It isn’t uncommon for cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and methamphetamines to come to mind when thinking about the most commonly abused drugs. Even though these drugs are abused across the country, we can’t forget about prescription drug abuse. Unfortunately, millions of individuals develop addictions and abuse these medications. That leads many to wonder about the most abused prescription drugs and seek help at a facility such as Midwest Detox Center.
Itemizing the Most Abused Prescription Drugs
According to information from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has available, the following are the most abused prescription drugs:
- Depressants: This includes barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and sleep medications. Some examples of each include Amytal, Ativan, and Ambien.
- Opioids: This includes codeine, morphine, methadone, fentanyl, analogs, and other addictive opioid pain relievers. Examples of each include Robitussin A-C, Roxana, Methadose, Actiq, and Percodan.
- Stimulants: This includes amphetamines and methylphenidate. Examples of each include Adderall and Ritalin.
- Other compounds: This includes Dextromethorphan. Some cough and cold medicines contain these compounds.
The Signs and Symptoms of Prescription Drug Abuse
While all of the most abused prescription drugs have signs and symptoms, they vary depending on what individuals are taking. Due to their mind-altering properties, we can find signs and symptoms of usage if you notice any of the following:
- Anti-anxiety medications and sedatives: Signs and symptoms include confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, memory issues, slowed breathing, slurred speech, and unsteady walking.
- Opioids: If you notice someone experiencing confusion, constipation, drowsiness, feeling high, increased dosing, nausea, poor coordination, or worsening of pain, then those could be signs and symptoms.
- Stimulants: Some signs and symptoms include agitation, anxiety, feeling high, high blood pressure, high body temperature, increased alertness, insomnia, irregular heartbeat, and reduced appetite.
- Other signs to look for: Appearing high, excessive mood swings, forging prescriptions, poor decision-making, requesting early refills, seeking refills from different doctors, or taking higher dosages.
Understanding Prescription Drug Abuse
There’s a prescription drug abuse occurring in the United States. This type of drug abuse continues to sweep across the nation as patients consistently seek quick fixes for pain relief. Unfortunately, doctors that are unaware of a problem with their patient prescribe these drugs. That leads to millions of Americans having access to these highly addictive prescriptions.
Opioids are high on the list of the most abused prescription drugs. However, these medications are not the only problem. There are dozens of other medications that could result in substance abuse disorders. That means those who are seeking relief from anxiety and sleep issues could also fall victim to addiction. Or, if patients have ADHD, those prescriptions could also pose a problem.
Risk Factors for Abusing Prescription Drugs
Many pain sufferers worry about prescription drug addiction. Their doctor prescribes them medication after an accident, surgery, or a variety of other reasons. These painkillers offer relief, but they’re also highly addictive. That’s why patients must follow their doctor’s recommendations regarding dosage and use.
Prescription drug abuse doesn’t discriminate regarding a patient’s age, gender, or background. It can happen to anyone. Some risk factors for prescription drug abuse could include the following:
- If patients have any pre-existing psychiatric conditions
- If there’s a family history of addiction or substance abuse disorder
- When patients have a past addiction to other substances, including tobacco and alcohol
- When patients live in an environment where there’s drug use or peer pressure
- If individuals have access to prescription drugs within their households
Find Help at Midwest Detox Center
If you believe a loved one, you, or someone you know, is taking some of the most abused prescription drugs, that could lead to many questions or concerns. That’s especially true if you’re worried about developing an addiction.
No one should have to navigate these uncertain waters without the best support. Contact Midwest Detox Center at 833.647.0392 to receive the answers you’re looking for today.
