Addiction Signs, Symptoms, and Treatments

Prescription drugs are medications that a doctor or other healthcare professional determines are appropriate to treat a particular medical condition and are regulated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.
Prescription medications may be prescribed for the following reasons:

• Pain relief
• Treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity
• disorder (ADHD)
• Reducing anxiety
• Promoting sleep
• Treating another health condition

Many prescription medications, when used as prescribed by a healthcare professional, are safe and effective. However, using a prescription drug inappropriately can result in many adverse health consequences.[2]
Examples of prescription drug misuse include:

• Taking higher than recommended dosages.
• Taking prescribed medications more frequently than prescribed.
• Using someone else’s prescription medication.
• Continuing to use prescription medications after no longer medically needing them.

Prescription drug addiction occurs because many prescription drugs act directly on the brain and central nervous system. The result makes your brain think that it needs this drug to function normally. When you try to stop taking the medication or reduce the quantity, you may feel withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, irritability, increased cravings, and physical discomfort, making it tough to quit without support, and reinforcing the cycle of addiction.[8]

Common risk factors for prescription drug addiction include higher doses, long-term use, concurrent mental health disorders, a history of substance abuse, and early exposure during adolescence or young adulthood.[9]

Recognizing prescription drug addiction can be difficult, especially if they were prescribed the medication for legitimate medical reasons. Supporting your loved one early, if you suspect they may be abusing or dependent on prescription drugs, will help them find ways to support recovery.
Some ways you can provide support include encouraging a professional evaluation, learning about additional treatment options, and participating in family therapy or support groups.

Agape Treatment Center offers prescription drug addiction treatment through structured evidence-based care, which supports recovery from behavioral and emotional issues associated with the use of prescription drugs. Each individual benefits from individualized treatment planning based upon the type of prescription drug involved, the severity of misuse, and the individual’s mental and behavioral functioning.

Many people with prescription drug addiction often suffer from co-occurring mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, or trauma.[10] To provide proper care, Agape uses a dual diagnosis approach by incorporating primary mental health care needs into all levels of treatment. This whole-person approach encourages emotional stability, stress management, and long-term recovery beyond the reduction of symptoms.