10 Commonly Abused Substances: What Are the Risks? : More people are abusing substances than many realize. Unfortunately, drug use is everywhere. It knows no bounds, age groups, or social classes. People of all ages abuse substances, and some people may not realize they have a problem. Alcohol and drug use affects everyone. Learning about the top ten abused substances and their risks is critical for helping people take better care of themselves.
Ten Commonly Abused Substances and Their Risks
With substance abuse at an all-time high, government agencies and recovery centers are doing all they can to spread awareness. The following are some of the top abused substances and how they can impact the user’s health.
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Alcohol
Alcohol is one of the most widely abused substances in the world. Around half of the population label themselves as drinkers. Approximately 135.5 million people indulge in alcohol regularly. Of this number, 86 million are alcohol abusers. Alcohol abusers participate in underage drinking, binge drinking, and heavy drinking.
Excessive alcohol consumption leads to a higher risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and certain types of cancer, including breast. Alcohol also weakens the immune system.
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Tobacco
Despite efforts to curb tobacco usage, around 28.3 million adults smoke cigarettes. Studies have shown around 3.08 million middle school and high school students smoke. Those who smoke are at risk of developing certain cancers, including lung, throat, and mouth. Smokers are also more likely to develop diabetes and COPD.
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Marijuana
Around 16% of Americans say they smoke marijuana regularly. With this drug now made legal in 23 states, opportunities for acquiring marijuana have increased. Marijuana use affects the brain by altering the thought processes. It also irritates the lungs and can lead to breathing problems and lung infections.
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Prescription Drugs
Prescription drugs are widely abused especially pain medications. Around two million people in the United States abuse drugs, often using them for non-medical purposes. Prescription drug abuse can lead to cardiac problems and may be life-threatening. Those who abuse prescription drugs are more likely to develop increased heart rates, strokes, and heart attacks.
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Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are the most widely prescribed drugs for anxiety and sleep disorders. Unfortunately, the drugs in this class, such as Xanax, are highly addictive. Abusing these drugs can cause blackouts, aggression, suicidal thoughts, and paranoia.
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Cocaine
Although cocaine is illegal, that does not stop people from using and abusing this drug. Around 1.7% of the population over 12 admits to using cocaine. Cocaine use can cause serious side effects, including accelerated heart rate, headaches, dizziness, heart attack, and stroke, especially when abused.
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Stimulants
Stimulants, like Ritalin and Adderall, are prescribed for conditions like ADHD. These drugs are made from amphetamine. Abuse of these drugs can lead to anxiety, jitteriness, insomnia, and psychosis. Large doses can lead to heart rhythm concerns and heart attack or stroke.
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Hallucinogenic Drugs
LCD and PCP have been around for many years. Studies show approximately 5.5 million people are addicted. These substances cause increased heart rate, dizziness, weakness, numbness, and cardiac events.
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Heroin
Heroin is one of the most addictive drugs in the world. Around 1.1 million people over 12 use heroin. This drug slows down brain function. Abuse leads to liver disease, blood clots, kidney disease, and a host of other health conditions.
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Methamphetamine
Meth is a growing problem in the United States because this drug is so easy to acquire and cheap to make. Methamphetamine causes abnormal heart rates, severe heart disease, and a unique form of heart failure that typically only affects meth users, whether young or old.
Get Help for Substance Abuse
Those abusing the substances above likely need professional help. Overcoming these drugs is not easy, but it could save your life.