It is probably my point of view that is mixed up, because as an addiction treatment professional, I look at drugs from the point of view of which are most difficult to treat.
Possibly one of the most glaring understatements on this list of highly addictive drugs is the entire class of drugs called benzodiazepines. These include drugs such as Xanax , Ambien, Ativan and Klonopin (though Valium comes in at #5). These are prescribed like candy by the medical profession for stress and sleeplessness yet they prmarijuana users, addictive drugs, medical profession, additive effect, understatements, social pressures, health magazine, high potential, klonopin, addiction treatment, withdrawals, ativan, drug use, seizure, valium, ambien, xanax, physiology, controversy, point of viewoduce some of the most profound addictions, dangerous and most extensive withdrawals. Using them with alcohol has an additive effect that drastically increases effect of both drugs and produces significant withdrawal seizure possibilities.
The next thing I take issue with is that it is a real stretch to call hallucinogens addictive. Now, I’m not saying that tripping is the most sensible thing in the world to do, but in my years treating addiction, I don’t believe I’ve ever treated a single person for hallucinogen addiction.
Another item that I know will cause controversy is marijuana being listed as #14. I personally happen to believe that marijuana use is addictive. The controversy this will create is that marijuana users are among the most militant defenders of their drug use of any group I’ve ever encountered.
I don’t think many will be inspired to give up coffee, but it’s worth a try.
One of the things that I do not like about this list is it is presented in reverse order.I guess that’s to build up the suspense.
Enough said. Without further ado, here we go:
“In Health” magazine asked a panel of experts to rank commonly used drugs by their potential for addiction. Two factors were used: how easily people become addicted, and how difficult it can be for people to quit. A score of 100 represents a high potential for addiction, 1 a low potential. Because each individual reacts differently based on psychology, physiology, and social pressures, the rankings reflect addictive potential only.
#18 Mescaline
Potential For Addiction: 16.72/100
Mescaline is found in several cactus species, such as Peyote and San Pedro. It is usually smoked in “joints” or pipes, similar to marijuana. Mescaline, like LSD, causes hallucinations. Some of these hallucinations can cause nightmares, and could potentially cause some psychosis to those who use it. Mescaline has a relatively low potential for addiction.
#17 LSD
Potential For Addiction: 16.72/100
LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide) is a semisynthetic psychedelic drug. It is engineered from lysergic acid derived from ergot, a grain fungus that typically grows on rye. During the cold war, governments looked to LSD as a possible way to instigate mind control. The effects and addictive potential of LSD are very similar to Mescaline.
#16 Psilocybine Mushrooms
Potential For Addiction: 17.13/100
“Magic” Mushrooms (mushrooms containing the psychoactive substance psilocybin and psilocin) have been around since the days of the ancient Aztek civilization in central America. These mushrooms cause hallucinations similar to LSD, but give a less intense, “natural” high. They do not have high addictive potential.
#15 Ecstasy
Potential For Addiction: 20.14/100
A relatively new drug on the scene, enthusiastic users of “E” proclaim it does everything from enhancing their sex and social life, to curing migraines and even narcolepsy! Others who have stopped using the drug (after months or years of regular use) complain of increased paranoia, anxiety, depression, and trouble sleeping. The physical addictive qualities of this drug are surprisingly low on this list, but we suspect the psychological addictive qualities are much higher.
#14 Marijuana
Potential For Addiction: 21.16/100
Although the drug is not addictive to most casual users, Marijuana can be highly addictive to a small percentage of people who use it. It is estimated that between 10 to 14 percent of regular users will become highly dependent. Withdrawal symptoms can include nausea, insomnia and irritability. Marijuana’s role as a potential “gateway” drug (encourages users to graduate to more dangerous drugs such as cocaine) has been debated for years, but no evidence exists that confirms this “gateway” theory. On the other hand, no evidence exists that disproves this theory.
#13 PCP (Phencyclidine)
Potential For Addiction: 55.69/100
PCP is a synthetic drug originally used as an anesthetic during surgery, but its use was discontinued for this purpose due to the extreme side effects. Commonly referred to as “angel dust” or “crystal”, PCP gives the user feelings of invincibility, and vivid hallucinations. Long-term use can produce memory loss, difficulties with speech and thinking, depression and possible schizophrenia.
#12 Caffeine
Potential For Addiction: 72.01/100
The most widely used drug on earth, caffeine can be quite addictive. Those who have 300 milligrams (or more) per day can experience withdrawal symptoms if they cut off their caffeine intake. These users can suffer depression, irritability, tremors, jumpiness, lack of “deep sleep”, and painful headaches.
#11 Cocaine
Potential For Addiction: 73.13/100
Cocaine hydrochloride (a.k.a. coke, snow, blow) stimulates the central nervous system, and interferes with the reabsorption of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure.The drug is extracted from the leaves of the coca plant, found primarily in South America. Cocaine can produce euphoria, hyper-stimulation, confidence, and alertness. However, these positive effects can wear off within 30 minutes. When they do, withdrawal symptoms can include irritability, anxiety, insomnia, depression, and/or paranoia. Cocaine is highly addictive both physically and psychologically.
#10 Crank (Amphetamine Taken Orally)
Potential For Addiction: 81.09/100
Crank’s effects include euphoria, a decreased need for sleep, reduction of appetite, decreased need for liquids, increased sense of alertness, and increase in energy levels. High doses of amphetamines can cause blood vessels in the brain to rupture, heart failure, hyperthermia (extremely high fever), seizures, coma, and death.
#9 Heroin
Potential For Addiction: 81.80/100
A highly addictive drug, Heroin is processed from morphine, which is extracted from the Asian Poppy. Heroin usually appears as a brown or white colored powder, and commonly referred to on the street as “H”, “smack” or “junk”. It creates an instant feeling of euphoria, and “warm flushes” throughout the body. Withdrawal symptoms (which can occur in as little as one to two hours from the last dose) can include restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, and cold flashes.
#8 Alcohol
Potential For Addiction: 81.85/100
At first, alcohol can produce feelings of cheerfulness and confidence, but as we all know, this soon leads to unpredictable and erratic behavior. Long term alcohol abuse can damage the liver and pancreas, and cause bone damage and heart disease. If a user mixes alcohol with other drugs such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), cocaine, heroin, and/or barbiturates, it can actually double alcohol’s damaging effects on the body.
#7 Seconal (Secrobarbital)
Potential For Addiction: 82.11/100
Known as a “sedative hypnotic”, Seconal was once used as a sleeping pill, but have since been outlawed. They are highly addictive and commonly referred to on the street as “reds”. Withdrawal symptoms for Seconal, like other “downer” drugs, can be quite severe. They include anxiety, nervousness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, increased heart rate, and stomach cramps.
#6 Quaalude (Methaqualone)
Potential For Addiction: 83.38/100
Methaqualone was invented in the 1950’s and originally marketed as a sleeping pill, muscle relaxer, and sedative. It became popular as a recreational drug in the 1960’s, giving the user a relaxed and “free” feeling similar to the effects of alcohol. The drug was outlawed in most countries by the mid 80’s. Its withdrawal symptoms are similar to those of most “sedative hypnotic” drugs, such as Seconal and Valium.
#5 Valium (Diazepam)
Potential For Addiction: 85.68/100
Another “sedative hypnotic” drug, with severe withdrawal effects similar to Quaaludes and Seconal. Used for treatment of sleep disorders, depression, and bipolar disorder.
#4 Crystal Meth (Methamphetamine, injected)
Potential For Addiction: 94.09/100
The epidemic that is crystal meth has reached crisis proportions in North America, and around the world. Meth is generally easy and cheap to produce in simple “labs”, often set up in dealer’s homes. The drug creates an instant euphoria in the user, but is extremely addictive. The long term effects include brain damage, memory impairment, and extreme mood swings. The withdrawal symptoms have been described as “physical agony”, hence the very high dropout rate of addicts from recovery programs. Addiction counsellors say the relapse rate (of 92 per cent) is worse than cocaine.
#3 Crack
Potential For Addiction: 97.66/100
Crack, an infamous new variation of the drug cocaine, emerged in the 1980’s. Crack is actually cocaine in a rock crystal form, that can be heated, and its vapors smoked. The substance tends to make a “cracking” noise when heated, hence the name. Crack will give an instant feeling of intense pleasure, but the rush only lasts for about 5 to 7 minutes. The user will then experience depression, which can only be alleviated by more of the drug. This begins the dangerous cycle of crack dependancy. Long term use of the drug can cause anxiety, delusions, paranoia, lung cancer, panic attacks, heart disease, and bronchitis.
#2 Ice, Glass (Methamphetamine, smoked)
Potential For Addiction: 98.53/100.00 Ice or Glass is crystal meth in crystal form, that is smoked instead of injected. Its effects and severe withdrawal symptoms are similar to Meth that is injected.
#1 Nicotine
Potential For Addiction: 100/100
Number one on our list is nicotine, delivered to the body in the form of smoking and chewing tobacco. Nicotine is the primary reason that tobacco is addictive, although cigarette smoke contains many other dangerous substances, tar and carbon monoxide just to name a few. Most smokers develop the habit in their teen years, an age where many of us rebel and are more likely to try new and sometimes dangerous things. By the time these smokers reach their 20’s, they are hopelessly addicted and well on the way to a lifelong habit. Those who attempt to quit can suffer from withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, irritability, trouble sleeping, tension, difficulty in concentrating, and increased appetite. It is said nicotine is one of the most difficult drugs to quit.
I could not locate the original source of “In Health” Magazine for credit. I did find the piece at StopDepression.com
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i think the list is almost right from what i know. Of course there could be a few changes. The details of the drugs are a liitle off for me.
Hey Bill,
I have a strange feeling that all Benzos were essentially grouped in with valium… though maybe I’m giving them too much credit.
Benzo withdrawal is a nasty, nasty, thing.
That’s a pretty good list, especially since it includes legal and illegal drugs. It’s strange that people think just because medication is prescribed that it must be safe. Medication is only as safe as the person who uses it. Follow your doctor’s instructions! As for illegal drugs, there’s a reason why they are called “illegal”.
Great information! Addiction is always difficult to cure. I think determination is still the key to success
I think the fact with addiction, or any mental medical condition for that matter, should be looked on as something that will be difficult to work with the individual to cure. People know that they shouldn’t be taking something (e.g. heroine) but their body takes over their mind and sub concious and allows them to do it.
Working with the individual and finding points where they will be able to overcome their negativity.
I believe that nicotine is a very addictive substance, and should be treated as such. I started an electronic cigarette company after trying desperately to quit smoking. This is the only method that gave me the habitual hand to mouth sensation that is missing in other smoking alternatives. I Cant comment on the other drugs, as Ive never had an issue, and I doubt there’s electronic heroin or e-cocaine. lol
Johnny Blaze
Mescaline is not smoked in joints or pipes like marijuana. It is ingested in tea, by eating the cactus powder itself, or by eating the extracted or synthetic crystals. You could vaporize pure mescaline but few people do. It very rare and is not addictive.
I was glad to see Nicotine was number one. It is amazing that a substance which is sold everywhere is actually more addictive then other drugs which are illegal. Unfortunately a lot of people start smoking in their teens due to peer pressure. It is not till they get old that they want to stop. I started in my teens and I manged to give up smoking last year by using electronics cigarette and now I sell them. That is how much I beleive in them.
I have tried to quit cigarettes many times Chantix,patches,gum you name it I finally tried e-cigarettes and have quit since although im still addicted to the nicotine.
Hi There! “Magic” Mushrooms (mushrooms containing the psychoactive substance psilocybin and psilocin) have been around since the days of the ancient Aztek civilization in Central America. These mushrooms cause hallucinations similar to LSD, but give a less intense, “natural” high. They do not have high addictive potential. Great information! Addiction is always difficult to cure. I think determination is still the key to success.
this is a little ridiculous…ive done a few of these. been addicted to coke first, then i was alcoholic. i smoked crack a few times between these periods and also during. i was sober for 2 years, and now i drink casually.this list is so outrageous. i believe first it depends on the person, your personality. it also depends om your lifestlye and time in your life. i was 18 when i became addicted to coke. that was due to the fact i had an abortion that i wasnt ready for with a boyfriend who didnt know how to deal with it. he introduced me to coke and i fell in love. meanwhile i was doing randowm things that came along, mushroom, pills, what have you.i fell in love with coke, that was my thing. i was doing it 24/7 for about a year and a half until we broke up and i met someone else. i substituted that with booze. at first, i was just having a couple drinks, because i wasnt a drinker, but after a while i was drinking everyday, all the time, until i hit my bottom. i find this list ridiculous because its so basic, has the writer ever done any of them? you cant say this is the most addictive, and name the consequences. its different for everyone. when i was addicted to coke i never wanted crack, though i was never really introduced at the time. when i gave that up, i substituted with what was readily available to me, acohol. I know im an addictive person and i tried enough, the only thing that matters is the individual and their situation. When i was in rehab my consoler she said to me, wait, you smoke crack, and you didnt want to that more? you wanted alcohol more? and lastly, my fiancee does not have an addictive personality, i watch him take mushrooms and drop acid and hes so chill and cool about it, once its over, hes done, not addiction. its fun, and he smokes pot, a little every day, and its not a situation in our life. This guy sucks, he has no idea what hes talking about and it sucks hes on the internet telling mindless people “the truth.” and the medical community realy needs to slow down with the script throwing. i will never have my kid on ritalin or adderall. what did they do when we were kids? they kicked our ass when we werent being good. no matter how bad i was as a kid, not matter how many ass kickings i got, at least i got to live my life, no matter how bad i lived, im happy now, and im glad to have had an ass-kicking or two and to be where i am right now.. f all you drug haters. you clearly have no idea what youre talking about! <3