Beyond opioid painkillers, addictions are on the rise for sedatives, anti-anxiety medications and stimulants, the latter taken by many professionals, students and athletes for their performance effects.
Below are some commonly abused prescription drugs.
- Opioids, particularly oxycodone and drugs containing hydrocodone (Vicodin)
- Anti-anxiety medications and sedatives, including alprazolam (Xanax) and diazepam (Valium),
- Hypnotics, including zolpidem (Ambien)
- Stimulants, including methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine and amphetamine (Adderall XR) and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine)
The signs of opioid, anti-anxiety or stimulant abuse are the same as any drug abuse -- erratic behavior, excessive sleepiness or hyperactivity resulting in decreased sleep, an unusually revved-up appearance or glassy eyes, sedation, mood swings, and inability to focus.
In some cases, addiction comes on gradually, as a patient deals with chronic pain and receives prescriptions from one or more compliant doctors. In other cases, they may borrow medicine from a friend and enjoy the experience so much that they start looking for the drugs available on the street. While some people are prescribed the drugs after surgery, they become used to the relief and start to extend their use. Peer pressure and a social environment where drug abuse is prevalent may also play a role with some younger people.