Opoids, Depressants and Stimulants
Popular prescription drugs that are abused generally fall into the categories of Opioids, Stimulants and Depressants. Drugs falling into these categories also go by popular street names like:
- Depressants: Barbs, Downers, Tooies, Phennies, Zombie Pills, A-minus, Reds, Yellow Jackets and Red Birds
- Opioids: Oxy, Oxycotton, OC, Happy Pills, Percs, Vikes and Hillbilly Heroin
- Stimulants: The smart drug, Vitamin R, Speed, Uppers, Skilly, Black Beauties, Hearts and Roses
As is suggested by some of the street names like uppers, downers, and percs, Opioids, Stimulants and Depressants are basically mood altering drugs. Unfortunately, many teenagers and young adults (primarily) will take these drugs for a myriad of reasons ranging from numbing pain and getting high, to creating greater focus for the purposes of school work. Opioids are pain killers, while depressants are used to alleviate anxiety, while stimulants are used in treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Prescription drugs within these categories that are likely to be abused include:
- Opioids: Codeine, OxyContin, Vicodin
- Depressants: Xanax, Valium
- Stimulants: Riterin, Adderall
As is the case with just about any prescription drug, when used as prescribed by a doctor, they are generally safe without many adverse side effects. However, in the case of substance abuse, proper use of these drugs is thrown out the window. When this happens, addiction and other problems are likely to result.
Who Uses What and Why
The differences in why these drugs are used, are closely related to the sex of the abuser, with boys being more likely to use prescriptions to get high while girls may be to be more alert or to help with weight loss. Whatever the reason however, it is clear that these drugs are often abused by those who are ignorant to the consequences. This may or may not be due in large part to the perception that prescription drugs are not hardcore drugs like cocaine, marijuana, and alcohol. As such, the abuse of prescription drugs is generally perceived differently.
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