The Most Addictive Substances

The most addictive substances can lead to life-changing repercussions in those who use them. They can lead to addiction, mood and behavioral changes, broken relationships, and potentially life-threatening results. Using these substances can be extremely dangerous, and could potentially lead to overdose. Getting help when someone is struggling with these substances can be vital to ensuring safety and recovery.

Alcohol

Alcohol is one of the most addictive substances that is more commonly abused. This can be due to the legality of the substances. Many people begin using this substance as a means of having fun and socializing with friends. However, abusing this substance can lead to some severe impacts on a person’s life.

The effects that alcohol abuse can have on a person can be devastating. This can include damage to vital organ functionality, including the liver, heart, and brain. It can impair cognitive function, coordination, and judgment leading to problems for the person who is using it. 

Synthetic Opioids

The opioid epidemic across the United States is impacting countless people every day. Opioids like heroin, fentanyl, and carfentanil are leading to devastating losses in the lives of many people across the country every day.

Carfentanil is a synthetic opioid that is 10,000 times more potent than morphine, and 100 times more potent than fentanyl according to the DEA. This makes it highly addictive and extremely deadly. Overdose deaths occur every day due to synthetic opioids like carfentanil, heroin, and fentanyl. 

Nicotine

Nicotine products are another of the most addictive substances. The availability of them on every street, in almost every store, makes nicotine products like cigarettes and vaporizers easily accessible for those who are struggling with them. Cancers and other health concerns can happen as a result of using these substances. 

Stimulants

Stimulant drugs like cocaine and methamphetamines can be some of the most addictive substances. These drugs lead to a sense of euphoria in the users. They also lead to a false sense of confidence and heightened energy levels resulting in less need for sleep. This can lead to psychosis and issues with cognitive functionality. Using these substances can cause heightened blood pressure, rapid and unhealthy weight loss, and loss of family relationships and friendships. 

Prescription Opioids

Another of the most addictive substances are prescription opioids. These are things like Percocet, Vicodin, and Oxycontin. These drugs are used to treat pain in people who have chronic pain conditions or those who have had surgery. They bind to the opioid receptors in the brain, blocking pain signals.

With continued use, the body can build a tolerance which can lead to requiring more and more of these substances in order to achieve the desired effects. This can also lead to developing a dependence on these substances leading to severely uncomfortable symptoms of withdrawal when the substances are unavailable. 

Tranquilizers Like Xylazine

Xylazine is a form of tranquilizer used in veterinary medicine for larger animals. It is not intended for human consumption, however, it is becoming increasingly common for individuals to use and abuse this substance as a means of getting high. Abusing Xylazine can cause respiratory distress, impaired motor function, and addiction. Illicit Xylazine can be unpredictable as it is unregulated and the dosage and purity is unknown. This can lead to overdose and fatality in those who are using this drug.

Inhalants

Inhalant drugs, such as whippets, are among the most addictive substances. Inhalant abuse is when someone is intentionally breathing in, or “huffing”, chemical vapors to achieve the mind-altering effects that they can have. This can include household items such as glue, paint thinner, and gasoline. It can also include aerosols.

These aerosols can include whippets. Whippets are small NO2 canisters containing nitrous oxide, which is generally used for its sedative and pain-relieving nature. The euphoric effects that are achieved by inhaling this drug are what lead to its abuse. Repeated use of this substance can lead to oxygen deprivation, dizziness, and unconsciousness. It can also lead to death due to inappropriate or long-term use. 

Benzos

Benzodiazepines, or benzos, are among the most addictive substances. These are substances intended to treat things like anxiety, panic disorders, and insomnia. They are controlled substances only legally available through a prescription from a doctor.

However, their potential for abuse can lead to addiction and dependence resulting in severe and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms when someone stops using them. The effects of benzos can include slowed motor and cognitive function, respiratory depression, falling in and out of consciousness, and even coma or death. 

Beginning to Heal

Struggling with substances can be extremely difficult for those who are experiencing addiction. These substances can lead to severe impacts to health and overall well-being in individuals who are struggling. The risks associated with these substances can be life-altering and devastating. If you or a loved one are struggling, there is help available. At Lexington Addiction Center we have a team of professionals trained to help those struggling with substances begin to heal and learn to live life without the toxic substances. Call us today and begin your journey to healing.