ADDICTION: TEN MOST ABUSED DRUGS IN THE UNITED STATES AND THE WORLD
87TEN MOST ABUSED DRUGS PICTURED
TEN MOST ABUSED DRUGS
According to The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), "The overall picture of drug abuse in the United States is constantly changing." There may also be some differences between those drugs most abused within the United States and those most abused throughout the world. Given the changing conditions of this phenomenon, and the difficulty involved in determining the frequency at which some drugs (legal, prescription) are actually abused, these are the best reports available.
TABACCO
Tobacco, nicotine, and cigarettes in general, are by far the most abused drugs in the world, with more than 46.5 million smokers within the United States alone. There are more than 400,000 deaths reported annually due to the use of tobacco and nicotine. The act of smoking adds to the danger of tobacco and nicotine addiction, for both smokers, and those breathing the smoke related to the habit.
ALCOHOL
Alcohol, a legal drug, is next in line in the order of drugs most abused. While small quantities of red wine can actually have health benefits, more than two drinks per day (men), and one drink per day (women), are related to the occurrence of cancer, and other serious disease. Traffic fatalities, domestic violence, child abuse, and liver disease are also related to alcohol abuse. Alcohol is also common at the scene of the crime in many murders, especially those between acquaintances and family members.
PRESCRIPTION DRUGS AND MARIJUANA
There appears to be some conflict in the reports regarding which of these is number three on the list of most abused drugs, and which is number four. Marijuana has commonly been named as the most abused illegal drug in America and the world; however, prescription drug abuse is more difficult to detect since these drugs are purchased and stored legally, and often used abusively, as well as by those other than for whom they were prescribed.
OTC, or Over the Counter Drugs are commonly abused, and have been associated with the illegal production of methamphetamine in dangerous home labs. The most commonly abused prescription drugs are Opioid, analgesic drugs used to suppress physical pain. Abusers use them to experience numbness, sedation and euphoria. Depressants such as Valium, Xanax, and Librium are also abused for their sadating effects, and are often abused by those for whom they are prescribed. Stimulant prescription drug abuse is also common of Ritalin, Dexedrine, and Meridia, for their euphoric effects.
Baby boomers, now beginning to age, create a special problem, since many are already drug abusers, now being prescribed additional drugs for medical reasons. It is feared that drug interactions will cause physical problems, as well as intefere with the appropriate diagnosis of doctors who are unaware of the drug abuse of their patients. According to reports made by the Substance Abuse Administration, which regularly queries Americans on their drug and alcohol use, of 20,000 adults aged 50-59, 5.2 percent had used marijuana within the past year, and 2.9 percent had taken prescription drugs that were not prescribed to them, most often painkillers. This report does not even include those who abused drugs that were prescribed to them, a figure that would definitely increase the percentages reported here. One problem with senior citizens using drugs is that the physiology of the body slows down as one ages, thus processing abusive drugs out of the body will not happen as quickly as it did when they were younger.
Another problem population related to prescription drugs and marijuana are today's youth. Most parents are aware of at least some of the dangers of cannabis, though many do not realize how much stronger it is today, than in the sixties. Parents are often totally unaware; however, of the number of young people using prescription medications abusively, a problem compounded by the fact that the drugs abused are usually those of the parents involved. Teens find and use drugs left in medicine cabinets and forgotten, and share them with their friends. It is difficult to know how many prescription drugs are being abused, because they are prescribed legally by doctors. Still, of all drugs, alcohol remains the number one abused drug by youth in America, and the world, and its accessibility is also obvious.
METHAMPHETAMINE
Probably the fifth most abused drug in the world, and the most abused of stimulant drugs, methamphetamine is often used initially to suppress appetite, but is used most commonly for increased energy, alertness, and euphoria. Extended use causes days of wakefulness and increased physical activity, hyper-sexual behavior, delusions of paranoia, destruction of tooth enamel, gum disease, and convulsions that can be fatal. The drug is highly addictive, and many effected insist addiction began the first moment it was used.
MDMA (ECSTASY)
Similar in its effects to methamphetamine, these tablets are easily the sixth most abused drugs in the world. They are easily available and used to promote positive feelings and extreme relaxation. They are also the choice drugs at rave parties, used for all night stimulation. Often called the hug-drug, or love-drug, they have also been associated with date rape.
CRACK COCAINE
Once considered the number one drug problem, crack cocaine has fallen to number seven on the list. Well known for its euphoric effects, crack causes restricted blood vessels, increased temperature, increased heart rate, and increased blood pressure. Like methamphetamine and other stimulant drugs, it can lead to cardiac arrest, and death.
HEROIN
Once thought of as the ultimate in drug addiction, heroin now ranks number eight in the list of most abused drugs. This illegal drug is found everywhere in powder form, and is usually snorted, freebased, or injected into the veins, after being melted to liquid form in a spoon by a lighted match, cigarette lighter or fire from a gas stove. Heroin is highly addictive, and causes severe cramps during withdrawal, known as cold turkey.
STEROIDS
Sometimes referred to as human growth hormones, steroids are used most often by athletes, hoping to improve or increase their performance. Body builders commonly use the drug to enhance the appearance of muscle mass. Use of steroids is not allowed in most sports events, and urine tests are conducted in an attempt to eliminate its use; however, they are only partially successful. Steroids can cause depression, and violent behavior in those who abuse them. Steroids are number nine on the list of most abused drugs.
INHALANTS
Inhalants are actually products common in every household and office. Such products as magic markers, aerosol cans, nail polish, cleaning solutions, glue, plastic cement, and even gasoline, can become inhalants. These are used mainly by very young individuals who wish to get high, but do not have access to other drugs.
NOTES TO THE READER
It is important to remember that drug use is not a static event, and is an ever changing one; therefore, these drugs can change in order of most abused at any time. As a concerned citizen, it is important to keep up with the changing nature of drug use in your country, and in the world.
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Morning Valerie, excellent Hub and it is interesting the two top are the ones the Government taxes the most and are readily available, the third on your list marijuana will likely soon be readily available and taxed much the same.
The cost of the after effects of any of the listings you have in regards to health are alarming to say the least but as well the spiritual and emotional trail of destruction is immeasurable in ruined lives.
Blessings and Hugs
Thank you katie and quill for your comments. You both speak truth, addiction is destructive on many fronts.
It is a sad thing when something as destructive as substance abuse can turn into a lucrative business. Just goes to show you how sick our society is.
Then go one step further and see how war and the constant neglect for our planet has always been a huge money maker.
Folks are always looking for a business opportunity. I'm not trying to be funny here. It seems that all this stuff stems from us believing that everything is separate and we are all alone on this planet. There is much confusion as to why we are alive and what it all means.
You are correct, kowality, and now the government makes money off of gambling, as well. Addiction is very lucrative, because of course, addicts continue to return for more.
Big Pharma is the biggest lobbyiest against leagal marijuana because it competes directly with their business from pain management to muscular dystrophy to parkinsons in a big way(:
I wouldn't doubt that, Mentalist, as Big Pharma is all about money, anyway. It probably competes with them now. LOL.
Sad how deep in out society these drugs are and how much governments make on them - the OTC drugs is scary because it seems to be another legal abuse problem that goes undetected.
Thanks Billy, it is difficult to detect prescription drug use, but the government and others also make a chunk of money on nicotine addiction and alcohol. It seems people are more interested in making money from addiction, than in treating it, as budgets are cut for treatment in most states, and taxes are raised from addictive substances. Thanks for responding to my site.
Very nice accurate hub I appreciate the time and effort put into it
Thanks manthy. I appreciate your willingness to read my writing and make comments about it. (: v
I am in recovery from a crack addiction. I also have bi-polar & PTSD. I am what is called a Dual Diagnosis. I can say from experience that when dealing with addiction & mental illness, it is a struggle every second. But, with deep gratitude to my higher power, I am clean today!!!
Thank you Heaven, I am so glad you stopped by. I have not used stimulant drugs in over 20 years, and also used crack and meth. PTSD is very common in substance users, as many use substances to deal with its symptoms. You sound very happy. Congrats on your recovery effort. (: v
well, I am not really happy today as I am in a down stage with my bi-polar, however, I am happy to be clean today!!! Thanks for the comment. Chat any time!!! Blessings )O(
THANKS HEAVEN, FEEL FREE TO WRITE ME AT ANY TIME. KEEP TAKING YOUR MEDS, AND DEPENDING ON YOUR HIGHER POWER. THOSE THINGS DO MATTER. IT MIGHT BE A GOOD IDEA TO JUST NOT SHARE YOUR OTHER DISORDER IN RECOVERY GROUPS, IF PEOPLE CONTINUE TRYING TO BE YOUR DOCTOR, INSTEAD OF PROVIDING SUPPORT, ONLY. (: V
Great post Valerie, but please STOP the disinformation on Cannabis (marijuana is a derogatory name used to demonize it back in the 1930s/40s). It is NOT addictive!! I agree that strains today have gotten stronger so user BEWARE.
News Flash: Pure hemp (er cannabis) oil (not hemp seed oil) cures cancer!
This video and link are all over the Net.
1) Small Community Cancer Cure Crushed by Big Pharma
http://hempnews.tv/2009/12/30/small-community-canc
2) Watch the Canadian documentary "Run from the Cure" on people Rick Simpson cured with hemp oil. It also shows how u can produce your own to save your loved ones with cancer or any other debilitating disease.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjhT9282-Tw
3) Take a peek at this video about a dude with AIDS who's viral load is continually declining with the use of hemp oil. He's now ditched his AIDS medicine. See for yourself on VodPod:
Dear Max, thanks for your comments; however, my post does not actually mention whether marijuana (cannabis) is addictive or not. My personal experience many years ago, was that it was not addictive for me; however, many feel that they are addicted to it.
It is listed as an abused drug, because it has just as much tar as cigarettes do, and smoking causes cancer, though this is the first report I've heard that cannabis might actually cure it. I have a hard time believing smoking anything at all could assist with a cure for cancer, since the chemicals involved in smoking, by themselves, are so destructive to the human body, but perhaps you are suggesting use of the drug in some other way. I recently completed the book, Anti Cancer: A New Way of Life, by David Servan-Schreiber, MD, PhD, and marijuana was not mentioned at all, pro or con, and the book did deal with a number of non-traditional treatment types.
While I will agree that marijuana is often presented by treatment professionals as being more dangerous than I personally found it to be, I'd be very cautious about recommending anything as a cure for cancer that had not been scientifically proven to be one, or that might actually cause cancer, or other health problems through the way it is most often used (smoking). That said, I wouldn't put anything past big Pharmaceutical companies or big insurance, both of which I feel need a lot more regulation than they have received in the past. Our government would do well to regulate them half as well in the future, as it has tried to regulate marijuana in the past. I've allowed your comment to appear here, with reservations, because I strongly feel that smoking anything at all is dangerous and hazardous to one's health. I will also visit the sites you included in your comment. Thanks for commenting on my site.
I want to report that I did visit the sites Max listed above. While I don't doubt cannabis has some healing properties, as well as some side effects, as do most drugs, I would be suspicious of any claims that a drug or substance is a cure all for virtually anything that might go wrong with the human body. That sounds too much like the old gypsy tonic notion to me. Still, it is true that marijuana has received such negative press that even if it were true, it would be difficult to overcome the hype involved, in order to appropriately conduct experiements with the drug to discover any positive effects it might have. Then there is also big pharm, to make it even more difficult. I wouldn't expect legalized packaged marijuana any time soon. LOL. Speaking of the 1930s, has anybody else out there seen "Reefer Madness?" It is a very old movie made about that time about the "evils" of marijuana. Any comments on the movie would be appreciated. In my opinion, it was downright funny.
>Dear Max, thanks for your comments
You're very welcome. :-)
> however, many feel that they are addicted to it.
I don't take sugar with my tea but the MAJORITY of people around the world do. Are they "addicted" to sugar then?? I believe a case can be made for this since they CAN'T drink said tea without sugar. :-)
What's my point? With regards to cannabis (please stop using the derogatory name 'marijuana'), yes, you get RELAXED when you smoke it and feel a little light headed (or high...not a deranged high as perpetrated by the mass media in order to demonize it) . So what?
Do u not drink alcohol to feel a little AT EASE? Do addicts not smoke cigarettes to CALM DOWN and reduce their jitters? Do Arabs, Persians & Indians in Asia not smoke hashish or scented steam from water through a bong to relax with and entertain family members & guests?
Do a vast majority of Americans not sit in front of their couches -- FOR HOURS -- watching mind-numbing programming on the Idiot Box (er TV) while not getting any exercise or mental stimulation? Most homes have 3 TVs! Talk about addiction!
And don't get me started with Coke & Pepsi...2 companies that "push" liquid chemicals to the masses which results in poor health (diabetes, obesity, hyperactivity/inattentiveness, decaying teeth, etc.).
So, WHAT is so wrong with LIKING (addiction? I think not) the relaxing "high" from smoking cannabis? Do you prefer people to have a "LOW" instead?? The opposite of high is low. Right?
My 2 cents.
Hello again, Max. You seem to have a fixation with insisting that marijuana be called cannabis. There is no difference between marijuana and cannabis; they are the same thing. So what if someone demonizes marijuana? If they do, they are also demonizing cannabis, because it is the same drug.
Also, I would agree with you that Americans, and Westerners in general, eat addictively, with many being overweight and in danger of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. This is no secret, and if you read my other hubs on addiction, you would have already found that I agree with you on that one.
Addiction; however, is not just "liking" something. It is continuing to do something that has obvious negative consequences to its use. You actually don't have to be addicted to something to experience negative consequences related to its use. One DUI can land you in jail, whether you are an alcoholic, or just got dead drunk one time.
The negative consequence I see related to marijuana is in the fact that it is smoked. It is not for me to decide for someone else whether or not they are addicted, nor is it for you to decide. You apparantly do not believe ANYONE can be addicted to marijuana (cannabis, pot, ???? who gives a rat's ass what it is called????), and you certainly have a right to your opinion.
I am not going to tell someone else; however, whether or not they are addicted. This almost appears to be a religion with you, and you behave like a religious fanatic about it. I don't have to agree with you, and I don't have to call the drug by the same name you do. I don't particularly demonize the drug, and I have said that I was never personally addicted to it. But you aren't going to come on my site, and tell me what to call it. Okay???? I'll call it whatever I choose. You're acting like someone at a Baptist camp meeting. It doesn't have to be exactly the way you believe it is. Thank you for sharing. (: v
Learn your history first! Cannabis have been used for thousands of years in the Orient (going back 5000 thousand years) and was used for many things: medicine, textiles, food, building material et al. It was delieberately called MARIJUANA (as u like to call it) by Henry Anslinger and his government & media croonies (Hearst media empire) back in the late 30s and onwards in order to CONFUSE & scare people and the learned establishment so that they would not be legislating AGAINST cannabis (a plant known back then for its medicinal, textiles and other industrial uses). The Spanish-Mexican sounding "Marijuana" name deliberately played on the fears of WHITE ignorant men that their women would, instantly, want to have sex with Mexicans & Afro men if they smoked pot. And that these same "darkies" would turn into feinds and rapists once they ingested MARIJUANA. Got it????????? But I'm sure you knew this!!
Ooops, one more correction.
You stated: "...because it has just as much tar as cigarettes do, and smoking causes cancer, though this is the first report I've heard that cannabis might actually cure it. I have a hard time believing smoking anything at all could assist with a cure for cancer, since the chemicals involved in smoking, by themselves, are so destructive to the human body..."
For the last time, I'm NOT talking about SMOKING marijuana!! It's about taking the resin from the buds & putting through a chemical process to extract the pure hemp oil which has the CANNABINOIDS that are scientifically known to destroy cancer cells. This is why I believe it's ILLEGAL -- to protect the multibillion dollar Cancer Treatment industry which would go out of business OVER NIGHT.
Please watch "RUN FROM THE CURE - The Rick Simpson Story (Part 4 of 7)" to see the step-by-step instructions on making Pure Hemp Oil and some dirt dug up by a world-renowned pathologist (Dr. Sam Epstein - University of Chicago professor) in his book, CancerGate.
Part 3 will show you CTV and CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) footage about Marijuana Oil (since its cannabis as you stated) and about Rick Simpson's work.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9NN98CuFGA&feature
I'm done here!! :-)
Very insightful, great content, organization, and overall points.
RomperHubber
Thank you Max, and romper, for sharing. Max, I do know the history behind marijuana, but can't see how calling it one thing makes it any more dangerous than calling it something else. Also, I am not convinced that marijuana or cannabis cures cancer. Sorry, but I don't think another drug needs to be legalized, when the legal drugs we have already, cause millions or more deaths every year. If marijuana can be used for medical purposes, fine. Allow them to do the research and use it with need of a prescription, but we don't need another drug like alcohol and tabacco out there.
Also, understand that this site is NOT a format for the legalization of marijuana (still calling it what I damned well please) or any other drug. If you want to begin a site for that, please do it yourself. I did watch the video you mentioned, but legalization of marijuana is not my religion and I haven't been "saved" by your preacher, or anyone else's. And I hope you ARE done here.
Also, Max, I saw "Reefer Madness," the 30s movie that seemed to imply that pot brings about uncontrollable sexual urges. If that were the case, many married couples would support its legalization. And the racial thing is also a joke, as people can be prejudiced, or attracted, without the use of any drug. I do agree that the dangers of pot are exaggerated by those who do not want it legalized, but there are many notches between that and being a "cure-all" tonic. If everything fake medicine men sell as a cure for cancer, worked, we wouldn't even be talking about cancer anymore. I hope pot can cure cancer, but no one has proved it to me, yet. And yes, I did note that you referred to using the drug in other manners than smoking it, which gives your claim more validity, in my opinion.(: v
To all interested readers, I just received an email from Max, apologizing for his or her over jealous comments on this site; however, explaining his or her desire to have hemp legalized for uses that might help the public. I invited Max to share the contents of the email on a comment, and hope that happens. I acknowledge the many possibilities for the substance, and feel it might have other uses besides that of being smoked for relaxation. That said, almost anything pleasurable, can become a habit, so we must always moderate our use of all substances or behaviors that have habit forming properties. (: v
Great job presenting so much info. Well written. Useful.
Thanks for dropping in, Denise. Hope you'll come again soon. (: v
Nice info on drugs. I didn't know there were so many in the list. thank you.
Thanks vivekananda, there are many drugs, and many in each class of drugs. Actually, if you aren't treating addiction, the less you know, usually the better, unless a family member gets involved. Thaanks for visiting my site. (: v
You have nailed down some important concepts, though your source on Cannabis information leaves out that several states have made the drug legal for pain sufferers and those who can otherwise waste away because they can't eat without their "prescription." Methamphetamine is the latest drug of choice. It is cheap, readily available, and addicts will do anything to get it.
Marijuana growers are relatively easy to single out and prosecute. Other drugs have to come across the border, mostly. It's hard, dangerous and the itty bitty busts'at the border don't win many headlines(or cash from the government).
The country has spent enough on the "war on drugs," now over
thirty years old, that the national debt could be eliminated. Do we have a national commitment to end drugs in this country? Hardly. There is too much profit to buy off too many government officials. In reality, alcohol costs the country much suffering but it is accepted and no one wants to talk about it. I can still remember going to a doctors office where the doctor had a huge cigar hanging out of his mouth. Other countries are giving up tobacco. The war on the growers and advertisers has had a major effect on the reduced consumption, especially some of the young.
Thanks for dropping in solarcaptain. I am aware that cannabis is legal in some states; however, that was not the focus of this article. The legal drugs are actually the biggest problem, meaning those you can purchase without a prescription such as alcohol and nicotine. The hub deals with the ten most abused drugs, and doesn't focus a whole lot on whether or not they are legal. If that had been my focus, it would have been mentioned, but being legal has little to do with whether or not a drug is abused, other than making it more likely to be abused. I don't have particularly strong feelings about the legalization of cannabis one way or the other, except that I don't think we need another drug legalized for recreational use. Medical use is different, as long as prescriptions are used appropriately. Often they aren't, but there is little that can be done about that. I think the drug war is a joke, and a pitiful waste of tax payer dollars. I think it turned into a culture war between the far right and the far left, and they used our money to fight it. Thanks for stopping in.
Good efforts...really it's nice hub...!!!
Thanks naina_soni. I tend to put a lot of work into my hubs. I am presently completing certification ceu units, so of what I learn, will probably find its way onto this site. Thanks for taking an interest in my site. (:v
Another great one and will be adding your link to my Involuntary Commitment Process hub. Voted it up, and useful too
Thanks Lady G. I need to go back and read more of your angel hubs. I really enjoy them, but I've been waiting for you to write something new, since I'm not particularly into the Chamber of Commerce. LOL. Your angel hubs are more up my ally. I generally don't read food hubs either, so this has been a frustrating month for me. Glad the silly contest is almost over. (:v
Oh I understand that. I am not into reading all those food hubs either. It kind of took over Hubpages didn't it. Perhaps after I get more information I shall write another about Angels, but I think someone else has done that here on hubpages. I like to be unique and a bit different with my views and what I bring to the reader. Too much of the same thing bores readers and me alike.
I don't know, Lady G, some things I can't get enough of, and others like food hubs, I can hardly stand to read the first time. It is simply a matter of personal taste, as I am sure some love them, but I am not one of those persons. (:v
Hi y'all.I bumped into this hub in a cannabis/marijuana stupor and would like to point out a couple of things that should be obvious.
1 three types of people...abuseres...users...abstainers...the substance,physical or psychological,is irrelevant.It is the mind set that seeks escape.
2 cannabis/marijuana contains more tar than cigarettes but is smoked Much less frequently IE:a Heavy user smokes two or three joints per day.
3 most Importantly,Legal cannabis/marijuana store owners would not sell your teen age children pot[tired of spelling out the c/m]which would be much less available because the profit motive would be gone for criminals.Also,that scum drug dealer Will do his best to get your kids to use HARD drugs at every opportunity to the point of giving them away for free...until your kids are hooked that is.
At that point you should have a funeral...cause you just lost your child...
Peace
Hello cheaptrick. I'm aware that marijuana users don't smoke nearly as often as nicotine smokers, as I smoked pot for years. Thanks for your comments. (:v
teens need to read this one
Hello dracaslair. Probably a lot of people need to read this, teens included. (:v
You forgot to mention, Food is also addictive, especially junk food, that's the reason why people are sick and dying.
That is correct Renie Gade, but that is the subject of another hub article I wrote. This one is dealing with controlled substances. Check out: ADDICTS UNAWARE: AMERICAN ADDICTION TO LOW QUALITY FOODS. Its also present in my hub titled ADDICTION LYRICS AND ALL THINGS ADDICTION. Thanks for your comment on my site. (:v
Great hub, thanks - perhaps this will give you an insight into the seduction of Xanax http://hubpages.com/hub/Xanax
Thanks brightforyou. Thanks for the link. I'll also leave it here for others to read. (:v
Excellent Hub Valerie!! Addiction is such a hard thing to break but it can be done. It's amazing that smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol are legal and our Government is making money on that too. Next Pot will be legal and taxed also. Addictions that will in the end kill us all and we still pay taxes to the Government to help in our death
Good points, the clean life. We pick our own poison and the government draws tax revenue from it. (:v
thanks a lot...
this info helped a lot for my project...
natashaa, thanks. Glad it was helpful. (:v
thanx this was very helpful for a project im doing in my gr9 gym class but one question what other types of drugs are out there that you did not mention
When I was young I was curious of the effect of drugs. Fortunately, my group of friends are not used them so I am saved. Fall into the cycle of addiction is very easy. For someone is more easy than others becouse born into a family with this problem, or in a place where this problem is common, or with a genetical predisposition. In any case it is a big problem, and it is worth trying to understand the true motivations behind.
Write, talk, exchange ideas and experiences is already a way, in my view, to address the problem. Know the drugs, legalized or not, is crucial, especially for parents or educators.
Thanks for your good work!
Thanks Alicia and tucsia, Alicia, I think I've covered all catagories but there are way too many drugs to mention in a hub article. You might check out the PDR for names of specific drugs and their side effects.
Tucsia, there are many motivations behind drug use, and yes, it is something the average person needs to know more about. Thanks to both of you for responding to my site. (:v
Why wasn't caffeine listed in this?
Colin, Sorry, perhaps it was an oversight, or perhaps I am not ready to give up anything else. I am a frequent caffeine abuser and don't plan to quit, at least not completely.
As a fellow hubber, I'm doing some research on the issue of the efficacy of drug rehab and I found this story in the search engine. What a deal! I like this list except perscription drugs and marijuana shouldn't be lumped together, even though marijuana is legal for medicinal purposes in 15 states, in a sense making it a prescription drug. Anyway, equating opioids with pot, for instance, is like calling a handgun a howitzer. Hey, they both fire bullets, right? Later!
Kosmo, the only relationship intended between prescription drugs and cannabis here is that it is uncertain which comes next in the order of being most abused. Yes, marijuana is a prescription drug in some states, but that had nothing to do with its order in this article. Prescription and legal drugs are usually abused more often than street drugs, so prescription and legality are not related issues here. Thanks for commenting on my site.
My experience is that rehab is not very efficient because people don't learn how to enjoy life drug free in there; they learn how to accept control and manipulation by people who judge them harshly and have no understanding of how important empathy is in teaching people how to make important life changes. I work in one now. I want to find other employment, but am not sure any rehab unit is going to be any better. (:v
I really hate smokers honestly because they only not affect themselves but also to others. *Sigh
I think this is a great hub with tons of information a lot of which many people are unaware of. You are involved in an area where a person of your caring nature will help many people. They are very lucky to have you. My own brother who committed suicide was addicted to medication prescribed by his doctors and psychiatrists for years. I would also add that nobody in this world escapes addiction. Everyone is addicted to something or other. We are more alarmed when we think of the substance abuse you outline in this hub because the results are visibly unacceptable to us. But there are other addictions that just happen to be acceptable to our generation like over working, over eating, watching TV all day, being on the internet or playing computer games,and many more. These addictions don't look so bad to us compared to the picture of someone injecting himself with drugs.One thing we all have in common is we are slaves to our particular choice of 'drug' be it chemical or otherwise and as long as we refuse to address the root cause at the subconscious level. I have voted you up and awesome.
Well said, Sister Mary. Everyone has an addiction. Have you ever been to a dinner on the grounds meeting at a Southern church. Scores of overweight ladies wolfing down food like they are starving to death.
So many addictions, I think people get addicted to things in order to try to overcome stress when in all reality most of these listed cause more stress on the body!
True, brandytanner, addiction causes more stress than the original stressors. (:v
Very Nice Post........Very Nice. Thanks for share.
There are so many drugs to which our generation is addicted,Valium is one of them.Valium is once of the most well-known drugs of its type it is used by millions of people so it is no surprise that valium addiction is not unusual. Valium is one of the benzodiazepines, as is diazepam and librium. For people who have anxiety disorders, the formulation of valium was an apparently wonderful development. The drug is classified as a hypnotic, anticonvulsant, and muscle relaxant. Valium was first introduced onto the market in 1963, a derivative of librium, and is used today as a treatment for anxiety. Valium has been the most popular tranquilizer for the past 40 years. “Mother’s Little Helper” was a miracle drug. The problem, as with all tranquilizers and “feel good medications” is that they are extremely addictive.So,don't take Valium without doctor's instruction.and if by chance you are addicted than contact us at our web site:-http://addictioncalifornia.com/valium-addiction/
Drugs are abused because we overdose it instead of following the recommended dosage. Some drugs are considered abused simply because they have higher health risks and dependency. Nice hub Val. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Darvocet Lawsuit, Very true. (:v
Just want t put in my 2 cents... Ecstasy isn't actually used as a date rape drug
Web I took ecstasy, I didt feel like having sex at all... Just sorta cuddling and enjoying ur partner's presence. And even when she asked to have sex, it ea impossible to get hard. All my friends had this sorta problem too on ecstasy.
Thanks for your input, Hammermuffin. I have used stimulants, but never ecstasy. Perhaps my research source was mistaken. Since I have never used the drug or been sexual with anyone who has (That I know of) I relied on resources. Hopefully, my readers will take the time to read the comments of those like you. (:v
Amazing Hub! I am a very anti drug person besides drinking some coffee or having a coca cola. I like the short and simple way of explanation and was surprised by such a long list.
Since I'm Bipolar I've always been very happy for the fact that I never did care about trying out anything in the list. It would have complicated my life a whole lot more.
Voted up and useful!
Props to you. This hub was fantastic. I to have written about addiction being that I am a recovering addict my self and found this hub bold and extremely informative! Awesome work.
Great Hub!
Thanks Kurant82 and Keith Matyi, This hub gets a lot of traffic, so it must be of interest to many people.
thanks for the info. it really helps for the essay that i am doing for the effects of drugs. the thing that i needed to know is the most commonly abused drugs all around the world. so thank you so much! :D
Great hub thanks for raising awarness!
this is a really helpful site
katiem2 2 years ago
Valerie, My heart goes out to people who get addicted to such things, I have no desire to try it nor have I ever. I have dealt with physical pain and it is very much a driving force to find relief and yet I found it in Yoga. Addiction is a powerful thing and I hope this helps many understand better. Thanks and Peace :)