A Closer Look At The Top Seven Most Dangerous Drugs
When it comes to drug considerations, there are certainly a fair few known to be highly dangerous, and a large number with a relatively short list of side effects and label warnings. The latter tend to be the over-the-counter drugs easily obtained without a prescription. At the same time, the more dangerous substances require written prescriptions or have no approved medical use at all.
How are dangerous drugs scheduled?
According to the DEA:
“Drugs, substances, and certain chemicals used to make drugs are classified into five (5) distinct categories or schedules depending upon the drug’s acceptable medical use and the drug’s abuse or dependency potential. The abuse rate is a determinate factor in the scheduling of the drug; for example, Schedule I drugs have a high potential for abuse and the potential to create severe psychological or physical dependence. As the drug schedule changes– Schedule II, Schedule III, etc., so does the abuse potential– Schedule V drugs represent the least potential for abuse.”
It stands to reason that the most dangerous drugs fall under the category of Schedule I substances, while the most minor threatening substances fall into the lower categories.
What are the most dangerous drugs?
While many drugs are used for legitimate medical purposes, others are notorious for their potential to cause harm, addiction and even death. Taking a look at their risk for overdose, their drug schedule and their potential for addiction, the most dangerous drugs become apparent.
1. Fentanyl
– Addiction Potential: Extremely high
– Overdose Risk: Extremely high
Fentanyl (labeled as a Schedule II substance) is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. Initially developed for pain management in cancer patients, its illicit use has skyrocketed. Even the slightest overdose can be fatal, making it one of the most dangerous drugs currently available. Fentanyl has been a significant contributor to the opioid crisis, causing tens of thousands of deaths annually.
“Similar to other opioid analgesics, fentanyl produces effects such as relaxation, euphoria, pain relief, sedation, confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, urinary retention, pupillary constriction, and respiratory depression.”
2. Heroin
– Addiction Potential: Very high
– Overdose Risk: Very high
Heroin (a Schedule I drug) is an illegal opioid with no approved medical use derived from morphine. It is highly addictive and often injected, leading to a high risk of overdose and infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis.
Heroin provides an “[i]nitial surge of euphoria or “rush,” followed by a twilight state of sleep and wakefulness. Physical symptoms of use include drowsiness, respiratory depression, constricted pupils, nausea, a warm flushing of the skin, dry mouth, and heavy extremities.”
3. Cocaine
– Addiction Potential: High
– Overdose Risk: High
Cocaine (Schedule II) is a powerful stimulant that increases dopamine levels in the brain, leading to intense feelings of euphoria and energy.
“Physiological effects of cocaine include increased blood pressure and heart rate, dilated pupils, insomnia, and loss of appetite. The widespread abuse of highly pure street cocaine has led to many severe adverse health consequences such as Irregular heartbeat, ischemic heart conditions, sudden cardiac arrest, convulsions, strokes, and death.”
4. Methamphetamine
– Addiction Potential: Very high
– Overdose Risk: High
Methamphetamine, commonly known as meth, is a potent central nervous system Schedule II stimulant. It is highly addictive and can cause severe physical and psychological harm. Long-term use can lead to extreme weight loss, dental problems (“meth mouth”) and severe skin sores. The drug also has a high potential for causing violent behavior and severe cognitive deficits.
5. Alcohol
– Addiction Potential: High
– Overdose Risk: High
While legal and socially accepted (and not listed as a controlled substance), alcohol is one of the most dangerous substances when abused. As a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, it can impair motor skills, judgment, and reaction times, leading to poor decision-making and harmful consequences. It often plays a detrimental role in violent behavior and fatal accidents.
Chronic alcohol abuse can lead to liver disease, cardiovascular problems and neurological damage.
6. Benzodiazepines
– Addiction Potential: High
– Overdose Risk: High, especially when combined with other substances
Benzodiazepines (Scheduled IV), such as Xanax and Valium, “are depressants that produce sedation and hypnosis, relieve anxiety and muscle spasms, and reduce seizures.” They work on the nervous system to slow it down, causing a relaxed mood and overall sleepiness. While approved for medical use, they can be highly addictive, mainly when used in combination with other addictive substances.
7. Oxycodone (OxyContin)
– Addiction Potential: High
– Overdose Risk: High
Oxycodone (Schedule II substance) is a prescription opioid used for pain relief, often prescribed following surgeries or during recovery or as a treatment in low doses for chronic pain. It is highly addictive and has a significant risk of overdose, significantly when misused.
Effects of oxycodone include: “Pain relief, sedation, respiratory depression, constipation, papillary constriction, and cough suppression. Extended or chronic use of oxycodone containing acetaminophen may cause severe liver damage.”
Do you need drug addiction treatment?
If you or a family member or friend have been struggling with drug abuse, there may be deep loneliness, a great sense of fear or other feelings of discomfort surrounding the experience. But the good news is that help is available, from detox treatment to residential care.
To contact a treatment facility capable of providing you with the help you need, call October Road at 888-201-5086 or fill out an online contact form to start your recovery journey today.
