Nicotine (Tobacco)
Tobacco destroys the body’s vital organs, most commonly the lungs and throat. It is highly addictive and sought out for its ability to produce relaxation. Another dangerous component of tobacco is its ability to cause secondhand smoke. Individuals who do not smoke but live with a smoker risk lung-related illness and death through smoke.
Alcohol
Alcohol is a depressant and can alter moods when individuals are under the influence and craving alcohol. Side effects of alcohol use can range from slurred speech, to blacking out, and more severe symptoms, like liver disease and comas.
Fentanyl
This drug is a powerful pain reliever, with 50 to 100 times the potency of Morphine and 50 times the potency of Heroin. A reported 18,335 Fentanyl-related deaths occurred in 2016, equaling 28.8% of deaths due to drug abuse.
Heroin
Heroin is another highly addictive synthetic Opioid, popular for its fast-acting properties. The Morphine derivative originates from poppy seeds like other Opioids. Heroin is commonly available in white powder form, but other types of Heroin (black tar Heroin) are brown in color. Street names for Heroin include Big H, Black Tar, Hell Dust, Smack and Thunder.
Cocaine
Cocaine releases a large amount of dopamine in the brain, triggering a feeling of euphoria upon use. Cocaine abuse can cause cardiac arrest, convulsions, stroke, and death.
Methadone
Methadone is a Schedule II synthetic Narcotic. It was first used during World War II to treat pain because of a Morphine shortage. Presently, the medication is used to treat Opioid-related addictions, such as Heroin. Methadone caused 4,545 deaths in 2011, decreasing to 3,700 in 2013, to 3,376 in 2015, and finally to 3,493 in 2016.
Oxycodone
Oxycodone is the active ingredient in both OxyContin and Percocet, and OxyContin remains one of the most commonly abused prescription medications. Oxycodone contributed to the deaths of 5,587 as one of the leading causes of drug-related deaths in 2011.
Morphine
Morphine is a schedule II synthetic Narcotic derived from the Opium plant. It is a Narcotic that has a high risk of abuse and has been used in hospitals to aid in pain relief. Morphine can be snorted, injected, or smoked. It is commonly abused for its euphoric effects on the mind and body, causing drowsiness and reduced anxiety levels.
