"They're not addictive"

Some prescription medicines are highly addictive, and some meds not at all. The signs that someone is addicted to their prescription medicines include changes in behavior, craving and secretive use of the medications, withdrawal symptoms and needing higher doses to achieve the same effect. Older people are more vulnerable to side effects and higher doses can cause medical problems like falls. Accidental overdose is an epidemic and sometimes precipitated by prescription medicine addiction. It is always best to use addictive medicines like benzodiazepenes and opioids for a limited time period, no more than 6 months, to avoid addiction. When addiction does occur, it is worth it to work with your prescriber to reduce the dose and eventially stop the addictive medicine. I like to partner with my patients to understand the problem, and taper the medicine as a partner for better health and longevity.