5 Most Addictive Drugs

How serious a problem is drug use in the United States? The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) conducted a study that revealed in excess of 21 million Americans struggled with some form of addiction in the year 2014. We, at Pathways Real Life Recovery, want people to know that help is available in the form of drug rehab programs.

The Five Top Addictive Drugs

Though there are many more addictive substances, the following brief article details the top five addictive drugs and will touch on why these chemicals are so addictive, the symptoms of withdrawal people need to look out for in someone they suspect might be dealing with an addiction problem and the long-term effects if the addict does not get clean.

Cocaine

Cocaine is a stimulant that causes a user's brain to release high concentrations of a substance known as dopamine, which is responsible for making a human being experience the feeling of pleasure. However, the euphoria brought on by dopamine lasts briefly, requiring users to ingest larger and larger quantities of the drug to maintain a high. Physical fatigue, depression and an unquenchable desire to obtain more cocaine are the drug's most common withdrawal symptoms. Prolonged use can trigger brain damage, digestive difficulties, weight loss and cardiovascular disease.

Alcohol

While alcohol also increases dopamine levels, the drug also depresses the nervous system, which often leads to sedation. Due to the ease with which one can access alcohol and its sedative properties, it is often used as a means of escaping the everyday stresses and pressures many face. Alcohol withdrawal can pose a life-threatening situation, depending upon how serious the user's addiction is. Symptoms can include depression, anxiety, shaking, sleep loss, sweating and stomach pain. Prolonged use can precipitate cardiovascular problems, digestive tract issues, as well as irreversible brain and liver damage.

Heroin

Heroin activates brain receptors that enable users to develop a stronger tolerance for pain and a greater feeling of relaxation. Withdrawal symptoms from this drug can include anxiety, depression, sleep loss, an ill, flu-like feeling and tremors. Long-term bodily impacts could manifest in blood vessel and heart valve infections, arthritis, weight loss, gum disease, a weak immune system, muscular weakness and respiratory issues.

Methamphetamines (Crystal Meth)

Meth is a stimulant known for eliciting a high called "euphoria," which can make users feel overly excited and display an air of invincibility. Addicts often go without eating or sleeping for days, sometimes, weeks at a time. Long-term effects can result in brain damage, cognitive impairment, an increased tendency for violence, weight loss and dental illnesses.

Barbiturates

Though these drugs, which in slang terms are referred to as "downers," can be obtained illegally, are often found in the chemical makeup of medications physicians prescribe to combat problems like insomnia and anxiety and induce feelings of euphoria and relaxation. Withdrawal symptoms might manifest in agitation, anxiety, shakiness, hallucinations and convulsions. Long-term consequences can result in memory loss, brain damage and issues with muscular coordination.


Addiction can be a frightening problem that could produce lasting and irreversible consequences. However, a stint in a drug rehab program may be what is needed to get you or a loved one off of drugs and back into leading a productive life. We at Pathways Real Life Recovery are ready and willing to help and invite you to contact us.


About the Author:
Michelle Amerman is a licensed therapist and President of Pathways Real Life Recovery. Pathways is a mental health counseling and addiction recovery center in Utah. Her treatment approach is based on 30 years' worth of groundwork, and has been assessed and validated by pioneers in the field of recovery research.


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Sandy, UT 84070
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