The last decade has seen a disturbing increase in the drug-related deaths that are occurring in the United States. The plethora of drugs that can be found on the streets, along with the current opioid epidemic, may be a reasonable explanation for this increase. Many people believe that because they were prescribed a medication that it must be safe. However, the reality is that prescription drugs are as dangerous as street drugs. The biggest concern with these drugs is their availability and addictive qualities. When patients use them incorrectly, the side effects can be devastating, not to mention deadly.
Listed below are some of the most lethal drugs that you can get in America.
Barbiturates
These drugs suppress the central nervous system and, as such, they work well in sedating people. Because of this effect, barbiturates used to be the main ingredient in sleeping pills for a long time. There was a time when those who were suffering from mental anguish could easily use sleeping pills to commit suicide.
Suicide from sleeping pills was so common that their composition changed as a result. Now, it is very difficult to obtain anything with barbituates in the formula, but if you do get medication with them, it is strictly through a prescription. It is advised to be aware of this potentially fatal drug. Examples of modern-day barbiturates include Fortabs, Amytal, and Butisol.
Painkillers
Opioid painkillers are one of the most commonly described medicines and they are the main cause for overdoses and death in the United States. The most prevalent that are prescribed include OxyContin, Fentanyl, Percocet, and Vicodin. These lethal drugs are easy to overdose on, as well as very addictive. When one becomes addicted to these medications, the cravings for their effects increase so much that it is not uncommon to see addicts snorting and injecting them. In some cases, the addiction can become so severe that these drugs will lead to the use of heroin or crack.
Benzodiazepines
These drugs act as tranquilizers and are used most often prescribed for patients who have insomnia or anxiety. Xanax, Valium, and Ativan are the most commonly prescribed. There are more than 13 million people in the United States that take these prescriptions every year. Improper use of these drugs can cause death.
Methadone
Acting as a painkiller as well as a way to help people who have been addicted to heroin find their way out of the addiction, methadone is very powerful. Its effects can be substituted for the use of heroin and if used in excess, one can overdose and die.
ADD Drugs
There is widespread use of these drugs amongst America’s youth and adults, with 4-9% of individuals using ADD drugs like Ritalin or Adderall each year. When individuals use them in excess or share them with others, they can cause severe illness and even death.
Class A Drugs
This is the classification of drugs that include heroin, crack, and crystal meth. These drugs are extremely addictive, and as an addict increases their tolerance, more is needed to get the high that they offer. The rapidly increasing amount of these drugs used lead directly to illness and death.
Getting Help
If you have developed a dependence on any drugs, it is important to seek help for your health, wellness, and safety. The medical detox and addiction treatment center alternative at Discovery Place provides stable and supportive surroundings to help you detox from your addiction. To learn more about our programs call us today at 1-800-725-0922. Our team of professionals at Discovery Place is here to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is hope for you, and you can have a successful recovery.
