Nicotine
Nearly 40 million Americans are addicted to nicotine, with cigarette smokers making up the vast majority. Like opioids, nicotine is highly addictive and extremely difficult to quit.
Cocaine
Crack, a form of cocaine that is smoked, leads to addiction much more quickly than does powder cocaine. While not physically addictive, cocaine in any form creates a profound psychological dependence. Users often binge on the drug over a period of days, known as a “run.”
Methamphetamine
Crystal meth, the most highly addictive form of the drug, produces an intense but short-acting rush. As with cocaine addiction, users often binge on meth for days at a time.
Alcohol
Alcohol is the most widely abused mind-altering drug in the United States, and about 18 million Americans are heavy abusers or alcoholics. An estimated 88,000 people die of alcohol-related causes every year.
Compulsive sex
Because sexuality is a fundamental aspect of every human being, overcoming a sexual addiction is particularly complicated. Sex addicts must learn to eliminate compulsive behaviors, while learning to have healthy sexual relationships.
Gambling
Like any substance addiction, compulsive gambling wreaks havoc on the addict’s life. Despite severe consequences, pathological gamblers cannot “just stop” wagering any more than someone who’s addicted to heroin can “just stop” stop using. With treatment, however, recovery is possible.
