There are a large variety of prescription drugs which people become addicted to. Each one can make people experience different symptoms of addiction and can impact their lives in many different unique ways. 

Any type of prescription drug has the potential to become addictive or misused, but the properties and effects of the drugs have increased the likelihood that someone would want to misuse them. Some require rehab to help with their addictions. 

What are the most common prescription drugs to become addicted to?

The misuse of prescription painkillers, benzodiazepines, and stimulant medications has become more and more common in recent years. Using these drugs for anything other than the appropriate medical condition can take a devastating toll on people. We have explained this in more detail below:

Prescription Opioids

These drugs are strong types of prescription painkillers, which can also cause you to experience euphoria in addition to numbing pain if taken in large amounts. This enjoyable sensation and the addictive nature of opioids can quickly drag you into addiction and misuse. Types of prescription opioids include:

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  Oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet)

  
  


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  Hydrocodone (Vicodin)

  
  


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  Fentanyl

  
  


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  Codeine

  
  


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  Co-codamol

  
  


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  Tramadol

  
  

You might be prescribed opioids by your doctor if you have moderate to severe pain resulting from a chronic condition, injury, or post-surgery. The drugs may also make your mood better and reduce feelings of fever. These drugs are strong enough to cause death with an overdose. 

Prescription Benzodiazepines

These drugs, also known as benzos, are widely abused. They are supposed to help you if you are suffering from anxiety, seizures, panic attacks, and other psychiatric medications. 

Benzodiazepines cause people to feel calm, serene, and relaxed - feelings which people can become highly addicted to and lead to dependency. Different types of this drug include: 

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  Diazepam (Valium)

  
  


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  Alprazolam (Xanax)

  
  


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  Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)

  
  


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  Zolpidem (Ambien)

  
  

Prescription Stimulants

Stimulant drugs are prescribed for conditions like ADHD and narcolepsy. They are made to increase your attention, energy, and alertness, and do this by increasing chemicals such as dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is linked to the brain's reward centre, so using this can become very addictive. It gives feelings of pleasure and euphoria. Stimulant prescription drugs include:

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  Methylphenidate (Ritalin & Concerta)

  
  


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  Dextroamphetamine (Adderall & Dexedrine)

  
  

The danger of misusing prescription drugs can range from experiencing mild discomfort to severe damage or even death. If you become addicted, you can lose the ability to control how much and when you are taking it. This can cause your addiction to worsen and have a detrimental impact on your quality of life.