Drugs can provide pain relief, induce euphoria, and create the potential for misuse through physical and psychological dependence. No drug users set out to become addicts. In fact, many are set on the path to addiction by using drugs prescribed to them for legitimate medical reasons. 

The opioid abuse crisis has been facilitated primarily through the perceived safety and abundance of prescription drugs. In 2017, over 11 million people misused prescription pain relievers, compared to just 886,000 who used heroin. Of those 11 million, 62% reported that their last misuse of prescription pain relievers was to alleviate physical pain.

Drug Addiction Fast Facts

Roughly 30.5 million Americans older than the age of 12 are illicit drug users. This is largely due to the fact that within that 30.5 million, two out of three are using marijuana. Marijuana remains a prominent “first use” or gateway drug, second only to alcohol and followed closely by prescription drugs.

Drug Addiction
Drugs

Alcohol can also be considered a drug because it is a mood-altering substance. Because it is legal and widely used, it often receives its own category in the substance use domain. However, people may often combine drug and alcohol use, which increases the effects — and compounds the dangers — of both substances. Of the many types and variations of drugs, these are their primary categories:

  • Prescription drugs (includes opioids, benzodiazepines, and any other tranquilizers, stimulants, or sedatives)
  • Marijuana
  • Inhalants (gas, paint, aerosols, permanent markers, etc.)
  • Methamphetamine (crystal meth, ice)
  • Cocaine (base, freebase, and crack cocaine)
  • Heroin
  • Hallucinogens (LSD, PCP, psilocybin, MDMA, etc.) 

Primary Types of Drugs

Cocaine

Cocaine, a stimulant derived from coca leaves, has highly addictive properties.

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Fentanyl

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid used for severe pain treatment, is 100 times more potent than morphine.

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Heroin

Heroin is an illegal, powerfully addictive opioid drug with no medical application.

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Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine (“meth”) is a central nervous system stimulant with highly addictive and damaging effects.

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Opioids/Prescription Painkillers

The perceived safety of prescription opioid drugs causes many to underestimate their potency and abuse potential.

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The Effects of Drugs On the Body

Because of the wide variety of mood-altering substances, drugs don’t have the same exact effects on the body — but they all play a part in adjusting our physiological chemistry. They can also generate a strong psychological need or dependence on substances, which contributes to the development of addiction. Here are some common effects people experience:

  • A sense of euphoria
  • Pain relief
  • Reduced anxiety
  • The ability to sleep or stay awake (depending on the drug)
  • Feelings of comfort, happiness or excitement

With excessive use of any drug, or the use of hard drugs, withdrawal symptoms can be prompt. These are common symptoms a drug user may experience without the drug, driving his or her need to take more:

  • Tremors
  • Insomnia
  • Sweating
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Restlessness
  • Headaches
  • Hypersensitivity
  • Severe anxiety

Drugs also have a major impact on the heart, liver, lungs, and brain. They can hinder cognitive development, depress respiration, and cause seizures or even cardiac arrest. 

Drug Rehab at The Meadows Texas

At The Meadows Texas, we offer medically supervised detox to mitigate withdrawal symptoms and keep them from worsening. Our talented team of experts is focused on comprehensive healing for each patient. We treat drug addiction alongside any underlying mental health conditions that may be perpetuating substance use, giving individuals the best chance at long-term recovery.

Our approach includes individual and group therapy, practices like yoga and meditation, and an emphasis on wellness and nutrition. We treat each individual with the dignity and respect they deserve, empowering them to own their recovery. Our proven methods are time-tested. If you or a loved one needs drug rehab, please contact us today. We would love to help you get started on the path to lifelong recovery. 

Serenity View campus

 

Get answers to your questions

If you or a loved one would like to know more about treatment at The Meadows Texas, please give us a call to speak to one of our trained intake coordinators for assistance. 

Call 833-757-5697