Nearly any prescription medication can be abused if someone takes more than the prescribed dose. The most abused prescription drugs typically provide a sense of euphoria or a high to the user, including depressants, stimulants, and opioids. Depressants are prescribed to treat anxiety and sleep problems by imparting a sense of calm and relaxation. Stimulants treat conditions like ADHD and help users feel focused and energized, while opioids provide pain relief and an overall positive mood. It is not hard to see why so many people engage in prescription drug abuse with benefits like these. Unfortunately, it may take the assistance of a prescription drug detox center to disentangle you from your dependence once it has developed.
If you are struggling with addiction to any of the most abused prescription drugs, Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida is here to help you overcome your dependence. Our prescription drug detox program provides all the tools and resources you need to leave your substance use disorder behind. Call us today at 866.294.5306 to learn how we can help you end your addiction to prescription drugs.
The Most Abused Prescription Drugs Could Be in Your Medicine Cabinet
When most people think of drug abuse, they think of street drugs like heroin, cocaine, and marijuana. In reality, many people regularly abuse prescription drugs. The most abused prescription drugs are typically prescribed for a legitimate medical condition, and your medicine cabinet probably contains one or more of these prescription medications, such as:
- Barbiturates – Nembutal
- Benzodiazepines – Valium and Xanax
- Painkillers/opioids – Fentanyl, morphine, oxycodone, and hydrocodone
- Sleep medications – Ambien
- Amphetamines – Adderall, Ritalin, and Dexedrine
Despite the myth that prescription drugs are safe, they can still lead to a pain pill addiction or overdose. If used incorrectly, any drug can be harmful. Over time, people using any of the above medications develop tolerance and start to abuse the drug. For example, a painkiller addiction can develop after weeks or months of overusing pain medication.
The Most Common Culprits in Prescription Drug Abuse
The following are some of the most abused prescription drugs:
Barbiturates
Barbiturates, also known as depressants, affect the central nervous system and include Alprazolam, Nembutal, and Diazepam. Normally prescribed for sleep and anxiety problems, they get misused by using too much or not following dosage directions. Over time, barbiturates can become addictive and lead to withdrawal symptoms.
Painkillers and Opioids
In 2010, 210 million people took prescription opioids. Some of the most common opioids prescribed are fentanyl, oxycodone, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, and diphenoxylate. Painkillers, designed to dull pain, can cause a euphoric high in larger doses. doses. Because of this, some patients may deliberately misuse their prescription and end up with a painkiller addiction. Oxycodone remains one of the most abused prescription drugs. Medications like Percocet, OxyContin, Roxicodone, and Percodan contain oxycodone. Some people even crush the tablets to inject or snort it for a more extreme high.
Amphetamines
The most abused stimulants are amphetamines and methylphenidate. People with ADHD obtain prescriptions for stimulants like Dexedrine and Adderall. Some people use amphetamines to boost their alertness and energy. Like many drugs, amphetamines become addictive when taken for an extended period or at an incorrect dose.
End Addiction to the Most Abused Prescription Drugs at Serenity House Detox & Recovery
When someone has an addiction, they need professional help to recover. A prescription drug detox facility helps to remove the chemical dependency and minimize withdrawal effects. It is never a good idea to detox alone because withdrawal effects can be dangerous. At a detox center, clients can get help with:
- Managing side effects
- Medical detox
- Ending an addiction
If you or a loved one has an addiction to prescription drugs, help is available. While many people assume prescription drugs are safer, they are just as addictive as street drugs. Detoxing at Serenity House Detox & Recovery helps create the foundation for your recovery. To start recovery today, contact an experienced admissions counselor at 866.294.5306.
