7 Most Common Drug Addictions

Those who struggle with drug and alcohol addiction turn to harmful substances for a variety of reasons, including – coping with stress and past trauma, social acceptability, curiosity or boredom, etc. Many fail to realize just how widespread the issue of drug abuse really is, and many are caught off-guard when discovering that a loved one has developed a drug addiction.

Education is the first step in helping a loved one recover from addiction. Learn about the most common types of drug addiction so you can identify when these substances are being abused.

1. Tobacco and Nicotine

Throughout the past century, smoking and chewing tobacco has become so common that many forget it is in fact a very serious addiction. While users may not experience the same mind-alternating effects caused by other substances, the long-term implications are extremely detrimental. Lung cancer, emphysema, and throat and gum cancer are only a few of the side effects from tobacco and nicotine addiction.

2. Alcohol Addiction

Once again, alcohol is very commonly accepted and used as a source of social bonding. Alcohol use can easily turn into alcohol addiction and lead to numerous health and relationship issues. Learn the warning signs of alcohol abuse.

3. Marijuana Addiction

The legalization of marijuana in Colorado has increased its use – and abuse – tremendously. Dependency on marijuana can easily develop, leading to physical and behavioral issues. Plus, marijuana potency has increased throughout the past 50 years, leading to greater dependency issues.

4. Prescription Pain Medication Addiction

Not all substance abuse involves illicit drugs. Prescribed pain killers grip a staggering number of individuals each year. Users oftentimes become immune to the drugs’ painkilling effects, causing them to unsafely increase their dosage and form a drug addiction.

5. Cocaine Addiction

More than 800,000 Americans are estimated to have a cocaine addiction in the United States. Crack cocaine is among the most dangerous hard drugs and creates extreme chemical dependency and life-threatening addiction.

6. Heroin Addiction

Heroin use in Colorado is on the rise with extremely serious side effects. Those addicted experience such severe withdrawals when quitting that a combination of therapy and medication is usually required.

7. Benzodiazepines Addiction

Benzodiazepines refer to a category of prescribed medication that can become dangerously addictive – anti-anxiety and stress pills such as Valium, Xanax, Diazepam and Klonopin. These medications seriously impact the brain, and users find that they are unable to function without them abused.

If you or a loved one is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, learn how our Denver area recovery programs help people find new beginnings.