Tag: Psychological dependence

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, all addictive drugs affect the brain's reward circuit by flooding it with the neurotransmitter dopamine, creating a powerful sense of pleasure that reinforces repetition. This profound hijacking of the brain's chemistry is at the core of psychological dependence, prompting the complex question: **What is the most mentally addictive drug?**

In the United States, drugs are classified into five schedules based on their medical use and potential for abuse, with Schedule II and Schedule III drugs having distinct characteristics. This guide addresses the common question, **What are Category 2 and 3 drugs?**, by explaining the official DEA classifications and the critical differences between them.

According to a 2022 article cited by FHE Health, some mental health professionals argue that the *behavior* of taking supplements can become addictive for some individuals, even if the compounds are not inherently habit-forming. This raises important questions about whether supplements are habit-forming and how this phenomenon differs from substance addiction.

With global spending on the three most popular erectile dysfunction (ED) drugs exceeding $1 billion annually, a common question arises: do ED meds cause dependency? [1.9.1] While not physically addictive, a psychological reliance can develop, particularly when misused. [1.2.1, 1.2.6]

While kava is not considered physically addictive in the same manner as opioids or alcohol, some individuals may develop a psychological dependence on its calming effects. This raises the important question for many users: is kava an addictive drug?