Are you aware of what the top 10 addictive drugs are? You may be shocked by what’s on the list.
Drug addiction disorders must be considered seriously. Millions of Americans are suffering from substance abuse in the United States alone. It’s not even considering the global prevalence of drug abuse concerns. It is possible that what started as an unintentional habit could soon turn into addiction as your brain depends on the substance to increase dopamine levels within the body.
Drug addiction treatment may aid if you’re looking to get rid of addiction. Should you or someone else you care about wants to break free from addiction, it’s crucial to be aware that there’s an option.
Why Do People Use Drugs?
There are a variety of environmental and genetic factors that can contribute to the development of substance usage and abuse. In the first place, some people are genetically predisposed to use drugs. The result is that addiction can be found within their immediate families, and the risk has been handed down to the children. Mental health problems, as well as psychological issues, can cause addiction. If a person feels unhappy or seeks to take care of themselves, they might use drugs to deal with the stress. The use of drugs can also result from problems at home, at school, cultural beliefs, peer pressures, or impulsivity.
Categories of Drugs
Drugs can fall under one of these types:
Prescription drugs
Drugs that are available over-the-counter
Alcohol
Tobacco illegal drugs
Illegal substances include heroin, cocaine, and inhalants. They also include marijuana, club drugs, steroids, and methamphetamines.
Apart from classifications, substances can be classified in different ways. Alcohol, for instance, is regarded as a depressant because it affects the body and brain. They can be categorized as CNS (central nervous system) stimulants, hallucinogens, dissociative anesthetics, narcotic analgesics, inhalants, and cannabis.
Alcohol
It is an often-abused substance that is sought after because of its capacity to reduce inhibitions. It is currently responsible for over 88,000 US deaths per year. Alcohol can depress and affect mood when people feel impaired and need drinking. Effects of drinking alcohol could range from blurred speech and blackouts to more severe symptoms such as comas and liver disease. It can sometimes be challenging to determine if a person drinks responsibly or suffers from an alcohol-related disorder.
Alcoholism can manifest itself during drinking phases such as moderate, social alcohol consumption, binge drinking, and heavy consumption. It is usually thought to be the most risky situation. At this moment, one has developed a dependency and is likely to experience severe withdrawal symptoms when they stop. Furthermore, people who consume alcohol may develop a more profound addiction to alcohol over time, putting themselves at risk of health issues and relationship problems. Long-term, heavy use of alcohol could cause brain damage, liver and kidney damage, financial losses, lower memories, cancer, a higher chance of being assaulted, increased irritability, and withdrawal from alcohol—delirium Tremens. When alcohol is mixed with Cocaine or Benzodiazepines, the person could be at risk of an overdose that could be fatal.
Albuterol
The medicine treats problems with breathing, wheezing, coughing, and other ailments caused by lung diseases such as asthma. It relaxes airways and makes them more open so that breathing becomes more accessible. Albuterol is typically administered orally by using a jet nebulizer or inhaler.
Antihistamines
Most of them are used for treating allergies and signs like rashes and sneezing. Allergic reactions occur when your body is triggered by a “foreign chemical” that triggers the body’s defense mechanism, which includes histamine. These drugs can also treat illnesses like stomach issues, anxiety, etc.
Oxycodone
Oxycodone can be described as a potent opioid-prescribed drug. It’s often found as a combination drug with other analgesics like aspirin and Acetaminophen. Since it’s two times as powerful as morphine drug, oxycodone can be highly dangerous and addictive when used. According to the CDC’s National Vital Statistics Report, the use of oxycodone was ranked as first among overdose deaths in 2011, with five87 fatalities due to overdose in the year.
Gabapentin
It is an antiepileptic/anticonvulsant drug used with other medications to prevent and control seizures. The medication is administered orally and without or with food. Doctors typically advise that patients use it frequently to reap the benefits. It is recommended that patients discontinue taking gabapentin only after the approval of a physician.
Stimulants prescribed by prescription
The most often abused prescription stimulant is the ADHD drug Adderall. It may improve focus, executive functioning, and emotional control for individuals with ADHD. One of the significant elements that make up Adderall is amphetamine. However, this isn’t an identical substance to methamphetamine (“meth”). Although the two are chemically identical, methamphetamine is significantly more potent than Adderall due to how it gets into the brain, and meth is more likely to have a risk of being misused and causing harmful unwanted side consequences.
However, those with ADHD must not consume Adderall since it may cause adverse severe negative effects if misused. Other stimulants include products containing methylphenidate and some other stimulants to lose weight.
Zokinvy
Zokinvy, one of the orphan drugs, was formally approved by the FDA in November 2020. Its price is staggering, more than $1 million a year. It’s the only approved treatment for Hutchinson-Gilford syndrome, a rare genetic condition that can cause premature old age.
While the dose is contingent on your body size, the average person consumes approximately 200 mg of Zokinvy daily at $746 for each 50 mg pill; this amounts to $89,480 per month—the cost results from a 4 percent increase during December 2021.
There isn’t a copay card available to purchase this medicine. However, the Eiger OneCare program can help to provide insurance coverage or assistance with financial issues.
Inhalants
Inhalants can be described as a wide range of compounds inhaled through the nose or mouth to trigger a psychoactive effect. They comprise various industrial and household items, including aerosol sprays, solvents, gasses, and Nitrites.
Inhalants negatively impact the mind and body, such as addiction and harm to the liver, brain, and kidneys. They can also cause a decline in cognition and the chance of an overdose that may lead to death. Inhalants used for long periods can cause various financial and social problems.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines, commonly referred to as “benzos,” are a group of medications typically prescribed for treating insomnia, anxiety, and seizures. They are used to increase the activity of a neurotransmitter known as GABA within the brain, resulting in a relaxing result. A few common examples of benzodiazepines comprise Valium, Xanax, and Ativan.
Benzos may have adverse effects on your body and mind and body, such as withdrawal symptoms, diminished mental function, and a higher danger of overdoses, which could lead to death. In the long run, prolonged use of benzos can result in several issues with finances and social life. It could trigger a rebound that may aggravate the symptoms that the medication was initially recommended for.