The top 10 deadliest drugs can have severe impacts on someone’s life. They can lead to addiction and death. Struggling with any of these substances can be harmful to someone’s health and well-being, as well as result in drastic changes in their relationships and life. Knowing these drugs and the dangers associated can be helpful to someone seeking proper help to regain control of their life.

#1. Carfentanil

The Department of Justice says that carfentanil is 10,000 times more potent than morphine. This makes it one of the deadliest drugs out there. It is even stronger than fentanyl, according to the DOJ. It was originally created as a tranquilizer for large animals and has become a dangerous drug being added to illicit drugs.

Carfentanil is a powerful opioid that can result in overdose and death. The number of overdoses that occur as a result of carfentanil is on the rise, making this drug extremely dangerous.

#2. Methamphetamines

These highly addictive stimulant drugs have a reputation for ruining the lives of individuals who are addicted. The effects of methamphetamines can lead to life-altering health and mental health conditions. These conditions can seemingly be impossible to reverse and overcome. It is one of the top 10 deadliest drugs because it can cause permanent heart and lung damage.

#3. Alcohol

Addiction to alcohol is a chronic and severe condition that many people across the United States suffer from. Alcohol addiction accounts for many car accidents that can result in fatality. Addiction to alcohol leads to health complications that can be life-threatening. Liver damage, high blood pressure, and alcohol poisoning can all be the results of alcohol abuse.

#4. Inhalants

Using household chemicals and cleaners to get high is a dangerous game to play. The effects can be fast acting and unavoidable. Inhalants like glue, cleaners, and paint can lead to damage throughout the body. These chemicals and cleaners were not intended for consumption and can cause severe damage to a healthy individual at a rapid pace making them one of the 10 deadliest drugs.

#5. Heroin

Another of the top 10 deadliest drugs is heroin. It is an extremely potent, morphine-derived opioid that leads to many overdoses every year. The effects of heroin can include collapsed veins, blood-borne diseases like HIV and hepatitis, depression, and a decline in cognitive functionality.

#6. Fentanyl

Fentanyl is famously known for overdoses and overdose fatalities. Addiction to this dangerous drug can lead to health complications and long-term effects that can be hard to reverse. While fentanyl has legitimate uses to help treat pain, the effects of this drug can lead users to begin abusing it and this can lead to addiction and potentially life-threatening consequences.

#7. Cocaine

As another stimulant, cocaine is highly addictive and often leads to abuse and addiction. The feeling of euphoria it can produce leads users to continue abusing this drug. The effects that cocaine abuse and addiction can have on the body can lead to lifelong health and wellness complications that could lead to organ damage and organ failure making it another of the 10 deadliest drugs.

#8. Benzodiazepines

Used to treat anxiety, benzodiazepines are another of the 10 deadliest drugs. The effects of benzodiazepines such as Xanax and Klonopin can be dramatic. They cause extreme drowsiness and respiratory depression. This often leads to injury.

Benzos are highly addictive, and often abused or misused. This happens when someone takes more than prescribed, a medication that isn’t theirs, or in a manner not prescribed. The feelings of euphoria that benzodiazepines can produce contribute to their abuse potential.

Addiction to these substances is treatable, and professional monitoring and care are highly recommended for those who struggle with benzos. Detox from this substance can lead to complications and potentially fatality.

#9. Synthetic Cannabinoids

These substances are sold under many different names. K2, spice, and synthetic marijuana along with other names are common descriptors. These substances are much stronger than marijuana and can have unpredictable side effects that can include death.

#10. Oxycodone

These prescription opioid painkillers are another of the 10 deadliest drugs. The overprescribing and misuse of oxycodone have led to a national epidemic when it comes to opioid addiction. These drugs often result in addiction and overdose.

Detox in Orange County, CA

Anyone struggling with substances can attest to the challenges that they face on a daily basis. Getting better, and healing from addiction to substances begins with detox. The process of detox gets the toxic substances out of the body. It is necessary to go through this process so the body can start fresh and begin healing.

Getting Better at Ocean Hills Recovery

Struggling with any substance is a challenge that can be difficult to overcome. The effects that addiction can have on someone’s life can be far-reaching, and life-changing. Family and friend relationships can suffer. Careers and schooling can also be affected by addiction to these dangerous substances. A person can suffer legal and socioeconomic repercussions as well as a result of addiction.

If you or a loved one are struggling, Ocean Hills Recovery in Orange County, California, can help. Our team of professionals is standing by to help as you begin your journey to recovery from addiction to dangerous substances. Contact us today and begin your journey.

About the author:

Greg Doss, CATCI

Greg opened his home and heart to alcoholics and addicts in 2003. He is a Certified Addictions Treatment Counselor (CATCI). Starting in 2009 Greg has fostered the growth of Ocean Hills Recovery into one of the most respected and effective treatment centers in the area and has been working with people with addictions since March of 2001. Greg believes in a holistic approach to recovery. His focus is on drug alcohol addiction treatment with a combination of 12 Step work, therapy and counseling, and the rejuvenation of the body through healthful eating and exercise. He has designed his program to foster a family-like atmosphere and believes that people in recovery are just beginning their lives. He encourages the people he works with to learn to enjoy life in sobriety. Greg is married to Nicole; they have two adorable sons together and an energetic yellow Labrador Retriever.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does drug and alcohol rehab last?

The length of your stay at drug and alcohol rehab will vary for each person attending rehab and from treatment center to treatment center. Most inpatient programs are at least 30 days long; however, some programs may incorporate a shorter inpatient stay with a more extended outpatient stay. The best rehab centers will provide a more custom treatment plan for each person that takes into account the individual’s needs before determining the length of treatment. Ocean Hills Recovery offers a variety of options for addiction treatment. A typical stay at our inpatient drug and alcohol rehab programs last between 30 to 45 days.

Do I need inpatient or outpatient treatment?

Outpatient is an excellent option for people who are unable to take time away from work or their families while receiving addiction treatment. Inpatient treatment is an excellent option for people who can be away from their work or families for at least several weeks for treatment. We recommend that you contact a reliable treatment center, like Ocean Hills Recovery, for a complete assessment before you decide whether inpatient or outpatient treatment for addiction is best for you.

Should I get addiction treatment locally or away?

The answer to whether you should go away or stay local for addiction treatment is very individual. Many people need to get away from their everyday life for them to fully submerge themselves in their addiction recovery process. For these individuals, going to an out of state treatment center is the best option to be able to commit fully and concentrate on their recovery. For others, this is not an option because of work or family obligations.

What do I do if I don’t have insurance for drug rehab?

There are options for drug rehab, even if you don’t have insurance. When you decide to get help, the best thing to do is to find a treatment philosophy that you believe may help and contact them for assistance. Rehab professionals can help you determine if you have insurance coverage for addiction treatment, and what options are best for you. Many drug rehabs accept insurance but also have private pay, or financing options available. Contact our rehab admissions specialist today, and we can help you navigate insurance questions, payment options, and treatment plans.

How to find a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center?

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website is a great place to start when you are looking for a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. We recommend that you make a list of a few different centers to contact and speak with them to get a feel for their programs, therapies, and staff and find the center that you feel most comfortable with. Have a list of questions that you can ask each center to help you through the process. One of the most important questions to ask is if the rehab holds accreditation by CARF. Having a state license is no longer enough to ensure that a rehab center is reputable. If the rehab holds CARF accreditation, they have had to meet a more strict set of guidelines and procedures.

Do I need detox before addiction treatment?

Many people require detox to help manage withdrawal from alcohol and other drugs. There are several factors that we take into consideration to determine if you will need detox before addiction treatment. Our admissions professionals work with each person to obtain a thorough history of substance use and other medical conditions to help make the appropriate recommendations for care. You must give accurate information so that we can keep you as comfortable as possible if you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms. However, detox is only the first step in addiction recovery. For long-lasting addiction recovery, a person must deal with the underlying issues that lead to substance use in the first place. Contact us today for a confidential assessment.

The Top 10 Deadliest Drugs