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In 2021, Gabapentin was ranked among the top 10 most prescribed medications in the U.S. In fact, it was reported as the 6th most prescribed drug in the nation. Gabapentin was initially approved in 1993 by the FDA for the treatment of epilepsy and was marketed as a medication that is well tolerated, and effective with a low potential for abuse. Today research has found the medication has the ability to tackle a wide range of ailments, which has helped make it one of the most popular medications in the nation. The drug is easily prescribed without restriction with users being prescribed a wide range of doses. The flexibility in treatment use along with overprescribing and ease of accessibility, have contributed to the growing concern of gabapentin abuse.

Methamphetamines and Adderall are both stimulant drugs. They both fall under the stimulant amphetamine drug family. Stimulant amphetamine drugs such as Adderall and meth are common drugs prescribed to treat neurodivergent disorders such as ADHD, to help people stabilize restless thought patterns as well as improve concentration and focus. Meth and Adderall are chemically similar in structure. They are often referred to as cousins.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, methamphetamine is considered to be a significant drug of abuse with about 1.5 million Americans having a meth use disorder during 2020. Methamphetamine is a lab-made psychomotor stimulant drug with a high potential for addiction. The Schedule II controlled substance is only legally available through a non-refillable prescription used to treat symptoms of ADHD and short-term treatment of obesity. Most often, meth is manufactured illicitly through common ingredients such as pseudoephedrine, acetone, paint thinner, battery acid, lithium, drain cleaner, iodine, and ether.

Cocaine is one of the most addictive substances and can produce mental and emotional side effects when taken in excess. Cocaine is a strong central nervous system stimulant drug that interferes with the re-absorption of dopamine, a neurochemical associated with functions such as pleasure and movement. It speeds up the activity in your brain to produce feelings of alertness, intense energy and euphoria. Because cocaine impacts the dopamine levels in the brain, unnatural and excessive amounts of dopamine can also cause adverse effects such as anger, aggressiveness, hallucinations and delusions.

Alcohol poisoning is a condition in which a person consumes excessive amounts of alcohol to the point where the body is unable to efficiently process it causing a toxic build-up of the substance. The body is able to quickly absorb alcohol. However, it can take some time for it to metabolize and expel the substance because it is processed in the liver. Alcohol poisoning can become life-threatening if too much alcohol is consumed too quickly. When this occurs, the liver is unable to work as quickly or efficiently to remove the alcohol. In fact, a person can consume a fatal dose of alcohol even before passing out and even when they are unconscious or they stop drinking. In this case, the stomach can continue to release alcohol into the bloodstream and continually increase the level of alcohol in the body.

Adderall and Ritalin are prescription stimulants used to treat symptoms of ADHD. Due to the nature of the drug, they carry a high potential for abuse and dependence and have been labeled as Schedule II controlled substances. These prescription stimulants are often abused by young professionals and students to help them improve productivity. It is also abused by athletes to help them enhance their physical performance. In fact, Adderall is used by an estimated 76% of stimulant abusers and Ritalin is used by an estimated 24.5% of stimulant abusers. Due to its widespread availability and accessibility, recent studies have shown a significant increase in Ritalin abuse and addiction.

Cannabis, marijuana, or weed is one of the most commonly abused illicit substances worldwide. The main psychoactive ingredient THC is what causes euphoria and psychedelic feelings which users hope to achieve when using the drug. Like other drugs, overconsumption of weed can cause an overdose of THC. Sometimes an overdose can be an accident, can be intentional, can be mild or can be severe.

Ambien is a non-benzo sedative-hypnotic that is an FDA-approved medication prescribed for the short-term management of insomnia and other types of sleep disorders. Ambien can also be sold under the generic name zolpidem. It was initially regarded as a safer alternative to benzos and generally considered safer than other sedative medications. Now, clinical evidence shows long-term use and excessive use of Ambien can lead to the development of dependence and the experience of dangerous withdrawal symptoms.

Robotripping is a form of substance abuse that is characterized by ingesting products like Robitussin, cough syrup or other over-the-counter medications that contain dextromethorphan (DXM), in high doses, in an attempt to get high. At high enough doses, users can experience psychological and physical effects such as euphoria, and auditory and visual hallucinations. Despite being the main active ingredient in many household medicines, when abused, DXM can result in dangerous side effects. Cough syrups are most often not on parent’s radar. This is because it is so common in homes. However, robotripping and abuse of DXM are most commonly found among teens and young adults.

What are drug test screenings? Drug tests are used to detect the presence or absence of drugs. A typical 5-panel drug screening tests for the following common substances: marijuana or THC, cocaine, amphetamines, opiates and phencyclidine or PCP. It is often referred to as the NIDA five because they are the five types of drugs recommended for screening of federal employees by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). In some cases, a person might need a 10-panel drug test which includes checking for additional substances such as benzos, barbiturates, methadone, MDMA and propoxyphene. The price of drug testing will vary on many different factors. Some can cost as little as $5 and as high as $500.