Substance abuse, a pervasive concern for public health in the United States, affects a significant portion of our population. Understanding the scale of this issue and devising effective strategies for treatment and prevention is paramount. This article delves into the substances most frequently misused in the U.S., drawing from data and perspectives found in governmental sources.
Alcohol
Alcohol stands out as a substance frequently misused in the United States based on findings from the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). It’s reported that around 14..S million adults aged 18 and above grappled with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) in the year 2019. The prevalence of binge drinking and excessive alcohol consumption is worrisome, with close to a quarter of individuals aged 18 and over admitting to engaging in binge drinking within the month.
Alcohol is a continuous problem due to its availability and it’s impact on cognitive function; like lowering inhibitions. Additionally, because it is a legal substance for individuals over the age of 21, underage individuals don’t see it as a threat like illegal substances.
Painkillers
The misuse of opioids such as prescription painkillers and heroin, along with opioids like fentanyl, has led to a considerable impact in terms of drug misuse and fatalities due to overdose incidents. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicated that in the year 2021, 75% of the 107,000 deaths from drug overdose involved opioids. The ongoing opioid crisis has emerged as a public health concern, with synthetic opioids like fentanyl being a major factor in the surge of recent overdose-related fatalities.
Painkillers are a challenge to monitor and maintain. Because there is no clear way to confirm pain for an individual, doctors must take the word of their patient when prescribing. This can lead individuals to doctor shop for an individual who will provide them with the easiest access, further increasing the likelihood of addiction.
Marijuana
Cannabis is widely known as the most frequently used, federally illegal, substance in the United States, according to a report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). In 2020, around 18% of individuals aged 12 and above in America were reported to have consumed cannabis within the past year. Though cannabis has been legalized for both recreational and medical purposes in several states across the country, it continues to be categorized as a Schedule I controlled substance on a federal level, leading to its label as an illicit drug, within specific circumstances.
Like alcohol, marijuana availability increases it’s use among children and teens. Its ability to be smoked, eaten, or made into an oil increases access.
Cocain
The problem of cocaine misuse persists as a concern among the youth population today, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). In the year 2021, around 1. 5 Million individuals aged 12 and above were found to have a cocaine addiction issue, as pointed out by the NIDA report. Furthermore, the misuse of cocaine being a stimulant can result in serious health risks such as heart attacks and strokes.
Benzodiazepines
Valium and Xanax are types of medications prescribed for managing anxiety and sleep issues. Unfortunately, they are frequently misused alongside substances like opioids, according to NIDA in 2020, where around 12 million individuals abused prescription tranquilizers such as benzodiazepines, leading to potential dependency or overdose risks when mixed with other depressants.
Battling the Most Widely Abused Drugs in the United States: Atlanta Recovery Place
In a society where substance abuse continues to impact communities, Atlanta Recovery Place stands as a beacon of hope for those battling addiction in Georgia’s capital city. Nestled in the heart of Atlanta, this facility offers personalized and comprehensive treatment to meet the unique needs of each individual seeking help.
Atlanta Recovery Place offers services such as detox programs, residential treatment options, and outpatient programs to comprehensively support individuals on their journey to recovery. Their holistic approach provides medical and therapeutic assistance and equips clients with the necessary resources for sustained rehabilitation success. The center’s dedication to evidence-based practices and compassionate care positions it as a preference for those looking to conquer addiction. With a success rate of [percentage], Atlanta Recovery Place is a trusted name in addiction treatment.
Atlanta Recovery Place is committed to establishing a caring atmosphere to assist individuals in laying a strong groundwork for their recovery journey from addiction. They are empathetic toward the obstacles associated with addiction and devoted to providing continuous support to their clients throughout the recovery process by offering optimism and healing.
The rampant misuse of substances such as alcohol, opioids, cannabis, cocaine, and benzodiazepines underscores the pressing requirement for prevention and therapy approaches. Facilities like Atlanta Recovery Place are pivotal in combatting the substance abuse dilemma by delivering assistance and compassion to individuals seeking help.
By staying informed about the substances commonly misused and understanding the support systems available, individuals and communities can actively contribute to the fight against the most widely abused drugs in the United States and foster a healthier society. Contact Atlanta Recovery Place today for support.
