Prescription painkillers are some of the most widely abused substances today. Examples of commonly abused opioids include:
Some attribute their increased use to the fact that physicians are prescribing these drugs more frequently to treat both acute and chronic pain. The drugs are highly addictive, even when they are taken as prescribed. People that get hooked may continue to take the drug for non-medical purposes. If the prescription drugs become too difficult to get on the street, users may turn to street drugs like heroin to take their place.
When properly prescribed, some stimulants can help those with attention deficit disorder focus better to complete tasks. Common stimulants include:
The effects of these drugs, including increased alertness and energy, have made them popular drugs of abuse as well. A common choice among students, these drugs are called study drugs because they are frequently used to keep people awake and alert while cramming for examinations. In addition to the “high” users get when they take them, these drugs may cause dangerously accelerated heart rate and breathing, particularly when they are combined with other stimulants.
This class of drugs is commonly prescribed for those that struggle with anxiety or sleep disorders. The common drugs in this category include:
These drugs cause feelings of drowsiness, lowered inhibitions and overall feelings of wellbeing. However, the drugs are also extremely addictive and very dangerous, especially when taken with other types of sedatives and alcohol. Long-term use can lead to paranoia, irritability and suicidal thoughts.
Prescription drugs have the misconception of safety, due to the fact that they are prescribed by physicians. However, when these drugs are taken for purposes outside of their medicinal use, they can be just as dangerous, if not more dangerous, than illicit drugs sold on the street. These drugs have all the features of addictive substances including needing more of the drug over time to get the same effects (tolerance), strong cravings for the drug and unpleasant withdrawal symptoms if the drug is suddenly stopped.
If you are struggling with a prescription drug addiction, you are not alone and help is available. Contact the professional team at Pasadena Recovery Center today at 866-663-3030.
]]>Despite the spread of legalization across the country, marijuana continues to be classified as a schedule 1 drug by the FDA. This puts marijuana in the same category as other drugs having a high potential for abuse and no accepted safety for use. Schedule 1 drugs also have no currently accepted medicinal use, despite proponent’s claims to the contrary.
Studies have shown long-term marijuana use can lead to brain, heart and lung damage. It is particularly dangerous for younger users, with the potential to disrupt proper brain function and even permanently lower IQ. While the drug is not considered as addictive as other illicit substances, higher concentrations of THC is today’s pot could change that.
Unlike prescription drugs on the market, marijuana is not subject to any type of FDA regulations and control. This leaves users at the mercy of marijuana retailers who sell the substance without full disclosure of THC concentrations or other substances that might be found in the mix.
Currently, there are FDA-approved drugs on the market that contain the ingredients in marijuana proven to help with pain and nausea. Patients requiring opiates for pain take FDA-approved opioids for this purpose. They do not smoke opium to receive the benefits. The same could apply to the ingredients found in marijuana.
Although proponents assert that medical marijuana would be restricted to those that have a medical need, past history proves that in-demand drugs offered by prescription only can find their way into the wrong hands via the black market. This has been true of both prescription opioids and drugs used to treat some types of mental and behavioral disorders, such as Adderall.
Just last year, the American Academy of Pediatrics noted that making marijuana available to adults could increase accessibility to teens and children. The AAP also opposes the use of medicinal marijuana in children, stating there have not been studies performed at this time to show the drug has any benefit that would outweigh the risks of allowing younger patients to use the drug.
By legalizing marijuana for “medicinal purposes,” legislators are giving the impression that marijuana is a relatively safe substance that offers benefits to some patients. However, marijuana has not been proven to be safe for use and in fact, studies have shown the harm of using the drug, especially over a prolonged period. Opponents of medical marijuana fear that message could easily get lost in the abundance of marijuana dispensaries and “patients” touting the drug’s benefits, leading more people to try using the substance.
At Pasadena Recovery Center, we are opposed to legalizing marijuana for any purpose, because we have seen firsthand the damage this dangerous drug can cause. If you are struggling with marijuana use, contact our staff today to get the help you need at 866-663-3030.
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