Some people don’t think of themselves as being addicted to anything. If they examine their day-to-day activities, though, they might be surprised to learn they match the description of an addict. Some common addictions are relatively harmless, while others are potentially quite dangerous.
There are intensive outpatient programs you can easily get into if you think you have a substance problem. Let us run through a few of the more common addictions that afflict those in the general population.
Nicotine
Millions of people remain addicted to nicotine, and that has been the case for decades. While not as many individuals smoke cigarettes now as you would have seen several years ago, there are still plenty who do. Others get their nicotine fix from cigars, vape pens, and through other sources.
Caffeine
You might not think of yourself as being addicted to caffeine, but have you ever tried skipping your morning coffee? Many individuals go into withdrawal if they don’t get their caffeine fix throughout the day.
Cocaine
Cocaine is not as popular now as it was in the 1980s, but it’s still available, and some people struggle with addiction to it. It has serious and sometimes fatal health-related consequences.
Benzodiazepines
This is a category of drugs that includes things like Klonopin, Xanax, and Valium. These drugs can regulate your mood, and it’s easy to become dependent on them. A doctor can prescribe them to you, but you can also buy them on the streets.
Stimulants
Stimulants can include methamphetamines and also Ritalin or Adderall. Meth is illegal, but doctors can prescribe the other two. Much like benzodiazepines, you can also buy them on the black market.
Heroin
Heroin has been a serious problem in America off and on for decades. Some people who get started on opioids graduate to heroin because it’s relatively inexpensive. It can also be lethal.
Inhalants
Inhalants include many substances you can easily huff to get a high, like glue or chemical solvents. Inhalant addiction is particularly pernicious because most inhalants aren’t illegal. If you’re 18 or older, you can often buy them at your local hardware store.
Alcohol
Virtually everyone knows someone who has struggled with alcohol. Alcoholism is very common in college, but the students who engage in this problematic behavior sometimes describe it as merely partying. Problem drinking can easily graduate to full-blown alcoholism at any age, though.
Marijuana
The jury’s still out on whether marijuana is actually addictive. Many medical professionals agree that it can cause psychological dependence, though, at the very least. Overusing marijuana can cause you to become irritable, forgetful, and virtually nonfunctional. It’s legal for recreational use now in some states, but the potential for misuse remains high.
Opioids
Opioid addiction has soared in the 21st century. Pill mills operating in different parts of the country have made drugs like Percocet and Oxycodone relatively easy to buy, and they’re highly addictive. Some people get started down this path due to chronic pain from injuries or various other medical conditions.