Definition

Prescription drug addiction is the compulsive seeking and overuse—despite harmful consequences—of prescription drugs. Addiction can sometimes be difficult to diagnose since patients with chronic pain often do need frequent pain medication, and physical dependence can occur with many drugs taken as prescribed. A drug-addicted body, however, requires the drug regularly to avoid withdrawal symptoms (such as nausea, vomiting, and sweating) and to feel good.

Misuse of prescription drugs involves using a medication for a purpose other than which it was prescribed (eg, taking pain medication to aid sleep or ease anxiety]]> , rather than to treat pain). Physical dependence happens with many drugs, even non-addictive drugs, such as corticosteroids and beta-blockers, and is noticeable after a medication is stopped suddenly. Addiction is a much more severe physical dependence and brain disease, marked by an out-of-control need and craving, affecting relationships, and impacting social obligations (eg, work and school).

The most commonly abused prescription drugs are:

• Opioids—used to treat pain; examples include ]]>morphine]]> , ]]>codeine]]> , and ]]>oxycodone]]>
• Central nervous system depressants—used to treat anxiety and ]]>sleep disorders]]> ; examples include barbiturates and benzodiazepines
• Stimulants—used to treat ]]>narcolepsy]]> and ]]>attention deficit hyperactivity disorder]]> ; examples include ]]>dextroamphetamine]]> and ]]>methylphenidate]]>

Causes

The reasons people become addicted to prescription drugs, and begin to take them in a harmful and non-prescribed manner, are largely unknown. There is evidence that genetic factors may play a part. Anxiety, depression]]> , loneliness, and a history of ]]>alcoholism]]> are often associated with addiction. Peer pressure and personality traits can also play a role.

Researchers do know that the addicting drug causes changes in brain pathways and alters the way people feel about reward and a sense of well-being.

Brain Pathways

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Risk Factors

These factors increase your chance of developing this condition. Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors:

• Not following directions when taking prescription medications (beginning to misuse)
• Family or personal history of substance abuse
• Age: older than 65 or younger than 26
• Gender: female

Symptoms

The symptoms below are associated with prescription drug addiction. If you experience any one of them, see your physician.

• Rapid increase in the amount of medication needed
• Moving from one doctor to another for additional prescriptions
• Craving the medication
• Inability to stop or limit medication use
• Withdrawal symptoms associated with stopping the medication (eg, anxiety, sweating, nausea and vomiting, goose bumps on the skin, dilated pupils)
• Using significant effort to acquire the medication
• Medication use that interferes with activities
• Compulsive use of the medication despite adverse effects

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. He will ask you specific questions about your prescription medication use, such as how long you have been using the medication and how often you use it.

Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Addictions can be treated effectively through detoxification and counseling]]> . Treatment will depend on the type of drug you use and your specific needs.

Treatment options include the following:

Prevention

To reduce your chance of developing a prescription drug addiction, take the following steps:

• Carefully follow directions.
• Be aware of potential interactions with other drugs.
• Talk with your doctor before changing the dose.
• Never use another person's prescription.
• Tell your doctor all the medications you are taking. This includes over-the-counter medications and dietary and herbal supplements.