When you think about drug abuse, you may not think about how different drugs have different potentials for abuse, effects, and withdrawal symptoms. Sometimes we lump all drugs together in our minds without realizing just how drug abuse can vary. But, what are the different types of drug abuse?
Typically drug abuse is categorized by the class of drugs being used. Opioids, depressants, and stimulants are the most commonly abused drugs. Each drug class contains many different drugs and also has other effects. Understanding more about the different types of drug abuse can help you break free and build a life in recovery. If you find that you or your loved one has a problem with drugs or alcohol, Nashville Treatment Solutions is here to help. We have a full range of programs that allow us to enable you to leave drugs behind.
What Are the Different Types of Drug Abuse?
When identifying what are the different types of drug abuse, we find ourselves looking at opioids, central nervous system depressants, and stimulants. Prescription opioids include hydrocodone, oxycodone, oxymorphone, morphine, codeine, and fentanyl. Illegal opioids include heroin and any of the prescription opioids that have been manufactured illegally. Opioid use often begins in an attempt to control pain. However, many people find themselves abusing opioids because of the euphoric effect produced.
Central nervous system depressants include benzodiazepines, sleep medications, barbiturates, and alcohol. While many turn to these drugs to reduce anxiety, cope with stress, or solve sleep issues, there is a significant potential for abuse. Additionally, a lot of these drugs, such as Xanax, Valium, Ativan, and alcohol, are very difficult to stop using and require medical supervision during detox.
Stimulants including amphetamines and methamphetamines increase the body’s activities, making you more alert and raising the heart rate and blood pressure. Stimulants are often used illegally but can sometimes be prescribed for weight loss, ADHD, or other conditions. Prescribed stimulant examples include Adderall and Ritalin, while illegal stimulants include cocaine. Whatever drug is being abused, you’ll most likely have a myriad of physical and behavioral changes.
How To Get Help With Drug Abuse
The good news is that the treatment options for drug and alcohol addiction have expanded over time. While many believed that drug and alcohol abuse were signs of moral weakness, we know that addiction is a chronic disease that requires treatment. Typically treatment will begin with detox. You have to clear your body of the drugs and alcohol before you can move on to building a life in recovery. Detoxing can be dangerous when not supervised, and the best way to protect yourself is to detox under medical care.
Once you’ve cleared your body of the drugs, you’ll move onto the work of building a foundation for your recovery. Depending on the specifics of your situation, you might choose to complete your treatment on an inpatient or outpatient basis. Many outpatient programs, such as partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) and intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), provide more structure than the traditional outpatient programs of the past. Both partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs require that you attend treatment for a certain number of days and hours per week. Both will also include a wide range of therapies that are often included in treatment. Whatever type of treatment you choose, the most critical step is acknowledging that you have a problem and reaching out for help.
How Nashville Treatment Solutions Can Help You Face Drug Abuse
At Nashville Treatment Solutions, we believe that everyone’s recovery journey is unique, and we tailor treatment plans for you or your loved one. Our treatment modalities will help build a solid foundation for your recovery journey. We have a wide range of programs to meet your or your loved one’s needs, including a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), which can be followed with our Outpatient Counseling (OP). Connect with us today to see how we can best support you and your loved one in the journey to sobriety.
