The Dangers of Prescription Drug Abuse

Effects of the Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs

Whether you misuse your prescription or someone else's, prescription drug abuse comes with many health-related consequences. The experts at North Georgia Recovery Center are here to provide some additional insight on the negative effects of prescription drug abuse.

Opioids

Opioids like OxyContin and Vicodin are typically prescribed by doctors to treat pain, relieve severe coughs, or treat diarrhea in patients. Because this type of drug is used to relax tension throughout the body, people can become addicted to the “high” of this relaxed state.

Common ways to misuse opioids include:

• Taking a higher dose than prescribed.
• Taking someone else’s prescription.
• Only taking the drug for its effects.

Side Effects

Some of the most commonly experienced side effects of opioid misuse include:

• Confusion
• Cold flashes
• Constipation
• Coma
• Death
• Disorientation
• Drowsiness
• Hypoxia
• Muscle and bone pain
• Nausea
• Overdose
• Permanent brain damage
• Slowed breathing
• Slowed metabolism
• Sleep issues

Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants

Central nervous system (CNS) depressants like Valium and Xanax are typically prescribed to address the symptoms of the following mental health disorders:

• Anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Sleep disorders

Common ways to misuse CNS depressants include:

• Taking a higher dose than prescribed.
• Taking someone else’s prescription.
• Only taking the drug for its effects.

Side Effects

Some of the most commonly experienced side effects of CNS depressant misuse include:

• Anxiety
• Confusion
• Coordination problems
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Hallucinations
• Headaches
• Insomnia
• Lowered blood pressure
• Lightheadedness
• Overdose
• Trouble concentrating
• Slowed breathing
• Seizures

Stimulants

Stimulants like Ritalin and Adderall are usually used to treat conditions like attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, increasing one’s alertness, concentration, and energy levels.

Common ways to misuse stimulants include:

• Taking a higher dose than prescribed.
• Taking someone else’s prescription.
• Only taking the drug for its effects.

Side Effects

Some of the most commonly experienced side effects of stimulant misuse include:

• Dangerously high body temperature
• Decreased circulation
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Increase blood pressure and heart rate
• Increased blood sugar
• Heart failure
• Overdose
• Paranoia
• Psychosis
• Rapid breathing
• Sleep issues

Prescription Drug Abuse Treatment at North Georgia Recovery Center

The road to recovery starts with taking the first step. Let us walk alongside you on the path to sobriety and wellness. When you choose to get treatment at North Georgia Recovery Center, you can rest assured knowing that you will be treated by licensed therapists in our state-of-the-art facilities. Every one of our team members is certified to address and effectively treat the issues that come along with addiction.