The top five deadliest drugs in the United States, including both illegal and prescription drugs, are as follows:
- Fentanyl: Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. It is responsible for a significant number of overdose deaths, as it is often mixed with other drugs such as heroin, cocaine, or counterfeit prescription pills, leading to unintentional ingestion and overdose.
- Heroin: Heroin is an illegal and highly addictive opioid drug derived from morphine. It has been a significant contributor to the opioid crisis in the United States and is responsible for a large number of overdose deaths.
- Methamphetamine: Methamphetamine, commonly known as meth, is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant. It can lead to numerous health issues, including heart attack, stroke, and long-term damage to the brain and body. Overdoses related to methamphetamine have been steadily increasing.
- Cocaine: Cocaine is an illegal stimulant drug that has been linked to a significant number of overdose deaths. Its use can lead to various health issues, such as heart attacks, seizures, and respiratory failure.
- Prescription opioids: This category includes drugs such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine. While these medications are prescribed for legitimate medical reasons, they have a high potential for abuse and addiction. Prescription opioid misuse and overdose have been major contributors to the opioid crisis in the United States.
It’s important to note that the specific rankings of these drugs may vary depending on the data source and time frame. However, these substances consistently rank among the deadliest drugs in the United States.
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