Seven Most Common Addictions in the U.S

The level of drug addiction has reached epidemic proportions, as reported with opioids’ significant role in drug overdose deaths in the United States. Although drug use typically begins with a desired effect of the feeling it gives, it eventually causes unwanted and substantial changes in how your brain functions.

Individuals with this cruel problem have a brain disease caused by the very drugs they abuse, that can affect your health, behavior, and most areas of life. You lose the ability to resist no matter how much damage the drug use causes. Below we will discuss some of the most common addictions in the U.S. right now.

If you or a loved one need a safe space to talk about and recover from substance abuse or addiction, contact Myrtle Beach Recovery to learn more about our recovery programs.

The Difference Between Drug Abuse and Addiction

Some people consider drug abuse the same as addiction. Although substance abuse damages a person’s health and life, with drug addiction, you cannot stop using the drug despite the dire consequences to your life and health. However, professionals can help you recover from abuse or dependence so you can lead a fulfilling and rewarding life.

Seven Most Common Addictions in the U.S.

Millions of Americans battle a harmful substance addiction with each drug causing a unique mix of neurological, psychological, and physical issues. These effects require professional diagnosis and treatment. 

Below are seven of the most common addictions rife in teens and adults.

• Alcohol. Although alcohol is a legal drug, it can cause harmful drinking disorders and addiction. Alcohol addiction, known as alcoholism, creates regular cravings and frustration. While some functioning alcoholics continue working and relating to others while concealing their addiction, the inability to end their addiction severely damages others’ lives. Alcohol addiction may seem insurmountable, but many people have conquered their dependence in a 12 step recovery approach.
• Prescription Opioids. Drugs such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and codeine are among the many opioids prescribed by health care providers each day to relieve pain. Unfortunately, these drugs come with the well-known side effect of opioid addiction for the unlucky few. These drugs produce effects similar to heroin, such as intense euphoria and pleasure. Opioid addiction can cause respiratory failure, anxiety, and depression.
• Cocaine. People use cocaine for its euphoric and intense feelings of energy which becomes addictive and dangerous. The powerful feelings of pleasure, happiness, and energy quickly turn into anger, paranoia, and irritability. Cocaine creates strong cravings despite health consequences such as heart disease, stroke, lung damage, and brain hemorrhages.
• Heroin. The illicit opiate drug heroin is extremely addictive and harmful. The severe long-term side effects include heart infections, kidney and liver disease, pneumonia and other respiratory disorders, depression, HIV, and suicide. It is important to know that heroin addiction is serious but not hopeless. With professional recovery help, you can begin a journey toward freedom.
• Marijuana. Almost thirty percent of marijuana users develop a harmful disorder, and ten percent become addicted. When addiction occurs, you continue using the drug even though it harms your health, career, finances, and relationships. Recent studies show that marijuana’s potency has increased in recent years, which may account for the rise in people seeking help for their marijuana use.
• Methamphetamine. Methamphetamine provides a powerful stimulant effect on the central nervous system when smoked, swallowed, snorted, or injected. The stimulant effects fade rapidly, which causes a dangerous binging and crashing cycle. This stimulant causes harmful short-term and long-term health effects, including HIV, hepatitis B, weight loss, memory loss, severe dental decay and gum disease, and death.
• Sedatives. Ten percent of people report misusing prescription medications such as Valium, Xanax, and Ativan during their lifetime. These drugs treat insomnia, anxiety, and muscle spasms and are abused for their calming effects. Barbiturates offer profound sedative effects and euphoria that contribute to eventual addiction. Those addicted continue to use in order to function normally each day.

Recovery From The Most Common Addictions

Addiction to any of these substances is worrisome because of the constant fear of overdose and other detrimental effects. However, the person with the addiction and their loved one’s need to know that treatment is available, and recovery is possible with professional intervention.

Consider Myrtle Beach Recovery

If you are an addict or the loved one of an addict struggling with alcohol, prescription drugs, or another substance, Myrtle Beach Recovery can help. We offer several recovery options so you can live a happy and sober life.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you on your path to sobriety, happiness, and fulfillment.