Prescription Drugs of Abuse I. Introduction Explanation of what prescription drugs of abuse are and why they are a concern Statistics on the prevalence of prescription drug abuse Prescription drugs are medications that are prescribed by doctors to help manage medical conditions. These drugs can be beneficial when used properly, but they can also be…Read More
All Drug Facts
Prescription Drugs
Overview Taking a medication in a manner or dose other than prescribed; taking someone else’s prescription, even if for a legitimate medical complaint such as pain; or taking a medication to feel euphoria. Three of the most commonly misused classes of prescription drugs are: Opioids CNS (Central Nervous System) depressants like tranquilizers or sedatives Stimulants…Read More
Marijuana
Overview The most commonly abused prescription medication in the United States, marijuana is a dry shredded mix of the flowers, stems, and leaves of the hemp plant cannabis sativa. The mix may be green or brown with smaller areas or leaflets of a darker, purple color. Appearance There are varying strains or classes of Marijuana,…Read More
Cocaine
Overview Cocaine produces a sense of euphoria by causing the brain to release higher than normal amounts of some chemicals. There are two forms of cocaine: Hydrochloride salt (coke) Crack cocaine or freebase Hydrochloride salt is usually in a powdered form with a texture similar to baby powder. Appearance Though commonly white in appearance, cocaine…Read More
Meth
Overview Crystal methamphetamine, more commonly known as Crystal Meth, belongs to the class of drugs called “stimulants” because it speeds up messages between the brain and the rest of the body. Stimulants heighten a persons senses but can easily overwhelm the body with too much stimulation causing a whole host of unwanted and dangerous effects.…Read More
Heroin
Overview Heroin is a part of the group of drugs classified as opioids, because they disrupt opioid receptors in the brain. Heroin causes the body to elicit a range of responses from clouded thinking to a rush of good feelings like pleasure and contentment. Appearance Heroin goes by several names such as smack, H, dope,…Read More
Alcohol
Overview Alcohol, specifically Ethanol, is the ingredient found in beer, wine, and spirits. It is produced from the fermentation process of grain, fruit, or other sources of sugar. When consumed in excess it causes drunkenness and, because it is a depressant, it also slows down the messages between the brain and the rest of the…Read More