Most Abused Prescription Drugs
Prescription drug misuse has become a major public health crisis in the United States, impacting millions from diverse backgrounds. Though intended for essential therapeutic benefits when used properly with medical supervision, misuse can lead to abuse of prescription drugs, severe health issues, and even death.
Prescription drugs commonly abused include opioids for pain, benzodiazepines for anxiety, and various stimulants. Understanding these drugs and their misuse risks is crucial for prevention, early intervention, and appropriate treatment development.
If you or someone you love is battling prescription drug addiction today, help is within reach. DeNovo Recovery provides holistic and compassionate treatment programs that are tailored to heal the complicated and multidimensional disease of addiction. They strive to guide individuals toward a sustainable path of recovery, establishing hope and restoration in a supportive environment.
Most Abused Prescribed Drugs
Opioid Pain Medicines
Opioids are widely prescribed and abused in America for moderate to severe pain, but also cause euphoria and addiction. Commonly misused prescription opioids include oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet), hydrocodone (Vicodin), morphine, and fentanyl.
They alleviate pain but can lead to dependence, requiring larger doses over time. Abuse risks include respiratory depression, impaired thinking, constipation, hormonal changes, and overdose, leading to 16,706 deaths from prescription opioids in 2021, highlighting the need for awareness and intervention.
Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants
CNS depressants calm anxiety, panic, and insomnia by maximizing GABA. Abused types are benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Valium), barbiturates (e.g., Phenobarbital), and non-benzodiazepines (e.g., Ambien). Misuse will cause drowsiness, poor coordination, confusion, and slurred speech. Tolerance is increased by rising doses, and a risk of addiction. Sudden withdrawal will bring on harsh withdrawal effects, including seizures. Use in combination with alcohol or narcotics increases overdose risks.
Stimulants
Prescription drugs like Adderall are prescribed to treat ADHD and narcolepsy by stimulating the brain, increasing dopamine and norepinephrine, which are involved in attention and wakefulness. Amphetamines like Adderall and methylphenidate like Ritalin and Concerta are commonly abused stimulants.
Their ability to enhance attention results abuse of prescription drugs, particularly among college students, as “study drugs.” Risks of use include rapid heart rates, high blood pressure, and insomnia, and serious risks of heart attacks. Long-term abuse can lead to psychiatric issues, including psychosis and withdrawal symptoms of a severe nature on stopping.
The Scope of Prescription Drug Abuse
The misuse of prescription medications within the United States is alarmingly high and poses a huge public health crisis. As many as 16.3 million Americans misused prescription medications annually, mainly opioids, to which the majority of incidents are attributed. The epidemic plagues individuals universally, although specific populations possess heightened vulnerabilities due to medical history, health care accessibility, and environmental conditions.
Addiction to prescription drugs often starts innocently enough with legitimate medical prescriptions. People who experience chronic pain, anxiety, or insomnia are prescribed effective medications. These medications, while relieving, are also addictive if not closely monitored.
The users of these drugs can become tolerant, and the standard dose is less effective over time. They may use more than the dose directed, which increases the risk of addiction. Some will ‘doctor shop’ or resort to illicit sources when prescription drugs are not forthcoming. The escalation from legitimate use to abuse of prescription drugs and the risk of addictiondoes occur insidiously and gradually, with persons not realizing that there is aberrant behavior until addiction occurs.
Understanding this trajectory is important for developing proactive responses and prevention strategies for addressing the current epidemic of prescription drug abuse in our society.
Recognizing the Signs of Prescription Drug Abuse
Taking medications in higher doses or more frequently than prescribed is often one of the earliest signs of developing dependency. Individuals may also begin using medications for reasons other than their intended purpose, such as taking pain medications to cope with emotional distress rather than physical pain.
Doctor shopping—visiting multiple healthcare providers to obtain multiple prescriptions—is another significant warning sign. This behavior may be accompanied by exaggerating symptoms, requesting specific medications by name, or expressing urgency in obtaining prescriptions.
Changes in behavior, mood, and physical appearance often accompany prescription drug misuse. These may include unusual sleep patterns, unexplained financial problems, neglecting responsibilities at work or home, and withdrawal from social activities and relationships.
Physical and psychological symptoms when the medication is unavailable, such as anxiety, irritability, nausea, muscle aches, or insomnia, may indicate that physical dependency has developed. In severe cases, individuals may experience intense cravings that drive continued use despite negative consequences.
DeNovo Recovery: Your Partner in Healing
At DeNovo Recovery in St. Joseph, Missouri, we understand that overcoming prescription drug addiction requires comprehensive, individualized care that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of dependency. Our evidence-based treatment programs are designed to meet clients where they are in their recovery journey, providing the tools, support, and guidance needed for lasting healing.
Our comprehensive programs include Co-occurring Disorders Treatment for individuals experiencing both addiction and mental health conditions, Day Treatment for those requiring structured support while maintaining some independence, and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) offering flexible treatment options that accommodate work and family responsibilities.
Our Residential Treatment program provides 24-hour support in a therapeutic environment for those requiring more intensive care. At the same time, our Sober Living Program offers a transitional setting that bridges the gap between residential treatment and independent living. Recognizing the profound impact addiction has on families, our Family Support Program involves loved ones in the recovery process, fostering healing within the family system.
Our team of experienced addiction specialists, including physicians, psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors, works collaboratively to develop personalized treatment plans that address each client’s unique needs and circumstances. Through medical management, individual and group therapy, educational sessions, and holistic approaches, we help individuals develop the skills and strategies needed for sustainable recovery.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
Prescription drug abuse represents a significant public health challenge, but with proper support and comprehensive treatment, recovery is not only possible but achievable. The journey begins with acknowledging the problem and reaching out for help. If you or someone you care about is struggling with prescription drug dependency, don’t wait for the situation to worsen. Contact DeNovo Recovery in St. Joseph, Missouri, today to learn more about our programs and how we can support your journey toward a healthier, more fulfilling life free from the constraints of addiction.
FAQ’s
A1: The most commonly abused prescription medications include opioid painkillers (such as oxycodone and hydrocodone), central nervous system depressants (including benzodiazepines like Xanax and sleep medications like Ambien), and stimulants (such as Adderall and Ritalin).
A2: Warning signs include taking higher doses than prescribed, seeking prescriptions from multiple doctors, noticeable changes in behavior or mood, neglecting responsibilities, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using the medication. Physical signs may vary depending on the type of drug being misused.
A3: Risks vary by medication type but generally include physical dependency, addiction, organ damage, cognitive impairment, and overdose. The danger is significantly increased when prescription drugs are combined with other substances, particularly alcohol or other medications that affect the central nervous system.
A4: DeNovo Recovery offers a continuum of care tailored to individual needs, including medically supervised detoxification when necessary, therapy addressing underlying issues contributing to addiction, education about addiction and recovery, relapse prevention strategies, and family involvement.