Do you know what the Top 10 Most Addictive Drugs in Portsmouth, Ohio are?
You might be surprised at what is on the list. If you need help with addiction, call 888-501-9865. Drug addiction should be taken very seriously. In the United States alone, there are millions of Americans struggling with some form of drug addiction. Based on reported deaths by the Ohio Department of Health, Scioto County had 79 overdose deaths in 2019 as of Feb. 22. One of 28 counties that saw deaths rise compared to 2018, the county’s increase by 32 deaths was the second-largest jump in Ohio.
At least 122 prescription opioid doses were dispensed per person in Scioto County in 2010, nearly twice the statewide rate of 67 doses per person, according to Portsmouthoh.org. The most addictive substances and deadliest drugs that people become dependent on can be broken down into the following categories:
HEROIN Heroin is an opiate drug that is made from morphine. This extremely addictive drug can be injected, snorted or smoked. Heroin can be found in the form of a powder that is either white or brown, along with a sticky black substance known as “black tar.” Portsmouth is currently facing a serious epidemic related to heroin addiction and other opioid drugs (painkillers), including prescription opioids. In February of 2020, Scioto County Coroner’s Office reported that 59 percent of the 34 drug-related deaths it recorded during a particular reporting period involved fentanyl.
COCAINE Cocaine is an addictive stimulant. This common street drug is derived from the coca plant, which grows native in South America. The drug is distributed as a white powder. Unfortunately, the drug is commonly mixed with other substances such as starches, flours, or even other drugs like amphetamines and opioids. Cocaine is typically taken by snorting and quickly delivers the brain with dopamine, creating an intense high that is short-lived. This results in the drug’s addictiveness because users want to keep recreating the high. Corroborating data from the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, that powdered cocaine is available in the region.
CRACK COCAINE As noted above, crack cocaine is a form of cocaine that has been manufactured into rock form. The drug is smoked in order to reach a high. Crack cocaine is similar to its derivative; however, it is quite potent and creates an intense high that kicks in faster. The chemical high lasts less time than cocaine (usually only about 10 minutes), so addicted persons typically seek higher and more frequent doses to regain their high. While the high from crack creates feelings of excitement, energy, and happiness, coming down from the drug creates the opposite feelings. Addicted persons can experience extreme depression, anxiety, and anger. According to drug abuse trends in the Portsmouth area, crack cocaine remains highly available in the Portsmouth [Scioto County] region.
ALCOHOL People often do not consider alcohol to be a drug, but alcohol abuse is an extremely common condition. Alcohol is a legal substance that is widely available. Similar to other drugs, alcohol takes effect by releasing dopamine into the brain. It is often called the “social drug,” because it tends to decrease anxiety which relaxes people in social situations. Alcohol use can quickly become out of control when people rely on it to help them release endorphins. It is all too common to “just have a few drinks” in order to relax. Sadly, alcohol can also cause severe withdrawal symptoms, so it is important that those addicted to alcohol seek treatment for their condition. Scioto County, home of the city of Portsmouth, ranked 88 out of 88 Ohio counties in terms of overall health in the 2020 County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program, a study conducted by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute.
NICOTINE Similar to alcohol, nicotine is a legal drug that is readily available in many over-the-counter tobacco products and now e-cigarettes and vaping devices that contain nicotine in chemical form. Despite increased health warnings and crackdowns on the tobacco industry, in the United States, Americans who are 18 years of age or older can purchase nicotine and tobacco products. Unfortunately, it is all too common for these products to also end up in the hands of minors, who are becoming addicted to nicotine at an early age. According to a Community Health Needs Assessment done by King’s Daughters Medical Center in Portsmouth, Ohio, 25.3% of Portsmouth residents in the survey identified themselves as current smokers, with 18.2% of surveyors exposed to secondhand smoke.
BARBITURATES Barbiturates are a type of prescription drug that used to be commonly prescribed by physicians to treat conditions such as anxiety. These depressants can be used in the treatment of epilepsy as well, although they are prescribed far less often than they used to be due to their addictive nature. Barbiturates are illegally distributed on the street and are quite addictive. Often referred to as “downers,” these drugs are used to counteract the effects of stimulant drugs like cocaine and methamphetamines. Withdrawal symptoms from these drugs are like those related to alcohol and can be very serious and even include death.
METHADONE Methadone is an opiate drug that is often used in the treatment of heroin addiction. Ironically, this drug can also be highly addictive on its own. For this reason, any time that the drug is being used to ease the symptoms of withdrawal, the patient should be closely monitored in a medical setting. Doses should be slowly tapered to decrease withdrawal symptoms while trying to avoid creating a secondary addiction to the methadone itself. It is also important to note that other drugs such as Vivitrol and Suboxone can also be used for Medication Assisted Treatment, without many of the concerns associated with methadone.
CRYSTAL METH Crystal meth is a form of methamphetamine. This entire class of drugs is man-made and extremely harmful. All varieties of meth are stimulants and crystal meth are known for being the most potent and dangerous. The crystal rock is typically smoked similar to crack cocaine but can also be snorted or injected. This harmful drug creates an intense high and sense of euphoria. It creates excitability and pleasure and can increase focus. It can also evoke psychosis and aggressive or violent behavior at higher dose levels. The drug is very addictive. USNEWS reports in an article titled, “In Ohio, Signs of a Shifting Drug Crisis,” that between the years of 2010-2017, the overdose deaths in Scioto County involving psychostimulants were at 4.2%. Crystal meth causes the brain to become reliant on the increased dopamine and norepinephrine that it creates. Sadly, over time, this also makes the brain less able to produce these chemicals on its own. This often causes a long-term inability for addicts to focus or feel pleasure on their own.
AMPHETAMINES Like their illegally manufactured cousin methamphetamine, amphetamines are stimulants. However, these drugs are legally prescribed and used for treating common disorders like ADD and ADHD. Adderall is one such variety that has become illegally distributed on the street. When amphetamines are not used for their prescribed purpose, not only can they be very addictive, but they can also cause a variety of side effects. These can include but are not limited to trouble speaking, dry mouth, constipation, trouble sleeping, dizziness, and heart problems.
BENZODIAZEPINES Benzodiazepines are a classification of prescription drugs that are often prescribed to patients dealing with anxiety. Pharmaceuticals such as Xanax are included in this classification. These drugs have largely taken the place of Barbiturates for most medical use. Despite being a prescribed medication, Benzodiazepines can be addictive, particularly when abused for purposes other than their intended use. Detox from these types of drugs should be managed in a controlled environment, tapering the patient to avoid complications with withdrawal.
IF YOU OR A LOVED ONE ARE SUFFERING FROM THE DISEASE OF DRUG ADDICTION
There is help available to you if you or a loved one has a physical dependence or psychological dependence on drugs. It does not matter if the addiction is to illegal drugs or common legal drugs like alcohol, this is a disease that can take over your life. BrightView addiction treatment programs focus on providing a comprehensive, outpatient approach to drug treatment. We offer Medication Assisted Treatment, or MAT, along with a combination of individual and group counseling. Our treatment center’s proven approach helps patients achieve the best chance at long-term recovery while maintaining as many of their normal daily activities as possible. If you need help, contact us today. We have treatment facilities throughout Southwestern Ohio including Chillicothe and Portsmouth. Our friendly staff answers our phone 24 hours a day. 888-501-9865
