3 Most Addictive Substances (Heroin, Cocaine, Opioids): Why They Are so Hard to Overcome

Addiction is a life-altering condition. It affects every aspect of a person’s life, from family life and work, to the way they feel about themselves and life in general.

Unfortunately, addiction isn’t something which can simply be switched off. This is especially true when the addiction is to substances like opioids, heroin, or cocaine. These are highly addictive substances and can be extremely difficult to treat.

Why is this? And what can be done to overcome addiction to these substances?

3 of the Most Addictive Substances to Overcome and Treat

These are the chemical substances which are considered among the most addictive – and the most difficult to treat.

1. The American Epidemic: Opioid Addiction

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, more than 130 people die every day from opioid drug overdoses.

Opioids bind to receptors in the brain, reducing pain and releasing dopamine. This makes people feel better, happier, and less stressed.

Withdrawal symptoms can be horrible. They include:

• Vomiting
• Headache
• Chills
• Muscle pain
• Insomnia
• Rapid heart rate

Even if someone makes it through these withdrawal symptoms, they’ll have to deal with an increased feeling of pain and stress. Since the pain receptors in the brain aren’t filled with the opioid drug, they send intense pain signals to the brain.

Going through withdrawals is one thing, but add pain on top of it, and it’s easy to see why this is such a difficult addiction to kick.

2. Heroin Addiction: Dangerous and Quickly Addictive

Heroin is processed from morphine. Therefore, it produces a relaxed, yet happy, reaction. The more it’s used, the greater the physical dependence on it.

Additionally, the body becomes tolerant to it, which means addicts need more and more each time they use in order to get the feeling they crave.

Heroin addiction is notoriously difficult to overcome. Some have even described it as the pit bull of drugs – it sinks its sharp teeth into the victim and refuses to let go.

Not only do addicts miss the feeling of no stress and euphoria, they typically experience increased pain during the withdrawal process.

3. Cocaine Addiction: The Caviar of Street Drugs

In the U.S., hospital emergency room staffs see more cocaine overdose cases than any other. This has been called the “rich man’s drug” as it has been glamorized by celebrities, musicians, the rich, and the powerful.

One of the reasons why cocaine is so popular is because there are so many ways to take it. It can be smoked, injected, or snorted.

Taking it results in a feeling of euphoria and energy for approximately two hours. When users crash, they crave this feeling of energized happiness so much they will go to any lengths to feed their addiction.

Cocaine affects the heart and other vital organs as well. It is incredibly dangerous, and detoxification needs to be done with professionals to ensure the safety of the patient.

The NAD Therapy Approach – Overcome Your Addiction

People who suffer from drug addiction have depleted amounts of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) in their body. This is an essential, naturally occurring co-enzyme which helps turn the food we eat into energy. It also helps with stress reduction and sleep.

Since drug abuse reduces the amount of NAD in the body, restoring it can actually help addicts overcome their addiction – even to heavy-duty addictions, like opioids, heroin, and cocaine.

Many who have come to NAD in Georgia have noticed remarkable results when receiving this form of treatment. It can make withdrawals more bearable, too.

Those who have tried it have found they’re able to overcome their addiction and feel better physically and emotionally after treatment.

We’ve found this is one of the most effective forms of addiction treatments available. Its effects are long-lasting and make our patients feel better than ever.

The Struggle Is Real – It’s Ok (and Necessary) to Seek Professional Help

Getting over an addiction is hard. It’s even more difficult if you try to do it on your own. This is why we encourage people and their families to get help.

There’s no shame in asking for help. In fact, when it comes to treating opioids, heroin, or cocaine addiction, it’s absolutely necessary.

If you or a loved one is ready to make the transition away from these substances, we applaud you. And we hope you’ll consider getting NAD treatment with our addiction treatment professionals.

We’ll do all we can to support you and your family, and help you kick your addiction once and for all.