The Most Addictive Prescription Drugs
Addiction is a harmful disease that is difficult to overcome. Whether you’re dependent on alcohol, illegal drugs, or even prescription drugs to get you through your day, it can take years to recover. Discover some of the most addictive prescription drugs, and contact Myrtle Beach Recovery today to learn more about our short-term and long-term recovery programs.
Dependency Caused By Prescription Drugs
Drug addiction is commonly associated with cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine or other illicit drugs, but it is increasingly common for people to become dependent on pharmaceutical drugs. The fact that they’re prescribed can allude to a false sense of safety. This can be a dangerous stamp of approval for addicts, as they might believe using these drugs will be acceptable and less harmful.
Some prescription drugs are naturally addictive due to certain ingredients they contain. These medications typically involve a pleasurable high delivered to the user’s brain that makes them want to take the drug again.
Signs Of Prescription Drug Addiction
Withdrawal from a substance will make an addict feel like they can’t make it through the day without their choice of drug. Symptoms of withdrawal may involve fatigue, irritability, sweating, nausea, mood swings, and more.
Along with these common indications of withdrawal, dependency on prescription drugs may be associated with other warning signs, such as:
- Regularly going to a doctor or seeing various doctors
- Overspending on prescriptions
- An increased tolerance level that leads to needing a larger dosage
- Straying away from friends and family
- No longer participating in activities that were once enjoyed
Top Four Addictive Prescription Drugs
There are four categories of prescription medications that commonly lead to addiction:
- Opioid pain relievers
- Benzodiazepines
- Stimulants
- Barbiturates
Each of these categorical drugs contain dependent components that encourage people to do them again and again.
Opioids
Opioids are used to relieve pain and are known to produce a euphoric effect that makes the mind and body feel light and happy. The most addictive types of opioids prescribed to include:
- Oxycodone
- Demerol
- Codeine
- Fentanyl
Signs of opioid addiction may include lethargy, drowsiness, confusion, headache, or seizures.
Benzodiazepine
The most common types of benzodiazepines people misuse today include:
- Xanax
- Klonopin
- Valium
Benzodiazepines are used to help people who are struggling with anxiety and insomnia. Identifying a benzodiazepine addiction can be difficult, but many addicts will be extremely fatigued, slur their speech, have shallow breathing, and slower reflexes.
Stimulants
Stimulants are designed to improve your cognitive function, as they boost your energy and increase your awareness. The two most common types of prescription amphetamines that can become addictive include:
- Adderall
- Ritalin
Signs of dependency with a stimulant include euphoria, aggressiveness, paranoia, increased heart rate, and reduced appetite.
Barbiturates
Although not as common because of the safer alternative available today—benzodiazepines—barbiturates can also be used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. Signs of barbiturate abuse include elation, impaired judgment, and changes in mood or emotion.
Common types of addictive prescription barbiturates include:
- Butisol
- Seconal
- Fioricet
- Fiorinal
- Esgic
Do You or a Loved One Suffer From Addiction?
Being aware of a loved one’s addiction or your own addition to prescription drugs can be the first step to getting the help you need. If you or someone you know have been misusing pharmaceutical medication and need a safe place to work through your 12 Step Program, Myrtle Beach Recovery is here to help.
Prescription drug addiction can be hard to overcome, and we don’t want you to go through your road to recovery alone. Contact our team today to schedule a tour of our facility and find out how we can help.
