Top 10 of the most consumed drugs in Mexico

• April 23, 2024

According to National Survey of Addictions (ENA, 2015) , the consumption of illegal and medical drugs in the population has been increasing. Knowing more about these drugs is important so as not to fall into their 'clutches' and take care of your health.

1. Marijuana

It is the "illegal" drug preferred by users. The effects of smoking marijuana include lack of physical coordination, tachycardia, drowsiness and depression. The Foundation for a Drug Free World (FMLD) , notes that marijuana smoke contains about 70% more cancer-causing substances than tobacco smoke.

2. Cocaine

It is a stimulant of the nervous system, generates a strong addiction. The immediate effect of cocaine occurs in symptoms such as paranoia, anger and anxiety, the risks are: heart attack, respiratory failure and stroke, which can cause sudden death.

3. Inhalables

An increase of 1.4% was observed in 2002, to 2.4% in 2008. They cause irritation of the nasal and buccal mucosae. The National Council of Education for Life and Work (coneVyT) , organ of the Secretariat of Public Education (SEP), indicates that the immediate symptoms of this addiction can be anorexia, dizziness, sleep and changes in the perception of the environment. The most serious damages are blindness, cerebral infarction, memory loss and heart problems.

4. Alcohol

The prevalence of alcohol consumption at some time was 65.1%, 65.3% in men and 64% in women. The immediate effects of alcohol are euphoria and disinhibition, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and a sudden sense of well-being. Excessive alcohol consumption also causes permanent damage to the brain, which occurs as seizures and delusions, in addition to hindering the absorption of vitamins B, E, A, K and C.

5. Tobacco

The habit of smoking harms almost all the organs of the body. It has been linked to cataracts and pneumonia. Tobacco reduces life expectancy because it causes cancer of the lung, larynx, kidney, bladder, stomach, colon, oral cavity and esophagus.

6. Tranquilizers

They are medicines used to treat stress, anxiety and sleep aids. In the short term they generate isolation, fatigue, decrease the emotional reaction, and change the mood. In the long term, the use of tranquilizers generates changes in weight and appetite, difficulty in falling asleep, alteration of menstrual periods, and a strong need for their consumption.

7. Amphetamines

They are a type of drug, stimulant of the nervous system and that usually occurs in capsules or pills. It increases alertness and generates aggressive and violent behavior. Its consumption causes psychological damage, such as agitation, euphoria, momentary confidence and energy, and also physiological damages, such as tachycardia, insomnia, hypertension, sweating and digestive disorders. The most common is to generate loss of appetite.

8. Ecstasy

According to reports from the Secretary of Public Security (Ssp), in Mexico, around 400 kilograms of ecstasy are consumed every year. Unlike hallucinogens, this drug does not produce sensory disorders. Potentiates memory capacity, has antidepressant and analgesic effects, is used to "hold more". This drug contrary to what one might think can cause sudden death, as it leads to dehydration and brain damage.

9. Heroine

The immediate effects when using heroin are: dry mouth, reddish skin and heaviness of the body and produces alterations of the central nervous system. The use of this drug may include spontaneous abortion, venous collapse and infectious diseases due to the use of syringes, which may include hepatitis and HIV / AIDS.

10. LSD

It is a highly hallucinogenic drug, and contains chemicals that alter mood. Causes damage to the central nervous system. The hallucinogenic effects can last up to 12 hours, which causes greater sensitivity. It can be a cause of death, schizophrenia and paranoia, who consumes it is constantly distressed.

In short, Ministry of Health (Ssa) , indicates that Mexico is facing a major public health problem. This problem requires programs and actions that promote a healthy lifestyle. It is important to have special attention in the group of adolescents and women, since the surveys show a marked tendency to increase their consumption of drugs.