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Drugs are one of the single greatest
medical innovations, saving countless lives each year. However, for all the
lives drugs save, they are also responsible for causing death as well, through
both accidental and purposeful injuries. Recent reports from the Center for
Disease Control and Prevention show a 23 percent increase in the number of
people dying from drug overdoses in the U.S from 2010 to 2014. Here are the top
10 drugs responsible for these deaths. According to Time, for 2014, the top 10 drugs involved
in lethal overdoses were:
HEROIN
The CDC report that heroin use has
increased across the U.S. among men and women, most age groups, and all income
levels, and is the number one drug responsible for instances of lethal
overdoses. During a heroin overdose, a person’s system can shut down, leading
to lethal respiratory depression and slowed or stopped heartbeat. What’s more,
it’s possible to overdose on heroin after only your first time using the drug —
or the first time you relapse after weaning off it.
COCAINE
Though a popular party drug, cocaine
is the second most popular drug involved in lethal overdoses. People who use
cocaine often take it repeatedly within a short time, at increasingly higher
doses in an effort to maintain their high. A cocaine overdose affects the
heart, drastically and often dangerously increasing heart rate and blood
pressure.
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OXYCODONE
Oxycodone is an opioid medication
used to treat pain. The drug is also highly addictive, which means that users
often feel the need to increase their amount intake to achieve the same
feelings. As a result, overdose can occur. Oxycodone addiction is often marked
by lethargic behavior and decreased heart rate and strange breathing patterns,
Mental Help reported.
ALPRAZOLAM
Alprazolam, also known as Xanax, is
used to treat depression and anxiety problems. Overdoses of this type of drug
often result in central nervous system depression ranging from drowsiness to
coma, RxList reported. An anxious person seeking relief may combine the drug
with alcohol — a potentially deadly mix.
FENTANYL
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid,
similar to morphine, and used to treat pain. Fentanyl overdoses will result in
low blood pressure, slowed heart rate, and excessive drowsiness.
MORPHINE
Morphine is used to treat moderate to
severe pain, but is also a highly abused drug. Morphine overdoses will cause
shallow breathing, slow and labored breathing — or no breathing at all.
METHAMPHETAMINE
Methamphetamine, also known as meth
or crystal meth, is an addictive stimulant abused for its euphoric effect. Meth
overdoses can cause increased heart rate, heart attack, and high blood pressure
and body temperature.
METHADONE
Methadone is an opioid narcotic most
commonly used to help heroin addicts with withdrawal symptoms. However, it is
still commonly abused and overdoses of this drug can result in slow breathing
and heart rate, severe drowsiness, muscle weakness.
HYDROCODONE
Hydrocodone is an opioid pain
medication. Overdoses can result in low blood pressure, weak pulse, and trouble
breathing.
DIAZEPAM
Diazepam is classified as a
benzodiazepine and is used to treat anxiety disorders, alcohol withdrawal
symptoms, or muscle spasms. An overdose may cause dizziness, confusion,
drowsiness, and unresponsiveness.
Reference
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