In the past, there has been a lot of debate among different researchers on which drugs can be classified as the most addictive substances on the planet. Addiction is a self-defined by the compulsive substance, seeking behavior that comes along with it, a growing tolerance to the drug, and withdrawal symptoms that occur when the drug use has stopped. Although all drugs can be damaging both physically and psychologically, some drugs can lead to addiction sooner than others due to their potency and/or chemical makeup.
Why Are Some Drugs So Addictive?
The pleasure that a drug brings can be affected by how quickly the drug enters the system, the way it affects the pleasure centers of the brain, and the amount of dopamine released by the brain. Psychological dependence can happen as a result of this pleasure. A craving for the drug develops that can lead to repeated use.
Heroin
Heroin takes the number one spot as the most addictive drug on the planet. Heroin is derived from the opium poppy plant and is often snorted, smoked, or injected. The effects of heroin use are felt very quickly and include a pleasant rush of euphoria. This is the feeling that is sought after when it comes to heroin use and abuse. This drug causes the level of dopamine in the brain’s reward system to increase and is one key reason why it is so addictive as it binds itself to the opioid receptors in the user’s brain. Heroin is not only extremely addictive, but it is also extremely dangerous. When it comes to heroin and other opioids, they are so dangerous because overdose rates have skyrocketed in recent years. According to the National Institutes of Health:
2018 data shows that every day, 128 people in the United States die after overdosing on opioids.
Alcohol
Alcohol, including beer, wine, and liquor is also very addictive. When alcohol goes into the bloodstream, it leads to the brain where it increases the levels of norepinephrine. This is a feel-good chemical that heightens a state of arousal in a person. Around 18 million Americans have an alcohol abuse disorder. While this substance is legal, it sneaks into the lives of many people. Alcohol ranks fairly high when it comes to physical dependence and is ranked even higher for the chances of psychological dependence due to the intense cravings that are experienced.
Cocaine
Cocaine is a billion-dollar industry. It is estimated that up to 20 million people worldwide use cocaine. Cocaine derives from the coca leaf and falls second in the line for psychological dependence, the first spot being filled by methamphetamines. Cocaine comes in both powder form and a rock form, also known as crack cocaine, and is a more pure form of cocaine, and can be snorted, ingested, or smoked. Cocaine reacts with the levels of dopamine in the brain. This prevents the neurons in the brain from turning off the signals that create a “feel good” feeling. After cocaine reaches the brain, is causes a surging high feeling which is followed by a plummeting low feeling. Tolerance for cocaine builds very quickly with use and requires more and more to feel the same high they once felt.
Evoke Wellness at Cohasset – Drug Addiction Help
Drug or alcohol addiction of any kind can be dangerous and lead to severe medical issues over time and even death. If addiction is left untreated, the chances of fatality continuously increase. We focus on treating addiction with a combination of effective treatments, predominantly focusing on group and individual therapy. If you or someone you love has been struggling with opiate addiction, please feel free to give us a call today. We will discuss treatment options, and do our best to point you in the right direction. Now is the time to turn your life around. Let Evoke Wellness, MA help you do it.
