Some people abuse prescription drugs because they think they will help them have more fun, lose weight, fit in, and even study more effectively. Prescription drugs can be easier to get than street drugs, Family members or friends may have them easily available. But prescription drugs are also sometimes sold on the street like other illegal drugs. Prescription drugs are only safe for the people who have prescriptions for them and used as directed. That’s because a doctor has examined these people and prescribed the right dose of medicine for their medical condition. The doctor has also told them exactly how they should take the medicine, including things to avoid while taking the drug. They also are aware of side effects and can watch patients closely for these. Can-Am would like to bring awareness to this common issue and to touch on some of the specifics.
Which Drugs Are Abused?
The most often used prescription drugs fall into three classes:
1. Opioids
- Examples: oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), and meperidine (Demerol)
- Medical uses: Opioids are used to treat pain.
- How they work: Opioids attach to opioid receptors in the central nervous system (the brain and the spinal cord), preventing the brain from receiving pain messages.
2. Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants
- Examples: phenobarbital (Luminal), diazepam (Valium), and alprazolam (Xanax)
- Medical uses: CNS depressants are used to treat seizures, anxiety, panic attacks, and sleep disorders.
- How they work: CNS depressants slow down brain activity by making changes in brain chemicals. The result is a drowsy or calming effect.
3. Stimulants
- Examples: methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (Adderall)
- Medical uses: Stimulants can be used to treat ADHD and other conditions.
- How they work: Stimulants increase brain activity, resulting in greater alertness, attention, and energy.
The Dangers of Abusing Medicines
Like all drug abuse, using prescription drugs for the wrong reasons has serious risks for a person’s health.
Opioid abuse can lead to mood and behavior changes, trouble thinking clearly, breathing problems, and even a coma or death. This risk is higher when opioids are taken with other substances like alcohol, antihistamines, and CNS depressants.
CNS depressant abuse is risky too. Depressants can make people sleepy, uncoordinated, or confused, and can lead to slurred speech and slowed breathing. Abruptly stopping or reducing them too quickly can lead to seizures. Taking CNS depressants with other medicines, such as prescription painkillers, some over-the-counter cold and allergy medicines, or alcohol can slow a person’s heartbeat and breathing — and even kill.
Stimulant abuse (like with some ADHD drugs) may cause heart problems, seizures, panic attacks, paranoia, and violent behavior. These risks increase when stimulants are mixed with other medicines — even ones you can buy without a prescription, like cold medicines.
Help?
The dangers of prescription drug abuse can be even worse if they are taken in a way they weren’t intended to be used. People who abuse medicines can become addicted as easily as if they were taking street drugs. This problem occurs very often amongst young adults and teenagers. Can-Am would like to extend an open invitation to discuss these types of issues happening to our youth and to help educate on this matter. We are here to provide guidance and treatment to those struggling with this very dire and sensitive issue. Our team specializes in addiction(s) therapy and facilitating treatment options. If you or someone you care about is struggling with addiction, please reach out to us. We are here and ready to help. The first step to recovery is one phone call away.
E: patti.pike@canaminterventions.com
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415-827-3725 Cell /Text
415-578-2875 Office