The National Survey on Drug Use and Health, published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, reports data on alcohol and illicit drug use. The most recent survey, published in 2008, states that approximately 22.2 million people in the United States over the age of 12 were classified as having substance abuse or dependence problems. This statistic means that about 8.9 percent of the population are addicted to drugs. Illicit drugs are often separated into categories, and all drugs in a particular category have similar actions on the body.
Depressants
In a website devoted to publishing information on alcohol and drug use, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services describes the several categories of drugs to which people get addicted. Depressants are so called because they depress the nervous system and are clinically used to relieve a person's anxiety, stress and irritability. Drugs in this class generally relax muscles, induce a feeling of calm, and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. However, when depressants are overused, the person may stumble while walking, have slurred speech, fall asleep at inappropriate times and have difficulty concentrating. Examples of depressants include benzodiazepines, diazepam and pentobarbital. Depressants have a high potential for causing physical addiction, and their ability to cause psychological dependence ranges from moderate to high.
Narcotics
Narcotics are illicit drugs that cause a feeling of euphoria, drowsiness, slow breathing and very small pupil size. People who are addicted are often very thin due to a depressed appetite, lethargic and may have scars on their arms from injecting the drugs. Examples of narcotics include opium, morphine, heroine and methadone. Narcotics generally cause a very high level of both physical and psychological dependence.
Stimulants
This type of commonly abused drug causes hyperalertness and feelings of being stronger and more decisive. Stimulants are often used to reverse the effects of depressants. Signs of addiction include long periods of high energy, irritability, nervousness,and talking a lot. Overuse of stimulants causes an increase in blood pressure and very large pupil size. People may possibly become physically addicted to stimulants, but they definitely become psychologically addicted.
Marijuana
Marijuana, also called cannabis, is a derived from the hemp plan. This drug causes euphoria and extreme feelings of relaxation; loss of appetite; large pupil size and bloodshot eyes; and lack of memory, coordination and ability to concentrate. In large doses, ingestion of marijuana may also cause psychosis. It is not known whether marijuana can cause physical dependence, but the National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that using marijuana over the long term can definitely lead to psychological addiction.
References
- U.S Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Applied Studies: Results From the 2008 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: National Findings
- U.S Department of Health and Human Services: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Drugs of Abuse
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: NIDA InfoFacts: Marijuana
