Many people think of substance abuse as something that involves the use of illegal drugs such as cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamine. But prescription drugs also pose substantial risks of addiction, overdose, and even death. So you might be wondering what the most commonly abused prescription drugs are.
The answer may be different depending on where you live. Of late, abuse of prescription opioids such as Oxycontin has triggered a public health emergency and led to a subsequent increase in heroin abuse.
Knowing the names of commonly abused prescription drugs can help keep your family safe. Catching substance abuse early can mean all the difference for an individual’s future.
Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs
The list of commonly abused prescription drugs is longer than you might think. In addition to posing health problems, prescription drug abuse can also get you in trouble with the law, as it may require you to obtain the drug by illegal means.
Some of the most commonly abused prescription drugs include:
- Pentobarbital, a barbiturate
- Xanax, Valium, Ativan or other sedatives
- Codeine, OxyContin and other opioid pain relievers
- Adderall, Concerta, Ritalin and other stimulants
- Anadrol-50, Oxandrin, Testosterone and other steroids
It is also possible to abuse over-the-counter drugs. Examples include sleep medications such as Lunesta, Ambien, and Sonata.
Addiction to commonly abused prescription drugs is a serious matter. As with illegal drugs, drug detox centers provide treatment to help individuals struggling with an addiction to live a more stable existence.
Facts About Prescription Drug Abuse
Problems created by commonly abused prescription drugs represent a major and ongoing public health concern. Although opioid detox centers are available, according to a report by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), an estimated 18 million people misused prescription drugs in 2017.
The government believes that mistaken information about some of these prescription drugs is to blame for their abuse — in particular, the use of prescription opioids. Throughout the early 2000s, the widespread understanding was that this new class of opioid painkillers was not as addictive as previous generations. That turned out to be incorrect, and millions have suffered.
The largest population involved with commonly abused prescription drugs is 18- to 25-year-olds, NIDA said.
The rate of drug overdose death from prescription drugs grew six-fold between 1999 and 2017, to more than 17,000. The potentially fatal nature of prescription drug abuse makes treatment a vital resource.
Finding Help for Substance Abuse
No one likes the idea of admitting they have problems with prescription drug abuse. But admitting a problem is the first step to getting help. Treatment centers have helped millions of people conquer addiction.
Treatment typically runs in several stages, including:
- Assessment and medical evaluation – to find out the scope of your problem
- Treatment planning – unique plans for each individual
- Drug and alcohol detox – to flush harmful substances out of your system and begin recovery
- Addiction counseling – both at an individual and group level
- Aftercare – to help reduce the risk of a relapse
If you or a loved one show signs of addiction to commonly abused prescription drugs, contact your local treatment center right away.
Wellness Counseling Vida Entera
Getting trapped in the vicious cycle created by commonly abused prescription drugs is a challenging scenario. But it’s not one you have to accept. Wellness Counseling Vida Entera is here to help guide you back from the brink to a happier life. Our team of addiction specialists can help establish a course of treatment for you and see you through to sobriety.
Don’t wait another day wondering about the future. Contact us today by calling 951.400.0082 for an immediate, confidential consultation.
