Top 10 Abused Prescription Drugs in Maryland

Unfortunately, many of the prescription drugs people need to treat injuries and deal with pain are also highly addictive and can lead to legal trouble if they are arrested for abusing them. Our lawyers can defend your case and show how your dependency developed.

Whether the drug being abused is an opioid, depressant, or stimulant, our team can gather evidence to show why you originally relied on the drug. With mitigating circumstances, we can usually negotiate with the prosecution to get you the treatment you need rather than face criminal penalties.

For help defending your case, call our Maryland criminal defense lawyers today at Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291.

What Are the Top 10 Most Abused Prescription Drugs in Maryland?

While prescription drugs can help people deal with a painful injury or condition or give them focus, they can be easily abused because of their addictive nature. The most abused prescription drugs include opioids, depressants, and stimulants, according to a report from the Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. Although these substances are legal with a valid prescription, people can develop a dependence that leads to criminal charges. Our Maryland criminal defense attorneys are here to explain the circumstances to the court if you find yourself in legal trouble and how addiction works with the prescription have. The following are the top ten most abused prescription drugs in the state:

Suboxone

Suboxone, known generically as buprenorphine-naloxone, is often prescribed to help individuals struggling with opioid addiction. While it has shown effectiveness in aiding recovery from opioid dependence, there is a high potential for misuse. Some people abuse Suboxone by injecting, snorting, or taking higher doses than what is prescribed. This misuse can lead to a risky euphoric high and significantly raise the chances of overdose.

OxyContin

OxyContin, a potent opioid pain reliever, has become well-known for its risk of abuse. It contains oxycodone, which is highly addictive. When used improperly, OxyContin can create a rapid and powerful high, contributing to its addictive nature, and crushing the tablets for snorting or injecting bypasses the time-release mechanism, increasing the risk of a potentially deadly dose. Long-term abuse of OxyContin can lead to severe respiratory issues, organ damage, and fatalities.

What is most concerning, countless individuals have reported using OxyContin for recreational purposes at least once. This shows that both adults and young people are in danger of abusing this highly addictive prescription drug.

Adderall

Adderall, a stimulant medication frequently prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), has gained popularity as a drug of misuse. It contains amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, both of which can heighten focus and alertness.

However, when used irresponsibly, Adderall can lead to serious issues such as addiction, cardiovascular problems, anxiety, and paranoia. Some people resort to abusing Adderall in an effort to boost their academic, athletic, or work performance despite the significant risks. Hence, children and young people can find themselves facing criminal charges after being introduced to this drug. Our team can step in to defend the case so those charged do not face severe criminal punishment that does not fit the crime.

Xanax

Xanax is the most commonly prescribed medication in the United States. It is primarily used to treat anxiety and panic disorders, which are common among countless people. It functions by slowing brain activity, which helps induce a sense of relaxation. However, its sedative properties also make it prone to misuse.

Some individuals take Xanax in larger doses or mix it with other substances to heighten its effects. While it may offer short-term relief from anxiety, abusing Xanax can result in serious long-term complications, such as respiratory issues and memory problems.

Unfortunately, over 16 million Americans struggle with abusing this prescription drug, exposing them to Maryland’s criminal penalties.

Ritalin

Ritalin is another stimulant medication commonly prescribed for managing ADHD, but it is often misused, particularly among students. It can enhance focus and attention similar to Adderall, allowing individuals to study or stay awake for long periods. However, misuse of Ritalin can lead to serious health issues, including high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and various psychiatric problems. Because it affects so many children, parents might be criminally charged if they let their children become addicted to and abuse Ritalin.

Vicodin

Vicodin is a powerful painkiller that combines hydrocodone and acetaminophen, making it commonly prescribed for moderate to severe pain. However, because it contains an opioid, it can be misused to attain a euphoric high. Unfortunately, Vicodin is notably the prescription drug of choice among Maryland high school students. However, long-term abuse of Vicodin can lead to serious health risks, including liver damage, respiratory issues, addiction, and legal trouble.

Ambien

Ambien is a sedative medication commonly prescribed for insomnia. It works by calming brain activity to help induce sleep. However, when misused, Ambien can lead to hallucinations and memory loss.

Fentanyl

Fentanyl has become fast become synonymous with overdose and crime because of its highly addictive qualities. It is an incredibly powerful synthetic opioid painkiller often prescribed for managing severe pain, particularly for patients with conditions like cancer. However, the rise of illegally manufactured fentanyl has raised significant issues and led to many people being punished by the criminal justice system. The risk of overdose with fentanyl is substantial, as even small amounts can be fatal.

Valium

Valium, also known as diazepam, is part of a group of medications known as benzodiazepines. It is often used to manage anxiety, alleviate muscle spasms, and control seizures. However, because of its soothing effects, there is a high potential for it to be misused.

Klonopin

One benzodiazepine medication often prescribed for anxiety and panic disorders is Klonopin. It has a calming effect that many individuals find appealing, which can sometimes lead to an addiction to that feeling. Unfortunately, this can result in abuse, leading to side effects such as drowsiness, confusion, and impaired coordination. Withdrawals from it can also lead to psychotic episodes, leading to arrests before the person on it even knows what is happening.

Call Our Maryland Criminal Defense Attorneys for Help Today

If you were charged with abusing prescription drugs, call our Maryland criminal defense lawyers at Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291.