People can find ways to abuse many different substances. Desperate teenagers may even use aerosol cleaning products as inhalants in a dangerous attempt to alter their consciousness.

Many people will take certain prescription medications recreationally or will consume unsafe or abusive amounts of a drug. While there are many kinds of medications that people can and frequently do abuse, some of the most frequently abused prescription drugs fall into the three categories below.

Pain medications

As you can likely guess, prescription pain medications are among the most in-demand and most commonly abused drugs that people can receive from a doctor. They can cause physical dependence, making otherwise law-abiding people engage in drug-seeking behavior to avoid painful withdrawal.

Prescription stimulants

Drugs like Adderall and Ritalin help people focus, which is why doctors prescribe them for ADHD and similar conditions. Some people will abuse these drugs to stay up for hours or to boost their productivity when they have a big project at work or an exam coming up at school. These prescriptions are popular among college students and young professionals.

Depressant medications

Drugs like benzodiazepines and sleep medications also have strong demand on the unregulated market. Some people use these drugs to self-medicate, while others abuse them in a recreational manner.

Getting caught with any of these prescribed medications if you don't have a valid prescription or giving your medication to others could easily lead to drug charges under Colorado law. When you understand that certain drugs are subject to more scrutiny and more associated with abuse and drug charges, you may better avoid the risks that come from possessing or transferring those medications.