10 Commonly Abused Substances: Here Are Some Frightening Stats

Incidences of substance use disorder (SUD) are growing at an alarming rate. A disturbingly high proportion of people are falling into addiction once they become unable to control their use of substances such as alcohol.

There are good levels of care for SUD available so you can often get the help and support needed when caught up in this extremely challenging scenario.

Let’s take a look at the most commonly abused substances and some of the frightening facts and figures that highlight the consequences of addiction facing a rising percentage of the population.

Alcohol is the most abused substance

It should not be a surprise to learn that alcohol is the most abused substance. More than half the population drinks alcohol, but over 85% of drinkers are estimated to be abusers.

Heavy drinking and binge drinking are common problems. It is believed that almost a quarter of the population has participated in binge drinking. Not surprisingly, this relationship with alcohol can lead to substance abuse for some, when they are unable to regulate their drinking.

Tobacco is still a big problem

Despite greater awareness of the health risks associated with smoking tobacco cigarette smoking still proves to be the gateway to addiction problems for too many people.

In particular, young people under the age of 25 are the most vulnerable group. More than 50% of people under 25 who smoked cigarettes also used an illicit drug.

Marijuana use now seems to be commonplace

With many states legalizing the use of marijuana it still remains the number one illicit drug used by the student population. This group is highlighted as being at risk because more than 50% of people classed as having a drug dependence problem are addicted to marijuana.

Prescription drug abuse is a ticking time bomb

Painkillers such as Vicodin and Oxycontin, amongst others, are widely available as prescription medication. Worryingly, more than 6,500 people per day are being introduced to these prescription medications. Often becoming addicted and consuming these medications without the correct prescription or dosage level.

They are quickly becoming the most abused medicines in the country.

Cocaine addiction is still a major addiction problem

Although numbers have fallen in recent times, there are still more than a million people in the country who are considered to be dependent on cocaine.

Millions are addicted to sedatives

Sedatives such as benzodiazepine are commonly prescribed depressants. However, it is estimated that there are well over two million non-medical users of sedatives.

Ecstasy and LSD are a clear and present danger

A whole range of hallucinogen drugs such as ecstasy and LSD have become an addiction problem for more than a million people in the US.

What is worrying about this trend is that an estimated 800,000 people each year try a hallucinogen for the first time. How many will become addicted?

Over a million are using non-prescribed stimulants

Prescription stimulants such as Adderall and Ritalin have been shown to have a high potential for abuse. An estimated 1.2 million users are regularly using stimulants.

This makes this class of prescription drugs the third most abused of them all.

Heroin continues to impact so many lives

It is still considered to be the most addictive substance in the world. A high percentage of heroin users fall into substance abuse with alarming ease.

Methamphetamine is more powerful and just as addictive

The use of meth is a worrying trend among young adults. When you consider that its effect lasts as much as forty times longer than heroin you can soon understand its addictive properties.

The average age of a first-time meth user is just 19 years. It is one of the most pervasive drugs around and is having a detrimental impact on too many young adults.

Millions take drugs and consume alcohol on a daily basis. When you consider that at least four million people receive treatment for an addiction each year you can see that substance abuse is a problem that is very real for too many in society.

Seek professional help and support if you are unable to control or regulate your use of any of these substances.