Many people think that addiction only involves illegal drugs. The truth, though, is that it’s also possible and common to develop an addiction to prescription drugs. These are substances that licensed medical professionals distribute, but if abused, the consequences can be fatal.
Roughly 6% of the entire US population has abused prescription drugs at some point [1]. Of the people who abuse prescription drugs, over 55% of them are addicted [2]. As rates of drug prescriptions have increased, so too has prescription drug addiction. Opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants are the prescription drugs that people most commonly become addicted to.
Knowing the early signs of prescription abuse can prevent addiction, while recognizing when a legitimate prescription has become an addiction can help people get the right care.
Can I Get Addicted to Prescription Drugs?
Yes, it’s possible to become addicted to prescription drugs. Addiction can happen if you abuse prescription drugs, which means:
- Using a higher dose or taking prescription drugs more frequently than recommended by a doctor
- Using medication that has been prescribed for someone else
- Using prescription drugs for recreational purposes
- Mixing prescription drugs with alcohol and other substances
- Using prescription drugs from a source that isn’t a licensed health care provider
- Manipulating health care professionals and systems to get prescription drugs
If you follow the dose and frequency for the prescription drug(s) as recommended by your doctor, there is a low chance of you getting addicted. You may become dependent on the drug, which is not the same as an addiction.
Why Do People Abuse Prescription Drugs?
There are several reasons why someone may abuse prescription drugs and be more likely to get addicted. One study reported that the main motivations are [3]:
- To manage physical pain
- To alleviate emotional/psychiatric distress
- To cope with stressful situations
- For recreational purposes
- To avoid withdrawal symptoms for another addiction
People who already have a substance use disorder (SUD) are more likely to develop an addiction when taking prescription drugs.
What Are The Most Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs?
Opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants are the most abused prescription drugs and have some of the highest rates of addiction. Opioids are prescribed as pain relief; benzodiazepines treat seizures, anxiety, and insomnia; and stimulants boost energy and concentration.
Commonly abused prescription opioids include:
- Codeine
- Fentanyl
- Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
- Oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet)
- Morphine (Kadian, Avinza)
Commonly abused benzodiazepines include:
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Alprazolam (Xanax)
- Lorazepam (Ativan)
- Clonazepam (Klonopin)
Commonly abused stimulants include:
- Benzphetamine (Didrex)
- Amphetamine salts (Adderall)
- Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)
- Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin)
- Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine)
What Are the Dangers of a Prescription Drug Addiction?
Prescription drug addiction can lower your quality of life and be life-threatening. The dangers vary depending on the type of prescription drug and specific substance, but general effects include:
- Slowed breathing
- Nausea
- Slurred speech
- Anxiety and paranoia
- High blood pressure
- Insomnia
High doses and prolonged use can lead to addiction and other serious repercussions, including:
- Overdose
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Cardiovascular problems
Overdosing from prescription drugs is a real possibility, especially with an addiction. An overdose happens when someone consumes a toxically large amount of a substance. In some circumstances, if an overdose is treated quickly, it can be overcome. However, 40 people in the US die every day due to an overdose of prescription drugs [4].
Fentanyl was the leading cause of overdose deaths between 2017 and 2023 [5]. Having a benzodiazepine prescription has been listed as a factor associated with benzodiazepine overdose [6]. More than 17% of people who have overdosed on stimulants previously had a prescription for a stimulant [7].
What Are Signs of an Addiction to Prescription Drugs?
Physical and social signs can suggest that someone has, or is developing, an addiction to prescription drugs. These include:
| Physical Signs | Social Signs |
| Weight loss | Withdrawal |
| Sleeping too much or too little | Impulsivity |
| High energy | Mood swings |
| Flu symptoms (cough, headache, runny nose) | Financial issues |
| Constipation | Lower performance at work or in school |
| Higher sensitivity to pain that was previously alleviated by the prescription drug | Anxiety and paranoia |
Another sign may be an increased interest in prescription drugs, such as researching how to get more of the drug that has been prescribed or how to get alternatives to it. Seeming hypochondria may also be an indication, where a person creates regular health concerns to access more of the prescription drug.
Safe Withdrawal From Prescription Drugs At Red Rock Recovery
It’s possible to heal from prescription drug addiction. At Red Rock Recovery, we offer treatment programs to help you taper off substances, address the causes of addiction, and find long-term stability.
We have a team of licensed clinicians who tailor care to you based on your needs and goals. Our center in Denver, Colorado, is a calm space where we provide evidence-based therapies, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), and wellness activities. Our care is comprehensive to ensure that you gain the skills to not only overcome addiction but also live a more meaningful life.
You deserve to feel better. Speak with our admissions team.
Sources
[1] WebMD. (February 2026). Prescription Drug Abuse. webmd.com
[2] National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics. (2025). Prescription Drug Abuse Statistics. drugabusestatistics.org.
[3] Merlo, L. et al. (September 2013). Reasons for Misuse of Prescription Medication Among Physicians Undergoing Monitoring by a Physician Health Program. Journal of Addiction Medicine.
[4] American Public Health Association. (2026). Prescription Drug Overdose. algha.org.
[5] Centers For Disease Control And Prevention. (March 2026). Most Common Drugs in U.S. Overdose Deaths: 2017–2023. blogs.cdc.gov.
[6] Votaw, V. et al. (May 2019). The epidemiology of benzodiazepine misuse: A systematic review*. Drug and Alcohol Dependence.
[7] The European Society of Medicine. (July 2025). Characterizing Prescription Stimulant Use in Adults with Overdose Involving Psychostimulants. esmed.org.