Most Abused Prescription Drugs

June 25, 2024

Unveiling the most abused prescription drugs: opioid painkillers, anti-anxiety meds, sedatives, and stimulants. Learn the risks and prevention strategies.

Understanding Prescription Drug Abuse

Prescription drug abuse is a significant public health issue that requires attention and understanding. To comprehend the scope of prescription drug misuse, it is essential to delve into the various aspects associated with this problem.

Scope of Prescription Drug Misuse

Prescription drug abuse encompasses the non-medical use of prescription medications, which includes taking medications without a prescription, taking larger doses than prescribed, or using them for reasons other than their intended medical purpose.

The statistics surrounding prescription drug abuse highlight the magnitude of the issue. In 2020, the SAMHSA National Helpline received 833,598 calls, representing a 27% increase from the previous year. These numbers indicate a concerning trend and emphasize the need for effective prevention and intervention strategies.

According to the NCBI Bookshelf, an annual average of 10.7 million people aged 12 or older misused prescription pain relievers, accounting for 4.1% of the population. The misuse of prescription drugs extends beyond pain relievers and includes other categories such as anti-anxiety medicines, sedatives, and stimulants.

Understanding the sources of these prescription drugs is crucial. The most common source reported by individuals who engaged in prescription drug misuse was obtaining the drugs from a friend or relative at no cost, accounting for 50.5% of past-year users aged 12 or older. This highlights the importance of proper medication storage and disposal to prevent diversion and unauthorized use.

The rise in prescription drug misuse and abuse, particularly opioids, has been attributed to various factors. These include increased availability due to aggressive pain treatment, the development of new formulations, marketing by pharmaceutical companies, and the high street value of these drugs [3]. Factors such as sharing, doctor shopping, prescription fraud, and theft contribute to the diversion of prescription drugs for illicit use.

To combat prescription drug abuse effectively, it is crucial to implement prevention and intervention strategies. These include the establishment of prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs), which are state-run electronic databases used to track the prescribing and dispensing of controlled prescription drugs to patients. PDMPs have shown promising results in reducing opioid prescribing and overdose rates in some states, although challenges related to best practices, ease of use, and interoperability still need to be addressed [4].

By understanding the scope of prescription drug misuse, we can work towards implementing proactive measures to address this issue and ensure the safe and appropriate use of prescription medications.

Most Abused Prescription Drugs

Prescription drug abuse is a growing concern, with certain medications being more commonly misused than others. The following are some of the most abused prescription drugs:

Opioid Painkillers

Opioid painkillers, such as morphine, codeine, oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet), and hydrocodone-containing drugs (Vicodin, Lortab, Lorcet), are frequently misused due to their potential for producing a euphoric high and their addictive properties. These medications are often prescribed for the management of moderate to severe pain. However, when taken in larger doses or in ways other than prescribed, they can lead to serious health risks and addiction [5].

Street names for these drugs include "oxy," "O.C.," "oxycotton" for OxyContin, "percs" for Percocet or Percodan, and "vike" or "Watson-387" for Vicodin.

Anti-Anxiety Medicines

Anti-anxiety medicines, also known as benzodiazepines, are another class of prescription drugs that are frequently misused. Medications such as Xanax, Valium, and Ativan are commonly prescribed to treat anxiety and panic disorders. However, they can produce a calming and sedating effect, leading to misuse and dependence when taken in higher doses or for non-medical purposes.

Sedatives

Sedatives, including sleep medications like Ambien and barbiturates like phenobarbital, are often misused for their sedative effects. These drugs are prescribed to help individuals with sleep disorders or anxiety-related sleep issues. Misuse of sedatives can result in drowsiness, confusion, and respiratory depression, especially when combined with alcohol or other drugs [6].

Stimulants

Stimulant medications, primarily prescribed to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), are also among the commonly abused prescription drugs. Medications like Adderall and Dextroamphetamine can improve focus and increase alertness in individuals with ADHD. However, when used without a prescription or in higher doses than prescribed, stimulants can lead to serious health risks, including irregular heartbeat, high body temperature, and even cardiac arrest [5].

Stimulant medications are also sometimes referred to as "bennies," "black beauties," or "speed" on the street.

It's important to note that the misuse of these prescription drugs can have severe consequences, including addiction, overdose, and even death. If you or someone you know is struggling with prescription drug abuse, seek help from a healthcare professional or a specialized treatment center. Recovery from prescription drug abuse is possible with the right support and treatment [7].

Impact of Prescription Drug Abuse

Prescription drug abuse has significant impacts on individuals, families, and communities. It is essential to understand the demographics and trends associated with prescription drug abuse, as well as the risks and consequences that arise from this concerning issue.

Demographics and Trends

Prescription drug abuse affects individuals across various age groups and demographics. While it is highest among teens and young adults, with the Mayo Clinic reporting higher rates in this population, it is important to note that the problem extends to older adults as well, particularly when they combine drugs with alcohol. This highlights the need for comprehensive prevention and intervention strategies to address prescription drug misuse across all age groups.

According to the NCBI Bookshelf, an annual average of 10.7 million people aged 12 or older misused prescription pain relievers in the past year, representing 4.1% of the population. These statistics shed light on the magnitude of the issue and emphasize the importance of raising awareness and implementing effective prevention measures.

Risks and Consequences

The risks and consequences associated with prescription drug abuse can be severe and wide-ranging. Abusing prescription drugs can lead to physical dependence, addiction, and even death when taken in high doses or combined with other substances. The dangers are further magnified when prescription drugs are taken with alcohol or illegal/recreational drugs, as this combination can have serious consequences, including increased health risks and a higher potential for addiction [6].

The consequences of prescription drug abuse extend beyond the individual and can have a ripple effect on families, relationships, and communities. Substance abuse disorders can strain personal relationships, lead to financial difficulties, and negatively impact work or academic performance. Additionally, the misuse of prescription drugs can contribute to an increase in emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and overdose-related fatalities.

Addressing prescription drug abuse requires a multi-faceted approach, including prevention, education, and access to appropriate treatment resources. By understanding the demographics and trends associated with prescription drug abuse and recognizing the risks and consequences, we can work towards developing effective strategies and interventions to combat this widespread issue. For those seeking recovery from prescription drugs, resources such as recovery centers can provide the necessary support and guidance on the path to healing and overcoming addiction.

Prevention and Intervention Strategies

To combat the growing issue of prescription drug abuse, various prevention and intervention strategies have been implemented. Two key strategies are Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) and Federal Initiatives and Guidelines.

Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs)

Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) are state-run electronic databases used to track the prescribing and dispensing of controlled prescription drugs to patients. These programs have been associated with lower rates of opioid prescribing and overdose in some states. PDMPs allow healthcare providers to access patient prescription history, helping them identify potential cases of misuse, diversion, or excessive prescription patterns. By monitoring prescription drug usage, PDMPs aim to prevent excessive prescribing and identify individuals who may be at risk of developing substance use disorders.

While PDMPs have shown promise in reducing prescription drug misuse, there are still challenges to be addressed. Issues related to best practices, ease of use, and interoperability need to be resolved to ensure the effectiveness of these programs. Nonetheless, PDMPs remain an important tool in the fight against prescription drug abuse.

Federal Initiatives and Guidelines

The federal government has initiated efforts to reduce overdose and prevent opioid use disorders. In 2015, coordinated federal actions were launched to address opioid misuse, addiction, and overdose. One such initiative is the National Institutes of Health's Helping End Addiction Long-term (HEAL) Initiative. This program aims to accelerate scientific solutions to the national opioid crisis, focusing on improving prevention, treatment, and recovery options.

Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released guidelines to guide healthcare professionals in prescribing opioids safely. In 2016, the CDC issued the CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain, providing evidence-based recommendations for opioid prescribing. In 2019, the CDC also provided opioid tapering guidance for clinicians. Most recently, in 2022, the CDC released the Clinical Practice Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Pain, which aims to help clinicians reduce the risks associated with prescription opioids.

These federal initiatives and guidelines provide important guidance for healthcare professionals in the appropriate and responsible use of prescription drugs, with the goal of minimizing the risk of misuse and promoting patient safety.

By implementing these prevention and intervention strategies, including PDMPs and federal initiatives and guidelines, steps are being taken to address the issue of prescription drug abuse. Continued efforts in monitoring and education can contribute to reducing the misuse and negative consequences associated with prescription drugs.

To further explore the causes, statistics, and recovery options related to prescription drug abuse, check out our articles on causes of prescription pill abuse, prescription drug abuse statistics & facts, and recovery from prescription drugs in okc.

Addressing Prescription Drug Misuse

To combat the growing issue of prescription drug misuse, various strategies are being implemented to address the problem and promote safer medication practices. Two key approaches include the development of abuse-deterrent formulations (ADF) and the focus on safer medication development.

Abuse-Deterrent Formulations

Abuse-deterrent formulations (ADF) of prescription drugs, particularly opioids, are being developed to deter misuse by snorting or injection. The aim is to make it more difficult for individuals to alter the drug's form in order to obtain a more intense high. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has called for the development of ADF not only for opioids but also for stimulants. ADF opioids have shown promise in reducing the illicit value of drugs and decreasing the prescribing of opioid medications.

By formulating prescription drugs with abuse-deterrent properties, such as making them harder to crush or dissolve, these medications can help prevent misuse and decrease the risk of addiction. The development and implementation of ADFs serve as an important step in the fight against prescription drug abuse.

Safer Medication Development

Researchers and pharmaceutical companies are actively working towards developing safer medications to address the public health priority of finding new treatments while mitigating the risk of addiction. One area of focus is the development of non-addictive pain medications. By exploring alternative treatment approaches and targeting signaling systems involved in pain, such as the endocannabinoid system, researchers aim to develop safer options for pain management [4].

The development of safer medications also involves understanding the underlying causes of prescription drug abuse and addressing them through innovative approaches. By identifying factors that contribute to misuse, researchers and healthcare professionals can develop targeted interventions and treatments to reduce the risk of addiction and promote safe medication practices.

As the demand for effective pain management continues to grow, the development of safer medications plays a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of patients while minimizing the potential for misuse and addiction.

Addressing prescription drug misuse requires a multifaceted approach that includes not only the development of abuse-deterrent formulations and safer medications but also the implementation of comprehensive prevention and intervention strategies. These efforts, coupled with initiatives such as prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) and federal guidelines, aim to curb prescription drug misuse and promote responsible medication practices. By combining these strategies, we can work towards a safer and healthier society.