OxyContin
About OxyContin
OxyContin is an opioid drug used in the treatment of chronic or extreme pain. While a powerful
painkiller, OxyContin has mood altering effects that can lead to abuse. The effects of OxyContin
are similar to those of heroin, also an opiate, and often appeal to similar abusers. OxyContin
causes pain relief, feelings of relaxation, and euphoria. OxyContin is a controlled substance that
can easily lead to addiction when taken in doses beyond what is required to treat one’s pain, or
if taken when a person is not in pain to begin with.
OxyContin has many side effects, the most dangerous
of which is respiratory depression. A large portion of
deaths related to OxyContin are the result of using the
drug along with alcohol and/or benzodiazepines.
According to Nassau County’s Medical Examiner, the
same number of residents died of OxyContin use in
2010, as did from Heroin.
Signs of usage/abuse:
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Restlessness
Anxiety
Pain
Cramps
Weakness
Chills
Vomiting
Increased respiration and heart rate
Vicodin
About Vicodin
Vicodin is one of many brand names for the combination of acetaminophen (Tylenol ) and
hydrocodone—a potent morphine-like cough suppressant and opiate analgesic.
Acetaminophen halts the production of prostaglandins which otherwise cause pain.
Hydrocodone works by binding to the pain receptors in the brain to deaden the sensation of
pain. Long-term intake of Vicodin over months, though initially prescribed for moderate to
moderately severe pain, may cause a Vicodin
dependency. Vicodin is an opiate drug and its
effect on the receptor sites mimics heroin.
People with opiate dependency may not
necessarily encounter the same social
behavior as so-called ‘drug addicts’, but do
experience the same symptoms with
withdrawal.
Signs of usage/abuse:
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Unbearable pain
Cascade of bodily reactions
Cold sweats
Uncontrollable diarrhea
Nausea and vomiting
Aching limbs
Severe depression
Distress and a mounting panic.
Xanex
About Xanax
Xanax is the trade name of a drug called alprazolam, originally manufactured by Pfizer. It is
currently marketed under the generic name by several companies and the pills come in a
variety of colors and shapes. Xanax is a drug in the benzodiazepine family (others include
Valium, Librium, and Restoril) and is used to treat anxiety.
Xanax is sometimes taken, not by the person for whom it was prescribed, but by someone
intent on getting the relaxed state it produces. This is especially dangerous when it is taken in
combination with alcohol or opiates to get a more intense ‘high’. Benzodiazepines in
combination with alcohol have led to deaths from respiratory depression.
In some cases, Xanax has even been used as a "date rape drug". This is because it has a
relatively sudden onset (1 – 2 hours), has stronger effects when mixed with alcohol, and has a
side effect of memory loss. The criminal intent is to make the victim cooperative and to have
them forget any details of the rape.
Signs of usage/abuse:
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Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
A rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
Heart palpitations
Hallucinations
Memory loss
Dizziness
Personality changes
Sensitivity to sound or light
Depression
Insomnia
Restlessness or irritability
Confusion
Sweating
Dextroamphetamine
About Dextroamphetamine
Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine) is an amphetamine, belonging to the group of medicines
called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. It is a Schedule II controlled substance.
Dexedrine was often used in the late 60s and early 70s as a prescription diet aid, because one
of the effects of such stimulant drugs is to suppress appetite. Dexedrine (and its more potent
cousin Benzedrine) was also commonly (and illegally) used by college students, either for the
stimulant high it provided or as a study aid. This drug works by suppressing all spontaneous
behavior. Dexedrine reduces all spontaneous or self-generated activates which is shown by the
following characteristics: exploration and curiosity, socializing, and an increase in obsessivecompulsive behaviors.
Signs of usage/abuse:
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Abdominal cramps
Coma
Confusion
Convulsions
Depression
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Hallucination
High fever
Heightened reflexes
High or low blood pressure
Irregular heartbeat
Nausea
Panic
Rapid breathing
Restlessness
Tremor
Vomiting
Adderall
About Adderall
Adderall use can slide easily from abuse to addiction because of the way the drug acts on the
brain. Like other amphetamines, it stimulates a part of the brain sometimes called the Pleasure
Center and causes a release of potent neurotransmitter chemicals. But the same stimulants
also prevent the neurotransmitters from being reclaimed and re-used normally by brain cells,
so that the user feels the need to take more and more Adderall to re-create or sustain the rush.
Some people are at greater risk than others for becoming addicts; risk factors include a family
background of alcohol or drug abuse, stressful circumstances that the drug seems to alleviate
initially, and individual emotional or
personality traits. Signs that an
Adderall user has crossed the line
between abuse and addiction include:
Signs of usage/abuse:
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Increasing tolerance to the
drug, which makes it necessary
to take more Adderall to
achieve the same effect;
Snorting, smoking or injecting
the drug (rather than taking it orally as indicated) for a “quick fix;”
Dependence on taking Adderall simply to feel normal and cope with everyday situations,
to the point where discontinuing the drug seems impossible;
Making access to Adderall a priority ahead of other concerns such as friends or work;
Resorting to theft or other illegal means to get Adderall;
Continuing to abuse the drug in the face of negative consequences and damaging side
effects.