Although prescription drugs are legal and overseen by doctors, their misuse can wreak havoc on a person’s brain, body, and life. Unfortunately, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) estimates that 18 million people misused prescription drugs for non-medical reasons in 2017. Chronic misuse can lead to increased risk of heart attacks, seizures, strokes, cerebral hemorrhage, psychosis, liver, kidney, and lung damage. Luckily, our substance abuse programs can help people addicted to prescription drugs get on the path to long-term recovery. Contact Solution Based Treatment & Detox by calling 833.999.1941 for help with a prescription drug addiction in Murrieta, CA.
Opioids
Opioids are painkillers. As such, doctors prescribe them to help treat severe pain caused by injury, surgery or accidents. Opioid use also help ease persistent pain associated with diseases like cancer or chronic headaches and toothaches.
Some of the most popular opioids prescribed by doctors include:
- Vicodin (Hydrocodone and acetaminophen)
- OxyContin and Percocet (oxycodone)
- Kadian and Avinza (morphine)
- Codeine
- Fentanyl
- Carafentanyl
Stimulants
Stimulants are medicines that invigorate the brain, speeding up mental processes, increasing energy, and improving attention spans. They also increase alertness and elevate blood pressure as well as heart and respiratory rates. Generally, doctors prescribe stimulants to treat ADHD and narcolepsy.
Some of the most popular stimulants prescribed by doctors include:
- Adderall (Amphetamine)
- Concerta and Ritalin (Methylphenidate)
- Dexedrine (Dextroamphetamine)
Depressants
Depressants are medicines that include sedatives, tranquilizers, and hypnotics. They slow brain activity which makes them ideal for relieving anxiety and calming nerves. They also help ease muscle spasms and prevent seizures. Typically, depressants fall into three categories: benzodiazepines, non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotics, and barbiturates.
Barbiturates
Barbiturates are drugs that cause relaxation and euphoria. While doctors used to consider them safe, today they’re considered high-risk drugs and are not prescribed often. Some barbiturates that are still prescribed today include:
- Amytal (Amobarbital)
- Butisol (Butabarbital)
- Nembutal (Pentobarbital)
- Seconal (Secobarbital sodium)
- Brietal (Methohexital)
- Pentothal (Thiopental)
Benzodiazepines
Most physicians use benzodiazepines, known as benzos as an alternative to barbiturates. Benzos are sedatives. Doctors use them to treat seizures, anxiety, panic attacks, and insomnia. Popular benzodiazepines include:
- Xanax (Alprazolam)
- Librium (Chlordiazepoxide)
- Tranxene (Clorazepate)
- Valium (Diazepam)
- Dalmane (Flurazepam)
- Estazolam
Hypnotics
Non-benzodiazepine hypnotics also have a sedative effect on the body. The most common non-benzodiazepine hypnotics include:
- Sonata (Zaleplon)
- Lunesta (Eszopiclone)
- Ambien (Zolpidem)