It’s no secret that substance abuse is one of the biggest problems facing society. In fact, there are currently nearly 20 million Americans facing the challenges of drug addiction.
Addiction is a disease that doesn’t discriminate. It doesn’t care who you are or where you come from. No matter your age or socio-economic background, you’re simply not immune.
When you think of the types of drugs that cause addiction, there might only be two or three you’re actually familiar with. Yet there are more than you might imagine.
This article takes a look at the most addictive drugs. Keep reading to discover insight into the world of highly addictive drugs so that you will have a better understanding of what to avoid.
Nicotine
Let’s start with one you might not have expected to find on this list. Ask anyone who’s unable to give up smoking what their experience with nicotine has been like, and they likely won’t give you a positive response.
Believe it or not, nicotine is every bit as addictive as crack cocaine and actually more addictive than crystal meth.
Crystal Meth
Speaking of crystal meth, this is a drug with the potential to destroy nearly every life it touches.
This is an alternative form of methamphetamine that literally teaches your brain to crave it. Once smoked, it stimulates the specific areas of your brain that produce norepinephrine and dopamine, thus resulting in an intensely focused state and increased energy.
Alcohol
You probably know more than a few alcoholics. Many of them are likely currently in recovery or resisting the need to seek help for their addiction.
When you drink alcohol, your body released high levels of dopamine and endorphins, which increases happiness while reducing general anxiety.
Withdrawal symptoms from quitting alcohol can be extremely painful, and in severe cases can even result in death.
Crack Cocaine
Crack is a form of cocaine that’s typically smoked rather than snorted. Smoking this substance produces feelings of happiness and excitement. But once it wears off, you’ll experience extreme depression, anger, and anxiety.
Here is a resource for understanding the symptoms of drug withdrawal.
Barbiturates
This is a depressant that was once very popular for treating anxiety and other mental disorders and is still sometimes used for the treatment of epilepsy. The experience of withdrawing from barbiturates is very similar to that of alcohol.
Benzodiazepines
Benzos have more or less replaced barbiturates in the treatment of anxiety. This type of drug produces a calming sensation, along with increased overall mental stability.
They are also extremely addictive, and withdrawal symptoms often include intense anxiety and panic attacks.
Heroin
Heroin is incredibly addictive due to the nature of how it impacts the mind and body. It binds with the opioid receptors in your mind and stimulates pleasure by releasing dopamine to a degree that far surpasses the way your body is naturally able to on its own.
A Guide to Some of the Most Addictive Drugs
Addiction is a game no one wants to play. After all, it’s a game without winners. This guide to the most addictive drugs provides insight into how these drugs destroy people’s lives.
Keep scrolling to discover more helpful tips and advice for improving your quality of life.