Prescription Drugs
In the last decade, prescription
drug abuse has reached unprecedented levels of popularity across
the board. Millions of people use prescription drugs responsibly
and as prescribed, however understanding the dangers of prescription
drug addiction is important and essential if someone needs help
with a substance abuse problem. The most commonly abused prescription
drugs are opioids, depressants and stimulants. While all of these
drugs produce drastically different effects, they all have the
ability to change a person’s state of mind by altering the
brain’s chemistry.
Opioids are used to treat pain
and can include drugs such as morphine, Vicodin, OxyContin and
Demerol. These drugs are extremely powerful, even when taken as
prescribed, and when abused they can cause serious damage, leading
to health problems, addiction and even death. These drugs function
by blocking pain receptors from the brain to the body making the
user feel as though the pain has temporarily vanished. These types
of drugs are often prescribed after surgery and operations, or
for people who suffer from chronic pain. People who use opioids
on a regular basis, even if they use them as prescribed, may find
themselves becoming tolerant to the amount they are taking. They
may also fine themselves becoming more and more dependent on the
drug, at times even craving it.
Depressants slow down the activity
within the central nervous system. These drugs can include Valium,
Xanax, and other barbiturates. Depressants are used to treat disorders
such as anxiety, sleeping problems, panic attacks, tension and
stress by affecting certain neurotransmitters in the brain. In
effect these drugs slow down a person’s body and mind creating
a drowsy or relaxing feeling. People who use depressants, even
as prescribed are at a high risk for becoming addicted. The user
develops a tolerance to these drugs and may start to feel dependent
on depressants to make him/her feel normal.
Stimulants are also popular prescription
drugs used to treat disorders such as attention-deficit-hyperactive-disorder,
narcolepsy and depression. Stimulants used to be used more frequently
for [problems such as asthma and respiratory problems; however
research has shown that stimulants are extremely addictive. People
who use stimulants, even as prescribed may have the desire to
misuse them because of their effects. Stimulants increase activity
in the brain and can speed up a person’s normal rate of
functioning. Stimulants must be used under careful medical supervision.
Prescription drugs require a prescription
for a reason and therefore must be used carefully and as ordered.
People who become addicted to prescription drugs are generally
able to hide their problems, however if and when they want to
stop using the drugs they may find it extremely difficult. Prescription
drug abuse treatment is very helpful and it is used by many people
to find strong and lasting sobriety.
