Many of us have heard about the dangers of prescription and over-the-counter medications. However, not many of us realize that prescription medications can lead to addiction and overdose. These medications are widely abused by teenagers who mistakenly believe that doctors only give them harmless pills. Vicodin and OxyContin are the most common prescription pain killers abused by teenagers. A study found that 7% of 12th graders have used them within the past year.
OxyContin
OxyContin is one of the most popular prescription pain relievers available. OxyContin has a high abuse liability. While this drug is highly effective for treating chronic pain, it can also be addictive. It is important to follow proper dispensing, storage, and prescribing practices when using OxyContin.
Although it is legal for adolescents to take prescription opioid pain relievers, they can become addictive when used non-medically. In fact, a recent study found that almost half of the deaths of teenagers in 2015 were the result of opioid misuse.
Anabolic steroids
Anabolic steroids are illegal to possess without a prescription. In the United States, simple possession of the drugs is punishable by up to a year in prison and a $1,000 fine. Misusing the drugs can also result in a risk of contracting a needle-borne disease. These infections can include HIV, hepatitis B and C, and other blood-borne diseases. Steroids are also considered Schedule III drugs by the FDA. Though these substances have legitimate medical uses, they are still dangerous and not a good choice for any teenager.
The misuse of anabolic steroids is increasing among teens. According to a recent study, almost two percent of high school seniors have abused these drugs at some point in their lives. However, only a small percentage of these teenagers have abused steroids in the past month.
Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine is a powerful stimulant that can cause addiction in just one use. It works by releasing a rush of dopamine, a brain chemical that causes a feeling of pleasure. This hormone is responsible for motivation, memory retention, learning, and reward processing. However, methamphetamine is dangerous when taken in large amounts and can cause physical and mental damage.
Methamphetamine is dangerous because it has many side effects. It can cause heart and liver damage, high blood pressure, and hallucinations. People who abuse the drug are also at risk for developing hepatitis B, which is often spread through needle sharing. Additionally, methamphetamine can cause birth defects in unborn children. Drug use can also lead to unsafe sex.
Anxiolytics
Anxiolytics are a class of anti-anxiety drugs that can be habit-forming. Consequently, they should only be taken on a limited basis and are not recommended for people who have a history of substance abuse. Generally, anxiolytics are prescribed to treat symptoms of anxiety disorders and social phobia. Some are also used as sedatives before surgery.
The abuse of anxiolytics by teens is similar to the misuse of other prescription drugs. The abuser starts with a prescription and gradually becomes dependent on the drug. This dependence on the drug may result in a heightened state of anxiety and/or a sense of well-being. Withdrawal symptoms can begin as early as twelve to twenty-four hours after stopping the drug.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase alertness and energy and raise blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration. They are historically used as medicines for a variety of conditions, including depression, asthma, and neurological disorders. Today, they are abused for a wide range of reasons. For example, they can cause dizziness, slurred speech, and poor coordination. But there are more serious dangers associated with stimulant abuse than these symptoms.
Despite their legal status, prescription drug abuse is becoming an increasingly common problem among teenagers and young adults. Among the most common prescription drugs abused by adolescents are amphetamines, opioids, and barbiturates. Some teens may even misuse prescription cough syrups as sleep aids.
Depressants
Depressants are a class of drugs that are prescribed for anxiety and sleep disorders. They slow down normal brain activity and can be physically addictive. Depressants can also cause drowsiness and can increase the risk of cardiac arrest if abused for prolonged periods. In addition, depressants can interfere with a person's ability to regulate their body temperature.
The NIDA collaborates with the University of Michigan to compile data on substance abuse in teenagers. According to one study, 70.7% of teens aged twelve to 17 had abused prescription drugs in the past year. The rates of abuse were higher for adolescents in the age group 18 to 25.
