Am I Addicted to Prescription Drugs?

Prescription drug addiction is often a hidden danger. Because prescription pills like codeine, diazepam and amphetamines are often prescribed by medical professionals, many people assume that they are safe and therefore non-addictive. However, this is far from the case. Prescription drugs like can be just as addictive as ‘harder’ drugs like cocaine or ecstasy, if taken for too long and above the recommended dosage.

With the lack of awareness surrounding their addictive nature, it can be of little surprise that prescription drug addiction is a growing concern here in the UK.

Therefore, it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of prescription drug addiction if you are concerned your usage might be developing into something more sinister.

In this blog, we’ll explore what prescription drug addiction is, how to tell if you might be developing an addiction, and when might be time to seek help.

How Do People Get Addicted To Prescription Drugs?

Prescription drug addiction often develops subtly, without the user even being aware of it. This is because many people are unaware there is a risk of getting addicted in the first place. Medications prescribed by a doctor are seen as legitimate, which can create a false sense of safety for the user.

This leaves the door open to abuse, as people assume they cannot get addicted to drugs that can be obtained legally.

Users may start to take the medication at higher doses, or continue using beyond the initial prescription period, in the belief that the drug is harmless. This is a slippery slope however, as the user can suddenly find they have become reliant on the substance.

An individual who was prescribed Valium to help overcome insomnia may find themselves unable to sleep without it. A person who was prescribed codeine to manage pain may find themselves craving the euphoric “high” the drug brings. Or someone prescribed diazepam to ease anxiety may become reliant on the substance to feel “normal” day-to-day.  

How Does Prescription Drug Addiction Develop?

Prescription Drug Addiction develops when the body gets used to the presence of the substance in the body, and a psychological or physical dependence forms.

Prescription pills affects the brain’s reward system. Opioids like fentanyl, benzodiazepines like Xanax, and stimulants like Adderall artificially boost levels of Dopamine and GABA in the brain, the neurotransmitters responsible for pleasure and calm. Overtime, the body gets used to the presence of these substances in the body, and starts to produce less dopamine and GABA naturally, leading to a chemical imbalance.

Prescription Drug Dependence

This change in brain chemistry may result in a psychological or physical dependence. This is where the body starts to rely on the substance in order to function normally, and the user feels compelled to use the substance more often, or at higher doses. When they attempt to cut-down or limit their intake, users will also typically experience a range of discomforting withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, fatigue, anxiety, or low mood, which are all signs that a dependency has taken root.  

What started out as something innocent and well-intentioned, a desire to calm anxiety, manage pain, or get a good night’s sleep, all of a sudden develops into a drug dependence that catches the user completely off-guard.

Increased Tolerance

Once dependence sets in, users may find they need to take more of the substance to achieve the same effects, which is called tolerance. Here, the user becomes at serious risk of addiction, as they continue to seek out the substance, or take it at higher doses, which deepens the dependence and makes quitting incredibly difficult, even when there is a will to do so.

How Is Prescription Drug Addiction Classified?

When thinking about your relationship with prescription medication, it can be helpful to understand the difference between proper use, dependence, and addiction:

Proper use means taking your medication exactly as prescribed, without increasing doses or feeling compelled to take it outside of the instructions. This is how most people safely manage pain, anxiety, ADHD or other emotional or physical problems.

Meanwhile, as detailed above, dependence is when the body becomes accustomed to the drug, so that reducing or stopping triggers withdrawal symptoms. While dependence doesn’t always mean addiction, it can certainly serve as an early warning sign.

Addiction, on the other hand, is usually characterised by a compulsive need to take the medication, even when the user is aware it is bad for them. You may not feel “high,” but your brain nevertheless becomes reliant on the medication in order to function on a day-to-day basis.

The user may find that their entire mood and behaviour is determined by the presence of the substance in the body, and they have lost all self-control over their use. It is this powerlessness and inability to stop that clearly signals addiction has taken root, and professional intervention is required.

Can I Be Addicted Even if I Took the Recommended Dose?

Yes, it’s possible to develop an addiction to prescription drugs even if you follow your doctor’s instructions, and you took our pills at the recommended dose.

Understanding that addiction can happen even under a doctor’s supervision helps remove stigma and encourages early support-seeking.

Remember, it’s not a personal failing if you find you have grown dependent. It’s a medical condition that can affect anyone. What’s more important to focus on is that this condition is treatable and reversible.

Signs & Symptoms of Prescription Drug Addiction

Recognising addiction early can prevent more serious complications. Here are some of the most common signs and symptoms of prescription drug addiction:

• Abusing prescription medications to cope with difficult emotions.
• Attempting to stop taking prescription drugs, but being unable to do so.
• Experience strong cravings that you feel powerless to resist.
• Experiencing irritability or sudden mood swings when the medication is unavailable.
• Feeling unable to cope without your prescription, even for routine tasks.
• Being preoccupied with your next dose.
• planning your day around sourcing or using the substance.
• Continuing to use even when it starts to negatively impact your career, family and other life responsibilities.
• Continuing to use even when you are aware prescription drugs are harming your physical and mental health. 
• Developing a tolerance, i.e. upping your dosage to achieve the same pleasurable or sedative effects.
• Becoming secretive or dishonest about your consumption habits
• Getting into legal or financial difficulties.
• Withdrawing from social life.
• Losing interest in hobbies and other life activities that used to bring joy.

If you recognise yourself in more than one of these signs, it may be time to talk to someone, even if you’re unsure. Early conversation can prevent the situation from escalating.

Risks and Dangers of Prescription Drugs

Even when taken as prescribed, these medications carry risks. Awareness allows you to act early, without alarm.

Short-Term Risks

• Impaired judgment and risky behaviour
• Drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, irregular heart rate
• Overdose risk, especially when combined with alcohol or other drugs

Long-Term Risks

• Chronic organ damage (heart, liver, kidneys, brain)
• Cognitive impairments and neurological issues
• Mood disorders such as anxiety, depression, or irritability
• Physical dependence, tolerance, and increased risk of overdose

Awareness of these risks and monitoring of these is essential. Remember, you don’t need to wait until things feel “bad enough” to reach out for support. It’s important to act early before these risks occur.

Prescription Drug Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal happens when the body and brain have become accustomed to a medication and its use is reduced or stopped. Because prescription drugs affect the brain’s reward and stress systems, the body can respond strongly when the chemical support is suddenly removed. Withdrawal symptoms vary depending on the type of drug, how long it’s been used, and the dosage, but they are often uncomfortable and, in some cases, dangerous without professional supervision.

Even medications taken exactly as prescribed can lead to withdrawal if the body develops physical dependence over time. It’s important to remember that experiencing withdrawal doesn’t mean you have “failed”, it’s a sign that your body has adapted to the medication, and that support may be needed to manage the transition safely.

Common Withdrawal Symptoms

While symptoms can differ between drug classes, many overlap and affect both the body and mind. They may include:

• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Muscle aches and restlessness
• Insomnia or disrupted sleep
• Anxiety and agitation
• Mood Swings or depressed mood
• Sweating, chills and tremors
• Confusion or poor concentration
• Intense cravings
• Prolonged inability to feel pleasure (anhedonia)
• Seizures or hallucinations

Remember, you can develop a prescrption drug dependence without necessarily developing an addiction, so it’s important not to panic if you experience any of the above.

However, they are a clear sign that you should reach out for support, as the withdrawal period can be highly dangerous without the appropriate medical oversight.

When Should You Be Concerned?

You don’t need to reach a point of crisis before seeking help. Early intervention is one of the most effective ways to prevent serious health complications from prescription drug dependency.

Even if you’re unsure whether your use qualifies as an addiction, it’s always worthwhile talking to a professional. Early signs that shouldn’t be ignored include:

• Feeling anxious or irritable if you can’t access your medication
• Taking slightly more than prescribed “just to cope”
• Planning your day around doses
• Withdrawing from social activities or responsibilities

Remember: you don’t have to be “addicted enough” to ask for help. Even small concerns are valid, and speaking to someone early can make a real difference in your recovery journey.

What to Do If You’re Worried About Prescription Drug Addiction

Talk to Someone Before It Gets Worse

If you are worried about the risk of addiction to prescription medication, either for yourself or a loved one, reach out to New Leaf Recovery for confidential support today. Addiction can affect anyone, and so there is no shame in admitting that you might have a problem.

Our team at New Leaf is ready to listen and provide non-judgmental guidance. We can offer advice tailored to your situation and help you take the next steps if you think you may be struggling with prescription medication misuse.

As one of the UK’s leading addiction rehabilitation clinics, we have seen how prescribed medication can sometimes develop into drug dependence and addiction. Our treatment plans are designed to help individuals overcome cravings and regain control, with support from trained therapists and staff who have personal experience with addiction.

For confidential support, contact our friendly team, and get the personalised guidance you need today.