Some of these are fairly obvious, others might surprise you but here’s a list of the planet’s most addictive substances compiled by a group of addiction experts at the Imperial College of London lead by Dr. David Nutt and printed in the Lancet Journal (Business Insider first reported the results). The group gave each substance a ranking, three being the highest, based on pleasure, psychological dependence (cravings or irritability experienced without them) and physical dependency (from headaches to shakes). Here’s what they found.
1. Heroin — Duh. One of the most dangerous drugs in the world, completely covers up pain as our body converts the substance into morphine inducing complete euphoria. Rank: 3 of 3
Photo: Drugdetails.com
2. Cocaine — Within moments of intaking the drug the brain turns the substance into dopamine. It affects memory and can cause humans to choose it over food, which shows why it’s so addictive. Rank: 2.4 of 3
Photo: Healthtap.com
3. Nicotine — The affects of nicotine evaporate within 10 seconds, which is one reason it’s so damn addictive. Users need to use more and more of it. According to some reports 85 percent of people who try to quit relapse. Rank: 2.2 of 3
Photo: Tpic.tw
4. Barbiturates — Many of us have no clue what barbiturates are. Mostly they’re used to treat psychological issues like anxiety and insomnia brought on by the former. Lower doses are said to create euphoria while higher doses can stop breathing. Rank: 2 of 3
Photo: Cavemamas.com
5. Alcohol — When used in excess, the drug of the people has destroyed the lives of thousands. It slows our thinking, breathing, and heart rate while bringing on feelings of invincibility and euphoria (allowing escape). Rank: 1.9 of 3
