When medications enter the bloodstream, they typically interact with chemicals and receptors found within the brain. For the three most commonly used addictive medications, this process can be broken down as follows:

• Opioid drugs bond with opioid receptors found in the brain and body. This action helps to reduce pain signals throughout the body while also releasing the chemical dopamine, which produces a sense of calm and pleasure, reinforcing the use of the drug in the future. Repeated use of opioids can also produce dependence, in which the brain and body become reliant on the drug to manage pain and promote wellbeing.
• Depressants cause the brain to slow down and send lower amounts of neurotransmitters into the nervous system, causing the user to feel calm, sedated, and sleepy. This temporary “dulling” of the brain and body can be useful to stem anxiety and stress or promote sleep but can also pose severe health risks if used outside of a doctor’s care.
• Stimulants increase brain and body activity, particularly the production of key neurotransmitters that cause the heart rate to increase, the brain to increase its focus and learning ability, and breathing to become easier. Yet these same properties can also be used recreationally or abused, posing a high risk for addiction and misuse.

Over time, if an individual consumes prescription drugs regularly, even under the care of a doctor, they can develop a condition known as tolerance. This occurs when the brain and body become accustomed to the presence of the drug in their system, meaning the individual must take higher doses of the drug to experience the same effect. This is one reason why it is critical for individuals taking prescription drugs to do so under the care of a medical professional.

Tolerance does not indicate addiction, but it can be a precursor to developing addictive behaviors. If tolerance to prescription medication increases without appropriate medical supervision, an individual can develop a physical dependence to the drug, which can lead to addiction, when they are willing to undergo severe personal, professional, and mental hardships to continue their consumption of the drug.

If you or a loved one are currently taking prescription medication, it’s critical to know the warning signs of addiction, particularly because they can be subtle and may be denied or minimized by the individual struggling with addiction.

Signs and symptoms of prescription drug addiction are typically physical and behavioral. Because every drug is different, we’ve put together a general list of symptoms below.