The 5 Hardest Drugs to Kick

Ever wonder what the hardest drugs to kick are? Here’s a list of the top 5 hardest drugs to withdraw from and quit.

Addiction is a terrible, all-encompassing, sickness that manages to refocus lives, driving them down a path that neglects health, family, and finances. While all addictions can be destructive, some of the most addictive drugs have a way of placing users in a vice-like grip, that can seem impossible to break free from. In this article, we are going to go over the 5 most addictive drugs, and what it is about each one that makes them the hardest drugs to kick.

5. Heroin

Heroin addicts are first enticed by the intense euphoria, calmness, and numbness that is brought on by the drug. In many cases, heroin use starts after use of an addictive prescription drug. When the prescription runs out, or once a tolerance has been built, heroin becomes a simple substitute. In addition to its powerful effects, one of the things that make heroin one of the most addictive drugs is its fast acting nature, whether it’s injected, snorted, or smoked, the conversion to morphine into the brain quickly attaches the opioid receptors to give users an instant gratification of sorts.

Once the so-called “desired” effects of heroin have worn off, addicts that have used regularly will get sick or experience withdrawals. This is another reason heroin can be one of the hardest drugs to kick. In fact, after using for long periods of time, most addicts are no longer using the drug to get high, but rather to maintain, and to avoid the painful withdrawals that the substance has become known for.

4. Cocaine

While heroin is currently causing what some refer to as an epidemic in Northern America, Cocaine has seen a steady but increasing, use all over the country. Typically snorted, cocaine rose in popularity in the 70’s and 80’s do to it’s short-term, high energy effects on the user. Unfortunately, while cocaine is very fast acting, it is also quick to fade into effect. This aspect of cocaine use causes most users to reduce multiple time throughout a session, constantly flooding the brain with intrusive chemicals.

This consistent redosing is one of the key aspects that make Cocaine one of the most addictive drugs, creating a habit by consistently rewarding the brain for drug use. Once addiction takes hold, doses generally become larger and larger. At high doses, along with the alertness and euphoria users are hoping for, Cocaine can cause agitation, depression, anxiety, and paranoia.

3. Methamphetamine

If cocaine makes users feel alert, then meth makes users hyperactive. Methamphetamine is one of the hardest prescription drugs to quit due to its extremely addictive nature, but it’s also extremely dangerous due to its composition. Methamphetamine is generally made from a number of toxic chemicals that can be found in most common household cleaners. Despite this seemingly insane risk, methamphetamines continued to be used regularly.

One of the most addictive drugs, methamphetamine gives users a feeling of euphoria, hyperactivity, and an increased libido, these are what users consider its desirable effects. Unfortunately, meth comes with a number of side effects as well including insomnia, a risk of heart attack, a risk of stroke, dehydration, and paranoia among other things. Because meth is one of the most addictive drugs, the withdrawals that users feel after using the drug can be extremely intense, only increasing in severity as doses climb to higher amounts.

2. Addictive Prescription Drugs

Opioids are commonly given by doctors to treat acute pains after surgeries, or due to severe medical conditions. Unfortunately, many of these common medications, such as morphine, methadone, and hydrocodone, are some of the most addictive drugs. In low prescribed doses, these drugs work as painkillers that allow patients to function as intended, but in high doses, these drugs produce a general sense of well-being, euphoria, drowsiness, and calmness.

Repeated abuse of addictive prescription drugs causes an increase in tolerance, requiring larger and larger doses to recreate the desired effects, this can lead to an increased chance of overdose, use of more extreme illegal drugs, and severe health problems.

1. Alcohol

Number one on our list as the most addictive drug is Alcohol. Although alcohol is legal, and acceptable for many to drink regularly, it is also one of the hardest drugs to withdraw from. For many users, alcohol is a daily drug, even an hourly need. On its own alcohol has a much higher rate of death, addiction, and related crime count than any other drug available. In moderation, alcohol consumption causes people to relax, and studies have shown that small amount can even be beneficial to a person’s overall health.

When abused, the risks mount significantly, with drunk driving, overdose, liver failure, and destructive behavior being only a few of the many negative side effects. In addition, alcohol can be one of the hardest drugs to avoid. Alcohol is everywhere. Imagine if heroin addicts had to pass heroin corner stores in every strip mall, or if cocaine addicts had watch commercials for their drug of choice in between commercial breaks for every sporting event. When faced with the question: what is the most addictive substance? We are met with mounting studies and evidence that point to one culprit alone: alcohol.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.

About the Author

is a proud alumni member of WhiteSands Treatment. After living a life of chaos, destruction and constant let downs, Mark was able to make a complete turnaround that sparked a new way of life. He is serious about his recovery along with helping others. At WhiteSands Treatment, we offer support to you in your homes or when you are out living in your daily lives.