The National Institute on Drug Abuse says the three classes of prescription drugs that are often abused are:
- Opioids, which treat pain
- Central nervous system (CNS) depressants, such as benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, Ativan), which treat anxiety and sleep disorders
- Stimulants, such as amphetamine and (Adderall) or (Concerta, Daytrana, Methylin, Ritalin), which treat attention deficit disorder and narcolepsy (a sleep disorder).