The worlds most addictive drugs, warning signs, symptoms and side effects

Processed from morphine, this drug usually appears as a white or brown powder.  It’s chemical structure is very similar to that of a natural neurotransmitter, which allows it to fool receptors and send abnormal messages to the brain.  It’s short-term effects include: a state of euphoria followed by wakeful and drowsy periods, blurred mental capacity, warming of the skin, heavy extremities, and dry mouth.  Long-term effects include: addiction, collapsed veins, spontaneous abortion, possible contraction of infectious diseases, abscesses, liver disease, various types of pneumonia, and risk of a deadly overdose.  Withdrawal symptoms are the most intense between 48 and 72 hours after last use and subside after about a week.  These symptoms vary from drug craving, restlessness, and insomnia, to bone and muscle pain, diarrhea, vomiting, cold flashes, and kicking movements.  Medication treatment and behavioral therapy are available to overcome an addiction to heroin.  Naloxone and naltrexone are both used to block the effects of morphine and heroin.  Buprenorphine works in a similar manner, but has a lower risk of addiction and can be prescribed by a private doctor.

2. Cocaine

Snorted, sniffed, injected, or smoked, cocaine is extracted from the leaves of the coca plant.  The name changes to crack when it is processed from hydrochloride and used for smoking.  It can cause nerve cells to release abnormally large amounts of neurotransmitters, which in turn send amplified messages that disrupt communication channels in the brain.  Upon use individuals experience a state of euphoria and increased energy followed by feelings of self-confidence and power.  Health effects include: increased heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature, dilated pupils, respiratory failure, heart attack or stroke, seizures, odd or violent behavior.  Behavioral therapy is available for recovering addicts.  Depression and the inability to experience pleasure are the most common withdrawal symptoms.

3. Methamphetamine

Often referred to as crystal meth, speed, or ice, this bitter-tasting powder stimulates the central nervous system.  It can be smoked, injected, snorted, or taken orally and causes a euphoric state similar to that of cocaine, but longer lasting.  If smoked or injected the individual will feel an intense rush within five to ten seconds.  This feeling can last anywhere from one to three minutes.  Snorting or ingesting the drug produces a less intensified high.  Side effects include: euphoria, increased physical activity, decreased appetite, insomnia, confusion, anxiety, aggression, and convulsions.  Long-term users can experience schizophrenic symptoms such as: paranoia and hallucinations, repetitive behavior patterns, and delusions of parasites or insects on the skin.  Withdrawal symptoms range from drug craving and depression to sleepiness and hunger. Medications for recovery are still being developed, but therapeutic programs are available.  The Matrix Model is a sixteen week intervention program consisting of intensive group and individual therapy.  Another program frequently used is Motivational Incentives for Enhancing Drug Abuse Recovery.  This is an incentive based method program for methamphetamine users.

4. Nicotine

Nicotine is one of the most heavily used addictive drugs in the U.S. and comes from the tobacco plant, which uses it as a natural protection against insects.  Nicotine has a similar chemical structure to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine allowing it to gain both direct and indirect control over more than 200 chemicals in the brain.  Short-term effects include: an increase in blood pressure, the flow of blood from the heart, and the heart rate, as well as narrowing of the arteries.  Tar found in cigarettes can increase the risk of lung cancer, emphysema, and other bronchial disorders, while carbon monoxide reduces the amount of oxygen carried in the blood.  Impatience, irritability, anxiety, depression, restlessness, increased appetite, and weight gain are all symptoms of withdrawal and usually occur around 72 hours after the last nicotine intake.  A wide variety of programs and products are available to aid in the recovery process.

5. OxyContin (Oxycodone)

The oxycontin prescription drug is classified as an opioid and is given to cancer patients and those suffering from chronic pain.  Long term use can lead to physical dependence and addiction.  It is meant to be taken orally, but those who abuse it may dissolve it in water for injection or snort it.  Users report a feeling of euphoria and comfort, however side effects include: dizziness, confusion, constipation, dry mouth, respitory depression, headache, and in some instances death.  Upon withdrawal, symptoms such as: muscle and bone pain, restlessness, vomiting, diarrhea, insomnia, cold flashes, and involuntary leg movements may occur.  Drug counseling is available to help with recovery.

6. Demerol (Meperidine)

Also classified as an opioid, Demerol is prescribed for the relief of moderate to severe pain.  It is sold in syrup and tablet form and effects can be felt 10-15 minutes after ingestion, spanning anywhere from 2-14 hours.  Those who become addicted may experience brief states of euphoria along with side effects such as: nausea and vomiting, circulatory and respiratory depression, weakness, headache, depression, and dizziness.  Cold, clammy, bluish discoloration of the skin, a coma like state, weak muscles, and labored breathing are all signs of an overdose.  Withdrawal symptoms include: severe anxiety, insomnia, profuse sweating, muscle spasms, and cold flashes.  Drug counseling is available for recovery.

7. Vicodin (Hydrocodone)

Yet another member of the opioid group, vicodin is used for moderate to severe pain and is derived from the two naturally occurring opiates, codeine and thebaine.  Users can become physically dependent and addicted and experience states of euphoria as well as side effects including: dizziness, nausea, drowsiness, vomiting, and constipation.  Labored breathing, a coma like state, cold, clammy skin, slow heartbeat, circulatory collapse, or cardiac arrest are all indicators of an overdose.  Withdrawal symptoms include: vomiting and diarrhea, cold flashes, insomnia, restlessness, muscle and bone pain, and involuntary leg movements.  Drug counseling is available for dealing with recovery.

8. Valium (Diazepam)

This prescription drug is categorized as a central nervous system depressant and is usually prescribed to treat anxiety, extreme stress, and panic attacks.  It works by producing an overall calming effect on the body.  Side effects include: drowsiness, impaired motor functions and balance, dizziness, fatigue, and depression.  Overdosing results in: mental confusion, difficulty staying awake, loss of balance, and coma.  Users can become physically dependent and addicted.  Withdrawal symptoms are usually minimal at first, but increase in severity over the first five to nine days after stopping the drug.  Upon discontinuing use, users can expect to experience: anxiety, depression, confusion, muscle cramping, vomiting, and nausea.  Counseling is available.

9. Xanax (Alprazolam)

Also a central nervous system depressant, Xanax is prescribed for anxiety and stress as well.  Producing a calming and drowsy effect on the body, it is just as addictive as Valium and has similar side effects such as impaired mental alertness and physical coordination.  Withdrawal symptoms are also similar, however, those experiencing withdrawals from Xanax have a much higher rate of panic attacks.  They also experience abnormal sensitivity, muscle pain, anxiety, depression, and insomnia.  Counseling is available.

10. Ritalin (Methylphenidate)

Ritalin is classified as a stimulant, enhancing and increasing attention, energy, alertness, and activity.  It raises blood pressure and heart rate and is often prescribed to people diagnosed with ADHD.  As a stimulant it works by increasing dopamine levels in the brain.  Doctors start with a low dose and gradually increase it until a therapeutic effect is reached.  Euphoric effects most often occur when stimulants are crushed and injected or snorted.  Those who use Ritalin or any other stimulant repeatedly may begin to experience feelings of hostility and paranoia.  Abusing Ritalin can lead to high body temperatures, irregular heartbeat, and compulsive use.  Withdrawal symptoms include: abdominal cramps, insomnia, nausea, depression, and emotional anxiety.  Counseling is available for help with the recovery process.