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Prescription drugs are commonly viewed as harmless. They are prescribed by medical professionals, generally in place to reduce pain, work through side effects of medical conditions and support those with mental health issues. They are categorised as a treatment to improve quality of life.

However, like other drugs, prescription drugs do carry addictive characteristics, especially if misused. Many individuals will follow prescription guidelines. Yet, as tolerances develop, risk factors of drug misuse increase as doses escalate.

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Commonly abused Prescription Drugs

While treating medical conditions or mental health disorders, it is very likely that if misused, prescription drug addictions can develop. Although this may seem difficult for some people to grasp, anyone can develop an addiction, especially when prescriptions continue to help alleviate pain or offer a euphoric feeling. Once withdrawal symptoms in between doses arise, greater doses are likely to take place, kickstarting addictive behaviours.

Common Prescription drug addictions:

Here are the types of prescription drugs most commonly abused:

Stimulants

Stimulant drugs are commonly prescribed for individuals who are experiencing behavioural issues, such as ADHD. Used to control behaviour, the stimulation of energy and a buzzing feeling can become addictive. Once a general prescribed dose has been consumed for some time, it is likely that the stimulant will wear off. This is where the dangerous cycle of addiction can begin, if drug doses aren’t controlled.

Those who abuse stimulant prescription drugs are also identified to turn to harder drugs, such as cocaine, with the hope to achieve the same results.

Opioids

Opioid prescription painkillers are commonly prescribed by doctors to alleviate temporary and chronic pain. Opioid drugs carry highly addictive characteristics, increasing the risk of developing a dependence if misused. This is exactly why prescriptions are usually only offered for a short period of time and commonly re-evaluated.

The likes of morphine and methadone fall into the prescription opioid category. Through their effects, many individuals will turn to their illegal counterpart in order to achieve similar highs if prescriptions are stopped or reduced. However, many individuals can experience a long-term prescription drug addiction to opioids, if control isn’t present.

Central nervous system depressants

Central nervous system depressants are commonly prescribed for individuals who are experiencing mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. Down to their calming effects, many individuals do misuse CNS depressants, with the aim to maintain psychological side effects.

Great risk is present for those who are abusing CNS depressants as underlying mental health conditions are existing. When combining existing psychological impairment and drug abuse, a dual diagnosis can form where both illnesses advance one another. With this in mind, prescription drug addiction is more likely for those suffering with mental health issues, along with the risk of developing further dependencies.

If you are abusing any type of painkiller or medication, we highly recommend sourcing prescription drug addiction treatment as soon as possible. There are many underlying dangers of continuous misuse of prescription drugs.

The dangers of a Prescription Drug Addiction

Abusing the likes of opioid painkillers or stimulants can be very dangerous. Although initially identified as safe, commonly prescribed to improve or manage health, long-term abuse of prescription drugs can result in physical and psychological side effects.

If you have a problem with prescription drugs, it’s important to remember that you are consuming a drug which is in place to alleviate a certain pain or condition in the body. By consuming doses which surpass this, minimal to severe side effects can be experienced. Yet, the greatest concern is the habitual behaviours you can develop, known to lead to greater mental health issues, physical health conditions, reduced quality of life and the potential to consume harder, more hazardous drugs.

As a result of these concerns, if you are abusing prescription drugs, it is advised that you speak out to medical professionals. Prescription drug addiction treatment may be available through NHS services, outpatient support, private therapy, detox providers or residential rehab centres.

The sooner that addiction treatment can begin, the sooner that habitual behaviours can be suppressed. This will also treat your existing pain disorder, behavioural condition or mental health problems. Please be aware that if a dual diagnosis of addiction and a mental health condition is present, additional treatment options may be required.

Addiction treatment for prescription drug abuse

If you are hoping to recover from prescription drug addiction, the right treatment route should be based on assessment. A provider should consider the medication involved, dose, length of use, withdrawal risk, mental health, physical health, home circumstances and any other substance use.

Common treatment options can include prescription drug detox, cognitive behavioural therapy, counselling, group therapy, relapse prevention and aftercare. Detox may be needed where the body has become dependent, but it should be planned carefully and overseen by appropriately qualified professionals.

Alongside medical support, therapy can help people understand triggers, pain, anxiety, sleep problems, cravings and the routines that have kept prescription drug use going. If depression, anxiety, trauma or another mental health issue is present, ask providers how this will be assessed and supported.

Before choosing a route, ask what is included, who oversees clinical decisions, how long treatment may last, what costs apply, whether family support is available and what happens after the first stage of treatment ends.

Recovery planning should also consider existing health conditions and whether safer coping strategies, medication reviews, therapy, pain-management support or mental health care are needed. Recovery Scotland can help you compare treatment routes and prepare questions before speaking with providers. You can contact Recovery Scotland for confidential guidance.

John Gillen - Director & Author at Nova Recovery

John Gillen - Author - Last updated: June 17, 2026

John has travelled extensively around the world, culminating in 19 years’ experience looking at different models. He is the European pioneer of NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) treatment to Europe in 2010; and recently back from the USA bringing state of the art Virtual Reality Relapse Prevention and stress reduction therapy. His passion extends to other metabolic disturbances and neurodegenerative diseases. The journey continues. In recent times, John has travelled to Russia to study and research into a new therapy photobiomudulation or systemic laser therapy working with NAD+ scientists and the very best of the medical professionals in the UK and the USA, together with Nadcell, Bionad Hospitals own select Doctors, nurses, dieticians and therapists. Johns’ passion continues to endeavour to bring to the UK and Europe new developments with NAD+ Therapy in preventive and restorative medicine and Wellness. In 2017 John Gillen was made a visiting Professor at the John Naisbitt university in Belgrade Serbia.