Prescription drug abuse and addiction is a growing problem in the United States. Abuse of prescription drugs has surpassed that of cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine, leading to new drug addictions for millions of Americans each year. The most critical problem is that users are generally under the impression that such drugs are "safe" because they are medically approved for use. However, most of these drugs are made from dangerous and addictive substances such as opiates. Even under supervised medical care, addiction can occur.
Heroin
This drug is processed from morphine and is commonly found as a white or brown powder. If you see the chemical structure, you would find it very similar to a natural neurotransmitter, the function of which is to fool receptors and forward abnormal messages to the brain. The drug has many short-term and long-term effects. In short-term effects, your skin may get warm, your mouth may become dry, your mental capacity may become blurred etc. In long-term effects, you can have spontaneous abortion, you can catch various types of pneumonia, your veins can collapse, the way your liver functions can be affected etc.
Cocaine
Coco plant is the source to make cocaine. When it is processed from hydrochloride, we call it crack. Crack is used for smoking. The use of cocaine can cause nerve cells to release abnormally huge amounts of neurotransmitters that disrupt communication channels in the brain.
Cocaine can harm your respiratory system and you can get a heart attack or stroke. Heart rate, temperature, and blood pressure can reach an alarming level. The withdrawal symptoms are depression and the inability to experience euphoria.
Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine, or crystal meth, is similar to cocaine. It takes you to the state of euphoria; however, it is long lasting than cocaine. This drug can be injected, taken orally, smoked, or snorted. Smoking or injecting this drug can give you and intense rush within 5 to 10 seconds. But, snorting or ingesting the drug is less intensified.
The pleasurable side effects from meth are what lead users to develop a meth addiction. Patients describe an intense pleasurable rush that hits them once the drug has been ingested. Smoking provides the quickest fix for the user, whereas snorting provides effects that can last for a longer time.
Nicotine
Nicotine is one of the most heavily used drugs in the world. It is extracted from the tobacco plant and is also used as a natural protection against insects. Most individuals who smoke nicotine become patients of lung cancer, bronchial disorders, anxiety, depression, increased appetite, and weight gain.