What is the Most Addictive Drug in the World Today?

With heroin being the most addictive drug in the world, several other drugs are considered some of the most addictive substances available today. Of course, you are already familiar with many of these drugs from hearing about them in the news. But, we want to include them here to bring awareness to the scope of the drug problem we face today.

2. Cocaine –

Cocaine is a stimulant that produces short-term euphoria, high levels of energy, and extreme alertness. The user will be overly talkative and have increased blood pressure and dangerous heart rate levels. As a painkiller, cocaine creates an intense sense of pleasure that keeps the person coming back for more. Cocaine comes in many forms such as powder, liquid, and crystals. According to NIDA, more than 1.5 million people use cocaine today.

3. Opioids –

Opioids include such drugs as oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, codeine, and fentanyl. Opioid addiction is now at epidemic levels in the US. The CDC is recommending that doctors reduce the number of prescriptions they write for these substances. Approximately 4.3 million Americans abuse prescription painkillers today.

4. Alcohol –

Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. It comes in the form of beer, wine, and hard liquor. People consume alcohol for its effects of lowered inhibitions and the sense of calm and euphoria. Binge drinking is especially problematic today, especially among high school and college students. This practice involves drinking more than five servings of alcohol in a short period, usually two hours. Regular users begin to feel that they need alcohol to have a good time. Alcoholics think that they need the substance to feel normal. The NIAAA estimates that about 7.2 percent of people over the age of 18 struggle with an alcohol use disorder.

5. Benzodiazepines –

Benzos treat anxiety and help control seizures. They also induce a sense of relaxation and satisfaction in the user. As some of the most widely abused drugs in the US, benzodiazepines are often used with painkillers or alcohol to enhance the effects. Some of the most commonly prescribed benzos include Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, and Valium.

Experts at organizations such as the World Health Organization and the Division of Brain Sciences at Imperial College, London, contributed to creating a standard of measurement for addictive substances. They performed studies to gather data about the potential for addiction of certain substances and the consequences.