Understanding the habit-forming potential of different drugs is crucial for both users and those seeking to reduce harm. Here’s a list of commonly used substances, ranked in order of their potential to create dependence or addiction, from least to most habit-forming.
1. Psilocybin (Magic Mushrooms)
- Habit-Forming Potential: Low
- Why? Psilocybin is known for its profound psychological effects but is generally not associated with physical dependence or frequent use. Its intense, often introspective experiences tend to discourage regular use.
2. LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide)
- Habit-Forming Potential: Low
- Why? Similar to psilocybin, LSD produces long-lasting effects that are not conducive to frequent use. While it can be psychologically intense, the lack of physical withdrawal symptoms keeps its habit-forming potential low.
3. DMT (Dimethyltryptamine)
- Habit-Forming Potential: Low to Moderate
- Why? DMT offers a short, intense experience that is usually not repeated frequently. However, its profound effects can lead to a desire for repeated use in some, though physical dependence is rare.
4. MDMA (Ecstasy)
- Habit-Forming Potential: Moderate
- Why? MDMA is known for its euphoric and empathogenic effects, which can lead to psychological dependence. While not as physically addictive as some other drugs, its use in social settings can promote regular use.
5. Cannabis
- Habit-Forming Potential: Moderate
- Why? Cannabis is widely used and has moderate habit-forming potential due to its calming effects. Regular use can lead to psychological dependence, especially in heavy users, but physical withdrawal is usually mild.
6. Ketamine
- Habit-Forming Potential: Moderate to High
- Why? Ketamine’s dissociative effects can be highly reinforcing, particularly when used frequently in a recreational context. This can lead to both psychological and, in some cases, physical dependence.
7. Tobacco/Nicotine
- Habit-Forming Potential: High
- Why? Nicotine is one of the most addictive substances, with a high potential for both psychological and physical dependence. The rapid onset of effects from smoking or vaping makes it particularly habit-forming.
8. Cocaine
- Habit-Forming Potential: High
- Why? Cocaine’s rapid and intense effects make it highly addictive. The drug’s short duration of action often leads to repeated use within short periods, increasing the risk of dependence.
9. Methamphetamine
- Habit-Forming Potential: Very High
- Why? Methamphetamine is known for its powerful stimulant effects, which can lead to a quick development of tolerance and a high risk of addiction. The intense high followed by a severe crash reinforces repeated use.
10. Opioids / Heroin
- Habit-Forming Potential: Very High
- Why? Opioids and Heroin is extremely addictive due to its rapid onset and the intense euphoria it produces. The drug’s physical dependence component is strong, with severe withdrawal symptoms driving continued use.
But that’s not really the whole story — since Methods of Administration also play a key role in how habit-forming a substance will be in the real world, that is in naturalistic use.