Unquestionably, drugs are addictive substances that can cause serious health complications. Addiction can result in an overdose which can lead to death. People are at risk from prescription medication to club drugs due to the misuse of addictive drugs. What establishes a drug addiction? Addiction is the result of building tolerance and adopting a physical dependency on a specific drug. Finding the appropriate treatment for substance abuse is highly recommended. People will consume or inject drugs for various reasons, but not many will seek the professional care they deserve to recover from drugs.
What Are Signs of Drug Addiction?
If you are wondering if a friend or loved one may be struggling with substance abuse, then learning the signs could save a life. There are common warnings that are displayed when a person forms a dependency on a particular substance. Here are some of the signs of addiction:
- Extreme fatigue
- Finding paraphilia
- Being caught in lies
- Avoiding social interactions
- Change in self-care or poor hygiene
- Poor work ethic or continual excuses
- Lack of interest in hobbies or activities
- A dramatic change in weight, usually weight loss
- New problems in relationships or with family members
People will use drugs for numerous reasons such as experimenting. Prescription drugs tend to cause substance abuse since pills are easily accessible and inflict a numb or high sensation from the chemicals that cause pain relief. If a person suddenly or gradually changes their behavior, creating a negative impact on others, and showing aggression or irritability, then these are signs of addictive drug use.
What Are the Most Addictive Drugs?
The most addictive substances (overall and not depending on a state in America) may surprise you since these well-known drugs are still excessively abused. For instance, marijuana is a popular drug that a person can purchase over the counter as medical marijuana or illegally. Synthetic cannabis is particularly addictive and is easily accessible at gas stations or smoke shops. Harmful chemicals are in weed vapes, and reports have indicated that there are many health risks involved with using the vape.
Opiates and opioids are widely used to treat moderate to severe pain. The substances are derived from the opium poppy plant. The sap from the plant is used to create these addictive drugs. Opioids are regularly used, and at a small dose, the effects are bearable since they may make a person feel fatigued while reducing pain. At a higher dose, side effects can include irregular or rapid heartbeat, respiratory depression, intense headaches, and more.
Signs of opioid addiction include:
- A drastic change in behavior
- Scratching or picking the skin
- Secrecy or guilt-tripping others
- Changes in hygiene or appearance
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering
Marijuana, opioids, and opiates are highly addictive substances and should be used with caution. These drugs are seen as socially acceptable, except for specific opioid drugs like heroin. Heroin is very addictive and can be snorted, smoked, or injected into the veins. Heroin effects are similar to morphine which is often given to a person before and after surgery.
In America, nicotine and alcohol are among the top five of the most addictive drugs. Both substances are socially accepted, so there is less of a stigma attached to their use. And yet alcohol can cause organ failure, while nicotine can collapse the lungs and affect the brain and heart.
Prescription Pill Addiction
Psychological changes are an effect of prescription pill use. Prescription medications require written permission from a doctor. Examples of prescription medications include painkillers, sedatives, benzos, and anabolic steroids. Painkillers, like opioids, are used to treat severe pain like toothache, migraines, and injuries.
Additionally, stimulants are determined as intensely addictive since a person will often feel “high” or increase alertness. However, high blood pressure, paranoia, high body temperature, and anxiety are common side effects of prescription drugs. Some popular stimulants include cocaine, crack, MDMA, and meth. Stimulant addiction treatment is necessary if a person is expressing addiction behavior and continuing use after the prescribed deadline.
Depressants are different from stimulants since they affect the central nervous system, slowing down the signals or messages between the brain and body. In return, arousal and stimulation are reduced, which is the opposite of how stimulants make a person feel. Also, antidepressants are different from depressants since the drug works by targeting specific brain receptors for serotonin and norepinephrine. These chemical balances help reduce depressive symptoms.
What Are Club Drugs?
Are club drugs addictive? Club drugs refer to raves or parties that are typically in a club or bar establishment. Loud music and alcohol are associated with the club scene, and of course, addictive drugs are included. Combining alcohol with another drug is dangerous, but people often will party and not refrain from drug and alcohol interaction.
Examples of club drugs include MDMA (Ecstasy), LSD (acid), synthetic cannabis, cocaine, and GHP. Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHP) is a depressant that affects the central nervous system and is typically used as a date-rape drug. Extreme sleepiness is a side effect of the drug, which leads to impaired coordination, seizures, and danger, especially while in a crowded club, drinking alcohol.
Club drugs are usually illegal substances such as heroin, cocaine, and PCP. Illicit drugs can lead to serious health risks and overdose. Side effects of these drugs include cardiac failure, brain hemorrhage, kidney failure, and acquiring sexually transmitted diseases like HIV. Typically, club drugs are shared with numerous people at once. Depending on how the drugs are taken, such as by injection, a person can be more likely to receive a disease.
Resources & Recovery at Better Addiction Care
At Better Addiction Care, we understand how addictive drugs can consume a person’s life. From hallucinations to opioids and other drug addictions, we offer the treatment resources you need to begin your recovery journey. Don’t wait to begin treatment with a medically monitored detox and unique therapeutic methods. Get back on track by attending the right drug rehab for you!
Please, speak to a specialist at Better Addiction Care by calling 800-429-7690 and ask about our treatment resources to get started today!
Related Readings:
Top 10 Most Common Drug Addictions in The U.S.
The Science of Addiction Treatment
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