9 Drugs Most Addictive Prescription Drugs on the Market
Anti-anxiety drug abuse is the most common type, especially among teens and people under the age of 30.
Opioids: These produce a sought-after euphoric effect due to their pain killing abilities for short-term or chronic pain.
CNS Depressants: Also called tranquillizers and depressants, these include barbituates and benzodiazepines, some of the most abused drugs. They have a calming, relaxing effect, like a warm blanket on the brain.
Stimulants: This class increases brain activity, thereby increasing alertness and energy.
Alprazolam (Xanax) is a benzodiazepine prescribed to treat panic disorder and serious anxiety. Klonopin and Valium are often misused for their sedative effects. These highs can feel similar to the effects of alcohol, including feelings of drunkenness, talkativeness, and relaxation. Due to these favorable traits, Klonopin, Valium, and other benzodiazepines can be extremely habit-forming, cause blackouts, and even death by overdose. Oxycodone, sold commonly as OxyContin and Percocet, is an opioid that changes the way the brain and central nervous system respond to pain. It creates a euphoric, sedative effect. Often likened to heroin, Oxycodone is prescribed by doctors about six million times a year. Because these pills can cost hundreds of dollars a pill, addicts often have to steal to afford the habit. Like Oxycodone, Demerol (Darvocet withdrawn in 2010) is a commonly abused painkiller. The danger in these, besides the immediate side effects, is that users often develop a tolerance to the drugs’ effects and will increase their dosage. Adderall (ritalin) is a stimulant that affects the central nervous system by increasing levels of dopamine in the brain.
Learn more Just because pills are prescribed by a doctor and administered by a pharmacy doesn’t mean they are safe for everyone (HEALTHLINE / Brian Krans)
The opiate most commonly found in prescription-strength cough syrup is Codeine. It is often combined with other medications to reduce coughing and pain. When consumed in high quantities, Codeine-based cough syrup has a sedative effect and can cause altered levels of consciousness.
Amphetamines ('Speed') are prescribed for conditions such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy where focus and wakefulness are needed to combat symptoms. However, they have been historically misused for their energizing capabilities.
Counseling, Rehabilitation and Access Control: If you suspect someone you love is abusing one of these medications, it’s important to get them help right now.
9 Most Addictive Rx Prescription Drugs
Alprazolam (Xanax) is a benzodiazepine prescribed to treat panic disorder and serious anxiety. Klonopin and Valium are often misused for their sedative effects. These highs can feel similar to the effects of alcohol, including feelings of drunkenness, talkativeness, and relaxation. Due to these favorable traits, Klonopin, Valium, and other benzodiazepines can be extremely habit-forming, cause blackouts, and even death by overdose. Oxycodone, sold commonly as OxyContin and Percocet, is an opioid that changes the way the brain and central nervous system respond to pain. It creates a euphoric, sedative effect. Often likened to heroin, Oxycodone is prescribed by doctors about six million times a year. Because these pills can cost hundreds of dollars a pill, addicts often have to steal to afford the habit. Like Oxycodone, Demerol (Darvocet withdrawn in 2010) is a commonly abused painkiller. The danger in these, besides the immediate side effects, is that users often develop a tolerance to the drugs’ effects and will increase their dosage. Adderall (ritalin) is a stimulant that affects the central nervous system by increasing levels of dopamine in the brain.
The opiate most commonly found in prescription-strength cough syrup is Codeine. It is often combined with other medications to reduce coughing and pain. When consumed in high quantities, Codeine-based cough syrup has a sedative effect and can cause altered levels of consciousness.
Amphetamines ('Speed') are prescribed for conditions such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy where focus and wakefulness are needed to combat symptoms. However, they have been historically misused for their energizing capabilities.
