Most Commonly Abused Drugs in Texas

While drug abuse affects every region of the United States, the prevalence of certain substance abuse disorders varies by state. As a drug treatment facility in Texas, we’re aware of the drug-related problems that plague our state. While many people in our state are struggling with opioid addictions as a result of the epidemic, the prevalence of drug addiction in Texas can be attributed to other substances. We’re sharing a list of the most commonly abused drugs in Texas.

4 Most Commonly Abused Drugs in Texas

Drug abuse is a public health crisis that is at an all-time high in the U.S. As a result of the opioid epidemic that began in the late 1990s, millions of people all across the nation have been affected by the abuse of illicit and prescription drugs. However, the nation’s drug problems are not confined to one area. No state in the country has managed to steer clear of this problem, and Texas is no exception. Below are the six most commonly used drugs in Texas.

Cocaine

Cocaine is a stimulant drug that activates neuron activity in the central nervous system. When cocaine is smoked, snorted, or injected, the user may experience symptoms like increased alertness, increased heart rate, and euphoria. However, these effects dissipate quickly, leading users to ingest high doses of cocaine. This is a highly addictive drug that can quickly lead to psychological and physical dependence. Due to its high potential for abuse and its physical side effects, most individuals with cocaine addictions usually have to undergo a medical detox before addiction treatment.

Marijuana

As more states legalize the recreational use of marijuana, misuse related to natural and synthetic cannabis is on the rise. Between 2011 and 2012, 5.1 percent of Texans aged 12 years and older reported using marijuana in the past year.1 Marijuana is a mixture of dried leaves derived from a plant called Cannabis Sativa. These leaves can be smoked, used to brew tea, or baked into food. While many individuals believe that marijuana is not addictive, it can produce psychological and physical dependence. Frequent cannabis users may develop behavioral habits linked to their drug use that can be difficult to break. Once substance abuse becomes a part of your life, it’s difficult to quit.

Methamphetamine

Out of the top 10 drugs seized by Texas law enforcement in 2015, methamphetamine was number one on the list. In 2015, meth made up 32.4% of the total drug reports reprimanded by law enforcement in Texas.2 Methamphetamine is another stimulant drug that works by activating the central nervous system. It’s a highly addictive substance that is known for its severe effects on users’ outward appearance. Conditions like meth face, meth mouth, and meth mites are all related to this drug. Individuals with methamphetamine addictions who do not get professional are more likely to struggle with problems including skin diseases, tooth decay, and cardiovascular disease.

Because meth abuse is so prevalent in this state, Banyan Texas offers safe and well-rounded substance abuse programs including a meth treatment that focuses on the effects of methamphetamine. We can help you or someone you know recover from addiction.

Opioids

Opioids can either be prescribed medications that are used to alleviate pain, like oxycodone, or illicit drugs like heroin that are abused for recreational purposes. Opioids are among the most commonly abused substances in the nation as well as in Texas. The current opioid epidemic began in the late 1990s when opioid prescriptions skyrocketed. Doctors were continuously prescribing these medications to patients under the belief that they were harmless. However, the addictive nature of these drugs was quickly realized, but not before the damage was done. The number of drug overdose deaths has quadrupled from 1999 to 2019.3 Opioids like fentanyl, oxycodone, heroin, and morphine were responsible for 67,367 reported drug overdose deaths in 2018. Also in 2018, there were 1,402 opioid-related overdose deaths reported in Texas alone.4

Addiction Treatment in Texas

At Banyan Treatment Centers Texas, we know that the rates of drug abuse in Texas are continuously increasing and the need for treatment is severe. Without the right kind of help, people who struggle with alcoholism or drug addiction will be less likely to sustain long-term sobriety. In addition to medical detox, we also offer residential treatment in Waelder that helps patients recover from even the toughest addictions. Our rehab center is dedicated to helping each of our patients recover from both the psychological and physical aspects of substance abuse.

Admitting your addiction is the first step towards recovery. If you or a loved one is battling drug or alcohol addiction, call our Texas rehab center now at 888-280-4763 for more information about our levels of care.