The Top 5 Most Addictive Drugs
Across the United States each day, there are millions of people that are struggling with addiction each day. Addiction can come in many forms and the addictions we treat range from drug and alcohol to behavioral addictions or eating disorders. Patients struggling with addiction to drugs and alcohol, will often turn to the five most common forms of drug abuse.
The top 5 most addictive drugs that require the support of an addiction treatments program are:
- Cocaine addiction
- Heroin or opioid addictions
- Alcohol addiction
- Tobacco products with nicotine
- Methamphetamine or known under the drug street names of crystal meth
The Definition of Drug Addiction
Drug addiction is defined as a disease where a person is unable to control their drug use because of the impact that substance abuse has had on their brain circuitry and behaviors. When a person engages in substance abuse, it activates the pleasure center in the brain that causes an instantaneous feeling of reward within the brain which can impact the way a person will process incoming information. A person’s addictive behaviors may increase when they feel significantly better when taking drugs or alcohol. On the other hand, if a person experiences highly unpleasant or uncomfortable side effects when they come down from their high, it can cause a person to use more drugs in an effort to avoid any negative side effects. An individual that is living with an active drug dependency and addiction will experience strong cravings for drugs and withdrawal symptoms when they are not using drugs or alcohol.
What Makes Certain Drugs More Addictive?
The addictive nature of drug and alcohol is based on the effects it has within a person’s brain and its functioning. When you are using an illegal drug or tobacco products, it creates a physical dependence within a person due to the changes in the brain that occur due to the increased level of dopamine being produced within the brain. The more your brain has increased levels of pleasure, it creates a feeling of euphoria and escape within someone that is often a sense of relief for those individuals that have experienced a history of trauma or emotional pain that impacts a person’s ability to function or manage throughout the day. Individuals become addicted due to the change in the brain’s chemistry and reward system which impacts their mental health changing how they function due the effects that drug and alcohol can have on a person. The longer a person uses drug and alcohol, the more of a physical dependence is developed creating significant challenges when someone attempts to quit their substance abuse including drug cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
When to Reach Out for Help for Addiction
If you or a loved one has been living with an alcohol or drug addiction, there are common signs to be aware of that your substance abuse has progressed to a place that requires the support of an addiction treatment program. Signs to be mindful of that indicate a drug or alcohol addiction are:
- Loss of emotional and behavioral control
- Continued use of drug and alcohol despite experiencing negative consequences
- Spending less time doing hobbies or activities that once brought you joy
- Decrease in performance at work or school
- Engaging in high risk behavior in order to obtain drug and alcohol
- Experiencing problems in relationships due to your substance abuse
- Lying about or hiding your substance abuse from loved ones
- Serious changes in behavioral health or physical appearance
- Having to use more in order to reach the same desired effect
- Withdrawal symptoms such as shakiness, trembling, sweating, nausea, or fatigue
Drug Rehab and Detox at Serenity Oaks
At Serenity Oaks, we provide a continuum of care for patients that are ready to overcome their drug addiction with the support of our compassionate counselors and medical team who are well versed and educated in best drug detox and addiction treatments practices. We understand that drug addiction is a unique disease that impacts individuals differently and to heal from drug abuse, it requires individualized treatment programs that are centered around your specific emotional, mental, and physical needs to ensure that you have long lasting success in sobriety. We are dedicated to walking alongside you every step of the way in your addiction recovery process to ensure that you have the care and support you need to heal and grow into the person you want to be in sobriety. Contact one of our friendly staff today at (833) 720-0708 to hear more about our drug detox and drug rehab programs and get started on your road to addiction recovery.
