Is It Possible to Get Addicted to Prescription Drugs?

Published: November 06, 2020
Dear TeenHealthFX,
Is it possible to get addicted to prescription drugs? I don't mean like stuff you get when you are sick the other stuff
Signed: Is It Possible to Get Addicted to Prescription Drugs?

Dear Is It Possible to Get Addicted to Prescription Drugs?,

Unfortunately, many people believe that it is not possible to get addicted to prescription drugs, but that is simply not the case. A prescription drug is one that a doctor writes a special note for and is bought at a pharmacy.

Kid’s Health explains prescription drugs like antibiotics and asthma medicine do not alter the brain chemistry and are not addicting. However, prescription drugs like amphetamines (Adderall, Ritalin), narcotics (morphine, codeine, oxycodone), or benzodiazepines (Valium, Xanax) can lead to drug misuse and potentially addiction.  This can happen when someone takes a higher larger dose than prescribed, takes medicine that was prescribed for a family member or friend or takes a medicine for no medical reason at all.  

If you think you may have a problem with prescription drug use, you want to tackle the problem before it becomes an addiction. It won’t be easy but talk with a parent, trusted adult or your doctor and get the support and help that you need.  

Signed: TeenHealthFX

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