The addictiveness of a substance is directly proportional to how quickly and potently it increases dopamine in the brain
For example: crack and cocaine have exactly the same chemical structure and pharmacological activity, but crack reaches the brain in as little as ~5 seconds when smoked, while powdered cocaine takes a few minutes to reach full effect
The same goes for nicotine gum vs. tobacco/vape, and smoked/injected opiates vs. oral pain pills
Generally addictiveness increases something like this: smoking > IV/IM injection > insufflation > sublingual > topical/oral
Generally addictiveness increases something like this: smoking > IV/IM injection > insufflation > sublingual > topical/oral
Injection and smoking are VERY close together in compulsiveness, but the reason I rank smoking first is because it actually reaches the brain faster (IV takes something like 30 seconds to full effect)
IV has much greater bioavailability however, so the same dose feels stronger
IV has much greater bioavailability however, so the same dose feels stronger
The reason I mention this is because it has key implications in recovery from addiction
If you're dependent on a substance that's administered through one of the more addictive routes, it'll be far easier to reduce consumption over time using a less compulsive ROA
If you're dependent on a substance that's administered through one of the more addictive routes, it'll be far easier to reduce consumption over time using a less compulsive ROA
If you're currently dabbling with a substance known to cause addiction I'd opt for a slower onset here as well
Nicotine is a good example, if you're trying to quit nicotine or minimize your risk of dependence on it try something like nicotine gum rather than vaping it
Nicotine is a good example, if you're trying to quit nicotine or minimize your risk of dependence on it try something like nicotine gum rather than vaping it
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