Prescription drug Addiction

Prescription drugs can provide enormous relief from a host of medical conditions and can even save lives. However, there are hundreds of prescription medicines which, despite their benefits, can also lead to dependency and addiction. This risk is particularly high among those who may start using these medications for legitimate medical reasons but gradually find themselves relying on the drug to function daily. Across the world, even the most successful individuals have fallen prey to prescription drug addiction. UKAT London Clinic provides bespoke prescription drug addiction treatment, ensuring our clients receive the best levels of care, confidentiality and ongoing support.

Prescription drugs require a doctor’s authorisation before they can be obtained. These powerful medicines are designed to treat various medical conditions, from managing chronic pain and alleviating anxiety to combating infections and regulating blood pressure. Their ability to target specific health issues makes them indispensable in modern medicine.

However, the very potency that makes prescription drugs effective also carries a risk of misuse due to their powerful euphoric or sedative effects. Prescription drugs are categorised into several classes, each with its own specific use and potential for abuse. Some of the most common include:

• Opioids
• Benzodiazepines
• Stimulants
• Antidepressants
• Antipsychotics

The UK has strict prescribing guidelines and drug classifications for many prescription drugs. This reflects the need for a strong understanding of the balance between the benefits and risks of prescription drugs.

Prescription drug addiction occurs when an individual becomes dependent on medication prescribed by a healthcare professional. It can be a particularly insidious and distressing form of addiction as it often starts with a genuine medical need.

As best demonstrated by the American Opioid Crisis, prescription drug addiction often develops when the user does not receive the right medical oversight. This means that as their tolerance grows to the medication, they up the doses without their doctor’s knowledge.

This then leads to physical dependence, which creates withdrawal symptoms if they try to cut down again or quit. These symptoms vary depending on the specific type of medicine, but they can be very uncomfortable, dangerous and even life-threatening.

As the person becomes physically dependent on prescription drugs, they can also begin to rely on them emotionally. This is especially true if they have underlying mental health issues like anxiety, depression or stress.

This dual dependency – both physical and psychological – makes prescription drug addiction particularly challenging to overcome, with users finding themselves trapped in a cycle of prescription drug abuse, leading to significant impacts on their health, relationships and professional life.

High-achieving and busy professionals can be particularly at risk of prescription drug addiction if they:

• Experience high levels of stress
• Have extensive personal and professional responsibilities
• Have easy access to prescription drugs
• Rely on prescription drugs for work performance
• Deal with chronic pain
• Seek quick fixes for mental health issues
• Misunderstand the dangers of prescription drug abuse

While many prescription drugs can be potentially addictive, some common prescription drugs that are addictive include:

Recognising prescription drug addiction signs early can make all the difference in seeking help and achieving recovery. Here are some key prescription drug addiction symptoms that might suggest someone is struggling:

Prescription drug addiction is a growing concern in the UK, with recent data showing that nearly half of all adults in substance misuse treatment were dealing with issues related to prescription drugs, particularly opioids.

The consequences of this trend are dire. In 2023, there were 4,907 deaths related to drug poisoning in England and Wales, a rate of 84.4 deaths per million people. While these figures include various substances, prescription opioids played a significant role, showing the need for more careful prescribing practices and more widely available treatment.

UKAT London Clinic provides comprehensive prescription drug addiction treatment, with each client given a bespoke recovery plan. Drug addiction treatment always begins with detox, which allows the system to purge itself of any traces of drugs and begin healing.

The next stage is rehab treatment and UKAT London Clinic works with each client to choose the best therapy programme for their unique needs. We have a range of therapies available from individual behavioural therapies to cutting-edge techniques like equine therapy and acupuncture. This offers the opportunity to not only break physical dependence on prescription drugs but to work through its mental and emotional causes.

Our extensive aftercare and relapse prevention programmes offer ongoing therapy and vital access to our exclusive support networks, fostering a successful and lasting recovery.

Prescription drug addiction can ruin and sometimes even take lives. If you need help, UKAT London Clinic offers personalised addiction recovery programmes in a bespoke, tranquil environment. Our expert medical and therapy teams will guide you through each stage of treatment in comfort and safety and give you the best chance of a successful recovery. Contact us today to find out more about UKAT London Clinic’s state-of-the-art treatment centre and begin the road to wellness.