It’s no secret that drug abuse and addiction is at epidemic levels in the United States and beyond. With recreational drugs being easy to obtain, and no shortage of prescription painkillers available, a variety of drugs are plentiful to those seeking them. Not everyone who tries a drug however will become addicted. Drug addiction involves multiple factors such as the person’s genetic makeup, family dynamics, lifestyle, social surroundings, income and more.

Top 10 Recreational Drugs

While there are a wide variety of drugs available to users, here are the top 10 recreational drugs used and their side effects:

1) Marijuana

Marijuana, also known as “Mary Jane” and ganja, is one of the most widely used recreational drugs in the world. Here in America, it is estimated more than 5 million use marijuana in some form each day. The drug is easily obtainable, cheap and can be used in cooking, vaped or smoked. Marijuana is both psychedelic and psychoactive in nature, which allows its users to feel relaxed. Other side effects of Marijuana include feelings of euphoria, paranoia, slowed responses, and memory issues. Long-term use of any drug can permanently alter brain function and mechanics, which can affect one’s learning and memory.

2) Alcohol

Alcohol is considered one of the most used and addictive substances on the planet. In fact, it is estimated 1 in 12 people, or 17.6 million in the U.S., are dependent upon alcohol. Alcohol addiction and alcoholism is a chronic and progressive disease. When someone is addicted, they are unable to reduce their intake of alcohol, may binge drink, and are unable to quit on their own. 
The human body will naturally build a tolerance to alcohol, which will require the person to drink more to obtain the same feeling. Long-term health issues include problems with the brain, liver, heart, pancreas and immune system. Addiction to alcohol can also drastically reduce one’s lifespan.

3) Heroin

Derived from the opium poppy plant, heroin is cheap and easy to buy on the streets. The drug works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain. It will produce feelings of euphoria when injected, snorted or sniffed by its user. Heroin is extremely addictive and use of the drug is at epidemic proportions.

4) LSD

Next in line is LSD, also known as the most powerful hallucinogen available. LSD produces hyper visual awareness, delusions and hallucinations in its users. When taking the drug, one’s physical sensations can be distorted, which can be extremely frightening to some. This fear and paranoia can lead to personal injury, accidents and death while taking the drug.

5) Benzodiazepines

For those looking to relax, benzodiazepines are typically used and abused. Also known as benzos, these drugs create a hypnotic, relaxed feeling in its users. They are also commonly prescribed by physicians, and you may know them as Valium or Ativan. Too much of these drugs can cause confusion, dizziness, weakness, respiratory depression, coma and death. They are also highly addicted and need to be used with caution when prescribed.

6) Amphetamines

Amphetamines are stimulating drugs that increase energy, focus, speed and feelings of euphoria in its users by increasing serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain. The drug seems to go through seasons of popularity. When someone uses amphetamines, they will experience a crash as the drug wears off. While on the drug, side effects can include increased heart rate, high blood pressure, aggression and psychosis. An amphetamine habit is hard to kick as the drug is highly addictive and creates intense cravings.

7) Ecstasy

Ecstasy, also known as Molly or MDMA, gives users a generalized feeling of wellbeing and euphoria as it increases serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. It is typical for those high on ecstasy to feel intense love, arousal, and sexual desire. Long-term effects may include depression, insomnia, confusion and increased heart rates.

8) Cocaine

Originated from the coca plant, cocaine can be snorted or put into water and injected. Crack is a type of cocaine that has been formed into a crystal, which is heated and smoked. Cocaine highs are intense and can last from 5 to 30 minutes. Most users report feeling very energetic, focused and attentive when using the drug. Brain function alterations, heart attack, stroke, coma and sudden death are all possible side effects of cocaine.

9) Solvents

Solvents such as aerosols, nail varnish, gas, and glue are cheap, easy to find and extremely dangerous. Inhaling these substance through the nose is often called huffing or sniffing. Some users prefer to put their head and the solvent in a plastic bag for a more intense experience (known as bagging). Sudden death has occurred from this practice as a user can become unconscious and suffocate. Solvent side effects can include lack of oxygen, heart failure, brain damage and pneumonia.

10) Psychedelic Mushrooms

These types of mushrooms offer users a psychedelic experience that can range from three to eight hours. Users feel euphoria and may have altered thinking or visual experiences. Psychedelic mushrooms are typically eaten dried, fresh or boiled into a tea. Let Durham Drug Rehab Centers be your ultimate recovery resource. Just give us a call today at (919) 267-1662.