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Can medicines be addictive?

What is dependence and addiction to medicines?

Most medicines will not cause dependence or addiction. There is a difference between dependence and addiction.

Dependence

Dependence is when you have a physical need for something. Withdrawal symptoms often appear if you stop taking the medicine. Your body can become physically dependent on some medicines if you take them for a long time.

You may be dependent on a medicine used to manage a health condition such as:

diabetes
a heart condition
epilepsy
depression

Don’t suddenly stop taking medicines without talking with your doctor about it.

Addiction

Addiction is the need to do, take or use something, to the point where it could be harmful to you. Addiction has negative effects on your life.

When you are addicted, you can’t control your use of the medicine. You find it difficult to stop.

You can have a physical or psychological addiction, or both.

Addiction or dependence can happen to anyone.

What are the symptoms of being addicted to medicines?

Some symptoms of being addicted to a medicine are:

needing to use it regularly, or in larger amounts to cope with everyday life
using more of the medicine than was prescribed
cravings, or a strong desire to use the medicine
feeling anxious about not being able to get your medicine
spending too much time getting, using or recovering from the medicine
finding it hard to cut down or stop using the medicine
continuing to use the medicine, even when you know you have a problem
having withdrawal symptoms — unpleasant feelings of illness if you stop taking it regularly
feeling judged or ashamed when your pharmacist or doctor wants to discuss how much medicine you are taking

What causes addiction to medicines?

There are many ways you can get addicted to medicines.

Like alcohol or nicotine, some medicines make you feel good and create a powerful urge to use them again.

If you are dependent on a medicine, not having it can cause withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal can be unpleasant, so it can be easier to carry on taking it. This can lead to a cycle of addiction because you need to take more and more medicine to feel good.

Some addictions may be genetic and run in your family.

An addiction can be a way of blocking out difficult issues such as

unemployment
poverty
stress
relationship breakdown

What types of medicines can I become dependent on?

Here are examples of some medicines that you may be dependent on. These are not addictions.

If you have diabetes, you might rely on insulin to manage your blood sugar. This doesn’t mean you are addicted to insulin.
If you have epilepsy you will need to take medicines to prevent seizures (fits).
If you have some mental health conditions you may use antidepressant or antipsychotic medicines.
If you have high blood pressure, you may use antihypertensives.
If you have cancer pain or chronic pain you may be dependent on medicines to control the pain.

Examples of medicines that you can dependent on are paroxetine (antidepressant) or clonidine (used to treat high blood pressure). These medicines don’t:

cause addiction
lead to cravings
lead to a desire to start taking them again once you have stopped

Do not stop taking these medicines suddenly. If you are on a high dose you will need to slowly reduce the dose.

If you take medicines for pain, anxiety or sleep for more than a few days you could become dependent. If you keep taking these medicines when they are no longer helping your condition, or not as prescribed, this can lead to addiction.

What types of medicines can I become addicted to?

Some medicines should only be used for a short time (days or weeks) because of the chance of becoming addicted. These medicines can have mind altering properties. A prescription from your doctor is needed and there are limits on the amount of medicine that you can get.

Opioid pain relief medicines

Some strong pain relief medicines are known as opioids. These medicines include:

codeine
tramadol
morphine
oxycodone
fentanyl
tapentadol

Sleeping pills

Benzodiazepines are prescription only medicines used to help with sleeping problems or anxiety. They can be addictive. Examples include:

diazepam
temazepam
nitrazepam

It’s best not to use these every day, or for more than a few weeks. Read more about the safe use of sleeping pills.

Stimulant medicines

Stimulant medicines, such as methylphenidate and dexamphetamine, are used to treat:

attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
narcolepsy (repeatedly falling asleep during waking hours)

These medicines can be addictive if used incorrectly.

When should I see my doctor?

If you have a problem with medicine, use you should see your doctor.

You might need medical support to help you quit if you are addicted to a medicine. Your doctor can help you to safely reduce your medicine use and manage any withdrawal symptoms.

How is addiction to medicines treated?

If you are addicted to medicines you may be treated with:

lifestyle changes
weaning off by slowly decreasing the dose
counselling — help for the underlying issue that led to addiction
rehabilitation support
detoxification in a hospital or clinic

How can I avoid addiction to medicines?

If you have been prescribed a medicine for pain, stress, sleeping problems or anxiety, you can ask your doctor about your risk of getting addicted.

Use your medicines exactly as prescribed.

Questions you can ask include:

What are the side effects of this medicine?
Is this medicine addictive?
How long should I take the medicine for?
Do I have to take every pill?
What are the signs of dependence or addiction?
What are my alternatives to taking this medicine?
What else can I do to help my condition?
What’s the plan for dealing with my problem long-term?

It’s important to use your medicines as prescribed and never use someone else’s prescription medicines or give your medicines to them.

Look out for the symptoms of being addicted to medicines and talk with your doctor or pharmacist as soon as you can.

What are the complications of addiction to medicines

If you are addicted to medicines there are negative effects because obtaining and using the medicine becomes more important than other activities or relationships in your life.

You might