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.

Vitamin deficiencies are often brushed aside as minor nutritional gaps. Many people assume they can be fixed later or ignored until something feels seriously wrong. According to Dr Prabhat Ranjan Sinha, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine at Aakash Healthcare, this casual attitude can be risky, especially when it comes to Vitamin D3 and Vitamin B12. Both nutrients play a central role in bone strength, nerve function, immunity, and energy levels. When their levels drop, the damage may build quietly and surface only when daily life starts to feel difficult.

Vitamin D3 and Vitamin B12 are essential for overall wellbeing. Their deficiency may not cause obvious symptoms at first, but over time they can affect how the body functions, how often a person falls sick, and how energetic or mentally sharp they feel.

Vitamin B12 And D3 Deficiencies: The Sunshine Vitamin And Why It Matters

Vitamin D3, often called the sunshine vitamin, is produced by the body when skin is exposed to sunlight. Along with calcium, it helps maintain strong bones and reduces the risk of fractures. Low levels of Vitamin D3 can weaken muscles, increase the risk of falls, and raise the chances of bone disorders such as osteoporosis. In children, severe deficiency can lead to rickets, a condition that affects normal bone growth.

Dr Sinha explains that Vitamin D3 does more than support bone health. It also plays a key role in immune function. People with low levels may fall sick more often and take longer to recover from infections. Research has also linked deficiency to higher levels of inflammation in the body.

Despite living in a country with abundant sunlight, Vitamin D3 deficiency is widespread. Urban lifestyles keep many people indoors for long hours. Regular use of sunscreen, limited outdoor activity, and aging all reduce the body’s ability to produce and absorb this vitamin. Diet alone rarely provides enough Vitamin D3, which is why deficiency remains common even among people who eat well.

Vitamin B12 And Its Silent Impact

Vitamin B12 is equally important but often overlooked. It is essential for nerve health, brain function, and the production of healthy red blood cells. Unlike some deficiencies that show early warning signs, B12 deficiency tends to develop slowly. Its symptoms are often mistaken for stress, aging, or routine fatigue.

Low Vitamin B12 levels can cause weakness, persistent tiredness, tingling or numbness in the hands and feet, memory problems, mood changes, and difficulty concentrating. Over time, untreated deficiency can lead to nerve damage and anemia.

Certain groups are at higher risk. Vegetarians and vegans often do not get enough B12 because it is mainly found in animal-based foods. Older adults may struggle to absorb B12 due to reduced stomach acid. People with digestive disorders and those taking long-term acid-reducing medications are also more vulnerable.

Why These Deficiencies Are Missed?

One of the biggest challenges with Vitamin D3 and B12 deficiencies is that their symptoms overlap with many common health complaints. Ongoing fatigue, joint pain, low mood, or frequent illness are often blamed on work stress, poor sleep, or lifestyle habits. As a result, people delay medical advice until symptoms start interfering with everyday life.

Dr Sinha notes that this delay can make recovery slower and complications more likely.

Vitamin B12 And D3 Deficiencies Diagnosis And Timely Care

Simple blood tests can accurately detect Vitamin D3 and B12 deficiencies. However, many people only get tested once symptoms become severe. Early diagnosis allows for timely treatment, which may include supplements, dietary changes, and lifestyle adjustments under medical guidance.

Addressing these deficiencies early is one of the simplest ways to protect long-term health. Adequate sunlight exposure, balanced nutrition, and routine screening can help maintain healthy levels. Taking Vitamin D3 and B12 deficiencies seriously is a small step that can prevent lasting health problems and support healthier aging.

As winter approaches, many people notice an increase in sinus- and ear-related issues. Symptoms such as nasal congestion, facial pressure, headaches, ear pain, and dizziness become more frequent during this season. According to Dr. Swapnil Brajpuriya, Associate Director & Head Unit II – ENT at Asian Hospital, the combination of cold air, low humidity, and sudden temperature changes are the main reasons why sinus and ear problems worsen in winter.

Why Does Cold Air Cause Sinus Blockage?

The sinuses are air-filled cavities within the facial bones that connect to the nose and play a key role in the breathing process. During winter, the cold, dry air dries out the nasal lining, causing the mucus to thicken. Thickened mucus slows down normal sinus drainage, leading to congestion and blockage.

Dr. Brajpuriya explains, “In winter, the nasal mucous membrane tends to dry out, preventing proper drainage of mucus from the sinuses. This leads to congestion and sinus blockage.”

The Link Between Ear Heaviness, Headache, and Dizziness

The sinuses and ears are connected via the Eustachian tube, which regulates pressure between the middle ear and the environment. When sinus inflammation or blockage occurs, it can create pressure in the ears, causing a feeling of fullness, reduced hearing, headaches, and sometimes dizziness.

“Sinus infections can block the Eustachian tube, causing pressure buildup inside the ear. This pressure is often responsible for the headaches and dizziness experienced by patients,” says Dr. Brajpuriya.

Why Are Infections More Common in Winter?

Winter months often mean spending more time indoors in closed, crowded spaces, which increases the risk of viral and bacterial infections spreading. Additionally, colder temperatures and seasonal changes can weaken the immune system, making common colds and flu more likely to develop into sinusitis or middle ear infections.

Dr. Brajpuriya adds, “If a cold or flu is not treated promptly, it can progress to a sinus or middle ear infection, particularly in children and the elderly.”

Who Should Be Extra Careful?

Certain groups are more susceptible to sinus and ear problems during winter. People with allergies, asthma, frequent colds, weak immunity, or pre-existing sinus conditions need to be extra vigilant. Smokers are also at higher risk, as smoke can irritate the nasal and sinus lining, exacerbating congestion and inflammation.

Sinus Treatment and Prevention Tips

To manage and prevent winter-related sinus and ear issues, Dr. Brajpuriya recommends the following precautions:

• Keep your nose and ears protected from cold air using scarves or masks.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to keep mucus thin.
• Minimise exposure to dust and allergens indoors.
• Seek medical advice if nasal congestion, ear pain, or dizziness persists for more than a few days.

He emphasizes, “Neglecting sinus and ear problems can lead to chronic infections. Timely treatment and proper care are essential to prevent complications.”

Cold air, dry weather, and viral or bacterial infections are the key factors behind the increase in sinus and ear problems during winter. With simple preventive measures, adequate hydration, protecting the nose and ears, and seeking early medical care, most people can manage these seasonal issues effectively and reduce the risk of complications.

A pharmacist has raised concerns for an estimated 4.8 million people in the UK who may be taking medicines such as diazepam or alprazolam. Fresh findings from Oxford Online Pharmacy suggest that one in five adults has obtained prescription-only drugs through illegal means. Anti-anxiety medicines top the list. Based on current population estimates, this could involve up to 4.8 million adults.

Another 10 percent of respondents said they had been offered medicines from unlicensed and unlawful sources, including online sellers, salons, corner shops, or even friends and family, although they chose not to take them.

As part of the study, a nationally representative group of UK adults was asked whether they had bought, received, or been offered medication from an unlicensed source. Among those who said yes, more than a third, around 35 percent, reported obtaining anti-anxiety medicines. These included selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and benzodiazepines such as Valium (diazepam) and Xanax (alprazolam), according to a report by the Mirror.

What Are Diazepam And Alprazolam Used For?

Diazepam, sold under the brand name Valium, and alprazolam, commonly known as Xanax, belong to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines. They work by calming activity in the brain and are mainly prescribed to manage anxiety. Diazepam is also used to treat seizures, muscle spasms, and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.

Alprazolam, on the other hand, is more commonly prescribed for panic disorder. Diazepam stays in the body for longer, which makes it useful in withdrawal treatment, while alprazolam acts more quickly and is often chosen for sudden panic symptoms. Both medicines slow down the central nervous system to ease anxiety, but because of their effects and differences in how long they last, they should only be used under close medical guidance, as per Medicine Net.

Diazepam And Alprazolam: Why Are Doctors Warning Against It?

Kiran Jones, a clinical pharmacist at Oxford Online Pharmacy, has issued a strong warning for anyone thinking about using, or already using, anti-anxiety medicines sourced from the black market. “Anxiety is the most common mental health condition worldwide. At any given time, around 4 to 5 percent of people are living with an anxiety disorder. With such high numbers, it is not surprising that there is a growing illegal market for anti-anxiety drugs alongside those prescribed by qualified healthcare professionals. However, this trend is deeply worrying,” Jones said.

She explained that some benzodiazepines bought illegally are made to look like genuine prescription medicines but are actually counterfeit. These fake pills may contain extremely dangerous or even fatal substances, including synthetic opioids such as fentanyl. There is also a significant risk of addiction with these medicines, especially when they are taken over long periods. Over time, the body can develop tolerance, meaning higher doses are needed to achieve the same effect, which can quickly lead to dependence.

According to doctors and NHS guidance, there are several red flags people should be aware of:

Medication Appearance

If you have previously taken anti-anxiety medication, you may notice differences in the size or shape of tablets compared to what you were originally prescribed. If you are unfamiliar with the medicine, it is important to check online what the genuine product should look like and what the usual dosages are. You might also spot spelling mistakes in the drug name, manufacturer details, or listed ingredients, as well as differences in packaging design.

As per Mirror, these are often clear warning signs of a fake product. Proper packaging should always be sealed. If it appears opened, tampered with, or simply seems off, you should not take the medicine.

Medication Quality

Genuine medicines are produced to a consistent standard and should look uniform. Tablets should not be cracked, unevenly coated, or crumble easily when touched. Any signs of mould inside blister packs or containers should be treated as a serious warning sign.

You Have To Pay In Cash Or Via Bank Transfer

Reputable pharmacies and healthcare providers use secure and traceable payment systems. Requests for cash payments or bank transfers are commonly used by illegal sellers to avoid being identified and to keep transactions untraceable.

This lack of traceability makes it much harder to report scams, track down sellers, or get help if something goes wrong. If you come across an online provider and are unsure whether it is legitimate, you should check whether it is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council before making any purchase. The UK government’s FakeMeds campaign also offers practical guidance on how to identify suspicious online sellers.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult a qualified doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, especially if you have an existing medical condition, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking other drugs.