Most Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs

We handle all our problems in life by turning our spotlight onto any assortment of narcotics that we can find. We love to self-medicate. Slowly but surely, abused prescription drugs coupled with other substances become the involuntary solution to everything. Addicts will often latch onto whatever substance fills that void inside the quickest. Whether in the streets or in medicine cabinets at home, drugs are always right around the corner in this hypnotized country of freedom.

Many abused prescription drugs can be used to treat several medical problems from chronic pain to behavioral disorders. This concept spawns the easy go-to method for so many physicians around the world to fall back on. There are several reasons why prescription substances have become an epidemic in the U.S. and this includes false advertising that the medications are “safe” because they are prescribed by doctors. There are a ton of abused prescription drugs that have led to the enormous number of addicts needing help. No prescribed medications are safe. Knowing your pills might make a difference for you or somebody close in 2018.

Opioids

Prescription painkillers are some of the most widely abused prescription drugs today. They are essentially just mild forms of heroin that will lead to the same amount of discomforting problems. Examples of commonly abused opioids include:

• Oxycodone

• Vicodin

• Percocet

• Codeine

• Morphine

• Dilaudid

Some attribute their increased use to the fact that physicians prescribed these too frequently, and in large quantities to treat both acute and chronic pain. The drugs are highly addictive, even when they are taken as prescribed. People that get hooked may continue to take the drug for nonmedical purposes. If the prescription drugs become too difficult to get on the street, users may turn to street drugs like heroin to take their place. Getting off either substance once the body is dependent is far from a walk in the park.

Stimulants

Stimulants have an ability to help users focus and abusers to stay awake for longer. This often makes the concoction of chemicals seem most attractive to students or those who pretty much live at their workplace. Abused prescription drugs like stimulants help those ingesting them to keep up with the ever-increasing demands of the world. The demands that continue to flood in long after the mind and body begin to naturally tire out. When properly prescribed, some stimulants can help those with attention deficit disorder. More times than not the users eventually become abusers and the downhill slope begins. Common stimulants include:

• Ritalin

• Adderall

• Concerta

• Dexedrine

The effects of these drugs, including increased alertness and energy, have made them popular drugs of abuse. In addition to the “high” users get when they take them, these drugs may cause dangerously accelerated heart rate and breathing, particularly when they are combined with other stimulants. Abused prescription drugs like stimulants are just mild forms of speed waiting to be abused in the same manner as crystal meth or cocaine. There is a thin line that’s being tread here.

Benzodiazepines

Benzos are commonly prescribed for those that struggle with anxiety or are prone to panic attacks. Many begin taking them due to excessive worrying and stress. The common drugs in this category include:

• Xanax

• Valium

• Klonopin

• Ativan

These drugs cause feelings of drowsiness, lowered inhibitions and overall feelings of well-being. However, the drugs are also extremely addictive and very dangerous, especially when taken with other types of sedatives and alcohol. Long-term use can lead to paranoia, irritability and suicidal thoughts. Benzodiazepines are one of the hardest abused prescription drugs to get off as the detoxification process is very taxing. Rest assured that just like any other prescription, the pill bottle will wind up empty, but that emptiness will be miserable.

Prescription Addiction

All of these abused prescription drugs have the misconception of safety due to the fact that they are prescribed by physicians. They are medications in the beginning. It is thru unregulated prescribing that they become narcotics just as bad as any street drug. The prescription drugs do have all the features of addictive substances after all. This includes needing more of the drug over time to get the same effects, producing strong cravings for the drug frequently, or having to go through unpleasant withdrawal symptoms if suddenly stopped.

Medications are often handed out for the silliest of reasons. This makes it easy for thousands of people to exaggerate their issues as they stack scripts of abused prescription drugs. Some collect the scripts for their own personal numbing and some do it for resale onto the street where they can spread the misery. The sad truth is that none of these pharmaceuticals can be outlawed or made to disappear for good. Again, when used for their correct purposes, they can be beneficial in medical practices or be the difference between life and death for some patients.

In our imperfect world, addiction is an ever growing and defeating it starts with being informed.

#PrescriptionOpioidsAddiction #PrescriptionDrugs