In today's society there are many dangers, many of which can be avoided and many that cannot be avoided. Such unavoidable dangers are what keeps everyone alert on a daily basis, even though accidents are inevitable, the best way to mitigate such things is to expect the unexpected, the very reason for so many precautionary measures such as seat belts in cars, anti-poisons in medicine , fire prevention sprinklers in each building and specially designed facilities in the building in case of natural disaster. One danger, however, that is almost impossible to control or mitigate is recreational drug use. In 2010, the leading cause of death in the United States was drug abuse, which caused the deaths of approximately 38,329 people, of which 22,134 were related to the misuse of prescription drugs. But it doesn't stop there because overdose deaths have increased steadily since 1992, with a whopping 102% increase from 1992 to 2010. Recreational drugs are difficult to regulate because there are so many different types of drugs, so many ways to administer them. consuming them, and many of these drugs are used for medical purposes but are then abused to dangerous levels making them lethal. There are 10 different categories that medications fall into; Tobacco products, alcohol, cannabinoids, opioids, stimulants, club drugs, dissociative drugs (which make you feel separate from people), hallucinogens, other compounds, and prescription drugs. Some drugs are more common than others such as cocaine, marijuana, LSD, methamphetamines, ecstasy and heroin, all household names in the drug field. However, there are many other less infamous drugs that most people have never heard of, but are still a problem in our... middle of paper... or ingesting these drugs? The problem is not the drugs but the individual who uses and abuses them. Amyl nitrite, while not as well known as many others, is an abused drug and a drug that has caused self-inflicted harm to people who take it. Signs that a person is taking amyl nitrite include acting like they are drunk, being really nervous and too relaxed. The short-term effects of the drug are speech disturbances, euphoria, nausea, fainting, stupor, rapid heartbeat, anoxia, smooth muscle relaxation, lowering of blood pressure, headache, vasodilation, myocardial sensitization and hallucinations. The long-term effects of amyl nitrite could involve the following; muscle weakness, disorientation, lack of coordination, irritability, depression, serious and sometimes irreversible damage to the heart, liver, kidneys, lungs and brain, decreased memory impairment.