What is the difference between recreational and prescribed drugs

Prescription drugs can be easier to get than street drugs: Family members or friends may have them. But prescription drugs are also sometimes sold on the street like other illegal drugs. In , 1 in 7 teens surveyed said they have taken a prescription drug without a doctor's prescription. But prescription drugs are only safe for the people who have prescriptions for them. That's because a doctor has examined these people and prescribed the right dose of medicine for their medical condition.

The doctor has also told them exactly how they should take the medicine, including things to avoid while taking the drug. They also are aware of side effects and can watch patients closely for these. The likelihood that someone will commit a crime, be a victim of a crime, or have an accident is higher when that person is abusing drugs — no matter whether those drugs are medicines or street drugs. Like all drug abuse, using prescription drugs for the wrong reasons has serious risks for a person's health.

Opioid abuse can lead to vomiting, mood changes, decrease in ability to think cognitive function , and even decreased respiratory function, coma, or death. This risk is higher when prescription drugs like opioids are taken with other substances like alcohol, antihistamines, and CNS depressants. CNS depressant abuse is risky too. Abruptly stopping or reducing them too quickly can lead to seizures. Taking CNS depressants with other medicines, such as prescription painkillers, some over-the-counter cold and allergy medicines, or alcohol can slow a person's heartbeat and breathing — and even kill.

Stimulant abuse like with some ADHD drugs may cause heart failure or seizures. These risks are increased when stimulants are mixed with other medicines — even OTC ones like cold medicines. Because of the many differences between the various types of substances, and between each individual substance, the CSA puts each substance into one of five categories, called Schedules. These categories give each substance a simple classification that helps both law enforcement and the medical community to easily understand its nature.

As the DEA explains, Schedule V drugs have the least potential for abuse, while Schedule I drugs are considered to have the highest abuse and dependence potential. Each of these drugs, along with thousands of others, is classified as a controlled substance , but not all of them are illegal.

Most illegal drugs are also controlled substances in the United States, but not all controlled substances are considered illegal. If a person has doubts about whether or not a drug is safe, she should consult her doctor before taking the drug. If you are addicted to illegal or controlled substances and need help, we provide treatment options to help you on the path to recovery. Our phone lines are open 24 hours a day and our admissions coordinators are always available to talk with you about any questions you might have about illegal and controlled substances, as well as help you find the right treatment options for you.

Give us a call at Think about why you are using the drugs and see if that helps you work out how to stop. For example:. There are lots of different ways of seeking help; it depends on you which might suit you the best.

Sometimes it is helpful to talk to the people who care about you - your parents, your friends, your teacher, your GP, for example. There are several organisations that help people wanting to stop taking drugs. You can choose to contact them in various ways - online for live chat, or by email, or by phone, or by visiting in person.

Or you can just read the information on their websites. Alternatively, your GP would be able to suggest the right place to go for help. Don't be scared of telling people about your drug problem. They are likely to be relieved you want to do something to stop. Talk to them first. Be honest about your concerns and discuss the risks of drug taking and the worries you have. Try to understand why they are taking drugs.

Try not to be critical. If you understand why it is happening, you are more likely to be able to help them stop. Either on your own, or with the person you are worried about, you can go and speak to your GP and ask advice. Or, you can contact one of the many organisations that help people who are misusing drugs. Several of these are listed below.

They can give you advice and support. School nurses, teachers, or social workers may also be able to help and advise. It is not an uncommon problem, so you are not alone. There are professionals with lots of experience in helping other people in the same boat. Drugs A-Z ; Frank. Drugs and Alcohol ; Public Health England. Alcohol and drugs - what parents need to know. Information for parents, carers and anyone who works with young people ; Royal College of Psychiatrists.

How to talk to your kids about substance abuse ; RehabCenter. But I Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Egton Medical Information Systems Limited has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy.

Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details see our conditions.

In this series. In this article What are recreational drugs and why are they used? What are the problems with the use of recreational drugs? How many people use recreational drugs? Which are the most common recreational drugs used? Recreational drugs and the law How can I tell if my child or my friend is using recreational drugs?

How can I obtain help if I have a problem with recreational drugs? How can I obtain help for another person who has a problem with recreational drugs? Recreational Drugs In this article What are recreational drugs and why are they used? What are recreational drugs and why are they used? These include: Their friends are doing it, and they don't want to feel left out, or not cool.