Prescription Drug Addiction
You're not alone
Prescription medicines can provide important relief from pain, anxiety and other health conditions. Some can also cause physical dependence, and a smaller proportion of people develop addiction. If you are worried about how you are using a prescribed medicine, confidential support is available. At Step by Step Recovery, we can discuss your circumstances and help you explore an appropriate assessment and treatment pathway. [1, 2]
Medical review: Dr Mann, GP
Approval status: Approval pending
What is Prescription Drug Addiction?
Prescription drug addiction is a pattern of use in which someone finds it difficult to control their use of a medicine despite harmful consequences. It may involve taking more than prescribed, using someone else’s medication, seeking prescriptions from multiple sources or continuing use despite clear problems. Addiction is not the same as physical dependence: a person taking a medicine exactly as prescribed can become physically dependent without having an addiction. [1]
Medicines that can be associated with dependence or problematic use include opioid painkillers such as codeine, morphine and oxycodone; benzodiazepines such as diazepam and lorazepam; sleeping medicines such as zopiclone; and gabapentinoids such as pregabalin and gabapentin. Antidepressants may also cause withdrawal symptoms when stopped, but that does not mean they are generally considered addictive. Different medicines require different approaches. [1]
Recognising the Signs
Signs vary according to the medicine and the individual. Changes that merit a conversation with a prescriber include taking extra doses, feeling unable to reduce use, running out of medication early, taking a medicine for an effect other than its intended purpose, or continuing despite problems with health, relationships or daily responsibilities. These signs do not establish a diagnosis on their own. [1]
Behavioural signs
Someone may become preoccupied with their next dose, conceal how much they are taking or use medication obtained outside their prescription. Other people may be following their prescription yet struggling with unwanted dependence or difficult withdrawal symptoms. Both situations deserve a non-judgemental assessment. [1]
Physical Signs
Symptoms depend on the drug. Opioids may cause constipation and drowsiness; benzodiazepines and Z-drugs may affect alertness, balance and memory; and pregabalin may cause dizziness or sedation. Marked sleepiness, slowed breathing or difficulty waking someone can indicate an emergency, particularly when sedating medicines are combined. [2, 3]
What Causes Prescription Drug Addiction?
There is no single cause. Pain, anxiety, sleep problems, a history of substance-related difficulties, mental health concerns and exposure to higher doses or longer courses may all influence risk. Being prescribed a dependence-forming medicine does not mean a person will develop an addiction. Decisions about ongoing treatment should consider both the benefits of the medicine and the individual’s circumstances. [1]
The Impact on Your Health
Potential harms include impaired concentration, falls, difficulties at work or home and worsening mental health. Opioids and benzodiazepines taken together can increase the risk of potentially fatal respiratory depression. Medication obtained from unregulated sources may not contain the ingredients or dose claimed. [2, 3]
Recovery Changes Everything
People can make meaningful progress with the right support. For some, the priority is a careful review of a legitimate prescription and a gradual reduction where appropriate. Others need structured treatment for an addiction alongside support for pain, anxiety, sleep or another underlying condition. The plan should reflect the person rather than a fixed programme. [1]
Your Path to Recovery
Prescription drug addiction treatment depends on the medication involved, the length and level of use and your physical and mental health. Treatment often combines medical support with therapy and ongoing relapse-prevention work.
Assessment and medication review
An appropriate assessment considers the medicine, dose, duration, prescribing history, other substances, physical and mental health, previous withdrawal experiences and immediate safety risks. Where a medicine is prescribed, the prescriber should be involved in planning any changes. [1]
Safe withdrawal planning
Do not stop opioids, benzodiazepines, Z-drugs, pregabalin, gabapentin or antidepressants suddenly without medical advice. NICE generally recommends an individualised, gradual reduction, except in exceptional medical circumstances. Abrupt benzodiazepine withdrawal can cause seizures; opioid withdrawal can be very distressing; and gabapentinoid withdrawal can also be significant. The safest pace and setting vary. [1]
Residential Treatment
Residential rehabilitation may be helpful where someone needs a structured therapeutic environment, but it is not automatically necessary for everyone. Medical withdrawal management and rehabilitation are different elements of care. People at higher medical risk may need hospital or other specialist services rather than a standard residential rehabilitation setting. [1, 4]
Ongoing Support
Recovery may include psychological support, relapse-prevention planning, practical help and continuing care. Treatment should also address the original reason for the prescription, such as pain, anxiety or insomnia, so that symptoms are not simply left untreated. [1]
Important: Call 999 if someone is unconscious, breathing abnormally, having a seizure or cannot be woken. If an opioid overdose is suspected, naloxone can save lives when available, but emergency services are still required. If you have taken more paracetamol than recommended, seek urgent medical advice even if you feel well. For non-emergency concerns about changing prescribed medication, contact the prescriber or NHS 111. [2, 3, 5]
Common Questions
FAQs
Here are some common questions based on the information already covered on this page. If you would rather speak to someone privately, our team is available to help.
Can I become dependent even if I follow my prescription?
Yes. Physical dependence can develop during prescribed treatment. It is not, by itself, evidence of addiction. [1]
Which prescription medicines are most associated with dependence?
NICE specifically addresses opioids, benzodiazepines, Z-drugs and gabapentinoids. Antidepressants can cause withdrawal symptoms but should not be described as addictive simply because withdrawal occurs. [1]
How long does prescription drug withdrawal last?
There is no single timeline. The medicine, dose, duration, individual health and pace of reduction all matter. Some people experience prolonged symptoms. A prescriber can help adapt the plan if symptoms become difficult. [1]
Can I stop my medication immediately?
Do not make abrupt changes without medical advice. NICE advises against sudden cessation of dependence-forming medicines except in exceptional clinical circumstances. [1]
Do I need residential rehabilitation?
Not necessarily. Some people can be supported through outpatient prescribing and psychological care, while others benefit from a more structured setting. The appropriate level of care follows an individual assessment. [1, 4]
Can Step by Step Recovery help with a prescribed medicine?
Our admissions team can discuss your concerns confidentially and explain the assessment process. Whether treatment is suitable depends on your clinical needs and the service’s current capabilities.
Other Addictions We Treat
Step By Step Recovery also provides information and treatment support for other substance addictions.
Xanax Addiction
Learn more about Xanax addiction, dependence and treatment support.
Cannabis Addiction
Learn more about cannabis addiction, dependency and treatment support.
Cocaine Addiction
Learn more about cocaine addiction, its effects and available treatment support.
Three specialised Clinics
Drug and Alcohol Treatment in Essex, London and Birmingham
Step by Step Recovery offers residential addiction treatment at The Lighthouse in Essex, with outpatient assessment routes in London and Birmingham. The suitability of any medication withdrawal must be established through clinical assessment.
RESIDENTIAL
Essex Clinic
- 1A Southchurch Avenue, Southend-On-Sea, SS3 9BA
- 01702 296 006
outpatient
London Clinic
- Finsgate House, 5 Cranwood Street, London, EC1V 9EE
- 0207 118 9400
outpatient
Birmingham Clinic
- Suite 201c Bradford Court Business Centre, 123 – 131 Bradford Street, Birmingham, B12 0NS
- 0121 401 1700
Start Your Recovery Safely
If you are concerned about prescription medication, speak to our team for a confidential discussion about your options. If you are already prescribed the medicine, continue to seek advice from your prescribing clinician before making changes.
Your enquiry is completely confidential. We’re here to help, not to judge.
Clinical references
[1] NICE NG215: Medicines associated with dependence or withdrawal symptoms. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng215/chapter/Recommendations
[2] MHRA: Benzodiazepines and opioids, risk of respiratory depression. https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/benzodiazepines-and-opioids-reminder-of-risk-of-potentially-fatal-respiratory-depression
[3] NHS: Opioid overdose and naloxone information. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/opioid-overdose/
[4] NICE CG52: Drug misuse in over 16s, opioid detoxification. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg52/chapter/Recommendations
[5] NHS: Paracetamol for adults. https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/paracetamol-for-adults/