& Their Eff ects

Top 10 Most Commonly Abused Drugs

10. Heroin

Heroin, made from the resin of poppy plants, is a highly addictive form of opiate. Injected, smoked, or sniffed, heroin creates a sensation of a euphoric rush, the ability to communicate easily with others, and heightened sexual performance. 

9. Methamphetamine

Meth, crank, or speed produces feelings of well-being and energy lasting from 4 to 16 hours, making it a popular drug for parties and night clubs. Highly addictive, meth burns up the body’s resources and creates of dependence relieved only by taking more the drug.

8. Hallucinogens: LSD

Although hallucinogens include half a dozen or more drugs such as PCP and Ketamine, LSD is by far the most popular. Also known as “acid,” LSD is the most potent hallucinogen in the world. Often sold on blotting paper, or “window panes,” the effects of LSD are unpredictable, altering the user’s mood, personality, and sensations of reality.

7. Ecstasy

Ecstasy, also called MDMA or the “love pill” is one of the most popular drugs among youth today. It is the club drug of choice, producing feelings of euphoria, alertness, hallucinations, and feelings of closeness with others. However, nearly 65% of pills sold as Ecstasy contain other substances, making the effects both unpredictable and dangerous.

6. Inhalants

Inhalants are the vapors form toxic substances that are able to produce a high. The most often used are shoe polish, glue, gasoline, spray paint, cleaning fluid, “poppers,” and nitrous oxide. Users experience feelings similar to anesthetics, with an initial high and loss of inhibition followed by drowsiness, slurred speech and agitation.

5. Cocaine

Nearly 1.5 million people in America are current users of this familiar white powder. Due to its short-lived yet powerful effects of euphoria, cocaine use results in severe psychological dependence and intense drug cravings. Tolerance builds quickly, and the phrase “dope fiend” was originally coined to describe the negative side effects of constant cocaine use.

4. Prescription Drugs

With the surge of prescription drug abuse in the past decade, there should be no wonder that it ranks #4 on the list. Painkillers such as Vicodin and OxyContin are the most abused prescription drugs. Besides their analgesic properties, they can produce effects similar to heroin.

3. Marijuana

Marijuana is the 3rd most popular recreational drug in American, and the #1 most abused illicit drug. The dried parts of the Cannabis plant can cause distorted perceptions, impaired coordination and problems with learning and memory. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the active ingredient in marijuana responsible for its “high” feelings.

2. Tobacco

One quarter of Americans (6.9 million) are users of a tobacco product. Smoking stimulates the pleasure centers in the brain by turning on the body’s natural chemicals that produces euphoria. With over 4000 chemicals in cigarette smoke, smoking also causes long-term systemic effects, such as high blood pressure, and has been proven to increase cancer risk.

1. Alcohol

With over half (51.8%) of U.S. population identified as drinkers, alcohol is the #1 abused substance. Nearly a quarter of the population participates in binge drinking (58.6 million), and 6.7% of the population reported heavy drinking (16.9 million). As a depressant, alcohol produces impaired coordination and judgment, slurred speech, and blackouts.

There is Hope

Despite these drugs' powerful and addictive characteristics, there is hope. For nearly 40 years, Duffy's has helped over 36,000 guests find help and freedom. We would love to help you today!

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