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Three Main Prescription Drug Addictions
With the increase of accessibility to prescription drugs, abuse and overdose has become common in America.
Prescription Drug Addiction Overview
In the past three decades, prescription drugs have become as frequently used as vitamins. They treat anything from sleep disorder and chronic pain to attention deficit disorder and anxiety. Names like Vicodin, Xanax and Ritalin have become household names. With the increased availability of these medications, it has become easier for the public to develop addictions to them.
While the majority of people use prescription medication as intended, 20 percent of Americans abuse these drugs. Whether they are obtained through a doctor’s prescription, buying them off the street or stealing from a friend or family member, when taken out of context, these drugs can be extremely dangerous and can lead to death.
Main Prescription Drug Addictions
According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse’s (NIDA) research report titled “Prescription Drugs: Abuse and Addiction,” there are three classes of prescription drugs that are most commonly abused. These are central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and depressants and narcotic analgesics.
Narcotic analgesics are also known as painkillers and are the most commonly abused. Included in this group are drugs likes Vicodin, Demerol and OxyContin. Even short-term use can lead to addiction and once in addiction, can lead to death.
CNS stimulants include drugs like Ritalin and Dexedrine. These are prescribed for things like attention deficit disorder and narcolepsy. When abused, they elevate the person’s blood pressure and heart rate and can cause heart attack.
CNS depressants include drugs like Xanax and Valium. While they treat panic attacks, sleeplessness and acute anxiety, when overdosed they can lead to coma or death. And when mixed with alcohol, CNS depressants can be lethal.
Foundations Recovery Network’s (FRN) dual diagnosis treatment facilities are equipped to help you or a loved one recovery from prescription drug addiction. For information on addiction treatment, contact FRN at 1-877-345-1887. Admission’s counselors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
About Foundations Recovery Network
Foundations Recovery Network is a premier organization for treating persons with addiction and mental health disorders. The company oversees three dual diagnosis treatment centers: Michael’s House in Palm Springs, Calif.; La Paloma in Memphis, Tenn.; and The Canyon in Malibu, Calif.
