6 Most Abused Prescription Drugs Exposed

Exposed: The most abused prescription drugs revealed. Learn about risks, consequences, and prevention strategies.

Leora BH Staff

April 10, 2024

Understanding Prescription Drug Abuse

Prescription drug abuse is a growing concern that poses significant risks to individuals and communities. It involves the misuse of medications prescribed by healthcare professionals, leading to harmful consequences. In this section, we will provide an overview of prescription drug misuse and explore the impact of prescription drug abuse.

Overview of Prescription Drug Misuse

Prescription drug misuse refers to using medications in ways other than prescribed or for non-medical purposes. This includes taking higher doses, using someone else's prescription, or using prescription drugs to get high. The most misused prescription drugs include opioid painkillers, anti-anxiety medicines, sedatives, and stimulants due to their mind-altering properties [1].

The misuse of prescription drugs can have serious health consequences. It can lead to physical dependence, addiction, and other health complications. Additionally, individuals who misuse prescription drugs are at an increased risk of accidental overdose. It is important to note that prescription drug misuse is different from appropriate medical use, where medications are taken as prescribed under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

Impact of Prescription Drug Abuse

Prescription drug abuse has far-reaching effects on individuals, families, and communities. It affects people of all ages, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The impact of prescription drug abuse can be seen in various aspects of life, including physical and mental health, relationships, and overall well-being.

Health consequences of prescription drug abuse are significant. Misusing these medications can lead to addiction, which is a chronic brain disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use. It can also result in serious physical and mental health problems, including respiratory depression, heart problems, liver damage, cognitive impairment, and increased risk of infectious diseases.

Moreover, prescription drug abuse affects society as a whole. It places a burden on healthcare systems, contributes to increased healthcare costs, and strains law enforcement efforts. It also impacts productivity and can lead to negative social and economic consequences.

Recognizing the severity of prescription drug abuse is crucial in addressing this issue. Education, prevention, and intervention strategies are key in reducing the misuse of prescription drugs and promoting healthier behaviors.

By understanding the overview of prescription drug misuse and the impact of prescription drug abuse, individuals and communities can work towards preventing and addressing this issue. It is important to seek help and support if you or someone you know is struggling with prescription drug misuse, as there are resources available to provide assistance and treatment.

Most Abused Prescription Drugs

Prescription drugs, when misused, can become a significant public health concern. Among the most commonly abused prescription drugs are opioids, stimulants, and benzodiazepines.

Opioids: Prescription opioids like oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), codeine, and morphine are often abused for their pain-relieving and euphoria-inducing effects. They can lead to physical dependence and addiction if misused.
Benzodiazepines: Drugs such as alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium), and lorazepam (Ativan) are prescribed to treat anxiety and sleep disorders. They are frequently abused for their calming and sedative effects.
Stimulants: Medications like Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) and Ritalin (methylphenidate) are prescribed to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. They are abused for their ability to increase alertness, energy, and focus.
Sleep Medications: Drugs such as zolpidem (Ambien) and eszopiclone (Lunesta) are prescribed to treat insomnia. They can be abused for their sedative effects and to induce relaxation or euphoria.
Muscle Relaxants: Medications like carisoprodol (Soma) and cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) are prescribed to relieve muscle spasms and discomfort. They are sometimes abused for their sedative effects and potential to enhance the effects of other substances.
Antidepressants: Certain antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft), may be abused for their mood-altering effects, though this is less common compared to other classes of drugs.

Factors Contributing to Prescription Drug Abuse

Prescription drug abuse is influenced by various factors, including demographic patterns, cultural and age disparities, and common sources of prescription drugs.

Demographic Patterns in Drug Use

Demographic patterns play a significant role in prescription drug abuse. According to a study, male students were generally more likely to report drug use and abuse than female students. Additionally, Hispanic and White students were more likely to report drug use and abuse compared to Asian and African American students prior to and during college [5]. Understanding these demographic patterns can help tailor prevention and intervention strategies to specific populations.

Cultural and Age Disparities

Cultural and age disparities also contribute to prescription drug abuse. Data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) highlighted significant differences in prescription drug misuse and illicit drug use among racial and ethnic groups. Black and Asian participants had lower odds of reporting prescription drug misuse compared to White participants, while individuals classified as others had higher odds of reporting illicit drug use. Hispanic and Black participants were less likely to engage in both prescription drug misuse and illicit drug use behaviors compared to White participants. Cultural and age disparities should be considered when developing intervention programs.

Common Sources of Prescription Drugs

The availability of prescription drugs is a crucial factor in their misuse. The most common source of prescription drugs for misuse is obtaining them from a friend or relative for free, accounting for approximately 50.5% of cases. Another common source is obtaining prescription drugs from one doctor, which accounts for 22.1% of cases. A smaller percentage of individuals buy prescription drugs from a drug dealer or other strangers.

The sources of prescription drugs vary across different demographics. For example, data from SAMHSA shows that females are more likely to obtain prescription pain relievers from a friend or relative for free compared to males. On the other hand, males are more likely to indicate buying pain relievers from a friend or relative. Age-wise, young adults are more likely to buy prescription pain relievers from a friend or relative compared to adolescents and adults [7]. It's important to address these common sources and implement measures to control the availability of prescription drugs to prevent misuse.

Understanding the factors contributing to prescription drug abuse is crucial for implementing effective prevention and intervention strategies. By considering demographic patterns, cultural and age disparities, and common sources of prescription drugs, stakeholders can develop targeted approaches to address this issue and promote responsible use of medications.

Health Consequences and Addiction Treatment

Prescription drug misuse can have severe health consequences, including addiction and overdose. It is important to understand the risks associated with prescription drug misuse, as well as the available treatment options and the challenges involved.

Health Risks of Prescription Drug Misuse

Misusing prescription drugs can lead to various health risks. The specific risks vary depending on the type of drug being misused. For example, misuse of opioids can result in respiratory depression, overdose, and even death. Stimulant misuse can lead to cardiovascular problems, such as high blood pressure and irregular heartbeat. Benzodiazepine misuse can cause drowsiness, confusion, and impaired coordination.

It is crucial to recognize that prescription drugs should only be used as prescribed by a healthcare professional. Misuse of these medications can have serious consequences for both physical and mental health.

Medications for Treating Addiction

Treating addiction to prescription drugs requires a comprehensive approach. Medications can play a crucial role in addiction treatment, particularly for opioid addiction. Medications such as buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone are used to help individuals overcome addiction to prescription opioids.

Buprenorphine and methadone, both opioids themselves, are used to prevent other opioids from affecting the brain and to relieve withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Naltrexone, on the other hand, blocks the effects of opioids and reduces cravings. These medications can help individuals stabilize their lives, engage in treatment, and reduce the risk of relapse.

It is important to note that these medications are not intended as replacements for addiction. They do not produce a high or provide the same effects as the drugs being misused. Instead, they help individuals manage their addiction by reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings, allowing them to function and engage in treatment while restoring balance to affected brain circuits.

Challenges in Addiction Treatment

Despite the availability of effective medications for treating prescription drug addiction, not all individuals seek or receive the appropriate treatment. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), only 21 percent of people admitted for prescription opioid use disorder have a treatment plan that includes medications. This may be due to various factors, including limited access to treatment programs and regulatory limits on the number of patients physicians can treat with certain medications.

An additional challenge in addiction treatment is the limited availability of FDA-approved medications for certain types of prescription drug addiction. For example, there are currently no FDA-approved medications for treating stimulant addiction. As a result, treatment for addiction to prescription stimulants like Adderall® and Concerta® primarily relies on behavioral therapies effective for treating addiction to other stimulant drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine.

Addressing these challenges and improving access to evidence-based addiction treatments are essential steps in combating prescription drug abuse and helping individuals recover from addiction. By raising awareness, expanding treatment options, and providing support, we can make a positive impact on the lives of those affected by prescription drug misuse.

Prevention and Intervention Strategies

To combat the misuse of prescription drugs, various prevention and intervention strategies have been implemented. These strategies aim to raise awareness, enhance regulation, and provide support for individuals at risk. Some key approaches include government initiatives and guidelines, prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs), and strategies for preventing prescription drug abuse.

Government Initiatives and Guidelines

Governments have taken action to address the issue of prescription drug abuse. In 2015, the federal government launched an initiative to reduce overdoses and prevent opioid use disorders. This initiative includes efforts such as the National Institutes of Health's Helping End Addiction Long-term (HEAL) Initiative and the CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain issued in 2016 [9]. These guidelines provide healthcare professionals with evidence-based recommendations for safer and more responsible prescribing practices.

The implementation of government initiatives and guidelines helps to educate healthcare providers, promote responsible prescribing, and raise awareness among patients about the risks associated with prescription drug misuse. By aligning prescribing practices with evidence-based guidelines, the aim is to reduce the availability of prescription drugs for non-medical use and prevent the development of addiction.

Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs

Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) are state-run electronic databases that track controlled prescription drugs. These programs assist in preventing and identifying prescription drug misuse. PDMPs allow healthcare professionals, such as doctors and pharmacists, to access patient prescription history, helping them make informed decisions when prescribing medications [9].

By monitoring prescription patterns and identifying potential cases of misuse or "doctor shopping," PDMPs play a crucial role in preventing the diversion and abuse of prescription drugs. Some states that have implemented PDMPs have seen lower rates of opioid prescribing and overdose. These programs serve as valuable tools for healthcare providers to make informed decisions and intervene when necessary.

Strategies for Preventing Prescription Drug Abuse

Prevention strategies focus on educating individuals, healthcare professionals, and the general public about the risks associated with prescription drug misuse. These strategies aim to promote responsible medication use and reduce the likelihood of non-medical use and addiction.

Public Awareness Campaigns: Public awareness campaigns aim to educate the general population about the dangers of prescription drug misuse and the importance of proper medication use. These campaigns utilize various media platforms to disseminate information, increase awareness, and encourage responsible behaviors.
Education for Healthcare Professionals: Providing education and training to healthcare professionals is essential in promoting responsible prescribing practices. By ensuring that healthcare providers are knowledgeable about the risks, benefits, and appropriate use of prescription drugs, they can make informed decisions when prescribing medications.
Safe Disposal Programs: Proper disposal of unused or expired prescription medications is crucial to prevent their misuse. Safe disposal programs, such as take-back events or permanent drop-off locations, provide a convenient and secure way for individuals to dispose of their unused medications.
Community Support and Treatment Programs: Enhancing access to addiction treatment resources and community support programs is essential for individuals struggling with prescription drug addiction. These programs provide counseling, support groups, and resources to help individuals overcome addiction and maintain long-term recovery.

By implementing comprehensive prevention strategies, governments, healthcare providers, and communities can work together to combat prescription drug abuse and promote safe and responsible medication use.

Vulnerable Populations and Risk Factors

Certain populations are more vulnerable to prescription drug abuse due to various factors. In this section, we will explore two key demographic groups that are particularly at risk: teens and young adults, as well as older adults. Additionally, we will discuss the consequences that arise from prescription drug abuse.

Teens and Young Adults

Prescription drug abuse is highest among teens and young adults, making this demographic particularly vulnerable to the misuse of prescription medications. According to SAMHSA, an annual average of 1.2 million adolescents aged 12 to 17, 2.9 million young adults aged 18 to 25, and 6.6 million adults aged 26 or older misused prescription pain relievers in the past year.

Teens and young adults often obtain prescription drugs for non-medical use through friends or relatives. They may also purchase them from these sources. Young adults, in particular, were more likely than adolescents and adults to indicate that they bought pain relievers from a friend or relative.

Older Adults and Prescription Misuse

Older adults are also at risk of prescription drug abuse, especially when they combine drugs with alcohol, have multiple health issues, or take multiple medications. These factors can increase the likelihood of misuse or addiction among this population [1]. It is important for healthcare providers to closely monitor the medication regimens of older adults to prevent misuse and potential adverse reactions.

Consequences of Prescription Drug Abuse

Prescription drug abuse can have severe consequences for individuals and society as a whole. The misuse of prescription drugs can lead to addiction, physical and mental health problems, financial difficulties, legal issues, and strained relationships. Additionally, the misuse of prescription opioids, in particular, has contributed to the ongoing opioid crisis, with devastating consequences for public health and communities.

Treatment for prescription drug addiction is crucial to help individuals recover and regain control over their lives. However, not all people with opioid use disorder seek treatment, and even if they do, they do not necessarily receive medications. Only 21 percent of people admitted for prescription opioid use disorder have a treatment plan that includes medications. This highlights the challenges in providing accessible and comprehensive addiction treatment to those in need.

Understanding the vulnerability of certain populations, such as teens, young adults, and older adults, is essential in developing targeted prevention and intervention strategies. By addressing the risk factors associated with prescription drug abuse and promoting education and awareness, we can work towards reducing the misuse of prescription drugs and improving the overall well-being of these vulnerable populations.