Navigation: Benzodiazepines, Types of Benzodiazepines, Opiates and Opioids, Types of Opiates and Opioids, Illicit Drugs, Types of Illicit Drugs, Sleeping Pills, Types of Sleeping Pills, Stimulants, Types of Stimulants, Alcohol
Substance abuse and addiction can cause a wide range of adverse health effects. Drug addiction, also known as substance use disorder or SUD, affects millions of people in the United States each year. And so the impact of drugs is undeniable.
But in order to fully understand the effects and consequences of the cycle of addiction, it is necessary to discuss the most common types of drugs out there. Alcohol, prescription drugs, and illicit drugs all have different effects on the body.
While there are a wide variety of addictive substances out there, the most common types are classified under six main categories: benzodiazepines, illicit drugs, opiates, sleeping pills, stimulants, and alcohol.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines, also known as benzos or BZD, are pharmaceutical drugs that are used to treat a range of mental disorders such as panic attacks and severe anxiety. If consumed for an extended period of time, people can build a tolerance to BZD, which may eventually lead to physical dependence.
If a person develops dependence, they will no longer be able to quit BZD without experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms like seizures. To avoid this, proper medical detox is necessary.
The effects of benzodiazepine are strengthened when taken with alcohol—something many recreational users do. This significantly increases their risk of fatal overdose.
Comprehensive treatment for a benzodiazepine addiction typically includes cognitive behavioral therapy, support groups and medications to help reduce cravings.
Types of Benzodiazepines
Ativan is the brand name for the drug lorazepam, which is an intermediate-acting benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety disorders, depression, and panic attacks. Ativan is extremely potent compared to other BZDs, which means abusing it can easily lead to an abuse disorder.
Halcion is also used to treat anxiety and insomnia. However, as a short-acting medication, it is processed through the body faster and the effects come sooner. As a result, people take this recreationally in larger doses to experience a high.
Klonopin has a high potential for abuse and addiction, even when prescribed to treat a medical condition. This is because it’s a long-acting benzodiazepine. It takes longer to feel its full effects. If misused, the person can experience severe and potentially life-threatening symptoms of withdrawal.
Librium is typically used to treat a wide array of anxiety disorders. But because of its calming effects, this drug is often abused. Librium also has a low potency compared to other benzodiazepines, which is why people consume it in combination with other substances.
Xanax is the most prescribed medication in the US, with over 44 million prescriptions written every year. This highly addictive drug is taken in high doses or over an extended period of time. A person who is struggling with Xanax addiction will typically exhibit symptoms of fatigue or loss of motivation.
Valium is the brand name for diazepam. It is used to treat muscle spasms and seizures. When prescribed, it’s meant to be taken on a daily basis. However, if taken in greater doses, Valium has a high risk of addiction.
Opiates and Opioids
Opiates and opioids are substances that are derived from the opium poppy plant. They are generally used to treat acute and chronic pain. While they can be effective when taken as prescribed, these substances also pose a major risk of addiction among their users. In fact, around 130 people die in the US every day because of the current opioid epidemic.
Opiate addiction manifests as drug-seeking behavior. This may involve visiting multiple doctors—also known as “doctor shopping” in an attempt to get more prescriptions.
If drugs cannot be obtained through various doctor visits, some people turn to heroin use as a cheaper alternative that is also easier to obtain.
Withdrawal from opiates and opioids can be agonizing. It should never be attempted alone. Just because these are mostly prescription drugs doesn’t mean they can’t become lethal when misused. Medically-assisted detox is still the safest way to endure the withdrawal process.
During detox, the patient receives round the clock care from medical professionals. This ensures the lowest chance of relapse.
Types of Opiates and Opioids
Codeine is an easily accessible drug because it is often found it over-the counter medicines. Many people assume that it can’t be dangerous because of its status as a prescription drug. In most cases, this is why people overdose from such drugs—they underestimate the potency of opioids. Codeine may also act as a gateway drug to harder substances like morphine or oxycodone.
Demerol is a highly potent opiate with growing rates of addiction. Demerol can be prescribed legally—however it is rarely prescribed outside of intensive hospital care. Its effects are similar to other opiates like morphine, which puts users in a dreamlike state when taken in large doses.
Dilaudid is one of the more powerful opiates. As such, it is mainly prescribed to patients diagnosed with serious injuries or cancer. Because of its potency, it creates intense euphoric effects that can easily get someone hooked. It also carries a high risk of overdose, which can be fatal.
Fentanyl is known for its extreme potency. This drug has a reputation for being 100 times stronger than morphine. It is primarily used to treat pain after surgery. It’s easy to see how recreational use of Fentanyl can be dangerous—especially when combined with other drugs. It causes the respiratory system to slow down, leading to life-threatening overdose.
Hydrocodone is prescribed for pain relief following oral surgery. However, taking it without a prescription is illegal and is considered drug abuse. Just like other opioids, abusing hydrocodone over an extended period of time can evolve into an addiction.
Methadone is widely known for its use in the treatment of heroin use disorder. Despite its intended legal use, methadone is still an extremely potent opiate with highly addictive qualities. Methadone should only be taken under the careful supervision of a physician.
Morphine is prescribed to patients recovering from surgery or those who have been diagnosed with cancer. However, there exists a black market for morphine due to its intensely pleasurable effects.
Oxycodone is another powerful painkiller. In fact, it is one of the most abused prescription medications in the United States. Many patients prescribed with oxycodone unknowingly develop an addiction by misusing their regularly prescribed dose.
Propoxyphene, also known as Darvon or Darvocet, was once prescribed for moderate pain relief. The FDA banned this substance in 2010 after recognizing its lethal side effects.
Last but not the least, Tramadol is used to treat moderate pain from medical conditions like fibromyalgia. It is said to be less addictive than other opiates and opioids, which is why it is commonly prescribed by doctors. Still, the risk of addiction is significant.
Illicit Drugs
If prescription drugs can be deadly despite having some medical uses, imagine how dangerous illicit drugs are. These drugs are not only addictive but also illegal. Heroin and meth are some of the most popular examples, but the nature of these substances is vastly different from one another.
Some of these drugs have short term effects that slow down the nervous system, while some put the brain into hyper speed, resulting in increased levels of alertness and anxiety.
The effects of abuse depend on the person’s drug habits: how much they have taken and how long they have been using a certain substance. But many illicit drugs can create devastating patterns of abuse after trying them out for the first time.
Once a physical or psychological dependence is formed, using illicit drugs becomes the person’s top priority.
Types of Illicit Drugs
Cocaine is a stimulant with effects that are similar to excessive amounts of caffeine. This highly addictive illicit drug is typically snorted in powder form. Continued abuse can cause severe weight loss and damage to the nasal passages—among other health effects.
A more potent form of cocaine is known as crack cocaine. It is usually smoked through a short pipe, which is why users tend to suffer from blisters and burns on the mouth and hands. A person can get addicted to crack after taking it the first time.
Ecstasy is popular within the club scene, particularly among young adults. This stimulant may create hallucinogenic effects. Furthermore, many forms of ecstasy on the black market are cut with much more dangerous substances like heroin and LSD.
A hallucinogen is any psychoactive drug that has mind-altering effects. Because of how they distort a person’s perception of reality, these drugs have a high potential for abuse. Some people take hallucinogens to self-medicate a mental disorder such as anxiety or depression. Taking hallucinogens for this purpose may just make an underlying condition even worse.
Heroin is known as one of the most addictive substances on the planet. This synthetic substance is a derivative of morphine. It comes as either a powder or a sticky gel called black tar heroin. Long term abuse of heroin can cause abscesses and scabs on the skin, in addition to the physical and psychological damage.
Inhalants are drugs that are categorized by their method of administration. This includes many household objects that can be abused for a brief high such as nail polish remover, paint thinner, gasoline, and lighter fluid. Long term use of inhalants can cause severe muscle deterioration and psychological disturbances.
Ketamine is mainly used as an anaesthetic for animals undergoing surgery. Unfortunately, it is also taken recreationally, mostly by teens and college students. Ketamine is incredibly addictive. But because it is both odorless and tasteless, it is being used as a date rape drug.
Marijuana is one of the most commonly abused illicit drugs. Also known as “weed” or “pot”, marijuana comes from the cannabis plant, which is usually dried out, rolled up, and smoked. Marijuana, unlike the other illicit substances, is gaining legal recognition in some states. However, it is important to note that continued abuse of marijuana can cause diminished brain function and lung damage.
Methamphetamine, also known as meth, is a deadly and addictive substance that can be made from easily obtained items such as lithium batteries and drain cleaner. Beyond the life-threatening adverse effects of meth abuse, taking this drug can cause tooth decay (also known as meth mouth) and the appearance of accelerated aging.
Sleeping Pills
Sleeping pills fall under a category of prescription medications known as sedative-hypnotics. Many individuals assume that it’s not possible to get addicted to sleeping pills—but as is always the case, this assumption is wrong. In fact, becoming addicted to this type of drug is much easier than people think.
Users can develop physical dependence, which often manifests as an increased need to take larger doses of sleeping pills without consulting their physician first.
They may think that taking more of these pills will improve the quality of their sleep, but over time they will develop tolerance, which means they will need to take larger amounts each time in order to fall asleep. This is what leads to addiction.
Just like any other type of drug, sleeping pills can cause withdrawal if an addicted or dependent person tries to quit all of a sudden. Symptoms of withdrawal can be uncomfortable, which is why proper medical detox is important.
Types of Sleeping Pills
Ambien is generally prescribed for short term insomnia. Ambien dependence typically begins when a person takes more than their recommended dosage in order to fall asleep faster. Ambien addiction can form in as little as two weeks.
Amytal is the brand name for a barbiturate known as amobarbital. It has a high level of potency, which is why Amytal is used as a pre-anaesthetic for surgeries. It is also used to treat chronic sleep disorders. Its effects are similar to alcohol intoxication, which is why many people continue to abuse the medication and subsequently become addicted.
Lunesta is a highly potent sleeping pill that can cause a spiralling addiction. But for some reason, people think of it as a non-habit forming medication, which is what makes them overconfident when taking this drug recreationally. In fact, some even mix this medication with other substances to increase its sedative effects, not knowing that Lunesta alone is potent enough.
Another fast-acting sleeping pill that is prone to being abused is Sonata. This is taken in large doses by people who want to fall asleep faster. While Sonata isn’t as potent as other sleeping pills, long term use can still lead to addiction.
Stimulants
Stimulants work by activating the central nervous system, inciting feelings of excitement and increasing physical and cognitive function. For this reason, these substances are typically used to treat mental disorders like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. They are also used to enhance performance rather than to achieve a high. Still, these drugs can be abused, and tolerance may still develop over time from frequent stimulant use.
Developing tolerance towards stimulants may signify the early stages of an abuse disorder.
Types of Stimulants
Adderall is commonly prescribed for people struggling with the symptoms of ADHD. Those who habitually use Adderall to increase their productivity and improve their mental focus have a high risk of becoming addicted. Only use this drug exactly as prescribed by the doctor.
Antidepressants are stimulants that do not produce a high. They do not cause intense cravings. In fact, people who have clinical depression typically won’t feel its effects for over a month. The true danger lies when this drug is taken in combination with other substances like alcohol or benzodiazepines.
Concerta is a prescription stimulant that is similar to cocaine. People who develop a dependence on this drug will feel strong compulsions to seek it out in any way they can. A withdrawal involving this drug is sometimes referred to as a “Concerta crash”.
Dexedrine is an amphetamine with a high potential for abuse and addiction. After repeated use of this drug, the brain will not be able to function normally without it. Some of the most common side effects caused by Dexedrine include insomnia, blurred vision, and dizziness.
Diet pills include a number of over-the-counter supplements, as well as prescription supplements, that are designed to help users lose weight. But they are not so harmless. Diet pills can be considered stimulants because they can elevate a person’s energy levels while also giving them feelings of euphoria. The latter part is what increases the chances of developing dependence and addiction. If a person abuses their diet pills, it can actually harm them—unlike what most people believe.
Ritalin is a stimulant for the central nervous system, meaning it can increase your levels of alertness and concentration. This is very helpful for children and teenagers who are receiving treatment for ADHD. However, Ritalin also comes with a high potential for abuse. Those who are struggling with other types of mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder run the risk of experiencing negative side effects from using Ritalin. It is advisable to follow the doctor’s prescription very carefully when taking this drug.
Anabolic steroids are synthetic substances that mimic the male hormone testosterone. These drugs are usually taken by those who want to improve their athletic performance. While anabolic steroids don’t produce the same euphoric “high” caused by other addictive substances, frequent use of anabolic steroids can still lead to an addiction.
Alcohol
Alcohol is a legal controlled substance that is widely celebrated in many cultures all over the world—including the United States. These drinks slow down the body’s vital functions, especially when consumed in excess.
It comes in many forms: primarily beer, wine, and liquor. Someone who is under the influence of heavy alcohol consumption will exhibit symptoms like slurred speech, loss of coordination, and slowed reaction time. Alcohol will also prevent a person from being able to think rationally. Drinking in moderation is usually fine. It does not signify a problem.
Problematic drinking involves consuming more than four alcoholic beverages per day for men, and more than three per day for women. If this is the case, then the person may have alcohol use disorder or AUD.
Alcohol addiction can stem from consumption and experimentation during a person’s teen years. Some people have a higher risk of developing alcohol use disorder than others. It has something to do with genetics, as well as the person’s environment. The more risk factors a person has, the higher the chance that they will develop alcohol use disorder.
It can be hard to spot the signs of alcohol abuse, especially because drinking is such a common form of socialization.
There are also those who are considered “high-functioning alcoholics”, which means it is even harder to tell if they are alcoholic or not. These people are still able to manage their everyday responsibilities despite an underlying problem with alcohol abuse. The alcoholic may not even recognize that they have a problem because they can still accomplish their tasks.
If a person tries to quit drinking and they experience withdrawal symptoms that is a clear sign of an alcohol use disorder. Even before this, it is possible to spot some early warning signs such as day drinking, drinking alone, concealing their drinking habits, or lying about their drinking habits.
While there is no cure for alcoholism, people can overcome an alcohol addiction by attending a treatment program. Proper medical detox will make it easier to deal with withdrawal symptoms because medical professionals will be there to provide support. The person’s drug or alcohol intake will be lowered gradually while their withdrawal symptoms are managed.
At the same time, they will go through behavioral therapy to help them get to the root cause of their addictive behavior. Therapy will teach them how to maintain a sober lifestyle once they have recovered from their addiction. This re-establishes the patient’s sense of self and responsibility.
If someone in the family is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, it is important to seek help. A combination of medical detox and behavioral therapy can go a long way in the fight against drug abuse. However, because every individual is affected by addiction differently, a comprehensive program tailored to their specific needs is necessary. Look for a nearby addiction treatment facility today and find out how drug treatment programs work.
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