Serenity Blog Banner

The Use and Consequences of Street Drugs

There is no question that street drug addiction, or illegal drug use, is a continued plague in the US, at epidemic levels. The fact is that drug addiction does not discriminate and can affect men, women, and even children of all socioeconomic backgrounds, races, and occupations. The fact is that for many that are suffering from drug addiction, the only way to overcome it is with the help of a Malibu drug treatment center.

Street Drugs or Illegal Drugs

The Development of Street Drug Abuse

In most cases, a person that begins experimenting with a drug will continue to do so because it helps them to feel better, or it helps them to stops feeling bad. There are not many addicts that actually recognize that they have a problem with drugs.

Common Abused Street Drugs

While the list of abused street drugs is extensive, these are the most common ones that are seen:

  • Marijuana: This is only a mild hallucinogen, but the most commonly abused street drug in the U.S.;
  • Cocaine: This is a highly addictive and powerful stimulant that provides users with euphoric feelings when it is ingested;
  • Opiates: Heroin is the most commonly abused street drug that is in the opiate family. It affects the central nervous system by stimulating the reward center of the brain producing artificial feelings of pleasure;
  • Methamphetamine: This is a stimulate drug that is highly addictive. It is most commonly referred to as meth, and will increase heart rate and call hyperthermia.

Signs of Street Drug Addiction

There are several signs that will alert a person to the fact that they are addicted to a street or illegal drug, which include:

  • Having a tolerance to the specific drug, which means that more is needed in order to experience the same high;
  • The drug is taken to avoid the withdrawal symptoms that would occur, such as insomnia, sweating, anxiety, nausea, depression and restlessness;
  • No control of the drug use;
  • A life that revolves around getting the next “fix”;
  • Abandonment of activities that used to bring pleasure, such as socializing, sports, or hobbies;
  • Continued use of the drug despite the fact that it is causing significant consequences.

Getting Help

It is important to first recognize the fact that you have a problem. This will point you in the direction of overcoming the addiction to the illegal drug. Without help for the addiction a person will, likely end up with severe health consequences due to the use of the substance, or find himself or herself in trouble with the law.

Licensed by the State Department of Health Care Services | Program ID Number: 190655AP | Program Expiration Date : 4/30/2025
Copyright © 2024 Serenity Malibu, All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Accessibility Statement