Statistics On The Prevalence Of Different Substances Of Abuse
Legal and less-stigmatized drugs unsurprisingly make up a large percentage of the addicted population. Divided according to 2015s census, drug abuse is split mostly among the following:
- Alcoholics comprise a massive 15.4 million of substance abusers
- Users of other all other illegal drugs combined make up 7 million
- Prescription drug abusers comprise 2.4 million
Americas drug problem is comparatively large to the rest of the world. There are a recorded 230 million drug addicts worldwide according to the Huffington Post. This means that America is home to more than a tenth of them. By contrast, only 2.9 % of Japans population has used illegal drugs in the year, compared to 9.4% of Americans have done so in the last month. In Portugal, the first country in which drugs have been almost entirely decriminalized, only 8% of the population has resorted to illicit drug usage in the year of. 2015.
Substance Effects On The Brain
The top 10 addictions in the world include everything from cannabis to benzodiazepines to amphetamines. Other versions in America include so-called process addictions like gambling, food, and spending time on the Internet.
The list of the top 10 addictions in the world is not necessarily the same as the top ten worst addictions. Addictions are variable in how intense and quickly they take over. A list of the top 10 worst drug addictions can also include substances that may not be as common but are just as detrimental as any other illicit substance or detrimental activity. The hard addictions we are talking about in this list will usually require professional treatment for a successful recovery.
Trying to manage the withdrawal symptoms alone can even be dangerous with some of these addictions. Here are the hardest addictions to kick for users.
Treatment For Benzodiazepines Abuse
A medically supervised detox, where the drug is slowly tapered down, may be the first step for benzodiazepine treatment. Replacement medications may be given to treat any issues that benzodiazepines were given for in the first place, such as seizures. Inpatient or outpatient programs that provide behavioral and medication-assisted treatment are good choices for those who need treatment for benzodiazepines misuse.
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The 5 Most Addictive Drugs And How You Can Get Help
According to 2019 Department of Health and Human Services data, about 20 million Americans live with a drug or alcohol addiction. In the past month:
- 35.8 million people used an illegal drug
- 140 million people drank alcohol
- 45.9 million people smoked cigarettes
Addiction is a compulsive need to use a substance despite the consequences, and there are some drugs that could be more addictive than others.
What Is Samhsas National Helpline
SAMHSAs National Helpline, , or TTY: is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. Callers can also order free publications and other information.
Also visit the online treatment locators.
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Heroin May Be The Most Addictive Drug In The World
According to a professional panel, heroin is at least among the top five most addictive drugs in the world. It may not be the worst addiction to kick, but it is up there.
Heroin hits the addiction trifecta: It causes the brains dopamine levels to increase by up to 200 percent, it causes brutal withdrawal symptoms and has a cheap street value.
~ Samuel Osborne, writing for The Independent
As an opioid, heroin blocks pain and gives a feeling of euphoria. This is because the drug binds to opioid receptor cells. When heroin is used, the body converts it into morphine which gives a person a rush of pleasure and extreme relaxation. This is what causes people to use heroin over and over again. Once a person is chronically abusing heroin, the brain begins to adjust. This is known as tolerance where the brain gets accustomed to a higher level of opioids.
The user will then need more heroin to get the same high as before. The signs of dependence avoiding a sick feeling, restlessness, and shakiness. Stopping too quickly could include pain in the bones and muscles. The person may also experience:
Not only is heroin one of the most addictive drugs in the world but it is also one of the most dangerous drugs in the world. Taking just five times a normal dose can become lethal, and heroin has a wide range of devastating physical and psychological side effects for users. Heroine will continue to be listed among the hardest addictions to kick.
Chocolate And Other Sweets
Sometimes you have to have it. And you may not be able to stop. Don’t feel bad — foods high in carbs, fats, and sugar can affect your brain just like drugs do. Jonesing for an occasional milkshake doesnât mean you’re hooked. But your sweet tooth can get out of control and lead to other health problems.
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Are All Addictions The Same
Is addiction to shopping or texting the same as being hooked on drugs or alcohol? We know these things can affect your brain in many of the same ways. But experts don’t yet agree about how far those similarities go. If you feel you have a habit that’s out of control, talk to your doctor or a therapist.
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Deaths Related To Marijuana Abuse
The 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that eight million Americans reported using cannabis at least 300 times a year, which is essentially daily use.14 The amount of THC today makes it much more potent compared to the past. In the 1970s, THC was less than 2%.14 Today, marijuana contains about 20 to 25% THC.14
Research suggests that high THC levels can lead to psychosis, and psychosis raises the risk for violence. One study found that two-thirds of those who committed murder during psychotic episodes also misused cannabis.14
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Cigarettes Are Among The Top 10 Addictions In The World
Unsurprisingly, cigarettes actually are among the hardest addictions to kick. Despite countless public awareness campaigns and anti-smoking laws, millions of Americans continue to struggle with addiction to the nicotine in cigarettes.
Multiple experts have rated cigarettes as one of the hardest addictions to kick. The drug may be legal, but it is still a drug. Cigarette use carries all of the telltale signs of addiction, including heavy cravings for nicotine to irritability when going too long without a cigarette.
The nicotine in cigarettes is as addictive as heroin. It changes the brain as it develops extra nicotine receptors to make space for the doses of nicotine. When the brain no longer gets the nicotine, withdrawal symptoms will occur. This can include anxiety, irritability, and strong cravings for nicotine.
The physical addiction to nicotine is due to how quickly it goes to the brain when inhaled. It causes a perceived temporary relaxation. Nicotine elevates a persons mood and heart rate temporarily. The relaxation and elevated mood dont last long which is when the body begins to crave another cigarette. Withdrawal symptoms set in quickly with nicotine. Imagine that many people will use 20 doses of this drug daily to get their addiction fix.
People will reach for a cigarette during times of stress believing that it will give them quick relief of anxiety. It can become an emotional crutch as well as a deadly addiction.
Tips On How To Prevent Drug Addiction
Are you struggling with substance abuse, and youre wondering how to prevent drug addiction? Its a struggle that most people go through every day. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available for your condition like a high-quality rehabilitation center specializing in treating addictions of all kinds.
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Top 10 Hardest Addictions To Kick
Different drugs, whether prescription medications or illegal substances can all elicit a wide range of sensations for its users. From relaxed, calming moods, to high energy and feelings of euphoria, most drugs can create a false sense of security. Users may feel empowered with these substances, which can quickly lead them to overuse, abuse, or even addiction. But are there substances that are more prone to abuse and addiction? In this article, were discussing some of the most common drugs and the hardest addictions to kick.
Mood regulation, memory, willpower, and decision-making processes can be severely impacted by these common drugs. And once drug dependency is formed, it can be incredibly difficult or impossible to safely refrain from continued use.
If you or someone you know is struggling with misuse, overuse, or addiction to any substance including alcohol and prescription medications, its important to contact a professional that can offer compassionate support and effective methodology for safely detoxing. AspenRidge Recovery in Colorado treats a wide range of addictions and offers a dual-diagnosis approach to help clients through the traumatic experiences that may have contributed to the addiction.
% Of People Sleep With Or Next To Their Mobile Phone
Social media addiction doesnt just affect behavior during the day it even damages peoples ability to sleep. A study found that 71% of Americans sleep with or next to a mobile device.
Some 47 million people in America do not get enough sleep and 55% more teens were sleep deprived in 2015 than in 1991. Exposure to screens before bed is a large factor in exacerbating sleep disorders. 35% of people using phones less than average experienced sleep difficulty compared to 42% of those with average or above average phone usage.
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Tranquilizers 9% Of Treatment Admissions
This category includes benzodiazepines, which are primarily prescribed for anti-anxiety or as sleeping aids alprazolam , clonazepam , chlordiazepoxide , diazepam , lorazepam , etc. It is important to note that women are admitted to treatment for benzodiazepine abuse at a rate that is nearly equal to that of men. Of special concern, benzodiazepine tranquilizers can be habit-forming even when taken precisely as directed. A benzo dependency can develop in less than two weeks. However, benzodiazepines should NEVER be discontinued abruptly, because the withdrawal symptoms are extremely dangerous potentially, even fatal. For that reason, a person wanting to quit using benzos should ONLY do so under the care of a doctor.
- Treatment Admissions 2015: 15,561
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Stimulants In 2020, 1.8% of Americans 12+ tried them in the past year.
Stimulants range from prescription drugs, such as Adderall or Ritalin, to illicit substances like Meth. These drugs are highly addictive, and intense withdrawal symptoms make quitting difficult. Stimulant users can quickly build a tolerance to the drugs euphoric high, leading to increased use and risk of overdose.
Inhalants As of 2020, 9.3% of Americans 12+ had tried them before.
Inhalant addiction is particularly dangerous because Inhalants are volatile toxic substances. The effects of these substances are intense and can have immediate consequences including hospitalization or death. Chemicals prevalent in Inhalants can linger in the body and brain long after stopping use, making complete recovery more difficult.
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Barbiturates As of 2020, 0.2% of Americans 12+ had tried them before.
Millions of Americans are prescribed Barbiturates, which could be included in the larger category of Sleeping Pills, to treat tension and sleep disorders. Every year, thousands of prescription users build a tolerance and ensuing addiction to drugs like Lunesta and Ambien. Sleeping Pills can produce mind-altering effects that lead to continued abuse.
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Dangers Of Alcohol Addiction
There are numerous dangers associated with alcohol addiction. Serious health issues have been linked to alcohol, while fatal accidents are also caused by alcohol intoxication. According to the World Health Organisation, alcohol addiction is linked to 60 diseases and types of injuries. These include oesophageal cancer, epilepsy, cirrhosis of the liver, liver cancer, auto crashes, murder and suicide.
Symptoms Of Substance Use Disorder
Symptoms of substance use disorder include one or more of the following symptoms within 12 months:
- Recurring substance use where the user is either unable to or has the reduced capacity to fulfill their obligations at work, school, or home as a result of alcohol and other addictive drugs
- Continued use of an addictive substance in places or situations that are inappropriate or physically dangerous
- Getting into legal problems due to substance use
- Using addictive drugs despite having social or interpersonal problems that are either caused or made worse by their effects
The more addictive a drug or substance is, the more potent its effects. With continued use, they can quickly lead to the development of drug dependence, drug abuse, and drug addiction.
The most addictive drugs which include crack cocaine, crystal meth, and prescription opioids are also accompanied by severe withdrawal symptoms that make it difficult to quit.
If you or a loved one is addicted to one or several of these substances, seek medical help right away. Starting addiction treatment early helps ensure a safe and long-lasting recovery.
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Here Are The 10 Most Common Addictions
Nicotine As of 2020, 59.2% of Americans 12+ had tried it before.
Nicotine addiction may not appear as harmful as many other addictions. This is likely because tobacco products are legal and easy to get, and the worst side effects of using them take time to develop. Tobacco use claims more lives than any other addictive substance. Many smokers cannot quit, despite knowing smokings impact on their health. Wanting to quit but being unable to do so is a telltale sign of addiction and a need for treatment.
Alcohol As of 2020, 79.5% of Americans 12+ had tried it before.
The social acceptance of drinking can make an alcohol addiction hard to spot. Despite its legal status, alcohols potential for abuse opens users up to many health risks and possible addiction. Alcohol abuse has numerous negative consequences. In addition to deaths from liver disease and alcohol overdose, drunk driving claims thousands of lives every year.
The legalization of in some states has made the drugs use more socially acceptable. This trend can distract people from Marijuanas addictive potential. Rates of Marijuana addiction might also be growing due to increasing potency over the past decade.
Painkillers In 2020, 3.3% of Americans 12+ tried them in the past year.
Common Questions About Rehab
Cocaine As of 2020, 14.2% of Americans 12+ had tried it before.
Heroin As of 2020, 2.3% of Americans 12+ had tried it before.
Alcohol With A Secondary Drug 146% Of Treatment Admissions
Alcohol is considered by many to be the greatest gateway drug. In fact, among high school seniors who have used any of the top three gateway drugs alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana 54% reported that alcohol was the first substance they had ever tried, compared with tobacco 32%, and marijuana 14%. Mixing alcohol with other drugs is extremely dangerous. 75% of all overdoses and 98% of FATAL overdoses involve more than one substance.
- Treatment Admissions 2015: 240,093
- By Race: 60.4% White
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Develop Good Coping Mechanisms
Everyone has their own vulnerabilities. We all have our weak points and triggers that could put us at risk for drug addiction. Its essential to have healthy coping mechanisms in place so that if and when these weak points are exposed, we have something to fall back on instead of turning to drugs to cope.
This could be anything from journaling, painting, listening to music, spending time outdoors in nature, meditating, or practicing yoga.
Top 10 Addictions Research
Drugs
In addition to having various harmful physical and psychological effects, Drug abuse causes strain on relationships and financial matters. Perhaps the most serious of all addictions, drug addiction is one of the highest contributors to addiction related deaths each year.
Food
Food addiction is linked to a host of medical problems including obesity, heart disease and diabetes. Similar to other addictions, food addiction can lead to a failure to fulfill major obligations in school, work, or the home. Food addiction can even be found among children and lead to childhood obesity
Video Games
Video addiction has been linked to narcissism and a lack of self-control. It also correlates with heightened aggression and stunted social skills. Video game addiction also displaces the perceived importance of personal responsibilities such as work and school.
Internet
The effects frequent internet usage can extend beyond social isolation. Internet addiction is also linked with poor eating, exercising, and sleeping habits that lead to greater health problems. Internet addiction has also causes structural brain abnormalities in adolescents
Sex
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Each Year Approximately 3040 Million Americans Use Marijuana By Smoking It
What is the most commonly used illicit drug among persons aged 12 and older? In 2017, about 1.2 million Americans aged 1217 and 525,000 over 26 years used marijuana for the first time. Marijuana is increasingly becoming legal across the United States, both for medical and recreational use, but it still isnt entirely secure because it can be addictive and cause health issues.
Start Your Treatment Program From Most Common Addictions Today
Do you struggle with drug addiction or want to help your loved ones embrace sobriety again but dont know where to get the best addiction recovery programs? At our San Diego Rehab Center, we offer different drug and substance treatment programs for the most common addictions.
Using clinically designed programs, all our addiction patients receive individualized care. Contact us today to start a healthy and lasting recovery process.
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