Most Addictive Drugs
What are the Most Addictive Drugs
We all know how common substance use disorders are, but many of us wonder, what are the most addictive drugs?
Drug addiction is one of the most relentless, costly, and dangerous health concerns we face as a nation.
And while there are many different substances that you may become addicted to, some are much more common than others.
Marijuana, synthetic cannabinoids, prescription drugs, stimulants, and depressants are some of the most commonly used addictive drugs.
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The Breakdown of the Most Addictive Drugs
In 2019, 20.4 million individuals over the age of 12 reported a past year substance use disorder.
Among them, 14.5 million had a past-year alcohol use disorder, which falls into the stimulant category.
Additionally, 8.3 million had an illicit drug use disorder, and 2.4 million had both.
Addictions to drugs and alcohol often co-exist.
Addictions and mental health disorders often co-exist, as well.
This combination is called a dual diagnosis, and we offer a highly specialized and personalized treatment program to address it.
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The Dangers of Some of the Most Addictive Drugs
While marijuana is now legal in some states, there is evidence that it impairs short-term memory and learning abilities. It can also impair your focus and coordination, increase your heart rate, or damage your lungs. For certain vulnerable users, it increases the risk of psychosis. Many people are unaware of these risks because marijuana has become a somewhat normalized substance. But it can cause damage to your mental and physical health all the same. And cannabinoids, while created to mimic the effects and create a safe and legal alternative to marijuana, often impact the brain more powerfully and differently.
The effects of synthetic cannabinoids are often unpredictable and may be severe or life-threatening under certain circumstances. Those who end up in the emergency room after using them often experience rapid heartbeats, vomiting, increasingly violent behaviors, and suicidal thoughts. Their ability to increase your blood pressure and reduce blood flow to the heart can lead to kidney damage and seizures. Cannabinoids are highly addictive and offer no medical benefits. If you are addicted to marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids, we can help.
The Most Addictive Prescription Drugs
Many people believe that prescription medications are always safe because a doctor recommended them. This is not necessarily true. Prescription medications can be beneficial in medical and monitored settings. But this category also includes some of the most addictive drugs available today. Some of the most commonly abused and addictive prescription drugs include opioid painkillers, stimulants, and central nervous system depressants. Opioids, meant to relieve pain after an accident, injury, or surgery, are more dangerous than most.
Opioids are linked to high rates of overdoses, both non-fatal and fatal. This is true for both prescription opioids like Vicodin and illicit opioids like heroin. Fatal overdoses related to opioids are often due to a condition called hypoxia. This condition occurs when there is not enough oxygen reaching the brain. Slowed breathing is one of the side effects of opioids. Hypoxia can be fatal, or it can cause other short or long-term effects. Its effects can be both neurological and psychological and may include comas or brain damage, as well.
Addictive Stimulant Drugs
Some of the most addictive drugs are prescription or illicit stimulants and depressants. Prescription stimulants include medications like Ritalin and Adderall, which are often prescribed to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. They may also be prescribed to treat narcolepsy. In the appropriate settings and circumstances, they can improve your energy and attention levels by enhancing the effects of neurotransmitters in your brain. But in high doses, they can also cause dangerously high temperatures in the body, irregular heartbeats or failure, and seizures. In some cases, prescription stimulant misusers have reported feelings of paranoia, anger, or psychosis.
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Addictive Central System Depressants
Central nervous system depressants, including sedatives, tranquilizers, and hypnotics are the final category of the most addictive drugs available today. These are typically used to treat anxiety or panic disorders and insomnia. Some of the most dangerous of these are benzodiazepines like Valium and Xanax. They slow your brain activity, which can make you drowsy or dizzy, impair your coordination and memory, and lower your blood pressure and breathing rates. One of the biggest problems with benzodiazepines is that they are often used in conjunction with other dangerous substances.
Alcohol is another central nervous system depressant. It is considered by some to be one of the most addictive drugs. Many people do not consider it a drug since it is a legal and normalized substance, but it is highly addictive and dangerous. Alcohol is one of the most commonly abused substances in addiction treatment settings. The effects and potential health impairments related to alcohol are worsened when it is mixed with other substances, which is a common practice. Over 30% of opioid overdoses also involve benzodiazepines.
Addiction Treatment Settings for the Most Addictive Drugs
In many cases, avoiding some of the most addictive drugs can be difficult. Prescriptions are given to relieve pain, help you sleep, or improve your mental health. Marijuana and alcohol are normalized at levels that make it difficult to see how damaging they can be. Whatever reasons your addiction began, we can help you put it to an end. Our addiction care programs are customized from start to finish to meet your unique addiction and needs. We offer care programs in several different settings, including:
- Inpatient care programs
- Partial hospitalization
- Intensive outpatient
- Traditional outpatient
- Dual diagnosis
- Trauma-informed care
- Aftercare planning and services
Addiction Treatment Methods
Our programs use a combination of proven treatment methods, holistic remedies, creative therapies, and recreational activities to help you reach your recovery goals. Some of our most effective, proven, and traditional methods include individual, group, and family therapy sessions. Support group meetings, life skills training, and relapse prevention training are also highly beneficial.
Creative therapies include activities like art therapy and music therapy. Creative activities like these can help relieve stress, boost self-esteem, and create a positive outlet for self-expression. Recreational activities, like beach trips, yoga, and meditation help you find balance between your body and mind. We aim to create programs that are well-rounded, balanced, and carefully personalized. We do not believe in one-size-fits-all recovery solutions.
Paying for Addiction Treatments
Paying for addiction treatments is a common concern for many people entering into a rehab program. But it may be easier than you would think. Most health insurance providers offer coverage for addiction treatments. And we work with most major health insurance providers to get you the care that you need and deserve. If you have health insurance, please call our admissions counselor for your complimentary insurance verification. If you do not have health insurance, please call our admissions counselor and ask about our convenient alternative payment options.
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Resurgence Behavioral Health
Loosening the grip of some of the most addictive drugs can be challenging and scary.
But we have spent years developing the right teams, facilities, methods, and programs to make it easier.
From our first phone call through aftercare planning, we will guide you and monitor your progress to ensure that we are always providing you with the best care that we can.
It is time for your life to be yours again.
You are more than your addiction.
Call us today.
