The 3 Drugs That Cause the Most Overdoses

Most Common Drugs Causing Overdose Deaths

There are dangerous drugs, and then there are substances that present an extreme danger, including the risk of sudden death resulting from a deadly overdose. The use of these highly hazardous drugs should never be ignored, which is why knowing the most common in overdose deaths is vitally important.

It is also essential not to assume that all legally prescribed medications are safe. Some of the most common overdose deaths can also have legitimate medical uses, but they can pose a risk of deadly overdose when misused or used to excess. Even worse, some of the most widely prescribed medications are also among the most addictive, further complicating the picture and making ongoing vigilance essential for the safety of the patient and their family members.

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, call WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab today at 877.969.1993 to learn how we can help.

If you want to protect yourself and the people you care about, it is important to understand all the dangers you face every time you use a drug or medication.

No drug, not even a legally prescribed one like oxycontin, is totally without risk, but some substances are far more dangerous than others. With that in mind, here are the three drugs responsible for the highest number of overdose deaths and hospitalizations.

  • Opioids – It should be no surprise that opioids are responsible for the vast majority of overdose deaths.
  • Methamphetamine – Stimulants can be just as dangerous as drugs that have a sedating effect, especially when those stimulating drugs are as addictive as methamphetamine.
  • Cocaine – Drugs like cocaine with a stimulant effect are particularly dangerous.

If someone you care about has been experimenting with these dangerous drugs, it is vital to get them into treatment as soon as possible.

Opioids

As you can see, the fact that a drug is legal does not mean it is not dangerous. The use of RX opioids has exploded in recent decades, sparking a massive wave of addiction, dependency, and overdose. If someone you care about has been prescribed these powerful painkillers, it is essential to monitor the use and be ready to step in even if you only suspect abuse.

Prescription opioids are not the entire problem, of course, and there has also been a considerable rise in heroin use and a similar increase in overdose deaths. The risk of overdose and death is primarily driven by the addition of even more potent opioids like carfentanil and fentanyl. Even tiny amounts of these adulterants can be deadly.

Methamphetamine

Drugs like methamphetamine are incredibly addictive. Even a single use of this dangerous and deadly drug can spark an addiction, and it is important to step in if you think that someone you care about has been using meth.

There is no safe level of methamphetamine use, so if you suspect that someone in your life has been using it, you need to reach out for help as soon as possible. The sooner you act, the better off you, and they will be.

Cocaine

Whether it is snorted or smoked, cocaine is a hazardous drug, and it is responsible for a vast number of overdose deaths every single year. The use of cocaine has also risen in recent years, and users need to seek help as soon as possible.

Drug Rehab at WhiteSands

Every drug can be dangerous, but the most common in overdose deaths are deadlier than others. If you or someone you care about has been using any of the toxic substances listed above, it is time to reach out for help.

At WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab, we offer support and rehab for all kinds of drug addiction, including addictions that could quickly turn deadly through an accidental overdose. Every day you wait increases the risk, so pick up the phone and contact us today. We are waiting to hear from you, and we are always here to help.

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.

About the Author

Jackie has been involved in the substance abuse and addiction treatment sector for over five years and this is something that she is truly eager about. She has a passion for writing and continuously works to create informative pieces that not only educate and inform the public about the disease of addiction but also provide solutions for those who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.