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The Top 10 Most Abused Prescription Drugs

Top 10 abused prescription drugs

You may think that only illicit drugs are dangerous. However, why are there prescription drug addiction treatment programs if that’s true? Sometimes, even drugs you can legally obtain are highly addictive. This is a public health issue at this point — the U.S. is dealing with an opioid epidemic, in part due to prescription opioids.

Opioids aren’t the only type of legally available drug abused, though. Check out the list of the top 10 most abused prescription drugs below. Searching for a prescription drug addiction treatment program near Boston, MA? Reach out to Rockland Recovery today by calling 855.732.4842 or contacting our team online.

What Are the Top 10 Most Abused Prescription Drugs?

1. Adderall

Adderall is a psychostimulant drug used in the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the treatment of narcolepsy. It’s widely known as a prescription drug that’s abused on college campuses and workplaces as a way to focus more when studying or working. It’s also often prescribed to adolescents.

2. Ambien

Ambien is a sedative often prescribed as a short-term treatment for insomnia. It makes falling asleep or maintaining sleep easier. Ambien is often abused in conjunction with other drugs or taken to aid a person in coming down from a high off stimulant drugs such as crack or cocaine.

3. Fentanyl

Fentanyl was created to aid in managing breakthrough pain in adults with cancer. However, it is a highly addictive substance as it’s also an opioid. Apart from prescription fentanyl, illicitly produced and sold fentanyl is also common on the streets. Most recently, a rash of heroin overdose deaths throughout the U.S. was caused by heroin that was adulterated with fentanyl.

4. Klonopin

Klonopin was created for the management of absence seizures and myoclonic seizures in children, as well as generalized seizures in both adults and children. It is often used for the treatment of panic disorders. When abused, Klonopin is often taken in conjunction with alcohol or Adderall.

5. OxyContin

OxyContin is a prescription pain reliever used to treat moderate to severe pain. Often abused, its crush-resistant formulation was created and marketed in 2010.

6. Percocet

Percocet is another prescription painkiller. It is a combination of opioid analgesic and anilide analgesic, and it provides relief from moderate to moderately severe pain. Percocet is often crushed into a powder and snorted for a quicker high.

7. Suboxone

Suboxone is an FDA-approved prescription drug created to be used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) components of addiction treatment programs. It is meant to be a bridge for clients into abstinence from drugs. While Suboxone is an effective drug when used to aid in the opiate detox process, it’s also now often sold on the streets. It’s become the top illicit drug bought and sold in U.S. jails and prisons.

8. Valium

Valium is the brand name of diazepam, a medication used to treat anxiety disorders, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, or muscle spasms. It is often overprescribed or incorrectly prescribed. Valium is typically misused along with alcohol or other depressants.

9. Vicodin

Vicodin is another prescription pain killer often indicated for relief from moderate to moderately severe pain. While often thought of as less harmful or less addictive than OxyContin or Percocet, more potent versions of Vicodin are hitting the market.

10. Xanax

Xanax is a benzodiazepine. Prescription medication is used in the treatment of anxiety and panic disorders. Often causing blackouts and memory problems, Xanax is often abused with alcohol.

Ready To Learn More About Rockland Recovery’s Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment Program?

If you’re looking for a prescription drug addiction treatment program near Boston, MA, contact Rockland Recovery today. Reach out to our team online or call 855.732.4842.

Medical Reviewer Kate Perfetti, LADC II

Medically Reviewed by Kate Perfetti, LADC II

Kate is a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor who has worked in the field of substance abuse for the last nine years. At Rockland Recovery, Kate works to provide resources to the local community and engage and progress Rockland Recovery’s alumni program.

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