Drug abuse is a serious problem, which is capable of not only causing death to the one using it, but create a havoc in the lives of those who are associated with that person too. There have been plenty cases, whether it is Matthew Perry or the recent death of Liam Payne, which is in trial currently.

It is also a problem in the US and is emerging as one of the health concerns that could destroy families and society. One of the most alarming aspects of drug abuse is also its impact on public safety as well as increased crime rates. Drugs also take a heavy toll on healthcare systems as emergency departments frequently encounter cases of drug overdoses, which puts the burden on medical professional who have the strain the limited resources available.

There are also long-term health impact due to drug abuse, which includes organ damage, infectious disease, mental health disorders and rise in healthcare cost.

Are there any specific drugs which are most abused in US?

Yes. There are commonly used drugs, which also includes prescribed painkillers like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and fentanyl, as well as illicit substances like heroin. As per recent data, opioid abuse has also reached alarming levels which has affected millions of Americans.

Here are the most abused drugs in the US:

Stimulants

They are used to increase alertness, attention, and energy. They also have a high potential for abuse due to the euphoric and performance enhancing effects. Cocaine and methamphetamine are notable stimulants frequently abused in the US. As per 2019 data, 10.3 million people reported to misuse stimulants in the previous year.

Depressants

These substances are used to slow down brain activity and induce relaxation. Benzodiazepines is one of the commonly prescribed medicine. Around 4.8 million individuals in the US have misused this drug.

Other misused drugs and its affects on the health:

Opioids:

It could lead to slow breathing and heart rate. It can also increase the risk of overdose and respiratory failure, constipation and a weakened immune system.

Stimulants:

It can elevate heart rate and blood pressure. It could also increase body temperate and lead to an irregular heartbeat. Furthermore, one can experience loss of appetite and weight loss.

Cannabis:

This can alter perception and coordination. People who consume it often have red eyes and a dry mouth. This can increase appetite, sometimes the "munchies" can reach to a point of no return and it could impair memory and cognitive function.

Benzodiazepines:

It could lead to sedation and drowsiness and an impaired coordination and balance. There also could be memory problems and confusion, along with respiratory depression, when combined with other depressant substance.

Alcohol:

This could lead to slurred speech, impaired condition, poor judgment and decision-making, liver damage and cirrhosis and an increased risk of accidents and injuries, which is the 3rd most leading cause of death in the US.

Additional Negative Impact: Social and psychological

Substance abuse impairs job performance and reliability, leading to frequent absenteeism, reduced productivity, and even job loss. This further leads to financial instability, strained relationships, and a cycle of dependency.

In today’s hyper-connected world, access to health information has never been easier. Yet, ironically, the ability to understand and apply that information remains one of the biggest barriers to better health outcomes.

This is where health literacy comes in, not just the ability to read a pamphlet or follow a doctor’s prescription, but the broader skill of accessing, comprehending, and using health information to make informed decisions for oneself, one’s family, and one’s community.

While definitions vary, there is consensus that health literacy is multi-dimensional. It involves confidence, critical thinking, and practical skills, knowing when to seek care, how to evaluate health claims, and how to follow treatment correctly. In essence, health literacy is the foundation of preventive care and treatment adherence, and its absence can be devastating.

The Challenge of Low Health Literacy in India

The scale of the problem in India is stark: nearly 90 percent of Indians have low health literacy. This gap directly affects patient outcomes, from delayed diagnoses and poor compliance with treatment to preventable complications and higher healthcare costs.

Several factors explain this reality:

• Low literacy levels: A significant proportion of the population cannot read or interpret basic medical instructions, leading to mismanagement of conditions.

• Poverty and affordability: For millions living on less than INR 100 a day, awareness alone is not enough when healthy choices remain unaffordable.

• Gender and cultural barriers: Women often have lower access to information and autonomy in health decisions, particularly around reproductive and maternal health.

• Distrust in healthcare systems: Overcrowded facilities and inconsistent care erode confidence, driving many to informal or unverified sources.

Low health literacy doesn’t just harm individuals; it amplifies inequities and strains the entire healthcare ecosystem. It also worsens misinformation, as people turn to social media or word-of-mouth for guidance, often encountering unverified or unsafe advice.

Planning for pregnancy is an important step that requires proper health preparation for both partners. Preconception health screening helps couples understand fertility status and detect any underlying health issues. Doctors recommend that couples undergo certain medical tests before trying to conceive so that any health concerns can be identified and managed early. Here are some of the tests before pregnancy that can help couples identify potential risks early and improve the chances of a healthy pregnancy. Couples should opt for these tests without fail to ensure a smooth pregnancy.

While many people focus on health during pregnancy, preparing for pregnancy is also equally important. By opting for some crucial tests, couples can improve their chances of a smooth pregnancy and reduce the risk of complications.

Dr. Payal Narang, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospital, Lullanagar, in an interview with Health and Me, listed some of the important health check-ups for men and women that must be considered before pregnancy.

Important tests for women

1. Infection screening: The expert can advise screening for infections such as rubella, hepatitis B, and HIV that can affect pregnancy or the baby’s health. Hormone tests help assess ovulation and reproductive health. These tests may help detect conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or hormonal imbalance. Tests such as anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) may be advised to evaluate ovarian reserve and fertility potential.
2. Pelvic ultrasound: Will be carried out to examine the uterus and ovaries to identify conditions such as fibroids, ovarian cysts, or structural abnormalities. It can also help in detecting abnormalities, endometriosis, or polycystic ovaries that may impact fertility.
3. Complete blood count: Complete blood count (CBC) will help to detect anemia, infections, and your body’s overall readiness. Low hemoglobin is common in Indian women and can lead to fatigue. Treating anemia before pregnancy is important, as low haemoglobin levels can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy and delivery.
4. Rubella IgG Antibody Test: Did you know? Rubella infection during pregnancy can raise the chances of serious birth defects. This test shows if you’re already immune or if you need a vaccine before trying to conceive and prevents any problems.
5. Blood Group and Rh Factor: Should be done to ensure safe pregnancy. If a woman is Rh-negative and her partner is Rh-positive, the expert will examine further to prevent immune-related issues during pregnancy. So, discuss this with the doctor.
6. Vitamin D and B12 screening: Vitamin D and B12 screening shouldn’t be missed: Vitamin D and B12 deficiencies are common in women and can impact fertility, egg health, and fetal development. The expert will suggest supplements to deal with these deficiencies and stay healthy.
7. Blood sugar and HbA1c testing: Screening for diabetes or prediabetes is important before pregnancy, as uncontrolled blood sugar levels can increase the risk of miscarriage, congenital abnormalities, and pregnancy complications.

Health check-ups for men

1. Semen analysis is necessary for men: Helps to know the sperm count, movement, and quality. It helps determine whether sperm health is adequate for successful conception. Men don’t hesitate and get the semen analysis done on a priority basis.
2. Hormone tests: Hormone levels such as testosterone may be checked if there are concerns about fertility or low sperm production. Tests for follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and prolactin may also be recommended in certain cases.
3. Genetic Testing: Can be done to pick up any genetic factors or chromosomal abnormalities that may affect sperm quality. Carrier screening can help detect inherited genetic conditions such as thalassemia or cystic fibrosis that may be passed on to the baby.

Couples should follow the advice given by the doctor and take these tests for a smooth pregnancy.

Blockbuster drug Ozempic, known for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity, has a surprising side effect. A new study published in The Lancet Psychiatry showed that the GLP-1 receptor agonists might prevent worsening of depression and anxiety.

People with diabetes or obesity are generally more likely than the general population to suffer from depression and anxiety. It is because both diabetes and obesity increase the risk of mental ill-health, and vice versa.

The findings showed that people with diabetes using semaglutide had a substantial decrease in hospitalizations and sick leave due to mental illness, including less worsening of depression, anxiety, and self-harm.

“Our findings suggest that GLP-1 drugs, particularly semaglutide, might contribute to better mental health in people with diabetes and obesity, but since this was an observational study, controlled clinical trials are needed to confirm the results,” said Jari Tiihonen, specialist physician and professor at the Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet.

What Did The Study Find?

The research, led by an international team from Griffith University, the Karolinska Institutet, and the University of Eastern Finland, tracked Swedish national registers between 2009 and 2022.

It included 95,490 people, of which GLP-1 receptor agonists were used by 22,480 individuals during the follow-up period.

Semaglutide was associated with a decreased risk of worsening

• depression
• anxiety
• substance use disorder
• self-harm.

Patients using semaglutide experienced a 42 percent lower risk of hospitalization for mental health issues during periods of use, compared to periods when they were not taking the drug.

More specifically, the risk reduction was 44 per cent for sickness absence or hospital care due to depression, 38 per cent for anxiety disorders, and 47 per cent for substance use.

Also read: Can Weight Loss Jabs Surge Divorce Rates? What Experts Are Saying

The team also found some benefits with Liraglutide. The drug was associated with an 18 per cent lower risk of sickness absence and hospital care due to psychiatric reasons.

How Does Semaglutide Work?

Semaglutide works as a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics the GLP-1 hormone to regulate appetite and blood sugar. It slows gastric emptying and makes you feel fuller longer. It also signals the brain to reduce hunger and cravings, and triggers the pancreas to release insulin when blood sugar is high.

They work by increasing insulin release in a glucose-dependent manner, decreasing the liver's production of glucagon, and slowing down the emptying of the stomach, which helps lower blood sugar levels after a meal. They also act on the brain to suppress appetite and increase feelings of fullness, leading to reduced calorie intake.

Read More: Can Semaglutide Help Fight Cancer In The Brain?

In people with type 2 diabetes, notes Harvard Health, the body's cells are resistant to the effects of insulin and the body does not produce enough insulin, or both. This is when GLP-1 agonists stimulate the pancreas to release insulin and suppress the release of another hormone called glucagon.

These drugs also act in the brain to reduce hunger and act on the stomach to delay emptying, so you feel full for a longer time. These effects can lead to weight loss, which can be an important part of managing diabetes.