Each addictive substance contains chemicals capable of inducing dependency. Moreover, the abrupt stopping of said drugs often leads to difficult, potentially serious withdrawal events. That said, former or recovering addicts and scientific researchers will likely claim that certain products are harder than others to withdraw and ultimately steer clear of.
Why Are Drugs Addictive?
Before delving into a discussion on these specific chemicals, a few words on why drugs often precipitate dependency is warranted.
Addictive substances are so named because they create some type of temporarily positive outcome in the future dependent that inspires said individual to repeatedly use them. In many instances, the ingesting subject’s brain and central nervous system are directly impacted leading to feelings of calmness, excitement, euphoria, strength, and resiliency.
Prospective dependents often begin using such substances for various reasons. The perceived benefits of addictive drugs helps users escape:
- Financial issues
- Personal problems
- Professional struggles
- Pre-existing but yet to be diagnosed mental health disorders
- Peer pressure
Additionally, a solid percentage of addictions are brought forth by genetic predispositions. Having a close family member with dependency issues could increase one’s risk of contracting the illness themselves.
Dangers Of Continued Dependency
Failure to cease addiction and withdraw offending substances from a user’s body could result in a host of serious, possibly permanent and life-limiting concerns like:
- Liver and kidney diseases
- Cardiovascular problems
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Nerve damage
- Aesthetic decline
Moreover, longstanding addiction could result in decreased cognitive function rendering vital mental capacities like concentration and memory weakened.
Drugs That Are Considered Most Difficult To Withdraw
It is important to reiterate that every addictive substance is difficult to stop. However, scientists have found the most challenging to withdraw are:
Alcohol
Many former dependents and pharmacology experts alike opine that alcohol is the most difficult drug to withdraw. Said subjects attribute this to several factors.
First, alcohol induces agreeable systemic impacts. Moderate, possibly even small quantities are capable of easing tension and anxiety. Moreover, for individuals over 21, it is perfectly legal to purchase. Additionally, use is socially acceptable even in professional or formal settings. Therefore, it is easy to access and almost always available.
Heroin
Those in the know label heroin amongst the most addictive drugs one could consume. This opiate works with brain chemicals to produce feelings of extreme happiness and relaxation soon after using the chemical.
However, over time, usage disrupts brain chemistry necessitating the intake of increasingly larger quantities to produce intended results. This vicious cycle often culminates in addiction.
Crack Cocaine
This extremely potent stimulant drug is a derivative of the more well known cocaine. This form of the designer drug has grown in popularity because it is easier to produce and costs far less than the parent substance. Above all, users experience an almost instantaneous rush of joy, euphoria, and excitement following ingestion.
That said, scientists caution that crack creates one of the most severe psychological dependencies of any drug because addicts develop tremendous tolerance requiring their systems to take in exceedingly prodigious quantities to create the desired effects.
Crystal Meth
Crystal meth, a form of methamphetamine, significantly impacts a user’s brain chemistry. The drug precipitates increased and rapid release of substances called dopamine and norepinephrine.
In the short-term, such events result in happiness and improved alertness and wakefulness. However, the impacts are short-lived and users often quickly crash and promptly need to score another fix to counteract these negative encounters. Those neglecting to withdraw this drug could experience lingering brain chemistry issues resulting in permanent nervous system damage.
Benzodiazepines
These drugs, which are sometimes referred to as tranquilizers, are often employed to remediate disorders, such as anxiety, social phobias, panic issues, and seizures. Scientists suggest these drugs impact the brain similarly to alcohol.
Furthermore, the soothing effects of said substances are felt almost immediately. That said, such benefits tend to wane quickly prompting users to ingest heightened concentrations to produce needed results.
Tips For Withdrawing From These Substances
Medical professionals and addiction specialists implore those desiring to end such dependencies not attempt such efforts on their own. All of these drugs possess the ability to induce severe, potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. Therefore, any effort should be conducted inside the confines of a healthcare or treatment facility staffed with professionals well-versed in handling such emergencies.
Reaching Out To Us
If you or someone you love seeks to end their dependency to any of the aforementioned substances, please contact us. Our experienced and established facility holds significant experience helping individuals withdraw from such drugs safely and conquer their demons permanently. Call us at 833-497-3812.