Illicit Drug Addiction And Abuse

What Are Illicit Drugs?

​​The term “illicit drugs” refers to illegal substances at both the state and federal levels because they are deemed dangerous to the person using them and also pose a threat to society.

Illicit drugs are not only dangerous but are also often very addictive. Illicit drugs can be naturally occurring, made from naturally occurring substances (semi-synthetic), or completely synthetic. Examples of illicit drugs include:

• Marijuana
• Cocaine
• Heroin
• Methamphetamine

Illicit drugs can also include the non-medical use of drugs that are legally available, such as prescription pain medications, anti-anxiety medications, and sleeping pills. Illicit use includes taking these medications at a higher dosage than prescribed, in more frequent dosages than prescribed, taking someone else’s medication, or purchasing them illicitly on the streets.

People who become addicted to certain illicit substances are at a high risk of overdose, which can be fatal. This is why professional addiction treatment is highly recommended for anyone struggling with a substance use disorder involving illicit substances.

What’s The Difference Between Illicit And Non-Illicit (Licit) Drugs?

Non-illicit drugs, also known as licit or legal drugs, are legal substances to use, possess, and sell. Prescription medications are considered licit drugs but can be deemed illicit when used for the wrong purposes.

Examples of non-illicit (licit) drugs include alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, antidepressants, antihistamines, and prescription medications taken as prescribed. Marijuana is considered a licit drug in some states. However, it is still considered illicit under federal law but legal in 38 states for medical purposes and 24 states for recreational use.

Types Of Illicit Drugs

Illicit drugs can often be categorized in several ways. In the Controlled Substances Act, the federal government organizes drugs into schedules from Schedule I to Schedule V based on their abuse potential, approved medical use, and safety.

Illicit drugs can also be classified by their major effects. The four main types are:

• Stimulants
• Depressants (sleeping pills and benzodiazepines)
• Narcotics (opioids)
• Hallucinogens

It is important to note that inhalants are not considered one of the four main types but are still a class of illicit substances.

Types Of Illicit Drugs

If you or someone you know is struggling with a substance abuse disorder, you’re far from alone. An estimated 23.9 million Americans aged 12 or older – approximately 9.2% of the population – had used an illicit drug in the month prior to a 2012 study. Rates of illicit drug use is highest among those aged 18 to 25.

Find information on the most common forms of illicit substances below.

• Cocaine

  Cocaine is a powerfully addictive stimulant made from the leaves of the South American coca plant that normally comes in a powder form. It is a Schedule II controlled substance, and common street names for cocaine include blow, bump, coke, and snow. Cocaine is most commonly snorted or injected but can also be smoked or administered to the skin.

• Crack Cocaine

  Crack is the more pure and potent form of cocaine, which typically comes in solid blocks or crystals. Crack cocaine is typically smoked, allowing it to reach the brain more quickly and result in a short-lived yet intense high. It is also commonly injected.

• Ecstasy

  Used by many teens and young adults, ecstasy is considered a party or rave drug. It is a stimulant, but it also has hallucinogenic properties and is classified as a Schedule I drug. Its psychoactive effects include enhanced sensory perception and lowered inhibition. Ecstasy is most commonly taken orally in pill form or dissolved in water, but it can also be snorted or injected.

• Hallucinogens

  LSD, PCP, psilocybin mushrooms, and salvia are psychoactive, hallucinogenic, or mind-altering drugs Schedule I drugs. While an addiction to this type of drug is less common, use and abuse of these substances can cause severe negative side effects.

• Heroin

  Heroin is an extremely addictive narcotic that is synthetically derived from the opium poppy plant. It is a Schedule I drug and comes in the form of white or brownish powder or as a black and sticky substance known as “black tar heroin.” Heroin is most commonly injected, though it can also be snorted, smoked, or consumed orally.

• Inhalants

  Inhalants include household items such as spray paints, whipped cream canisters (whippits), and cleaning supplies, which are inhaled through the mouth or nose to achieve a high. Inhaling certain types of these substances can lead to heart failure, resulting in death.

• Ketamine

  This substance is medically used as an anesthetic in veterinary practice and is a Schedule III drug. When abused, ketamine can cause hallucinations, sedation, cramps, bladder damage, and confusion.

• Marijuana

  Marijuana is one of the most commonly abused illicit substances and is a Schedule I drug. The main psychoactive ingredient, THC, causes temporary euphoria followed by drowsiness, slowed reaction time, and increased appetite.

• Meth

  Meth is an extremely dangerous stimulant that can cause users to become instantly addicted. It is a Schedule II drug. The short-term effects of meth include alertness and euphoria. However, long-term use of meth can lead to problems such as violent behavior, dental problems, psychosis, and severe paranoia.

• Synthetic Marijuana

  Synthetic marijuana refers to the growing number of manufactured substances that contain a chemical similar to THC. Although synthetic marijuana is marketed as a legal alternative, the substance’s effects can be unpredictable and more intense than its natural counterpart.

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What Are The Dangers Of Illicit Drugs?

Many illicit drugs pose serious health risks, even when taken in small doses. Illicit drugs can lead to addiction, overdose, and many other dangers that can impact the body, brain, and emotional wellbeing.

Using illicit drugs like heroin can result in a lethal overdose, and repeated use can lead to dependence and addiction. Repeatedly using any illicit substance can impose short and long-term consequences. Excessive substance use causes dramatic changes in the brain, which can disrupt a person’s psychological wellbeing.

These changes may drive a person to behave differently than they normally would, leading them to make self-destructive decisions, such as driving under the influence. Further dangers include:

• Heart and lung damage such as cardiomyopathy, cardiac infarctions (heart attacks), stroke, “crack lung”, pulmonary edema, chronic bronchitis, asthma, and emphysema.
• Infectious diseases, such as infected wounds from intravenous use, and blood-borne illnesses, such as HIV and hepatitis.
• Pregnancy and fetal complications, such as neonatal abstinence syndrome, poor fetal growth, stillbirth, maternal seizures, premature birth, placental abruption, and fetal brain development issues.
• Kidney and liver damage, such as abnormal liver function tests, fulminant hepatic failure, renal hypertension, fluid imbalances, and rhabdomyolysis-related kidney injury.
• Mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety.
• Brain damage that can cause memory, concentration, and learning problems.
• Tooth decay
• Risk of suicide
• Personality changes, mood swings, and aggression
• Damages to otherwise healthy relationships with family and friends
• Trouble staying on top of daily responsibilities and social obligations
• Coming in late or missing a whole day of work due to drug use
• Financial hardships due to spending large amounts of money to maintain a drug habit
• Legal consequences, such as being arrested for drugs or paraphernalia

Prevalence Of Illicit Drug Use

An estimated 47.7 million Americans aged 12 or older were current illegal drug users (used within the last 30 days) as of 2023. Rates of illicit drug use are highest among those aged 18 to 25, with 36.5% of people in this age group reporting using an illicit drug in the past year.

• 70.5 million (24.9%) of people 12 and over have used illegal drugs or misused prescription drugs within the last year.
• 145.1 million people aged 12 and over have illicitly used drugs in their lifetime.
• 38.6% of illegal drug users have a drug disorder.
• 21.6% of those with drug disorders have an opioid disorder; this includes prescription pain relievers and heroin.

How Is Illicit Drug Addiction Treated?

While a person suffering from an illicit substance abuse disorder recognizes the negative consequences of their drug use, they feel unable to stop on their own. Fortunately, rehab and treatment centers can help give people the support necessary to overcome addiction.

Inpatient and residential rehab are programs that require someone to live at the treatment center. While there, they receive medication, individual and group therapies, peer support, and life skills training to prevent relapse.

A person choosing inpatient rehab understands they need to be away from the stressors of their current life. They recognize that living in their home environment will likely lead them to continue to misuse drugs. In addition, their withdrawal symptoms could lead to physical and psychological issues that are life-threatening.

At an inpatient rehab center, mental health professionals work closely with recovering individuals with 24/7 supervision to uncover the root cause of their substance abuse, such as any co-occurring mental health disorders. During rehab, patients learn healthy and productive coping methods that not only help them maintain sobriety but also achieve a happier and more fulfilling life.

An outpatient rehab program offers treatment sessions and various therapies, like support groups, that can be attended at different times throughout the week. This schedule allows patients to continue with their daily responsibilities and live at home, with the understanding that they are required to check in for counseling and medication administration at their allotted times.

Outpatient programs come in various formats, with differing intensity levels and services, but the general focus is on counseling, education, and support.

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Find Treatment For Illicit Drug Use

If you or someone you know is struggling with illicit substance abuse, there are multiple options for treatment and recovery. Contact a treatment provider or visit our rehab directory to learn more about your treatment options and start your recovery journey today.