We are going to take a closer look at some of the most addictive drugs in the world. These drugs, because of their chemical components, cause drastic neurological changes that lead to an exceptionally strong level of dependency. Because these drugs affect the reward center of the brain, they keep a user hostage physically, emotionally, and psychologically.
GHB
Gamma-hydroxybutyrate. Also known as the club drug and the date rape drug, GHB depresses the central nervous system causing a pleasant relaxed feeling that users come to crave over time. The effects of the drug has a short duration of only a few hours, so once hooked, addicts tend to have to take the drug around the clock to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines, such as the anti-anxiety prescription drugs Valium, Klonopin and Xanax, work by magnifying the effects of the brain’s natural relaxant GABA. This works to combat anxiety and panic by reducing the excitability of neurons in the brain. However, once tolerance builds up and someone tries to stop taking them, the condition that benzodiazepines were originally prescribed for will appear in an exaggerated form.
Amphetamines
Drugs like Adderall, Dexedrine and Ritalin raise the level of the pleasure-producing brain chemical dopamine. At first, users will experience weight loss, confidence, euphoria, energy and a feeling of accomplishment. But once they attempt to stop using amphetamines, depression, anxiety, extreme fatigue are so overwhelming that it can feel impossible to accomplish even the smallest task without the help of amphetamines. Methamphetamines or Crystal Meth, which is produced from industrial and household chemicals, is amphetamines on steroids. It has the same effect on the brain’s dopamine and also the neuro-chemical norepinephrine, causing a surge and eventually an over-saturation of pleasure-causing chemicals. This overstimulates the brain until it’s unable to support itself with its own chemicals, causing a person to require more and more of a substance just to feel normal. Cocaine and Crack Cocaine also affect dopamine levels in the brain. Because crack cocaine is smoked rather than snorted it is absorbed in the blood stream quicker, causing a stronger rush, and increasing its addictive potential.
Methadone
Methadone is an opiate that is commonly prescribed by doctors to treat heroin or morphine addictions. Once the body adjusts to its presence it loses the ability to cause euphoria. However, methadone is a highly addictive substance that can cause painful, long-lasting withdrawal symptoms.
Heroin
Of the most addictive drugs, heroin is one of the most destructive. This is why some medical professionals even chose to treat it with something as addictive as methadone. Opiates, like heroin, are able to stimulate a number of neuro-chemicals in the brain. Heroin is also able to penetrate the brain quickly causing an intense euphoric rush. Heroin activates the reward system of the brain and tricks it into stopping its natural production of reward feelings. Eventually, a user can’t feel any good or rewarding feelings without using heroin. This is what causes severe cravings and intense withdrawal symptoms.
