What Are The 5 Most Addictive Substances in US? [Infographic]

Addiction is an illness. Like any disease, addiction is complex. It has multiple aspects. For example, it is possible to be addicted to behaviors like exercise or even eating foods with a lot of sugar. These represent the mental or emotional aspects of addiction. Yet, when many of us consider addiction, we tend to mean physical addiction to drugs or alcohol. Substance abuse can lead to substance use disorder (the inability to regulate how much of a substance one ingests) and dependency or addiction. Understanding addiction better can be done by looking at some of the most addictive substances individuals and treatment experts have to deal with. Count down the country’s five most addictive substances to put the spotlight on the importance of awareness, prevention, and addiction recovery.

Most Addictive Substances: Heroin/Opiates

The statistics don’t lie. Heroin is one of the most addictive drugs on the planet. Sadly, it is also one of the most deadly. Every year in the United States, as many as 35,000 people die due to an opioid overdose. The potency of heroin routinely leads to dependency (addiction) after just one use.

Heroin is derived from the poppy plant and the drug opium, and it can be consumed orally, inhaled, or even injected intravenously. Heroin use, however it is consumed, brings the risk of addiction. By some estimates, 23 percent of all people who try heroin will eventually develop an addiction.

Often, individuals come to heroin after already having developed an opioid addiction. Prescription opioids are effective painkillers. However, individuals can become addicted to them even when they follow their doctor’s instructions because the medications are so potent. This leads individuals to attempt to collect more prescriptions. But this process can only take them so far. Eventually, some individuals addicted to opioids will turn to heroin because it is more easily acquired and cheaper than prescription opioids.

Alcohol

Just because something is legal doesn’t mean it can’t also be addictive. Tolerance for alcohol grows quickly, which means that many heavy drinkers consume ever greater amounts until addiction occurs. Trying to quit drinking is no easy feat, and environmental and genetic factors make it even harder. However, alcohol addiction is very treatable. At Beaches Recovery, we understand the nature of alcohol abuse and addiction.

Cocaine/Crack Cocaine

It is probably not a surprise to find cocaine addiction on this list. Consuming cocaine regularly means that neuron function in the brain is forever different. It takes huge amounts of dopamine to register as pleasure, and cocaine floods the brain with dopamine when ingested. When the brain undergoes such a staggering change, addiction is likely, and recovery is hard.

Nicotine

In terms of trial and dependence rates, nicotine is one of the most addictive substances on the planet! More than two-thirds of those who try nicotine products in their life will also struggle with some kind of dependence. Although cigarettes and other nicotine-containing products are legal, it certainly doesn’t mean that they are safe.

Barbiturates

The class of drugs known as barbiturates is derived from barbituric acid. When consumed, barbiturates inhibit the activity of nerve cells in the brain. The brain can quickly become addicted to these drugs, so they are rarely used for medical purposes anymore. However, they are still used recreationally at great risk.

How Beaches Recovery Can Help Overcome the Most Addictive Substances

These five most addictive substances in the USA are just some of the dangerous, unhealthy substances that people can be addicted to. Fortunately, it is possible to recover from addiction. Call 866.605.0532 to learn more about Beaches Recovery in Jacksonville, Florida. You can overcome addiction and get on the path toward lifelong recovery.