To help cope with the stresses of modern life, millions of people turn to drugs and alcohol. Some decide to try recreational drugs to help numb their pain, while others end up getting hooked on prescription drugs they received after an injury or to treat a medical condition. Some people can manage to wean themselves off drugs on their own, but others may find that nearly impossible, especially when they are using one of the most addictive drugs. At BrightView, we understand that drug addiction can sometimes come on unexpectedly and unintentionally, especially when they fall into the category of the top most addictive drugs. Call us today at 888.501.9865 to find out how our medication assisted treatment centers can make the recovery process more comfortable for you.
Top Most Addictive Recreational Drugs
Most drugs taken for the purpose of altering one’s mental state can be considered recreational drugs. The term “drugs” often makes one first think of illegal street drugs, but some of the most highly addictive drugs can be purchased right at your local convenience store. Here, we take a look at the most addictive drugs — both legal and illegal — and the side effects of each. If you believe a loved one may need drug addiction treatment, keep an eye out for the following:
- Heroin – Dry mouth, constricted pupils, itching, needle marks, sleepiness, isolation, poor personal hygiene.
- Cocaine or crack – Dilated pupils, inability to sleep, over-excitement, absenteeism or chronic lateness to work, paranoia, financial problems, mood swings, runny nose, sniffling.
- Methamphetamine – Twitching, agitation, burns on the lips or fingers, rotting teeth, drastic weight loss, dilated pupils, paranoia.
- Alcohol – Slurred speech, changes in mood or behavior, lack of coordination, vomiting, blackouts, absenteeism or showing up to work with a hangover, increased tolerance to alcohol, weakened immune function.
- Nicotine – Rapid heartbeat, suppressed appetite, tingling, weakened immune function, poor blood circulation, prioritizing cigarettes over other necessities like food despite having money problems.
While alcohol and nicotine are both legal substances, addiction to either can still be harmful and potentially fatal. In the case of nicotine, a general practitioner can help provide support for quitting, so it may be time to schedule a visit with the family doctor or an outpatient treatment center.
Top Most Addictive Prescription Drugs
When your doctor prescribes you drugs to help you manage pain or another medical condition, your last thought is that there is a danger of becoming addicted to it. Unfortunately, this happens all too often, so it is important to know which are the top addictive drugs. Awareness can help you potentially avoid addiction to one of these prescription medications. If you have a tendency toward addiction, be sure to speak with your doctor about it before you fill your prescription. The most addictive prescriptions drugs include:
- Barbiturates – These are prescribed as sedatives or anesthetics and may be used to treat migraines, insomnia, or seizures. Signs of use include elation, slurred speech, lack of coordination, talkativeness, sedation, and confusion.
- Benzodiazepines – These may be used to treat anxiety, seizures, insomnia, or muscle spasms. Signs of use include rapid heart rate, elevated blood pressure, sweating, tremors, and hallucinations.
If you or a loved one is prescribed one of these medications to treat a medical condition, be aware of the potential for addiction and make certain that it is only being used exactly as prescribed. Keep the medication in a safe location that cannot be accessed by others who may be tempted to use it recreationally.
BrightView’s MAT Clinics Can Help Support Your Recovery
Regardless of the type of drug you are struggling with, BrightView is here to help you recover at one of our conveniently located MAT clinics in Ohio. You can call us any time of day or night at 888.501.9865 to get started on your road to recovery at one of our drug addiction treatment centers.
