The 16 most addictive drugs in the world

A review of the substances that generate the most dependence among regular users.

Most of the illegalized drugs are banned 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 control them.and that makes it difficult to stay away from them.

The 16 most addictive drugs

Although the first doses of these substances may produce an unpleasant sensation, the truth is that they end up making our brain learn that it can only experience pleasure when consuming the necessary amount of drug. This, which depends on the reward system of the limbic system (the part of the brain in charge of 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. That is why some are more difficult to give up than others.

In this regard, a few years ago, researcher David Nutt of London's Imperial College conducted a series of measurements on the addictive potential of various substances, to obtain an index of dependence. These are the 10 substances that were classified in this ranking, ordered by their addictive power..

16. LSD

Another drug that, together with ecstasy, is frequently used recreationally. This one, however, has a hallucinogenic effect, has a very potent hallucinogenic effect..

15. Cannabis

Although not usually known for its addictive effects, cannabis can create a strong dependence in the long term.

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 recreational drugs used in the context of nightlife. After a certain threshold in the frequency of consumption, this substance becomes very addictive.

12. Methaqualone

A sedative-hypnotic drug which, in its recreational form (often synthesized clandestinely), is known as Quaaludes.

12. Oxycodone

Oxycodone is a potent opioid analgesic synthesized from thebaine. In the medical context, it is sometimes used in cases of severe pain, such as post-operative pain.

11. OxyContin

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

10. GHB

Also known as gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, GHB is a molecule that is manufactured in small quantities by our own body and is used as a neurotransmitter, i.e. as a messenger for neurons to communicate with each other. and is used as a neurotransmitter, i.e. as a messenger for neurons to communicate with each other.

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

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 in dopamine and norepinephrine, but in addition is capable of generating one of the fastest addictions in existence..

8. Benzodiazepine

An Anticonvulsant and hypnotic that in psychiatry is frequently used in cases of anxiety disorders or epilepsy. It is commercially known under names such as Valium or Xanax..

Although at specific moments it can be very useful to intervene on neurological disorders, as time goes by it can generate a strong degree of dependence.

7. Alcohol

A controversial substance, as it enjoys wide social acceptance and is legalized by tradition. Although the first intakes may be unpleasant because they "burn the throat", with time the degree of dependence can become very intense, up to the pointThe degree of dependence can become very intense over time, to the point where stopping consumption in cases of strong dependence can lead to a syndrome known as delirium tremens, which can sometimes be fatal.

6. Seconal

Barbiturates are substances that depress brain activity and are more potent than benzodiazepines. They lead to a high degree of sedationrelaxation and also have a certain analgesic power. They act on the receptors of the neurotransmitter GABA. A preparation known as seconal stands out in this category.

5. Crystal

Methamphetamine is a very popular synthetic drug used for the euphoric effects and megalomanic thoughts it produces. Like other psychostimulants, it causes the brain to fill up with dopamine and, at the same time, this substance is produced in decreasing amounts by the body itself, making it dependent on the brain. 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 dependence potential. It is used as a "lesser evil", since the symptoms associated with this substance are less virulent than in most cases.

3. Nicotine

There is no shortage of presentations. Nicotine is one of the big corporate success stories, and is based entirely on a chemical addiction fueled by social addiction, historically generated by historically generated through advertising and its appearance in movies.

2. Cocaine

Cocaine is the world's biggest illegal drug. Its effects consist of the euphoric sensation that many people have learned to associate with their party nights, although it is used in all kinds of contexts.although it is used in all kinds of contexts.

1. Heroin

Known as the poor people's drug, heroin is linked to high levels of marginalization and disease transmission.. The impulse to consume it because of the addiction it produces is so intense that aspects such as hygiene or health guarantees take second place.

Bibliographical references:

• Bennett, Brian (June 9, 2011). "U.S. can't justify its drug war spending, reports say". Los Angeles Times. Accessed 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 Jaume I University.
• Praga, María del Carmen. (2001). Orígenes y efectos de las adicciones. Mexico City: SEP.