Prescription Drug Abuse
Prescription drugs are widely abused in modern society. Due to the fact that these drugs can be prescribed for legitimate medical reasons, they can be more easily accessed than most controlled substances. Addiction to prescription drugs can be caused by someone becoming addicted to their own medication, stealing it from someone in their household, or purchasing prescription drugs that have made it to the street. Despite having legitimate medical applications, prescription drugs can be just as harmful and potentially deadly when abused.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines, commonly referred to as “benzos,” are some of the most commonly prescribed drugs. These drugs are aimed at treating a number of conditions, including anxiety. Unfortunately, people who use them run the risk of becoming addicted because they are central nervous system depressants. Understanding these drugs can be useful if you suspect you or a loved one may be abusing or developing an addiction to them.
Prescription Drugs
When people think of drug abuse, illegal drugs like meth or heroin usually come to mind, but you might be surprised to learn that some of the world’s deadliest and most addictive drugs may be in your medicine cabinet. Although prescribed for legitimate medical concerns, prescription drugs like OxyContin, Xanax and Ambien are frequently abused, and this trend is on the rise, along with drug overdoses and emergency room visits. In 2018, more than 67,000 Americans died from an overdose, with studies indicating that nearly 60 percent of overdose-related deaths involve prescription drugs.
Opiates
Opioids are naturally occurring and derived from opium poppy plants but are used in many legal and illegal drugs. Heroin is the most common example, but other types include prescription opioids, such as codeine, morphine, fentanyl, OxyContin (oxycodone), Vicodin (hydrocodone), and other prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
Oxycontin
OxyContin is a prescription opioid that is used for the relief of moderate to severe pain. But OxyContin abuse is a serious problem, as it is one of the most common drugs responsible for opioid overdose-related deaths. In fact, more than 60% of drug overdose deaths involve an opioid.
Vicodin
One of the most common prescription painkillers is Vicodin, a highly-addictive, combination pain medication that consists of an opiate and acetaminophen. Not everyone who uses Vicodin does so legally, though, and people who abuse Vicodin face numerous negative side effects, some of which can be lethal. For those who are ready to put these effects behind them before it’s too late, True provides individualized Vicodin addiction treatment programs that can help you make a successful recovery and lay a foundation for your drug-free future.
Xanax
Xanax (generic name alprazolam) is a legal drug that is commonly prescribed by physicians for the treatment of panic and anxiety disorders. Although it’s medically beneficial, it also carries a high risk of addiction if misused.