Substance abuse is among the most common types of addiction. Substance use disorder can affect anyone from any background regardless of ethnicity, gender, age, or socio-economic background. As such, it is important to identify and address addiction when it occurs. Below we look at some of the most common types of addiction that affect people today.
Alcohol Addiction
Alcoholism is one of the most common types of addiction worldwide. What separates alcohol from other drugs is that it is more socially accepted than almost any other drug. In fact, people who are normally against drug use of any kind may still drink. Furthermore, alcoholism isn’t as easy to identify because it can take years to develop.
Some people can drink for several years, slowly developing a dependency that those around them grow accustomed to. For this reason, alcoholism can be difficult to admit and even more difficult to treat. However, each year, more people enter treatment centers for alco9hol use disorder.
Marijuana Addiction
There are many who contend that marijuana does not contain addictive properties. However, any substance that alters brain function is potentially addictive. Furthermore, many people who smoke marijuana, do so for several years or decades. With that in mind, those who want to get off of marijuana, do so easier than they do on other drugs.
Furthermore, marijuana withdrawal symptoms are milder than other drugs. The greatest challenge to marijuana addiction is convincing a user that they are indeed addicted to marijuana. With all the stigma that portrays marijuana as a harmless drug, getting people the help they need to get off of it can be challenging.
Opioid Prescription Medication
By now, almost everyone has heard of the opioid epidemic in the U.S. Each year doctors prescribe opioids to more people; thus, increasing the rate of addiction with users. Common opioids include:
- Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
- Oxymorphone (Opana)
- Morphine
- Codeine
- Fentanyl
Like alcohol and marijuana, opioid addiction can be difficult to identify or admit. One of the reasons why people refuse to admit they are addicted to opioids is because they can justify their use as a part of their treatment. What makes opioids dangerous, however, is that prolonged use requires an increase in dosage. As the dosage gets higher, the risk of overdose becomes greater.
Cocaine
Cocaine is a stimulant that causes a person to feel energized or more awake after taking it. It is among the most addictive drugs in the world. Users can take cocaine in several different ways – snorting, smoking, or injecting into their bloodstream. Once hooked, cocaine is extremely difficult to quit.
Cocaine detox can take several days and may cause a wide range of mild to severe symptoms. In many cases, a person who attempts detox should do so with a medical professional present. Recovery from cocaine addiction may take several weeks or months.
Heroin
One of the most common types of addiction is heroin addiction. Heroin use has increased significantly over the last decade. Heroin comes in a white or brown powder. It is often melted down into a liquid and injected into the bloodstream. Heroin detox is extremely dangerous and should never be attempted alone.
In addition, it can take several weeks or months for someone to recover from heroin addiction. Anyone who wants to quit using heroin should consult a treatment professional at a heroin addiction center in Texas.
Learn More About Common Types of Addiction
If you would like to learn more about common types of addiction, contact Right Step Houston. We offer professional treatment for drug and alcohol addiction. To get started with your treatment, contact us at 1.844.768.0169. We are here to help you get on the road to recovery.