What Are the Common Types of Substance Abuse?
A substance use disorder can be defined as a health condition that involves compulsive substance use. It occurs when a person’s substance use interferes directly with their ability to function on a day-to-day basis. It is defined by the American Psychiatric Association as a brain disease.
Substance abuse can lead to a range of serious health conditions and can be fatal. It may also lead to episodes of violence, familial stress, drunk and impaired driving, and the potential for child abuse and neglect.
In this blog post, we will highlight some of the most common types of substance abuse. Examples of substance abuse include depressants, stimulants, and other substances.
Alcohol
It is estimated that around 88,000 Americans die from excessive alcohol use every year. When consumed in moderation, alcohol can be part of a healthy diet. However, heavy alcohol use increases the risk of several health conditions, including:
- Cancer
- Stroke
- Liver disease
Alcohol use disorders can also make it difficult to maintain relationships and function normally at work. Another common type of depressant is heroin, which can lead to a range of health problems.
Cocaine
Cocaine is a stimulant, which means that it increases CNS activity. This means that a person can temporarily feel more energized, alert, and confident. However, misuse of stimulants such as cocaine can lead to several serious health risks, including:
- Cardiovascular issues
- Insomnia
- Seizures
- Death
A study by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration found that 5.5. million Americans used cocaine in 2018. Another type of stimulant is methamphetamine, which may be injected, snorted, or heated and smoked. It can lead to both health and behavioral issues.
Prescription Drugs
Prescription medication can be used to manage pain and other conditions. However, misuse can occur when you take medication that is not prescribed to you or for reasons other than directed by a doctor. Common types of prescription drugs include:
- Opioids (for pain management)
- Sleep or anxiety medication
- Stimulants (such as methylphenidate)
Misusing these drugs can result in a range of different health problems, depending on the specific medication.
Anabolic Steroids
Anabolic steroids are lab-made substances that mimic testosterone. While they are legal with a prescription in the United States, many people misuse them to build strength and enhance athletic performance. Some issues related to steroid misuse include:
- Liver damage
- Infertility
- Aggressive behavior
- High blood pressure
- Menstrual cycle changes
Teenagers who misuse steroids may experience severe acne, accelerated puberty, and impaired growth. Click here to learn about harm reduction training if you suffer from substance misuse.
Common Types of Substance Abuse
It is important to remember that substance abuse help is available and can help you get back to a life where you are not dependent on drugs or medication. Substance abuse harm affects millions of people both directly and indirectly, including family members and friends.
Like this blog post on the different types of substance abuse? Be sure to check out our other informative articles on a wide range of interesting topics.
