We live in a time where most people over the age of 16 consume addictive substances daily, whether they are aware of it or live in ignorant bliss about it. Highly contradicting the path on which alcohol consumption is heading, we see a dramatic increase in daily consumables that contain addictive substances. Moreover, various ingredients are being included in foods that can serve as a dopamine and serotonin release. If you want to overcome an addiction, Beethoven Recovery Centre’s drug rehabilitation programme can assist you.
Apart from the daily consumables that are legally and freely available to buy, we also find that every medication with a schedule designation (S1 and higher) contain addictive substances that can cause your body to develop a complete substance dependence. Such a dependence can lead to substance abuse and the overconsumption of medication. Today, we talk about all the different types of substances that could turn into an addiction with regular and daily consumption.
A List of Substances That Could Cause Dopamine and Serotonin Addiction
- Sugar: Sugar is at the very top of this list. Processed foods, carbonated drinks, and a variety of other sources accumulate to ensure that the average person has no other choice than to consume sugar daily. Sugar triggers a dopamine release, which is a chemical that is released by your brain as a reward mechanism. People who become addicted to sugar, actually is addicted to this dopamine release, making sugar a dangerous consumable that should only be consumed in moderation.
- Fats and Salts: Often combined with sugar, you are likely to find high percentages of fats and salts in a variety of processed foods and junk foods. Once again, when consumed in moderation, fats and salts can be good for the body. However, once sugar is added to that mix, these 2 become super unhealthy and highly addictive. It also promotes the overconsumption of junk foods that contain this deadly combination, which, once again, can lead to the development of a dopamine addiction.
- Dairy Products That Contain Fat and Sugar: Ice cream is an excellent example of a dairy product that is high in fat and sugar. People would rather have an ice cream as opposed to something healthier, like yogurt. In most cases, highly processed and flavoured yogurts contain high levels of fat and sugar, which can be very dangerous as well.
A List of Addictive Substances That Are Legally Sold and Consumed Daily
- Caffeine: Caffeine is present in a variety of drinks and snacks that are consumed daily. This covers caffeinated coffee, black tea, energy drinks, and chocolate to name a few prime examples. Most people regularly consume caffeine without even giving it a thought. These people are in danger of developing a full-blown addiction, if they aren’t already addicted to this substance. Since it is an addictive substance, your body will display withdrawal symptoms if you miss a day, which is where addiction rears its ugly head.
- Nicotine: Cigarettes, vape sticks, and tobacco-based products all contain nicotine. With the Gen Z takeover, we see a high rise in popularity for vaping, although vaping is even more unhealthy than cigarettes. Nicotine has a relaxing effect on you, helping you to unwind and just get back to a stable and settled state of mind. However, it has a detrimental effect on you as well, as it is a highly addictive substance that usually triggers a dopamine and serotonin release.
- Prescribed Medications: Prescribed meds are a common cause of addiction in people who believe that they must consume such meds daily. Pharmaceutical companies bank on them to create addicts out of the people who consume them, as medical professionals prescribe such meds to people who struggle with illnesses and ailments. Therefore, it is crucial to discuss the possibilities of addiction with your medical professional when they prescribe a specific medication over a long period. In essence, meds can help you with specific ailments. However, they can also help you develop a full-blown substance dependence that could lead to the overconsumption of that specific medication type. This is usually the case with painkillers and similar medications that cause relieve for your body.
Beethoven Recovery Centre is your first choice in drug rehabilitation near Gauteng. Please browse our website if you want more info and contact us today if you want to overcome your addiction for good.