About 20 million Americans struggle with drug or alcohol addiction, according to data from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The previous month:
- 35.8 million individuals utilized illicit drugs.
- 140 million people consumed alcohol.
- There are 45.9 million smokers in the world.
Some substances may be more addictive than others; addiction is the obsessive drive to take a substance despite the risks.
What is Addiction to Drugs?
Drug addiction is a disease that affects brain circuitry and behavior since it is defined by an inability to manage drug usage. When used regularly, the brain’s shortcut to reward created by drug addiction can change how a person processes information.
The following are the most addictive drugs:
Heroin addiction
One of the most often used opiates worldwide is heroin. This extremely addictive substance causes a burst of dopamine and endorphins to be released, tricking the brain into associating it with intense pleasure and causing compulsive use.
Depending on the delivery, a person’s addiction might range in intensity. The most popular methods of using heroin in the past have been injection and chasing.
However, there has been a recent rise in the sniffing and smoking of heroin, especially when it is coupled with cannabis. These heroin addicts may be more likely to relapse after developing an addiction.
Alcohol addiction
Although many people do not think of alcohol as a drug, alcohol addiction is widespread. Alcohol is a commonly accessible legal substance. Alcohol works by releasing dopamine into the brain, much like other narcotics do.
It is frequently referred to as the “social drug” since it reduces anxiety, which helps people relax in social settings. When people depend on alcohol to help them release endorphins, their alcohol usage can quickly spiral out of control.
Drinking abusers should seek treatment for their illness because alcohol can lead to unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.
Nicotine addiction
According to Psychology Today, nicotine is one of tobacco smoke’s main compounds and is thought to be highly addictive. Therefore, smokers may continue to smoke as a result of their addiction.
Nicotine enters the body through the mucosal lining of the mouth, nose, lungs, or skin before acting on the reward circuitry in the brain. Smokers may be persuaded to continue smoking by the pleasant sensations it produces and the improvement in mood and cognition.
According to NIDA, nicotine starts working within 10 seconds of smoking and wears off within a few hours; thus, people may feel the need for another cigarette soon after finishing the last one.
When someone smokes frequently, their nicotine dependence can develop quickly, and it may be one of the most challenging medicines to quit smoking on your own.
Irritability, increased hunger, anxiety, depression, difficulty concentrating and focusing, and intense cravings are all signs of withdrawal. The availability and legality of nicotine could contribute to its widespread usage and high relapse rates.
Crack cocaine dependency
Crack cocaine is a mixture of cocaine powder, water, and baking soda to produce solid crystals. It is also known as rocks, gravel, sleet, and nuggets. After then, it is usually cooked and smoked. Dopamine is released in a rush by crack cocaine that the brain cannot process normally.
The brain depends on cocaine to provide the same “high” as your body is less able to produce dopamine naturally. You don’t have to use crack cocaine daily to develop an addiction. It’s time to seek expert assistance if you’ve attempted to cut back but are having trouble.
Cocaine is highly addictive and causes euphoria, energy, and alertness, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Addiction to Methamphetamine
The stimulant methamphetamine comes in two highly addictive forms: “Meth” and “Crystal Meth.” They are frequently cut with addictive chemicals like opiates, heightening their appeal.
Because methamphetamine addiction “alters brain regions involved in decision-making and inhibits the ability to control habitual behaviors that have become useless or counterproductive,” according to a study, it is renowned for being difficult to treat.
As a result, there may be significant drug cravings, severe depression, and even suicidal thoughts. The hallmarks of addiction, such as obsessive drug-seeking behaviors and recurrent meth misuse, may be made more accessible by these symptoms.
Stop waiting. Get aid right away.
The road to sobriety can be started at any time. Call us at (302) 306-6511 if you or a loved one is battling addiction.
