The term ‘addiction’ is defined as a brain disorder, a psychological and physical inability to prevent the consumption of a chemical, drug, or substance. This compulsive behavior is continued even though it causes harm and despite adverse consequences. According to American Addiction Centers.org, the numbers of people whose lives are being directly affected due to addiction issues are quite astounding, to say the least. However, the most horrifying fact is that studies and past research show even adolescents showcasing addiction. In the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), nearly 19.7 million Americans were found to be battling substance abuse of some sort in 2017. 74% of the adult population in 2017 was found to be struggling to curb their alcohol use in daily life. Thus it comes to no surprise that 8.5 million American adults were also observed to showcase mental health disorders along with more than $740 billion in loss due to healthcare expenses, workplace productivity, as well as other crime-related incidents[MC1] . This overwhelming and traumatic feedback leaves us no choice but to educate our audiences including you about the most common addictions in the US and how you can obtain treatment for addiction in particular cases.
6 Common Addictions Hurting People in the US
Contents
· Alcohol
If you are socially active and have a buzzing nightlife with friends, then spotting an addict can be a problem. Even though alcohol is legal to use after a certain age limit, there is a huge potential for its abuse that goes widely unchecked. This could lead to serious health problems that can even lead to fatalities, liver disease, and much more. Possible remedies include detoxifications, counseling + therapy, and medications, to name a few. However many times family support is also required to make a quick and healthy recovery. In some cases distancing from triggers and lifestyle changes may also be a prerequisite.
· Benzodiazepines
Often called ‘Benzos’ these prescription medicines include Diazepam, Valium, and Xanax are prime culprits. Though they are referred by doctors in controlled quantities to improve a patient’s mood swings, find relief from stress, and reduce anxiety, however, the majority of the time people go overboard. The body system gets addicted to these drugs without the person even knowing about it. Plus it is important to know that these terrible devices can harm the chemical makeup of the brain as well as its functioning. Hence if a person goes for treatment through the detoxification process a close checkup by a professional is required at all times necessary.
· Cocaine
Don’t blame the Escobar Empire, cocaine in itself is potentially the most addictive substance on the planet. However many research and study on the topic show a drastic decrease in the use of this harmful substance in the US population. However with this ray of hope also comes with a grain of salt. Cocaine is still a persistent problem for the masses to deal with nonetheless. Best forms of treatment include consistent effort through intensive therapy and counseling sessions. Our advice for a loved one is none other than a rehabilitation center to help them get rid of this vice.
· Heroin
There is a saying in old and traditional parts of the world, which goes like “heroin is something that you do not give to even your worst enemy”. This reaper of life and all the joy it represents has left countless lives devastated and families uprooted. Withdrawal from heroin is considered the hardest as in many cases people would rather commit suicide than stop consuming this addictive substance. For the treatment of this severity of an addiction, a combination of medication and nonstop therapy is required. Unfortunately in the US, the addiction to heroin is on the rise. Popular street slang for heroin includes dope, smack, snow, China white, beast, brown, Hero, Skag, and various others.
· Methamphetamine & Crystal Meth
A potent central nervous system stimulant going by the street name ‘meth’ and is man-made which means it is synthetic and unlike any other natural compounds mentioned on this list. It is vastly manufactured in hidden laboratories and can be used in conjunction with amphetamine to boost its potency. Possible treatments include detox in the absence of other drugs, agreeing to participate in therapy sessions, and medications.
· Painkillers
Absurd as it may sound painkillers are also a form of addiction as it can develop starting from harmless levels of initial use. However, the body does take a toll after taking painkillers, and only when the patients stop using them do they find out their cravings for these medicines. Treatments include detox centers, withdrawal therapies, and inpatient rehabs. However, if the cases rise to severity then intensive outpatient rehabs can be advised. This requires the help of professionals and their close supervision of the victims. Patients have to be gradually allowed to take lower dosages as their bodies need to adjust accordingly and that needs time and effort.
· Tobacco (Nicotine)
Tobacco is worldwide and known for killing people in the millions across the planet. Many deaths are also accounted for non-smokers who are exposed to second-hand smoke. More than a billion people actively consume tobacco across the globe with the majority belonging from low and middle-income countries. Tobacco creates a dependency on the human body to be consumed at regular intervals. Treatments include CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), MI (Motivational Interviewing), NRT (Nicotine Replacement Therapy), and Bupropion to name a few.
We hope this post was able to provide you with a lot of insights into how the aforementioned drugs and substance abuse are causing the destruction of lives and the future of our generations. We hope that you would do the needful and spread awareness about them in your community. There is strength in love and with proper care, many victims and their prospects in life can be saved. Together we can make the changes possible to preserve the joy of our loved one’s life. We should never give up on hope and make continuous efforts to protect those near to us. For more questions and queries regarding the topic, please feel free to let us know your feedback in the comment section below.