In The Know Zone

Prescription Sedatives, Tranquilizers, and Painkillers

Down and Out

It can be confusing to think about prescription drug abuse. We are used to thinking of the drugs prescribed for us as helpful substances, good for our health. Modern drug purity and testing regulations confirm that idea: today's pharmaceuticals are good for the health of people with various illnesses. Science has achieved great things for human health through chemistry. However, many common prescription drugs can be extremely harmful, addictive, and even deadly if used in the wrong amounts or by the wrong people.

Barbiturates and benzodiazepines are prescription sedatives or tranquilizers, and opioids are prescription analgesics (painkillers.) These three groups of drugs are among the most commonly abused prescription drugs. Some users become addicted when they continue using the drugs after they no longer need them, or take more than they are supposed to take.

These drugs provide a feeling of relaxation or well-being at first, which can lead some people to take a drug prescribed to someone else. After a period of use, the desirable feelings of relaxation or well-being are felt less and less. Users continue to take the drugs because of addiction.

Take some time and check out this site on prescription sedatives, tranquilizers, and painkillers. It's packed full of information and images that can help you make informed, healthy decisions. When you're finished surfing, you can see how much you've learned by taking our interactive quiz.. You might be surprised at how well you do.

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In The Know: Substance Abuse Pamphlet/ DVD Package
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In The Know: Substance Abuse DVD Package