Tennessee ranks 8th in the US for overdose deaths

Alcohol is the most commonly abused substance in the US. It is a central nervous system depressant, a psychoactive substance, and ultimately a poison. Abuse can cause damage to multiple systems in the body including neurological, circulatory, endocrine, hepatic, digestive, reproductive, and immune systems. Excessive drinking is the leading cause of 

premature death in the US according to the CDC.

Cannabis is the second most commonly abused substance in the US. Marijuana is the common term for cannabis that contains the mind altering chemical THC.  Despite increased cultural acceptance and increased legalization, marijuana abuse can lead to significant impairments in mood, memory, motivation, and cognitive functional.   Use prior to full development of the brain at around age 25 causes even greater risk of impairments. 

Opiates such as codeine, morphine, and opium are narcotic substance derived from the poppy plant.  Opioids are a synthetic version of opiates including hydrocodone (Vicodin), oxycodone (Oxycontin), methadone, and fentanyl.  While intended to treat pain, they are highly addictive and can result in severe withdrawal symptoms when usage is stopped. Opioids are involved in 75% of overdose deaths per the CDC.

Heroin is a mind-altering drug derived from morphine and is highly addictive. Most people who use heroin begin by using prescription opiates and progress to heroin abuse. Heroin can cause heart damage, liver failure, kidney failure, and has an extremely high risk of fatal overdose.   

Fentanyl is a synthetic opiate that is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. As little as .0001 grams of Fentanyl can cause death. It can be "laced " or mixed with any substance including THC. Though hard to believe, their are now synthetic opiates even stronger than Fentanyl, including  various Nitazenes and Carfentanyl, which carry an even greater risk of overdose.

 Cocaine is a very potent and addictive stimulant drug otherwise know as coke, snow, rock, or crack. It is often found to be "cut" or mixed with other compounds, including fentanyl and heroin, to make it more profitable.  The euphoric high from cocaine only lasts 5-15 minutes, yet the overdose risk is very high.

 Meth is an extremely addictive stimulant and a neurotoxin.  It actually kills neurons in the brain resulting in health issues, mood changes, and ultimately brain damage.  Use of meth often results in delusions, hallucinations, and can cause aggressive and violent behaviors.

Abuse of prescription medications for ADHD, diet pills, and other amphetamines can result in heart failure, stroke, and seizures. There are often withdrawal symptoms associated with attempts to stop, including hostility, irritability, trouble sleeping, and even paranoia.  This can also occur with legal stimulant abuse as with nicotine and caffeine.

Commonly referred to as "benzos", this class of drug includes medications used to treat anxiety, panic, seizure, and sleep disorders. Common drugs include alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), clonazepam (Klonopin), and diazepam (Valium) . These drugs are highly addictive and very hard to stop using.  A taper or gradual decrease in dose over a period of time to avoid risk of seizures and severe mental health symptoms.

 Hallucinogens include psiliocybin-containing mushrooms, LSD (acid), PCP, and MDMA (ecstasy). These compounds alter your perception, cause increased heart rate and blood pressure, and can create paranoia. Usage has been linked to an increased risk of dangerous behavior, accidents, and suicide.

Inhalant abuse is extremely dangerous as it interferes with breathing, nervous system function, can cause irreversible brain damage, and ultimately death. Inhalants can be made from common household chemical, but also include toxic chemicals such as gasoline, paint thinner, and propane.

 Polysubstance use involves using two or more drugs. Mixing various types of drugs creates an even greater risk of harm, as the effects of drug combinations are unpredictable. There is also a risk of side-effects being amplified with certain drug combinations. Mixing drugs can also produce masking effects which create challenges in recognizing life-threatening symptoms or overdose if the occur.