The 16 most addictive drugs in the world
Many of the illegal drugs are banned precisely because of their ability to take control of people's lives.
Chemical addiction is part of the basic functioning of the effects that these substances have on the nervous system , and that makes it not easy to get away from them.
The 16 most addictive drugs
Although the first doses of these substances can produce an unpleasant sensation, the truth is that they end up making our brain learn that it can only experience pleasure when consuming the necessary amount of drug. This, which depends on the reward system of the limbic system (the part of the brain responsible for producing emotional states) makes these addictive substances dominate us.
However, not all addictions are the same. At the time of experiencing them, our individual genetics influence, but also the characteristics of the chemical compound in question and the social rituals linked to its consumption. That is why some are more difficult than others.
In this regard, a few years ago the researcher David Nutt of London's Imperial College made a series of measurements about the addictive potential of several substances, to obtain an index of dependence. These are the 10 substances that were classified in this ranking, ordered by their addictive power .
- Maybe you're interested: "Types of drugs: know their characteristics and effects"
16. LSD
Another drug that, together with ecstasy, is of frequent recreational use. This, however, has a very powerful hallucinogenic effect .
15. Cannabis
Although not usually known for its addictive effects, cannabis can create strong long-term dependence.
14. Phencyclidine (PCP)
A drug with intense hallucinogenic effects. It is also known as angel dust.
13. MDMA
Ecstasy or MDMA is one of the most famous recreational drugs used in the context of nightlife. After a certain threshold in the frequency of consumption, this substance becomes very addictive.
12. Methaqualone
A hypnotic-sedative drug that, in its recreational use form (often synthesized clandestinely), it is known as Quaaludes .
12. Oxycodone
Oxycodone is a powerful opioid analgesic synthesized from thebaine. In the medical context, it is sometimes used in cases where there is severe pain, such as in post-operative cases.
11. OxyContin
This drug similar to heroin acts on the reward system of the brain and causes the levels of dopamine to increase markedly .
10. GHB
Also known as gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, GHB It is a molecule that is manufactured in small quantities by our own body and that it is used as a neurotransmitter, that is, as a messenger so that the neurons communicate with each other.
However, if we administer an extra of this substance our tolerance threshold rises rapidly, making us increasingly need more. In addition, this also has an effect on alcohol tolerance, and its rebound effect is very intense.
9. Amphetamines
Amphetamines are psychostimulants related to the class of substances used to treat ADHD (such as methylphenidate). This drug causes the brain to be flooded with dopamine and norepinephrine, but also is capable of generating one of the fastest addictions that exist .
8. Benzodiazepine
An anticonvulsant and hypnotic that in psychiatry is frequently used in cases of anxiety disorders or epilepsy. It is commercially known through names such as Valium or Xanax .
Although at specific times can be very useful to intervene in neurological disorders, as time passes can generate a strong degree of dependence.
7. Alcohol
A controversial substance, having a wide social acceptance and being legalized by tradition. Although the first shots may be unpleasant to "burn the throat", over time the degree of dependence can be very intense , until the point in which to stop consuming it in cases of heavy dependence can generate a syndrome known as delirium tremens, which is sometimes fatal.6. Seconal
Barbiturates are depressants of brain activity that are more potent than benzodiazepines. They lead to a high degree of sedation , relaxation and also have a certain analgesic power. They act on the neurotransmitter GABA receptors. In this category, a preparation known as seconal stands out.
5. Crystal
Methamphetamine is a very popular synthetic drug and used for the effects of euphoria and megalomaniac thoughts it produces. Like other psychostimulants, causes the brain to fill with dopamine and, at the same time, that this substance is produced increasingly in smaller amounts by the body itself, making it totally dependent on the doses administered.
4. Methadone
Methadone is used to intervene in cases of addiction to other drugs, but ironically it shows a high dependence potential. It is used as a "lesser evil", since the symptoms associated with this substance are less virulent than in most cases.
3. Nicotine
Excess presentations. Nicotine is one of the greatest business successes, and is based entirely on a chemical addiction fueled by social addiction historically generated through advertising and its appearance in movies.
2. Cocaine
Cocaine is the illegal drug that moves the most money in the world. Its effects consist in the feeling of euphoria that many people have learned to link with their nights of partying , although it is consumed in all kinds of contexts.
1. Heroine
Known as the drug of poor people, heroin is linked to high degrees of marginality and the transmission of diseases . The impulse to consume it due to the addiction it produces is so intense that aspects such as hygiene or health guarantees go into the background.
