Some people take drugs recreationally or to manage stress, but if they continue using them, addiction is likely to form. Some drugs are more addictive than others, but any of them can lead you on a downward spiral. This article will answer the question, what’s the most addictive drug? and look at other drugs that are highly addictive.
What’s the Most Addictive Drug?
According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, heroin is the most abused drug. It belongs to the opioid family, and it induces feelings of pleasure and pain-relieving effects. Statistics show that it is the fastest-acting and most used opioid.
Heroin is becoming a more popular drug as opioids are being commonly abused in society. Many people are prescribed opioids by their doctors to relieve pain. They may begin increasing their dose for a stronger effect causing an addiction to form.
Over time, they will need more of the drug just to feel good. They may ask their doctor for a higher dose. If the doctor refuses, they will try to find the opioid on the street. If they are unable to find the opioid they’ve been using, they may begin using heroin instead.
A 2020 review published by the National Institute of Health revealed that about 80% of heroin users start by abusing prescription opioids. About 400,000 Americans 12 and over are addicted to heroin.
What Are Other Addictive Drugs?
Here are some other highly addictive drugs:
Cocaine/Crack
Cocaine is a stimulant that produces feelings of euphoria and alertness typically followed by a depressing crash. It is highly addictive and even more so when it comes in the form of crack, a free-based version of cocaine then can be smoked. It causes short, intense high making users want to do more almost immediately.
The United States Department and Health and Human Services show that a million people in the United States are addicted to crack or cocaine.
Methamphetamines
Methamphetamines are stimulants that can treat ADHD and work as a weight loss aid, but if misused, they can be highly addictive. They can also lead to dangerous side effects including an irregular heartbeat, psychosis, delirium, and heart failure. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, about 2 million people 12 and overuse meth, and half of those individuals are addicted.
Alcohol
Alcohol is a drug commonly enjoyed recreationally but it can be highly addictive. It works as a depressant and can be effective in reducing anxiety if used responsibly but many people take more than what is necessary to calm their nerves. The fact that it’s so readily available owes to the fact that it is the substance with the highest number of addiction cases worldwide.
Knowing When It’s Time To Go to Rehab
If you use any of these drugs and notice that you are building tolerance and need to take more of them to get the same effect, it may be time to reach out for help. Other signs of addiction include withdrawal symptoms which are flu-like symptoms that occur when the drug is not in your system. You may also start experiencing:
- Mood swings
- Financial issues
- Troubled relationships
- Difficulty enjoying the things you once loved
- Health conditions
- Legal issues
- Withdrawal from society
If you are trying to find a rehab that is right for you, My Recovery Source will point you in the right direction.
My Recovery Source is your go-to destination for finding help for your drug or alcohol addiction. We will find recommendations regardless of your personal situation, background, finances, and location. We will help you get the customized care you need.
Don’t let addiction take over your life. Call My Recovery Source today. We will help you take the first step towards healing by helping you to find treatment.
