The types of drugs that people use change over the years. For instance, some drugs become more popular over time as others decrease in use. Today’s common new drugs include substances that rank high in the number of people who misuse them. For drug addiction treatment in the Fort Worth area, contact Fort Behavioral Health today at 844.332.1807.
Marijuana at the Top of the Common New Drugs List
After alcohol and tobacco, marijuana ranks as the third among common drugs used most recently. While some states allow for the legal use of marijuana, it remains illegal in Texas. Therefore, you can include marijuana among common drugs in TX.
While used legally for medicinal purposes in some locations, marijuana use disorder many individuals of those who use this drug. Other side effects include the following:
- Raised heart rate
- Reduced focus
- Poor coordination
- Impaired memory and learning
Across the nation, in 2018, among children and adults 12 years old and older, millions of them used marijuana. These numbers highlight the need to address young adult drug use and adolescent addiction treatment programs.
Synthetic Cannabinoids Offer Same Effects of Marijuana and Greater Danger
Those who want a similar feeling of using marijuana but live in areas that regulate the use of this drug may try synthetic cannabinoids, such as Spice or K2. These drugs have a chemical composition that acts in a similar manner in the brain as marijuana. Producers spray the chemicals on plants to create a substance sold as “potpourri” or “spice” that users smoke or use in water pipes. However, few locations have regulations or laws preventing their use.
The main concern with synthetic cannabinoids is the lack of control over their concentrations. Some formulations may produce much stronger effects than marijuana. Side effects of synthetic cannabinoids include the following:
- Psychosis
- Hallucinations
- Paranoid delusions
- Violence
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
Prescriptions Pain Killers Among Common New Drugs
Prescription pain killers, including opioids, have grown in their misuse over the years. In 2018, they ranked second behind marijuana among illegally used substances, with millions of Americans using them. Opioid-based pain killers can lead to users converting to cheaper heroin, which falls into the same category. Short-term, medically supervised use of opioids can help those with severe pain find relief. However, over time, people may depend on taking more medication to achieve pain relief and the euphoric high.
As the body relies on these medications more to function, withdrawal symptoms increase in their severity. Those who misuse opioids may require detox before starting treatment.
Prescription Depressants and Stimulants
Prescription depressants or sedatives, such as Xanax, help those with anxiety, while stimulants like Adderall can promote focus in people with ADHD. Sedatives cause drowsiness, slower heart rate, and slower brain activity. Misusing these drugs, especially combined with other sedatives or depressants like alcohol, can increase these effects, leading to coma or death.
Stimulants boost energy and focus, but they can also raise heart rate, increase blood pressure, cause paranoia, and lead to seizures. Combined with other stimulant drugs, used in higher amounts, or taken with energy drinks can compound these side effects to become potentially deadly.
Find Help for Addiction to Common Drugs in TX from Fort Behavioral Health
Getting help for drug addiction can change your life. If you suffer from substance use or know someone who does, reaching out can help you to take steps toward ending that suffering by seeking recovery. Contact Fort Behavioral Health at 844.332.1807 for more information about our drug addiction treatment programs. But, just as you will need to do during the recovery process, you must make an effort to reach out for treatment. There is hope for overcoming an addiction to common new drugs. Let us help you through our addiction therapy options.
