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Prescription
drug misuse and abuse is cause
for great concern. As of 2008, teens cite prescription drugs as the second most accessable drugs available to them, after marijuana. Teens also view the drugs as 'safe' highs. Prescription drugs are medications that should only be used as prescribed. The addictive potential of prescription drugs is the same as that of illegal drugs -- such as cocaine or heroin -- and the consequences of use can be severe. The following pages contain lists of drugs prescribed and abused (by schedule). Research reports and articles for further information are at the bottom of the pages.
Opoid (analgesic/narcotic) drugs
are the most commonly misused of prescription
drugs. Below are the three categories of prescription
drugs:
OPOID
(OxyContin, Vicodin, Percocet), also known as
analgesics or opiods are drugs that are prescribed
for moderate to severe physical pain. They are
abused because of their euphoric, sedating, and
numbing effects. Narcotic abuse causes tolerance
and dependence and the withdrawal symptoms are
severe.
DEPRESSANTS
(Xanax, Valium, Librium) are drugs that are prescribed
to treat anxiety and sleep disorders. They are
abused because of their sedating properties. With
abuse, depressants cause tolerance and dependence
and the withdrawal symptoms can be severe.
STIMULANTS
(Ritalin, Dexedrine, Meridia) are prescribed to
treat ADD/ADHD and other conditions such as asthma.
They are abused because of their energizing and
euphoric effects. Stimulants do not generally
cause tolerance or dependence but abuse is associated
with hostility and paranoia. There is also great
risk for cardiovascular failure and seizures.
Go
to the Prescription Drug List >>
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