The Facts on Prescription Drugs
The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that about 16 million people in the United States used prescription drugs for recreational purposes in 2010.
Addictiveness of RX Drugs
These prescription medications have legitimate medical uses but they can also be highly addictive. These drugs can be classified according to their chemical structure, such that drugs within each classification have generally similar effects.
The top 10 types of abused prescription drugs are as follows:
- Barbituates
- Benzodiazpines
- Sleep Medications
- Codeine
- Morphine
- Methadone
- Fentanyl
- Amphetamines
- Methylphenidate
- Dextromethorphan
Barbituates
Barbituates include specific drugs such as Amytal, Nembutal, phenobarbital and Seconal. They are depressants that produce sedative effects, including drowsiness, reduced anxiety and lowered innovations. Chronic users may experience agitation, euphoria and fever.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are depressants that include Ativan, Halcion, Librium, Valium and Xanax. They are commonly prescribed as sleeping pills and anti-anxiety medication. These drugs are typically swallowed in pill form. Learn more about prescription sedatives.
Sleep Medications
Sleep medications are depressants that are not barbiturates or benzodiazepines. They include Ambien, Lunesta and Sonata. These drugs are typically taken in pill form for medical uses, although recreational users often crush the pills and snort the resulting powder.
Codeine
Coding it is an opioid that is typically prescribed as a painkiller. Recreational users take it to achieve a sense of euphoria and sedation. Opioids also produced after side effects such as confusion, constipation, dizziness, dry mouth and nausea.
Morphine
Morphing is an especially powerful opioid that may be swallowed or injected in a hospital setting for medical purposes. Recreational users may inject, smoke or swallow morphine.
Methadone
Methadone is a synthetic opioid that is typically used to treat addiction to other opioids. However, methadone itself also has the potential for dependence.
Fentanyl
Fentanyl is an opioid typically used in a hospital setting as a pain reliever or anesthetic. It is 80 to 100 times stronger than morphine.
Amphetamines
Stimulants generally increase the body’s metabolism with medical uses that typically include the reduction of fatigue and appetite suppression. Common amphetamines include Adderall, Biphetamine and Dexedrine.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a stimulant that is commonly used to treat attention deficit disorder. It also has significant adverse side effects that include digestive problems and changes in blood pressure.
Dextromethorphan
Dextromethorphan is the active ingredient in many cough and cold medicines that can produce euphoria and slurred speech. Its sale is not currently regulated by the federal government, so products containing dextromethorphan are available over the counter.
Blu By the Sea Can Help
Prescription drug abuse is a growing problem in the US. If you have a loved one that is struggling with a prescription drug addiction Blu By the Sea can help. Contact us today at 1 (850) 564-7057, or simply fill out the quick and easy form and one of our qualified addiction treatment specialists will contact you for a confidential assessment at once. Take the first step to recovery today.