Top Misused Drugs and When to Seek Help
The most commonly misused drugs are also those that carry a high risk of dependence. These are substances that carry ongoing threats to the well-being of those who use them. Some are not illegal, while others are. What they all have in common is the ability to change the function of the brain to make you seek out those substances.
At Victory Addiction Recovery Center, we work with those struggling with all types of substance use disorders (SUD). We provide hands-on support and guidance to help you overcome the challenges you are facing right now. Do not hesitate to contact us if you or your loved one is struggling.
The Most Commonly Misused Drugs
Both legal and illicit substances can fall into the category of commonly misused substances. Dependence, often distinguishable by the onset of cravings and withdrawal symptoms, often signals the need for professional help.
1. Alcohol
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) occurs in 16.4 million men and 10.7 million women over the age of 18, according to data from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. That accounts for about 1 in 10 people over the age of 12. Recognizing the risk of alcohol addiction is an important starting point for getting care.
What makes alcohol so dangerous is that, for most people, enjoying a drink is socially acceptable. However, for some people, including those who drink at a high frequency or in large amounts, the risk of developing addiction is very high. Alcohol addiction treatment can be highly effective.
2. Cannabis
Cannabis maintains a strong footing as one of the most frequently misused substances. Though some states have legalized its use, it remains a federally classified substance. But, is there really a risk? It’s not clear how many people have developed a cannabis use disorder, but data indicate that 52.5 million people, or about 19% of the American adult population, have used the substance in the past year, as noted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Marijuana addiction can happen to anyone using the substance. Much like alcohol, cannabis misuse, such as using it consistently or in high doses, can translate into dependency. Cannabis products carry the risk of disease as well, including causing lung damage, cognitive function decline, and heart damage.
3. Opioids
Opioids, often in the form of prescription painkillers, are another highly common misused substance. This, along with illicit forms such as heroin, creates a high risk of addiction development. It is also one of the most frequently used drugs associated with overdose. The CDC states that, in 2023, 105,000 people died from a drug overdose. Of those, 80,000 had opioids in their system.
Opioids, including hydrocodone, morphine, oxycodone, and fentanyl, are very addictive even in short-term use at high doses. For some, trying to stop can lead to intense pain and discomfort. For many people, the use of these substances starts when they suffer an injury or have a medical procedure that requires pain medications. Opioid addiction can occur due to prescription misuse.
How to Know When It’s Time to Get Help
Recognizing the signs of drug addiction is challenging, especially when these three specific drugs are commonly available and sometimes acceptable to use. If any of the following apply to you, there is a high risk of a substance use disorder (SUD) occurring. That warrants getting professional treatment.
- The need to use more of the substance to get the same benefit. Your body develops a tolerance over time. That means you need to use more to feel any improvement.
- You are using more frequently. Often, a person may start to think about that substance on an ongoing basis, often facing a constant wondering of when they will get more.
- Hiding your drug use is necessary. You don’t want others to know what you are using or how much. You are hiding how much you are using from those you used to use those substances with.
- There’s a negative impact on your life. You may struggle with relationships or maintaining your job. Some people fail to be able to maintain even simple responsibilities because of their constant need for access to the substance.
- You want to stop, try, and fail. Be real with yourself here. If you tried to stop and failed to do so, that’s indicative of a very real dependency.
In each of these situations, the most important first step to take for yourself is to seek treatment from a trusted facility. At Victory, we can provide an assessment that answers your questions honestly and provides you with the best level of support for your unique needs.
Getting Help for Misused Drugs Means a Better Future
Treatment of SUDs can create a new future for you. When you reach out to speak to our team at Victory Addiction Recovery Center, you gain an advocate who wants to help you achieve your goals. Contact us today.