Day in day out, both the prescription and illicit drugs are continuously being abused by millions of people around the world. The rate at which these drugs are abused has grown tremendously to alarming rates such that people are now attempting to find useful information about drugs which might help them curb the menace. At no given point have the numbers remained static, with each day fall; the figures have kept on changing. This has occurred despite the fact that people have become more and more aware of the effects caused by these commonly abused drugs. Even with the intervention of the state governments the story remains the same. A secrete to achieving a drug free society solely lies with the individual himself. This article will try to give an insight on the 10 most commonly abused drugs in the world cutting across all gender and the age brackets.
10
Heroin
Heroin is a product of the poppy plant. Falling in the category of the opiates, heroin is one of the most addictive drugs available in the market. Heroin is manufactured from the resin of the poppy plant hence giving it its distinct characteristic. The drug can be smoked, injected, or sniffed to produce the euphoria feeling that is commonly associated with the substance.
9
Methamphetamine
Commonly known byits street names of crystal meth, speed or crank, methamphetamine is an illegal drug associated with the production of excessive energy and the inducement of a well-being feeling that could last for up-to 16 hours. This ability makes the drug to be preferred bythe party rockers.
8
LSD
Amongst all the available hallucinogens, LSD is by far the most abused substance. Sometimes referred to as ”acid”, LSD is a perception-altering drug. As a hallucinogen drug, its effects are quite unpredictable. Once taken the abuser may be left hallucinating about vivid colors or images or at times hear sounds. The feels always seem real but in actual sense they do not exit.
7
Ecstasy
In the streets, ecstasy is referred to as the ”love pill”. Ecstasy is common amongst the youths as they associate it with feeling of euphoria. To many of them, ecstasy is their club drug of choice. In addition to the euphoria feeling, the drug is also known for producing feelings of alertness and closeness with one another. The effects of ecstasy tend to vary every now and then due to the fact that these pills are sold while containing other substances.
6
Inhalants
These substances are very volatile and can be found in many of our households’ products. Most of the inhalants contain chemicals that produce mind altering effects. Besides this, inhalants can be extremely toxic leading to the damaging of an individual’s heart, lungs, brains and even the kidneys.
5
Cocaine
Statistics dictates that nearly 1.5 million Americans are hooked to this highly addictive drug. Even though the white powder produces short-lived effects, the repercussions are very powerful. A cocaine abuser will exhibit strong euphoria feelings which may cause the user to become psychologically dependent to the substance.
4
Prescription drugs
Over the years, the misuse of prescription drugs has become rampant. Whenever a prescription drug is taken for an unintended purpose, it is known to have been abused. In the recent past, people have been misusing prescription drugs without knowing the implications of the same. Continued abuse of prescription drugs can be very lethal and at times lead to addiction.
3
Marijuana
Marijuana is a recreational drug that is commonly abused. Amongst the illicit substance, marijuana ranks at the top of the list. The drug is made from the dried leaves of the Cannabis Sativa plant. Weed contains THC which is the ingredient responsible for the ”high” feeling.
2
Tobacco
Tobacco contains nicotine which is a very highly addictive stimulant. A tobacco user is at risk of suffering from cardiovascular diseases, cancer and bronchial disorders. Statistics has it that in the 20th century, tobacco claimed the lives of a staggering 100 million people.
1
Alcohol
Alcohol is the number one commonly abused drug in the world. As a depressant drug, alcohol consumers usually suffer from symptoms related to impaired judgement.