PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE

Abuse of prescribed medication is a common problem. People who begin taking medication for legitimate medical reasons can abuse and become dependent on these medications.

Commonly abused prescription drugs include:

painkillers, such as Vicodin, Lortab, Percocet, and Fiorinal
sleeping pills, such as Halcion, Dalmane, Ativan, and Restoril
anti-anxiety medications, such as Valium, Xanax, Clonazepam, and Ativan
cough preparations containing codeine and
stimulants for attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), such as Ritalin, Dexedrine, and Adderal

Many of these drugs may be mixed with alcohol use, which can potentiate the drug's action into a deadly combination.

Often, people will "doctor shop" to obtain multiple prescriptions, forge prescriptions, or steal medication belonging to others. Prescription drug abuse is every bit as dangerous as misuse of illegal drugs or misuse of alcohol. Affected people need the same kind of assistance and medical help as any drug abuser.

Medications need to be taken as prescribed in terms of dosage, frequency, and duration. Self-medication is inappropriate and dangerous.

To learn more, call the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence at 800-NCA-CALL, or 800-622-2255. Speak to a pharmacist or healthcare provider if you are concerned about someone misusing prescription drugs, or call the National Institute on Drug Abuse Referral Hotline at 800-662-HELP.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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