Most people take their prescription medicine as directed, however an increasing number of people are abusing them. Prescription drug abuse takes place when a person takes a prescription drug, in any manner, other than the way it was prescribed to be taken. Prescription drug abuse typically means a patient taking too much, too often.
There are 3 categories of prescription drugs that lend themselves to abuse. These are opiates, stimulants and antidepressants.
Opiate abuse
CNS depressants, prescribed to treat pain, are classified as opiates or opioids. Opiates can cause intense feelings of euphoria, which put them at a high risk for abuse. Strong drugs such as codeine, kadian and avinza are popular opioid prescription drugs that are commonly abused. As the drug abuse continues, the body starts to develop a tolerance for the drug, which means the person has to take more to get the same effect. Most opiate abusers will obtain their drug of choice from the street.
Stimulant abuse
Stimulants are prescribed for a number of conditions – asthma, neurological problems, even obesity. Stimulants increase brain activity which causes heightened alertness and energy levels, which in turn elevates blood pressure and drives up the heart rate. Abusers will often go ‘doctor shopping’ to get more than one prescription, from more than one doctor.
Antidepressant abuse
Antidepressants include benzodiazepines (valium, librium) and barbiturates (mephobarbital, nembutal). In low doses they act as sedative, which is the purpose for which they are prescribed. In extreme doses though they act as hypnotics. This type of prescription drug abuse is popular amongst teens as they liken the high to that of LSD.
Prescription drug abusers, wanting to get clean, will often require drug rehab in order to kick their addiction. Many drug rehab centers have professionals that specialise in treating people with prescription drug addiction.
There are 3 categories of prescription drugs that lend themselves to abuse. These are opiates, stimulants and antidepressants.
Opiate abuse
CNS depressants, prescribed to treat pain, are classified as opiates or opioids. Opiates can cause intense feelings of euphoria, which put them at a high risk for abuse. Strong drugs such as codeine, kadian and avinza are popular opioid prescription drugs that are commonly abused. As the drug abuse continues, the body starts to develop a tolerance for the drug, which means the person has to take more to get the same effect. Most opiate abusers will obtain their drug of choice from the street.
Stimulant abuse
Stimulants are prescribed for a number of conditions – asthma, neurological problems, even obesity. Stimulants increase brain activity which causes heightened alertness and energy levels, which in turn elevates blood pressure and drives up the heart rate. Abusers will often go ‘doctor shopping’ to get more than one prescription, from more than one doctor.
Antidepressant abuse
Antidepressants include benzodiazepines (valium, librium) and barbiturates (mephobarbital, nembutal). In low doses they act as sedative, which is the purpose for which they are prescribed. In extreme doses though they act as hypnotics. This type of prescription drug abuse is popular amongst teens as they liken the high to that of LSD.
Prescription drug abusers, wanting to get clean, will often require drug rehab in order to kick their addiction. Many drug rehab centers have professionals that specialise in treating people with prescription drug addiction.