Do you know what separates the medical uses of addictive drugs from their potential for harm?
Once people start to use addictive drugs for reasons other than medical treatment, things can get dangerous fast. That’s why we’ve compiled this quick reference guide.
Keep on reading to learn more about what is the most addictive drug.
1. Heroin
What is the most addictive drug? Heroin is one of them. It is an opioid derived from the poppy plant that is usually injected, smoked, or snorted and produces a sense of euphoria, or “high”.
Heroin affects the brain’s reward system and floods the brain with neurotransmitters to the point where it produces effects similar to those of endorphins, nature’s pain reliever. Heroin also has a high rate of relapse due to its addictive nature.
2. Cocaine
Cocaine is one of the most addictive drugs as it works as a stimulant, quickly impacting the brain’s reward system and releasing large amounts of dopamine. Dopamine is the neurotransmitter responsible for feeling pleasure and motivation, which encourages people to continue using cocaine.
Furthermore, the effects of cocaine are short-lived, which causes users to binge on the drug in an attempt to sustain their high. This, in turn, leads to physical and psychological dependence, causing people to start using cocaine more and more frequently.
Additionally, individuals using cocaine may turn to crime in order to finance their addiction, as the drug can become very expensive over time.
3. Methamphetamines
They rapidly increase dopamine levels in the brain, leading to feelings of intense pleasure, and they provide intense stimulation and energy. The consequences of this intense high, however, can be devastating.
Furthermore, because of the strong physical and psychological addiction associated with methamphetamines, withdrawals can be very painful. In order to break an addiction to methamphetamines, a combination of group therapy and medication is often necessary.
4. Alcohol
It alters a person’s perception of reality and can cause serious physical and psychological damage over time. Alcohol is a depressant, which means it slows down the brain and the body while still providing a feeling of pleasure.
Additionally, excessive drinking leads to dependency, and withdrawal symptoms can include anxiety, tremors, irritability, and increased heart rate. Alcoholism affects both genders and all age groups, as many are unaware of their true addiction recovery until it’s too late.
5. Nicotine
Nicotine is one of the most addictive drugs around that imparts feelings of pleasure and relaxation. It is found in cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, as well as in some e-cigarettes.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is estimated in the United States alone that 22.1% of adults smoked cigarettes in 2009. Nicotine is one of the most powerful addictive drugs, and it is even more potent than cocaine and alcohol.
Learn What Is the Most Addictive Drug
Overall, drugs can be very addictive and dangerous. It is important to understand what is the most addictive drug, including tobacco, alcohol, cocaine, and heroin. Knowing the effects of these drugs can help in the fight against addiction.
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