Prescription Medications Abuse is one of the fastest growing drug problems in the U.S. It is the biggest drug problem among teens and young adults.

There are three main classes of prescription drugs that are abused: Opioids (usually prescribed for pain, such as oxycodone, OxyContin, Darvon and Percocet), Central Nervous System Depressants (used to treat anxiety, sleep disorders, or panic attacks) and Stimulants (used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or narcolepsy). They can be addictive and can cause withdrawal symptoms when they are suddenly stopped.

Opioids

Prescription medications, including opioids, can be dangerous if misused. They can also cause addiction, a chronic brain disease that causes compulsive drug use.

Opioids are powerful pain relievers derived from the naturally-occurring poppy plant or created chemically in a lab. They include oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), codeine, morphine, methadone and fentanyl.

When used as prescribed, opioids can reduce pain and increase feelings of pleasure, causing you to experience a strong flood of endorphins in the brain. Over time, however, your body may develop tolerance to the effects of opioids, requiring you to take more and more drugs to get the same amount of euphoric effect.

People who abuse opioids can take them in a number of ways, including by swallowing capsules or tablets, inhaling powder or injecting them into their veins with a needle. This can cause serious health problems, such as HIV or hepatitis.

Sedatives

Sedatives are a class of medications that can relax the body. They are commonly prescribed to help with sleep problems, anxiety and other conditions.

When misused, sedatives can lead to addiction and dependence. They can also cause serious side effects such as depression, hallucinations and seizures.

People can become addicted to sedatives when they take them in large doses and use them often. They can also take sedatives with other depressants or alcohol, which can increase their effects and make them more likely to overdose.

In addition, some people may misuse sedatives to self-medicate for anxiety or depression. This is called “chemical coping.”

Addiction to sedatives can be treated with formal counseling. Motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral treatment and relapse prevention can help individuals overcome their addiction. They can also learn how to identify their triggers, avoid them and practice recovery skills. Those struggling with sedative abuse should seek treatment as soon as possible. There are several types of treatment centers that specialize in treating drug addiction and sedative abuse.

Stimulants

Stimulants are commonly prescribed to help patients with conditions like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or sleep disorders. These drugs work by increasing activity in the brain and stimulating its reward pathways, which can help improve focus and enhance concentration.

They can also help with weight loss and may be used to treat depression, anxiety and other mental health problems. However, these medications are addictive and can cause serious side effects if misused.

Overdose can be dangerous, especially when taken in large amounts. This can lead to heart problems, strokes and convulsions.

People can use stimulants in many ways, including snorting them, swallowing them or injecting them with a needle or syringe. Snorting and swallowing produce short-lasting highs that are less intense than injected or smoked drugs.

Research indicates that nonmedical use of prescription stimulants is a risk factor for conduct disorder, academic performance and mental health issues. In addition, they are a common gateway to other illicit drug use and addiction, particularly among college students.

Addiction

Addiction is a chronic brain disease that causes people to repeatedly use a substance or activity, even if it has harmful effects. It can impact health and relationships, and lead to long-term problems.

Drugs work by changing the brain and releasing chemicals that produce feelings of pleasure or reward. They also affect the parts of the brain that control your emotions and behaviors.

Many drugs cause intense highs, which are followed by euphoria and other feelings of satisfaction and joy. These effects are a powerful motivator to continue using the drug.

Tolerance develops over time, and you need more and more of the drug to feel its effects. This can increase your risk of addiction and overdose.

To overcome prescription drug addiction, you need help from a trained health professional and support from your family and friends. Treatment typically includes counseling, psychiatric care, education, and medication. It may include a residential treatment program or outpatient services.