We all know how problematic drug addiction is. It can damage health and careers and destroy lives, relationships, and families. Even though it is such a damaging habit, have you ever wondered why certain drugs are so frequently abused?
In this blog, we explore the most commonly abused drugs. We also discuss their types, effects, and prevention tips. Whether you are looking to educate yourself or help a loved one suffering from addiction, this guide can help. It will provide valuable insights into the world of substance abuse. This can help you support yourself or your loved one through their addiction.
Read on to learn all about commonly abused drugs.
The first step towards tackling and overcoming substance use disorder is to understand it. Drugs take hold of the central nervous system. This makes it extremely difficult to quit using addictive substances.
Addiction often starts in an unnoticeable way. It can stem from peer pressure, curiosity, or even using prescribed medications for legitimate reasons, such as anxiety or depression. Over time, what starts as casual use can turn into dependency.
Certain drugs are designed to have a powerful impact on the brain’s reward system. These drugs release large amounts of dopamine, which creates feelings of pleasure and euphoria. This “high” feels so good that it influences the brain to use the drug repeatedly.
Besides the euphoric feelings, a person can also get addicted due to psychological factors. For instance, they might start using drugs to escape stress or pain. This further increases the risks of substance misuse.
There are also some biological risks of addiction. Some substances quickly build tolerance. This means users need more of the drug to achieve the same effect. This leads to a dangerous cycle of dependency.
Knowing about different types of drugs can help identify and address addiction early. This can make a difference in helping a loved one overcome drug use.
The following gives a breakdown of some of the most commonly misused drugs:
These are a class of drugs that make a person feel more confident, awake, and energetic. They speed up the messages traveling between the brain and body. These drugs are sometimes referred to as "uppers" and increase the activity of the central nervous system.
Some of the most commonly abused stimulants include:
Stimulants reverse mental and physical fatigue. These substances can induce feelings of euphoria and cause a person to feel energetic and alert.
There are several health risks associated with abusing stimulants. These include:
This class of drugs reduces arousal and stimulation. They work oppositely to stimulants and slow down the messages traveling between the brain and body. It affects concentration and slows down a person's reactions to certain situations. They are often referred to as "downers."
Some common depressants include:
Depressants help a person feel relaxed. It also reduces anxiety and induces feelings of drowsiness.
People who abuse depressants are at risk of:
This class of drugs is derived from the opium poppy plant. It slows down the central nervous system and delays messages between the brain and the rest of the body.
Examples of commonly used opioids include:
Opioids release dopamine. It induces feelings of euphoric high and causes sensations of pleasure and pain relief within the body.
The risks associated with the use of opioids include the following:
These drugs create altered states of consciousness. These are psychedelic drugs that affect moods and thoughts.
Examples include:
Hallucinogens alter a person's perceptions. It can affect a person's moods and thoughts and cause hallucinations. It can also change the way people feel, see, taste, hear, or smell.
Hallucinogen abuse has the following risks:
Cannabis is a highly addictive cannabinoid drug. It contains the psychoactive cannabinoid THC and the non-psychoactive cannabidiol CBD. It is commonly known as marijuana, pot, and weed.
Examples include:
Cannabis can be taken as prescribed by doctors. It has medicinal uses, such as being used as sedatives. Other medicinal effects include:
Cannabis is also commonly used without a prescription. Recreational effects of cannabis use include:
Although it has medicinal uses, cannabis also poses risks to health. These include:
These are synthetic versions of illegal drugs with slight chemical alterations. These mimic the feelings of the original drug and induce similar highs.
Some common examples of synthetic drugs include:
Addicts commonly use designer drugs to experience the high of other illegal substances. These can include:
Using designer drugs and emerging substances has a number of risks, such as:
You can also find the types, effects, and risks of these drug classes in the table below:
|
Drug Class |
Examples |
Effects |
Risks |
|
Stimulants |
Nicotine, Cocaine, Amphetamines, Methamphetamines, Caffeine. |
Euphoria, increased energy, alertness |
Heart issues, extreme addiction, paranoia, insomnia |
|
Depressants |
Alcohol, Benzodiazepines, Barbiturates, Opiods, Codeine |
Relaxation, reduced anxiety, drowsiness |
Respiratory depression, extreme addiction, weakness, headaches, loss of motor coordination, slurred speech, blurred vision, lightheadedness |
|
Opioids |
Heroin, Fentanyl, Prescription painkillers, Morphine |
Euphoria, pleasure, pain relief |
Overdose, severe withdrawal symptoms, organ damage, slow breathing, vomiting |
|
Hallucinogens |
LSD, PCP, Psilocybin, Ecstasy, Ketamine |
Altered perception, hallucinations |
Psychosis, brain damage, dangerous behavior, impaired judgment, flashbacks, visual and auditory disorientation, panic attacks |
|
Cannabis |
Marijuana, Hashish |
Pain relief, nausea control, appetite stimulation, relaxation |
Addiction, anxiety, mental disorder, paranoia, slowed reaction time, seizures |
|
Designer Drugs/Emerging Substances |
Synthetic marijuana, Fentanyl analog, Ecstasy, Meth |
Euphoria, relaxation, elevated mood, altered perception |
Agitation, anxiety, panic attacks, overdose, death |
With numerous health risks, it is no surprise that substance use can have severe consequences. Drug abuse affects a person's physical and mental health. It can also have negative social and economic effects.
Using drugs can have dire impacts on a person's physical health. It can cause chronic diseases and damage organs. Substance use can even lead to overdoses and deaths.
Like the body, a person's mind is also severely affected by drug use. These harmful substances damage a person's mental well-being by causing depression, paranoia, memory problems, and cognitive decline. It can even increase the risk of developing schizophrenia, psychosis, or a similar illness.
Besides health problems, drug abuse can damage a person's social and economic standing. It can decrease productivity and cause job challenges or even losses. Moreover, addicts commonly face societal rejection and incur high medical expenses.
Understanding prevention strategies can help individuals and families address drug abuse before it becomes unmanageable. It can lead to sobriety and a healthier lifestyle before the addiction worsens beyond repair.
Identifying the early stages of substance abuse can make a significant difference. It can help detect addiction in the early stages and work towards overcoming it.
Taking proactive steps can also reduce the risk of drug abuse. It can help a loved one escape their bad habits and live a healthy life.
A strong support system is essential for prevention and recovery. It can show addicts that they are not alone. This can inspire and motivate them to continue along their path to recovery.
Prevention is always more effective when approached with awareness, education, and collaboration. A united effort can help safeguard individuals and communities against the dangers of drug abuse.
Taking the first step toward addressing drug abuse can feel overwhelming. However, there are effective ways to support yourself or your loved one in the fight against addiction.
Starting a conversation with them about substance abuse. Show them care and empathy and offer your support.
You can also enlist the help of recovery centers. Professional intervention and structured programs can ensure effective recovery.
Alcohol is the most commonly abused drug in the world. It is easily accessible due to its availability and social acceptance. In the United States alone, alcohol abuse is responsible for over 100,000 deaths every year.
Yes, using prescription drugs without a valid prescription or as intended is illegal. It can lead to addiction, overdose, and legal consequences.
Substances are addictive because they release dopamine. This chemical triggers pleasure and cravings. This rewires the brain, leading to dependency and addiction over time.
In short, there are a number of commonly abused drugs. These drugs induce various feelings of pleasure and relief in the body. However, there are equally as many risks associated with drug use, if not more. Understanding the consequences of substance abuse can help enforce prevention strategies. This can make recovery possible with the right support and resources. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, don’t hesitate to seek help. Reach out to professionals, join support groups, and lean on your community. Every step toward recovery is a step toward a healthier and brighter future.
For professional help with addiction recovery, get in touch with The Retreat. We work to ensure your loved one turns away from substance abuse and lives a healthy life. Visit our website for more information or call us today to get in touch.