Generally Abused OTC and Healing Drugs

Drug abuse is not just about street drugs. Besides marijuana, legal medicines are the most commonly abused drugs in all over the world and healing drugs can help and restore to health. But some can be addictive and dangerous if they are used the wrong way.

Sleeping Pills

If you have trouble sleeping, drugs like zolpidem, zaleplon and eszopiclone can help you get the rest you need. But if you use them longer than your doctor suggests, you may start to believe you need them to sleep. Although they are not as addictive as some sleeping pills, doctors are concerned about abuse if they are not taken as approved.

Barbiturates

These are tranquilizers like phenobarbital, pentobarbital, and secobarbital. They help with nervousness, sleep problems, and some abduction. But if you take more than prescribed, you can get addicted. High doses can cause trouble breathing, especially if you use them when you drink alcohol. If you can’t function without barbiturates, get help. Going into withdrawal can be dangerous.

Codeine and Morphine

Some of the most commonly abused prescription meds are painkillers specifically, opioids. These drugs dull pain, but in large doses they can also cause a euphoric high and dangerous side effects. Doctors usually prescribe morphine for severe pain and codeine for milder pain or coughing. Brands of morphine include Avinza, Kadian, and MS Contin.

Vicodin, Lortab, Lorcet

These drugs contain the opioid hydrocodone plus acetaminophen. Opioids cause drowsiness and constipation. High doses can cause dangerous breathing problems. Vicodin's street names include "vike" and "Watson-387."

Benzodiazepines

Alprazolam and diazepam are two examples of benzodiazepines another type of sedative that can help with anxiety, panic attacks, and sleep problems. They work well and they're safer than barbiturates. But overused, they can also lead to physical dependence and addiction. Prescription drugs shouldn't be shared. They are only for the person with the prescription. 

OxyContin, Percocet

Another opioid painkiller is oxycodone. It's in drugs like Percodan, Percocet, OxyContin, and Roxicodone. People who abuse oxycodone sometimes crush it and snort it or inject it, greatly raising the risk of overdose. Street names include "O.C.," "oxy," and "oxycotton" for OxyContin and "percs" for Percocet or Percodan.

Many kids assume that common household drugs or even prescription medicines are safer than street drugs because they are legal. Explain the risks. Head off problems and clean out your medicine cabinet. Get rid of the drugs you don't need, and keep track of the ones you do. Get help from counselor or professional of Lifeline Rehab Center if drug is getting in the way of your life.