Addiction Treatment Education: 10 Most Common Addictions 2017

Addiction takes all that a person has in his life. Those who want take control of their lives should know about their addiction as much as possible.

The most common addictions encountered today are as follows:

Tobacco – Tobacco contains nicotine. It is often overlooked as a harmful drug. This is because tobacco products are easily available and are legal. However, tobacco produces some of the worst side effects which occur slowly over time. The use of tobacco claims more lives than any other of the addictive substance. There are millions of smokers that want to quit but just can’t despite understanding the tole tobacco will take on their life.
Alcohol – Drinking alcohol is socially accepted which makes alcohol addiction hard to spot. Alcohol abuse causes serious and deadly health problems and can also be highly addictive for some people. The consequences of alcohol abuse are numerous. Alcohol overdose, liver disease, and drunk driving claims thousands of lives every year.
Marijuana – Marijuana has become more socially acceptable over the years and has even been legalized in several states. While mostly harmless for the majority of users, marijuana can be highly addictive for some people. This addiction can be destructive to the drug abuser’s work and family life.
Painkillers – Drugs such as Codeine, Oxycontin and Vicodin are commonly prescribed for the treatment of excessive pain. The prescription for using painkillers does not make them any less addictive. Painkiller addiction can develop over time even from recommended and acceptable use. Many users of prescription painkillers become hopelessly addicted and don’t realize it until they attempt to stop using the drug.
Cocaine – The rate of cocaine addiction is sustained at a constant rate. There has not been an increase in use for years. Crack cocaine, cheaply available and more intense than traditional cocaine is the reason for many ruined lives and crippling addictions.
Heroin – The severe symptoms of heroine withdrawal make beating this addiction a very daunting task. The treatment of heroin addiction requires the combination of medications and therapy to help the management of symptoms for cravings and withdrawal. Not only is heroin use very dangerous and potentially deadly, there is also the risk of contracting life threatening diseases due to sharing needles with other users.
Benzodiazepines – Benzodiazepines such as Xanax, Valium, Klonopin and Diazepam are prescribed as mood regulating drugs for managing conditions such as stress and anxiety. Benzodiazepines are especially dangerous due to their powerful effect on the brain’s chemical framework. Withdrawal can be a deadly without any medical assistance.
Stimulants – Stimulants are one of the more common forms of addiction. They range from prescription drugs to illicit substances. These kinds of drugs are highly intense and addictive therefore, the withdrawal symptoms are quite difficult.
Inhalants – Addiction to inhalants is very dangerous because these are volatile toxic substances. Effects of these substances are intense and they can have an immediate consequence including death of hospitalization. Chemicals absorbed through inhalants could linger in the brain and body long after discontinued use. This makes recovery much more difficult.
Sedatives – Sedatives are commonly known as sleeping pills. They are used for the treatment of sleep disorders and tension. Their addiction can produce effects that could be mind altering leading to continued abuse.