Common prescription drugs that are abused include opioid painkillers, sedatives, and stimulants. Prescription painkiller abuse is a major problem in the United States. In 2010, prescription painkillers were responsible for more overdose deaths than cocaine and heroin combined. One of the dangers of painkiller abuse is that it can lead to addiction. People who are addicted to prescription painkillers may start abusing other drugs to get high. This can be a dangerous combination, as it increases the risk of an overdose.
Opioid addiction treatment is essential for people who are addicted to prescription painkillers. Northpoint Colorado offers a variety of opioid addiction treatments, including medication-assisted treatment and behavioral therapies. Our programs are tailored to meet the needs of each individual patient. We help people recover from addiction and rebuild their lives. If you or someone you know is struggling with prescription drug abuse, please contact Northpoint Colorado today at 888.231.1281.
What Are the Most Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs?
The most commonly abused prescription drugs fall into one of three categories — opioids, depressants, or stimulants. Each type of drug can be dangerous if misused and has the potential to be deadly.
Opioids
Opioids are painkillers that include prescription drugs such as oxycodone and hydrocodone, as well as heroin. These drugs are highly addictive and can be deadly if abused. Opioid addiction is a serious problem in the United States. In 2010, prescription painkillers were responsible for more overdose deaths than cocaine and heroin combined. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, some of the most common drugs involved in painkiller abuse include:
- Codeine
- Morphine
- Methadone
- Fentanyl
- Oxycodone
- Hydrocodone
Each of these drugs can be highly addictive and deadly if used in large doses. Therefore, if you’re suffering from an addiction, it’s imperative to seek opioid addiction treatment immediately.
Depressants
Depressants are drugs that slow down the central nervous system. In many cases, this classification of drugs includes barbiturates, such as Nembutal. It can also include benzodiazepine prescriptions, like Xanax and Klonopin. These drugs are also highly addictive and can be deadly if abused, which is why doctors try not to prescribe them over long periods of time. Barbiturate addiction is a serious problem, and like opioid addiction, it requires professional treatment.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that include prescription drugs such as Adderall and Ritalin, as well as illegal drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine. These drugs are commonly abused by college students to help them study or stay awake for long periods of time. Stimulant addiction is also a serious problem. Like barbiturates and opioids, stimulant addiction requires professional treatment. The most commonly abused stimulants include:
- Ritalin
- Biphetamine
- Dexedrine
- Adderall
These drugs can be addictive and dangerous if abused. If you’re struggling with stimulant addiction, it’s important to seek help from a qualified professional.
How Do I Know If I’m Abusing Prescription Drugs?
If you think that you or someone you know may be using prescription drugs, there are some common signs to look for. Here are a few things to watch for:
- Taking more of the drug than prescribed
- Using the drug for other reasons than prescribed
- Mixing prescription drugs with alcohol or other drugs
- Doctor shopping to get multiple prescriptions for the same drug
- Stealing or borrowing prescription drugs from others
- Having withdrawal symptoms when not taking the medication
Learn More at Northpoint Colorado
If you or someone you know is struggling with prescription drug abuse, please seek help immediately. Northpoint Colorado offers a variety of opioid addiction treatments, including medication-assisted treatment and behavioral therapies. We tailor our programs to meet the needs of each individual patient to help people recover from addiction and rebuild their lives. We offer a wide array of treatment programs, such as:
- Drug detox and rehab
- Frontline program
- Inpatient rehab
- Intensive outpatient rehab
- Partial hospitalization program
If you’re addicted to a commonly abused prescription drug, please don’t try to quit on your own. It’s important to seek professional help in order to get the best possible treatment. Furthermore, it can be deadly to try to quit alone, especially in the case of barbiturates or opioids. Northpoint Colorado can help. Contact us today at 888.231.1281 to learn more.