When we hear of addiction, the first things that come to mind are alcohol, nicotine, and drugs. These are the most common ones. They’re prevalent in every nook and cranny of the world. They consume almost every individual, regardless of age, color, gender, race, and status.

So what is addiction? Addiction is typically characterized by compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli despite the adverse consequences. It is said to be a complex disease and is chronic in nature. It affects the functioning of both the brain and the body. Symptoms of addiction include continued use, failed attempts to quit, loss of control, tolerance, and withdrawal.

The thing is, addiction is a serious disease and has many negative repercussions. It can cause damage to individuals, as well as their neighborhoods, relationships, schools, and workplaces. Therefore, it’s best to know what people usually get addicted to so you can guard against them. In the next section, we’ll discuss the top five most common addictions in the world.

Tobacco

Tobacco (consisting of nicotine) tops the list of common addictions. Its overwhelming presence and the legality of its use put it there. Tobacco products are legal. They’re readily available and may not appear to be as harmful as other substances. However, it is worth noting that tobacco use claims more lives than any other addictive products. We know how hazardous smoking is to our health. Many individuals want to quit smoking tobacco but are unable to do so because they are addicted to it already.

Alcohol

Next on the list is alcohol. There is a wide array of alcohol products out there. They’re readily available for consumption. Apparently, alcohol is socially acceptable all over the world. Many drink alcohol for pleasure. However, despite the fact that it’s legal, alcohol has the potential to be abused. The thing is, alcohol abuse leads to many health risks. It can cause liver diseases and can even kill people due to drunk driving.

Marijuana

Marijuana is considered a top addiction in the world as well. Marijuana has psychoactive properties that cause individuals to be ‘high.’ However, some claim it has medical benefits. There has been a recent debate about the use of marijuana across the globe. Its use has been legalized in several states and some countries, which has made it more socially acceptable. More and more people have become addicted to marijuana due to its increased potency (over 60 percent) over the past decade.

Painkillers

Surprisingly, painkillers are also on this list. Why not? They’re commonly used to treat aches and pains, yet they are addictive. Examples of painkillers are codeine, Vicodin, and Oxycontin. While they’re prescription medications, that doesn’t mean they aren’t addictive. Individuals may become addicted to painkillers brought about by constant use. They may not realize they’re addicted to painkillers until it’s too late.

Cocaine

Last on the list is cocaine. Statistics show that the rate of cocaine addiction is dropping, which is a good thing. However, there are still plenty of people who use it, although there are fewer of them now than there were before. Unfortunately, crack cocaine, the one that’s cheaper yet more dangerous than regular cocaine, is responsible for ruining the lives of many. Cocaine is illegal and, thus, can be very harmful to users.