Prescription Drug Addiction

Depending on the actual compound, drug abuse may lead to health problems, social problems, physical dependence, or psychological addiction. Following is a list of the most abused prescription drugs:

OxyContin, Vicodin, Percocet

Narcotics/Analgesics (copious)
Pain Relievers
- abused because of their euphoric, sedating and numbing effects

Ritalin, Dexedrine, Meridia

Stimulants (‘uppers’)
Anti-depressants, Anti-Anxiety; Narcolepsy
- abused because of their energizing and euphoric effects

Xanax, Valium, Librium

Depressants/Sedative-Hypnotics
   (‘downers’;benzodiazepines; barbiturates)
ADHD; Insomnia; Asthma
- abused because of their sedating properties

Some drugs that are subject to abuse have central nervous system (CNS) effects, which produce changes in mood, levels of awareness or perceptions and sensations. Most of these drugs also alter systems other than the CNS. But, not all centrally acting drugs are subject to abuse, which suggests that altering consciousness is not sufficient for a drug to have abuse potential.

Substance abuse, and prescription drug abuse refers to the overindulgence in and dependence on a psychoactive leading to effects that are detrimental to the individual's physical health or mental health, or the welfare of others.

The disorder is characterized by a pattern of continued pathological use of a medication, non-medically indicated drug or toxin, that results in repeated adverse social consequences related to drug use, such as failure to meet work, family, or school obligations, interpersonal conflicts, or legal problems.

Among drugs that are abused, some appear to be more likely to lead to uncontrolled use than others, suggesting a possible hierarchy of drug-induced effects relative to abuse potential.

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