Physicians frequently prescribe a range of medications to treat an illness or disease or help manage symptoms related to a medical issue. However, even though prescription medications were created to address health problems, many can pose health risks. While the side effects of medications can be concerning, certain prescription medications can create dependence, leading to misuse, addiction, and substance use disorder (SUD). This can result in a host of serious health issues, especially if the medication is misused for an extended period of time.
What Is Prescription Medication Misuse?
Unlike street drugs and alcohol, which have no approved medical use, prescription medications have a designated beneficial effect of improving the physical or mental health of people who take them. Misusing a medication means that either the person prescribed that medication or someone else fails to take the medication as intended. According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, 16.3 million people improperly use medications each year.
Misuse can result from dependency on the effects of the medication or can exacerbate dependency. For example, someone may become dependent on using pain medication to eliminate pain; they may also come to enjoy or rely on the associated euphoric feeling that accompanies a too-large dose of many pain medications.
Many addictive prescription medications are addictive because they release dopamine, the feel-good hormone associated with pleasure, to the brain, which causes a temporary feeling of pleasure. People with SUD continue to use the medication to keep experiencing those positive feelings. As the individual takes the medication consistently, they will most likely develop a tolerance to it, meaning that they will have to take more to experience the same pleasurable feelings.
Substance Use Disorder and Dependence on Medications
Developing a dependency on prescription medication and developing a SUD are actually two different things. As mentioned, dependence on a medication occurs when a person develops a need for the psychological or physical impact that it has on the body. Someone who is dependent on their medication may be following the proper usage instructions without actually developing an SUD.
However, dependency can mean the individual needs to take more and more of their prescription to achieve the same effects. When a dependency on prescription medication becomes an addiction or SUD, misuse continues even though use results in negative side effects and life impacts.
An SUD occurs when chemical or even physical changes occur within the brain due to an illicit or prescription drug. People may act compulsively or differently from how they did before taking the medication. A substance use disorder can cause a variety of related physical and mental health issues. Without undergoing proper treatment, such as attending one of the prescription drug rehab centers in Maryland, the consequences of a SUD may be serious, even deadly.
Most Addictive Prescription Drugs in Maryland
While physicians prescribe myriad medications to treat a host of different medical and mental health conditions, there are some drugs that are notorious for their addictive potential. Below are some commonly misused prescription drugs.
Opioids
Opioids are a medication derived from or synthetically mimicking a compound found in the poppy flower. They are typically prescribed to treat pain and are very effective at decreasing the amount of pain felt. Unfortunately, this medication type also impacts the reward center of the brain, which can result in calm and euphoria in addition to pain relief. Because of how opioids affect the brain, they can quickly lead to dependency, addiction, and SUD.
Opioid prescription medication has resulted in many overdoses, led to many deaths, and has even caused the US workforce to experience unprecedented financial losses due to employee inefficiency, missed work, and deaths. The overdose rates and staggering associated costs of addressing opioid addiction in the US have been called the Opioid Epidemic.
As a result, Maryland business owners have begun educating employees on the dangers of opioids in the workplace.
Fentanyl
Fentanyl is an extremely powerful opioid medication originally developed to treat post-surgical pain. Unfortunately, many illicit street dealers are now producing even more powerful varieties of this potent drug. Very small amounts of fentanyl can result in an overdose.
Worse, other prescription medications and illicit drugs purchased on the street may be cut with fentanyl. This issue has become so severe that over 70% of all stimulant drug overdoses are now also associated with fentanyl. Aside from the pain-relieving and euphoric qualities of fentanyl, this medication can cause dangerously slow breathing, sedation, drowsiness, dizziness, and nausea.
Other Opioids
Medications like hydrocodone and oxycodone, along with oxymorphone, codeine, and morphine, are also opioid medications. These drugs all interact with the brain’s opioid receptors to block pain sensations and cause euphoria. They range in strength and side effects, but all have addictive potential. In general, the strongest opioid medications have the highest pain relief potential but also carry the most risk for addiction.
Benzodiazepines
This kind of medication is a type of central nervous system depressant that is meant to treat sleep disorders and anxiety. It works by decreasing the brain’s activity, which causes the person taking the medication to feel calm, relaxed, and tired.
Benzodiazepines can help the body achieve sleep. When benzodiazepines are used as sleeping aids, they act as stimulants to a chemical found in the brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Once stimulated, this chemical relaxes the muscles, calms the mind, and decreases anxiety, allowing the person to experience a good night’s rest.
Benzodiazepines can become habit-forming and can cause dangerous withdrawal if the patient suddenly stops taking the medication. Some of these withdrawal symptoms can include excessive swelling, difficulty sleeping, headaches, nausea, muscle pain, anxiety, panic attacks, and seizures. Many people develop substance use disorders after taking benzodiazepines for an extended period of time to avoid withdrawals.
Some of the most commonly taken benzodiazepines are clonazepam, alprazolam, and diazepam.
Alprazolam
This kind of benzodiazepine is usually sold under the name Xanax. This medication is prescribed as a treatment for panic disorders and anxiety, as it works to depress the central nervous system, which has a calming effect. Signs that someone is misusing this medication include difficulty sleeping, tremors, and swelling in the hands and feet.
Clonazepam and Diazepam
Both clonazepam and diazepam are benzodiazepines. Clonazepam is typically recognized as Klonopin, and diazepam is known as Valium. They are designed to treat symptoms related to panic disorders, anxiety, and seizures.
These medications are misused due to their calming impact on the body. Those who use clonazepam and diazepam may experience a feeling similar to being drunk or just feel completely relaxed. Some of the signs that a person is not properly using these medications include hallucinations, paranoia, and constipation.
Stimulants
Stimulants are another group of addictive prescription medications. Also known as central nervous system stimulants, stimulant medications work by increasing important brain chemicals like norepinephrine and dopamine. These help boost energy levels, attentiveness, and alertness and are typically used to assist with conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, and depression.
Because stimulants affect dopamine levels, medications are often misused because they create energy and feelings of intense pleasure. Those who have become dependent on stimulants may begin to experience side effects. These include paranoia, hallucinations, aggression, decreased appetite, weight loss, headaches, increased heart rate, nausea, vomiting, changes in vision, and personality changes.
Two types of stimulants that often cause addiction are amphetamines and methylphenidate.
Amphetamines
This central nervous system stimulant is most often prescribed for treating ADHD and narcolepsy. Adderall is one kind of amphetamine that is often misused in order to experience increased energy levels. Individuals like truck drivers, shift workers, and college students who have tight assignment deadlines may use amphetamines to increase attention span and increase energy.
Some signs that a person is misusing amphetamines include an unusual boost of energy and alertness, higher body temperature, high blood pressure, and breathing issues.
Methylphenidates
Much like Adderall, this medication is a stimulant that reacts with the central nervous system and causes elevated dopamine levels. The purpose of this stimulant is to boost alertness, and it is usually a form of treatment for those who suffer from ADHD and narcolepsy. Much like other stimulants, it can be a habit-forming medication. Some signs of methylphenidate misuse are difficulty sleeping and moodiness.
Barbiturates
Barbiturates, like benzodiazepines, are central nervous system depressants and are sometimes used to treat health issues such as seizures and sleep disorders. They also react to the natural neurotransmitter chemical GABA, which helps to relax the mind and body.
These medications are prescribed less frequently than in the past because many have been found to be unsafe. They create a range of dangerous side effects and have a high risk of dependency. Additionally, there is a high risk of overdose.
Butalbital is a type of barbiturate that is often found in prescription migraine medications. It is usually a part of a combination of other medications, such as caffeine, aspirin, codeine, or acetaminophen, and can be found in medications like Fiorinal and Fioricet. This combination of medications can result in physical and psychological dependence, addiction, and SUD.
Prescription Sleeping Medications
Many people who struggle with insomnia and other sleeping disorders begin with over-the-counter aids. However, they may not be enough to treat the issue. Prescription medications have a higher potency and are often more effective.
Unfortunately, these medications are often habit-forming. Healthcare providers do not often prescribe them for long-term use, as they are not meant to cure the root cause of the sleep issue, but many people come to rely on them to get to sleep. Some prescription sleeping medications include barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and Z-drugs such as Ambien and Lunesta.
Those who become dependent on prescription sleeping medications may experience:
- Needing higher doses to fall asleep
- Trouble remembering things
- Increased instances of insomnia
- Isolation from family and friends
- Feeling detached or confused
Stopping use of a sleep medication taken for long periods can cause withdrawal symptoms. In addition, the sleep disorder may return worse than it was before taking the medication. Other issues that can develop include parasomnia, when a person participates in daily tasks, such as doing chores, having a conversation, or even driving while not being fully conscious.
Finding Help for Prescription Drug Recovery in Maryland
If you or a loved one is struggling with misusing prescription drugs and has developed a substance use disorder, don’t attempt to handle it on your own. Abruptly ceasing prescription medication use can cause dangerous withdrawal symptoms that can endanger your recovery, harm your mental health, and cause severe physical health issues. Detox and medication-assisted treatment from a reputable substance use disorder treatment center can help you safely eliminate prescription drugs from your system and then build the skills necessary to navigate life without them.
Maryland Recovery offers personalized, medically-assisted help for those who are dependent on prescription medications and want to begin their journey to recovery.
Contact Maryland Recovery to consult with our caring, compassionate staff and learn more about how we can help.
Sources:
- Drug Abuse Statistics. (n.d.). Prescription drug abuse statistics. Retrieved January 24, 2025, from https://drugabusestatistics.org/prescription-drug-abuse-statistics/#:~:text=16.3%20million%20people%20misuse%20prescriptions,32.1%25%20use%20sedatives%20or%20tranquilizers
- Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Sleeping pills: Uses, risks, and precautions. Retrieved January 24, 2025, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/15308-sleeping-pills
- Sleep Education. (n.d.). Sleep disorders. Retrieved January 24, 2025, from https://sleepeducation.org/sleep-disorders/#Parasomnias
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (n.d.). Overdose death rates. Retrieved January 24, 2025, from https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/trends-statistics/overdose-death-rates
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2011). Rx drugs placemat. Retrieved January 24, 2025, from https://nida.nih.gov/sites/default/files/rx_drugs_placemat_508c_10052011.pdf
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (n.d.). Commonly used drugs charts. Retrieved January 24, 2025, from https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/commonly-used-drugs-charts
A solution focused therapist with over a decade in the helping services, I am attuned to the broad expanse of holistic recovery. My mission is inspired by the work of Joseph Campbell, Dr. Wayne Dyer, and Fr. Joseph Martin. I am well versed in the specific needs of the recovery community and am trained in EMDR.
