Tennessee residents who must take prescription medications may find themselves at risk of criminal charges if they ultimately develop an addiction to the drugs they are given. This may come in the form of a driving under the influence charge or another type of drug crime. What may have originated as a legitimate medical need may cause new problems for people in part because of the impact some drugs have on the brain.
WebMD explains that some drugs can literally change the way the brain works and is structured, therefore altering a person’s functioning and contributing to the development of an addiction. Basically this makes a drug addiction a type of disease of the brain.
According to Healthline, the most addictive medications fall into one of three categories: stimulants, depressants or pain-relieving opioids. Stimulants might boost a person’s energy or mental alertness by opening airways and increasing blood flow and heart rate. Examples of these drugs include the amphetamine Adderall and Ritalin.
Depressants on the other hand are used to calm or quiet the brain and central nervous system. Often prescribed for people with sleep problems or anxiety, examples of these addictive drugs include klonopin, xanax and valium.
Pain relief for acute or chronic conditions or needs is often achieved through the use of opioid medications. Codeine, oxycodone, percocet, demerol and darvocet are some of the most commonly used and most highly addictive forms of opioids. These may be needed to help reduce pain after surgery or manage an ongoing back injury or other situation.
