According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, these three classes of prescription drugs are the most abused:
Opioids Doctors have been prescribing high levels of opioid painkillers to patients since the early 1990s due to the rising age of the U.S. population, which means more people are living with chronic pain. Common prescription drugs include codeine, hydrocodone, morphine, and oxycodone. Opioids are known for causing temporary joy, and some people with an addiction illegally snort or inject them to achieve this effect.
Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants: Doctors prescribe CNS depressants to patients with anxiety and insomnia. Taking this medication can help patients achieve a calm state of mind and help them fall asleep, but some people who are addicted begin to take larger doses. A person might develop a high tolerance, meaning they need to take more medication to achieve the desired effect.
Stimulants: These drugs provide a person’s body with a jump-start, giving them a boost in energy, alertness, and attention. They can raise a person’s heart rate, blood sugar, and blood pressure, which can narrow their blood vessels and open their airways. Doctors typically prescribe this medication to those with asthma, obesity, ADHD, depression, narcolepsy, and other conditions. Individuals who become addicted to this drug may crush the pills and snort them, leading to high body temperature and uneven heartbeat.