Prescription Drug Addiction Information

Prescription drugs have made their way into the category of street drugs, and can be just as dangerous (if not more so) than illegal or non prescribed drugs.

There is a common misconception that because prescription drugs are legal, and prescribed, that they are safe. This is not true! Recreational use of any drug is very dangerous, because you are gambling with every aspect of your life.

There are three main types of prescription drugs that have become popular for recreational use.

Pain relievers (opioids) such as Vicadin and Demeral are quickly becoming popular recreational drugs because they are easily accessible. The effect of taking these opium based drugs are similar to the effects of taking heroin, and these effects last up to 12 hours.

OxyContin, or Oxycodone, is one of the most dangerous prescription drugs available. It is often prescribed to treat those suffering moderate to severe physical pain.

After having made headlines numerous times due to the high number of overdoses related to recreational use of OxyContin, this prescription is written much less than it used to be but the drug is still available steadily.

Other versions of OxyContin are Percocet, Percoden, and Tylox. These drugs can all be highly addicting physically, even if prescribed and used to treat pain and not for recreational use.

Tranquilizers, or depressants, are another physically addicting drug. These are often prescribed to treat anxiety and sleep disorders.

Recreational users take depressants, such as Valium and Xanax, for the 'dopey' feeling. Not only are downers dangerous to be addicted to, but the easy access to tranquilizers is especially dangerous because these are often used as a date rape drug.

Stimulants (or uppers) such as Ritalin are prescribed for treatment of narcolepsy, obesity, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

While recreational use of stimulants do not have the same high risk of physical addiction as tranquilizers and pain relievers, the effects of recreationally using stimulants can be just as damaging.

When taken in high doses, a stimulant causes dangerously high body temperatures, paranoia, irregular heartbeat, and a compulsive use in high doses (or binges).

Prescription drugs have the same addicting traits whether you are taking prescription drugs that have been prescribed to you, or you are taking them for recreational purposes. If you are addicted to a prescription drug, there is addiction treatment available that can help treat both your addiction and the underlying cause of your addiction.

If you are prescribed a drug, you should let your doctor know if you are feeling dependant on the prescription and to try something less controlling.