The Deadliest Drugs in America
Substance abuse of any form is not something that should ever be taken lightly. Unfortunately, every day, more and more people fall into the potentially deadly trap of developing an addiction to one of these substances. However, do you know which substances are considered to be the deadliest in the United States? Here is a brief overview of the deadliest drugs in America:
1. Fentanyl
Fentanyl is arguably one of the most addictive substances and one of the deadliest. In fact, fentanyl use is one of the leading causes of drug overdose. Countless people died in recent years as a result of fentanyl addiction or use. In 2016, it was reported that abuse or overdose deaths involving fentanyl numbered over 18,000. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 times more powerful than heroin. Although there are several benefits of this drug if a patient is suffering from chronic pain, it’s something that should only ever be taken under the watchful eye of a trained professional due to the fact that it is so addictive. Unfortunately, fentanyl continues to rank year after year as a commonly abused substance that requires rehab treatment.
2. Meth
Meth, short for methamphetamine, is an example of one of the highly addictive substances that many people struggle with. Not only does it continue to be one of the leading causes of death in those that have struggled with drug addiction but it can also completely destroy the life of any person both physically and psychologically. Physically, meth addiction can result in adverse consequences such as acne, flushed skin, or sores. During the 1980s and the 1990s, meth addiction was considered to be one of the most feared drugs in the world as a result of the fact that there was a substantial spike in HIV infection as well as drug overdoses due to using this substance.
3. Heroin
Heroin is a recreational substance that contributed to the opioid epidemic starting in the 1970s. Superstars such as Janis Joplin and John Belushi passed away from drug overdoses as a result of developing an addiction to this deadly drug. Heroin triggers a euphoric sensation and it’s an example of a substance that a person could become addicted to fairly quickly. For a long period of time, Heroin was considered to be one of the most deadliest and dangerous drugs in the United States, however, it has since been taken over by Fentanyl due to its potency and how cheap the substance is to make.
4. Cocaine
Heroin and cocaine are two examples of addictive drugs that developed in popularity in the 1970s. There is a marked difference between heroin and cocaine, however. Whereas heroin is categorized as a depressant, cocaine is considered to be a stimulant that can make a person feel as though they can continue to “party” indefinitely. This result can trigger a person to continue to take this deadly drug which is part of what makes it one of the most dangerous drugs. Cocaine can often be a gateway drug to other substances, however, it’s something that is also commonly used by a person that may be struggling with alcohol addiction. When a person consumes cocaine, the drug tricks their body into feeling as though they aren’t under the influence of alcohol anymore. This can result in a person with an alcohol addiction consuming more alcohol and could lead to alcohol poisoning or death.
5. Morphine
Morphine is an example of a substance that is often prescribed to a patient if that client is suffering from chronic or severe pain. Due to how potent this substance is, it’s not outside the realm of possibility for a patient to become dependent on the substance which is part of why it’s considered to be a part of the opioid epidemic. Morphine can trigger a deep sense of relaxation and it’s also possible that a person could overdose on morphine fairly easily which is part of why it’s considered to be one of the deadly opioid drugs available today.
Signs of Drug Addiction
There are several warning signs and indicators that you or a loved one may be struggling with drug addiction or alcohol abuse. Although a treatment team at any facility will be able to provide you with more information about warning signs as well as a specific treatment plan, here are some of the ways you can identify substance abuse issues:
Continuous use
If you were prescribed medication and continue to take it after the time that it’s been prescribed to you, this is a clear sign that you may have developed an addiction to this substance. Unfortunately, this consumption is something that many people hide from their doctors as a way to maintain their substance abuse issues. If you continue to take this substance and then you turn to multiple doctors to feed your addiction, then that is also another indicator that you are struggling with drug addiction and need a higher level of help.
Cravings
Do you begin to experience cravings for your substance of choice when the effects of it wear off? Are you unable to do anything in your day until you’re able to consume that substance again? If the answer is yes, then you are, without question, struggling with a drug addiction problem.
Your health is suffering
Drug addiction is something that can negatively impact seemingly every aspect of your life including your physical and psychological well-being. Over time, your body will simply give out as a result of continuous drug use. If you see that your health is suffering, it’s important that you reach out as soon as possible for help so that your treatment team can try to reverse the effects of your substance abuse.
Drug Addiction Treatment at Muse
Regardless of whether you’re suffering from alcohol addiction or drug abuse, you can rest assured that the team at Muse Treatment Center will be able to guide you in overcoming your substance abuse issues through our rehab treatment programs. Before you can start to address this substance abuse, however, it’s possible that you may need to begin your addiction treatment journey in a drug detox program. The reason for this is that many of these deadly drug substances will trigger you to experience withdrawal symptoms which could be potentially dangerous to your physical or psychological health. When you partner with an experienced substance abuse treatment team during your drug detox, you can take comfort in the fact that you will receive the specific treatment that you need during this stage of your recovery journey.
Once you complete your detox program, you will be in a much better place both psychologically and physically to be able to focus on the steps that you need to take to overcome your substance abuse. This is something that is done through either an inpatient treatment program or an outpatient rehab. If you opt to commit to an inpatient treatment program, you will have the opportunity to live on the campus of your treatment facility of choice. This can give you the comfort of knowing that you’re living in a safe and sober environment and that you have around-the-clock access to your addiction recovery team when you need them. This time away from the things in your life that may have been triggering your substance abuse can be life-changing in many ways.
There are many people who are unable to commit to an inpatient program. For instance, if they have work or school responsibilities, it may be all but impossible for them to pause these responsibilities. However, this doesn’t mean that they would not be able to commit to an addiction treatment program. Instead of inpatient treatment, you can commit to working through a general outpatient program or an intensive outpatient program. Both of these programs provide you with the flexibility that you need to continue to maintain your work or school responsibilities.
Regardless of whether you commit to an inpatient or an outpatient program, you will need to participate in different forms of addiction therapy so that you can come to a better understanding of the root cause of your addiction. The root cause of addiction is different for every person and only once you’re able to develop a better understanding of it will you be able to overcome it so that you can live a life that is free of drug abuse.
Whether you have an addiction to opioid drugs or you’re struggling with substance abuse in general, it’s imperative that you reach out for help from an experienced addiction center when you’re ready to remove the influence of these deadly drug substances from your life. If you have questions about rehab or you’re ready to commit to a treatment and rehab program, the addiction specialists at Muse Treatment Center are here to provide you with the assistance that you need. Please get in touch with us today at (800) 426-1818 for more information.
Learn about the top 5 deadliest drugs and how you can get help at Muse Treatment Center!#deadliestdrugs #drugrehab #musetreatmenhttps://t.co/mXziVKAaEX
— Muse Treatment (@MuseTreatmentLA) May 12, 2022
