Drug addiction is a chronic brain disease that causes compulsive drug seeking and use.
Despite the harmful consequences, drug addicts will continue to use.
The likelihood of addiction is influenced by your biology, social environment, and age.
The more risk factors an individual has, the greater the chance that taking drugs can lead to addiction.
What is the most addictive substance?
Many types of research agree that nicotine and alcohol are likely to be the most addictive.
Why, you may ask? It’s because these drugs are legal to purchase.
These two drugs are readily available at any store.
For many people who give up illegal drugs, secondary addictions to nicotine and alcohol occur.
What is the Most Addictive Substance?
What is the most addictive substance? The question may seem simple, but getting the answer depends on the person you ask.
Researchers determine the potential for drug abuse by looking at a variety of factors.
For example, it is important to look at the potential harm, street value, and drug availability.
Researchers also measure how effectively the drug activates dopamine production.
Lastly, they look at the potential withdrawal symptoms and the likelihood of relapse.
The following are 5 addictions that are the most reported drugs that are abused in the United States:
- Heroin
Heroin is a Schedule I drug.
It is an opiate that causes the brain’s reward system to increase, creating a euphoric feeling.
It is derived from the seeds of poppy plants.
Heroin abuse in the United States is a growing epidemic.
Heroin is especially dangerous due to the high potential for overdoes and death. Withdrawal from this drug is the leading cause of relapse.
- Cocaine
Cocaine is a powerful and addictive stimulant drug.
It is made from the cocoa plant found in South America.
As a street drug, cocaine is a white power substance.
Cocaine is often cut with other substances to increase yield and potency.
Contaminated cocaine contains cornstarch, talcum powder flour, and other harmful additives.
To increase the effects of the drugs, dealers will add other drugs. These drugs include amphetamines, opiates, and fentanyl. These combinations often lead to overdoes and death.
- Barbiturates
People will sometimes use barbiturates to neutralize the effects of another substance.
People with barbiturate addiction have different brain chemistry.
The functionality and structure compared to others are significantly different.
Barbiturates usually create pleasing effects in the body like calm and reduced anxiety.
High doses of this drug can lead to sleepiness and unconsciousness.
Barbiturate abuse over an extended time can cause an individual to develop a tolerance.
At this point, more drugs are taken to get the same effects. Barbiturates will cause dependency on prolonged use.
- Nicotine
The long-term brain changes happen with continued nicotine use.
Many smokers suffer from withdrawal symptoms when not smoking.
Often smokers fail to keep resolutions to quit.
Smokers use tobacco because they are addicted to nicotine.
Addiction is compulsive drug-seeking behavior, even in the face of negative health consequences.
Today the introduction of vaping nicotine has increased the risk for nicotine dependence. Claims that vaping is a healthy alternative is a false assumption. Lung damage and fatal complications can happen. Vaping juice contains higher concentrations of nicotine compared to cigarettes. The introduction of vaping has created a new generation of nicotine-dependent victims.
- Alcohol
Studies show that when you consume large amounts of alcohol, it changes the brain in fundamental ways.
Alcohol releases dopamine in the brain, and drinkers find themselves unable to stop alcohol consumption.
Prolonged alcohol addiction and subsequent relapses can lead to death.
It is important to withdrawal safely with medical professionals.
Substance Addiction
These five addictions cause major health problems.
Long term brain changes, damage, and death can happen if not treated. Users cannot just quit with will power alone.
These addictive substances force the user to continue to abusing drugs to avoid the potential of negative withdrawal.
Even after years of sobriety, users can still face the potential for relapse. You must continue to follow a treatment plan to maintain sobriety.
Addiction is a multifaceted problem that needs to be evaluated to provide you with the best outcome.
BriteLife Recovery offers many different treatment plans to help you understand your addiction. Through our services, you will be provided with the best supportive care.
Finding the best treatment plan starts with action.
Mental Health and Addiction
Prolonged drug use alters brain chemistry, making the addiction cycle impossible to break without help from a supportive medical team.
Quitting drugs is not simple. You can suffer from underlying conditions that fuel your addiction.
Receiving the proper diagnosis can help you understand the root of your addiction.
Avoidance of withdrawal is a powerful reinforcement to continue using.
Even after years of abstinence, you can still find yourself dreaming and craving your drug of choice.
With the right treatment plan, you can fight against these cravings and reach your goal of staying drug-free. Every day is a choice to stay clean and sober.
Taking care of yourself is vital to recovering from addiction.
Finding Treatment for Drug Abuse
There is hope for anyone who suffers from addiction. What is the most addictive substance? We can help with that information.
BriteLife Recovery is a safe space to address the underlying reasons that lead you to use drugs.
We can help you stop using drugs.
We can help you determine the most addictive substance on earth to steer clear from or help recover from.
At every step of the way, from withdrawal to aftercare, we will support you. Our programs are tailor-designed to address your specific use.
You do not have to be alone in your drug addiction battle.
Reaching out for support is the first step to recovery.
The stigma of drug addiction can be challenging to overcome, and BriteLife Recovery understands these harmful stereotypes.
If you have lost family and friends due to your drug addiction, now is the time to reach out for treatment.
We will help you build a supportive circle and encourage your recovery at every step. Staying sober is a choice you must make.
Affording Treatment
Most insurance companies today provide care and treatment for drug addiction.
Our insurance verification program gives you instant feedback regarding your insurance coverage for substance abuse treatment.
We will even reach out on your behalf to ensure that you can find treatment to break free from the addiction cycle.
Finding Solutions to Drug Addiction
Recovery does not end once treatment is complete.
Recovery is a lifelong process that requires your commitment, patience, self-love, and support.
Even years after recovery, it is essential to continue to apply the skills you learn during your treatment.
Once you realize that you have a problem the next step is to make the call.
Asking for help is the right thing to do for your body, mind, and soul. Knowing what is the most addictive substance on earth is important as well.
BriteLife Recovery’s services offer treatment programs that actually work.
Every patient is evaluated, and a tailored program is created unique to your needs.
Even if you are not fully ready to detox, our staff is here to answer your questions.
We can help you find the next step in your recovery journey.