The Most Common Types of Addictions

The Top-Most Abused Substances

With any sort of substance that is addictive in nature and has addictive qualities, an individual who takes these substances has a chance of becoming addicted to them. While many substances do not carry a high risk for addiction, others carry a very high likelihood of addiction.

Some of the most common addiction in the U.S. are:

• Tobacco

Tobacco use still remains one of the leading causes of preventable death in the United States. Many people have a misconception that tobacco products are less hazardous to our health due to the fact that these products are legally available for purchase. Unfortunately, this is the exact reason why it one of the most addictive substances across the nation. Smoking has detrimental effects on your health and can have a number of adverse effects on both your physical health as well as your overall health.

• Alcohol

Alcohol is one of the most widely abused substances on a global scale. Since alcohol is such a socially accepted substance, it is commonly assumed that it poses no harm to our health which, in turn, leads to alcohol abuse and misuse. The abuse of alcohol can lead to serious health complications such as heart disease and liver disease. The effects of alcohol abuse are often irreversible which leads many individuals no choice but to manage the consequence so alcohol abuse for their entire lives.

• Marijuana

Marijuana is a substance that is used on a massive scale throughout the nation. While some select states have normalized marijuana use and have even legalized in on a medicinal and recreational level, it still remains a schedule 1 drug in many states. The drug has the potential to be addictive which can result in disruptions with one’s career and relationships. Over the previous several decades, the potency in marijuana has increased exponentially, exacerbating the effects of the drug.

• Prescription Painkillers

An increasing number of individuals are becoming addicted to prescription painkillers. Painkillers such as Opioids are being over-prescribed by doctors which is leading to the opioid epidemic that the U.S. is facing. Not all prescription drugs are addictive but many of the painkillers hold a high risk of dependency which can lead to addiction after prolonged use of them.

These are just some of the top most common substances that individuals are addicted to across the nation. Other highly addictive substances are cocaine, heroin, and benzodiazepines, all of which have made a devastating impact on individuals across the U.S. If you have addictive tendencies, it’s best that you refrain from using any of the listed substances as they can have detrimental effects on your life.

If you or someone close to you is struggling with substance abuse, treatment is available. It’s important that if you are addicted to these substances that you do not abruptly stop using them as this can put your body into a state of shock. Consult an addiction treatment specialist who will advise on the steps necessary to get you into treatment.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.