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DRUGS COMMONLY ABUSED AROUND THE WORLD 

 

DANIEL JAMES TALI, Ph.D. 

GINDIRI THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA 

talidaniel@ymail.com 

 

ABSTRACT 

Drugs are actually meant to be used for medical purposes, in amounts and quantities that are 

harmless to the user, in methods and procedures that are harmless to the user. However, reverse 

is the case in different parts and countries of the world. The goal of this study is to find out the 

meaning of drug abuse, to investigate the theories of drug abuse and to examine the types of 

drugs that are commonly abused around the world. The data for this research were collected 

from books, journals, dictionaries and encyclopedias, among others which were sourced from 

the internet and libraries. The data were analyzed through the discussion and descriptive 

methods, among others. The study found out that the drugs that are commonly abused around 

the world include alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, heroin, opium, valium, methadone, morphine, 

percocet, amphetamines, vicodin, pemoline, sedatives, hallucinogens, crystal 

methamphetamine, xanax, oxycotin and inhalants. The study recommends that governments of 

different countries should have a way of checking to detect the abuse of drugs so as to prevent 

it, viable laws that would help to check mate the menace of drug abuse should be established 

and governments of different countries should punish culprits of drug abuse so as to deter them 

and discourage others from getting involved, among others. 

Keywords: Drugs, Abuse, World 

.  

INTRODUCTION 

Drug abuse has a long history around the world. Its origin in relations to man can be traced to 

the origin of man on earth and its origin in relations to the countries of the world can be traced 

to the establishment of the different countries. The problem of drug abuse is common to almost 

all parts and countries of the world. However, the problem varies from one part of the world to 

the other and from one country to the other. This problem can be found in developed countries, 

in developing countries and in underdeveloped countries. It is a common problem among 

African countries, Asian countries, European countries, North American countries and South 

American countries, among others (Peacock et al 2017; Oshodi, Aina and Onajole 2010; Abudu 

2008; UNODC 2011; World Health Organization 2022; World Population Review 2022). The 

main focus of this study is to investigate the types of drugs commonly abused around the world. 

 

 



 
 

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CONCEPTUAL CLARIFICATION 

In this section, the following terms including drug, abuse and drug abuse are clarified.  

Drug: Drug refers to an illegal substance such as Marijuana or Cocaine which is usually taken 

to bring happiness, relaxation and excitement or a medicine or a substance for making medicine 

or a substance that sports people take illegally to improve their performance (Summers 483). 

In addition, it refers to an illegal substance that people smoke and inject, among others in order 

to give them pleasure or exciting feelings or a substance use as medicine or use in medicine 

(Hornby 2000). Also, it refers to any chemical substance that has an effect on the body or mind, 

by modifying one or more of the terms (Onah 1982). Furthermore, it refers to any chemical 

substance which when taken into the body it affects the functions of the body (Matowo 3). 

Abuse: Abuse refers to the use of something in a way it should not be used or the act of using 

something for wrong purpose (Summers 6). In addition, it is the act of misusing something or 

the act of using something improperly or injuriously (Read 7). Also, it refers to the use of 

something in a way that is wrong or harmful (Hornby 2000) 

Drug Abuse: Drug abuse is the excessive or inappropriate use of a drug by a person where 

such use is considered or judged to be illegal by the culture and also resulting in harm to the 

person or society (Onah 1982). In addition, it refers to the drugs that are used mainly by self-

medication in a manner that deviates from approved medical or social patterns (Aka and 

Akunyili 2003). Also, it refers to the excessive use of drugs or the use of drugs for non-medical 

purpose or the use of drugs in amounts that are harmful to the individual or others or the use of 

drugs in methods which are harmful to the individual or others (Samson 2022). Also, it refers 

to the usage of any drug for any other purpose other than the recommended one or the excessive 

illegal drug use and/ or legal drug use without a doctor’s prescription or a state of reduced 

sensitivity of a drug to the body at given regular (normal) dose or a harmful or hazardous use 

of psychoactive substances including alcohol and other illicit drugs to stimulate behavior 

(Matowo 3). 

 

THEORIES OF DRUG ABUSE 

In this section, four theories of drug abuse will be discussed as seen below. 

1. Socio-cultural Theory of Drug Abuse 

The first theory on this list is the socio-cultural theory of drug abuse. The theory argues that 

drug abuse is usually influenced by socio-cultural values of the people. For example, in Nigeria 

today, there are cultures that permit the consumption of substances and drugs like alcohol and 

marijuana and on the other hand, there are still cultures that forbid them. For instance, the 

cultures of many ethnic groups in North-Central like Taroh, Goemai, Ngas and Berom, among 

others support the use of alcohol as part of daily food and as special drink in their cultural 

activities. Similarly, in the Southern, Eastern and Western part of the country, there are also 

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ethnic groups like Edo, Ijaw, Igbo, Ibibio, Urhobo, Itesekiri and Yoruba that use alcohol in 

cultural activities. On the other hand, most ethnic groups found in the North-East and North-

West usually forbid the taking of alcohol on a personal basis and also during cultural activities 

(Anderson 1998; Begun 2000).  

2. Personality Theory of Drug Abuse 

The second theory on this list is the personal theory of drug abuse. The theory argues that drug 

abuse is usually promoted by certain qualities of characteristics as found in some individuals. 

Such personality characteristics include delaying satisfaction, low tolerance for frustration, 

poor coping ability and low self esteem, poor impulse control and high emotional dependence 

on other people. The people with these types of personality quality characteristics are usually 

vulnerable to drug abuse (Anderson 1998; Begun 2000). 

3. Biological Theory of Drug Abuse 

The third theory on this list is the biological theory of drug abuse. The theory argues that 

individuals that are usually vulnerable to drug abuse are usually influenced by their biological 

nature. By implication, the biological or genetic make-up of a person is usually responsible for 

his vulnerability to drug abuse and addiction (Anderson 1998; Begun 2000). 

4. Learning Theory of Drug Abuse 

The fourth theory on this list is the learning theory of drug abuse. The theory argues that 

individuals are usually influenced into drug abuse through learning. By implication, nobody is 

born with the attitude of drug abuse but the attitude is later learnt peers and friend who are 

already victims. The learning could be by the means of instrumental learning, conditional 

learning, or social learning (Anderson 1998; Begun 2000). 

 

COMMONLY ABUSED DRUGS AROUND THE WORLD 

In this section, the researcher will discuss the commonly abused drugs aroung the world 

including alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, heroin, opium, valium, methadone, morphine, percocet, 

amphetamines, vicodin, pemoline, sedatives, hallucinogens, crystal methamphetamine, xanax, 

oxycotin and inhalants. 

 

1.  Alcohol  

Alcohol is one of the commonly abused substances or drugs in the society. It is a drug whose 

consumption is deemed to be legal by most societies, especially the African society. The drug 

is not considered to be very harmful or at least less dangerous. In view of this, it is consumed 

daily in Africa and even forming part of the African daily drinks and special drinks during 

traditional festivals. Examples of this drug on a general note include ethyl, methyl, prophyl, 

butyl and amyl. Alcohol is most often viewed as a depressant, although it can be a stimulant 



 
 

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and for some it is a hallucinogen. Alcoholism is usually considered to be a disease which can 

usually be treated as an illness. For example, in 1957, the American Medical Association 

(AMA) affirmed that alcoholism is a disease. It should be noted that alcoholism is a state of 

abusing alcohol or a state where drinking of alcohol becomes a priority and takes one’s time 

and interest above and over almost everything. Alcoholism is usually promoted by a couple of 

factors including peer influence, death of a loved one, trouble, unemployment, dismissal from 

work, betrayal, retirement and family problem, among others (Chinedu 2007; Matowo 2013; 

Ongwae 2016; Brecher 1972; Brunn and Rexed 1975; Ebie and Pela 2000; Royce 1989; 

Volkow 2018). 

2. Marijuana 

Marijuana is a drug which is commonly referred to as cannabis. The scientific name for this 

drug is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This drug is gotten from a plant called “cannabis sativa”. 

The plant has been used for centuries, primarily for its euphoric effects and is one of the leading 

drugs abused, especially by the youths. The origin of this drug in the United States of America 

(USA) can be traced to the 1920s. It is a dangerous and addictive drug which has devastating 

effects on its users. It is one of the most commonly used illicit drugs with about 14 million 

users who are 12 years and above. The reason for its wide usage is that the product is 

indigenous, cheap and effective mood changer (Chinedu 2007; Matowo 2013; Ongwae 2016; 

Brecher 1972; Brunn and Rexed 1975; Ebie and Pela 2000; Aka and Akunyili 2003; Nkonge 

2017). 

3. Cocaine 

Cocaine is a tropane alkaloid and stimulant drug which is usually obtained primarily from the 

leaves of two coca species found in South America Countries including Peru, Chile, Columbia 

and Bolivia, among others. The two coca species include Erythroxylum coca and Erythroxylum 

Novogranatense. It is a drug usually used as a recreational drug and euphoriant. When the rug 

is extracted from coca leaves, it is then processed into cocaine hydrochloride (powdered 

cocaine). Cocaine powder is usually white in colour. In regards to its consumption, it is done 

by chewing the leaf of the cocoa plant, inhaling the power, smoking the rock and injecting the 

liquid. Cocaine is a byproduct of the resin of cocoa plant. Cocaine is abused when used in a 

wrong way. It is done by mixing the raw cocaine powder with sodium bicarbonate in a 

particular proportion. The mixture is poured into a conical flask with distilled water and heated 

over an unseen burner and the rock formed is then used by the addicts. They take it by 

combining it with other drugs. The powdery substance is injected or snorted by the addicts. 

Snorting is the process of inhaling cocaine powder through the nose, where it is absorbed into 

the bloodstream, smoking involves inhaling cocaine vapour or smoke into the lungs where 

absorption into the bloodstream is as rapid as by injection while injection, is the use of a needle 

to release the drug directly into the bloodstream. These three methods of cocaine usage can 

lead to addiction and other severe health problems (Chinedu 2007; Matowo 2013; Ongwae 

2016; Brecher 1972; Brunn and Rexed 1975; Ebie and Pela 2000; Eze and Omeje 1999). 

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4. Heroin 

Heroin which can also be referred to as diacetylmorphine, diamorphine, acetomorphine, 

morphine diacetate and acetylated morphine is an opioid drug made from morphine. Its popular 

street names include China White, Smack, Big H, Balck Tar, Chiva, Skag, Junk, Brown Sugar, 

Skunk, White Horse and Thunder. Morphine is a natural substance taken from the seed pod of 

various opium poppy plants commonly grown in Asia, Mexico and Colombia, among others. 

Heroin can be found in white, brown and black colours. In regards to its consumption, it is 

done through injection, sniffing, snorting, swallowing, licking and smoking. Sometimes, 

Heroin is mixed with crack cocaine which is a practice commonly refers to as “speedballing”. 

It is the misuse of the prescription of opioid that usually leads to Heroin. This drug is generally 

considered to be illegal. Heroin can be white or brown in colour. The brown heroin is obtained 

through the purification of opium and that brown substance is due to the dirt contained in the 

substance. At the end of the purification, the white heroin is gotten. The brown powder can be 

mixed with cigarette. Heroin is one of the worst drugs as it causes damages severely more than 

other drugs both physically and mentally (Chinedu 2007; Matowo 2013; Ongwae 2016; 

Brecher 1972; Brunn and Rexed 1975; Ebie and Pela 2000; Eze and Omeje 1999).  

5. Opium 

Opium is a dried latex obtained from the seed capsules of opium poppy or from the juice of 

opium poppy (Papaver Somniferum). It should be noted that about 12% of opium are made up 

of the alnagetic alkaloid morphine which is usually processed chemically to produce Heroine 

and other synthetic opioids for medical use and for illegal drug trade. The origin of this drug 

can be traced to Asia Minor, Spain, France and Africa, among others. Similarly, the main 

producers today include Afganistan, Myanmar, Colombia, Laos, Mexico, India, Paksitan, 

Thailand, Turkey, China and Austrialia, among others. The retailing price as at 2002 is $16,000 

per kilogram. In regards to its consumption, it is done through licking, swallowing and drinking 

in tea. Opium is usually abuse on the grounds that it is good for pain relief. The abuse begins 

when the patient starts taking the medication on his own term, more frequently than what his 

doctor has recommended. In addition, the abuse is also done for recreational purposes (Chinedu 

2007; Matowo 2013; Ongwae 2016; Brecher 1972; Brunn and Rexed 1975; Ebie and Pela 

2000; Eze and Omeje 1999; Eunice 2009). 

6. Valium 

Valium is a drug that is commonly referred to as Diazepam. It is a drug that belongs to the 

family of drugs called “Benzodiazepine” which serves as an anxielytic. The drug is usually 

taken orally by mixed with small liquid or soft food and measured with a special measuring 

instrument or spoon. This drug can be abused when it is used indiscriminately without the 

advice or prescription of the doctor (Chinedu 2007; Matowo 2013; Ongwae 2016; Brecher 

1972; Brunn and Rexed 1975; Ebie and Pela 2000; Hollister 1995). 

 



 
 

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7. Methadone 

Methadone can also be referred to as Dolophine and Methadose. It is synthetic opioid agonist 

used for chronic pain and also for opioid dependence. Although, it is a legal drug that has been 

legalized since in 1947 but it has been highly abused. The abuse comes when it is taken 

incorrectly or against the prescribed directives of doctors. In view of this, the drug should be 

administered by a specialist or an expert. However, because the drug is rampant, it becomes 

one of the fastest addiction drugs in world (Chinedu 2007; Matowo 2013; Ongwae 2016; 

Brecher 1972; Brunn and Rexed 1975; Ebie and Pela 2000; Barber 1967). 

8. Morphine 

Morphine is a pain relieving drug of the opiate family which is naturally found in opium. It is 

actually a dark brown resin found in Papaver Somniferum or poppies. The drug is usually 

administered through injection, inhalation and drinking. By implication, this drug can be found 

in liquid form, tablet form and rock form. However, taken the drug is supposed to be prescribed 

and administered by a doctor. On the contrary, when it is taken indiscriminately for habitual 

purpose and recreational purpose without the prescription of the doctor, it amounts to abuse 

(Chinedu 2007; Matowo 2013; Ongwae 2016; Brecher 1972; Brunn and Rexed 1975; Ebie and 

Pela 2000; Walter 1974).  

9. Percocet 

Percocet can also be referred to as Oxycodone/Paracetamol, this drug is primarily used for 

relieving pains. This drug is actually a combination of the opioid oxycodone with paracetamol. 

It is a narcotic drug prescribed to patients by doctors for the management of mild to moderate 

post-operative pain. The drug can be found in liquid form, tablet form or powder form. This 

drug was ranked as the 59th most commonly prescribed and used drug in the United States of 

America in 2019 with over 11 million prescriptions and users. The medication which is a 

mixture of oxycodone and acetaminophen is part of the opioid family of drugs and as such it is 

highly addictive. Percocet is supposed to be taken under the strict prescription of a doctor. 

However, when a patient takes it indiscriminately without following the directives of a doctor, 

it amounts to abuse. The drug can be chewed, sniffed, drank or swallowed (Chinedu 2007; 

Matowo 2013; Ongwae 2016; Brecher 1972; Brunn and Rexed 1975; Ebie and Pela 2000; 

Laver 1978). 

10. Amphetamines 

Amphetamines are synthetic stimulant drugs which help the brain to work actively. They can 

be taken orally in form of tablets and inform of injection through the vein. The injection is 

effective than the tablet because tablet takes time to dissolve. They can both be legal and illegal 

depending on who prescribes them and how they are used. Under normal condition, their use 

is supposed to be under the strict prescription of a doctor. However, when they are 

indiscriminately used without the directives and prescription of a doctor, they amount to abuse 

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(Chinedu 2007; Matowo 2013; Ongwae 2016; Brecher 1972; Brunn and Rexed 1975; Ebie and 

Pela 2000). 

11. Vicodin 

Vicodin is a narcotic drug that can also be referred to as hydrocodone or acetaminophen. The 

drug is actually a combination of hydrocodone and paracetamol. It is used in treating moderate 

to severe pains. In regards to its consumption, it is basically taken through the mouth. Vicodin 

is abused when it is taken without the prescription from a doctor. It is also abused when the 

problem for which it was initially taken is no longer there. Sometimes, people abuse it 

intentionally while in other times, people abuse it unintentionally. The drug is initially take for 

pain relieve as prescribed by a doctor. When the sickness is gone, they start to have craving for 

the vicodin even when the sickness has been cured. This causes the addict to go to any length 

in order to get the drug without the prescription from the doctor. Although, the drug is very 

costly but addicts usually look for it to satisfy their desires by all means and at all cost (Chinedu 

2007; Matowo 2013; Ongwae 2016; Brecher 1972; Brunn and Rexed 1975; Ebie and Pela 

2000). 

12. Pemoline 

Pemoline is a stimulant drug basically used in the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity 

disorder and narcolepsy. In regards to its consumption, it is basically taken through the mouth. 

The drug is usually coated in white colour and it has the same size with panadol and 

paracetamol. It is not costly and because of its cheapness, it is being abused by many people. 

The abuse comes when it is indiscriminately taken without the directives and prescription of a 

doctor (Chinedu 2007; Matowo 2013; Machinaab 2018; Ongwae 2016; Brecher 1972; Brunn 

and Rexed 1975; Ebie and Pela 2000).   

13. Sedatives 

Sedative can also be referred to as tranquilizer. It is a substance that induces sedation by 

reducing irritability or excitement or anxiety. This group of drugs is related to hypnotics. Its 

workings are mostly in the Central Nervous System. These are drugs that are used to induce 

sleep or to cause relaxation. They are barbiturate, capable of producing psychological and 

physical dependence. The drug is supposed to be taken under the strict prescription of the 

doctor. However, when they are indiscriminately taken without the prescription and directives 

of a doctor, they amount to an abuse. It is being abused when taken more than what is prescribed 

or without the prescription of a doctor (Chinedu 2007; Matowo 2013; Ongwae 2016; Brecher 

1972; Brunn and Rexed 1975; Ebie and Pela 2000).  

14. Hallucinogens 

Hallucinogen is a group of drugs that alter perception, thoughts and feelings. The drug can 

basically be subdivided into two categories including classic hallucinogens and dissociative 

drugs. In regards to its consumption, it is taken through smoking, snorting and drinking. This 

drug affects people’s minds and makes them see things that are not real as if they are real. The 



 
 

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name of the drug “Hallucinogen” is derived from the word “hallucination” which basically 

means “figment of imagination”. Therefore, Hallucination is the fact of seeming to see or hear 

somebody or something that is not really there, especially because of illness or drugs. This drug 

makes one to hallucinate. Examples of the drug are mescaline, psilocybin, lysergic acid and 

diethylamide, among others (Chinedu 2007; Matowo 2013; Ongwae 2016; Brecher 1972; 

Brunn and Rexed 1975; Ebie and Pela 2000).   

15. Crystal Methamphetamine 

Methamphetamine can also be referred to as “Crystal meth”. It is basically a potent crystal 

nervous system stimulant that is essentially used as a recreational drug and also as a second-

line treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and obesity. It is a strong and highly 

addictive drug that usually affects the Central Nervous System. It is popularly known to be a 

party drug. The drug usually comes in crystal chunks or shiny blue-white rocks. In regards to 

its consumption, it is taken through smoking, snorting, swallowing and injecting. The abuse of 

this drug comes when it is not taken under the prescription and directives of doctors (Chinedu 

2007; Matowo 2013; Machinaab 2018; Ongwae 2016; Brecher 1972; Ebie and Pela 2000; 

Erikson 1980). 

16. Xanax 

Xanax can also be referred to as “Alprazolam”. It is a fast-acting tranquillizer of medium 

duration in the triazolobenzodiazepine class. This is actually a fusion between benzodiazepine 

and triazole-ring. The family class of this drug includes benzodiazepine, diazepam (Valium), 

Clonazepam (Klonopin), Lorazepam (Ativan), Oxazepam (Serax) and Flurazepam (Dalmane), 

among others. In regards to its consumption, it is basically done orally or by injection. This 

drug works by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain and Central Nervous System. It 

was approved in the United States of America in October 1981. The possibility of being xanax 

addict is extremely high, especially after two months of use as tolerance to the drug builds over 

this period of time (Chinedu 2007; Matowo 2013; Machinaab 2018; Ongwae 2016; Brecher 

1972; Brunn and Rexed 1975; Okafo 2000).  

17. Oxycotin 

Oxycotin can also be referred to as “Oxycodone or Roxicodone”. It is a semi-synthetic opioid 

drug used for the treatment of severe pain. This drug belongs to a family of drugs called “opioid 

analgesics”. It basically works in the brain to change how the body feels and respond to pains. 

In regards to its consumption, it is taken by swallowing the tablet as a whole and not breaking, 

crushing, chewing or dissolving it so as not to release the power of the drug at ones. However, 

the addicts do the contrary by crushing the tablet and injecting them with needle or snorting 

them to increase the effectiveness and to reduce the time taken to feel the hit of the drug and 

hence, the abuse. This drug is commonly used in the medical field to treat chronic and other 

ailments of patients like cancer (Chinedu 2007; Matowo 2013; Machinaab 2018; Ongwae 

2016; Brecher 1972; Brunn and Rexed 1975; Ebie and Pela 2000).   

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18. Inhalants 

Inhalants are substances that people inhale to get high. Although, there are many substances 

that people inhaled but not all of these substances can be referred to as “inhalant”. Example of 

substances that people inhaled that cannot be said to be inhalant include alcohol because they 

can also be used in other ways. This implies that inhalants are substances that can only be 

abused by inhaling. Some of the commonly abused inhaling substances include ammonia, 

bleach and glue, among others. These substances are basically inhaled by pouring or spraying 

into a plastic bag or a cloth etc and the fumes are inhaled. Intoxication starts after two or three 

deep breaths. With prolonged use, tolerance will increase and the addict will start to require 

more of these substances for use (Chinedu 2007; Matowo 2013; Machinaab 2018; Ongwae 

2016; Agha 2003).  

 

CONCLUSION 

Drug abuse is really a problem in different parts and countries of the world. The types, nature 

and quantity of drugs abused vary from one country to the other. However, the drugs and 

substances that are commonly abused in different parts and countries of the world include 

alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, heroin, opium, valium, methadone, morphine, percocet, 

amphetamines, vicodin, pemoline, sedatives, hallucinogens, crystal methamphetamine, xanax, 

oxycotin and inhalants. Some of these drugs are illegally produced, sold and consume while 

others are legally produced, sold but consume illegally.  

 

RECOMMENDATIONS 

1. Governments of different countries should have a way of checking to detect the early use 

of drugs so as to prevent it. 

2. Viable laws that would help to check mate the menace of drug abuse should be 

established. 

3. Governments of different countries should punish culprits of drug abuse so as to deter 

them and discourage others from getting involved. 

4. Religious and moral seminars, conferences and awareness should be created to teach in 

order to build good character in students by parents, guardians and religious leaders. 

 

  



 
 

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