Types of Drug Abuse

Some folks may thing of drug abuse as the gaunt heroin addict on the street corner sticking a needle into his scarred-up arm. While this is one obvious example of abuse, it is certainly not the only one. Cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana and even drugs prescribed by a doctor are some of the most commonly abused in America. Any drug that is used repeatedly and excessively to chase that high, that low or other desired effect can quality as abuse.

Identification

• Someone qualifies as abusing a drug when the drug becomes the most important thing in that person's life. He may put obtaining and using the drug above his job, family, friends and other responsibilities or hobbies that used to be significant. General signs of abuse can include a sudden weight gain or loss, abnormal sleeping patterns, disorientation and lack of enthusiasm or, on the flipside, restlessness. Kicking a drug habit is no easy task, but it is possible to succeed with help. Those who want that help can check into a rehab and attend self-help meetings, such as Narcotics Anonymous (see Resources below).

Cocaine

• Cocaine is the most abused major stimulant, and a powerful one at that. Bloody noses, from the drug being snorted, are a common symptom of a abuse, as is a person who is constantly rubbing or twitching her nose. Nasal and sinus diseases may also result; often the drug erodes a hole through the septum. The drug also wrecks havoc on the central nervous system and can cause psychiatric effects such as hallucinations, delusions and false feelings of grandeur, known as "cocainomania." Acute paranoia, seizures, confusion, headaches, nausea, anxiety and strokes are other side effects of prolonged abuse.

Methamphetamine

• Speedy methamphetamine hit the scene with a vengeance as a highly addictive and damaging drug. It's also easy and inexpensive to make with a few household chemicals and over-the-counter medication ingredients. The effects of meth onset rapidly and are highly evident. Extreme weight loss, pocked skin, open sores and lesions on the arms, face and other body parts are some immediate signs of a meth abuser. As the addiction wears on, addicts frequently lose their teeth, or, if they don't fall out completely, the teeth will rot right in their sockets, creating what is known as "meth mouth."

Marijuana

• Marijuana may make folks laid back and mellow, but that doesn't mean it cannot be abused. Someone who smokes it constantly or cannot start the day without it would definitely fall into this category of drug abusers. Marijuana is the most used illicit drug in the United States and its abuse results in plenty of side effects. Rapid heartbeat, dry mouth, impaired memory, loss of coordination, poor balance, brain damage and respiratory problems are among its hazards.

Prescription Drugs

• Just because a pain killer or other medication is prescribed by a doctor doesn't mean it can't be abused. When the medication is not taken as directed, such as double, triple or more of the dosage prescribed, folks could have a problem on their hands. The most commonly abused prescription drugs are the highly addictive narcotics, or opiods, such as OxyContin, Vicodin and Percocet. Prescription depressants, such as Xanax, Valium and Librium and other sleeping pills are also commonly abused, as are stimulants such as Ritalin, Dexedrine and Meridia (a weight loss pill).