List of Prescription Drug Abuse

While street drugs are by definition abused, there are also several types of prescription drugs that are frequently misused. People can get them by abusing their medical appointment privileges and seeing multiple different physicians to feed their habit. Some addicts also steal prescriptions from those who are sick or elderly or exchange the prescriptions for cash. Prescription drug abuse is a serious issue. Anyone who is suffering from addiction should seek medical help and rehabilitation.

Oxycontin

Oxycontin is a type of opioid drug. It is a very strong pain killer and has addictive properties if not administered properly. Many addicts abuse this drug after suffering from a serious illness and not being weaned properly from the drug. This drug should only be taken under the close supervision of a physician's medical care. Oxycontin can be swallowed, crushed and snorted or chewed by an addict. This type of pain reliever suppresses the respiratory system. It can cause unconsciousness, extreme sedation and coma. In some cases it can cause death if not taken properly.

Methylphenidate

This type of drug is often referred to by the brand name Ritalin. Ritalin is a type of drug that stimulates the brain mentally but also suppresses other areas of the brain so the ADHD patient is more calm and able to focus. When taken properly, the drug can be safe and effective. It can become a very addictive and sought after prescription drug by those who are already addicted to stimulant drugs or those who try it for the first time. Teenagers who are addicted to the drug often crush the pill and snort the Ritalin because it is believed to give an instant high.

Vicodin

Vicodin is also an opioid derivative. It provides pain relief for those who have a serious illness or injury or those who are recovering from surgery. Vicodin has highly addictive qualities because it numbs pain and relaxes the central nervous system. If taken over an extended period of time for pain, the dosage may have to be increased, as the body will automatically develop a tolerance toward the drug. Like Oxycontin, this is generally a type of drug abused by someone who has already been prescribed the drug for pain control. Withdrawal symptoms such as a craving for the drug and an increase in pain are two of the most common withdrawal symptoms. Slowly weaning off of Vicodin is strongly recommended.

Roxanol

Roxanol is a prescription drug that is a derivative of morphine. This drug is typically used with patients who are in extreme pain and discomfort. It is often used with hospice patients to help them with terminal restlessness and pain experienced in the latter stages of cancer or disease progression. The type of addict who may abuse Roxanol is likely a friend or family member who has access to the patient's drugs. Roxanol causes a euphoric rush that many addicts crave.

Phenobarbital

Phenobarbital is a type of sedative that reduces anxiety, depression and pain. This drug can cause respiratory depression, low blood pressure. It basically slows down the entire body---including the central nervous system. It can cause slurred speech and extreme drowsiness. It has highly addictive qualities and is often abused through people who have a major depression, generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder diagnosis. This is a very dangerous drug that, when abused, can suppress the respiratory system---causing heart rate and breathing levels to drop and sometimes causing death.