OverviewPrescription drug abuse is the use of a prescription medicine in a way not intended by the prescriber. Prescription drug abuse, also called prescription drug misuse, includes everything from taking a friend's prescription painkiller for your backache to snorting or injecting ground-up pills to get high. Prescription drug abuse may become ongoing and compulsive, despite the negative consequences. Show
An increasing problem, prescription drug abuse can affect all age groups, including teens. The prescription drugs most often misused include opioid painkillers, anti-anxiety medicines, sedatives and stimulants. Early identification of prescription drug abuse and early intervention may prevent the problem from turning into an addiction. SymptomsSigns and symptoms of prescription drug abuse depend on the specific drug. Because of their mind-altering properties, the most misused prescription drugs are:
Signs and symptoms of prescription drug abuseOpioids
Anti-anxiety medicines and sedatives
Stimulants
Other signs
When to see a doctorTalk with your health care provider if you think you may have a problem with prescription drug use. You may feel embarrassed to talk about it — but remember that medical professionals are trained to help you, not judge you. It's easier to face the problem early before it becomes an addiction and leads to more-serious problems. CausesTeens and adults abuse prescription drugs for many reasons, such as:
Risk factorsSome people fear that they may become addicted to medicines prescribed for medical conditions, such as painkillers prescribed after surgery. But you can reduce your risk by carefully following your health care provider's instructions on how to take your medicine. Prescription drug abuse is highest among teens and young adults. Risk factors for prescription drug misuse include:
Older adults and prescription drug abusePrescription drug abuse in older adults is a growing problem, especially when they combine drugs with alcohol. Having multiple health problems and taking multiple drugs can put people at risk of misusing drugs or becoming addicted. ComplicationsAbusing prescription drugs can cause a number of problems. Prescription drugs can be especially dangerous — and even lead to death — when taken in high doses, when combined with other prescription drugs or certain over-the-counter medicines, or when taken with alcohol or illegal or recreational drugs. Medical consequencesHere are examples of serious consequences of prescription drug abuse:
Physical dependence and addictionBecause commonly abused prescription drugs activate the brain's reward center, it's possible to develop physical dependence and addiction.
Other consequencesOther potential consequences include:
PreventionPrescription drug abuse may occur in people who need painkillers, sedatives or stimulants to treat a medical condition. If you're taking a prescription drug that commonly leads to drug misuse, here are ways to reduce your risk:
Preventing prescription drug abuse in teensPrescription drugs are commonly misused substances by young people. Follow these steps to help prevent your teen from abusing prescription medicines.
Oct. 25, 2022 What are 5 commonly abused medications?Current drugs that can be abused include stimulants such as methylphenidate (drugs such as Concerta and Ritalin), amphetamines (drugs such as Dexedrine and Adderall), opioids such as morphine, codeine, fentanyl, oxycodone (drugs such as OxyContin), and hydrocodone (drugs such as Vicodin), depressants such as ...
What are the most commonly misused drugs?Commonly Abused Drugs. Marijuana Abuse. Though illegal to use or have possession of, marijuana is a commonly abused drug and many people are unaware of its harmful effects. ... . Alcohol Abuse. ... . Cocaine Abuse. ... . Valium Abuse. ... . Heroin Abuse. ... . Percocet Abuse. ... . Prescription Drug Abuse.. |