Inspire Change Wellness Guide to Avoid Slipping Into Prescription Drug Add | Page 7

Prescription Drug Addiction
As aforementioned, individuals who take prescription drugs, especially painkillers in
the right dosage are not at risk of addiction. Even individuals who get a long-term
prescription of opioids and stick to the right dosage are at very low risk of addiction.
However, dependence can occur in patients who have a history of psychological
problems or drug abuse.
How does addiction occur? Here are a few scenarios which have led many patients to
develop an overdependence on prescription drugs:
 Popping more than the prescribed number of pills at a time.
 Taking medication without a prescription; that is, as one wishes, even if the reason is
legitimate.
 Taking addictive medicines for an extended period, especially if one suffers from
psychological issues.
 Taking pills to “get by” or “calm down” without necessarily having a diagnosed
medical condition.
Inspire Change Addiction Treatment Centre