Addiction is a brain disorder in which the body continuously craves an immediate source of pleasure. While you can become addicted to almost anything, certain substances can create a physical dependence – this results in intense withdrawal symptoms which can make quitting much harder (and in some cases dangerous) without the right support.
Different substances can affect the brain in different ways. In this post, we’ll take a look at five of the most addictive substances – opioids, cocaine, amphetamines, nicotine and alcohol – and break down exactly what makes each of them so hard to give up.
Opioids
Includes: codeine, hydrocodone, morphine, tramadol, methadone, heroin and fentanyl
Opioids include prescription painkillers and certain illicit drugs. They are made from either extracting opium from a poppy plant (opiates) or from synthesizing a similar substance in a lab (as is the case with fentanyl).
Opioids are widely considered to be the most addictive substance known to man – they bind with opioid receptors in the brain to create feelings of euphoria and relaxation, however repeated use quickly rewires the brain to become dependent on this high just to feel normal.
Withdrawal symptoms add to the problem. They include muscle pain, anxiety, sweating, nausea and insomnia, which can become so unbearable that individuals feel the need to relapse. Desperation to feel high can often lead to many people overdosing. Drug rehabilitation is often highly recommended to safely quit opioids, which may include medication-assisted treatment.
Cocaine
Includes: powder cocaine, crack cocaine
Cocaine is illegal in all forms in most places around the world. It is derived from the coca plant, which is native to South America.
The high of cocaine results in a rush of euphoria, energy, confidence and alertness. However, it is short-lived and followed by a ‘crash’, which leads to immediate cravings to have more. This typically results in individuals continuing to take the substance until they run out.
Frequent use can blunt the brain’s natural ability to feel pleasure, making everyday life feel dull or empty, and leading individuals to keep taking cocaine to feel that rush again. It can also put a massive strain on the heart, increasing the risk of cardiac problems. While some people are able to quit independently by finding healthy replacement endorphin rushes, many long-term users need professional support to quit.
Amphetamines
Includes: Adderall, speed, crystal meth, meth base
Amphetamines are a lab-produced substance that includes prescription medications for ADHD like Adderall and illicit methamphetamines. The drug has been manufactured since the 1930s.
The reason amphetamines are so addictive is because they overstimulate the brain – they are known for boosting focus, energy, confidence and sometimes creating a sense of invincibility. This typically makes people more productive, awake or social. When the feelings wear off, many individuals experience exhaustion, a low mood and cravings. This leads to repeat use, with some individuals constantly taking this substance to avoid the crash.
While prescription forms like Adderall deliver small doses, illegal forms like crystal meth deliver larger doses that tend to be much more dangerously addictive. Chronic use can lead to sleep issues, malnutrition from poor appetite and mental health issues. Breaking out of the cycle often involves seeking out professional treatment.
Nicotine
Includes: cigarettes, vapes, cigars
Nicotine is an addictive substance found naturally in tobacco. It is therefore present in all tobacco products, while also being used in many vape products.
Some studies have claimed that nicotine is as addictive as heroin. Of course, the ‘high’ is a lot more mild. The major problem is the withdrawal symptoms, which leave many people feeling restless and irritable until they smoke or vape again.
The danger of smoking and vaping often isn’t the nicotine itself but the chemicals inhaled with it, which are the biggest source of respiratory health problems around the world. Products like nicotine patches and nicotine gum exist that can help provide that hit of nicotine without the need to inhale anything nasty. However, many people learn to associate the high of nicotine with rituals such as rolling a cigarette, having a coffee or taking a break from work – and quitting these rituals can leave a sense of emptiness that nicotine patches can’t fill. Professional support with quitting and support groups can be worth exploring for those struggling to give up solo.
Alcohol
Includes: beers, wines, ciders, spirits
Alcohol is the most commonly consumed substance on this list. It is created through fermentation of various foods – most notably grapes to create wine and grains to produce beer.
Classed as a ‘depressant’, alcohol affects the brain by increasing GABA activity (the calming neurotransmitter) while reducing effects of glutamate (the neurotransmitter that controls our inhibitions). It also increases dopamine, making us feel good and forget our worries.
Many people heavily drink to suppress negative feelings like depression and anxiety. However, the hangover the next day can amplify these feelings. This results in a vicious cycle for many individuals – drinking to self-medicate and then wanting to drink again because of the feelings created by the hangover. Long-term heavy drinking can meanwhile lead to physical withdrawal symptoms such as shakes and sweating. All of this drinking damages the liver and various other organs. Giving up alcohol proves very difficult due to physical withdrawal symptoms and widespread legal availability. This is why rehab is often essential for those facing severe alcohol use disorder.
Understanding substance addiction
The five substances affect brain chemistry in different ways, however they share a common pattern: they reward the brain and then deliver withdrawal symptoms that make us want to chase that reward again, making it extremely hard to simply ‘choose’ to stop.
Addiction isn’t a moral failure, but a complex health condition that can be very hard to treat without professional support. If you or someone you know is facing addiction, it could be worth exploring some of the different resources out there. Rehab is a solution for serious addiction, while support groups and outpatient therapy programs can be a good option for milder addictions. Recovery isn’t an easy road, but it’s easier when you’re not alone.