“Drugs and your body can have a toxic relationship when they are used inappropriately!

Drugs change you from the inside out. They damage your organs and affect your mental health. In the wrong combination or in the wrong dose, they can even be deadly.

That goes for certain prescription drugs, too. Misusing prescription medications — like Adderall®, Vicodin®, and Xanax® — can lead to lasting problems like addiction.

Not to mention leaving you vulnerable to an overdose.

Every year, millions of fake pills (also called counterfeit pills) are made to look like real prescription drugs you get from your doctor.¹  Fake pills often contain fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine.²  It only takes a tiny amount to cause a fatal overdose. In 2024, 5 out of 10 pills tested contained a potentially deadly dose of fentanyl.³”

Center for Disease Control and Prevention – CDC (The Truth About Drugs: What You Need to Know Now | CDC)

“What Is the Worst Drug? introduces viewers to the dangers of fentanyl and the staggering mortality rates of nicotine and alcohol use.

For starters, that is a very complicated question because like, it depends on what kind of worst are you thinking about. And alcohol and nicotine are the most pervasive used drugs and because of that they also are accountable for a lot of deaths and also health issues because of prolonged use of these drugs or binge-like use of alcohol. And right now, in the US we have a very dangerous drug that is fentanyl that is a synthetic opioid that has been mixed into other drugs and is contaminating meth, coke, heroin and fentanyl is very potent and it can cause death.

1. Fentanyl is 50x more potent than heroin and when misused the consequences can be fatal.  Know this is commonly used in OR where there is cardiac rhythm monitors and a RN watching the pt closely with maybe 3 more patients; possible less.   That is how dangerous the drug is!  Fentanyl earns the top spot on this list due to it being the most addictive, most powerful, and most deadly. This fully synthetic opioid is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and is currently the number one cause of overdose fatality in the United States. Because of its strength, even a minuscule amount of fentanyl can cause a fatal overdose in an individual who has built up opioid tolerance. One kilogram of fentanyl has the potential to kill 500,000 people.

Drugs like methamphetamine and fentanyl are extremely dangerous for an individual who’s using them, but other substances are more dangerous for the population at large because so many people use these substances, and they can have dangerous effects. So, one example of that is nicotine. Smoking causes nearly 500, 000 related deaths a year which is a pretty staggering mortality rate. Alcohol is also used by many people and it can result in health problems, it can result in overdose death, it can also cause people to be in hazardous situations, to get into car accidents as a result of impaired driving. So, at a population level, since it’s much more used it is one of the worst substances.

2. Heroin is a central nervous system depressant and semi-synthetic opiate made from the drug morphine. When used, heroin suppresses breathing and reduces heart rate to dangerously low levels. As a depressant, this opioid is the source of many fatal overdoses and has largely contributed to the ongoing opioid epidemic.

As one of the most dangerous drugs on the planet, heroin may cause breathing cessation, heart infection, liver disease, collapsed veins, and death.The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports drug overdose deaths involving heroin rose from 1,960 in 1999 to 15,469 in 2016.

Any medication you take illegal and for a high especially through your vein is addictive!

3.  Cocaineis a highly addictive stimulant that comes in powder form. When abused, the drug negatively impacts central nervous system functions and can cause stroke, cardiac arrhythmia, cardiac arrest, convulsions, and death. In 2017, drug overdose deaths involving cocaine increased by more than 34%, with almost 14,000 Americans dying from an overdose involving cocaine.

B. Crack cocaine is a form of powdered cocaine that has been chemically manipulated and hardened into a crystalline rock. Being a cheaper alternative to cocaine, crack is widely abused and extremely addictive. In 2016, there were an estimated 432,000 current crack users in the United States alone. The substance acts as a stimulant and causes irreversible bodily damage when abused.

Regardless of how much of the drug is used or how frequently, crack cocaine raises the danger of a heart attack, stroke, seizure, or respiratory failure, all of which can result in sudden death. In addition to the standard risks associated with cocaine use, crack users may experience serious respiratory troubles, including coughing, shortness of breath, lung damage, and bleeding. The heart, liver, and kidneys of long-term users of crack cocaine are severely harmed and users are more likely to be afflicted with infectious illnesses.

4. Methamphetamine  is typically referred to as “meth”, this stimulant ranks within the top five most addictive, illicit drugs in the world. When used, meth produces a rush of euphoria, increased alertness, increased energy, and feelings of invincibility. Long-term meth use can lead to high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke, in addition to harming your liver and kidneys. Meth can also cause your brain to permanently lose dopamine, which impairs memory, speech, and other mental functions.

Psychotic problems such as mood swings, paranoia, delusions, hallucinations, and violent and aggressive behavior are also likely to arise with prolonged meth use. Even after you have stopped using meth, you may continue to experience memory loss, confusion, and insomnia for months or years. According to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, methamphetamine was the second-largest contributor to overdose deaths in the United States between May 2019 and May 2020.

5. Oxycodone is an extremely potent opioid prescription drug. It is often available in combination with other analgesics such as aspirin or acetaminophen. Due to it being twice as potent as morphine, oxycodone is highly addictive and life-threatening when abused. As stated in the CDC’s National Vital Statistics Report, oxycodone use ranked first in overdose deaths in 2011 with 5,587 overdose fatalities that year.   It is legal by prescription only.

Oxycodone is commonly used in the hospital for pain.

6. Benzodiazepines  They are a class of prescription drugs used to treat various anxiety and sleep disorders. According to data collected by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the number of adults filling a benzodiazepine prescription increased 67%, from 8.1 million to 13.5 million between 1996 and 2013. Due to the sedative quality of benzos, they are at high risk for abuse and addiction. Although overdose fatalities from benzodiazepines are not common, the prescription drug is very dangerous when combined with other addictive substances such as alcohol or opioids.

The Rise of Drug Use for Adults Ages 26-49

While young adults ages 18-25 have the highest rates of drug use across the board, drug use among adults ages 26-49 is on the rise:

• The percentage of adults age 26 and older using marijuana daily or almost daily has nearly doubled since 2015.
• Cocaine use and death rates have risen; cocaine-involved overdose rates in the U.S. have risen annually since 2012.
• Meth use is on the rise and overdose death rates climbed more than five-fold for those ages 25 to 54 between 2011 and 2018.
• The nation remains in a prescription and illicit opioids crisis, as 81,230 drug overdose deaths occurred in the U.S.—the highest single year ever reported—in the 12 months ending in May 2020; most of the overdose deaths involved a prescription or illicit opioid.”

Center for Disease Control and Prevention – CDC/March 07, 2025

(Cannabis Facts and Stats | Cannabis and Public Health | CDC)

Key Statistics at a Glance with Alcohol misuse:

• 40–60% of individuals treated for substance use disorders will relapse at least once.
• Over 93% of people with a past-year substance use disorder did not receive specialty treatment.
• The cost of alcohol misuse in the U.S. is about $249 billion annually – one of the highest among all substances.
• American Indian/Alaska Native communities experience a 27.6% past-year substance use disorder rate – significantly above the national average.

Age-Stratified Usage Rates

Understanding the distribution of substance use by age helps target prevention and early intervention efforts where they can be most effective.

• Teens (12–17)
  • Alcohol use in the past month is relatively low, at roughly 9–10%.
  • Marijuana use during the past year hovers near 10%.
  • Inhalant misuse remains one of the earliest experiments, with average first use around age 13.
• Young Adults (18–25)
  • Over 50% report alcohol use in the past month – this group has the highest binge drinking rates.
  • About 34–39% have used illicit drugs in the past year, including marijuana, prescription misuse, cocaine, or hallucinogens.
  • Tobacco or nicotine product use often spikes here (24–25% in some surveys).
• Adults (26+)
  • Alcohol use remains substantial (around half of adults drink monthly), though binge and heavy drinking rates drop relative to the 18–25 cohort.
  • Illicit drug use, outside of marijuana, tends to decrease with age.

“Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), also known as brittle bone disease, is a rare genetic disorder characterized by fragile bones that fracture easily, often with little or no trauma. It results from defects in type I collagen production or quality.

Global prevalence

• The condition occurs in about 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 20,000 births worldwide biologyinsights.com+2.
• This translates to an estimated ~72,400 prevalent cases globally in recent years DelveInsight.

U.S. prevalence

• In the United States, the number of people living with OI is estimated at 25,000 to 50,000 biologyinsights.com+2.
• This range reflects challenges in diagnosing milder forms, which may go undetected.
• In 2023, U.S. prevalence data showed roughly 15,000 Type I, 3,300 Type II, 1,500 Type III, 2,800 Type IV, and ~4,800 “others” cases DelveInsight.

Incidence

• The incidence rate (new cases per year) is about 1 in 15,000 to 1 in 20,000 births worldwide biologyinsights.com+1.
• This rate is similar for both severe and milder forms of OI, as milder cases may not be diagnosed until later in life.

In summary, OI is a rare but significant genetic disorder, with ~72,000 people worldwide and ~25,000–50,000 in the U.S. living with the condition at any given time.”

Biology Insights (Osteogenesis Imperfecta Statistics: Prevalence and Types – Biology Insights)

How is osteogenesis imperfecta diagnosed in a child?

Your baby’s healthcare provider will ask questions about your baby’s medical history, your family and pregnancy history, and your baby’s current symptoms. He or she will examine your baby, looking for signs and symptoms of OI. The milder forms of OI may be difficult to diagnose in a baby.

Your baby’s healthcare provider may refer you to specialists with experience in diagnosing and treating OI. For example, your baby may be referred to a specialist in genetic conditions (geneticist) or in bone disorders (orthopedist).

Your baby’s healthcare provider or the specialists may recommend the following diagnostic tests:

• X-rays. These may show many changes such as weak or deformed bones and fractures.
• Lab tests. Blood, saliva, and skin may be checked. The tests may include gene testing.
• Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry scan (DXA or DEXA scan). A scan of the bones to check for softening.
• Bone biopsy. A sample of the hipbone is checked. This test requires sleep medicine (general anesthesia).

How is osteogenesis imperfecta treated in a child?

Your child’s healthcare provider will figure out the best treatment based on:

• How old your child is
• Your child’s overall health and medical history
• How sick your child is
• How well your child handles certain medicines, treatments, or therapies
• If your child’s condition is expected to get worse
• Your opinion and preference

The main goal of treatment is to prevent deformities and fractures. And, once your child gets older, to allow him or her to function as independently as possible. Treatments for preventing or correcting symptoms may include:

• Bisphosphonate medicines. These are medicines that help to strengthen bones and prevent fractures. They may be used in most types of OI. They may be given by mouth or by IV (intravenous line) into a vein.
• Care of fractures. The lightest possible materials are used to cast fractured bones. To prevent further problems, it is recommended that a child begin moving or using the affected area as soon as possible.
• Orthopedic treatment. May include bracing and splinting. Surgery may also be needed.
• Rodding. Metal rods are inserted to help hold in place (stabilize) and prevent deformities of long bones.
• Dental procedures. Treatments, including capping teeth, braces, and surgery may be needed.
• Physical and occupational therapy. Both are very important in babies and children with OI.
• Assistive devices. Wheelchairs and other custom-made equipment may be needed as babies get older.

What are the possible complications of osteogenesis imperfecta in a child?

Complications may affect most body systems in a baby or child with OI. The risk of developing complications depends on the type and severity of your baby’s OI. Complications may include the following:

• Respiratory infections, such as pneumonia
• Heart problems such as poor heart valve function
• Kidney stones
• Joint problems
• Hearing loss
• Eye conditions and vision loss

How can I help my child live with osteogenesis imperfecta?

OI is a lifelong condition. Managing it may include the following:

• Avoiding fractures. If your baby has medium to severe OI, he or she needs to be picked up, diapered, and dressed very carefully. His or her position should be changed throughout the day. As your baby gets older, it will be important to help him or her avoid injuries. A physical or occupational therapist, as well as other healthcare providers, can help.
• Avoiding infection. Your baby may be more likely to get colds and other respiratory infections. And he or she may get sicker with an infection. Make sure your baby has all of his vaccines (immunizations). During cold and flu season, stay away from crowds. Make sure that you wash your hands well. As your child gets older, teach him or her to do the same.
• Dealing with pain. Fractures and deformities can be very painful. Talk with your baby’s healthcare provider about pain medicine or other ways to lessen pain.
• Dealing with challenges. As your child gets older, he or she may have emotional and physical challenges.
• Regular medical and dental checkups. Your baby will need regular checkups and tests. These include eye and dental exams.
• Weight management. When your child gets older he or she may gain weight because of the decreased physical activity.

“Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a genetic or heritable disease in which bones fracture (break) easily, often with no obvious cause or minimal injury. OI is also known as brittle bone disease, and the symptoms can range from mild with only a few fractures to severe with many medical complications.

For most people, a change or defect in the genes that carry the instructions for making type I collagen causes OI.  Type I collagen is a material in bones that helps make them strong. The defect in the genes causes the body to make collagen incorrectly or not make enough, leading to weak bones that break more easily. There is no way to prevent the disease.”

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disorders (Osteogenesis Imperfecta Symptoms, Types, & Causes | NIAMS)

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is an inherited (genetic) bone disorder that is present at birth. It is also known as brittle bone disease. A child born with OI may have soft bones that break (fracture) easily, bones that are not formed normally, and other problems. Signs and symptoms may range from mild to severe.

There are at least 8 different types of the disease. The types vary greatly, both within and between types. They are based on the type of inheritance (see below), and signs and symptoms. These include findings on X-rays and other imaging tests. The OI types are as follows:

• Type I. Mildest and most common type. About 50% of all affected children have this type. There are few fractures and deformities
• Type II. Most severe type. A baby has very short arms and legs, a small chest, and soft skull. He or she may be born with fractured bones. He or she may also have a low birth weight and lungs that are not well developed. A baby with type II OI usually dies within weeks of birth
• Type III. Most severe type in babies who don’t die as newborns. At birth, a baby may have slightly shorter arms and legs than normal and arm, leg, and rib fractures. A baby may also have a larger than normal head, a triangle-shaped face, a deformed chest and spine, and breathing and swallowing problems. These symptoms are different in each baby.
• Type IV. Symptoms are between mild and severe. A baby with type IV may be diagnosed at birth. He or she may not have any fractures until crawling or walking. The bones of the arms and legs may not be straight. He or she may not grow normally.
• Type V. Similar to type IV. Symptoms may be medium to severe. It is common to have enlarged thickened areas (hypertrophic calluses) in the areas where large bones are fractured
• Type VI. Very rare. Symptoms are medium. Similar to type IV.
• Type VII. May be like type IV or type II. It is common to have shorter than normal height. Also common to have shorter than normal upper arm and thighbones.
• Type VIII. Similar to types II and III. Very soft bones and severe growth problems.

What causes osteogenesis imperfecta in a child?

OI is passed on through the genes. The different types are passed on in different ways. The gene may be inherited from one or both parents. Or the gene can be passed on from an unexplained change (spontaneous mutation) of a gene.

Most babies with OI have a defect of one of two genes. These genes help in forming collagen. Collagen is a main part of connective tissue that connects and supports the whole body, including the bones. Because of the defect, there is not enough collagen. Or the collagen is abnormal.

What are the symptoms of osteogenesis imperfecta in a child?

The symptoms of OI vary greatly within and between types. Symptoms of OI include:

• Easily broken bones
• Bone deformities, such as bowing of the legs
• Discoloration of the white of the eye (sclera), may be blue or gray in color
• A barrel-shaped chest
• A curved spine
• A triangle-shaped face
• Loose joints
• Muscle weakness
• Skin that easily bruises
• Hearing loss in early adulthood
• Soft, discolored teeth

The symptoms of osteogenesis imperfecta may look like other medical conditions. Always see your child’s healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

“What your liver functions are:

• Your liver is essential to your life. It is the largest internal organ, and gland, in the body. It is about the size of a football and weighs up to 4 pounds. It is located on your right side, just under your rib cage.

• The liver performs more than 500 functions, many vital, including filtering toxins from your blood, managing blood clotting, making bile to digest fat, storing and controlling blood sugar for energy (glucose/glycogen), making protein for blood plasma, storing your body’s iron, creating proteins, eliminating old and damaged red blood cells, and helping fight off infections.

With Liver Disease:

• Liver disease is also called hepatic disease. There are many kinds of liver diseases and conditions, the most common are hepatitis virus infections, metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) which is formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), immune system abnormalities, inherited (genetic) conditions, cancer, damage from alcohol and substance use disorders, and others. There are more than 100 types of liver disease, most of which are in groups of subtypes.”

American Liver Foundation (Liver Functionality)

Liver disease is also referred to Hepatic Disease. Liver Disease is a term that is used when there is any disturbance of the liver function that causes illness. It is a broad term to describe when more than 75% or three quarters of liver tissue needed is affected and decreased function in the liver occurs. The number one cause of liver disease is alcohol abuse in North America. They can cause liver inflammation, referred to as alcoholic hepatitis. Other causes include Cirrhosis, Cholestasis, Steatosis, Hepatitis, Viruses, Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver, Hemachromatosis, Wilson’s Disease and Gilbert’s Disease.

Causes: Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is when the liver cells are replaced by permanent scar tissue as a result of chronic liver disease. It is considered the late-stage of liver disease. Cirrhosis is common among chronic alcohol abuse users where the fat accumulation occurs in the liver cells and causes scar tissue. Cholestasis is when the bile flow is obstructed from the gallbladder or duodenum. Steatosis is the term used when cholesterol and triglycerides accumulate in the liver.

Causes: Hepatitis

Hepatitis is a term used to describe the inflammation on liver cells. They can become inflamed due to infection.

There are many forms of Hepatitis:

Hepatitis A (Hep A) is a viral infection primarily spread through the fecal-oral route when small amounts of infected fecal matter are ingested. An acute inflammation of the liver occurs but there is a way to prevent this type of infection. There is a vaccine available and the best way to help prevent it is by a good hand washing.

Hepatitis B (Hep B) is spread by exposure to body fluids and can cause an acute infection. If left untreated, it can progress into a chronic inflammation and on into cirrhosis. There is also a vaccine for this form of hepatitis. Typically, the vaccine contains both Hep A and B in a combination series of doses.

Hepatitis C (Hep C) is caused by a virus different from Hep A or Hep B. It can either be “acute” or “chronic” and is primarily spread through contact with the blood of an infected person. The most common way is by sharing needles or other equipment to inject drugs. Before 1992, Hepatitis C was also commonly spread through blood transfusions and organ transplants which led to the start of a widespread screening of blood supplies. Another way it can be transmitted is through being born to a mother who has it. There are less common ways to contract Hepatitis C, and that’s through sharing personal care items that may have come into contact with another person’s blood (razors, toothbrushes), or having unprotected sex with a infected person. Some people are at an increased risk for Hepatitis C. Those individuals include: Children born to mothers infected with this Hep C; current injection drug users (most common way Hepatitis C is spread in the US), past injection drug users, recipients of donated blood (blood products and organs), hemodialysis patients who spent many years on dialysis for kidney failure, people who received body piercings or tattoos done with non-sterile instruments, & people with known exposure to Hepatitis C like Health care workers or recipients of blood or organs from a donor who tested positive.

Hepatitis D (Hep D) is known as “delta hepatitis” can also be “acute” or “chronic” but is uncommon in the United States. It requires the Hepatitis B virus to survive. It is transmitted through sexual contact with infected blood or blood products. There is also no vaccine available for this virus. Hepatitis E (Hep E) is caused by Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) virus. It is transmitted mainly through the fecal-oral route due to fecal contaminated drinking water.

Causes: NAFLD

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the build up of extra fat in liver cells that is not caused by alcohol. It is normal for the liver to contain some fat. liver’s weight is fat, then it NAFLD tends to develop in people who are overweight or obese or have diabetes, high cholesterol or high triglycerides. Rapid weight loss and poor eating habits also may lead to NAFLD. However, some people develop NAFLD even if they do not have any risk factors. NAFLD affects up to 25% of people in the United States. However, if more than 5% up to 10% of the liver’s weight is fat then the liver is called a fatty liver called steatosis.  Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver (NAFL) describes the accumulation of fat within the liver that can cause an inflammation and a gradual decrease in function.

 Those at risk for NAFLD? NAFLD tends to develop in people who are overweight or obese or have diabetes, high cholesterol or high triglycerides. Rapid weight loss and poor eating habits also may lead to NAFLD. However, some people develop NAFLD even if they do not have any risk factors. NAFLD affects up to 25% of people in the United States.

RISKS NAFLD may cause the liver to swell (steatohepatitis). A swollen liver may cause scarring (cirrhosis) over time and may even lead to liver cancer or liver failure.

SYMPTOMS NAFLD often has no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they may include fatigue, weakness, weight loss, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain, spider-like blood vessels, yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), itching, fluid build up and swelling of the legs (edema) and abdomen (ascites), and mental confusion.

DIAGNOSIS NAFLD is initially suspected if blood tests show high levels of liver enzymes. However, other liver diseases are first ruled out through additional tests. Often, an ultrasound is used to confirm the NAFLD diagnosis.

“The HF Stats 2025: Heart Failure Epidemiology and Outcomes Statistics provides an update to past HF Stats reports and reveals that the lifetime risk of HF has increased to 24%, while the cost of this debilitating condition in the United States continues to soar.

Heart failure (HF) was a contributing cause in 425,147 deaths, accounting for 45% of cardiovascular deaths in the U.S. in 2022. HF mortality rates have been increasing since 2012, with a more pronounced acceleration in 2020-2021. The age-adjusted HF mortality rates were higher in 2021 than in 1999, highlighting an urgent need for improved HF prevention, implementation of guideline-directed therapies, and further research.

Black, American Indian, and Alaska Native individuals have the highest all-cause age-adjusted HF mortality rates compared with other racial and ethnic groups. From 2010 to 2020, HF mortality rates increased for Black individuals at a rate higher than any other racial or ethnic group, particularly for individuals below the age of 65.

Approximately 6.7 million Americans over 20 years of age have HF, and the prevalence is expected to rise to 8.7 million in 2030, 10.3 million in 2040, and 11.4 million by 2050.

The lifetime risk of HF has increased to 24%; approximately 1 in 4 individuals will develop HF in their lifetime. ”

Heart Failure Society of America -HFSA (Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA) Scientific Statement: Update on Device Based Therapies in Heart Failure)