Dr Richard Soper: Avoid The Most Addictive Substances

As a specialist in the field of Addiction Medicine, I, Dr Richard Soper, believe that addiction is a psychological issue. It is the inability to stop consuming chemical, drug, substance, or activity, knowing that it causes both physical and mental harm. A person experiencing addiction lacks cannot control how they use a substance or partake in an activity, and eventually, they become dependent on it to cope with their daily lives. According to a report by the National Safety Council, addiction takes more lives each year than car accidents; it is a potentially life-threatening medical concern that requires immediate treatment. Below, I, Dr Richard Soper, listed some of the most addictive substances you should avoid for your health’s sake.

Heroin

Being the most addictive drug in the world, studies show that just one dose of it can lead the person into addiction. It causes euphoria, eases the feeling of pain, and acts on the nucleus accumbens, numbing the brain and body. Heroin’s effects on the body and brain make it one of the most popular drugs abused by individuals.

Nicotine

Mostly found in tobacco products, nicotine triggers a surge of endorphins, which are the chemicals produced by the body to cope with pain or stress. Research reveals that the use of tobacco products is the leading preventable cause of disease, disability, and death in the United States of America.

Alcohol

Most people who drink quickly underestimate the addictive dangers of alcohol because it is legal and socially accepted. However, I, Dr Richard Soper, want you to know that alcohol acts as a depressant for the central nervous system, meaning it reduces the functional or nervous activity of your CNS. Although drinking alcohol urges your brain to release dopamine and endorphins, which produce feelings of satisfaction and eliminates the sensation of pain, your body will eventually need more alcohol to achieve the same effects, which might lead to substance dependence.

Cocaine

As a stimulant, cocaine causes harmful physical effects such as rapid heart rate and increased blood pressure. Its signature “high” is caused by the flood of dopamine it sends to the brain. As soon as withdrawal sets, the brain and body experience intolerable discomfort, which causes the cravings leading to addiction.

Crack

Crack is the smokable version of cocaine, made from a mixture of baking soda and cocaine powder. People who smoke crack usually experience a faster, more intense, and extremely short-lived high, which causes users to crave more.