oxycodone (OxyContin)
codeine
fentanyl
meperidine (Demerol)
Alprazolam (Xanax)
clonazepam (Klonopin) and diazepam (Valium)
Amphetamine (Adderall)
methylphenidate (Ritalin)
Names of addictive drugs: Call Future Hospital to get rid of your addiction in the best way that suits each individual 00201029275503
Understanding Prescription Drug Addiction
A doctor’s prescription for pills doesn’t mean they’re safe for everyone. As the number of prescriptions rises, so do the rates of people abusing prescription medications.
In a 2015 survey, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) found that 18.9 million Americans ages 12 and older had abused prescription medications in the past year. About 1 percent of Americans age 12 or older have a prescription drug use disorder.
Also drug addiction is a component of substance use disorder. It is a disease that can affect your mind and behavior, making it difficult to control your use of drugs. Some people become addicted to illegal recreational drugs, such as cocaine or heroin. However, it is also possible for you to become addicted to the medications your doctor has prescribed. If you become addicted to a prescribed drug, you can use it compulsively, even when it is causing you harm.
Also, some prescription drugs are more addictive than others. Most addictive drugs affect your brain’s reward system by flooding it with dopamine. This results in a pleasurable “high” that can motivate you to take the drug again. Over time, you may become dependent on the drug to feel “good” or “normal.” You may also develop a tolerance to the drug. This could prompt you to take larger doses.
Read on to start learning about commonly misused prescription drugs.
opioids
Opioids produce a euphoric effect. They are often prescribed for pain. Signs and symptoms of opioid misuse may include:
trance
idle
drowsiness
confusion
Dizziness
changes in vision
Headache
seizures
breathing difficulties
nausea
vomiting
Constipation
Changes in behavior or personality
oxycodone (OxyContin)
Oxycodone is also commonly sold under the brand name OxyContin. It is also sold with acetaminophen such as Percocet. It changes how the central nervous system (CNS) responds to pain.
Like heroin, it creates a euphoric and calming effect. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), 58.8 million prescriptions for oxycodone were dispensed in the United States in 2013.
codeine (names of addictive drugs)
Codeine is also commonly prescribed to treat mild to moderate pain. It is also combined with other medicines to treat cold and flu symptoms. For example, it is commonly found in strong prescription cough syrups.
When consumed in large quantities, cough syrups containing codeine have a sedative effect that can also cause altered levels of consciousness. It provides the basis for an illicit drug formulation known as “purple drink,” “syzorb,” or “lean.” This mixture also contains soda and sometimes candy.
Fentanyl (names of addictive drugs)
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid. It is prescribed for acute and chronic pain, usually in people with cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. It creates feelings of euphoria and relaxation.
Fentanyl is also manufactured and sold illegally as an illegal recreational drug, in many cases mixed with heroin, cocaine, or both. Opioids in 10 states.
In addition to the signs and symptoms associated with common opioid abuse, misuse of fentanyl may also lead to hallucinations and nightmares.
Meperidine (Demerol) (names of addictive drugs)
Meperidine is a synthetic opioid. It is often sold under the brand name Demerol. It is commonly used to treat moderate to severe pain. Like other opioids, it produces feelings of euphoria.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2,666 Americans died in 2011 from drug poisoning containing opioid pain relievers other than methadone, such as meperidine or fentanyl.
opioid withdrawal
If you are addicted to opioids, you will likely develop withdrawal symptoms when you stop using them. Withdrawal symptoms may include:
drug cravings
agitation or irritability
Runny nose
trouble sleeping
excessive sweating
goosebumps
Digestive problems
Central nervous system depressants
Central nervous system depressants include barbiturates and benzodiazepines. They are called sedatives and have a calming effect. Signs and symptoms of abuse include:
drowsiness
idle
irritability
confusion
memory problems
Dizziness
Headache
changes in vision
loss of coordination
unclear
nausea
vomiting
Changes in behavior or personality
Alprazolam (Xanax) (names of addictive drugs)
Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine. It is usually sold under the trade name Xanax. It is prescribed for the treatment of anxiety, panic disorders. It depresses the central nervous system, which has a calming effect. Some people abuse it for its fast-acting sedative effects.
According to the Center for Disease Control, more than four times as many Americans died in 2015 than in 2002 from overdoses involving benzodiazepines. In many of these cases, people died after combining benzodiazepines with opioids.
Additional signs and symptoms of alprazolam misuse include trouble sleeping, swelling in the hands or feet, and tremors.
Clonazepam (Klonopin) and diazepam (Valium)
Clonazepam, diazepam, and benzodiazepines. They are used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It is also used to treat seizures. Clonazepam is commonly sold under the brand name Klonopin. Diazepam is usually sold as a valium.
Like Xanax, these medications are often misused for their sedative effects. It produces “highs” that can sound similar to the effects of alcohol. For example, it can cause feelings of drunkenness, chatter and relaxation.
It is not uncommon for people to recreationally abuse Xanax, Klonopin, or Valium with other medications. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of deaths from overdose involving both benzodiazepines and opioids more than quadrupled between 2002 and 2015.
Possible signs and symptoms of clonazepam or diazepam misuse may also include:
Paranoia
hallucinations
Constipation
Withdrawal from central nervous system depressants
If you are addicted to CNS depressants, you are likely to develop withdrawal symptoms when you stop using them. Withdrawal symptoms may include:
drug cravings
worry
panic
excessive sweating
Headache
trouble sleeping
muscle pain
nausea
Steroids
Stimulants increase your brain activity. This helps boost your alertness and energy levels. Signs and symptoms of abuse include:
trance
Aggression or hostility
Paranoia
hallucinations
lack of appetite
Weight loss
rapid heart rate
dilated pupils
changes in vision
Headache
nausea
vomiting
Changes in behavior or personality
Amphetamine (Adderall) (names of addictive drugs)
Amphetamine is also commonly known as “speed.” It is a central nervous system stimulant. It is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.
Products containing amphetamine are often abused for their stimulant effect. For example, Adderall is a product that combines amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. It is often abused by sleep-deprived people, such as truck drivers, shift workers, and college students who work on deadlines. According to a study from the University of Michigan, 9 percent of college students in 2012 reported misusing Adderall.
In addition to the typical signs of stimulant misuse, amphetamine misuse can also be characterized by:
Increased energy and alertness
It also increases body temperature
increased blood pressure
fast breathing
methylphenidate (Ritalin)
Similar to Adderall, methylphenidate is a stimulant that affects the central nervous system. It is usually sold under the brand name Ritalin. It increases dopamine levels in the brain, which helps improve attention. It is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy. Like other stimulants, it can be habit forming.
One reason Ritalin and other stimulants are abused is their availability. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, more than 13 million prescriptions for methylphenidate were filled in 2012.
Misuse of methylphenidate may also cause agitation or difficulty sleeping.
Withdrawal from steroids
If you are addicted to stimulants, you may develop withdrawal symptoms when you stop using them. Withdrawal symptoms may include:
drug cravings
worry
depression
extreme fatigue
Helping loved ones with prescription drug addiction
Also, addiction to prescription drugs can negatively affect your health and can also put you at risk of a fatal overdose. Drug addiction can also strain your finances and relationships.
Do you suspect that someone you love is misusing prescription medications? It is important for them to get professional help. A doctor or mental health professional may recommend counseling. They may also refer your loved one to an intensive rehabilitation program. In some cases, they may prescribe medications to help curb drug cravings or relieve withdrawal symptoms.
If you suspect that someone you love has a drug addiction, there are ways you can help.
How do I help
Find reliable information about addiction to prescription drugs. Learn more about signs, symptoms and treatment options.
Tell your loved one that you are concerned about their drug use. Let them know you want to help them find professional support.
Encourage your loved one to make an appointment with their doctor, mental health professional, or addiction treatment center.
Consider joining a support group for friends and family members of people struggling with drug addiction. Your fellow group members can provide social support as you strive to deal with your loved one’s addiction.
