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The Most Common Drug Addictions

individual leaning about common drug addictions

The most common drug addictions tend to be to substances that are either the most addictive or the easiest to access. For example, alcohol and tobacco products top the list of addictions since they are legal substances and can be conveniently purchased at your local convenience store or liquor store, among other locations. The addictions that closely follow on the list are also easier to access, making their use more common and likely to lead to addiction. 

At Midwest Center at Youngstown, we realize how easily drug addictions can develop and how quickly they can take over your life. We provide customized drug addiction treatment in Ohio for all types of drugs to ensure that you get the care you need to fully recover. Call us today at 844.544.0502 to find out more about how our comprehensive treatment programs work.

What Is the Most Common Addiction in Ohio?

The state of Ohio consistently ranks high in drug overdose mortality rates. Unintentional drug overdose actually became the leading cause of injury and death in the state. By far, prescription opioids topped the list for the most addiction in Ohio to lead to a fatal overdose. Fentanyl was the culprit in the vast majority of cases.

Why? The reason is that Ohio began to crack down on how prescription opioids were being prescribed, citing over-prescribing as the reason for the drug crisis. These new rules limit how many days’ worth of prescription opioids can be prescribed at any given time for acute pain. With tighter restrictions on access, many people turned to the street to find the opioids they had become addicted to. These street drugs that were passed off as prescription opioids like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and codeine were often being laced with fentanyl unbeknownst to the buyer. This substance is much more powerful than other opioids, which is why so many people unintentionally overdose.

What Are Other Common Drug Addictions in Ohio?

While prescription opioid addiction is one of the most dangerous and common drug addictions in the state, there are various other drugs frequently abused in Ohio. Some other common drug addictions that afflict Ohioans include: 

  • Heroin is heavily abused in Ohio. Since it is an opioid, some people who have been unable to access prescription opioids go for heroin instead, not anticipating the high risk of addiction.
  • Marijuana has a high rate of addiction in the state. It has been decriminalized and made legal for medical purposes, accounting for some of the increase in use. However, many people still use the drug illegally and become addicted. For young people, this is often the first drug they try, which is why it is referred to as a gateway drug.
  • Methamphetamine has gained popularity as a cheaper alternative to cocaine, although cocaine addiction is still common in Ohio. In areas of the state where the crackdown on meth and heroin is more rampant, cocaine can be easier to access, leading to higher rates of cocaine addiction.
  • Addiction to benzodiazepines is fairly common in Ohio as these can be gained through a prescription, and people can easily become addicted to the sedation and calm that benzos provide. 

Midwest Center at Youngstown: Highly Effective Drug Addiction Treatment in Ohio

At Midwest Center at Youngstown, we want to change the course of drug addiction in Ohio and help our residents break free from these powerful addictions. Our comprehensive approach to addiction treatment includes medication-assisted treatment, therapy, and health and wellness programs designed to treat the whole person. We are dedicated to helping you heal inside and out so you can enjoy lasting recovery. If you or a loved one are struggling with drug addiction, give us a call at 844.544.0502 to get the help you deserve.