Cost Of Prescription Drugs Sold On The Street

Prescription drug abuse is becoming a concern for more Americans. When people experiencing this type of drug abuse don’t have access to a prescription, they may turn to buying pills on the street.

Many factors can influence the cost of prescription drugs on the street, which this article discusses.

Buying pills on the street comes with an increased risk of overdose or other adverse health effects due to the unknown contents of these drugs.

Common Prescription Drugs Sold On The Street

Common prescription drugs sold on the street include opioids, stimulants, and benzodiazepines.

Common Opioids Sold On The Street

Opioids are drugs that relieve pain by interacting with opioid receptors. In addition to providing pain relief, they also cause euphoria, which is why these drugs are highly addictive.

On the street, these drugs are often sold by milligram or by tablet, and prices vary widely.

Examples of opioids include:

• OxyContin (oxycodone)
• Vicodin (hydrocodone)
• codeine
• Percocet
• methadone
• hydromorphone
• fentanyl

Common Stimulants Sold On The Street

Stimulants are medications that are prescribed for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.
They are addictive, particularly when used by people who do not have these conditions.

On the street, amphetamine-based drugs such as Adderall can cost between $3 and $15 per unit, while methylphenidates such as Ritalin cost roughly $10 per unit, depending on the form in which they are sold.

It is important to note, however, that much of the information on the street costs of ADHD medication was published several years ago.

In light of the current stimulant shortage, prices have likely increased significantly.

Common Benzodiazepines Sold On The Street

Benzodiazepines are fast-acting medications that are prescribed for anxiety, seizures, and insomnia.

Often, they are only prescribed for a short amount of time due to their potential for abuse.

Xanax (alprazolam), costs between $2 and $20 per tablet, and Valium (diazepam) costs between $1 and $10 per tablet.

Why Prescription Drug Prices Are Higher On The Street

In addition to differing demand levels, other factors can influence average drug costs on the street.

Some of these factors include:

• location — In some locations, drugs have a higher street value. For example, different prices can be found in America, Canada, and Mexico.
• brand name vs. generic drugs — Brand name drugs often have a higher average price than their generic counterparts.
• legitimacy — Many illicit prescription drugs are counterfeit or contain fillers and additives. Legitimate drugs often cost more than counterfeit medications.

Risks Of Prescription Drug Abuse

All prescription medication abuse is dangerous and can result in addiction, but drugs purchased off the street create additional risks.

Most notably, because many drugs are mixed with harmful cutting agents, they carry a high risk of health consequences such as accidental poisoning and allergic reaction.

Furthermore, fentanyl has been detected in many street drugs, including non-opioid drugs such as stimulants, depressants, and benzodiazepines.

Fentanyl is intended for people with extreme pain conditions who have developed a tolerance to other opioids.
If a person without this tolerance unknowingly consumes fentanyl, they could experience severe side effects, as well as overdose and death.

Treatment Options For People With Addiction

There are several treatment options available for people experiencing substance abuse, including prescription drug addiction.

These options include:

• medical detoxification (detox)
• medication-assisted treatment (MAT), such as buprenorphine treatment
• inpatient programs
• residential programs
• partial hospitalization programs (PHP)
• intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
• outpatient programs (OP)

Find Substance Use Disorder Treatment Today

Addiction is a costly disorder in multiple ways. If you or a loved one needs treatment for drug use, contact Detox Rehabs today to learn more.