The word, “drugs,” spans a slew of substances — both legal and illegal — that have effects on the brain that the user finds beneficial. In some cases, such as prescription medications like painkillers, the use of drugs can be both legal and positive. All too often, though, drug use falls into the category of being a harmful behavior that tears families apart. Here are a few drug facts you should know:
1. Alcohol is the number one drug
Would it surprise you to learn that a legal substance — alcohol — is also the most used and abused drug in the United States? Across the country, vehicle accidents in which alcohol was involved are the second-leading cause of death for teens. A survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicated that almost half of high school students across the nation drank alcohol.
2. Marijuana is the most commonly consumed illegal drug
The same CDC study referenced above also found that nearly 20 percent of high school students had smoked marijuana during a particular month. Today’s marijuana tends to be stronger than it was in the past.
The growing methods and seed selection has resulted in a more potent drug. Over time, tolerance to the effects of marijuana can build up. This could prompt an individual to seek out other types of drugs in order to experience the same effects that marijuana used to give them.
3. Synthetic drugs aren’t safe
Synthetic drugs might also be called designer drugs. They were originally created using man-made chemicals in such a way, so they weren’t classified as being illegal. This strategy allowed some unscrupulous people to profit from their creation without actually breaking the law.
Bath salts, spice, and fake weed are just a few examples of synthetic drugs that are versions of illegal drugs that have been altered. Due to these constant alterations, it’s impossible to know exactly what the drug contains and the effects it could have.
4. Prescription drugs are intended to improve quality of life
There are many valid medical conditions that require the assistance of prescription medication in order to help the individual lead a better quality of life. Depression, for example, and medications designed to block pain can make a difference in how the individual feels.
In spite of the fact that these medications are prescribed by a physician, they can still be addictive. Abuse of these drugs can lead a person to turn to street drugs in order to sustain their euphoria.
5. Heroin use can be a substitute
Many of the people who are struggling with substance use disorder today didn’t start off as being street drug users. Instead, they were prescribed pain medications after an injury or to control a medical condition.
Over time, these individuals often become unwittingly addicted to the very pain medications that were designed to make their lives better. Crackdowns by federal authorities and physicians alike have meant that an individual who became addicted to a pain medication had to look elsewhere.
Heroin provides much of the same type of relief. Additionally, it can be fairly easily and affordably attained.
6. Help is available
There’s no denying the fact that drug addiction is a complex and far-reaching condition. In fact, it’s one of the most important drug facts you should know.
Another important drug fact you should know is that there is help. Whether it’s you or it’s your loved one who is struggling with substance use disorder, Promises Behavioral Center offers the following services:
- Non-12-step rehab
- Medical detox center
- Drug rehab for professionals
- Outpatient drug rehab
Call us at 844.875.5609 for more information.