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The 7 Most Addictive Prescription Medications

Prescription drugs are commonly given to people suffering from with injuries or illnesses. They’re legal when you’ve been prescribed the medication by a legitimate medical provider. However, these drugs still can be addictive when taken as prescribed. Some people enjoy the feelings these drugs provide and thus take more of a drug than is necessary, which can also lead to addiction.

The following is a list of the seven most addictive drugs you’re likely to come across. They might even end up in your medicine cabinet.

1. Vicodin

The chance of addiction to this drug is great. The main character of the television show “House M.D.” faced issues of Vicodin addiction and withdrawal throughout the series, and you know how serious the epidemic of Vicodin abuse is becoming when it’s illustrated on a very popular TV show.

Vicodin is an opiate-based painkiller that can cause euphoric effects when it’s abused. It also causes serious withdrawal symptoms, so patients may have trouble stopping the drug once they’ve started it.

Abuse by crushing, snorting, or injecting is most common and will make withdrawal more serious in most cases.

2. OxyContin

Sometimes referred to as “Hillbilly Heroin,” OxyContin lives up to its name. It’s a time-released painkiller often prescribed to those in need of major pain relief after surgery or serious injury. However, it can provide a high when injected, snorted, or crushed.

Taking OxyContin in this way can lead to overdose; abusing the drug in these ways has caused many deaths

3. Demerol

Demerol is an opioid some patients struggle to discontinue even when it has been taken as directed. The drug is addictive, and it inhibits the section of the brain that controls pain.

Serious withdrawal symptoms such as fever, chills, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and depression can make this medication a difficult drug to discontinue. However, carefully tapering off the drug can eliminate most of the side effects and make the withdrawal process smoother.

4. Percocet

Percocet is a notoriously addictive drug. Abusers use it to produce euphoric effects instead of treating it properly as a short-term painkiller. Percocet can cause heart failure in those who have taken excessive amounts to produce euphoria. Those who take large amounts over a long period of time are most at risk for heart problems.

5. Darvocet

Darvocet is an opioid used to ease the pain from serious injuries or major surgeries.

This painkiller also includes acetaminophen, which can damage the liver in excess, so it’s dangerous to take it in large doses over an extended period of time. Acetaminophen can even cause death if taken in too large a dose at one time.

6. Ritalin

Ritalin is commonly prescribed to children, young adults, and adults to treat Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). However, it also can be used as a substitute for cocaine when snorted or injected. This drug can cause increases or decreases in blood pressure and can even cause psychotic episodes when abused.

7. Amphetamines

Amphetamines are often used by those who would like to stay awake longer, so you might see someone with narcolepsy taking them. These drugs cause euphoric effects similar to cocaine when taken incorrectly.

An amphetamine can cause a rush for a short period, but that often is followed by a period of exhaustion. The person taking it might also suffer from anxiety and depression after taking the drug, so the side effects can be pretty serious.

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