The Most Abused Substances in the United States Today
The Most Abused Substances in the United States Today
Drug and alcohol addiction is a rising problem in this country. The most abused substances in the United States today are alcohol, marijuana, and prescription painkillers. The majority of drug-related deaths are accidental overdoses of prescription painkillers such as hydrocodone and oxycodone. Of course, when those with painkiller addictions cannot get these drugs, some people turn to heroin which is also responsible for many overdose deaths today.
Most Abused Substances
What are the four commonly abused drugs? Trends come and go, but today, they are marijuana, hydrocodone, and oxycodone. Also, alcohol is one of the most abused substances and is, in fact, more common than any other. More people suffer from alcohol addiction, mainly because it is more easily obtainable. Alcohol is legal for those over 21 years of age, and it is fairly inexpensive when you compare it to illegal drugs.
A Breakdown of the Four Most Abused Substances
Of the vast array of substances on the market today, these are the most frequently abused:
#1. Marijuana
The largest number of people arrested for an illegal substance are those who have marijuana on them. Most people don’t know this, but it is possible to become dependent on marijuana, whether it occurs physically or mentally. Marijuana abusers use want to use it over and over again. When it gets to a point where it negatively affects other areas of life, there is no doubt that they have an addiction.
#2. Hydrocodone
Hydrocodone, or Vicodin, is a common but also addictive prescription pain reliever. Seven million Americans abuse or are addicted to these drugs. Physicians prescribe hydrocodone to treat pain and then, whether the pain goes away or not, people end up with an addiction. The best way to beat an addiction to hydrocodone is with the help of an inpatient drug addiction treatment center and aftercare recovery program.
#3. Oxycodone
Another very common pain reliever, Oxycodone is dangerous and harmful and causes incessant addictions and dependency issues. This drug creates situations wherein people become heavily dependent on the substance itself. Furthermore, doctors prescribe Oxycodone rampantly today. Unfortunately, the substance is everywhere, and many thousands of Americans are addicted to it. Of course, the best way to beat Oxycodone addiction is an inpatient drug addiction treatment program.
#4. Alcohol
No doubt, alcoholism is the most common substance abuse problem in this nation by far. What makes alcoholism worse is that it is one of the most abused substances to be used with other substances, or, that is to say, to create dual addictions. The only way to beat alcohol addiction is an inpatient alcohol addiction treatment center.
Drug Abuse by the Numbers
Did you know more than 70,200 people died from drug overdoses in the United States last year? About 47,600 of those deaths involved opioids. That includes prescription painkillers, fentanyl, and illicit opiates. Nearly 15,482 of the deaths involved heroin. Likewise, cocaine was responsible for 13,942 of the overdose deaths. Additionally, nearly 18 million people are alcoholics. Overall, that’s about nine percent of the entire US population over the age of twelve.
Clearly, we have a serious drug problem in the United States. But, there is good news. Millions of people have overcome their addictions after getting professional treatment. In most cases, the best option for successful recovery is an inpatient facility. Here, a person can feel secure in a controlled environment while they go through the rehabilitation process. With a combination of education, counseling, skills training, nutrition, and aftercare, an addicted person can heal mentally, physically, and spiritually.
Seeking Help at A Forever Recovery
A Forever Recovery is equipped to help people who are addicted to marijuana, hydrocodone, oxycodone, alcohol, any combination of them, or any other substance for that matter. We are a professional treatment center that helps people overcome the addiction struggles that they struggle with daily. We offer full detoxification services and complete inpatient counseling services as well. So, if you are seeking help for yourself or a loved one, call A Forever Recovery today.
- drugabuse.gov – Overdose Death Rates
- drugabuse.gov – Most Commonly Used Addictive Drugs
