The Most Wide Spread Recreational Drugs In The U.S.
Recreational drug abuse has become a world-wide epidemic. It has a profound impact on individuals, as well as their family and friends. Overcoming addiction can be a very difficult process but it is worth it in the long run, due to the positive effects it can have on one’s health, mind, lifestyle, and relationships. Understanding drug addiction and its widespread nature will help you to better assist struggling individuals to overcome their dependence.
Some of the most widespread recreational drugs in the United States include marijuana, heroine, cocaine, alcohol, prescription medications, such as amphetamines, which are used to treat Attention Deficit Disorder, barbiturates, which are a sedative, and prescription pain medications. Also, tobacco is one of the most highly used drugs but it often doesn’t cause a wide range of mental effects in the way the others do. Therefore, besides tobacco, marijuana and alcohol are the most commonly abused drugs in the country.
There are various reasons for that. Alcohol is so widespread due to the fact that it is legal and so easy to obtain from supermarkets, convenience stores, bars, and restaurants. It is also more socially acceptable than any of the other drugs. Often, people will view alcohol consumption as a rite of passage, once you reach the legal drinking age of 21. It is seen as a way to loosen up and have fun. People think that alcohol enhances experiences, such as holidays and parties. However, what may look like fun in the beginning can quickly have negative side effects. Short term effects include nausea and vomiting, delirium, blacking out, aggression, coma, a lack of impulse control, injuries and accidents, and even death from alcohol poisoning or from accidents. Long term effects can include high blood pressure, liver disease, cancer, nerve damage, and brain damage. All of these long term effects could also potentially result in a preventable death.
Marijuana, the second most popular drug, also has its fair share of long term and short term side effects. Marijuana is also more widely accepted than other popular drugs but not quite as socially accepted as alcohol. Although, the legalization of it in some states for medical use is beginning to increase its overall acceptance rate. Typically, marijuana is seen as a gateway drug. This is because it is typically the first drug that many people are willing to try. Once they have tried it, they will sometimes move on to other drugs. The short term side effects of marijuana include memory impairment, anxiety, paranoia, auditory and visual hallucinations, psychosis, and increased risk of heart attack and stroke. It is also believed that it can trigger mental illnesses in certain people who are at risk, such as schizophrenia. Long term effects include increased risk of unemployment, reduced IQ, relationship and other social problems, and a decrease in overall quality of life and satisfaction.
Overall, drug abuse has become such a prevalent issue in our society today. This is partially because it has been normalized to an extent. This is especially the case for the two most popular drugs, alcohol and marijuana. They are so popular within our culture that people are beginning to justify their drug use. This is especially prevalent within the individuals who use marijuana because they often will tout all of the health benefits of smoking or ingesting the drug, while ignoring all of the side effects.