Unfavorable responses to medical treatments—addiction to prescribed drugs or to those used in treatments—is termed iatrogenic. A wide array of medicines can be associated with addiction or abuse in some people. Such drugs include the OPIOIDS, antihistamines, anticholinergies, and steroids, among others—but the most common are those prescribed for psychological problems.

Some prescription drugs, such as barbiturates and amphetamines, have a high potential for abuse and dependence when taken in non-prescribed doses or combinations. (Drug Enforcement Administration)

Some drugs acting on the mind have a low potential for abuse and dependence, for example, the ANTIPSYCHOTICS, antidepressants, and lithium salts. Others, such as the BARBITURATES and AMPHETAMINES, have a high potential.

Barbiturates

Although barbiturates are more or less obsolete as tranquilizers and sleeping tablets, addiction to them is still encountered. TOLERANCE AND PHYSICAL DEPENDENCE can rapidly occur during therapy—and abrupt withdrawal...