Drug abuse is a serious problem in the US. It’s a reflection of deep-rooted social problems.
The most commonly abused drugs in the United States are alcohol, marijuana, prescription pills, and sedatives. These are illegal drugs that cause addiction and other health risks. The most commonly abused drug in the US is marijuana, also known as "pot," "weed, "grass, or "cannabis." It contains many different chemicals, or cannabinoids, including delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and dozens of others. When it is smoked, marijuana acts as a central nervous system stimulant. It can speed up the heart rate and blood pressure, dull the memory, and cause some people to become paranoid. Marijuana can be addictive, causing people to feel compelled to use it even when it harms their lives. About 1 in 10 marijuana users becomes addicted, and it can be as high as 1 in 6 for teens who start using before age 18. Alcohol is a depressant and sedative that can be addictive. It works by mimicking the action of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, and can also stimulate the release of dopamine, a natural chemical messenger in your brain that activates the reward system. But drinking too much over time builds tolerance, making you need to drink more in order to feel the same effect. This pattern of drinking is referred to as alcohol abuse. Many factors can increase the risk of developing an alcohol abuse disorder. Some of these include: Compared to marijuana and alcohol, prescription drugs are the most commonly abused in the US. Drug abuse is also a leading cause of overdose deaths. Abuse of these medications can lead to physical dependence, addiction, and other problems. Doctors can help patients recognize these issues and provide treatment options. The most commonly abused prescription pills are pain relievers, including narcotics (opioids) such as morphine, codeine, and hydrocodone. These drugs can be addictive if they are used in high doses or for long periods of time. Depressants and stimulants are another common category of abused prescription drugs. These medicines can have a variety of effects on the brain and body, including sedation, sleepiness, fatigue, dizziness, and euphoria. Stimulants can also cause a number of side effects, including increased body temperature, heart problems, and agitation or paranoia. Sedatives are central nervous system depressants that slow brain activity to help you feel calm and relaxed. They are often prescribed to help people sleep, but they can also be used to treat anxiety and other mental health issues. Misuse of sedatives can lead to addiction and withdrawal symptoms if they are used in high doses or for long periods of time. Doctors don’t prescribe sedatives without weighing the benefits and risks. Many patients take sedatives to reduce anxiety, improve mood, and relieve stress from life circumstances. This behavior is called "chemical coping" and may lead to dose escalation or sedative dependency. Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant drug that can quickly lead to dependence on the substance. It can also cause serious physical and psychological changes in the brain. It can be found in the leaves of the coca plant or processed into a form called crack, which is usually snorted. The snorting process can damage the blood vessels in your nose, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, seizures, and respiratory failure. It is also increasingly being laced with the opioid fentanyl, which increases the risk of overdose and death from cocaine use. Despite its dangerous effects, cocaine continues to be one of the most popular drugs in the US. It is especially abused among young people.
1 Comment
7/17/2023 02:20:45 am
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