Tag: Neurobiology of addiction

Approximately 6% of Americans over the age of 12, or about 16.3 million people, misuse prescription drugs each year [1.5.1]. Understanding **how do people become addicted to prescription drugs?** involves looking at the brain's reward system, the nature of the medication, and individual risk factors.

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, millions of Americans struggle with a substance use disorder each year, with some substances proving more challenging to overcome than others. When it comes to pinpointing which two drugs are most likely to be addictive, scientific consensus frequently points to heroin and cocaine, each with a potent and rapid pathway to dependence. This exploration delves into the distinct pharmacological effects of these two substances and the factors that make them so uniquely compulsive.