Prescription Medication Rank Second Among Most Abused
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Studies show that prescription medication ranked second among the most abused category of all drugs, including street drugs. Marijuana ranks first, followed by prescription drugs and then heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and other common street drugs. The National Institutes of Health have estimated that almost 20% of people in the U.S. have used prescription medication for purposes other than those for which they were prescribed.
Most Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs
Although prescription drugs are prescribed by a medical professional, prescription drug facts show that many are still considered to be addictive substances, particularly if they are used in a manner inconsistent with their intended use or against medical advice or labeling instructions. Information about prescription drugs shows that the drugs most commonly abused in this manner include opiates such as Vicodin and OxyContin, tranquilizers like Valium and Xanax, and stimulants like Adderall, Dexedrine, and Ritalin.
Steroid abuse is another concern when it comes to drug abuse. Steroids are often legally prescribed to treat many different medical conditions including AIDS and cancer. Men tend to report a higher rate of steroid use, on average, than women.
In 2000, nearly 43% (500,000 people) of hospital emergency room admissions for drug overdoses involved the misuse of prescription drugs. Experts claim the rise in overdose patients is due in part to the availability of the drugs, particularly in the case of online pharmacies, where it may be easier for consumers to purchase prescription medication, even if the buyer is a minor.
