Prescription drug abuse is a serious matter, as it can be life-threatening. The risk of overdosing is always prevalent, but prescription drug abuse can also have many negative side effects on a person’s health. Recognizing the signs of prescription drug addiction can eventually help save someone’s life. Signs that someone may be struggling with an addiction to prescription drugs are:
- Taking higher doses than prescribed
- Visiting multiple doctors to get multiple prescriptions (Doctor shopping)
- Stealing other people’s prescriptions and/or medication
- Impaired judgment
- Withdrawal symptoms when not taking the prescription
- Lying about the frequency of use
- Hiding medication
- Finishing prescriptions faster than prescribed
If a loved one is showing signs of prescription drug addiction, it is best to seek help immediately.
Prescription drug misuse remains a serious public health issue in the United States, even as national overdose trends show recent improvement. Here’s what the latest data from federal health agencies tells us:
- An estimated 8.6 million people aged 12 or older misused prescription pain relievers (opioids) in the past year, according to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (SAMHSA).
- An additional 4.7 million people misused prescription tranquilizers or sedatives — the category that includes benzodiazepines like Xanax and Valium — in the past year, per the same 2023 NSDUH data.
- Nationally, drug overdose deaths involving opioids fell substantially between 2023 and 2024, part of an overall decline in overdose deaths reported by the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics. While this progress is encouraging, opioids remain involved in a majority of overdose deaths nationwide.
- Among adults who misuse prescription opioids, a meaningful share go on to meet criteria for a prescription opioid use disorder, according to NIDA’s research report on the misuse of prescription drugs.
Sources: SAMHSA National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2023); CDC National Center for Health Statistics; National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you become addicted to a medication your doctor prescribed?
Yes. Medications like opioid painkillers, benzodiazepines (such as Xanax or Valium), and certain stimulants can lead to physical dependence and, in some cases, addiction — even when they’re taken exactly as prescribed. These medications act on the brain’s chemistry in ways that can cause tolerance to build over time, meaning it takes more of the drug to get the same effect. This doesn’t mean anyone did something wrong; it’s a recognized risk of these medications, and it’s one of the most common paths that brings people to treatment. If you’re concerned about your relationship with a prescribed medication, talking to a professional early can make a real difference.
What’s the difference between physical dependence and addiction?
Physical dependence means your body has adapted to a substance and may react with withdrawal symptoms if you stop or reduce it suddenly. This can happen with many prescribed medications and isn’t the same thing as addiction on its own. Addiction (clinically referred to as a substance use disorder) involves compulsive use despite negative consequences — cravings, loss of control, and continued use even when it’s causing harm to your health, relationships, or daily life. Someone can be physically dependent without being addicted, but dependence can also be part of the picture when addiction develops. A clinical assessment is the most reliable way to understand where someone falls on that spectrum.
Is it dangerous to stop taking opioids or benzodiazepines suddenly?
It can be, which is why stopping “cold turkey” on your own is not recommended for either class of medication. Abruptly discontinuing benzodiazepines after regular use can, in some cases, lead to severe withdrawal symptoms, including seizures, so tapering under medical supervision is important. Opioid withdrawal is generally not life-threatening in the same way, but it can be intensely uncomfortable and can increase the risk of relapse and overdose if someone returns to a prior dose after a period of abstinence. Medical detox provides monitoring, medication support when appropriate, and a safer, more comfortable path off these substances.
What does treatment for prescription drug addiction actually involve?
Treatment typically starts with an individualized assessment to understand the substance involved, any co-occurring mental health needs, and the right level of care — whether that’s medical detox, residential treatment, or an outpatient program. From there, care often combines evidence-based therapies (like individual and group counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, and family involvement) with medical support and relapse-prevention planning. For opioid use disorder specifically, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) may also be part of the plan. The goal isn’t just stopping use of the substance — it’s building the tools, support, and stability needed for lasting recovery.
Will my insurance cover treatment for prescription drug addiction?
Many insurance plans offer some level of coverage for substance use treatment, since the Affordable Care Act and the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act require most plans to cover addiction treatment similarly to other medical care. That said, coverage varies by plan, provider network, and level of care. Our admissions team can verify your insurance benefits confidentially and walk you through what’s covered before you commit to anything, so you can make an informed decision without added financial stress during an already difficult time.
