Prescription Drug Abuse

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Prescription drugs are the second most commonly abused category of drugs. Prescription drug abuse falls behind marijuana, ahead of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines, and other drugs. About 20% of the U.S. population is addicted to prescription drugs, and within recent years there has been a dramatic increase in prescription drug abuse. The increase in drug abuse means there is an increase in E.R. visits due to accidental overdose. Despite the negative consequences drug abuse can become ongoing and compulsive. There are many reasons why teens and adults abuse prescription drugs. Reasons such as the feeling of being high, to relax or relieve tension, peer pressure, to maintain an addiction, to prevent withdrawal, to try improving concentration, and trying to improve academic or work performance. Many people fear that they may become addicted to medications prescribed for legitimate medical conditions, such as painkillers prescribed after surgery. However, people who take ...

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to death.

The second class of addictive drugs are the Central Nervous System depressants. The Central Nervous System depressants you have benzodiazepine which is used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders. The CNS depressants work by decreasing brain activity, which results in a drowsy and calming effect. The category are barbiturates which are commonly used for anesthesia and prescribed to treat seizures. If you take CNS depressants for a few days to a few weeks they may help calm you and/or help you sleep. When the CNS depressants are mixed with alcohol it can slow down you heart and respiratory rate which can ultimately lead to death.

The last class of the addictive drugs are ...

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