Many people misuse drugs that doctors give them. In the UK, this has become a big worry for doctors and families. The most often misused drugs are opioids, sleeping pills, and stimulants. Let’s look at what these drugs do, why they can be risky, and how to spot if someone needs help.

Pain Pills (Opioids)

Pain pills, which doctors call opioids, are very strong medicines that help with bad pain. Common ones include codeine, tramadol, and morphine. These pills work by blocking pain signals in your brain. But they also make you feel very good – some say like being wrapped in a warm, cozy blanket. This nice feeling is why some people want to take them even when they don’t have pain.

Signs that someone might be taking too many pain pills:

They seem very sleepy during the day
They keep running out of pills too quickly
They get cranky when they can’t get more pills
They might try to get the same pills from different doctors
Their pain never seems to get better, even with strong pills

Sleeping Pills and Calm-Down Pills

When people feel very worried or can’t sleep, doctors might give them pills called benzodiazepines. The most common ones in the UK are Valium and Xanax. These pills work by slowing down your brain to help you feel calm. But some people start to rely on them too much.

Why these pills can be tricky:

They work very quickly to make you feel better
Your body gets used to them, so you might need more to get the same calm feeling
They can make you feel so good that it’s hard to stop taking them
If you stop taking them suddenly, you might feel very bad
Some people mix them with alcohol, which can be very dangerous

Energy Pills (Stimulants)

Some people need help staying focused or alert. Doctors might give them amphetamines like Adderall. Students sometimes try to get these pills to help them study longer. But taking these pills when you don’t need them can cause big problems.

What energy pills do:

Make you feel very awake and full of energy
Help you focus better
Make you less hungry
Make your heart beat faster
Can keep you awake for a long time

The Dangers of Misusing Pills

Even when a doctor gives you these pills, they can still hurt you if not used right. Here’s why:

Your body can get used to them, so you need more to feel the same
You might feel sick when you try to stop
They can mix badly with other drugs or alcohol
You might make bad choices when taking them
They can hurt your body if you take too many

How to Tell if Someone Needs Help

Watch for these signs:

Taking more pills than the doctor said to take
Getting very upset when they can’t get pills
Asking different doctors for the same pills
Having trouble at work or school
Spending lots of money on pills
Acting very different than usual
Having mood swings
Sleeping at odd times
Looking unwell or not taking care of themselves

Getting Help

If you or someone you know is taking too many pills, it’s really important to get help quickly. The good news is that lots of people want to help:

Talk to your doctor – they won’t be angry
Call a drug help line – they give free advice
Join a support group – talking to others helps
Get help from drug counsellors
Tell your family – they can support you
Visit a drug treatment centre

Remember, getting hooked on pills can happen to anyone. It doesn’t mean you’re a bad person. What matters is getting help to get better. Doctors and helpers see this problem often, so they know what to do. They can help you stop safely and feel well again.

Photo by Roberto Sorin on Unsplash

Zoom Testing is a leading UK drug testing company and a supplier of Drug Test Kits.

This post was originally published in 2014 and has been updated since.