The Five Most Addictive Substances In The World
was written by Jamie P
on April 15, 2019
When you use an addictive substance, your dopamine system in the brain becomes activated. Each year, thousands of individuals become addicted to a variety of substances.
What are the five most addictive substances in the world?
The answer is not as simple as it seems.
There are a variety of things that must be considered when determining what can be considered the most addictive substances in the world.
These factors include:
We shall now reveal what we consider to be the five most addictive substances in the work.
To Assess The Danger Of Each Drug The Scientists Looked At Three Types Of Effects
The following ranking focuses on dependency. The researchers further broke this category down into three factors that determine how addictive something is.
1. Pleasure, the euphoria a user feels on the drug psychological dependence
2. The cravings a user experiences when the drug is withdrawn
3. Physical dependence, the headaches or other physical symptoms a user experiences when the drug is withdrawn
Why Drugs Are Addictive
Addiction tends to have a stigma since many associate this mental health disorder with crime, poverty, and lack of education. But drug use can cause physiological changes in the body that can affect ones physical, mental, and emotional health. Drugs and alcohol can alter the brains neurotransmitters responsible for controlling your mood, behavior, and normal bodily functions.
Each drug has its own unique chemical makeup that interferes with your body in different ways. For instance, barbiturates are sedatives that depress the central nervous system to trigger relaxation, while stimulants like crystal meth increase norepinephrine to heighten energy levels and alertness. The chemical reactions these drugs have on your body increase the risk for physical dependency and psychological addiction.
Most highly addictive drugs interfere with the brains reward system specifically dopamine to influence users to repeat drug use in an effort to experience pleasure, relaxation, euphoria, and an overall sense of reward. Those who suffer from addiction tend to neglect important life responsibilities in favor of obtaining and using drugs and alcohol. Addiction can cause its victims to hurt their loved ones, suffer financial losses, and develop serious health problems, among other issues.
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Top 10 Addictions In Modern Society
We feel that it is very important to make a list of the most influential and significant addictions that damage lives in modern society.
Each community has its own norms, standards, stigmas and levels of what is acceptable and what is not, so this list of the top 10 addictions in modern society is in general and changes from country to country.
However, information about the pitfalls that people fall into is always useful so we have identified some of the signs of each addiction and detail some proactive suggestions about what to do about them.
It is also important to consider that the nature of addiction makes it difficult to recognise that addiction in oneself. We obviously dont like to admit weaknesses in ourselves so denial is the first reaction to many substances and behaviours on the list. Therefore, we humbly suggest that you take a few minutes and check the amount that you use each of these things and see if you are in the safe zone.
The safe zone is the average amount of each substance or behaviour that shouldnt cause harm under normal circumstances. Excessive use of any of the following substances and behaviours could be causing you damage.
Dependence On Prescription Painkillers Is One Of The Most Common Addictions In America
There is no question about it: Americans are becoming increasingly addicted to prescription drugs. Prescription painkillers are included in this list of the top 10 worst drug addictions for several different reasons:
- There is growing social acceptability for using prescription painkillers.
- The vast majority of prescription opioids can be used to get high.
- Drugs like OxyContin and Vicodin can both create a sense of wellbeing and cause withdrawal symptoms two hallmarks of drug abuse.
- Opioid painkiller has risen by 300%.
The increase of opioid prescriptions written is believed to play a major factor when it comes to addiction to opioids. Prescription pain relievers became the gateway drug to heroin which has caused a 45% increase in heroin deaths. The likes of Vicodin, Percocet, and codeine have the same effect as heroin. When a prescription is cut off from a person, they may turn to the streets to get heroin which is cheaper and easier to obtain.
The same effects that heroin has on the brain and body exist with prescription opioid painkillers. There is an intense high which varies depending on how the drug is taken. Prescription painkillers can be injected and snorted as people may abuse them. Opiates affect the opioid receptors in the brain. This gives them a variety of side effects.
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Top 10 Hardest Addictions To Kick
Different drugs, whether prescription medications or illegal substances can all elicit a wide range of sensations for its users. From relaxed, calming moods, to high energy and feelings of euphoria, most drugs can create a false sense of security. Users may feel empowered with these substances, which can quickly lead them to overuse, abuse, or even addiction. But are there substances that are more prone to abuse and addiction? In this article, were discussing some of the most common drugs and the hardest addictions to kick.
Mood regulation, memory, willpower, and decision-making processes can be severely impacted by these common drugs. And once drug dependency is formed, it can be incredibly difficult or impossible to safely refrain from continued use.
If you or someone you know is struggling with misuse, overuse, or addiction of any substance including alcohol and prescription medications, its important to contact a professional that can offer compassionate support and effective methodology for safely detoxing. AspenRidge Recovery in Colorado treats a wide range of addictions and offers a dual-diagnosis approach to help clients through the traumatic experiences that may have contributed to the addiction.
Contact us directly at for more information on recovery centers in: Lakewood , Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, and Online Treatment options.
Substance Effects On The Brain
The brain is a wonderfully complex organ. It is made up of billions of cells that work together in order to regulate the body and the mind. Though we still have a lot to learn about the brain, studies that have been done so far have provided us with some very interesting information about it.
A study conducted by scientists at Stanford University found that addicts brains reacted differently to certain cues related to their addiction than healthy controls, even when they were not actively using drugs. This means that drugs or alcohol can affect an addicts brain even when they are not actively intoxicatedThe prefrontal cortex is responsible for impulse control and attachments to other people. When this part of the brain is impaired, someone may struggle with addiction.
The top 10 addictions in the world include cannabis, benzodiazepines, and amphetamines. Other versions in America include gambling, food, and spending time on the Internet.Many of the things considered addictions are not necessarily the worst. The intensity and speed that addiction takes hold in someones life vary for each individual circumstance.
Cutting out tough addictions from your life on your own can be dangerous. Here is a list of the toughest addictions to kick for users.
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Most Addictive Substances Around The World
A recent article on CNN.com brought up an interesting question: What are the most addictive substances? Of course, the answer is far from simple and varies according to the points of view of different addiction experts and researchers, some who even say that no drug is always addictive. The potential for a drug to be addictive was based on several factors including:
- The harm it causes
- The street value of the drug
- The extent to which the drug activates the brainâs dopamine system
- The degree to which the drug causes symptoms of withdrawal
- How easily a person trying the drug can become hooked
- Whether the drug is snorted, injected or smoked
Based on these and other factors, an expert of panels identified the top five addictive drugs. Here is the summary of the results:
Most Addictive Drugs In Existence
While all drugs have the potential for abuse, some are naturally more addictive than others. Highly addictive drugs share several similarities. They all affect the brain, lead to unpleasant withdrawal symptoms and require professional addiction treatment. Lets explore seven of the most addictive drugs and why theyre so addictive.
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Top 10 Most Addictive Drugs
Do you know what the Top 10 Most Addictive Drugs are? You might be surprised at what is on the list. If you need help with addiction, call 1-833-510-HELP. The disease of drug addiction should be taken very seriously. In the United States alone, there are millions of Americans struggling with some form of drug addiction. That does not even take into account worldwide drug abuse. The disease of addiction starts with substance abuse. What may start out as simply a bad habit, can quickly turn into addiction when the brain becomes dependent on that substance abuse to raise dopamine levels in the body. The most addictive substances and deadliest drugs that people become dependent on can be broken down into the following categories:
The Ten Most Addictive Habits
The Top 10 Most Addictive Behaviors
Usually, we think of addiction as it relates to drugs, alcohol or other chemicals. But addiction can happen with almost anything that stimulates the pleasure centers of the brain. Even normal behaviours can get out of hand if the person becomes addicted to them or uses them as a means of escape from life or responsibility. Some behaviours are more likely to result in addiction, however, as they are behaviours known to stimulate pleasure centers as well as being used to escape from the pressures of real life. While all of these behaviours can be a part of a healthy life for most adults, too much time spent chasing after the feelings they bring can isolate a person. This isolation leads to more dependence on the behaviour in order to feel good. Over time, this can make anything turn from an enjoyable activity into a full blown addiction.
Sex makes the top of the list since it provides the greatest release of endorphins and feel-good chemicals into the brain and throughout the body. Even the lead up to sex the anticipation of meeting someone, the rush of a first kiss all of these feelings can become addictive. Sex addiction can result in increased risk-taking as well as emotional and physical problems.
Shopping
Collecting
Gambling
Pornography
Risk-Taking
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Most Addictive Drugs: The Basis Of Our Ranking Most Addictive Drugs
Our list is based on information gleaned from two different studies. The first was published in The Lancet in 2007, from a team headed by British psychiatrist David Nutt. The idea was to create a system for assessing the addictive level of various types of drugs. Three different aspects were measured, including physical dependence, psychological dependence, and pleasure generated by the drug.
The findings of this study were somewhat controversial because it was found that alcohol and nicotine, two legal and commonly accepted substances, were more addictive than ecstasy. Various newspapers in his homeland and the public ridiculed the studies and called for Nutt to resign.
Though he didnt resign, the controversy led to him being fired and another study was allegedly undertaken to confirm the truth of his hypothesis. This study has been reported to agree with Nutts findings, though no online publication of the study has been found.
If You Or A Loved One Are Suffering From The Disease Of Drug Addiction
There is help available to you if you or a loved one has a physical dependence or psychological dependence on drugs. It does not matter if the addiction is to illegal drugs or common legal drugs like alcohol, this is a disease that can take over your life. BrightView addiction treatment programs focus on providing a comprehensive, outpatient approach to drug treatment. We offer Medication-Assisted Treatment, or MAT, along with a combination of individual and group counseling. Our treatment centers proven approach helps patients achieve the best chance at long-term recovery while maintaining as many of their normal daily activities as possible. If you need help, contact us today. Our friendly staff answers our phone 24 hours a day. 1-833-510-HELP
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The Top 10 Most Addictive Drugs
There are a variety of dangerous drugs in the world and the addictive levels of each vary wildly. Some are relatively non-addictive, while others cause addiction very quickly. Understanding the most addictive substances available can help you understand whether you or someone you love is at high risk for addiction. While drug use of any kind is typically dangerous and potentially addicting, these substances are the most problematic.
The Most Addictive Drug: Heroin
Heroin is the most addictive drug known today. Someone who uses this opiate can become fully addicted after trying it once. According to studies, one out of every four people who use heroin for the first time become addicted immediately. Heroin is also very deadly. Unlike other drugs, where overdose amounts are much higher than the amount needed to get high, the overdose level of heroin is only about five times that. This means its very easy to take a lethal amount.
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Do You Or Someone You Care About Struggle With One Or More Items On The List
Sometimes it may be hard to tell if you are addicted to a certain substance or not. Especially when you know people that are facing a far worse situation than you. But that doesnt mean youre not addicted and that you dont need help.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with any substance on this list, please, do not hesitate to ask for help. We are here to provide the assistance you need!
All you have to do is click the button below and well take the next steps together.
Symptoms Of Substance Use Disorder
Symptoms of substance use disorder include one or more of the following symptoms within 12 months:
- Recurring substance use where the user is either unable to or has the reduced capacity to fulfill their obligations at work, school, or home as a result of alcohol and other addictive drugs
- Continued use of an addictive substance in places or situations that are inappropriate or physically dangerous
- Getting into legal problems due to substance use
- Using addictive drugs despite having social or interpersonal problems that are either caused or made worse by their effects
The more addictive a drug or substance is, the more potent its effects. With continued use, they can quickly lead to the development of drug dependence, drug abuse, and drug addiction.
The most addictive drugs which include crack cocaine, crystal meth, and prescription opioids are also accompanied by severe withdrawal symptoms that make it difficult to quit.
If you or a loved one is addicted to one or several of these substances, seek medical help right away. Starting addiction treatment early helps ensure a safe and long-lasting recovery.
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In 2016 The Most Dangerous Drugs Were Ranked From Most Deadly To Least Include:
- Fentanyl
- Methamphetamine
- Xanax
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.
For This Study The Six Most Addictive Drugs Rated Are:
- Nicotine
- Caffeine
This is a nice cross-section of substances because it takes into account nicotine and caffeine, which are drugs according the definition of addiction, and most people are familiar with them.
According to their assessment, the drug with the strongest addictive tendency receives a 1 in each category, while a 6 denotes the weakest addictive tendencies.
Using these criteria, the drug with the highest total score across all categories would signify the least addictive drug.
The drug with the lowest overall score would be the most addictive drug.
Based on the tabulations, the list below shows the most addictive drugs in order from most to least addictive.
The number on the left is from Henningfield and the one on the right is from Benowitz.
- Heroin 9 10
- Alcohol 12 15
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