What Are the Most Dangerous Drugs in the World?
Drugs are a tough issue that involve a lot of controversy. There are different policies across countries and states, and there are alarming stories of substance abuse in all aspects of society.
First of all, it’s important to define what drugs are and how they are understood by the people who use them.
A drug is anything of natural, synthetic, or mixed origin that directly affects a person’s perception, assimilation, and biological, chemical, or neurological interactions when they are under its influence.
Remember that addiction can vary from person to person, as well as gender.
In this article, you’ll learn about the most dangerous drugs.
The most dangerous drugs in the world
Tobacco
However, you need to understand that it’s still a drug. It doesn’t matter if it’s considered to be in the “legal” drug category.
The relationship between different types of cancer and tobacco consumption has already been proven, along with other chemicals that are added to make it a highly toxic substance that is harmful to your health.
Diseases related to tobacco use include:
- Lung cancer,
- Chronic pneumonia,
- Pulmonary elesus,
- Bronchial diseases,
- Deterioration of the respiratory tract (mouth, tongue, larynx, throat, esophagus, etc.).
Read also: Reasons to quit smoking
Methamphetamines
Yes, you’ve probably all seen that famous TV serious: a talented chemistry teacher and his assistant are the protagonists and pioneers in the production of an exceptional methamphetamine.
Methamphetamines are highly addictive as well as popular in countries like the United States, Canada, and Europe. In general, they’re known for their appearance that is similar to a crystal, although they can be found in powder or pill form. This drug class has serious impacts on the body’s neurochemical system and creates instant dependence.
Consequences of the use of methamphetamines:
- Irritability,
- Development and increase of paranoia,
- Increase in serious infections due to shared syringes (a common habit among consumers),
- Hallucinations (may be moderate or severe in intensity, depending on the quantity).
Alcohol
Next, alcohol is another drug that is socially acceptable and treated as “natural” or even “healthy” in many countries. However, the effects of alcohol are just as dangerous as other drug classes when it comes to your health.
Alcohol addiction is the best known consequence of heavy drink habits and repeat use. It causes damage to society, families, and physical health. Its effects on your health due to excessive consumption can be traumatic and irreparable.
Diseases related to excessive alcohol consumption
- Cirrhosis,
- Hepatitis A and B,
- Severe chronic gastritis (development of varicose ulcers),
- Depending on a person’s health, scurvy has also been associated with alcohol consumption.
See also: 6 signs of alcohol addiction
Cocaine
In the world of drugs, cocaine is widely abused. Many countries in South America are known for their manufacture and export of this product, which comes from alkaloids found in the coca leaf. Cocaine is in high demand north of the equator: in Mexico and the United States.
The consequences of cocaine in the body are severe. You can find this drug in various forms: powder, pill, and liquid.
What happens to your body when you use cocaine?
- Heightened sensitivity in the face,
- Elevated heart rate and blood pressure,
- Agitated bodily movements and excitement,
- Increased stress levels and sudden paranoia,
- The release of high levels of dopamine in response to the stimulant chemicals in cocaine.
Heroin
The best known heroin producers are in Asia, particularly in Afghanistan. Here, there are the most raw materials for the harvest of this drug: the poppy leaf. Even in China and Taiwan, the consumption of heroin derivatives is used for all types of occasions.
With respect to the impacts that heroin has on the body, there can be serious and even fatal consequences due to the highly addictive and toxic substances it contains.
What happens to your body when you use heroin?
- Dilation of the pupils,
- Sudden decrease in breathing and heart rate,
- An almost instantaneous catatonic state,
- Dilation of the sphincter.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Hecht, S. S. (2011). Tobacco smoke carcinogens and lung cancer. Current Cancer Research. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-61737-995-6_3
- Boffetta, P., Hecht, S., Gray, N., Gupta, P., & Straif, K. (2008). Smokeless tobacco and cancer. The Lancet Oncology. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1470-2045(08)70173-6
- Paratz, E. D., Cunningham, N. J., & MacIsaac, A. I. (2016). The Cardiac Complications of Methamphetamines. Heart Lung and Circulation. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hlc.2015.10.019
- Tomlinson, M. F., Brown, M., & Hoaken, P. N. S. (2016). Recreational drug use and human aggressive behavior: A comprehensive review since 2003. Aggression and Violent Behavior. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.avb.2016.02.004
- Havakuk, O., Rezkalla, S. H., & Kloner, R. A. (2017). The Cardiovascular Effects of Cocaine. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2017.05.014
- Nestler, E. (2005). The Neurobiology of Cocaine Addiction. Science & Practice Perspectives. https://doi.org/10.1151/spp05314