Prescription Drugs

Prescription drugs can be classified into three categories. Each of these categories include a number of different drugs which have the potential to be abused. These categories are depressants, stimulants and opioids.

Depressant drugs include benzodiazepine, barbiturates, and sleep medications. Some commonly used benzodiazepines include Xanax, Valium, and Klonipan which are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. Barbiturates which are typically prescribed to treat migraines and seizures include Nembunal and Seconal. Sleep Medications that are commonly abused include Lunesta and Ambien.

Prescription stimulants are used to treat concentration disorders such as ADHD. Some commonly used stimulants include Adderall and Ritalin. The abuse of such drugs has risen greatly in the last 20 years particularly in teens and young adults. These drugs are typically prescribed by a doctor and then can easily become abused by the patient. These drugs can be easily accessible through family and friends without a prescription which only increases the risk of abuse.