Prescription Medications Abuse is taking medicines you aren’t supposed to take, for a purpose other than what your doctor prescribed. It can also include mixing medicine with alcohol or other drugs.
Painkillers, sedatives and stimulants are the most commonly abused classes of prescription drugs. They can cause dangerous and often life-threatening side effects.
Painkillers
Many people suffer from pain, and a number of prescription medications are available to treat it. These include acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB), and naproxen (Naproxen, Aleve) as well as the stronger opioids, such as oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin, Lortab), morphine and meperidine.
However, these drugs should be used carefully to avoid serious side effects and the risk of addiction. These medications should be prescribed by a licensed professional and taken as directed.
Abuse of these drugs can be a serious problem, especially among young people. They can lead to addiction, brain damage or death.
Despite warnings about the dangers of abusing these medications, some teens are still trying them. They may be given a prescription by their doctor for pain relief and then use the drug to get high or to feel good.
Sedatives
Sedatives are prescription medications that slow the brain's normal activity to make you feel sleepy or relaxed. They're commonly prescribed for a wide variety of health conditions.
Abuse of sedatives, or tranquilizers, can cause serious complications. These include memory problems, low blood pressure and slowed breathing. An overdose can also cause coma or death.
Using sedatives in combination with alcohol can cause even more severe problems, including heart or breathing problems. It can also make you agitated and aggressive.
In most cases, people who use sedatives will experience physical symptoms first. These include restlessness, drowsiness, muscle weakness and slowed breathing.
Some people may also have psychological symptoms, such as depression or suicidal thoughts. These signs aren't always easy to detect and can be confusing, but they can help you determine if a person has an addiction. If you have questions about sedative abuse or are worried about someone you know, get help right away. There are many resources available to help you address these issues and connect with the support you need.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of prescription medications that give the body a quick boost of energy and alertness. They are often prescribed for medical conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.
They are also used to help people lose weight and reduce their appetite. However, abuse of these medications is very common and can lead to an addiction.
Abuse can be both psychological and physical. It happens when a person uses the drug to fulfill their needs or feelings, rather than using it for its intended purpose.
If you or a loved one have become dependent on a stimulant, there is help available for you. There are treatment options, including cognitive behavioral therapy and contingency management to help you quit using them for good.
Misuse of these drugs can be dangerous and can cause health problems, including heart damage. It can also lead to a condition called 'polydrug use,' where a person uses more than one type of drug at the same time.
Anti-anxiety medicines
Anti-anxiety medicines can help control symptoms of anxiety, including stress and fear. They can also help people deal with phobias and panic disorder.
SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) are the most common types of medications used for treating anxiety. SSRIs raise levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain, which reduces your stress and anxiety.
They also cause fewer side effects than benzodiazepines. SSRIs are often prescribed for depression, but can be effective in treating anxiety.
Some SSRIs have a high risk of addiction, but they can be helpful in helping to regulate your mood. They can be used with therapy or as part of a complete treatment plan.
Benzodiazepines like diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax) and lorazepam (Ativan) are often prescribed for short-term relief from severe anxiety, or to reduce the symptoms of panic attacks. However, they can be physically addictive if used long-term, and they can lead to withdrawal symptoms if taken too frequently or in large doses.
