Most Abused Prescription Drugs
By: Lakeview Health Staff
Published: August 24, 2020

Drug addiction can form from abuse of prescription drugs. Just because a doctor writes a prescription does not mean they are safe to use. It is critical to follow your doctor’s orders and, whenever possible, to ensure you are able to stop using addiction-forming treatments as soon as possible. At Lakeview Health, we will work with you to help you, especially if you are using one of the most abused prescription drugs today. If you’re battling an addiction to prescription drugs, we can help. Contact our Florida treatment center today at using our online form to learn more.

What Are the Most Abused Prescription Drugs?

It’s never wise to stop taking a drug prescribed to you by your doctor. However, some drugs are habit-forming. That means your body may become dependent on the drug, and you may find yourself seeking out more of the drug to get the same level of treatment. With the help of our team, we can work closely with you to help you break free from the most abused prescription drugs causing addiction. Our prescription drug treatment program will help you determine the root cause of your substance abuse and provide you with the tools you need to recover.

The following are some of the most abused prescription drugs. If you are using these, seek help to stop doing so.

Depressant Drugs

Depressants are drugs used to control anxiety and, in some cases, work to improve sleep quality. Some are used as sedatives. Among drugs that work as a depressant, the most common include:

  • Barbiturates, such as Amytal, Seconal, and Phenobarbital
  • Benzodiazepines, such as Ativan, Valium, Xanax, and Klonopin
  • Sleep medications, such as Ambien, Lunesta, and Sonata

Opioids and Morphine Derivatives

Opioids, often prescribed for pain relief, are also commonly abused. They include:

  • Codeine, such as Tylenol with Codeine, Empirin with codeine
  • Morphine, such as Duramorph
  • Methadone, such as Methadose, Dolophine
  • Fentanyl, such as Sublimaze and Actiq

Stimulants

Stimulants excite the brain and central nervous system as a whole. These are often used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Commonly abused drugs include:

  • Amphetamines, such as Dexedrine, Adderall, and Biphetamine
  • Methylphenidates, such as Concerta and Ritalin

Dual Diagnosis Treatments

For many individuals, their substance abuse is caused by or causes mental health conditions. In such cases, it’s critical to find a treatment program that offers dual diagnosis treatment. Dual diagnosis treatment addresses both mental health and substance abuse treatment simultaneously. This type of treatment gives you the tools you need to manage both conditions after you finish your addiction treatment.

How Do You Know You Have an Addiction?

As noted, you should not stop taking the drugs prescribed to you by your doctor. Yet, you should pay close attention to your use of them. If you notice a sense of cravings when you do not take them, or you are running out of your prescription before you should, it may be time to consider treatment for addiction.

There is help available to you if you are facing addiction. That includes reaching out to our team for medical detox services, residential drug treatment, or intensive outpatient programs. Many people also need to work with their doctors to ensure they have access to additional help, such as dual diagnosis care and aftercare treatment programs. Comprehensive support is critical.

Put Your Future First at Lakeview Health

Are you watching a loved one struggle with addiction? Do you yourself use some of the most abused prescription drugs? If so, you may be ready to find treatment and healing. At Lakeview Health, we can provide that to you with a range of treatment programs and opportunities. We encourage you to work closely with us as we help you to heal and overcome the struggles you are facing. Contact Lakeview Health today using our online form.

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