Unlike the vast majority of states in America, where marijuana is seen to be one of the most widely-used drugs, it is methamphetamine which is seen to be an 'extreme threat', according to the Office of National Drug Control Policy. With drugs like Ecstasy commonly used among teenagers and young adults when they are socialising, it is these three drugs which remain the key problems for the authorities who are in Kentucky.

 Surprisingly, drugs like heroin are relatively limited in supply and resultantly do not pose nearly as much as a risk as it does in other neighbouring states. So - what are the main side effects over long periods of time of these 'big three' drugs in Kentucky which are Ecstasy, marijuana and methamphetamine?

Methamphetamine. When a person remains addicted to methamphetamine for a long period of time, there can be a long list of side effects which can go on to provide health problems which can remain permanent. This is why getting treatment for a dependency as soon as possible can be important to prevent lasting damage to the body. Unfortunately - one of the worst implications that methamphetamine provides is mental disturbance, with insomnia, delusions and other traits like depression and violence common in those who have a dependency on the drug for a long period of time. As an addict becomes more and more dependent on methamphetamine, the injections can become more frequent and can even replace food and drink - an implication which can only worsen the side effects of the drug which were mentioned earlier.

Marijuana. Unfortunately, scientists and medical experts are still trying to establish all of the effects that marijuana can have on those who abuse the drug for prolonged periods of time, which can mean that addicts who do not seek medical attention for their dependency are running a great risk. So far, it has been established that marijuana can provide worse health effects than usual cigarettes can, with those who are dependent on marijuana reporting to have respiratory problems more than those who consume tobacco. Because of the fact that drugs like marijuana can be a lot stronger than usual tobacco, some even fear that cancer can be a possibility in addicts - regardless of whether they smoke less than those who are nicotine-dependent.

Ecstasy. The consumption of Ecstasy can be regarded as extremely risky, because of the fact that each and every pill can contain different toxic ingredients, dependent on where in the world the drug has been sourced. Whilst all trades of Ecstasy in Kentucky are illegal, some are exceptionally dodgy and don't even contain any of the ingredients that result in users getting the high that Ecstasy provides - with tranquilisers and powder from dog-worming tablets unfortunately common in some drugs. One of the risks that teenagers and young adults take when they consume Ecstasy is the fact that they do not know whether or not the drug could spark a serious illness because of the way it gives users high blood pressure. For example, those with heart problems and diabetes can be exceptionally vulnerable to serious illness if they consume an Ecstasy tablet.

If you are watching a family member or a close friend spiral out of control, you need to act now to ensure that they do not have to endure any of the side effects which have been mentioned here. Going through rehabilitation is never easy, but it can be the only way to ensure that a person can have a chance to change their lives and to get back on track: physically and mentally.