle pains
• Trouble sleeping
• Excessive sweating

Prescription Stimulant Drugs

Stimulants are a type of prescribed medications that are used for treating things such as ADHD and narcolepsy. These drugs are designed to increase energy, alertness, and attention. They do this by increasing the activity of several chemicals within the brain, including dopamine. Since dopamine is linked to the pleasure centre of the brain, this type of medication can become very addictive. Some examples of stimulant drugs include the following:

• Dextroamphetamine
• Methylphenidate

Stimulant drugs can increase your brain activity and provide a pleasurable, euphoric feeling that many people can become addicted to. This results in users taking more and more of this type of medication in order to feel those rewarding feelings.

Some of the signs and symptoms associated with stimulant drug misuse include the following:

• Euphoria
• Paranoia
• Hallucinations
• Aggressiveness or hostility
• Changes in behaviour
• Changes in personality
• Reduced appetite
• Weight loss
• Dilated pupils
• Rapid heart rate
• Headache
• Changes in vision
• Nausea
• Vomiting

When someone becomes addicted to stimulants, they may start to get some withdrawal symptoms if they stop using the drug. Some common withdrawal symptoms associated with stimulant drugs include the following:

• Intense cravings for the drug
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Extreme fatigue

Getting Help For Prescription Drug Addictions

With the wide variety of different chemicals that are present in prescription drugs, the dangers of misusing them can range greatly from some mild discomfort to very intense, irreversible damage. In some cases, the misuse of these drugs can even lead to death.

If you become addicted to prescription medications, which can happen quite fast with some types of drugs, you will lose the ability to be able to control the amount of the drug that you consume and you won’t be able to control how often you take it. This means that your addiction can become worse over time and it with have an increasingly negative effect on your wellbeing, your health, and your overall quality of life.

However, it is very important to remember that you are not alone in your addiction and that there is expert help available. Here at Action Rehab, we provide world class addiction treatments and this includes addictions to prescription drugs. We offer extensive support and treatment options that can help you stop misusing prescription drugs and continue with your health, substance-free life.

If you have any questions about rehab or want to find out more about the treatment options for prescription drug addictions, do not hesitate to get in touch with us today. Our team of friendly, knowledgeable staff are always on hand to answer any questions you may have or provide any advice that you may need. The road to a happier and healthier life is just a phone call away.

Posted on Sunday, May 22nd, 2022 at 11:48 am in Addiction, Latest News.