Cecily Zamora
While marijuana is the most common drug offence in the US, prescription and over-the-counter medicines are the most commonly abused drugs. These include stimulants for ADHD, such as Ritalin, and opioids like fentanyl, oxycodone, and morphine. Possession of drug paraphernalia is also a common charge, which can include items used to produce, conceal, or consume a controlled substance, such as needles, syringes, and pill bottles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Most common drugs | Benzodiazepines, Barbiturates, Opioids, Fentanyl, Cocaine, Ecstasy/MDMA |
| Benzodiazepines | Depressants that produce sedation, hypnosis, relieve anxiety and muscle spasms, and reduce seizures. |
| Barbiturates | Depressants used to treat seizure disorders, insomnia, and anxiety. |
| Opioids | Painkillers that can cause euphoria and have dangerous side effects. |
| Fentanyl | Synthetic opioid used to treat severe pain; often made and distributed illegally. |
| Cocaine | Euphoria-producing stimulant with strong addictive potential. |
| Ecstasy/MDMA | Acts as a stimulant and hallucinogen, producing an energizing effect, distortions in time and perception, and enhanced tactile experiences. |
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What You'll Learn
- Opioids: fentanyl, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine are commonly abused
- Psychedelics: salvia, ayahuasca, and DMT-related drugs like LSD
- Depressants: barbiturates and benzodiazepines, e.g. Valium, Xanax
- Stimulants: cocaine, ecstasy/MDMA, and amphetamines
- Cough suppressants: dextromethorphan (DXM) in over 120 OTC medications
Opioids: fentanyl, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine are commonly abused
Opioids are a class of drugs that are commonly prescribed to help patients manage pain. However, they are also frequently abused due to their ability to induce a euphoric high in addition to pain relief. Opioids are highly addictive and can have dangerous side effects when misused.
Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, has been increasingly found in the illegal drug supply over the past decade. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl is often added to other drugs without the user's knowledge, leading to accidental ingestion. Fentanyl can be consumed in various ways, including orally, nasally, transdermally, and intravenously. Its potency makes it particularly dangerous, as even small amounts can lead to an overdose.
Oxycodone, another potent opioid, is commonly abused and often found in prescription drugs such as OxyContin, Percocet, Percodan, and Roxicodone. Like other opioids, oxycodone can cause a sense of euphoria and well-being, making it prone to abuse. Oxycodone abuse can lead to severe physical dependence and a high risk of overdose.
Hydrocodone, often sold under the brand name Vicodin, is a prescription opioid used to treat moderate to severe pain. It is frequently abused due to its ability to produce a sense of relaxation and euphoria. Hydrocodone abuse can lead to respiratory depression, constipation, and a high risk of addiction.
Morphine, a well-known opioid, is prescribed for severe pain management. It is highly effective in blocking pain signals between the body and the brain. However, morphine is also commonly abused due to the sense of euphoria and relaxation it can induce. Morphine abuse can lead to severe physical dependence, respiratory depression, and a high risk of overdose if used improperly.
The abuse of opioids, including fentanyl, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine, has led to widespread addiction and overdose crises in many parts of the world. These drugs are highly regulated due to their potential for misuse and the severe health risks associated with their abuse.
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Psychedelics: salvia, ayahuasca, and DMT-related drugs like LSD
Psychedelics are a class of drugs that induce hallucinations and are known for their ability to alter perception and mood. Salvia, ayahuasca, and DMT-related drugs like LSD are all psychedelics, and while they may share some similar effects, they also have distinct characteristics and mechanisms of action.
Salvia, or Salvia divinorum, is a plant native to Southern Mexico and parts of Central and South America. The active ingredient in salvia is salvinorin A, which is classified as a psychedelic. However, unlike most other psychedelics that interact with serotonin receptors, salvinorin A acts on kappa opioid receptors. The effects of salvia can be unpredictable and may include dysphoria, hallucinations, feelings of detachment from the environment, and out-of-body sensations. The lack of research on salvia makes it difficult to fully understand the range of its effects.
Ayahuasca, on the other hand, is a psychoactive brew traditionally used in religious ceremonies by indigenous peoples in the Amazon rainforest. It is made from the ayahuasca vine (Banisteriopsis caapi) and the leaves of the chacruna shrub (Psychotria viridis), which contain DMT (N,N-Dimethyltryptamine). DMT is a powerful psychedelic compound that occurs naturally in many plants and some animals. Ayahuasca is known for producing intense hallucinations and altered states of consciousness, often described as life-changing and spiritually significant. However, very little scientific research has been conducted on ayahuasca, and its effects are not yet fully understood.
Drugs related to DMT, such as LSD, are also classified as psychedelics. LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) is a synthetic compound derived from ergot, a fungus that grows on rye and other grains. It is a potent hallucinogen known for its ability to alter perception and induce intense psychological effects. LSD can produce a wide range of experiences, from pleasurable and insightful to distressing and disorienting. While LSD and other DMT-related drugs are considered to have low addiction potential, it is still possible for individuals to develop a hallucinogen-related substance use disorder.
Overall, salvia, ayahuasca, and DMT-related drugs like LSD are all powerful psychedelics that can induce profound alterations in perception and mood. While they have been recognized for their potential therapeutic benefits, further research is needed to fully understand their effects and mechanisms of action.
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Depressants: barbiturates and benzodiazepines, e.g. Valium, Xanax
Depressants are a commonly abused type of prescription drug. Barbiturates and benzodiazepines are two types of depressants that are often misused. Barbiturates are less commonly prescribed now, but they are still used to treat seizure disorders, insomnia, and anxiety. Benzodiazepines, on the other hand, are more widely prescribed and include well-known drugs such as Valium and Xanax, as well as Librium, Ativan, and Klonopin. These drugs are typically used to treat anxiety, panic disorder, seizures, insomnia, and muscle spasms.
Barbiturates and benzodiazepines are both central nervous system depressants, but they differ in their chemical structure and how they affect the brain. Barbiturates were first synthesized in the late 19th century and were widely used in the mid-20th century due to their effectiveness in treating anxiety and sleep disorders. However, because of their narrow therapeutic index (the margin of safety between an effective dose and a toxic dose), they are now considered dangerous and addictive, and they are less commonly prescribed.
Benzodiazepines were introduced in the 1960s as a safer alternative to barbiturates, as they have a wider therapeutic index and are less likely to cause an overdose. They work by enhancing the effects of the neurotransmitter GABA, which has a calming effect on the brain and body. While benzodiazepines are considered safer, they can still be addictive, especially if they are taken for long periods of time or in higher doses than prescribed.
Both barbiturates and benzodiazepines are commonly misused, which means they are taken in a way or dose that is different than prescribed or taken without a prescription. Misuse of these drugs can lead to dependence and addiction, and withdrawal can be dangerous and even life-threatening. It is important to use these medications exactly as directed by a doctor and to not stop taking them abruptly if they have been taken for a prolonged period.
While barbiturates and benzodiazepines can be beneficial for treating certain conditions, their depressant effects on the central nervous system can be dangerous when misused. These drugs should only be taken under medical supervision, and users should be aware of the risks associated with their use, including the potential for addiction and dangerous side effects.
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Stimulants: cocaine, ecstasy/MDMA, and amphetamines
Stimulants such as cocaine, ecstasy/MDMA, and amphetamines are commonly misused drugs. Cocaine, derived from coca leaves, is a powerful stimulant with a high potential for addiction. It produces an intense euphoria and is often referred to as a ""party drug". Crack cocaine, the base form of cocaine, appears as small, irregularly shaped white rocks. On the other hand, ecstasy/MDMA acts as both a stimulant and a hallucinogen, providing an energizing effect, distorting time and perception, and enhancing tactile experiences. It is popular among adolescents and young adults seeking euphoria, closeness, and enhanced empathy. Ecstasy is often produced in pill form and is sometimes made to resemble prescription opioids or stimulants like amphetamines. Amphetamines, such as Adderall, are prescription stimulants that can be misused, leading to abuse and addiction. These stimulants can induce feelings of increased energy, alertness, and focus, making them appealing to those seeking enhanced productivity or recreational effects.
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Cough suppressants: dextromethorphan (DXM) in over 120 OTC medications
Dextromethorphan (DM) is a cough suppressant that has been approved by the FDA since 1958. It is commonly found in over-the-counter (OTC) antitussive medications, which are drugs that act on the brain to suppress coughing. DM is available in various forms, including liquid-filled capsules, chewable tablets, dissolving strips, solutions (liquids), extended-release suspensions, and lozenges. It is typically taken orally every 4 to 12 hours as needed. DM is also combined with other active ingredients in some OTC medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants, and pain relievers.
DM works by decreasing activity in the part of the brain that triggers coughing. While it suppresses coughing, it does not treat the underlying cause of the cough or speed up recovery. It is important to carefully read the labels of OTC cough and cold products, as they may contain the same active ingredients, and taking multiple products together could lead to an overdose. This is especially critical when administering these medications to children, as serious side effects or even death can occur in young children. DM should not be given to children under 4 years of age, and caution should be exercised when giving it to children between 4 and 11 years old, always following the package directions.
Adverse effects from DM are rare, but they can include nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort, drowsiness, and dizziness. At high doses, some individuals may experience euphoria, hallucinations, and persecutory delusions. Most side effects typically resolve within a day after the last dose, and no cardio-respiratory compromises have been observed. If a cough persists or worsens despite taking DM, or if it is accompanied by other symptoms like a fever, rash, or headache, it is important to stop taking DM and consult a doctor.
DM has also been approved by the FDA for the treatment of pseudobulbar affect (PBA) in combination with quinidine. PBA is a neurological condition characterised by inappropriate and disproportionate outbursts of crying or laughing. The exact pathology of PBA is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to a loss of cortical control of certain brainstem motor functions. DM's neuroprotective properties make it a promising therapeutic agent for various other potential uses, which are currently being investigated in clinical studies.
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Frequently asked questions
Some commonly abused prescription medications include painkillers, specifically opioids like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine. Other commonly abused prescription medications include sedatives like phenobarbital, pentobarbital, and secobarbital, as well as benzodiazepines such as Xanax, Valium, and Klonopin.
Opioids are highly addictive and can cause a euphoric high when taken in large doses. They can also cause dangerous side effects, including trouble breathing and, in some cases, death.
Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, has been increasingly found in the illegal drug supply over the past decade. It is often made and distributed illegally and added to other drugs without the user's knowledge.
