The United States faces a drug crisis, which has lasted for several years. With the many overdoses and hospital visits occurring every year due to drugs, you may wonder, how this can occur. Why are people getting so addicted to drugs? While there are various reasons for drug addiction, one reason is that many people abuse prescription drugs. Also, sometimes prescription drugs are a gateway drug to other illegal drugs. When people begin abusing painkillers and other prescription drugs, there is a risk for overdose or it leading to other drugs. It’s helpful to know about the most commonly abused prescription drugs.
Most Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs
Prescription drugs may be prescribed for a variety of reasons. Doctors prescribe them for pain, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and more. The commonly abused prescription drugs can be categorized in a class of the type of drug it is. These categories and commonly abused prescription drugs are listed below:
Opioids
- Codeine
- Lortab
- Lorcet
- Morphine
- Methadone
- OxyContin
- Percocet
- Vicodin
- Fentanyl (this medication is hardly ever prescribed anymore. Most people who have it, get it illegally)
Stimulants
- Amphetamines
- Adderall
- Dextroamphetamine
- Methylphenidate
Depressants and Benzos
- Barbiturates such as Phenobarbital
- Benzodiazepines such as Ativan and Valium
- Sleep medications such as Ambien
- Benzo like Zanax or Valium
- Cough Syrup
- Dextromethorphan
People of every age, race, and socioeconomic background use these commonly abused prescription drugs. However, college-age people are more apt to abuse prescriptions like Dextromethorphan and Adderall, while middle-age people are more susceptible to anti-anxiety medications and painkillers. However, people of all ages use these commonly prescribed drugs.
How Addiction From Prescriptions Occur
People go to the doctor when they don’t feel well. They expect to get help from their physician. So, how does prescription medication your doctor gives you lead to a drug addiction problem? Let’s take a closer look.
First, you must understand that these drugs work on your brain and often on the reward center of the brain. So, your brain begins to rely on these drugs. As you become tolerant to these drugs, you need more of them to get the same effects. Increasing the dosage is dangerous and eventually leads to addiction.
While everyone is different, there are some common signs of addiction which include:
- Feeling anxious about the thoughts of quitting the medication
- Abusing the medication in any manner (for example, taking too much, snorting it, crushing it, injecting it, etc.)
- Trying to hide the fact that you’re abusing medicine
- Getting medication from others or buying it illegally
- Shopping around for different doctors to give you medication
- Feeling embarrassed or guilty about your use of the medicine
If any of the above describes you, then it’s important to seek help from a qualified drug rehab treatment center. During rehab, medical professionals will help ease you off the medication in a safe manner, ensuring you don’t have discomfort from withdrawal symptoms.
Find Hope at Sunflower Wellness Retreat
You will discover a soothing atmosphere at Sunflower Wellness Retreat. Our facility is staffed with compassionate and professional clinicians, doctors, therapists, and nurses. We understand what you’re going through, and we’re here to make sure you receive the care you need.
Our programs and therapies will help you get to the root of your addiction problem and guide you to the pathway of healing. You will conquer the future with strength. Some of our therapy programs include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavioral therapy
- Trauma therapy program
- Holistic therapy
- Recreation therapy
Don’t let addiction overcome you. Now that you know what the most commonly abused prescription drugs are, seek treatment today. Contact us at 855.730.8825, and we’ll help you on your pathway to recovery.
