What is prescription drug abuse?
Prescription drugs are drugs that are prescribed by a certified medical practitioner for a specific disorder or ailment. There are a lot many instances, however, where there may be some pills left after the prescribed dosage has been taken. These can be easily misused. Also, prescriptions lying around can be easily misused by those wanting to get a quick high. This can be really dangerous, especially if the drugs are very potent as you can overdose very easily.
Types of prescription drugs that are abused
There are different types of prescription drugs that affect the body in different ways. Some may help relieve pain, some may help reduce depression, while some others may help with better concentration.
- Stimulants: They help increase alertness, concentration and energy levels. They may also lead to an increase in the heart rate, blood pressure and breathing.
- Opioids and morphine derivatives: They help alleviate pain and are generally known as painkillers.
- Depressants: They slow down the functioning of the central nervous system. They may be sedatives (that make you drowsy) and tranquilizers (that help reduce anxiety).
- Anti-depressants: These are generally used to treat depression and act as mood-boosters as well as help with other factors that help decrease depression.
Although these are drugs that may be prescribed by a certified medical practitioner for certain disorders and illnesses, they are still very potent and can be highly toxic if overused or misused. There have been many cases where abuse of these drugs have led to fatality. Selling these drugs to individuals other than those who are asked to take them is as illegal as selling other banned drugs like heroin and cocaine.
It is best to stay away from these drugs altogether, unless you have been prescribed some for a particular reason. Even then, you should stick to the specified dosages and keep away from abusing these highly potent substances.
