pharmaceuticals, health & alcoholism

pharmaceutical abuse

reprinted from www.kidshealth.org

Which Drugs Are Abused?

The most commonly used prescription drugs fall into three classes:

Opioids

  • Examples: Oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), and meperidine (Demerol).

  • Medical uses: Opioids are used to treat pain or relieve coughs or diarrhea.

  • How they work: Opioids attach to opioid receptors in the central nervous system (the brain and the spinal cord), preventing the brain from receiving pain messages.

    Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants

  • Examples: Pentobarbital sodium (Nembutal), diazepam (Valium), and alprazolam (Xanax).

  • Medical uses: CNS depressants are used to treat anxiety, tension, panic attacks, and sleep disorders.

  • How they work: CNS depressants slow down brain activity by increasing the activity of a neurotransmitter called GABA. The result is a drowsy or calming effect.

    Stimulants

  • Examples: Methylphenidate (Ritalin), amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (Adderall), and atomoxetine (Strattera).

  • Medical uses: Stimulants can be used to treat narcolepsy, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, obesity, and asthma.

  • How they work: Stimulants increase brain activity, resulting in greater alertness, attention, and energy.

    Over-the-Counter Drugs

    Some people mistakenly think that prescription drugs are more powerful because you need a prescription for them. But it's possible to abuse or become addicted to over-the-counter (OTC) medications, too.

    For example, dextromethorphan (DXM) is found in some OTC cough medicines. When someone takes the number of teaspoons or tablets that are recommended, everything is fine. But high doses can cause problems with the senses (especially vision and hearing) and can lead to confusion, stomach pain, numbness, and even hallucinations.





    • articles:

    What is Alcoholism?

    The medical view on what constitutes the disease of alcoholism.


    Pharmaceutical Abuse

    A description of the growing problem of prescription drug abuse.



    advertising info:

    Advertise With Us!

    We offer advertising services on Pharmaceuticals, Health and Alcoholism as well as on our sister site, People Helping Alcoholics. Advertise your rehabilitation center, detox unit or sober living with us and enjoy more referrals.