Substance dependence is complex, and there may not be one drug that’s necessarily harder to quit than another when you consider all the factors that contribute to substance use disorder (SUD). Everyone’s experience varies at our St. Gregory Recovery Center in Iowa, and the path to recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all. But some substances tend to be more addictive or harder to stop using, especially when you look at how accessible they are and how they affect the brain and body over time.
Understanding The Most Addictive Substances
Some substances may be more likely to cause strong cravings, withdrawal symptoms, or patterns of misuse. In a review that CNN shared, SUD experts explained that these five substances top the list in terms of addictiveness:
- Heroin: A potentially lethal opioid with the power to cause intense physical dependence and dangerous withdrawal symptoms.
- Alcohol: Despite alcohol being widely used and legal for millions of people, it can still lead to life-threatening withdrawal and long-term brain changes, all while being strongly linked to cancer.
- Cocaine: A stimulant that can eventually change how your brain processes pleasure and reward.
- Barbiturates: Often referred to as downers, barbiturates like Nembutal are often prescribed to treat anxiety or insomnia, but they can be dangerous at high doses or when mixed with other substances.
- Nicotine: The active ingredient in cigarettes, e-cigarettes, some vapes, and other tobacco products. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that nicotine is extremely addictive, mostly because it alters the parts of the brain that regulate reward systems and self-control. Because it’s widely legal, there aren’t many barriers to stop people from using it, which may add to how hard it is to kick.
Now that you’re aware of some of the most highly addictive substances out there, it’s important to remember that SUD isn’t just about how addictive a drug can be. A person’s history, mental health, environment, and even genetics can all play a role in how SUD develops—and how hard it is to treat.
Problematic Use vs. Substance Use Disorder
Sometimes, people use substances in unhealthy ways without meeting the full criteria for SUD. That doesn’t mean their struggles aren’t valid or troubling—high-functioning substance use is very real—but it could mean you or your loved one may not need the same kind of inpatient treatment as someone with a diagnosed disorder.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Problematic use might include using a substance more often than you intend or using it in risky situations, like before driving or heading into work.
- SUD is a medical diagnosis that includes set patterns of behavior and requires treatment.
If substance use starts affecting your work, relationships, or well-being, it may be time to take a closer look. And there are supportive communities ready to welcome you in Bayard and Des Moines, no matter where you fall on the spectrum.
The Example of Cannabis: A Commonly Used Substance
Not every substance that’s addictive causes someone to develop SUD. We can take a look at one of the most talked-about examples of commonly used but not necessarily abused substances: cannabis, also called marijuana.
Cannabis is widely used, especially in places where it’s legal. But that doesn’t mean it’s risk-free. The World Health Organization (WHO) explains that frequent cannabis use can lead to dependence, especially in people who start using it young or daily. While withdrawal isn’t as physically intense as opioids or alcohol, you may still experience cravings, trouble sleeping, irritability, and even nausea when trying to stop.
While marijuana’s symptoms and effects aren’t always uniform or applicable to every person, it’s an example that can extend to any substance that has the potential for abuse but may not be thought of as addictive.
How to Tell SUD and Substance Use Apart
If you’re wondering whether your use—or that of someone you love—has crossed the line into SUD, some tools and signs can help clarify, like the Addiction Severity Index (ASI). The ASI is a questionnaire that helps healthcare workers get a full picture of how substance use is affecting your life, from physical and mental health to family, legal, and work situations.
There are also substance-specific questionnaires used by health professionals to better understand how different drugs affect different people. These are tailored to each type of substance and can help match someone with the right support. If someone shows at least two of the following signs on either of these questionnaires within 12 months, it might indicate SUD:
- Using more of a substance than planned
- Wanting to cut down but being unable
- Prioritizing getting, using, and recovering from the substance
- Strong cravings
- Failing to meet responsibilities at home, work, or school
- Continuing to use despite the problems it causes
- Giving up once beloved hobbies or activities
- Using in risky situations like before driving or heading into work
- Needing more to get the same effect
- Withdrawal symptoms happen when trying to stop
Get Help for Substance Use Disorder in Iowa
If any of the symptoms above sound familiar, you’re not alone—and there are compassionate, evidence-based treatments that can help. Contact us at St. Gregory Recovery Center to learn more today.
