Category Archives: Drugs

Here we provide information about the prescription drugs that are responsible for the majority of abuse among our youth. This contans some key references about the drugs and how to obtain more information on the Web.

Stimulants

National Coalition Against Prescription Drug Abuse Posted on by

Stimulants Common Prescription Stimulants: Adderall, Dexedrine, Ritalin. What are Prescription Stimulants? A class of drugs that enhance brain activity. Historically, doctors prescribed stimulants to treat asthma, obesity, neurological disorders, and various other ailments before their potential for abuse and addiction became apparent. What do they look like? Tablets and capsules. How are they used? Currently, they are medically prescribed for only a few health conditions, including narcolepsy, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and short-term treatment of obesity. When abused, they may be swallowed and/or injected. What are their short-term effects? Stimulants increase the amount of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which … Continue reading →

Sedatives and Tranquilizers

National Coalition Against Prescription Drug Abuse Posted on by

Sedatives and Tranquilizers Commonly prescribed sedatives and tranquilizers: Mebaral, Quaaludes, Xanax and Valium (benzodiazepines), Nembutal. What are Prescription Sedatives Tranquilizers? Prescription sedatives and tranquilizers act as central nervous system depressants. Barbiturates are prescription sedatives or “sleeping pills” and benzodiazepines are prescription “tranquilizers.” What do they look like? Multi-colored tablets and capsules; some can be in liquid form. How are they used? Medically, barbiturates are prescribed for acute anxiety, tension, and sleep disorders. Benzodiazepines are prescribed for anxiety, acute stress reactions, and panic attacks. When abused, they are swallowed or injected. What are their short-term effects? Prescription sedatives and tranquilizers can … Continue reading →

Pain Relievers (Opioids)

National Coalition Against Prescription Drug Abuse Posted on by

Pain Relievers (Opioids) Commonly prescribed pain killers: Codeine, OxyContin, Percocet, and Vicodin. What are Prescription Pain Relievers? These are opioids or narcotics. What do they look like? Tablets and capsules. How are they used? Medically, they are prescribed as analgesics, to treat pain. When abused, they are swallowed or injected. What are their short-term effects? Relief from pain. In some people, prescription pain relievers also cause euphoria or feelings of well-being by affecting the brain regions that mediate pleasure. This is why they are abused. Other effects include drowsiness, constipation, and slowed breathing. Taking a large single dose of prescription … Continue reading →