- Opioids
Opioid drugs are substances that relieve pain. They cause a sense of euphoria, or a “high,” which leads some patients to abuse their medication.
Prescription opioid drugs can lead to street heroin use and addiction. 29% of patients who receive a prescription for an opioid abuse that prescription. Of those, 10% go on to develop a substance abuse disorder.
Some common opioid drugs include:
- Codeine
- Morphine
- Percocet
- Oxycontin
- Opium
- Heroin
- Methadone
- Naltrexone
- Vicodin
Parts of the brain that are affected by drug use include the pons and medulla, which regulate breathing. Abusing opioid drugs can cause breathing problems and death.
- Stimulants
Stimulants cause your body’s nervous system to become overactive. This causes effects such as:
- Increased alertness and focus
- Elevated blood pressure
- Increased sweating or overheating
- Less need for sleep
- Decreased appetite
- Increased desire for physical activity
Drugs that are stimulants can be natural, synthetic, or prescription drugs that are abused.
Some examples of drugs that are stimulants include:
- Adderall
- Amphetamines
- Bath Salts
- Cocaine
- Ecstasy
- Methamphetamine
Coming off stimulant drugs is known as the “crash” because it causes depression, lethargy, confusion, and mood changes. Avoiding a crash can cause users to keep dosing, leading to addiction.
- Synthetic
Synthetic drugs are lab-created substances that mimic the effects of illicit drugs. Lab-made marijuana and “molly” have been sold on the street, causing negative side effects and even death from the unpredictable ingredients.
The most common kinds of synthetic drugs include:
- Spice
- Methoxamine
- Ketamine
The effects of synthetic drugs vary from drug to drug, but can include:
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Euphoria
- Sweating
- Fever
- Increased heart rate
- Mood swings
Synthetics are one of the most dangerous types of drugs and their effects can be lethal. Get help right away if you or someone you know is using synthetic drugs.
- Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are drugs used to treat anxiety disorders, seizure disorders, and insomnia. They’re often known as “benzos.” They work by slowing the nervous system, causing effects such as:
- Amnesia
- Sleepiness
- Euphoria
- Relaxed muscles
- Calmness
- Sedation
Some of the most commonly abused benzodiazepine drugs include:
- Ativan
- Klonopin
- Librium
- Valium
- Restoril
- Halcion
- Xanax
Like opioids, benzos can cause trouble breathing and overdose when abused.
At Asana Recovery, we understand how difficult recovering from these addictions through our daily work to help those struggling most from this disease. While some may believe they can make it alone, rehabilitation programs are essential in the fight to break dependency. The road ahead is not a smooth or easy one, but you can traverse it if done so with the support of the right team. Counseling and aftercare processes can assist you by addressing the psychological facets that led you to addition and help you build a structure from which to better cope with life without succumbing to addiction.
The supervised detoxification and residential treatment programs at Asana Recovery are offered in a supportive, relaxing, and inspiring environment. We’re deeply committed to ensuring your long-term recovery, and guiding you on your path to a healthier and happier future. There is no better time than now, and we’re always available to speak with you. Call us at (949) 438-4504 to learn more about our comprehensive drug and alcohol addiction treatment program today.
