Prescription drug abuse – Symptoms and Сauses

Abuse of prescription drugs is a growing public health concern. It harms people who misuse drugs outside of their specified use or dosage. What begins as therapy for a legitimate health issue may bring about reliance, dependency, and dangerous health consequences. Being aware of signs, reasons, and risks of over-the-counter and prescription medicines is the first step in prevention and recovery.

If you or your loved ones are struggling with dependency, professional support can make a difference. Platforms like Calmerry provide access to licensed therapists, and online therapy can be a safe and convenient way to start the recovery journey.

Prescription drug addiction

Drug dependency arises when such drugs act upon the reward system of the brain. This makes people dependent on their actions, rather than their medicinal effectiveness. Medication dependency may involve opioids, tranquilizers, or stimulants. These have a varied action in the central nervous system. When left untreated, dependency disrupts work, social life, and general well-being. Often, it necessitates professional intervention.

Prescription drug statistics

The misuse of prescription drugs continues as a leading public health threat in America. In 2023, nearly 8.6 million Americans over 12 reported misusing opioids in the last year. More than 5 million people were also diagnosed with a misuse disorder of drugs based on pain relievers. [1] About prescription opioids. (2025, June 10). Overdose Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/about/prescription-opioids.html While there is a silver lining, preliminary CDC data indicate that deaths from overdoses caused by opioids fell from approximately 83,140 in 2023 to 54,743 in 2024. This accomplishment indicates the achievements as well as the continued crisis. [2] U.S. overdose deaths decrease almost 27% in 2024. (n.d.). NCHS Pressroom. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/releases/20250514.html

How prescription drug addiction develops

Addiction often begins when medication misuse meant to treat a medical condition is taken in higher doses or for longer than intended by the prescriber. Over time, changes in the central nervous system reinforce cravings, making substance abuse and mental health issues more likely.

Prescription drug types

Different classes of medicines carry unique risks:

• Opioids – pain relief, high addiction potential.
• CNS Depressants – sedative effects, slow the central nervous system.
• Stimulants – ADHD treatment, risk of stimulant abuse

Symptoms of prescription drug abuse

Recognizing symptoms helps prevent escalating substance dependence.

Short-term and long-term effects

Short-term effects may cause dizziness, nausea, or euphoria, while long-term abuse can trigger organ damage, mental health decline, and dependence.

Immediate health risks

Immediate risks include overdose, slowed breathing, impaired judgment, and life-threatening reactions.

Long-term effects

Prolonged misuse of prescription and over-the-counter drugs can cause lasting damage to the central nervous system, major organs, and overall physical health. Beyond physical harm, abuse can lead to addiction, chronic depression, anxiety, and other substance abuse and mental health disorders that deeply affect quality of life.

Physical symptoms of prescription drug abuse

Medication misuse can be a result of the following:

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Sweating or high temperature
• Insomnia
• Appetite changes
• Heart palpitations
• Slow breathing
• Digestive problems
• Slurred speech
• Catatonia (immobility)

Psychological symptoms of prescription drug abuse

Medication misuse affects not only the body but also the mind, disrupting the central nervous system and leading to serious psychological consequences:

• Extreme cravings
• Agitation
• Memory problems
• Difficulty concentrating
• Dizziness
• Depression
• Chronic low mood
• Anxiety
• Paranoia
• Confusion

Signs that you have a prescription drug addiction

Here are some signs you might recognize if medication misuse has started to take control of your life.

• Your prescription medication has taken priority over your work or personal life
• You experience strong cravings for your prescription
• You feel as if you are physically unable to stop taking your medication
• You’ve visited several doctors to try to get extra prescriptions or placed extra online orders
• You regularly increase your medication dosages to achieve feelings of euphoria or calmness
• You have forged or stolen medications

Causes and risk factors

Multiple medical, personal, social, and systemic factors drive medication misuse.

Medical factors: Chronic pain, untreated medical conditions, co-occurring sleep disorders, and ongoing mental health conditions like anxiety or depression.
Personal and social factors: Peer pressure, family history of substance abuse, past trauma, and stressful life events.
Systemic issues: Overprescription of medicines, lack of central nervous system monitoring in care, and easy access to used prescription drugs or over-the-counter drugs.

High-risk groups

Certain people face a greater risk of prescription drug abuse:

• Teens and young adults
• Elderly patients on multiple medications
• Individuals with co-occurring mental health disorders

Prescription drug rehab treatment

There are several effective ways to treat individuals who have been abusing prescription drugs and regain control over their lives. The treatment is dependent upon the medicine, the extent of addiction, and associated underlying medical or mental health conditions.

Detox – the initial process that removes toxins from the body under medical guidance.

Inpatient treatment – organized, residential programs offering 24/7 support and care.

Outpatient treatment – adaptive programs that allow patients to keep living their daily lives and attending therapy sessions.

Behavioral therapy – counseling methods for substance use, mental illness, triggers, and coping behavior.

Medication includes prescribed drugs like methadone and buprenorphine. These stabilize the central nervous system and help reduce cravings.

Prevention and early intervention

Safe storage and disposal of medications, keeping medicines locked and discarding unused doses properly, prevent misuse at home. 

Raising awareness through education campaigns, from schools to community programs, helps people understand the dangers of prescription drug abuse.

Spotting and reacting to early warning signs, which may include mood swings, increased doses, or stimulant misuse.

Conclusion

Abuse of prescription drugs may affect anyone. Abusing reliable medicines poses severe health hazards. Early treatment and detection are possible if symptoms, reasons, and hazards are known . Through awareness and prevention methods, individuals may seek help. Counseling frees people from dependency and restores healthier lifestyles.

FAQ

What is considered prescription drug abuse?

Prescription drug abuse occurs when medicines are taken in a way not intended by the prescriber, such as higher doses or without a valid medical condition.

What is the most common prescription drug addiction?

Opioid painkillers are the most common source of prescription drug addiction worldwide.

What amount of prescription medication causes addiction?

Addiction risk depends on the medicine, dose, and duration of use, with misuse quickly escalating dependence.

What are the warning signs of prescription drug abuse?

Cravings, higher dosages, doctor shopping, and neglecting personal or work life are warning signs.  

Can you become addicted to prescription drugs even if they were prescribed by a doctor?

Yes, addiction can develop even from prescribed medications for real medical issues.  

Why do people abuse prescription drugs?

People misuse these drugs for euphoria, calmness, better focus, or relief from sleep issues and stress.  

Who is most at risk for prescription drug abuse?

Teens, those with ADHD or sleep disorders, elderly patients on multiple medications, and people with past substance abuse or mental health problems are at higher risk.  

How can prescription drug abuse be prevented?

Key prevention strategies include safe storage, proper disposal, education, and guidance on safe medicine purchases.  

How long does it take to get addicted to prescription drugs?

Dependence can form within weeks of misusing stimulants, sedatives, or opioids.  

How can Calmerry help?

Calmerry offers online therapy to help with cravings, mental health issues, and behaviors tied to prescription drug misuse.