Are prescription drugs addictive? The answer is a resounding ‘yes.’ Beyond the usual illegal suspects, like heroin and cocaine, there are numerous addictive prescription drugs that can lead to powerful dependencies. Port of Call investigates.
It is not just alcohol and illegal drugs that can lead to complex addiction issues. Some UK prescription drugs can also be highly addictive and a dependence on these types of substances presents its own unique set of challenges.
Some of the most commonly abused prescription drugs include:
Some over the counter medications, mainly Codeine based analgesics, such as the following can also be addictive:
If you feel like you cannot cope without a drug, and have a desperate need to obtain and consume that drug to soothe uncomfortable feelings, then you may be addicted to prescription drugs.
You may also observe one or more of the following:
Samantha, 20, from Cheadle Hume became addicted to the anti-anxiety benzodiazepine, Valium, at the age of 17. This is Samantha’s story.
“In the lead up to my A-Levels I began getting really severe panic attacks. I was lonely, under pressure, and stressed. My mum had a secret drawer full of Valium, for when she felt low occasionally, and in the middle of a particularly bad panic attack I raided her supply.
“I felt instantly better. It very quickly became my default coping mechanism. But I soon began needing bigger and bigger doses to calm myself down. I knew it was a bad idea, and that I was becoming dependent, but the thought of stopping made me more stressed than ever.
“Things came to a head when mum’s tablets ran out. I was frantic; there was no way I was going to go to the doctors for a prescription. In my panic I searched the internet for advice about prescription drug addiction and found Port of Call. After listening to my story, they suggested that I should go to a rehab clinic for a gradual detox programme and rehab counselling.
“They found a clinic close by within days. Obviously I had to tell my mum, which was really upsetting, but she was really supportive and understood how addictive the Valium could be. I had to miss my A-Level exams to go into rehab. But luckily my school were really supportive and let me resit once I’d recovered. With Port of Call’s help I managed to wean myself off the drugs and passed my exams the following year.”
There are many ways to get help and Port of Call are here to assist you. We will give you a free and confidential assessment over the telephone and can then help you find the most appropriate treatment and support near to your home. Please call us today on 08000029010, we are ready, willing and able to help you through prescription drug addiction.
Martin is our Founder and Chief Executive. Martin is himself in long term recovery and started Port of Call to help families navigate treatment options. In 2020 Martin will open Delamere Health Ltd, the UK’s first purpose built addiction treatment clinic.
We’re specialists in UK rehab options and can advise you on alcohol rehab in the North West, drug rehab in the North West and other addiction support services in the area.