Millions of Americans use prescription medicines for nonmedical reasons. This includes teens and young adults. Adults ages 18 to 25 are the biggest abusers of prescription opioid pain killers. It’s important to keep all medicines out of sight and in a secure place. Don’t keep them in the bathroom medicine cabinet or on the kitchen counter. Older adults may be at higher risk for misusing prescription medicines. This is because, in general, they are prescribed more medicines than younger people.

Strong painkillers are prescribed for moderate to severe pain that is present day in and day out. Over time, a strong painkiller can lead to a physical dependence. This means that your body has become used to the presence of the medicine. You will develop withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop using it. Physical dependence can develop for certain medicines when used over a long period of time even when they are used correctly. If you develop dependence, you can stop the medicine gradually. This will help prevent withdrawal symptoms. To safely stop an addictive medicine, use the information from your healthcare provider or pharmacist. They will tell you how much of the medicine to take and how to safely cut back. You may need to do this over several days or weeks. Addiction, however, refers to a compulsive craving for the medicine or drug. People who are addicted usually can’t quit without help.

Most people don’t become addicted to a medicine while they’re using it for a legitimate purpose and taking it as directed. To help prevent problems, never stop or start taking or a medicine without first talking with your healthcare provider. Also never change how you’re taking a medicine without first talking with your provider. Don’t use another person’s prescription or take more of a medicine to get faster symptom relief. When your provider prescribes a new medicine, let them know about all other medicines you take. This includes vitamins, herbs, and dietary supplements.

The NIDA says that the most commonly abused prescription medicines fall into these 3 types:

• Opioids. These are painkillers such as oxycodone, morphine, and hydrocodone.
• Central nervous system depressants. These are used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders. They include alprazolam, lorazepam, and diazepam.
• Stimulants. These are often prescribed for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. An example is methylphenidate.

But once addiction occurs, it can be as deadly as addiction to certain illegal drugs. For instance, people who abuse oxycodone, sold as OxyContin, may inhale or inject it. This greatly boosts their risk for overdose and other health problems.

Another sign is trying to get 2 different healthcare providers to give you prescriptions for the same medicine at the same time. Yet another is switching pharmacies to make it harder for providers to track how much of the medicine you’re getting.

Millions of Americans suffer from chronic pain. Their healthcare providers struggle with how to provide pain relief without the risk for dependence or addiction. Alternatives to pain medicine vary in how well they work. They range from relaxation and meditation to acupuncture and massage. Talk with your provider about how to safely get rid of unused medicines. You can also check the FDA website to learn how to correctly dispose of unused medicines.

The combinations can be fatal. This is especially true with medicines such as opioids and central nervous system depressants like barbiturates and benzodiazepines. Thousands of people die every year taking a prescription opioid. Many also drink alcohol or take a benzodiazepine along with the opioid medicine.

Work with your healthcare provider, a substance-abuse counselor, or a mental health provider. Any of these can see you through safely. Treatment may include a combination of detoxification, counseling, and other medicines. Partners and family members may be involved in treatment so you have ongoing support. Addiction is considered a chronic illness. It needs long-term attention and management just like diabetes or heart disease. Follow-up is critical. Relapses can occur. You will need support and resources. For more information on support, call SAMSHA’s National Helpline at 800-662-HELP (800-662-4357).