Narcotic painkillers, central nervous system depressants, such as sedatives and tranquilizers and stimulants are some of types of prescription drugs that can become addictive. Although these drugs are usually prescribed to treat chronic pain, anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, respectively, the consequences of addiction on patient health is compromised. Simply put, prescription drug addiction has adverse effects on the body.
Narcotic Painkillers
The National Institute on Drug Abuse says there are over 5 million people in the United States who abuse prescription pain relievers, some of whom become addicted. Research by B. Sproule published in "Canadian Family Physician" in 2009, found there is a significant rise in demand for treatment of people with controlled-release oxycodone addiction that have co-morbidities including pain and psychiatric symptoms. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, prescription opioids, such as oxycodone, act on the same receptors in the brain as heroin. Some people who are addicted to an opioid will not swallow the pills whole as directed, and instead chew or crush the pills and then swallow, snort or inject the substance to quicken and intensify the effect of the drug, exacerbating side effects.
The signs and symptoms of addiction to prescription narcotic painkillers include reduced sense of pain, slowed breathing, sedation, depression, confusion and constipation, according to MayoClinic.com. Sharing needles can increase the risk of HIV, hepatitis and other infectious diseases. Research by P. Hill published in "Human Pathology" in 2002, discovered the use of oxycodone suppositories is associated with chronic kidney failure. Addiction to Vicodin, a prescription drug containing oxycodone and acetaminophen, a pain reliever, can lead to serious health problems that can include liver toxicity, liver failure, weakened immune system, irregular heart rhythm, vision problems, hallucinations, coma and death, according to Spencer Recovery Centers.
Depressants
Central nervous system depressants are used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders. The National Institute on Drug Abuse says that 2 million people abuse tranquilizers and 400,000 people abuse sedatives in the United States. These prescription drugs are addictive and, if abruptly discontinued, can cause severe withdrawal symptoms that include life-threatening seizures. Overdoses can cause reduced breathing and death, especially when used with alcohol. The effects of addiction to benzodiazepines, a type of prescription central nervous system depressant, include drowsiness, lack of coordination, memory impairment, confusion, dizziness, slurred speech, slowed breathing, decreased blood pressure and depression, according to MayoClinic.com. Common benzodiazepines include diazepam, alprazolam, clonazepam, chlordiazepoxide and lorazepam.
Stimulants
Stimulants, such as methylphenidate, amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, are used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The National Institute on Drug Abuse says that over 1 million people in the United States abuse prescription stimulants, some of whom are addicted. MayoClinic.com says the effects from stimulant addiction includes euphoria, decreased appetite, weight loss, irritability, rapid speech, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, increased temperature, insomnia, restlessness and depression after the drug wears off. Some prescription stimulant addicts can experience paranoia, psychosis and seizures. People who snort the drug can experience nasal congestion and damage to the mucous membrane.
References
- Prescription-Drug-Abuse.org: Prescription Drug Abuse and Addiction
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: Prescription Drug Abuse
- "Canadian Family Physician"; Changing Patterns in Opioid Addiction; Sproule; Jan 2009
- MayoClinic.com: Drug Addiction Symptoms
- "Human Pathology"; Severe Chronic Renal Failure with Oxycodone Addiction; Hill, P.; Aug 2002
