The 16 most addictive drugs in the world

Much of the illegal drugs are prohibited 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 making our brain learn that it can only experience pleasure by consuming the necessary amount of drug. This, which depends on the reward system of 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. When it comes to experiencing them, our individual genetics influence, but also the characteristics of the chemical compound in question and the social rituals linked to its consumption. This is why some are more difficult to let go than others.

In this regard, a few years ago researcher David Nutt from London’s Imperial College

performed a series of measurements about the addictive potential of various substances, to obtain a dependency index. These are the 10 substances that were classified in this ranking, ordered by their addictive power.

• You may be interested: "Types of drugs: know their characteristics and effects"

16. LSD

Another drug that, along with ecstasy, is frequently used recreationally. This, however, has a very powerful hallucinogenic effect.

15. Cannabis

While not typically known for its addictive effects, cannabis can create strong long-term dependency.

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 and used recreational drugs 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 form of recreational use (frequently synthesized clandestinely), it is known as Quaaludes.

12. Oxycodone

Oxycodone is a powerful opioid pain reliever synthesized from thebaine. In the medical context, it is sometimes used in cases where there is intense pain, such as post-operative pain.

11. OxyContin

This heroin-like drug acts on the brain's reward system and causes dopamine levels to rise notably.

10. GHB

Also known as gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, the GHBit 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 for neurons to communicate with each other.

However, if we administer an extra of this substance, our tolerance threshold rises rapidly, causing us to need more and more. Furthermore, this also has an effect on alcohol tolerance, and its rebound effect is very strong.

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 is frequently used in psychiatry in cases of anxiety disorders or epilepsy. It is known commercially through names like Valium or Xanax.

Although at specific times it can be very useful to intervene on neurological disorders, as time passes, it can generate a strong degree of dependency.

7. Alcohol

A controversial substance, as it enjoys wide social acceptance and is legalized by tradition. Although the first few takes can be unpleasant for "burning the throat", over time the degree of dependency can be very intense, to the point where stopping consuming it in cases of strong dependence can generate a syndrome known as delirium tremens, which is sometimes fatal.

6. Seconal

Barbiturates are brain depressant substances that are more powerful than benzodiazepines. They lead to a high degree of sedation, relaxation and also have a certain analgesic power. They act on neurotransmitter receptors GABA. In this category, a preparation known as seconal stands out.

5. Crystal

Methamphetamine is a very popular synthetic drug used for the euphoric effects and megalomaniacal thoughts it produces. Like other psychostimulants, causes the brain to fill with dopamine and, at the same time, that this substance is produced in less and less quantity 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 very high potential for dependence. It is used as a "lesser evil", since the symptoms associated with this substance are less virulent than in most cases.

3. Nicotine

Presentations are unnecessary. Nicotine is one of the great business successes, and is entirely based on a chemical addiction fueled by social addiction historically generated through advertising and its appearance in movies.

2. Cocaine

The cocaine It is the illegal drug that moves the most money in the world. Its effects consist of feeling of euphoria that many people have learned to link with their night out, although it is consumed in all kinds of contexts.

1. Heroin

Known as the poor people's drug, heroin is linked to high degrees of marginalization 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 take a back seat.

Bibliographic references:

• Bennett, Brian (June 9, 2011). «U.S. can't justify its drug war spending, reports say ». Los Angeles Times. Retrieved April 29, 2016.
• Castelló Pérez, Sergio García Peña, Eva María Montesinos Torres, Rubén. (2009). Study on the degree of knowledge about designer drugs. September 26, from Universidad Jaume I.
• Prague, Maria del Carmen. (2001). Origins and effects of addictions. México, D.F.: SEP.