Most Abused Prescription Drugs

Prescription drug misuse is a serious concern in the United States. Also, while many prescription medicines are abused, some are used more frequently with other substances. Knowing which prescription drugs are addictive could be helpful in recognizing whenever a problem exists. Once the situation arises, it’s best to get a Veteran substance abuse help from certified professionals. Here’s a list of the most commonly abused prescription medications on the market. 

Prescription Drugs You Need to Store in a Safe Place

Opioids

People misuse opioids the most out of all prescription medicines. Hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine, and codeine are just a few examples of painkillers. A lot of individuals abuse these substances because they produce a euphoric high in huge dosages. While some medications require prescriptions, getting these pills from a doctor is usually not difficult. 

Furthermore, misusing opioids is harmful and endangers lives. Since maintaining this prescription drug habit is also costly, most of the users switch to less expensive options – an example would be heroin. Because the two are closely linked, users will continue taking these drugs until they run out of money to support their unhealthy and life-threatening habit. 

Benzodiazepines

People can’t discuss about the most frequently abused prescription drugs without including benzos (benzodiazepines). Some popular brand names for benzodiazepines include Xanax and Valium. These are the two common medications people take to treat anxiety, panic attacks, and sleep disorders.  

Xanax works to spread a feeling of calmness throughout the body’s nervous system. As a result, patients will feel less anxious or panicked in certain situations. 

As for Valium, it is a highly addictive drug with effects that last longer than those of other medications in its class. If it is used in a way that is not prescribed by a doctor, an addiction to the drug can develop quickly.  

It becomes more difficult for a Valium addict’s brain to operate correctly without the drug over time. However, some people who are addicted to Valium may be utterly unaware that they even have a problem. 

Abuse of benzos causes physical dependence and severe withdrawal symptoms. People abuse these drugs because they enjoy the euphoric effect. Nonetheless, if you don’t know how to take benzos properly, it could lead to an overdose. 

Barbiturates

Barbiturates are depressants that are used to treat seizures, anxiety, and insomnia. People are unaware that misusing them might lead to addiction. Also, taking large dosages can cause breathing issues. It can lead to respiratory failure and death in some circumstances. 

When barbiturates are used with alcohol, they become much more deadly. Furthermore, mixing these medications produces even more respiratory issues. It’s also worth noting that barbiturate withdrawal symptoms are quite harmful. 

Barbiturates were commonly sold in the mid-20th century, but they are rarely used today. Although barbiturates are still manufactured and prescribed for a variety of medical ailments, the development of newer, safer alternatives has primarily superseded the usage of this depressant drug. 

End Prescription Drug Abuse: Get Veteran Substance Abuse Help Today!

At Heroes’ Mile, we provide several addiction treatments to get you back on track. Would you like to learn more about how we help Veterans with drug and alcohol addiction? You can call our friendly admissions specialists or send us your questions online. 

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Original Author: Cody Cox