The last 12 months have been devastating for drug issues, with a real crisis across the world. From cocaine to opioids, more and more people are struggling with abuse, addiction and the crime that often follows substances, to the point where in many countries there’s a real breaking point.
Many types of drugs are entering society and becoming more prominent and visit any private drug treatment centre today and you’ll find people with a wealth of issues and a wealth of reasons for becoming addicted. Drug addiction doesn’t discriminate. And that’s the case more than ever before.
But what are the drugs that have been causing the most problems across 2024?
Fentanyl and Synthetic Opioids
Fentanyl continues to be one of the most lethal substances of the past decade, with its potency up to 100 times stronger than morphine. In the USA especially this is a problem, but deaths are dropping faster than expected. Although fatal overdoses still stand at 12.7% and doesn’t represent the wider problem outside of overdosing.
Illicitly manufactured fentanyl is flooding the market and it is often mixed with the likes of heroin and cocaine, which is making it even more dangerous. It continues to be the number one problem facing communities globally and that will continue in 2025 and for many years to come unless more is done.
Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine, or meth, is also incredibly prevalent today and due to its highly addictive nature is causing a real strain on health services and devastating people’s lives. It can have catastrophic physical and psychological effects, as well as severe health issues like heart problems, brain damage and extreme weight loss.
Meth mouth is also common among users, which welcomes decaying teeth and gum disease.
Cocaine and Crack Cocaine
Cocaine is perhaps the most accessible illegal drug of those causing huge problems at present. It’s become a natural part of British nightlife especially and the taking of it has been normalised. Which is causing huge problems.
It’s believed that around one in 10 people in England and Wales between 16 and 59 have used it at least once in their lifetime and in 2024 there was a 30% rise in fatalities due to the drug.
The stimulant has a real impact on the cardiovascular system and can cause heart attacks, strokes and sudden cardiac arrest. Crack cocaine, the smokable form of the drug, is even more dangerous and is now regularly mixed with fentanyl, a lethal concoction.
Heroin
Heroin has long been one of the world’s most lethal drugs and it remains that way. The rapid effects of the drug make it incredibly addictive and often lead people into a cycle of dependency.
Injecting the substance, which is most common, has a high risk of overdose, as well as exposure to the likes of HIV and hepatitis if sharing needles and you only need to check the stats, or even watch films like Trainspotting, to see the true impact it can have on people’s lives.
Benzodiazepines
The likes of Xanax and Valium are prescribed medications that can be used to help treat anxiety and insomnia. However, more people are abusing the drugs than ever before. And what’s more, they’re highly addictive.
Often people are combining them with other depressants such as alcohol or opiods and as a result there has been a real spike in fatalities of late. We’re also seeing a rise in counterfeit pills which contain other dangerous additives that can increase the risk of fatality even more.
Synthetic Cannabinoids
Synthetic cannabinoids, often marketed as a legal alternative to cannabis, are far from safe. These substances are created in laboratories and sprayed onto plant material to mimic the effects of THC, the active compound in cannabis.
The unpredictability of synthetic cannabinoids makes them especially dangerous. Users have reported severe side effects, including seizures, hallucinations, and even psychosis. Fatal overdoses are also increasing due to the inclusion of toxic additives in these substances.
Alcohol
Although legal, alcohol remains one of the most lethal substances due to its widespread availability and societal acceptance. Chronic alcohol abuse can lead to liver disease, heart problems, and various cancers.
In 2024, binge drinking and alcohol dependency continue to cause significant harm, with alcohol-related deaths rivalling those of illicit drugs. Alcohol's role as a gateway substance often compounds the risks, leading individuals to experiment with other, more dangerous drugs.
Disclaimer:
The opinions expressed in this article are based on the knowledge and research surrounding drug addiction and substance abuse in 2024. These views do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the website or its partners. This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice. The information provided should not serve as a substitute for professional healthcare or treatment. Individuals struggling with addiction or substance abuse are strongly encouraged to seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. The website and its affiliates do not endorse or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. For more information or assistance, please consult a medical professional or addiction treatment specialist.
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