Key Takeaways
- Drug-seeking behavior often involves trying to get prescription drugs for non-medical use.
- People may visit multiple doctors, ask for specific medications, or run out of pills too soon.
- Opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants are the most commonly sought drugs.
- Recognizing these patterns early can help prevent overdose and long-term addiction.
Introduction
Most people think of drug addiction as using illegal substances like heroin or cocaine. But addiction can also happen with prescription drugs, especially ones that affect pain, anxiety, or sleep.
Sometimes, people who become dependent on these medications begin showing drug-seeking behavior—a pattern of actions aimed at getting more of a drug, even if they no longer need it for a medical reason.
Knowing the signs can help you recognize when it’s time to get help—for yourself or someone else. This article explains what drug-seeking behavior looks like, why it happens, and how to take the next step toward recovery.
What Is Drug-Seeking Behavior?
Drug-seeking behavior is when someone takes extra steps—often repeatedly or dishonestly—to get prescription drugs. These actions are usually focused on opioids, benzodiazepines, or other controlled substances that have the potential to be misused.
At first, the person may have had a real medical need, such as recovering from surgery or dealing with anxiety. But over time, their body may develop a tolerance, meaning they need more of the drug to feel the same effects.
Eventually, the person may depend on the drug just to feel “normal” or avoid withdrawal symptoms. This can lead them to do things they wouldn’t normally do—like lying to a doctor or visiting multiple pharmacies—to get the medication.
Common Drugs That Are Sought After
Some drugs are more likely to be involved in drug-seeking behavior than others. These include:
- Opioids: These are strong painkillers like oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, and fentanyl.
- Benzodiazepines: Drugs like Xanax, Ativan, and Valium, which are used to treat anxiety or sleep problems.
- Stimulants: ADHD medications like Adderall or Ritalin, which can also be misused to increase focus or energy.
These drugs affect the brain’s reward system and can cause a powerful craving or psychological need. In some cases, people don’t realize they’ve become dependent until it’s too late.
What Drug-Seeking Behavior Looks Like
People who are trying to get prescription drugs for non-medical reasons may act in certain ways that raise red flags. Some signs may seem small, but together, they can point to a bigger issue.
One common behavior is “doctor shopping”—visiting several doctors to get the same prescription. The person may not tell each doctor about the other visits. They may also visit the emergency room regularly, saying they lost their medication or are in pain.
Another sign is when someone asks for a specific drug by name, especially one known to be addictive. They may say, “Only [name of drug] works for me,” or claim to be allergic to safer alternatives.
Some patients may try to refill their prescriptions early or say their pills were stolen. Others resist when doctors suggest non-drug treatments like physical therapy, counseling, or over-the-counter medicine.
They might seem very informed about medications, using medical terms or knowing exact doses and effects. This can be a sign that they’ve done a lot of research—or had a lot of past experience.
Sometimes, the person may look unwell. They might be sweating, jittery, or agitated, which could be signs of withdrawal or intoxication. If they get upset or angry when a doctor refuses a prescription, that’s another warning sign.
Why People Show Drug-Seeking Behavior
This behavior doesn’t come out of nowhere. Many people struggling with it never planned to misuse medication.
It often begins with a real prescription for a real problem. But over time, the body builds tolerance. The drug doesn’t work as well, so the person increases the dose. Eventually, stopping the drug causes withdrawal—like pain, shaking, anxiety, or sleeplessness.
To avoid these symptoms, they start looking for more ways to get the medication. At this point, it’s not about getting high—it’s about avoiding pain. Still, this is a clear sign of dependence, and it can lead to addiction if not treated.
Others may use drugs to cope with stress, trauma, or emotional pain. In these cases, the substance becomes a form of self-medication, even though it causes more harm in the long run.
How Doctors and Pharmacists Spot the Signs
Healthcare providers are trained to recognize drug-seeking behavior. They look for patterns like repeated requests for early refills, missing appointments but showing up when prescriptions are due, or changing doctors frequently.
Pharmacists also play an important role. They track a patient’s prescription history and may notice if someone is filling the same type of medication from multiple doctors.
While not every unusual behavior means someone is misusing medication, a pattern of red flags usually points to a deeper problem.
Talking to Someone Who Might Be Showing Drug-Seeking Behavior
If you suspect a loved one is showing signs of drug-seeking behavior, it’s natural to feel concerned—or even frustrated. But try to remember: addiction is a medical condition, not a moral failure.
Instead of confronting them harshly, consider starting a calm, honest conversation. Let them know what you’ve noticed and that you’re worried about their health. Use phrases like, “I’ve noticed you seem to be running out of your medication early,” or “I’m concerned because it seems like you’re in pain even when the medicine should be working.”
Avoid accusing them of being an “addict.” Focus on how they feel, and encourage them to talk to a professional. Offer to go with them to an appointment or help them find a treatment program.
What Happens If Drug-Seeking Behavior Is Ignored
When left untreated, drug-seeking behavior can turn into full-blown addiction. It can lead to job loss, broken relationships, financial stress, or even legal trouble if the person forges prescriptions or lies to doctors.
But the biggest danger is overdose, especially with opioids or benzodiazepines. These drugs slow down breathing and heart rate. When misused—or mixed with other substances—the risk of death increases.
That’s why early intervention is so important.
Getting Help for Prescription Drug Misuse
At Virtue Recovery Killeen, we understand that addiction doesn’t happen overnight. Our team provides compassionate, evidence-based treatment for people struggling with prescription drug misuse.
Whether it’s opioids, benzodiazepines, or stimulants, we can help you or your loved one safely detox, manage withdrawal symptoms, and begin the journey toward recovery.
Our programs include:
- Medical detox
- One-on-one therapy
- Group counseling
- Dual diagnosis support (for co-occurring mental health conditions)
- Aftercare planning to prevent relapse
We treat the whole person—not just the addiction.
Conclusion
Drug-seeking behavior is often a signal that someone is struggling with more than just pain—it may be a sign of addiction, dependency, or emotional distress.
Recognizing the signs can be the first step toward saving a life. If you see these patterns in yourself or someone else, know that help is available and recovery is possible.
Call 866-843-0545 to speak with a caring team member at Virtue Recovery Killeen. We’re here to listen, not judge—and to help you take the next step toward healing.
FAQs About Signs of Drug-Seeking Behavior From Drug Addiction
What is drug-seeking behavior?
It’s when someone tries to get prescription medications—usually controlled substances—through repeated or deceptive actions, often due to dependence or addiction.
What drugs are most commonly involved?
Opioids (like oxycodone), benzodiazepines (like Xanax), and stimulants (like Adderall) are frequently sought out for misuse.
How can I tell if someone is showing drug-seeking behavior?
Watch for signs like asking for specific drugs, visiting multiple doctors, running out of meds early, or refusing other treatment options.
Is drug-seeking behavior the same as addiction?
Not always, but it often points to addiction or dependency. It’s a warning sign that something deeper may be going on.
Where can I get help?
Call 866-843-0545 to connect with Virtue Recovery Killeen. We offer safe, compassionate care to help you or your loved one recover and move forward.
Resources
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4919169/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/drug-seeking-behavior
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2000/0415/p2401.html
- About the Author
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Gigi Price holds licenses as a Master Social Worker and Clinical Drug Counselor. She completed her master’s degree in Social Work at Texas State University. Over the last decade, Gigi has been dedicated to utilizing evidence-based practices to enhance patient care and treatment planning, resulting in positive, long-term outcomes for patients and their families. Her passion lies in creating a treatment environment where professionals collaborate to bring about positive change and provide a safe, trustworthy therapeutic experience. Patients can be confident in receiving top-quality care under her leadership.
In her role as the Clinical Director of Virtue Recovery Houston, Gigi conducted research to identify the most effective approaches for treating patients with acute mental health diagnoses, PTSD, and Substance Use Disorder. She then assembled a team of skilled clinicians who could offer various therapeutic modalities, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
(DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Somatic Exposure, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). Gigi takes pride in overseeing the development and implementation of Virtue Houston’s Treatment Program, which includes two specialized therapeutic curricula tailored to the unique needs of individuals struggling with mental health issues, addiction, and PTSD.
