What are the Most Addictive Substances?
There are many factors which influence addiction, but the disease begins with substance abuse. This could be with drugs, alcohol or cigarettes and, sometimes, activities that raise dopamine levels. Read on to discover the most addictive substances on the planet, how they can impact your life, and how you can permanently overcome their addictive tendencies.
Alcohol
One of the most addictive substances is alcohol. Unfortunately, drinking alcohol depresses the entire central nervous system while releasing endorphins and dopamine. This release of chemicals changes the brain’s processing of pleasure, pain, and emotion. Not to mention, consistent consumption of alcohol affects tolerance, meaning that users have to drink more to feel the same effects.
While alcohol severely affects an individual’s health, financial, and emotional status, its social acceptance leads many to believe they don’t have a problem. Overall, few people would start using heroin at a party, but drinking alcohol isn’t out of the ordinary. The acceptance of alcohol means many people struggling with addiction don’t get the help they need. If you thought your substance abuse was absolutely normal, would you?
Heroin
Heroin may be the most addictive drug out there. Most people who use it once develop an addiction. This is because heroin causes opiates to flood the brain. This flood of chemicals overstimulates dopamine receptors. The resulting rush of euphoria is fast but wears off quickly. Therefore, heroin users begin craving the drug several times a day.
Furthermore, heroin has a challenging withdrawal process. Because it’s a depressant, higher levels of anxiety during detox are often possible. However, while conquering a heroin addiction is tough, you should never give up hope.
Nicotine
Like alcohol, nicotine is legal. Commonly consumed in cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes and vaping devices, nicotine is just as equally addictive. Its wide use stems from the fact that, in most states, anyone over the age of 18 can buy and use these products.
Although nicotine is legal, it still impacts health. Like other dangerous and addictive substances, the drug floods the brain’s receptors. This causes both physical and psychological dependence. Additionally, methods for nicotine intake, like cigarette smoking, pose serious health risks.
Cocaine
Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant drug. It rapidly increases heart rate and blood pressure, leading to cardiovascular complications.
Overall, Cocaine is a party drug. However, it’s no safer than any other drug out there. There is no foolproof method of cocaine use, and consumption leads to addiction. If taken in excess, the drug can also lead to overdose fatalities.
Prescription Opioids
It surprises many to learn that prescription opioid drugs are remarkably similar to heroin. Overall, they both contain opiates and are highly addictive. In fact, nearly half of heroin users experimented first with prescription opioids. While, in medical pain management cases, they can be beneficial, prescription opioids are still extremely dangerous substances.
Fighting Back Against The World’s Most Addictive Substances
Substance abuse and addiction are not easy to overcome, but the right help inspires necessary hope and self-resilience. At 1st Step Behavioral Health, in Pompano Beach, Florida, patients can expect a full continuum of care and comprehensive, diverse treatment methods. The ways you can fight back against addiction include:
- Family therapy
- Group counseling
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Holistic therapies
- Relapse prevention training
Whatever the substance, you can always embrace sobriety and conquer addiction. At 1st Step Behavioral Health, patients will have the resources they need to overcome their trials and tribulations. Start living the life you deserve by calling (855) 425-4846.
Take the First Step Today
We can help you get better. Contact us today to find out which program might be right for you, or to begin the process of arranging for treatment.
