According to the World Health Organization, approximately 35 million people worldwide were recorded as suffering from substance use disorders in 2017. While various substances are misused, certain drugs continue to dominate. These “most abused drugs” range from legal substances to highly addictive illegal drugs. Understanding the factors that contribute to the addictive nature of these substances is crucial. Recognizing the far-reaching consequences of their abuse is essential in addressing the growing problem of substance dependency.
At Lennox CMHC Inc., our focus is on providing comprehensive care and support to individuals struggling with substance abuse. Through a combination of comprehensive addiction therapy, medical treatment, and holistic approaches, our center helps patients overcome addiction and achieve lasting recovery.
What Makes a Drug Addictive?
Before diving into why specific drugs are addictive, it’s important to understand what makes a substance more addictive than others. It isn’t always due to the physical effects of using the substances. There are several factors that contribute to the addictive nature of a drug, and they often support and feed off each other.
Accessibility
One of the most significant factors that contributes to addiction rates is the accessibility of the drug. When substances are readily available, either legally or illegally, they become easier to abuse. For example, alcohol is widely available in most parts of the world, and caffeine can be found in various foods and drinks. On the other hand, illegal drugs like heroin and cocaine, while more difficult to obtain, find their way into communities through underground markets. If there are obstacles to obtaining a certain drug, fewer people may feel inclined to take that risk to try it.
Social Acceptability
In many cultures, alcohol consumption is not only legal but is seen as socially acceptable during celebrations, dinners, and gatherings. This can make it more difficult to identify when someone’s drinking has become problematic, as the act itself is normalized and coded as positive. Similarly, drugs like cannabis are becoming more widely accepted over time, especially with legalization for recreational use and movements to research potential medical uses for the drug. But just because using a certain intoxicating substance is socially acceptable doesn’t mean that there is a lower rate of addiction.
Psychological and Physical Dependence
Another critical factor in whether a drug is particularly addictive is the rate of both psychological and physical dependence. Drugs that affect the brain’s reward system (such as opioids, cocaine, and alcohol) can lead to intense cravings, altering a person’s mental state. Over time, the body builds a tolerance, requiring more of the substance to achieve the same effect. This can perpetuate the cycle of addiction. This can make quitting extremely difficult without professional help. At that point, the body itself is trying to encourage the person to use the addictive substance despite the potential for harm.
The Most Commonly Abused Drugs
Stimulants
Stimulants are a broad category of drugs that increase the activity of the central nervous system. These substances can cause an increase in alertness, energy, and sometimes euphoria.
Caffeine is the most commonly used stimulant in the world. It’s present in and added to countless products, including coffee, tea, energy drinks, and foods like chocolate. Its accessibility and legal status contribute to its widespread use. While caffeine is not typically thought of as addictive, it can lead to physical dependence in regular users.
Withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and irritability are common for those who suddenly stop consuming caffeine. In some cases, people can develop a tolerance that requires them to consume larger quantities over time to achieve the same effects. This is how people can graduate to drinking multiple cups of coffee throughout the day. While caffeine is harmless in moderate amounts for most people, other stimulants (such as cocaine and ecstasy) carry severe risks of addiction as well as bodily harm.
Powdered cocaine is derived from the coca plant, and can create an intense sense of euphoria when consumed. It can also cause serious physical and mental health problems, not least because of the crushing and depressive “rebound effect” after the initial dose has worn off. For those struggling with dependency, seeking professional cocaine addiction rehab can be a vital step toward recovery. Ecstasy, also known as MDMA, is also abused for its euphoric effects. Both drugs, however, have a high potential for abuse and addiction due to the cravings they generate.
Alcohol
Alcohol is one of the most widely consumed substances in the world, and its abuse is also one of the most pervasive. As a legal and culturally normalized drug, alcohol abuse can be difficult to identify and address. Many people view drinking alcohol as a normal part of social life, and this normalization often leads to chronic consumption without an awareness that the person is developing an addiction.
Alcohol is sold in a variety of settings, from supermarkets to bars. This makes it easily accessible to the public regardless of if they are addicted. Drinking alcohol is deeply integrated into certain social settings, including various cultural or social rituals. Alcohol is frequently seen as a celebratory substance that brings people together or “lubricates” social situations to allow for more fun to take place.
However, frequent alcohol consumption can lead to physical and psychological dependence. Chronic drinking can lead to liver damage, brain function impairment, and a range of other health issues. The social acceptance of alcohol often masks these dangers, making it hard for individuals and society to recognize when drinking regularly has crossed over into an addiction.
Opioids
Opioids are a class of drugs that include both prescription drugs and illegal substances like heroin. Opioid use has skyrocketed in recent years, particularly in the United States. This has led to a devastating crisis of opioid addiction across the country. Prescription opioids like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine are frequently prescribed to manage pain, and were prescribed to the general public for years without sufficient information on the potential for addiction.
While opioids are typically prescribed for short-term use, many individuals can become physically dependent. Those who are prescribed opioids for legitimate pain may find themselves unable to stop using them once the pain has subsided.
Heroin, an illegal opioid, is made from morphine and is notorious for its addictive properties. If someone becomes physically addicted to prescription opioids, they may turn to heroin as a cheaper and more accessible alternative. Heroin use is associated with devastating health consequences, including overdose and disease transmission through needle sharing.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines (benzos) are a class of medications commonly prescribed for anxiety, panic disorders, and insomnia. This category includes drugs like Xanax, Valium, and Ativan. These drugs work by calming the central nervous system and reducing feelings of anxiety and stress.
Because benzodiazepines are prescribed by doctors, they are often perceived as safe or less harmful than illegal drugs. Many people take these medications for legitimate reasons and may not realize the potential for dependency. But over time, individuals may take higher doses to achieve the desired calming effects over time. This can drastically increase the risk of overdose.
Xanax in particular developed a reputation as a party drug under the name “Xanny.” For some individuals, benzodiazepines are used as “chasers” taken after substances like alcohol or opioids to amplify their effects. But this combination can be especially dangerous, leading to respiratory depression and overdose.
Cannabis
Cannabis (known as marijuana when referring to only the buds) is one of the most commonly used illegal drugs in the world. However, its legal status is shifting, with many locations decriminalizing or legalizing its use for medical and recreational purposes. Because of this mixed messaging, cannabis remains a drug that is often misunderstood, particularly when it comes to its addictive potential.
In past decades, cannabis was considered extremely dangerous and a gateway drug to the use of “hard” drugs like cocaine and heroin. But as cannabis use became more widely accepted in countries like Canada and the United States, its reputation shifted to that of a mostly harmless substance (similar to alcohol).
However, cannabis still has the potential to be addictive. Users can develop a tolerance, requiring higher amounts to achieve the same effects. An illegal black market for cannabis continues to thrive despite its increasingly legal status. Cannabis purchased through illegal sources is more likely to be contaminated with other harmful substances, since there is no monitoring body conducting inspections or holding growers accountable.
Seeking Help for Addiction
Addiction is a serious issue that affects individuals and families alike. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, even if it’s to a substance they consider safe, it’s important to seek help as early as possible.
At Lennox CMHC Inc, we provide a supportive environment where individuals can begin their journey to recovery. Our dedicated team provides personalized treatment plans, ensuring that individuals receive care tailored to their unique needs. Reach out to us and discover the supportive community ready to help you recover.