The Most Addictive Drugs

Drug addiction ruins millions of lives. Approximately 23 million Americans are addicted to drugs and alcohol. Drug addicts suffer from a physical and mental dependency on the drug of their choice. Without being under the influence, they can go through withdrawal symptoms, which can include depression, anxiety, fatigue, shakiness, nausea, seizures, and even more severe symptoms that can sometimes be fatal. Drug addiction can occur with a wide range of different substances, but some drugs are more addictive than others.

Heroin

Heroin is a derivative of the poppy plant, and it is made by processing the raw opium that is collected from the flower's seed pod. Although most of the world's heroin comes from Afghanistan, where large amounts of poppies are grown, Mexico is the second largest producer of opium in the world. The heroin coming from Mexico is known as black tar, and it has high concentration levels of morphine.

Heroin is normally injected intravenously, although it can also be snorted or smoked. When consumed, users fall into a state of extreme relaxation and euphoria. It is a highly addictive drug, and it is one of the main reasons why people seek drug treatment. Heroin addiction can lead to rapid weight loss, heart problems, diseases through the sharing of needles, pneumonia, blood clots, liver disease and many other medical complications. Overdoses and death from overdose are common with heroin use.

Oxycontin

Oxycontin is an opiate, like heroin, and has similar side effects when used recreationally. Although it is intended as a prescribed medication for those suffering from chronic pain, oxycontin is frequently bought illicitly and abused by drug users. It comes in pill form but can also be crushed up, snorted, smoked or injected. Oxycontin addiction has, in recent years, become a major problem among drug users.

Cocaine

Cocaine is a stimulant and a highly addictive drug that comes from the leaves of the coca plant. Cocaine increases alertness and energy, produces feelings of euphoria, anxiety, paranoia and restlessness. In high doses, cocaine is dangerous and can lead to overdose and death.

The crack cocaine epidemic of the 1980s saw the drug at its most heightened level of popularity, especially among urban communities. Crack cocaine, which is a crystalline form of cocaine at a lower level of purity cut with other substances, is smoked through a pipe and is extremely addictive. It is relatively cheap and users can easily become hooked. Frequent cocaine and crack cocaine use can lead to cardiovascular and brain damage, among many other medical complications.

Ecstasy

Ecstasy, which is the pill form of the drug MDMA, is known as a club drug and was highly popular in the rave scene of the 1990s. Ecstasy pills often include a combination of MDMA cut with other substances, such as heroin, speed or methamphetamine. Taking ecstasy gives users feelings of euphoria, hallucinations, increased energy, and an increased intimacy with those around them. Because it releases massive amounts of dopamine and serotonin into the brain when consumed, ecstasy can be very addictive. Withdrawal symptoms from ecstasy include extreme depression, anxiety, mental and emotional fatigue, and anhedonia.

Every person and every drug user has a different chemical makeup, and everyone responds differently to different drugs. Some people may easily become addicted to cocaine because of its properties as a stimulant, while others may be drawn to heroin for its euphoria and relaxation. Whatever the case may be, drug addiction is a serious disease, and no matter what substance is being abused, drug treatment is typically the best solution to come clean and recover from addiction.