The Most Addictive Prescription Drugs

 

Some forms of medication can have severe adverse effects when misused. They can only be obtained with a prescription from a doctor and patients should follow the recommended dosage to the letter. Unfortunately, this precaution is not enough to prevent people from abusing these substances. The following is a rundown of the most addictive prescription drugs:

Amphetamines

Also known as Speed, this class of drugs is given to people suffering from narcolepsy and ADHD. It helps to regain focus and maintain alertness throughout the day. There is no doubt about its usefulness to individuals that have the disorders. The problem is that people often take amphetamines just to boost their energy level whenever they wish. Abuse it common among students who are cramming for projects and exam reviews. It is also widespread among long haul truck drivers and shift workers.

Codeine

Codeine is an active ingredient in potent cough syrups. It works to minimize coughing and the pain the can sometimes come along with it. However, patients must be careful to consume this medication at the prescribed dosage. Over-dosage can lead to sedation to the point of having an altered consciousness. Due to its high availability, it has become a popular choice for people who are craving for a hit. There are even recipes that show how it can be mixed with candy and soda to create Purple Drank for this purpose.

Xanax

Xanax is a depressant that is mainly used for the treatment of anxiety and panic disorder. It acts quickly to relax the muscles and produce a sedative effect. The result is a calmness that allows the patient to function normally in times of stress. It counteracts a hyper central nervous system. Xanax is said to be the most widely abused drug because of these.

It's not the only popular depressant, though. Other people are partial to Valium and Klonopin which have similar effects. People who take them feel relaxed, almost as if pleasantly drunk, and are likely to be more talkative. These benzodiazepines are highly addictive. This prescription drug addiction can result in fainting and even death.

Late Morning Is The BestTime To Drink Coffee

Many individuals drink coffee for their daily jolt of caffeine. Drinking that cup early in the day blunts caffeine's energy-boosting effects and could possibly lead to higher tolerance. Circadian rhythms and the release of the hormone cortisol are factors on how caffeine is processed.

Although everyone is slightly different, circadian rhythms are genetically programmed into individuals. Lifestyle habits may change this to a certain extent, but sunlight is the major regulating factor. Cortisol, the hormone that makes us feel alert and awake, enters peak production under normal circumstances between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. When many people are having their initial cups of coffee, their bodies are producing their own natural caffeine. Consuming caffeine at a time when cortisol is in peak production actually diminishes its effects and allows individuals to build up greater tolerance to it. Consuming caffeine at the time when cortisol is in peak production runs counter to pharmacology principles that call for use of a drug when it is most needed.

Because cortisol is also a stress-related hormone, an increase tolerance for caffeine can lead to heightened cortisol levels, which can have adverse effects on health.

A 2009 study indicates that in addition to the morning time slot, cortisol production peaks an additional two times during the day,  between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. and between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Timing coffee consumption when cortisol levels naturally dip is the best time to drink coffee. Thus, the best time to consume caffeine-laden coffee is between 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. If you are a daily coffee drinker, however, drinking a cup of coffee every hour or so will give you the best bang for your buck with regard to positive effects from caffeine.

One aspect that no study has taken into consideration, however, is the effect that coffee and caffeine consumption has on individuals who use it very early in the morning such as at 5 a.m. or 6 a.m. The only  comment that could be said for individuals who must have their caffeine fix at this time of the day is the old adage of "everything in moderation."