Addictive Life

Caffeine

Though perfectly legal everywhere in the world, there is no denying that caffeine (a drug) is one addictive substance. In fact, it is probably the most-used drug in the world. Caffeine acts as a nervous system stimulant, as anyone who regularly has morning coffee can tell you. After frequent use, the body of a coffee drinker (or caffeine consumer of any kind) becomes dependent on the substance and will experience withdrawal symptoms if it goes too long without a fix.

Alcohol is a legal substance that, when used in moderation, can pose little to no problems for most people. But for heavy drinkers, the substance can be quite addictive. Studies have shown that 7% of the U.S. population is addicted to or abusing alcohol. Alcohol impairs brain function and has withdrawal symptoms that are so dangerous they can actually be fatal

Nicotine

Nicotine in tobacco is just as addictive as cocaine, according to studies. Though it is legal, it has a similar effect on the brain as cocaine does. Just as cocaine users, smokers may experience withdrawal symptoms about two to three hours after their last drag, making it very hard to quit this annoying and deadly habit.

Heroin

It's no surprise that heroin is probably the most addictive illegal drug, with at least 25% of people who have ever used it once becoming addicted. There are an estimated 50 million people who are regular users of this party drug across the globe, largely due to the euphoria experienced when it is injected. Unfortunately that euphoria is short-lived, and withdrawal effects can start as soon as two hours after your last dose of the drug. Many users are led down a dark road that never ends favorably.

Cocaine

Cocaine is very similar to heroin in that it has a very short high and a very quick onset of withdrawal symptoms, sometimes within one to two hours after your last dose, with symptoms starting at body aches, vomiting and diarrhea and turning into much more.

Amphetamines

Crystal meth is the most common recreational form of amphetamine. It causes a temporary alertness and allows you to stay awake for long periods of time. The drug has a number of detrimental side effects, including violent mood swings, nervous system damage and even death. Great care needs to be taken to break a meth addiction.

Adderall and other similar ADHD drugs are also amphetamines and should be taken with care and never quit cold turkey.

Oxycodone

Oxycodone is the basis of Percocet and Oxycontin. Ironically, it was originally intended to be a non-addictive alternative to morphine as a pain relieving drug, but it turns out it is just as if not more addictive.

Valium and Benzodiazepines

Valium and "benzos," such as Xanax, are prescription drugs that used to treat anxiety. Valium has been known to trigger addiction with just one dose. Doctors always recommend tapering off these drugs very slowly to avoid sever anxiety attacks, hence, the tendency towards addiction.

Methadone

Methadone was intended to help those trying to quit heroin deal with the withdrawal, but it has proven to be quite an addictive drug itself, in some cases more addictive than the heroin. In reality, you are just trading an illegal drug for a legal one and are still left addicted.

Sugar

You are probably wondering why something as innocent as sugar is on a list with hard drugs, but studies have shown that sugar is more addictive than cocaine. Though it isn't an opiate, of course, and doesn't have the horrible side effects of drugs, when we eat sugar, it causes the brain to release what is called endogenous opiates. Our body wants more of these natural opiates, so we have sugar cravings, sometimes intense ones.

The addictive nature of sugar has become apparent in the United States over the years: in 1822, the average American consumed about 6.3 pounds of sugar a year, and now that figure is closer to 107.7 pounds of sugar a year. This number is still rising!