Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs

The abuse of prescription drugs is not a new concept, The recreational use of morphine injections was rampant among soldiers during the civil war era. Nowadays, kids as young as 12 years are known to use prescription drugs to get high or counter symptoms of depression and anxiety. Self medication is one of the main reasons behind prescription drug abuse. Kids are known to take prescription medication meant for other family members and at times acquire it from the streets. It's not just kids who are in the grip of this fatal drug addiction, older adults are also known to use medication other than the manner prescribed by the physician.

When it comes to medication the physicians are very clear about the dosage and other things that have to be avoided when taking certain type of drugs. People who abuse prescription drugs are known to have them with alcohol to magnify the effects. Alcohol addiction and the use of prescription drugs along with it can be fatal. Opiates, depressants and stimulants are the three most commonly abused prescription drugs in America today.

Depressants
People who suffer from anxiety symptoms are prescribed depressants to help them calm their nerves. Kids and adults who are having difficulty dealing with the pressures of life get hooked on to these depressants to deal with their problems. Abused depressants can cause severe problems like brain damage and an overdose can be fatal. When people discontinue abusing depressants they experience withdrawal symptoms which makes it harder to get rid of this drug addiction. Depressants taken with a combination of alcohol or other illegal drugs like cocaine and heroin can prove life-threatening. Drugs which are frequently abused are:

• Mebaral
• Xanax
• Triazolam
• Valium
• Ativan

Stimulants
People have been known to use prescription medications, which act as stimulants, in parties and social gatherings to help overcome their inhibitions. Stimulants affect the neurotransmitters in the brain and give a feeling of euphoria to the user. Physicians generally prescribe stimulants to people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and the dosage is strictly monitored and regulated. When taken without the supervision of a qualified medical practitioner, these medication can increase the body temperature and contribute to cardiovascular problems. People who are addicted to stimulants find it difficult to give up the habit as they experience depression and anxiety when they stop. The drugs which are abused by people in this category are:

• Adderall
• Dexedrine
• Desoxyn
• Ritalin
• Concerta

Opiates
The popularity of opiates is attributed to the fact that they are painkillers and give a feeling of numbness to the user. The derivatives of opiates are also found in some over the counter cough syrups and cold medications. People addicted to opiates are known to crush the tablets and snort the powder or even dilute it with water and inject it directly into the blood stream. Some of the common side effects of abusing these medications is drowsiness and constipation. Overdose or when taken with other medications or alcohol can lead to death. A person who is addicted to such medication will need professional medical help to deal with the problem as withdrawal symptoms can be severe. Some of the commonly abused drugs in this category are:

• OxyContin
• Demerol
• Dilaudid
• Codeine
• Fentanyl

These were some frequently abused drugs in America. People who are dependent on these drugs should come forward to seek rehabilitation or an alternate, so that they do not fall prey to the side effects of these drugs.