What Is Addiction And How Does It Work
So basically, our human brain is filled with a lot of hormones. They are directly connected to the reactions of an individual. One such powerful hormone exists within the human brain and is still considered one of the most significant. It is called Dopamine. Dopamine is the pleasure hormone due to its ability to induce a person to do something. It brings out the sense of reward within a person for completing such a thing. Dopamine levels of an individual tend to get higher when a person is rewarded for the work he has completed. But a persons dopamine levels can also be bought to a higher state by another method.
Youve guessed it right. Drug Abuse. The brains reward system is compromised here. The levels of Dopamine can be increased artificially by the usage of drugs. This pleasure induces a person to do it again. Soon after this, the person gets into a state of numbness and a feel to do it again. This will lead to the repetition of the behavior, which is also called addiction. During this state, the person loses his sense of reality and control. Such substance addiction will always tend to cause chaos. When someone is addicted, the person may continue using the drug despite the harm it causes.
Most Addictive Drug: Cocaine
Cocaine is a highly addictive, habit-forming drug that is considered by many to be the most addictive drug. This is especially true for veterans. In 2018, more than 235,000 veterans , reported using cocaine in the past year.
Cocaine is a stimulant drug that creates an intense high that can be felt within minutes of use. It is most commonly used by snorting or sniffing the powder, although it can also be smoked or injected. Someone who uses cocaine may feel increased levels of energy, excitement, and alertness. This is because cocaine floods the brain with dopamine, creating a short-lived, extreme high.
Crack cocaine is a modified type of cocaine that is thought to be even more addictive than its powdered counterpart. Crack cocaine is a crystallized version of powdered cocaine that is made by mixing powdered cocaine with things like baking soda and heating it until it becomes solid. This process results in what many refer to as the most pure form of cocaine possible.
Due to its readily available status, crack cocaine is thought to be a top contender for the most addictive drug found on the streets.
The Most Addictive Street Drugs
People may experiment with substances obtained illegally on the streets, just to see what effect they might have, or because of social pressure. Often users are seeking an experience of euphoria, relaxation, or an ability to escape from reality for a short period of time and may be surprised at how quickly compulsive behavior sets in or how difficult it is to discontinue the habitual use of a particular substance.
Dependence can happen quickly when some substances are used. The most addictive street drugs include:
- Heroin. A highly addictive drug made from morphine that reduces pain and increases pleasure. The habitual use of heroin causes the user to crave more of it and to experience a lot of discomfort if they try to stop.
- Cocaine/Crack Cocaine. A stimulant drug that can be snorted, smoked, or injected. Cocaine floods the brain with dopamine, an experience users want to repeat or maintain.
- Crystal Meth. A man-made stimulant, the use of which can quickly lead to addiction. Addiction to meth is one of the hardest forms of addiction to treat.
You May Like: Is My Husband Addicted To Porn
Methamphetamine: A Most Intense High
Methamphetamine is a powerful stimulant that floods the brain with dopamine when snorted, smoked, injected, or ingested. But just as powerful as the high is the crash.
People who use methamphetamine regularly can develop hallucinations and paranoia. Among the most addictive substances, people who get hooked on meth can forget to care for themselves and eventually just about drop out of life. They can lose everything as the spiral into despair and loneliness.
Some people who use meth stay up for days at a time and do not eat, leading to dehydration and other health problems. People who consume too much methamphetamine are at risk of a racing heart, known as tachycardia, and even heart attack.
The longer a person waits to get into recovery from meth, the more addicted they become to the drug. Meth use can lead to extreme psychosis as well as personal and legal problems.
The Five Most Addictive Substances In The World
What are the most addictive drugs? This question seems simple, but the answer depends on whom you ask.
From the points of view of different researchers, the potential for a drug to be addictive can be judged in terms of the harm it causes, the street value of the drug, the extent to which the drug activates the brains dopamine system, how pleasurable people report the drug to be, the degree to which the drug causes withdrawal symptoms, and how easily a person trying the drug will become hooked.
There are other facets to measuring the addictive potential of a drug, too, and there are even researchers who argue that no drug is always addictive. Given the varied view of researchers, then, one way of ranking addictive drugs is to ask expert panels.
In 2007, David Nutt and his colleagues asked addiction experts to do exactly that with some interesting findings.
Read Also: How Do People Get Addicted
Drug Abuse Among Demographics
Statistics indicate that some demographics and communities face elevated risks of drug abuse and drug disorders.
- Persons previously abusing drugs and recently released from prison are at the highest risk for overdose as their tolerance to the drug has dropped while being incarcerated.
- Club drugs such as ecstasy, meth, cocaine, ketamine, LSD, and GHB are primarily used in higher-income settings by young people.
- Among lower-income users, the most commonly used drugs are inhalants such as paint thinner, gasoline, paint, correction fluid and glue.
- 6.3 million LGBT+ adults had a substance or mental abuse disorder or both.
- 7% of LGBT+ adults struggled with illegal drugs.
- 2% of LGBT+ adults struggled with alcohol abuse.
- 8% struggled with both illegal drugs and alcohol abuse.
- 3% indicated a serious mental illness.
Alcohol Is One Of The Most Addictive Drugs
Related Reading
Dependence
Although the typical view of cocaine is that its very addictive, its dependence level is not as high as either nicotine or heroin. Even though people do experience a euphoric rush from this drug, fewer will actually develop an addiction. Relapse rates are also significantly lower due to an easier withdrawal and less intense cravings. However, these rates tend to be higher for the cheaper cocaine derivative known as crack cocaine.
Withdrawal
Intensity of withdrawal symptoms for cocaine is considered to be the lowest out of all four drugs discussed here. In fact, there are often no observable physical symptoms associated with cocaine withdrawal. Instead, victims tend to experience simple fatigue, malaise, depression, agitation, restlessness, and a general slowing of activity. Cravings can still be very intense during the worst of the withdrawal, but chronic users often quit because the high has started to produce unpleasant effects.
Tolerance
Surprisingly, tolerance to cocaine is also lower on the spectrum than heroin, nicotine, or alcohol. This is likely why its dependence level is not as high as expected, as tolerance and addiction are closely linked.
Reinforcement
Intoxication
The cocaine high is not as noticeable as heroin or alcohol intoxication. It often gives people a serious boost of energy and may cause them to become very active and talkative. They may actually appear to simply be in a very good mood.
Don’t Miss: How Long Does It Take To Become Addicted To Opioids
How Can You Actually Measure An Addiction
One cannot measure the exact point of addiction, to be precise. But based on some aspects and through a method called the Addiction severity index, we can determine the power of that specific drug to influence a person. Some of such aspects are How pleasurable the usage of such a drug can actually be and to what extent the drug can alter the person mentally and physically. With these aspects help, let us look at the most addictive drug addition available in the world currently.
Most Addictive Drugs #3 Methamphetamines
Methamphetamine, also known as crystal meth, is an addictive stimulant drug belonging to the class of drugs known as amphetamines. Crystal meth users will smoke, snort, or inject the drug. Crystal meth provides a short, intense high that leads to euphoria, a rush of energy, and a boost in confidence.
Many argue that crystal meth is the most addictive drug in the world since crystal meth is three times as powerful as cocaine. The effects of meth occur rapidly, but also fade quickly leading people to repeatedly binge on this drug and stay awake for hours or days on end.
Similar to cocaine, meth also increases dopamine in the central nervous system. Many of the most addictive drugs are so addictive because of the strong rush of dopamine they cause in the brain. Crystal meth releases more dopamine in the brain than any other drug, which causes meth to be one of the most addictive drugs.
Also Check: Is Binge Drinking An Addiction
Drug Abuse Among States
Nearly 70% of law enforcement agencies in the western and midwestern areas of the United States view methamphetamine and fentanyl as the greatest threats to their populations.
- West Virginia has the nations highest rate of overdose deaths at 51.5 deaths per 100,000 people.
- Delaware, with 43.8 deaths per 100,000 people.
- Pennsylvania, with 36.1 deaths per 100,000 people.
- Ohio, with 35.9 deaths per 100,000 people.
Also Check: How To Get Rid Of Fast Food Addiction
How Do Addictive Drugs Work
All addictive drugs affect chemicals and minute structures in the brain that control our ability to feel pleasure and perceive pain. What makes one drug more addictive than the other lies in how powerfully it affects these neurochemicals and how rapidly and thoroughly the drug physically changes the brain. A persons unique biochemistry and genetic heritage also play a large role in determining how vulnerable a person is to any addictive drug.
Addictive drugs either suppress pain, cause euphoria, or as in the case of the opioids, do both simultaneously. They also produce tolerance and habituation that is, it takes an ever-increasing amount of the drug to reach the same levels of euphoria that a smaller initial dose initially delivered. Most addictive drugs also cause a withdrawal syndrome when theyre discontinued.
Don’t Miss: How To Cure Sexual Addiction
Prevalence Of Substance Use Disorders
Over 2% of the world population has an alcohol or illicit drug addiction
How common is alcohol or drug addiction?
In the map here we see the share of the population with a substance use disorder. Globally, just over 2% of the world were dependent on alcohol or an illicit drug.
In some countries its even more common. In the USA and several countries in Eastern Europe, more than 1-in-20 were dependent. In the USA, this was dominated by illicit drug dependence, whereas alcoholism was much more common in Russia and Eastern Europe.
Alcohol and drug addiction is more common in men
How does the prevalence of substance use disorders alcohol and illicit drug addiction vary between men and women?
In this visualization we show this comparison: the share of men with a substance use disorder is shown on the y-axis the share of women on the x-axis. The grey line represents parity: countries which lie along this line have equal prevalence in men and women. In countries which lie above the line, substance use disorders is more common in men.
Globally, alcohol or drug dependence was twice as common in men as in women: in 2016, 2.4% of men were dependent, versus 1.2% in women. Since all countries lie above the grey line, dependency is more common in men across the world.
Alcohol use vs. drug use disorders
Do countries with high rates of alcoholism also have high rates of other drug use disorders? Or does a high prevalence in one mean a low prevalence in the other?
What Makes Heroin Addictive
Heroin is a depressant drug, meaning the user experiences an intense rush of euphoria followed by an intense state of relaxation for a few hours. This state can be so intense that the user may even forget to breathe.
The chemical structure of heroin is quite similar to our natural endorphins. Heroin stimulates the receptors in our brains responsible for these endorphins so much that they become worn out.
Donât Miss: How To Deal With Husband Addiction
Recommended Reading: What Is The Most Addictive Illegal Drug
Deaths From Substance Use
Substance use is indirectly and directly responsible for 11.8 million deaths each year
How many people die from substance use each year?To answer this, we need to define two aspects: what substances i.e. drugs do we include in this definition and what do we mean by a death caused by substance use does this include only direct deaths or also the increased risk of premature death from moderate, long-term drug use?
The Global Burden of Disease is a major global study on the causes and risk factors for death and disease published in the medical journal The Lancet.2,3
The Global Burden of Disease study identifies and provides estimates for substance use deaths through both pathways. The first is a direct death from a substance use disorder. A substance use disorder is characterized by meeting the criteria for drug dependence as defined by the World Health Organizations International Classification of Diseases .4 Alcohol dependence or illicit drug dependence are included in substance use disorders deaths from these disorders can be considered drug overdoses, with the terms being used interchangeably in the study literature.5
In the visualization we summarize the results of the Global Burden of Disease study on the number of deaths attributed to substance use: this is differentiated between indirect deaths as a risk factor from smoking, alcohol and illicit drug use and direct deaths from substance use disorders of alcohol and illicit drugs .
Arizona Alcohol And Drug Treatment Programs: What To Expect During Rehab
People who are addicted to most of the drugs mentioned above should seriously consider getting professional treatment when they are ready to quit. But this can make some people nervous especially if they have never been through any type of rehab before. It can help to know what to expect before making the commitment.
Recommended Reading: How To Deal With An Addict Husband
Drug Addiction Treatment In Central Florida
Habit-forming drugs can be extremely difficult to quit using, especially when they have been used for an extended period of time. Thankfully, addiction treatment is proven to help, even for people who are dependent on some of the most addictive drugs. At the Blackberry Center in St. Cloud, Florida, our qualified staff is no stranger to addiction. We understand that not all addictions are created equal, thats why we take an individualized approach towards recovery.
Along with medical detox, our patients have access to many different treatment options, all of which can be tailored to their exact needs. Some of those treatments include:
Underlying Causes Of Addiction
Addiction almost always has one or more underlying causes. The most common underlying causes of addiction include:
Chronic stress. Many people use drugs or alcohol to reduce stress. People who suffer from chronic stress related to family dysfunction, financial problems, a demanding job, a medical illness, or another source may engage in heavy substance abuse, which can lead to addiction.
A history of trauma. Survivors of trauma, including physical and sexual abuse, are likely to use drugs or alcohol in an attempt to reduce fear and anxiety, suppress difficult memories, and cope with insomnia and nightmares that may follow a traumatic event. Post-traumatic stress disorder, which often occurs following a trauma, is a common risk factor for substance abuse and addiction.
Family dysfunction. Unhealthy relationships and a dysfunction household can lead to substance abuse and addiction, especially in cases of abusive relationships. Family dysfunction and the chronic stress that comes with it are another important risk factor for substance abuse.
Also Check: My Husband Is Addicted To Video Games
Read Also: How Many Drug Addicts Relapse After Rehab
In 2016 The Most Dangerous Drugs Were Ranked From Most Deadly To Least Include:
- Methamphetamine
Its worth noting that state and federal seizures of all the above drugs have shown fentanyl is very often mixed in with them to increase their potency and, in effect, their deadliness.
Whats important in a conversation about the most addictive drugs versus the most dangerous drugs is not to lose sight of the utter destruction that drug addiction can leave in its wake.
A person in the throes of alcoholism or heroin addiction is no doubt more concerned with the day-to-day struggle of the disease theyre battling.
Addiction is a treatable disease and getting people the treatment they need and deserve should be a top priority for communities around the country.
The Six Most Addictive Drugs & Their Side Effects
There are millions of individuals in the United States who suffer from substance use disorder. A study done by the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics on general drug use showed that 31.9 million of the population over the age of 12 currently use illegal drugs, and that 20.3 million people admitted to having a substance use disorder in 2018.
Substance use disorder can lead to overdoses and death, and the study indicates over 700,000 individuals have died from an overdose since 2000. Although President Obama proposed bills to address the opioid and heroin use epidemic, fully addressing and preventing substance misuse begins with knowledge.
Read Also: How To Stop Computer Addiction
