It is possible to become addicted to prescription medications. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the most addictive prescription medications are opioids, central nervous system (CNS) depressants and stimulants. Most people taking these medications become addicted quite by accident. They may begin taking the medication due to pain from a condition or injury, and during the course of treatment, addiction develops. This is why it is so important to be closely monitored while taking prescription medications. Before discontinuing a drug, speak to your doctor first---he may need to gradually reduce the dosage to decrease your risk of side effects.
Common Withdrawal Symptoms
According to DrugsRehab.org, while every medication or drug has its own set of withdrawal symptoms, there are symptoms that most drugs have in common when use is stopped. These symptoms include preoccupation, weight loss and paranoia.
Preoccupation is a symptom that develops out of desperation for the drug a person is craving. Her mind may become so preoccupied with finding her drug of choice that she begins stealing and lying just to get the prescription drug. In many cases, fraudulent activity is common, as she searches for someone to get the prescription for her.
Weight loss occurs as a result of a decreased appetite. This happens because of the body's constant craving for the drug, which overrules any hunger for food.
Paranoia develops as a result of of the disruption of normal mental functioning. It is a common symptom of those addicted to drugs, even prescription drugs. In some cases, the addict fears that someone is trying to harm them.
Opioids Withdrawal Symptoms
Opioids are a class of drugs used to treat pain. These can include medications such as morphine, fentanyl and codeine. The withdrawal symptoms of opioids include feelings of restlessness, insomnia, vomiting, involuntary movements of the legs, pain in both muscles and joints and diarrhea.
CNS Depressants
CNS depressants include drugs such as tranquilizers and sedatives. They are meant to slow the functioning of the brain to treat conditions such as insomnia or anxiety. The signs of withdrawal include a slowed heartbeat, slowed breathing and the onset of seizures. These all occur due to the already slowed functioning of the brain. In severe cases, coma and death may occur.
Dangers of Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of drugs used to increase alertness and attention. They are frequently used to treat conditions such as ADD or ADHD. Common withdrawal signs of stimulants include an irregular heartbeat, the risk of suffering from heart failure, hostility, high body temperatures, seizures and paranoia.
