Prescription Drug Abuse: The Most Commonly Abused Drugs

Did you know that more than fifteen million people abuse prescription drugs every year in the United States alone?

Since so many people misuse prescription drugs, health experts have declared a prescription drug abuse epidemic. Unfortunately, many young people start abusing prescription drugs because they mistakingly believe they’re safer than other kinds of drugs. 

To help you understand the dangers of misusing prescription medications, we’ve broken down the most commonly abused medications and explained how to get help if you need it. Keep reading and we’ll tell you what’s important to know. 

Why Abusing Prescription Medications Is a Problem

Prescription drug abuse is rising, and many experts think that it is because they are so easy to get ahold of. Unfortunately, most people are unaware of how dangerous it is to give prescription medications to somebody who hasn’t been prescribed to use them. 

One reason why prescription drug abuse is on the rise is that doctors prescribe more medications than they ever have before. This includes opioids, stimulants, and depressants. On top of this, people who want to find prescription medications can easily do this by buying them illegally on the internet. 

It’s also more common than it used to be for people to have prescription medication parties. Teenagers often get together at somebody’s house, put all their prescription medications into a dish, and randomly take the pills that look most interesting. 

Sadly, these teenagers have no clue about what medications they’re taking and which ones have the potential to create major health problems when they’re mixed with alcohol. 

Prescription Medicines that People Often Abuse 

Medications that are most commonly abused include sleeping pills, opioids, and amphetamines. Here are some of the other medications with a high potential for abuse that you should be aware of. 

Opioids

Doctors have been prescribing more opioids than they used to. The trend started in the nineteen nineties. Several of the most popular opioids include codeine, morphine, and oxycodone.

Experts think that one reason doctors prescribe more opioids is that the United States population is getting older. Since people tend to develop chronic pain when they get older, they’re seeking more prescription opioids to start feeling better. 

People who use them correctly are able to manage their pain and become happier. It’s extremely unlikely that you’ll become addicted to these medicines if you follow your doctor’s instructions. But you can become addicted if you take them for many months. 

It’s important to never take opioids with alcohol. Unfortunately, many people who are addicted to them do not follow this advice. 

People abuse these medications so that they can feel joyful and worry-free. Some people snort them, and other people inject them. 

Depressants 

Many experts think that these are the most popular prescription drugs for young people to abuse. One of the most popular kinds is known as Xanax. Most young people don’t understand the dangers of Xanax abuse.  

Doctors are likely to prescribe them to people who have seizures and insomnia. People who suffer from anxiety also use them. Those who take high doses often struggle to breathe. 

It can be dangerous to go through withdrawal if you don’t have the right kind of support. 

Stimulants 

Simulants will increase your energy levels. They make people feel more alert and attentive. If you take them, your heart will beat faster. Your blood sugar and blood pressure will also rise. 

Physicians originally started prescribing stimulants to those who suffered from asthma and obesity. But they now prescribe them for a variety of other conditions. This includes ADHD, depression, and ADD. 

Several of the most popular stimulants that people abuse are Concerta, Adderall, and Vyvanse. 

The most common way that people misuse stimulants is by snorting them. Those who take too high of doses will develop uneven heartbeats.  

Sleeping Aids 

Doctors often prescribe sleeping aids to people who struggle to sleep at night. The most popular sleeping aids include Sonata, Ambien, and Eszopiclone. 

Just like most other medications, sleeping aids tend to have undesirable side effects that include fogginess of thought and lethargy. If you take them regularly for an extended period of time, you might become dependent on them. 

Treatment for Prescription Drug Abuse 

If you or somebody you know is struggling with addiction after months or years of prescription drug misuse, you should make a visit to a nearby healthcare clinic. Healthcare professionals can point you the way to the right facilities and services to help you overcome your addiction. 

You should not try to overcome your addiction on your own. It’s possible that you’ll experience dangerous and unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. 

If you choose to go to a rehabilitation center, there are various medications that healthcare experts might prescribe to help you get better. For example, those who are addicted to opioids can take a pill called Buprenorphine. This will help them to have less intense withdrawals. 

It’s also a good idea to schedule regular appointments with a licensed psychologist who can offer treatment such as cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Recognize the Signs of Prescription Drug Abuse  

Prescription drug abuse is a growing problem around the world. Some of the most commonly abused prescription drugs include stimulants, depressants, sleeping aids, and opioids. If you or somebody you care about is abusing prescription medications, you schedule an appointment with a doctor to explore treatment options. 

If you’re interested in learning more about prescription drugs and overcoming abuse, be sure to check out the Health section of our blog.