Understanding the Most Addictive Prescription Drugs
Any drug can be addictive, not just illegal recreational ones like heroin and cocaine. In fact, some of the most addictive varieties in use today are obtained legally and only with a doctor’s prescription; they’re not intended for pleasure but to alleviate profound physical, emotional, and psychological pain from injuries or mental trauma. For those with prescription drug dependence, understanding how these drugs work and knowing the most addictive prescription drugs can help them move toward recovery.
Drug addiction occurs when your brain gets used to receiving dopamine, a neurotransmitter that affects the brain’s pleasure center. In large doses, this can cause a euphoric “rush” so pleasurable that the user may try to repeat the experience. Eventually, the brain builds up a dependence on the drug, and the user becomes addicted and needs prescription drug detox in Los Angeles.
Addictive prescription drugs come in three categories: opioids, prescribed for physical pain; central nervous system depressants, commonly called tranquilizers; and stimulants, which are used to raise energy levels and improve brain activity.
Opioids
Prescribed for severe pain, opioids are one of the most addictive prescription drugs available. They were developed for ‘breakthrough’ cancer pain, which is so strong it ‘breaks through’ traditional pain-relieving drugs. The intense euphoria makes them highly addictive and highly abused. Signs of abuse include changes in personality; joy followed by lethargy, drowsiness, and confusion; headaches, nausea and vomiting; and possibly even seizures. If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid addiction, consider seeking help at an alcohol detox treatment in Los Angeles. Professional assistance can make a significant difference in your journey toward recovery.
There are four commonly used opioids:
- Oxycodone (Brand Name OxyContin): A sedative that creates a relaxed but euphoric feeling.
- Codeine: Often prescribed in cough medicine, it is said to cause euphoric feelings that make the user feel like they’re swooning. It’s sometimes consumed wot soda and candy to increase the effect.
- Fentanyl: A synthetic opioid prescribed for intense pain, it’s 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is involved in half the opioid-related deaths in the United States each year.
- Meperidine (Brand Name Demerol): This synthetic opioid is often prescribed for moderate to severe pain and can produce feelings of euphoria.
Central Nervous System Depressants
Central Nervous System (CNS) depressants, commonly referred to as tranquilizers, encompass substances such as barbiturates and benzodiazepines. Signs of misuse of these depressants may manifest as drowsiness, lethargy, irritability, memory problems, confusion, slurred speech, nausea, vomiting, and personality changes. If you or someone you know is facing issues related to the misuse of CNS depressants, it’s important to seek professional help. To explore treatment options for CNS depressant misuse, please visit our Alcohol Detox Near Beverly Hills.
Popular kinds of CNS depressants include:
- Clonazepam (brand name Klonopin)
- Diazepam (brand name Valium)
These sedatives are often misused and are among the hardest addictions to kick. They produce “highs” that many users compare to the feeling of being drunk.
Stimulants
Prescription stimulants are often abused to increase energy levels and improve focus. Many individuals initially misuse these stimulants in an attempt to enhance productivity and concentration at school or work. Signs of stimulant misuse may include aggressive behavior, hostility, and paranoia, along with reduced appetite, weight loss, vision changes, and symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. If you or someone you know is struggling with prescription stimulant abuse, seeking professional help is crucial to address these issues effectively. To learn more about treatment options for prescription stimulant abuse, please visit our Alcohol Detox Center Beverly Hills page.
There are two commonly used forms:
- Amphetamine (Brand Name Adderall): Commonly called “speed” or “uppers,” amphetamine is often used to treat Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and narcolepsy because it helps the brain to focus and stay alert.
- Methylphenidate (Brand Name Ritalin): Another treatment for ADD improves attention by raising dopamine levels.
Get Help for Prescription Drug Addiction at Muse
Muse Treatment uses a variety of therapies to assist clients in recovering from prescription drug addiction. Commonly used strategies include cognitive therapy, which tries to influence the patient’s thinking, expectations and behavior while increasing their coping mechanism for various life situations. Patients undergoing prescription detox will do so under medical supervision so their withdrawal symptoms can be carefully monitored.
To learn how we assist you in your journey toward recovery, call Muse Treatment at (800) 426-1818 today.
