Drug abuse is a get-away habit for millions of Americans suffering from depression or anxiety disorder. Generally, nearly 21 million Americans suffer from a single addiction, with only 11% seeking treatment. What’s more 90% of these people started abusing drugs at 18-25.
So, what is drug addiction? Addiction, popularly known as substance abuse is a mental disorder that tricks the brain to depend on illegal drugs despite knowing the adverse consequences. The effects of long-term abuse may include impaired judgment, brain damage, or even death.
Here is the illegal drugs list commonly found in the streets.
1. Alcohol
When people walk into a bar, they drink to relax, socialize, or celebrate their small wins. However, too much consumption of alcohol can trigger addiction and various health risks. Alcohol addiction has both short-term and long-term effects.
The effects vary from different individuals, depending on age, genes, underlying health risks, and the frequency/ amount of drinking. These effects may include impaired judgment, liver disease, heart complications, and cancer.
2. Marijuana
Although marijuana is legal for medical use in some states, it still tops the illegal drugs list in the US. Marijuana use is prevalent across all age groups, including teens. Users take marijuana through smoking or consumable edibles such as cakes and biscuits.
Prevalent health risks associated with marijuana abuse include depression, anxiety, heart attacks, or increased heart rates. However, you can prevent these risks by stopping the habit before it turns into an addiction.
If you suspect a family member is abusing drugs, you can use a drug dog to sniff any illegal substance in your home. This can help them get professional rehabilitation before it’s too late. Here is more info on the type of drugs that a dog can detect.
3. The Illegal Drugs List for Prescription Medications
Although cocaine and marijuana are the widely abused drugs in the US, prescription medications are taking a spotlight in the nation’s drug abuse crisis. The prevalent prescription opioids in the streets include OxyContin Percocet, tramadol, and morphine.
Some of the long-term effects of abusing medical prescriptions include memory loss, liver damage, and kidney problems.
4. Cocaine
Cocaine is a highly addictive narcotic consumed through sniffing or direct injection into the bloodstream. Many people usually abuse it as crack (crystal form). Other popular street names for cocaine include snow, blow, coke, or flake.
This drug tricks the brain into releasing excess dopamine to create a short-lived euphoric feeling. The feeling is intense, and that’s why addicts can’t get enough of the snort.
Some of the health risks associated with cocaine abuse include high blood pressure, stroke, malnourishment, or even death due to overdose. Also, cocaine addiction exposes users to a higher risk of contracting an infectious disease because they often share needles.
5. Heroin
Heroin is an opioid, mainly extracted from opium poppy flowers. The drug comes in a black, sticky substance or tan powder. Users consume heroin by injection, smoking, or inhalation. This makes the brain absorb the drug rapidly, making it highly addictive.
The short-term effects of heroin abuse include drugged driving, suppressed breathing, or even overdose death. Similarly, long-term use of cocaine can cause kidney disease and skin infection. Heroin users are also at a high risk of contracting an infectious disease from sharing needles.
Drug Abuse Is Treatable
Drug abuse can be detrimental in many ways. Besides taking a toll on physical health, addiction can also break relationships and trigger poverty. Fortunately, addictions from the above illegal drugs list are treatable through professional rehabilitation.
Check other articles on this site for more information on substance abuse and recovery.