What is prescription drug abuse?
Prescription drugs are medications or narcotics prescribed by physicians to treat a variety of ailments, illnesses and injuries. When used properly they are a vital and useful part of medical treatment. Prescription drug abuse is when prescription drugs are used in any other way than prescribed. This can include taking higher or inaccurate doses and taking prescription drugs that are prescribed to another individual. Abusing prescription drugs is danger because it can cause addiction and other serious health risks. Prescription drugs are the second most common drug abused in the United States following after marijuana. It is estimated that twenty percent of people in the United States have used prescription drugs for other reasons other than what they were prescribed for originally. Prescription drug abuse has become very popular amongst teens and young adults.
Opioids
Opioids are one of the most commonly abused prescription drugs. They are generally prescribed for pain relief or chronic pain management. The analgesic effects of opioids decrease perception of pain, increased pain tolerance and decrease reaction to pain. Long term use of opioids can lead to addiction. Commonly abused opioids include hydrocodone, oxycodone and oxmorphone. The effects of opioids include euphoria, drowsiness, pain relief, constipation and may cause depressed breathing. Opioids can become physically addicting and may cause withdrawal symptoms including irritability, nausea, tremors, anxiety, and fever.
Central nervous system depressants
Central nervous system depressants include Alprazolam (Xanax), Diazepam (Valium) and Pentobarbiral sodium (Nembutal). They are used to slow down brain activity and they are usually used to treat anxiety, stress, muscle tension, panic attacks and seizure. They generally produce a calming or drowsy effect. Abuse of central nervous system depressants can cause decreased heart rate, loss of consciousness, coma and decreased rate of breathing. Central nervous system depressants are potential physically and psychologically addictive.
Stimulants
Stimulants include Methyphenidate (Ritalin), Amphetamines (Adderall) and Dextroamphetamine (Dexederine). They temporarily improve mental and physical function. Effects of stimulants include wakefulness, euphoria, motivation, productivity and enhanced alertness. Stimulants are capable of causing increased heart rate and blood pressure and heart failure. Repeated use of stimulants can cause paranoia, anxiety and seizures.
