What Kinds of Prescription Drugs Cause Addiction?

Drug addiction is the result of alteration in the functioning of the brain, caused by the drug intake.  The prolonged use of such drugs makes fundamental changes in the functioning of the brain. It should be noted that any drug, which is taken as a pain killer or a tranquilizer is aimed at working at the brain and therefore it is natural that the prolonged use must affect the brain’s function.  Drug abuse is common all people especially those who take prescription drugs but it becomes an addiction when overdone.

Drugs are prescribed by doctors for various categories of affliction.  The most common is the pain killer which is supposed to be harmless.  When taken for getting rid of headache, quite often, it becomes an addiction; with the headache recurring and it will not respond to any treatment other than the prescription drug. Lots of people also use prescription drugs for non medical purposes.

Sedatives and tranquilizers are another set of drugs that are liable to be misused and become the cause for addiction.  Tranquilizers like valium are prescribed by neurologists to patients who complain of various psychological problems.  The medicine is supposed to not only soothes the nerves of the patient but also help in the production of suitable hormones inside the body. The problem is when the dosage is gradually increased and the physician give s the opinion that it is for lifelong use.

Steroids are another set of prescription drugs used for various purposes ranging from buildup of muscles to treatment of cancer, AIDS etc. Abuse of steroid use is common among sportsmen aspiring to reach high standards in performance.

There is a perception that habit forming prescription drugs are better than illegal narcotics. If the medication is prescribed for a particular period if there is any left over, that medicine should be immediately discarded. Addiction to prescription drugs is prevalent more in young people than in grownups.