7 Most Common Substance Use Disorders in the U.S.

Substance use disorder’s definition is it’s a disease that hampers an individual’s ability to function without drugs or alcohol. A person who suffers from substance use disorder can’t control their urge to use drugs–whether legal or illegal.

The road to addiction may start with taking prescription medications or even just harmless experimental use. Someone who has a substance abuse problem will continue to use the drugs even if they know the risks. Some drugs cause addiction faster than others.

Drug Addiction: An Overview

The thing about drug addiction is you won’t know you’re going down the hole until you’re there. As your system gets used to the drugs, you will need larger doses to get high. As the dosage increases, you will find it difficult to function without the drugs. Stopping the drug intake will lead to cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

You may need help from a medical professional, your loved ones, friends, and support groups. Battling drug addiction requires help from the people around you. There are facilities like Haven House Recovery Center that can help an addict live an addiction-free life.

Symptoms of Substance Use Disorder

Drugs are powerful. It can turn a person’s life upside down — causing a rift in their relationships, employment, and health. Keeping an eye out for the following signs may help stop addiction from turning for the worse.

Here are some symptoms of substance abuse:

• Wanting to stop but can’t
• Intense cravings for most of the day
• Needing more of the drugs to get high
• Maintaining a supply of the drugs
• Spending money you don’t have to get the drugs
• Doing illegal things to get your hands on the drugs
• Missing work or family responsibilities
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you attempt to stop

Most Commonly Abused in the United States

As previously mentioned, substance abuse affects a significant number of the U.S population — in 2019, 19.3 million people reported that they have a drug problem. Here are the most abused drugs across the United States:

1. Nicotine

Addiction to nicotine may not appear as dangerous as other substances. They’re legal and easy to get, and it takes time before they show up. However, tobacco is responsible for more deaths than other addictive substances. Over 40 million people in the U.S are smoking tobacco.

2. Alcohol

Alcohol claims thousands of lives every year in car accidents and the plethora of health risks that come with the addiction to the substance.

3. Painkillers

Another most abused drug is painkillers. Addiction to it may not seem concerning at first. In fact, most people won’t know they’re addicted to prescription painkillers until they stop using them.

Painkillers such as Oxycontin, Codeine, and Vicodin are the most commonly prescribed painkillers to relieve pain.

4. Heroin

Heroin addiction is rising at a disturbing rate. Getting over heroin addiction is a challenging task as it comes with intense withdrawal symptoms. The treatment requires a combination of medications and therapy to help combat cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

5. Marijuana

Marijuana use remains a sensitive topic. With its legalization in different states, people have been more open to using it. It’s easy to look past the addicting effects of marijuana.

Over the decade, marijuana has become more potent. The possibility of developing an addiction to it has further increased.

6. Cocaine

Cocaine addiction is dropping in the United States. However, the number of cocaine users is still at an alarming rate. Crack cocaine is responsible for several ruined lives.

7. Benzos

Benzodiazepines or mood-regulating medications such as Xanax, Klonopin, Valium, and Diazepam are used for managing stress and anxiety. People who use these drugs don’t usually know they’re dependent on them.

Benzos strongly affect the chemical make-up of the brain. Withdrawals from this type of drug can even lead to death. Because of this, a person will need medical attention while undergoing detox.

Haven House Is Here for You

We are a reputable recovery center around Murfreesboro.

Drug addiction is a problem — not only for the ones affected by the disease but also for their loved ones. If you or someone you know wants to start their journey towards an addiction-free life, call us. Haven House has a 12-step, Christian-based treatment program. Our staff is more than happy to answer your questions.

With our team on your side, it’s possible to be free from substance use disorder. Reach out to us today, and we’ll see how we can help you.