Addiction is a disease that affects millions of Americans each year, impacting their general health, their social and professional life, their family and friends, and the economy as a whole. Substance abuse can range from being addicted to nicotine or abusing alcohol in social situations to being addicted to hard drugs like heroin or cocaine. A large number of people also suffer from addictions to prescription drugs, as we will see further in the article.
We have compiled a list of the most common 6 addictions in the US, with some general information about each one.
Alcohol
Alcohol is one of the most abused substances all over the world, mainly due to the social acceptance and expectations associated with alcohol consumption. Many people don’t even realize they have a substance abuse disorder, while their life is affected by excess consumption.
Nicotine (tobacco)
Tobacco use is still prevalent in the US and many people are finding it very difficult to quit. Despite there being many governmental, non-profit and private programs for treating nicotine addiction, many Americans are still smoking on a regular basis.
Marijuana
While marijuana doesn’t necessarily induce addiction with occasional use, several people are consuming it on a regular basis and develop a form of addiction to it (increased dose for the same effect, withdrawal from not getting the substance).
Prescription drugs based on opioids
Codeine, Vicodin, and Oxycodone are a few examples of opioid-based prescription drugs people can easily get addicted to. They are widely used beyond the prescription people usually get for an injury or condition, and they create a powerful addiction.
Benzodiazepines
Valium, Xanax, and other medications in the benzodiazepine group are generally used to treat anxiety and other conditions. Unfortunately, they can get people addicted and many patients have to fight this on top of their initial mental health issues.
Cocaine and crack
Considered some of the most dangerous drugs, cocaine and crack do trigger hard-to-fight addictions, as they are often consumed in binges and associated with certain cultures and lifestyles. Relapsing is common in people consuming such drugs because they are known to modify the brain pathways, triggering cravings very easily.
Substances defined as stimulants
Adderall and Ritalin are some of the best-known medicines known as stimulants, which are usually used to treat certain mental health conditions. Illegal drugs defined as stimulants include meth, which is easily tolerated by people consuming it, creating an addiction that is hard to fight without rehab and a detox cure.
As you can see, there is a wide range of substances Americans can abuse to the point of addiction, and most of them are in need of professional help to fight off the addiction they have. If you or a loved one are suffering from addiction, don’t hesitate to contact your general doctor or to go directly to a unit specializing in rehab south africa and substance abuse treatment.
