Understanding Prescribed Drug Addiction
Addiction to alcohol and illicit drugs has always been spoken about, prescribed medication has remained silent, but it is also a frontline addiction. Addiction to prescription drugs is on the rise in India and across the world.
There are drugs to sleep, there are drugs to wake up, there are drugs to perform, there are drugs for pain, there are drugs to focus on exams, there are drugs to treat various physical ailments, which are being abused on a large scale-pain medications, cough syrups, etc.
There is a chemical maelstrom brewing in the brain and body of a large population of humanity, addiction to which is as life-threatening as addiction to alcohol and illicit drugs. Even more so, because as they are “prescription meds,” they are thought to be “safe” and far less harmful.
Prescription medicines are often recommended to manage pain, anxiety, or sleep disorders. While these medicines are meant to improve health, they also carry the risk of misuse. When an individual begins to rely on these medicines beyond the prescribed limit or uses them for reasons other than their intended purpose, it can lead to prescribed drug addiction. Unlike recreational substance use, this form of addiction often begins silently, making it difficult for individuals and families to recognize it early.
Common Causes of Prescribed Drug Addiction
Prescribed drug addiction is rarely the result of a single factor. Instead, it arises from a combination of medical, emotional, and environmental reasons:
- Prolonged Use of Pain Relievers
Medicines like opioids are often prescribed after surgery, injury, or for chronic pain. Over time, the body adjusts to them, making the individual require stronger or more frequent doses to experience relief. - Emotional Triggers
Stress, unresolved trauma, or anxiety can push people to rely on anti-anxiety or sleep-inducing medicines. These medicines may temporarily provide calm, but the emotional reliance can quickly lead to dependence. - Tolerance and Withdrawal Cycle
The body gradually builds tolerance to prescription medicines, meaning the same dosage no longer produces the desired effect. This creates a cycle where individuals take more, and when they try to reduce usage, they experience withdrawal symptoms like restlessness, irritability, increased intense pain, or insomnia—fuelling continued use. - Social and Environmental Factors
Easy access to prescription medicines within families or peer groups can encourage misuse. People may also share unused prescriptions without realizing the risks. At times, individuals forge doctors’ prescriptions to obtain the medications from pharmacies. - False Sense of Safety
Because these medicines are legally prescribed, individuals often assume they cannot be harmful. This underestimation is one of the most common reasons people slide into prescribed drug addiction unknowingly.
In Prescription medication addictions, the most common classes of drugs involved are:
- Opioids [for cough, pain], e.g., Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Codeine cough syrups, etc
- Central Nervous System depressants [ for anxiety, sleep disorders], e.g., alprazolam, diazepam, pentobarbital sodium, etc
- Stimulants [ ADHD medication etc] e.g., Methylphenidate [ADHD med], Amphetamines etc.
Medical consequences of prescription drug abuse include the following.
- Opioids can cause an increased risk of choking, low blood pressure, a slowed breathing rate, and the potential for breathing to stop as they suppress the respiratory center in the brain, or a coma. E.g., When abused, promethazine-codeine cough syrup presents a high risk of fatal overdose due to its effect of depressing the central nervous system, which can slow or stop the heart and lungs. Mixing with alcohol greatly increases this risk.
- Withdrawals from opioids- Restlessness, muscle and bone pains, Insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, involuntary leg movements.
- Sedatives and anti-anxiety medications (anxiolytics) can cause memory problems, low blood pressure, and slowed breathing. An overdose can cause coma or death. Abruptly stopping the medication may be associated with withdrawal symptoms that can include hyperactivity of the nervous system and seizures.
- Stimulants can cause dangerously high body temperature, heart problems, high blood pressure, seizures or tremors, hallucinations, aggressiveness, and paranoia.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Prescription Drug Abuse
The symptoms of prescribed drug addiction can vary depending on the type of medicine, but certain warning signs often overlap:
- Behavioural Changes
Individuals may “doctor shop” (visit multiple doctors to get the same prescription), hide medicine use from family members, or become defensive when questioned about their habits. - Physical Symptoms
Drowsiness, unnatural sleep hours, slurred speech, poor coordination, confusion, and memory issues are common indicators. Some people may experience drastic weight changes or frequent fatigue. - Emotional and Psychological Signs
Mood swings, irritability, anxiety, or unexplained depression may arise. In severe cases, paranoia or aggression can also surface. At times, individuals take certain sedatives to self-medicate to deal with underlying mental health issues like psychoses related hallucinations. - Lifestyle Impact
Addiction often disrupts daily functioning. Work performance declines, grades drop, relationships suffer, isolation happens, and hobbies or social activities are abandoned. Individuals may also face financial strain due to the cost of maintaining their dependence.
Recognizing these symptoms early is critical. The longer prescribed drug addiction continues unchecked, the harder it becomes to reverse the damage to both mind and body.
Treatment for Prescribed Drug Addiction
Treating prescribed drug addiction requires a multi-layered approach, because it is not just about physical dependence. It is about addressing the mental, emotional, and lifestyle factors that fuel the cycle of misuse.
- Detoxification Under Medical Supervision
For some, the first step may involve a medically guided detox to help the body adjust safely. This process reduces withdrawal symptoms and prevents sudden health risks like seizures in withdrawal. - Therapy and Counseling
Addiction is deeply tied to unresolved emotions. Therapy helps individuals understand why they turned to medicines, how stress or trauma played a role, and equips them with healthier coping skills. - Support Systems
Family involvement is crucial. When loved ones understand the recovery process, they can provide encouragement and accountability. The family finds their lives engaged in policing the individual, as hiding pills is easy and more difficult to catch. The family is emotionally affected, and their lives revolve around controlling the user’s usage. The family becomes dysfunctional. - Long-term Lifestyle Changes
Without rebuilding daily routines, the risk of relapse remains high. Incorporating exercise, mindfulness, balanced diets, and healthy sleep patterns creates a foundation for sustainable recovery.
Anatta’s Holistic Approach to Recovery
At Anatta, the treatment for prescribed drug addiction is designed around compassion, privacy, and personal growth. Instead of medical or institutional care, the focus is on non-medical, voluntary, and one-on-one healing in a luxurious, homelike environment.
The approach includes:
- Personalized Counselling – Experienced therapists residing with clients help uncover emotional patterns and guide clients toward self-awareness.
- Alternative Therapies – Yoga, meditation, art, regression therapy, and other healing practices help restore balance in body and mind.
- Lifestyle Rebuilding – Clients are supported in building new routines that encourage long-term wellness without dependence on substances.
- Confidential and Exclusive Care – With complete privacy, individuals can recover without stigma or fear of judgment.
This method empowers individuals to not only break free from prescribed drug addiction but also rediscover their sense of purpose and joy in everyday life.
The Journey to Recovery
Recovery from prescribed drug addiction is not a quick fix. It is a gradual process that requires patience, support, and a willingness to change. With the right guidance, individuals can move from dependence to a healthier, more fulfilling life.
At Anatta, recovery is seen as a journey of self-discovery rather than a battle. The goal is not just to overcome addiction but to create a life that feels meaningful, balanced, and deeply satisfying.