5. Narcotic syrups

codeine and hydrocodone

Prescription cough syrups (such as Tussoinex and Phenergan) containing narcotics such as codeine and hydrocodone have become very popular among young adults through pop culture. Several rappers have made it clear that they not only enjoy recreationally drinking “purple drank”, but they encourage it, almost as much one would normally encourage a safer drug, like marijuana. Like other opiates, they instill euphoric, pleasantly itchy, and relaxing effects within the drinker. A popular term “lean” describes putting a jolly rancher in your bottle for flavor. Although codeine and hydrocodone are very rarely abused to the point of overdose, it should be noted that the syrups are often combined with drugs like acetaminophen and guaifenesin, which will cause bodily harm much more rapidly. Codeine and hydrocodone are also available in pill form, under brand names Tylenol 1-4 and Vicodin, respectively.

4. Adderall

mixed amphetamine salts

The all-too-famous “speed in a pill”, Adderall is provided to adolescents like candy it seems. By combining l-amp and d-amp in a 25% to 75% ratio, it can provide people with trouble concentrating miraculous relief. But attention disorders are exceptionally easy to fake, and, therefore, many high school entrepreneurs acquire it just to make extra cash from their friends at school. Amphetamines, ranging from Adderall to meth to Ecstasy (methylenedioxymethamphetamine), are valued for their energetic, stimulating, and oftentimes euphoric effects. Adderall, along with Ritalin, abuse is rampant among high school and college students during exams, due to their ability to exponentially increase focus and motivation.

3. Laudanum

tincture of opium

Adding a little history to our list, Laudanum was coined in early 17th century London, although preparations of opium extractions date back quite a bit further. It is an alcoholic mixture of powdered opium, varying in potency. The active ingredients, therefore, include codeine, morphine, and ethanol. This potent mixture was treated as an alternative poison to English users, viewed as more socially acceptable than smoking opium, which a good fraction of the Chinese were addicted to at the time. Long before our modern Rx system, this medicine was readily available to anyone, and was soon found to be no less harmful than nature’s own narcotic preparation. The tincture continued to be used pharmaceutically in the States by many, until the early 20th century when it was deemed unfit to consume without a doctor’s overseeing. Its history in Europe and America is well known, but what is not is that it is actually still available today. Laudanum remains available by prescription, and is most commonly used for newborns that were born to opiate addicted mothers.

2. OxyContin

oxycodone

Also branded as Percocet with acetaminophen, as well as several others, oxycodone has probably been responsible for more harm, in the past twenty years, than any other pill on this list. It was synthesized by German scientists in the early 1900s, but not used widely in medicine until much later. The drug gives users a blissful, heavenly euphoria that is almost unmatched in the narcotic world. In the mid-90s Purdue manufactured OxyContin; a time released tablet containing enough oxycodone to get a user high many times over, in the higher milligram doses. When taken orally this provided chronic pain patients, with cancer and disabilities, a new outlook on life. They could live pain free without taking pills consistently throughout the day. When abused by chewing, insufflation, or injection this pill was the ultimate score until quite recently. OxyContin is now manufactured via a formula that is much harder to abuse; however, other preparations of oxycodone (e.g. Roxicodone) are still very popular in the opiate community.

1. Opana

oxymorphone

The common Joe may have never heard of Opana before, but it is number one on this list because it is becoming significantly more popular with abusers, now that OxyContin is nearly useless to them. In the near future oxymorphone will likely be one of the most misused painkillers on the market. It is similar to other narcotics, providing pain relief for those in need, but its euphoria not only exceeds that of oxycodone, but some will argue heroin as well. A person with a low tolerance will get an indescribably rich high off about one-eighth of a high dose (40mg ER) Opana through insufflation. As more thrill seekers spread the word of Opana’s potential, we will see oxymorphone become the new pharmaceutical dope; the drug of choice for anyone with access to an unlocked medicine cabinet.