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  • In the United States, 10 percent of adults experience drug addiction at some point in their lives. 

    Drug addiction likely starts with drug abuse. People abuse drugs of all types, including opioids, illicit drugs, benzodiazepines, sleeping pills, barbiturates, stimulants, and antidepressants.

    Opioids

    Opioids are drugs that treat various forms of pain, including chronic pain, cancer pain, and post-surgery pain. Along with easing pain, they can make you feel relaxed and euphoric, or “high.” 

    Some people abuse opioids (use them in a manner not prescribed by a doctor), which can lead to addiction. 

    Common opioids include:

    Carfentanil

    Carfentanil is the most potent opioid. Veterinarians use it to sedate elephants and other large animals. 

    Because it’s so powerful, carfentanil is not intended for human consumption. People who use the drug face an extremely high risk of fatal overdose. 

    Codeine

    Codeine treats mild to moderate pain. It also reduces coughing.

    While it’s often prescribed on its own, codeine also appears in many cough syrups and other combination medications, such as:

    • Capital With Codeine (paracetamol and codeine)
    • Phenergan With Codeine (promethazine and codeine)
    • Robitussin AC (guaifenesin and codeine)
    • Tylenol With Codeine (acetaminophen and codeine)

    Fentanyl

    Fentanyl treats severe pain. It’s prescribed under the brand names Abstral, Actiq, and Fentora. 

    As one of the most powerful opioids (second only to carfentanil), it can cause a very intense high. That’s why some drug dealers add fentanyl to street drugs like cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. Fentanyl-laced street drugs pose a high risk of overdose. 

    Hydrocodone

    Hydrocodone treats severe pain. It’s prescribed under the brand names Hysingla and Zohydro ER. It also appears in the combination medications Norco and Vicodin, both of which also contain acetaminophen. 

    Hydromorphone

    Hydromorphone treats moderate to severe pain. It’s prescribed under the brand names Dilaudid and Exalgo. 

    Meperidine

    Meperidine treats moderate to severe pain. It’s prescribed under the brand name Demerol.

    Methadone

    Methadone treats severe pain. It can also ease withdrawal symptoms in people recovering from addictions to other opioids. It’s prescribed under the brand names Dolophine and Methadose.

    Morphine

    Morphine treats moderate to severe pain. It’s prescribed under the brand names Arymo ER, Kadian, Morphabond, and MS Contin. 

    Oxycodone

    Oxycodone treats moderate to severe pain. It’s prescribed under the brand names Oxaydo, Oxycontin, and Xtampza ER. It also appears in combination medications such as:

    • Oxycet (oxycodone and acetaminophen)
    • Percocet (oxycodone and acetaminophen)
    • Percodan (oxycodone and aspirin)

    Oxymorphone

    Oxymorphone treats moderate to severe pain. It’s prescribed under the brand name Opana. 

    Suboxone

    Suboxone decreases withdrawal symptoms in people who are addicted to opioids. It’s a combination medication that consists of buprenorphine (a partial opioid agonist) and naloxone (an opioid antagonist). 

    Tramadol

    Tramadol treats moderate to moderately severe pain. It’s prescribed under the brand names Conzip and Qdolo. 

    Illicit Drugs

    Illicit drugs are drugs that are illegal to use, make, or sell. They’re often highly addictive. Common illicit drugs include:

    Cocaine

    Cocaine is a stimulant drug made from the leaves of the coca plant. It’s a white powder that can be snorted or injected. As a stimulant drug, it can make you feel energized, euphoric, and anxious. It poses a high risk of addiction. 

    Crack Cocaine

    Crack cocaine is a type of cocaine that’s usually smoked in a glass pipe. It’s made by cooking cocaine powder into small rocks. Like powder cocaine, it’s highly addictive. 

    GHB

    GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate) is a depressant drug that’s available as a clear liquid or white powder. It makes you feel relaxed and euphoric, which is why it’s popular at parties and nightclubs. People who regularly use GBH face a high risk of addiction.

    The drug can also cause loss of consciousness. That’s why it’s sometimes used as a “date rape drug” (a drug used to incapacitate someone before sexually assaulting them). 

    Flakka

    Flakka is a synthetic drug made from an amphetamine-like stimulant called alpha-PVP. It belongs to a group of drugs called synthetic cathinones (also known as “bath salts”), which are related to the khat plant. 

    The drug resembles white or pink crystals and can cause hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, and aggression. It’s also highly addictive. 

    Hallucinogens

    Hallucinogens (also called psychedelics) are drugs that alter your thoughts, emotions, and awareness of your surroundings. They can make you hallucinate (see, hear, or feel things that aren’t there) and, in some cases, dissociate (feel disconnected from your body and environment). 

    Although they’re generally not addictive, hallucinogens can cause serious side effects, including extreme anxiety and psychosis (loss of connection with reality). Common hallucinogens include:

    • DMT, which is a natural chemical found in certain Amazonian plants 
    • Ecstasy (also called MDMA or molly), which is a synthetic chemical originally created to synthesize medications that control bleeding
    • Ketamine, which is a synthetic chemical originally created as an anesthetic for surgery
    • LSD, which is made from lysergic acid, a natural chemical found in fungus that grows on rye and other grains
    • Mescaline, which is a natural chemical found in a small cactus called peyote
    • PCP, which, like ketamine, is a synthetic chemical originally created as an anesthetic for surgery
    • Psilocybin, which is a natural chemical found in certain mushrooms 

    Heroin

    Heroin is a semi-synthetic opioid made from the natural opioid morphine. It’s available as a black goo or a white or brown powder. It can be injected, snorted, or smoked. Like other opioids, it’s highly addictive. 

    Inhalants

    Inhalants are household and industrial chemicals that can be inhaled to produce a feeling of euphoria. They’re most often used by young teenagers.

     Common types of inhalants include:

    • solvents, such as paint thinner, glue, and lighter fluid
    • aerosol sprays, such as spray paint, hairspray, and vegetable oil spray
    • gases, such as those found in butane lighters, propane tanks, and whipped cream dispensers 
    • nitrites, which are sold in small brown bottles labeled “room odorizer,” “leather cleaner,” “liquid aroma,” or “video head cleaner”

    Marijuana

    Marijuana is a mix of dried parts from the marijuana plant (also called the cannabis plant). It can be smoked, vaped, or mixed with food and eaten. 

    Common effects of marijuana include mood changes, altered perceptions, and increased appetite. It may also help treat certain health conditions, such as chronic pain. The drug is legal in some U.S. states. 

    Mephedrone

    Like flakka, mephedrone is a stimulant drug and synthetic cathinone. It’s a white powder that can have dangerous effects such as paranoia, hallucinations, extreme panic, depression, and aggression. The drug can also cause addiction and damage your heart, kidneys, and arteries.

    Meth

    Methamphetamine, or meth, is a highly addictive stimulant drug. It typically resembles a clear or white powder. It can be snorted, injected, or eaten. 

    In addition, some people cook powder meth into a smokable, rock-like substance called crystal meth. Both powder meth and crystal meth can cause euphoria, heart problems, breathing problems, overdose, and death.

    Benzodiazepines

    Benzodiazepines (also called “benzos”) are prescription drugs that can treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. 

    As depressants, they can make you feel relaxed and euphoric. Some people abuse benzodiazepines by using them in a manner not prescribed by a doctor. Benzodiazepine abuse often leads to addiction.

    Common benzodiazepines include:

    Ativan

    Ativan is the brand name for a benzodiazepine called lorazepam. It’s often used to treat anxiety before medical procedures.

    Halcion

    Halcion is the brand name for a benzodiazepine called triazolam. It’s used to treat insomnia. 

    Klonopin

    Klonopin is the brand name for a benzodiazepine called clonazepam. It can treat seizures, anxiety, and panic attacks. 

    Librium

    Librium is the brand name for a benzodiazepine called chlordiazepoxide. It’s often used to treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety and agitation.

    Limbitrol

    Limbitrol is the brand name for a combination medication that consists of chlordiazepoxide and an antidepressant called amitriptyline. It’s used to treat depression and anxiety. 

    Restoril

    Restoril is the brand name for a benzodiazepine called temazepam. It’s usually used to treat insomnia. 

    Serax

    Serax is the brand name for a benzodiazepine called oxazepam. It’s used to treat anxiety, including anxiety caused by alcohol withdrawal. 

    Valium

    Valium is the brand name for a benzodiazepine called diazepam. It’s used to treat anxiety and agitation caused by alcohol withdrawal. It can also be used alongside other medications to treat seizures and muscle problems (such as muscle spasms or muscle stiffness). 

    Xanax

    Xanax is the brand name for alprazolam. It’s used to treat anxiety and panic attacks and has a high potential for abuse. 

    Sleeping Pills

    Sleeping pills are prescription or over-the-counter medications that can help you fall asleep. Some of them pose a high risk of abuse and addiction, especially when used in a manner not prescribed by a doctor. 

    Common sleeping pills include:

    Ambien

    Ambien is the brand name for a medication called zolpidem. It’s a sedative-hypnotic, which means it slows down brain activity. It can be addictive, particularly when misused.

    Lunesta

    Lunesta is the brand name for a sedative-hypnotic called eszopiclone. Like Ambien, it slows down brain activity and can be addictive when misused. 

    Sonata

    Sonata is the brand name for a sedative-hypnotic called zaleplon. It’s only meant to be used on a short-term basis. If taken for more than a few weeks, it poses a high risk of addiction. 

    Barbiturates 

    Barbiturates are sedative drugs that treat headaches, seizures, and insomnia. They can also sedate patients before medical procedures. 

    Because barbituates make you feel relaxed, some people abuse them, which can lead to addiction. Common barbiturates include:

    Amytal

    Amytal is the brand name for a barbiturate called amobarbital. It’s used to treat insomnia and seizures. 

    Fioricet

    Fioricet is the brand name for a combination medication that consists of acetaminophen, caffeine, and a sedative called butalbital. It’s used to treat tension headaches. 

    Luminal

    Luminal is the brand name for a barbiturate called phenobarbital. It’s used to treat anxiety, seizures, and withdrawal symptoms caused by addictions to other barbiturates. 

    Nembutal

    Nembutal is the brand name for a barbiturate called pentobarbital. It’s used to treat seizures and insomnia.

    Seconal

    Seconal is the brand name for a barbiturate called secobarbital. It’s used to treat insomnia as well as anxiety before medical procedures. 

    Amphetamines/Stimulants

    Amphetamines are stimulant drugs used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy (a disorder that causes excessive daytime sleepiness), and obesity. The drugs speed up your central nervous system, boosting energy, attention, and alertness. 

    Some people abuse amphetamines and other stimulants, often to enhance their performance at school or work. This behavior typically leads to addiction.

    Common stimulants include:

    Adderall

    Adderall is the brand name for a combination medication that consists of two amphetamines: dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. It’s used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. 

    Concerta

    Concerta is the brand name for a long-acting version of the prescription drug methylphenidate. Although methylphenidate is not technically an amphetamine, it’s a popular prescription stimulant that, like Adderall, treats ADHD and narcolepsy. 

    Desoxyn

    Desoxyn is the brand name for a prescription version of methamphetamine. When used in a manner not prescribed by a doctor, it can be just as addictive as illegal meth. 

    Dexedrine

    Dexedrine is the brand name for an amphetamine called dextroamphetamine. It’s used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. 

    Kratom

    Kratom is a chemical found in the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa, a tree native to Southeast Asia. 

    At lower doses, it acts as a stimulant and can ease symptoms of ADHD. At higher doses, it acts as an opioid and provides pain relief. Like other stimulants and opioids, it can be highly addictive. 

    Modafinil

    Modafinil (brand name Provigil) is a prescription stimulant used to treat the following conditions:

    • narcolepsy
    • shift work sleep disorder (a sleep disorder that occurs in people who work non-traditional hours)
    • excessive sleepiness caused by obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (a sleep disorder that disrupts breathing during sleep)

    Ritalin

    Like Concerta, Ritalin is a brand name for methylphenidate, a prescription drug that treats ADHD and narcolepsy. While Concerta is long-acting, Ritalin is short-acting. That means it enters your system immediately and wears off within a few hours. 

    Vyvanse

    Vyvanse is the brand name for an amphetamine called lisdexamfetamine. It’s used to treat ADHD and binge eating disorder (an eating disorder that causes episodes of uncontrolled overeating). 

    Antidepressants/SSRIs

    Antidepressants are prescription drugs used to treat depression. Depression is a mood disorder characterized by sadness, loss of interest in activities, and changes in eating or sleeping habits. 

    The most popular types of antidepressants are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). While these medications usually aren’t addictive, they can cause physical dependence, which means you may experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms upon quitting them. 

    Common SSRIs include:

    Celexa

    Celexa is the brand name for an antidepressant called citalopram. While it’s mainly used to treat depression, it can also treat alcohol dependence, eating disorders, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorders. 

    Paxil

    Paxil is the brand name for an antidepressant called paroxetine. It can treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), generalized anxiety disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorders.

    Lexapro

    Lexapro is the brand name for an antidepressant called escitalopram. It can treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder.

    Luvox

    Luvox is the brand name for an antidepressant called fluvoxamine. It can treat depression, OCD, and social anxiety disorder. 

    Zoloft

    Zoloft is the brand name for an antidepressant called sertraline. It can treat depression, OCD, panic attacks, PTSD, social anxiety disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorders.

    Prozac

    Prozac is the brand name for an antidepressant called fluoxetine. It can treat depression, OCD, some eating disorders, panic attacks, and  premenstrual dysphoric disorders.

    Other Medications 

    Other medications that may cause abuse and addiction include:

    OTC Medications

    OTC (over-the-counter) medications are medications that are available without a prescription. Although they’re generally safer than prescription drugs, OTC medications can still contribute to addiction and other health problems, especially when misused.

    Common OTC medications include:

    • acetaminophen (Tylenol) which treats aches, pains, and fever
    • diphenhydramine (Benadryl), which treats cold and allergy symptoms
    • guaifenesin (Mucinex), which treats cold and allergy symptoms
    • ibuprofen (Advil), which treats pain and fever
    • loratadine (Claritin), which treats allergy symptoms 

    Muscle Relaxants

    Muscle relaxants (also called muscle relaxers) are medications that treat muscle spasms (sudden, involuntary muscle contractions) and muscle spasticity (an abnormal increase in muscle tone or stiffness). They can be addictive when misused.

    Common muscle relaxants include:

    • baclofen (Lioresal)
    • carisoprodol (Soma)
    • dantrolene (Dantrium)
    • orphenadrine

    Anti-Anxiety Drugs

    Anti-anxiety drugs are prescription drugs used to treat anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder. 

    While benzodiazepines are some of the most common anti-anxiety drugs, there are also other options. For example, buspirone (BuSpar) is a prescription drug that decreases anxiety by impacting the brain chemicals dopamine and serotonin.

    In addition, some medications that were designed to treat other ailments can also ease anxiety. These medications include:

    • gabapentin (Neurontin), an anti-seizure medication 
    • hydroxyzine (Vistaril), an anti-allergy medication
    • propranolol (Inderal), a medication used to treat high blood pressure and heart problems

    In general, these medications aren’t addictive. However, they can have unpleasant side effects and interact negatively with other drugs, especially when misused. 

    Antipsychotics

    Antipsychotics are medications used to treat psychosis. Psychosis is a temporary loss of connection with reality that’s usually characterized by hallucinations and delusions. It’s often a symptom of a mental health condition like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. 

    Typically, antipsychotics aren’t addictive, but they can cause physical dependence, especially with long-term use. Common antipsychotics include:

    • aripiprazole (Abilify) 
    • olanzapine (Zyprexa) 
    • lurasidone (Latuda) 
    • quetiapine (Seroquel) 
    • risperidone (Risperdal)

    Anticonvulsants

    Anticonvulsants are medications that prevent and treat seizures. In some cases, they can also help treat mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.

    Common anticonvulsants include:

    • levetiracetam (Keppra)
    • oxcarbazepine (Trileptal) 
    • phenytoin (Dilantin)
    • pregabalin (Lyrica)
    • topiramate (Topamax)

    While these medications generally aren’t addictive, you should always talk to your doctor before starting or stopping use. If you quit an anticonvulsant too suddenly, you face a high risk of seizures.  

    If you or someone you love struggles with drug use, please reach out to an Ark Behavioral Health specialist. We provide comprehensive, evidence-based treatments for drug addictions of all kinds. 

    Written by Ark Behavioral Health Editorial Team
    ©2024 Ark National Holdings, LLC. | All Rights Reserved.
    This page does not provide medical advice.
    Sources

    National Institute on Drug Abuse - Commonly Used Drugs Charts
    National Institutes of Health - 10 percent of US adults have drug use disorder at some point in their lives
    United States Drug Enforcement Administration - Factsheets
    United States National Library of Medicine - Substance use: prescription drugs

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