Commonly Abused Drugs

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Drug addiction is a complex disease, and quitting takes more than good intentions. In fact, because drugs change the brain in ways that foster compulsive drug abuse, quitting is difficult, even for those who are ready to do so. But drug abuse isn’t just about illicit drugs like marijuana or cocaine. Legal medicines with legitimate uses could also be abused when taken in a manner or dose other than what’s recommended.


Barbiturates
Is a depressant that slows brain’s function. It is prescribed to ease anxiety or promote sleep. Though helpful when used as prescribed, barbiturates can be addictive. If taken with certain drugs, including alcohol, the heart and breathing can slow, which can lead to death.

Benzodiazepines: Valium, Xanax
Valium and Xanax are another type of depressant and like other depressants, they have reasonable uses but may be abused. They may be prescribed to treat anxiety, acute stress reactions, panic attacks, convulsions, and sleep disorders. Withdrawal from benzodiazepines "can be problematic" but is rarely life-threatening... Read more from: Commonly Abused Drugs