Drug abuse and addiction are huge public health issues in the United States. People become addicted to substances for a variety of reasons, ranging from attempting to cope with trauma to having a family history of substance abuse and addiction. Here are some of the most commonly abused drugs in the United States.
Alcohol
Alcohol is a very commonly used and abused substance due to its accessibility. It is one of the few drugs that has been legalized in all 50 states. Although it is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to purchase alcohol, minors are often supplied with the substance via older friends, or they might purchase alcohol with the use of a fake ID.
Marijuana
Marijuana has become legal in several states recently because so many people have found benefit from either casual recreational use or medical therapeutic use. There are many ways to consume the plant including the best Delta 8 carts, edibles, or flower. But even before its legalization, it was a commonly used substance among many different age groups. Although marijuana is widely considered to be safer than most other illicit substances, people can still become addicted to the drug. If you are caught with marijuana in a state that has not yet legalized it, you may have to complete online drug abuse courses as part of your punishment and rehabilitation.
Hallucinogens
Hallucinogens include drugs such as psilocybin mushrooms, ketamine, and LSD. These substances can cause users to see and hear images and sounds that are not actually there. Negative effects, such as anxiety and paranoia, can be quite severe and have the potential to last for hours after use.
Cocaine
Cocaine has a stimulating effect that many people take to experience a boost in mood and alertness. However, cocaine comes with side effects such as nausea and increased heart rate. Like with many illegal substances, taking an overdose can be fatal.
These substances are some of the most commonly abused drugs in the United States and countries around the world.