Prescription Drug Abuse in Fort Lee NJ
Prescription drugs contain psychoactive properties which have high abuse potential. Many people who abuse these drugs originally starting using prescription drugs from a doctor's prescription. Many of these people become addicted to these substances resulting in drug abuse. Many turn to illegal methods of getting prescription drugs.
Prescription drug abuse treatment programs are expanding to help these rising numbers of people with prescription drug abuse problems. For help with an addiction or substance abuse, contact Drug Treatment Centers Fort Lee at (877) 804-1531 and we will help you find drug treatment centers.
Common Prescription Drug Abuse
Opiates are prescribed for acute and chronic pain. Hydrocodone is a powerful narcotic commonly prescribed by doctors. When tolerance builds and more hydrocodone is taken than prescribed, prescription drug abuse develops. Here are some brand and street names for hydrocodone:
- Vicodin
- Lortab
- Hydro
- Norco
- Vikes
- Lorcet-HD
- Hycodan
Sedatives are prescribed medications for treating anxiety and insomnia. Diazepam, brand name Valium, is a common sedative prescribed by doctors. As the tolerance builds, if sedatives are taken for long durations, increasing the dosage and developing a dependence results in prescription drug addiction. Brand names for diazepam include:
- Valium
- Diastat
- Diazepam Intensol
- Diastat
- AcuDial
Stimulants are prescribed medications for hyperactivity disorders and attention-deficit disorders. One example is methylphenidate, used to treat people diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). People without ADHD feel the full effects of stimulants and the potential for abuse is high in those cases. Brand names for methylphenidate include:
- Concerta
- Methylin
- Medikinet
- Ritalin
- Equasym XL
- Quillivant XR
- Metadate
Signs and Symptoms of Prescription Medication Abuse
Opioid drugs:
- Constipation
- Depression
- Low blood pressure
- Suppressed breathing
- Disorientation
- Excessive sweating
- Repressed breathing
Sedatives, anti-anxiety medications:
- Insomnia
- Confusion
- Unsteady gait
- Poor judgment
- Dizziness
- Memory loss
- Agitation
Stimulants:
- Weight loss
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- High blood pressure
- Heartbeat irregularities
- Restlessness
- Impulsiveness
- Agitation
Drug Abuse Facts: The DEA Schedule of Drugs
According to the DEA, prescription drugs fall into Schedules II through V classifications. Schedule I class have no approved medical use, even under medical supervision. This list gives an idea of where some drugs are classified.
Schedule II (High potential for abuse leading to psychological or physical dependence, considered dangerous) includes:
- Hydrocodone
- Concerta
- Methadone
- Hydromorphone
- Meperidine
- Oxycodone
- Percocet
- Fentanyl
- Dexedrine
- Adderall
- Ritalin
Schedule III (Moderate to low potential for dependence) includes:
- Tylenol with codeine
- Suboxone
Schedule IV (Low potential for abuse and low risk of dependence) includes:
- Xanax
- Darvon
- Darvocet
- Valium
- Ambien
Schedule V (Lower potential for abuse than Schedule IV) includes:
- Cough preparations with codeine (Robitussin AC),
- Lomotil
- Lyrica
- Parepectolin
Why Prescription Drugs Are So Addictive
Prescription drugs have different effects on the brain, making these drugs addictive. Prescription drugs contain psychoactive substances that activate parts of the brain which allows a person to experience the world differently. By creating a different world, one that is perceived as better than reality, the person develops a desire to escape the "real word" and go into the "different world".
Secondly, the pleasure centers of the brain are stimulated by drugs and a mental addiction occurs. The brain is taught what it feels like when substances are used, but it can't duplicate the experience by itself. The brain then produces cravings, so a person will consume the drug to reach the desired effects. If this pattern repeats enough times, the mental addiction becomes physical, when the person can no longer function normally without the drug.
Drug Abuse Health Risks
Prescription drug abuse carries numerous health risks including:
- Opioids: Choking, low blood pressure, repressed breathing, stopped breathing, coma, and death
- Sedatives: Memory problems, low blood pressure, repressed breathing, stopped breathing, coma, and death
- Stimulants: High body temperature, heart palpitations, elevated blood pressure, seizures, tremors, hallucinations, aggressiveness, hostility, paranoia
Don't wait to get help looking for treatment centers— we can help with your search-- Call Drug Treatment Centers Fort Lee at (877) 804-1531.