Tag: Prescription drug abuse

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the illegal market for prescription stimulants poses a significant overdose risk. Attempting to acquire or use ADHD medication, especially controlled substances like Adderall or Ritalin, without a formal diagnosis from a licensed healthcare provider is illegal and extremely dangerous.

In 2023, nearly 80,000 opioid-involved overdose deaths occurred in the US, with synthetic opioids driving the crisis. Addressing the question, 'What is the most abused pain reliever?' requires looking beyond single drugs to the potent opioid class, from prescribed medications like hydrocodone to deadly illicit fentanyl.

Approximately 5 million adults in the U.S. misuse prescription stimulants, with young adults aged 18 to 25 being the most likely group [1.2.2]. So, what are the most abused ADHD medications and what are the risks associated with their misuse?

Approximately 30.6 million adults in the U.S. report using benzodiazepines, with a significant portion representing misuse [1.6.4]. This raises the common question: what drug is 'handlebars' slang for? The term specifically refers to high-potency 2mg Xanax bars, a frequently misused prescription medication [1.4.2, 1.4.4].

Globally, alcohol consumption results in 2.6 million deaths annually [1.5.1]. When considering 'what drug gets abused the most?', it is by far the most widely used and abused substance, followed by tobacco and cannabis [1.2.2, 1.2.5].

In the U.S., about 12.5% of adults, or over 30 million people, have used a benzodiazepine like lorazepam in the past year [1.9.1]. Knowing the answer to 'What is the street name for lorazepam?' is key to recognizing illicit use and its dangers.

According to a 2023 report, roughly 3.9 million people aged 12 or older misused prescription stimulants like Adderall [1.2.5]. Understanding how do people act when they are on Adderall is key to recognizing the difference between therapeutic use and misuse.

The non-medical use of prescription stimulants is highest among young adults aged 18 to 25. When non-ADHD individuals take Adderall, it can lead to various physical and psychological effects, many of which are harmful and pose significant health risks.

According to a 2025 study, over 25% of U.S. adults misusing prescription stimulants met the criteria for a substance use disorder. This statistic underscores the significant dangers of taking Concerta if you don't have ADHD, where the misuse of this powerful medication can lead to severe health consequences rather than the intended therapeutic effects.

Research indicates that, contrary to popular belief, stimulant medications do not improve cognitive performance in healthy individuals and may actually inhibit it. Understanding what happens if a non-ADHD person takes ADHD meds is crucial for debunking the 'smart drug' myth and recognizing the significant health dangers involved.