Five Most Commonly Addictive Drugs in America [Infographic]

08/27/2018

Five Most Commonly Addictive Drugs in America [Infographic]

In America today, substance abuse is on the rise and bringing devastation to families across the nation. However, through addiction education, we can begin to understand the most commonly addictive drugs and how to prevent their abuse in the future. Specifically, there are five substances that regularly lead to addiction. These include alcohol, cocaine, heroin, prescription opioids, and Xanax. Below, we will discuss each substance further and help you gain an understanding of the risks.

Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol is one of the most commonly addictive drugs in the nation. In fact, one out of every twelve adults is suffering from alcohol abuse or dependency, according to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD). Furthermore, alcohol is regularly used as a form of self-medication for other problems, such as relationships, work struggles, stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health problems.

Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine is a stimulant drug that creates an intense high. Moreover, its effects are significant and begin quickly. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSUDH), one million Americans adults were battling a cocaine use disorder in 2014 alone.

Heroin Addiction

The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) estimates that nearly a quarter of people who try heroin develop an addiction. Moreover, approximately 586,000 Americans were classified with a heroin use disorder in 2014. Heroin use is also closely related to prescription opioid abuse. Many heroin users first began using opioids until their prescription ran out. At this point, they went to heroin for the similar effects as a cheaper alternative on the street.

Prescription Opioid Addiction

Prescription medication, specifically painkillers such as opioids, can be highly addictive. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, more than 115 people in America die everyday after overdosing on opioids. In addition, nearly 30 percent of people with an opioid prescription begin to misuse them. Estimates suggest nearly two million people struggle with an opioid abuse disorder each year.

Xanax Addiction

Another prescription medication, Xanax is very helpful in treating anxiety and panic disorders. However, it’s regularly sold on the street for recreational use. Many people use Xanax for its euphoric effects and high. In fact, over 50 million prescriptions were written for Xanax in 2013. Unfortunately, 31 percent of all drug overdoses that year involved Xanax.

Overcoming the Most Commonly Addictive Drugs

Are you ready to overcome the most commonly addictive drugs in America? If so, reach out to Silver Pines Treatment Center today. For example, our rehab programs include:

With the help of Silver Pines, you can begin on the road to recovery with proven treatment and professional support. Therefore, contact our staff today at 267.209.7313 to learn more about the most commonly addictive drugs.