Top 5 Most Abused Prescription Drugs in Massachusetts

These drugs act on the nervous system and have a wide range of effects. As a result, doctors use them to treat many things.

For example, they’re given for migraines, seizures, and sleep problems. Barbiturates also help with anxiety. They have a calming effect. This makes them popular for abuse.

Unfortunately, it’s very easy to become dependent on these drugs. The body builds up a tolerance, so people have to up the dose. This leads to withdrawal if they stop taking it.

People can also overdose on barbiturates. There is no antidote for this, so they’re very dangerous. In fact, doctors have mostly stopped prescribing barbiturates for this reason. Instead, they’ve been replaced by benzodiazepines.

Still, these drugs are out there. You might hear the scientific names phenobarbital or amytal, or their street names, barbs or yellow jackets.
Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepine, or “benzo”, abuse is becoming more common. In 2017, 38% of overdoses in Massachusetts involved benzos. These drugs are similar to barbiturates. They have a relaxing effect and treat things like anxiety. They also help with insomnia and seizures.

The following are some of the most often abused:

• Alprazolam (Xanax)
• Diazepam (Valium)
• Lorazepam (Ativan)

An overdose on benzos is dangerous. While it’s possible to overdose on them alone, more often people mix them with other drugs. The combination is then more dangerous than each drug alone.
Sleeping Pills

Sleeping pills are usually easy to get. Also, people often think they can’t get addicted. Unfortunately, this isn’t true.

If someone takes sleeping pills for a long time, they can become dependent. The risk for dependence is also higher if they take more than prescribed. Dependence may give someone cravings for the pills. Plus, they might not be able to quit taking them, even if they want to.

The most common sleeping pills abused are zolpidem (Ambien) and eszopiclone (Lunesta).
Stimulants

Unlike the other four drugs on this list, stimulants don’t relax you. Rather, they give you energy. They usually treat ADHD because they help you focus. Sometimes they’re used for narcolepsy, a disorder where people have trouble staying awake.

Adderall and Ritalin are the two main stimulants people abuse. People use them so they can concentrate for long periods. This could be for studying or sports.

When people abuse these drugs, they usually take more than they should. This increases the chance of side effects like high blood pressure and fast heart rate. Taking too much can even cause an overdose.

Abuse also increases the chance of addiction. People can become dependent on these drugs and have withdrawals if they stop taking them. Withdrawal symptoms include cravings, depression and a lack of motivation.

Get Treatment for Prescription Drug Abuse in Massachusetts

If you’re worried that you or someone you love has a problem with prescription drugs, it’s best to seek professional advice. At Bedrock Recovery Center, our experts can review your situation and help you decide what you need.

That may include outpatient or inpatient care along with effective methods like Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and group therapy. Call us today to learn about your treatment options.