People in California who end up facing criminal charges may ultimately be struggling with a more serious underlying problem. Substance abuse is one of these problems that has been known to contribute to criminal activity as people who are addicted to drugs may engage in behaviors that are risky, illegal or potentially both in order to feed their addictions.
According to the American Addiction Centers, a National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that more than 21 million people in the United States aged 12 and older struggled with some form of substance addiction in 2014 alone. Multiple news headlines in the last few years have highlighted the growing problem of drug abuse and addiction around the country. This problem seems to know no bounds in terms of demographics as people of all races and classes may be affected.
According to a report by CNN, some of the most addictive substances include things that are completely legal, including alcohol and nicotine. Even a class of drug called barbituates is highly addictive and these drugs are commonly prescribed by doctors to help people manage their anxiety or address sleep problems. The thought that a person might be legally using a drug but could still end up charged with a crime that in some way is associated with that drug use is something many people are not aware of.
Heroin and cocaine are two of the most addictive drugs that are illegal in all cases. Methamphetamine is another illegal drug known to be highly addictive.