Most Abused Prescription Drugs: What You Need to Know

What Are the Most Abused Prescription Drugs?

Many people take medicine to feel better. But sometimes, people use prescription drugs the wrong way. This is called prescription drug abuse. It can hurt your health, your brain, and even lead to addiction. Let’s learn about the most abused prescription drugs, how they work, and why it’s important to use them only as a doctor says.

Why Do People Abuse Prescription Drugs?

People may abuse drugs for many reasons:

• To feel euphoria (a strong feeling of happiness)

• To stay awake or feel more alert

• To manage stress or pain

• To help with sleep or mood

• To lose appetite or weight

But abusing medicine is dangerous. It can harm your central nervous system, your behavior, and even cause death.

Opioids: Painkillers That Can Be Addictive

What Are Opioids?

Opioids are drugs used for pain management. They work by changing how your nervous system feels pain. Some common opioids are:

• Oxycodone

• Hydrocodone

• Fentanyl

• Morphine

• Codeine

• Hydromorphone

Dangers of Opioids

Opioids can cause:

• Nausea

• Constipation

• Drowsiness

• Trouble breathing

• Feeling high or euphoria

If taken too much, they can lead to an opioid overdose, which can cause coma or death. The opioid epidemic is a serious health care crisis today.

Signs of Opioid Use Disorder

Someone may have opioid use disorder if they:

• Crave opioids

• Can’t stop using them

• Feel sick without them (withdrawal)

• Have trouble with school, work, or family

Stimulants: Drugs That Speed You Up

What Are Stimulants?

Stimulants make people feel awake and focused. Doctors give them for ADHD or narcolepsy. Some common stimulants are:

• Adderall (contains amphetamine and dextroamphetamine)

• Methamphetamine

• Dextroamphetamine

Why Are Stimulants Abused?

Some people take them to:

• Stay alert

• Improve attention

• Stay up late

• Do better in school or work

But they can be dangerous. They may raise your blood pressure, make you feel nervous, and even lead to addiction.

Depressants: Drugs That Slow You Down

What Are Depressants?

Depressants calm the brain and are used to treat anxiety, panic, and insomnia (trouble sleeping). They slow down the central nervous system. Some common ones are:

• Benzodiazepines like:

  • Diazepam

  • Alprazolam

  • Lorazepam

  • Clonazepam

• Hypnotics like:

  • Zolpidem

  • Eszopiclone

• Barbiturates like:

  • Phenobarbital

  • Pentobarbital

  • Secobarbital

Risks of Depressants

These drugs can:

• Cause memory problems

• Make you very sleepy

• Slow breathing

• Lead to physical dependence

• Cause overdose if mixed with alcohol

Other Abused Prescription Drugs

Some people also misuse:

• Naloxone – used to stop opioid overdose

• Dextromethorphan – found in cough medicine; can cause euphoria

• Clonidine – used for blood pressure, but can make you feel sleepy

• Prescription sleep aids – like eszopiclone, zolpidem

Even though these drugs are legal with a doctor’s note, abusing them can be just as risky as using street drugs.

How Prescription Drug Abuse Hurts the Body

Misusing medicine can harm the:

• Brain – messes with memory, thinking, and mood

• Nervous system – can cause seizures or slow breathing

• Heart – increases blood pressure and causes heart problems

• Lungs – slows breathing, can stop it

• Stomach – causes vomiting, constipation, or nausea

It can also lead to addiction, which is a disease. It makes you keep taking a drug even if it’s hurting you.

How to Know If Someone Has a Problem

If someone:

• Takes more medicine than needed

• Uses someone else’s pills

• Acts different (sad, mad, tired)

• Stops doing things they love

• Needs the drug to feel okay

They may have prescription drug addiction. It’s not their fault—it’s a disease, and they need help.

Getting Help: Treatment and Support

What Are Treatment Programs?

Treatment programs help people stop using drugs and get healthy. These programs may include:

• Talking to a health professional or physician

• Going to a clinic like the Mayo Clinic

• Getting therapy for behavior and feelings

• Using medicine like naloxone or others to stop cravings

• Joining peer support groups

• Staying in sobriety (not using drugs)

Recovery is possible. People can get better with care, support, and time.

How Health Professionals Help

Doctors and nurses can:

• Watch for side effects

• Teach about safe use

• Check if a patient is at risk

• Give medicine to help stop addiction

• Recommend the best care for each person

Working with a trusted health professional is the safest way to use medicine.

Staying Safe with Medicine

To stay safe:

• Only take medicine from a doctor

• Never share your medicine

• Keep pills in a safe place

• Ask a health professional if you’re not sure

• Talk to an adult if you feel pressure to use drugs

Important Statistics

• Over 16 million people misuse prescription drugs each year in the U.S.

• Most first-time users are under 18 years old

• Opioid abuse causes nearly 50,000 deaths a year in America

• Teens often get pills from friends or family

(Source: American Addiction Centers, Mayo Clinic)

What to Do If You or Someone You Know Needs Help

If you or someone you know is struggling:

• Talk to a health professional

• Visit a clinic

• Call a helpline

• Join a peer support group

• Ask your school counselor or a trusted adult

There is help. There is hope. You are not alone.