Prescription medication is often regarded as a lifeline for individuals dealing with chronic pain, mental health conditions, and post-surgical recovery. However, what begins as a legitimate medical intervention can, in many cases, lead to long-term dependency and addiction. With an increase in people taking prescription drugs, many of them aren’t aware of the risks that could come with the medication they are offered or decide to take.

Lester Morse, Director of Rehabs UK, offers valuable insights into this growing issue, highlighting the risks associated with prescription drug dependency and the need for a more balanced approach to treatment.

Nearly 70% of the United Kingdom population has received prescriptions for one or more medications with increasing proportions receiving prescriptions for 5 or more. The high rates of medication use increase the complexity and cost of healthcare.

PHE’s analysis shows that, in 2017 to 2018, 11.5 million adults in England (26% of the adult population) received, and had dispensed, one or more prescriptions for any of the medicines within the scope of the review. The totals for each medicine were:

1. Antidepressants 7.3 million people (17% of the adult population) such a Fluoxetine (Prozac), Sertraline (Zoloft), Escitalopram (Lexapro), Paroxetine (Paxil) and Citalopram (Celexa)
2. Opioid pain medicines 5.6 million (13%) such as Oxycodone (Percocet, OxyContin), Codeine, Tramadol (Ultram), Morphine (MS Contin, Kadian) and Methadone
3. Gabapentinoids 1.5 million (3%)
4. Benzodiazepines 1.4 million (3%) such as Diazepam (Valium)
5. Z-drugs 1.0 million (2%) such as:
6. Zolpidem (Ambien, Ambien CR, Edluar, Intermezzo) – Helps with sleep onset and maintenance.
7. Zaleplon (Sonata) – Has a short half-life, mainly used for sleep initiation.
8. Eszopiclone (Lunesta) – Effective for both sleep onset and maintenance, with a longer duration of action than zolpidem or zaleplon.

Analysis combining data from 2015 and 2016 produced estimates; 44% of men and 51% of women had taken at least one prescribed medicine in the last week, and 24% of men and 25% of women had taken at least three types of medicine.

The cost of prescription items dispensed in the community was £10.9 billion, a 5% increase from £10.4 billion in 2022/23 and the number of prescription items dispensed in the community was 1.21 billion, a 3% increase from 1.18 billion in 2022/23.

The Slippery Slope: From Prescription to Dependency

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most commonly diagnosed mental health conditions, with prescriptions for stimulant medications such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamines (Adderall) skyrocketing. According to the NHS, ADHD medication prescriptions in the UK rose by 800% between 2000 and 2018, demonstrating the growing reliance on pharmaceuticals. While these medications can be life-changing for some, critics argue that they are often prescribed without exploring alternative interventions, such as therapy, diet changes, and lifestyle adjustments.

According to Morse, dependency on prescription medication is not only common but, in many cases, inevitable.

“Many individuals who take these medications become dependent on them. The sad reality is that a certain percentage of these people become incredibly addicted. Breaking free from pharmaceutical addiction is nearly impossible—pharmaceuticals are among the most powerful and addictive substances on earth.”

One of the biggest challenges is the illusion that these medications are the only solution. Morse notes that the over-prescription of medication leads to cognitive dulling, worsening symptoms, and an increasing number of overdoses. Instead of addressing the root causes of conditions, many people are given a temporary fix that eventually becomes a crutch.

A System Geared Toward Medication Over Alternative Treatments

Anxiety disorders affect millions of people, and prescriptions for benzodiazepines such as tramadol, sertraline, propranolol, diazepam (Valium) alprazolam (Xanax) and fluoxetine have become routine.

However, these medications can be highly addictive, with withdrawal symptoms including panic attacks, insomnia, and even seizures. According to a report from Public Health England, approximately 25% of patients prescribed benzodiazepines remain on them long-term, despite guidance recommending short-term use.

The reliance on prescription drugs is deeply ingrained in modern medical practices. Morse believes that the issue is not the lack of alternative treatments but their inaccessibility.

“It’s the classic ‘a pill for every ill’ mentality. Drugs are easy and cheap to prescribe, and in the short term, they create the illusion of being a solution. But this approach is incredibly short-sighted.”

NHS statistics which showed that more than 500 children a day in England are being referred to mental health services for anxiety. This is more than double the rate than before the pandemic.

Official figures show in 2023-24 there were 204,526 new referrals of patients aged 17 and under where the primary cause was anxiety. In 2019-20, the year before COVID-19, the total was 98,953.

This can be a real concern as the amount of children taking medication will continue into adulthood and has the potential to affect the brain's development. It could also mean that once an individual is taking anti-anxiety medication, it will be even more difficult to stop taking it and they may have to stay on it long-term.

Instead of looking at diet, exercise, therapy, and mindfulness as first-line treatments, medication is often the default recommendation. While this may provide immediate relief, it rarely leads to long-term recovery.

Many experts advocate for alternatives such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), as first-line treatment. Yet, these solutions require time, effort, and systemic changes in how we approach mental health care. Medication remains the quick fix.

Understanding Psychological Dependency

One of the most deceptive aspects of prescription drug use is psychological dependency. Morse explains that while physical dependency may take several weeks to develop, the mental reliance on medication often starts much sooner.

“The drug creates the illusion of solving the problem. But once your brain accepts that illusion, you’ve formed a dependency. You’ll keep turning to that drug or behaviour to solve the problem, reinforcing the cycle.”

Rather than immediately numbing pain or anxiety, Morse advocates for addressing the root cause, whether that be emotional trauma, stress, or lifestyle imbalances. For example EMDR is an evidence based therapy that is used to treat disorders such as anxiety, trauma and PTSD and is endorsed by the NHS.

Lack of Education: A Barrier to Prevention

Education plays a crucial role in preventing addiction, yet Morse believes it is severely lacking.

“The sad reality is that there’s absolutely not enough education aimed at preventing addiction. If there were more education helping people recognise when they’ve crossed the line into addiction—and better treatment options available for those who need it—it would make a world of difference.”

Understanding the difference between a heavy user and a true addict can help individuals recognise warning signs early and seek appropriate intervention before dependency takes hold.

Exploring Non-Medication Treatments

Before turning to stimulants for ADHD or anti-anxiety medications, Morse suggests focusing on holistic solutions:

• Nutrition: Ensuring a healthy diet and proper hydration.
• Therapy and Life Coaching: Addressing unresolved emotional issues.
• Mindfulness and Meditation: Learning to control thoughts and manage stress.
• Exercise: Engaging in cardio activities to improve mental and physical health.
• Relaxation Techniques: Finding ways to unwind and relieve tension.
• Community Engagement: Shifting focus outward and helping others.

Many people see significant improvement in their symptoms when they implement these lifestyle changes.

Navigating the Risks of Long-Term Use

For individuals on long-term medications like benzodiazepines, withdrawal can be one of the most challenging aspects of recovery.

“If you’re dependent on these medications, coming off them can be massively difficult—if not almost impossible—without trained professional support.”

The key to a safe transition is a slow and controlled reduction, allowing the body and mind to rebuild natural coping mechanisms over time.

A Society Normalising Medication Instead of Addressing Root Causes

Morse warns against the dangers of normalising long-term medication use as a solution to deeper issues.

“We are normalising drug addiction through the ideology of harm minimisation. Society is far more invested in treating symptoms than in investing in real recovery.”

Instead of solely focusing on medication, there needs to be a greater emphasis on lifestyle, emotional well-being, and mental resilience.

The Fine Line Between Pain Management and Addiction

Many people are first introduced to strong painkillers following surgery, but some later find themselves dependent.

Pain management after major surgery is crucial, but opioids like codeine, morphine, and oxycodone present a significant risk of addiction. In the US, the opioid crisis has been widely documented, but the UK is not immune. A 2020 study in The Lancet found that one in four patients prescribed opioids post-surgery were still taking them three months later.

Morse explains that this transition happens because some individuals have an inherent vulnerability to addiction.

“In the USA, when authorities and pharmaceutical companies began pumping out opioid-based medications, people who would normally never have had access to these drugs were triggered in mass, leading to the national opioid epidemic. Some would argue this is also happening within the UK”

For those in recovery, strong painkillers present a significant risk. Morse advises that anyone with a history of addiction should:

• Only take medication if absolutely necessary.
• Follow dosage instructions precisely.
• Maintain transparency and accountability with trusted individuals.

A Call for Change

The widespread reliance on prescription medication is a symptom of a deeper issue—our healthcare system’s tendency to manage rather than solve problems.

“Until attitudes shift and people are encouraged to embrace treatments that focus more on overall well-being and human development—rather than just relying on medication—we’re going to remain stuck in this downward spiral.”

While medication can be necessary in certain cases, it should never be the default or only solution. Real recovery requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both the mind and body, ensuring a healthier and more sustainable path to healing.

If you or someone you know is struggling with prescribed medication and would like to explore what treatment options are available either at home or residentially contact our Treatment Advisors today for a free assessment.