What Are The 5 Most Addictive Drugs?

Drug addiction is a chronic disease that affects every aspect of one's life. It impacts physical health, mental health, and even those surrounding the user. 

When someone cannot control their drug use, has cravings for the drug, or continues to use it despite adverse reactions and consequences, they are suffering from addiction.

Drug addiction can be highly fatal. It can interact with other drugs, mental health issues, and even cause psychological problems. The impact of using drugs on the body can be irreversible in some instances.

While knowing this fact, it is essential to understand how addictive some drugs can be. Knowing which drugs are more likely to cause addiction can help you avoid these substances.

Even drugs that seem fun or safe can have severe and lifelong effects. It is always best to learn as much as possible before trying anything.

The 5 most addictive drugs come in a wide variety of forms ... and some of them are legal, too.

#1. Opioids

Opioids are one of the most addictive substances that exist. Everything from prescription painkillers to street drugs like heroin are opioids.

They have multiple methods of ingestion, making them easier to use, and the effects are often instant. That means the user experiences their high right away. Especially when misused, this rush is followed by warmth, a dry mouth, and heaviness. The user tends to experience fatigue and a lower heart rate following the initial high.  

This drug is highly addictive, whether prescription or not, resulting in more and more overdose deaths yearly.

Symptoms of opioid addiction include: 

• Hiding drug paraphernalia like tin foil, spoons, or pipes
• Dry mouth and constricted pupils during use
• Itching
• Vomiting and constipation
• Needle marks
• Social isolation
• Poor hygiene

Opioids work by blocking pain receptors throughout the body, and versions of them continue to become more dangerous. Even after brief use, addiction can occur.

What makes this so dangerous is that the tolerance for opioids only increases. This means that users need more of the drug to achieve the same sensation, risking overdose and death.

#2. Alcohol

According to the 2019 statistics from the National Institutes on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), 14.5 million people ages 12 and older had an alcohol use disorder (AUD). Many people may not consider alcohol to be a drug since it is legal for those 21 and over. That does not make it safe, unfortunately.

Alcohol can work as a stimulant when consumed in lower doses but is a sedative when used excessively. It is also easily accessible, making addiction an even greater possibility.

As a depressant, alcohol can induce depression and mental health problems. It can induce relaxation and reduce inhibitions. Psychological and physical addiction forms with more use and tolerance.

Long-term alcohol abuse can increase tolerance, high blood pressure, liver disease, and cancer.

#3. Cocaine

Cocaine is a stimulant that works with the brain and multiple hormones to form a powerful effect often described as euphoria. Cocaine is usually in the form of white powder that is snorted but can be swallowed, smoked, or injected. It has a high risk of misuse due to its effects on mental capacity. This is another reason why it can lead to serious psychological or physical dependence.

With continued use, one's tolerance to cocaine also increases, meaning they need more of the drug to get the same effect. This puts an individual at risk not just of an overdose, but also of a stroke, psychosis, and death.

Symptoms of cocaine use and addiction often include: 

• Dilated pupils
• Not sleeping
• Overconfidence and excitement
• Legal issues
• Runny nose and sniffling
• Paranoia
• Problems at work
• Irritability and mood swings
• Financial problems

#4. Methamphetamines

Methamphetamines, commonly known as crystal meth, are incredibly addictive. This is an amphetamine that can be smoked, injected, or snorted. The effects on the body are intense and brief. The user will get a lot of energy, excitement, and confidence, but it wears off quickly. Those who are addicted will then need to continue using to get similar effects.

Meth affects the central nervous system and the brain, making the risk of physical dependence even greater. Some signs someone is using and likely abusing meth are:

• Rotting teeth (meth mouth)
• Visible weight loss and loss of appetite
• Acne, facial sores, intense scratching
• Confusion and irritability
• Paranoia

Many of the physical symptoms of meth use are also related to psychological addiction. Psychosis is a possibility when using meth and can be seen through delusions, hallucinations, paranoia, and irritability. 

#5. Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines, or benzos, are often prescribed for conditions like anxiety because they relieve the uncomfortable feelings of intense fear. With long-term use, they become highly addictive. If someone has a prescription for benzos, they may not realize they are dependent on the drug until they stop using it and develop withdrawal symptoms like insomnia and panic attacks.

Although the risk of addiction to benzos tends to be lower than the other drugs mentioned, many users become dependent without obvious symptoms because the drug is legal. Some signs of benzo addiction are depression, increased heart rate, sweating, hallucinations, and seizures.

Addictive Substances, Even If They’re Legal, All Come With a Risk

All of these drugs are addictive and should be taken with great care and professional monitoring. If an individual is exhibiting signs of dependence, the necessary step would be to seek out professional addiction treatment help.

Whether you are more likely to become addicted due to having a family history of addiction or having mental health issues, addiction is possible without prior causes. So, it is so crucial to avoid such substances and take great caution when prescribed addictive medications.

If you do develop a dependence or addiction to such drugs, seeking help for drug addiction right away gives you the best chance at recovery. Drug detox is the first step to recovery, and DetoxNearMe.com puts thousands of reputable detox facilities at your fingertips.

Finding a detox provider near you is easier than ever. Start searching with DetoxNearMe.com today!