Inspire Change Wellness Guide to Avoid Slipping Into Prescription Drug Add | Page 4

Why are Prescription Drugs Abused?
According to National Institute on Drug Abuse, the most commonly abused
prescription drugs today are opioids, antidepressants for anxiety and sleep disorders
and stimulants for ADHD and narcolepsy. However, most opioids are readily
accessible, and this makes them the most abused in today’s population. Opioids refer
to a class of drugs whose role is to relieve pain.
When ingested, the drugs bind to the opioid receptors in the body and send signals
which block pain, slow down breathing (to calm anxiety), and produce an overall
feeling of calmness and relaxation. Various types of drugs fall into this category, and
they include illegal ones such as heroin and prescription medication such as
oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, and codeine.
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