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Research Reports: Prescription Drugs: Abuse and Addiction

What are some of the commonly abused prescription drugs?

Although many medications can be abused, the following three classes are most commonly abused:

  • Opioids—usually prescribed to treat pain;
  • Central nervous system (CNS) depressants—used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders; and
  • Stimulants—most often prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Graph: Percentage of U.S. 12th Grade Students Reporting Past Month Use of Cigarettes and Marijuana, 1975 to 2010
Graph: Percentage of U.S. 12th Grade Students Reporting Past Month Use of Cigarettes and Marijuana, 1975 to 2010

This page was last updated October 2011.

​Research Reports

This series of reports simplifies the science of research findings for the educated lay public, legislators, educational groups, and practitioners. The series reports on research findings of national interest.

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Drugs, Brains, and Behavior - The Science of Addiction

As a result of scientific research, we know that addiction is a disease that affects both brain and behavior.

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