Difficult, stressful, lonely, boring. These were some of the most common terms used by participants in the “Global Drug Survey (GDS) 2021” to describe almost a year of pandemic. Whether for fun or medical reasons, drugs They have been for many a way to cope with this period and today we show you the most consumed drugs during the pandemic.
According to the online survey conducted by the organization of the same name between December 2020 and March 2021. The alcohol was the drug used in the 12 months prior to the study, consumed by more than nine out of ten respondents during the pandemic.
What were the most consumed drugs during the pandemic?
It was followed by THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) cannabis, which, unlike CBD (cannabidiol), has psychoactive effects. The latter took the fourth place, used by almost 30% of adults surveyed, just behind cigarettes, with more than half of the participants.
While the use of legal drugs was favored, more than 15% of those surveyed ingested substances with psychedelic effects such as LSD and hallucinogenic mushrooms, whose consumption has been increasing in recent years according to this study.
In the case of Mexico, the most consumed drugs during the pandemic were:
1. MARIJUANA
It is the illegal drug preferred by users. The effects when smoking it they range from lack of physical coordination, to tachycardia, drowsiness or depression. Additionally, marijuana smoke contains about 70 percent more cancer-causing substances than tobacco smoke, as confirmed by the Foundation for a Drug-Free World (FMLD).
2. COCAINE
Cocaine is a stimulant of the nervous system and generates a strong addiction. Its immediate effect is presented in symptoms such as paranoia, anger or anxiety. Your biggest risks are heart attack or stroke, that can cause sudden death.
3. INHALANTS
Inhaled drugs increased from 1.4 percent in 2002 to 2.4 percent in 2008. These substances are the cause of irritation of the nasal and oral mucosa. The most serious damage caused by these drugs are blindness, stroke, memory loss and heart problems.
4. ALCOHOL
The immediate effects of alcohol are euphoria, disinhibition, and sudden feeling of well-being. Excessive alcohol use also causes permanent brain damage, presenting as seizures and delusions, as well as impairing the absorption of vitamins B, E, A, K, and C.
5. TOBACCO
Smoking harms almost every organ in the body and also causes aging. of the skin and is related direct with many types of cancer, such as lung or oral cavity, as published by the portal ‘salud180’.
6. TRANQUILIZERS
Medications used to treat stress, anxiety, or sleep fall into this category. In the short term they generate isolation, tiredness and decrease the emotional reaction. In the long term, they generate changes in weight, difficulties in falling asleep and alterations in menstrual periods.
7. AMPHETAMINES
It is a type of drug that stimulates the nervous system and is usually presented in capsules or pills. They increase alertness and generate aggressive and violent behavior. In addition, they usually cause loss of appetite.
8. ECSTASY
As reported by the Ministry of Public Security (SSP), in Mexico around 400 kilograms of ecstasy are consumed per year. This drug increases memory, has antidepressant effects and serves to increase physical endurance. However, it can cause sudden death as it leads to dehydration and brain damage.
9. HEROINE
The immediate effects of taking heroin are dry mouth, heaviness of the body and alterations of the central nervous system. In addition, the use of this drug can include spontaneous abortion, venous collapse and infectious diseases from sharing syringes.
10. LSD
It is a highly hallucinogenic drug and contains mood-altering chemicals. Hallucinogenic effects can last up to 12 hours, causing increased sensitivity. It can cause death, schizophrenia, and paranoia, and the user is constantly in anguish.
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