prescription drug abuse

Prescription drug abuse is defined as using prescription drugs for non-medical reasons, such as to get high. Prescription drug abuse is especially common among teens and young adults, who often steal medication from their parents or their friends’ parents, usually without their knowledge. The most commonly abused prescription drugs are opioids such as codeine, oxycodone, and morphine; central nervous system depressants such as barbiturates and benzodiazepines; and stimulants such as dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate.



Articles Related to prescription drug abuse

Feds Begin Massive Investigation of Pill Mills

A raid on three South Florida pain clinics that are suspected of illegally distributing millions of prescription pills is the start of what authorities call a massive investigation of “pill mills,” reports ABC News.
March 12th, 2010 | Research & News | Read More

Former Addict Helps Those with Substance Abuse Problems in Kentucky

In Somerset, Kentucky, a 24-year-old wife and mother shares her experiences with people entering rehab as part of her recovery from drug addiction. Ashlee Steele, a former cheerleader, was just 15 when she began experimenting with Ecstasy. "Addiction is not picky," she said. "It grabs...
January 18th, 2010 | Addiction Treatment | Read More

One in Five Wisconsin Teens Have Abused Prescription Drugs

A new study shows that one in five Wisconsin teenagers have abused prescription pain killers. This is the first time the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) has asked about teenage prescription drug abuse in its annual Youth Risk Behavior Survey.
December 29th, 2009 | Prescription Drug Addiction | Read More

Marijuana and Meth are the Most Abused Illicit Drugs in Iowa

In Iowa, marijuana and methamphetamine are the most abused illicit drugs, according to the 2010 Iowa Drug Control Strategy. Alcohol continues to be the most frequently abused substance in the state. The report also states that prescription drug abuse appears to be on the rise.
November 2nd, 2009 | Types of Addiction | Read More

Kelly Osbourne Blames Drug Addiction on Genes

 Kelly Osbourne, daughter of Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne, told BBC Radio 5 Live that genes are responsible for her former drug addiction. Her father had a long struggle with drug addiction, and Kelly says her DNA was pre-programmed to make her susceptible to addiction.
September 9th, 2009 | Types of Addiction | Read More

Drug Czar Visits Vegas to Talk about Drugged Driving

Gil Kerlikowske, the federal drug czar, visited Las Vegas on Wednesday in an effort to raise awareness about drugged driving. While the number of people driving drunk has declined in the last 30 years, the number of people driving under the influence of drugs—both illegal and prescription—has...
August 20th, 2009 | Types of Addiction | Read More