Jen Thomas
Warning: This article contains discussion of drug addiction which some readers may find distressing.
When you think of addictive substances that are difficult to quit, you might assume it's something illegal.
One medical professional recently shared what they believe is actually the hardest thing to give up.
Coffee, chocolate, alcohol, drugs, all of these can be particularly challenging to discontinue having.
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Posting online as Dr Amen - real name Daniel G Amen, MD - he said he was regularly posed a tricky question.
He teased: "I've been asked many times in my many years as a doctor, what is the hardest substance to quit? This answer might surprise you."
Dr Amen went on to say: "People keep asking, 'What's the hardest substance to quit? Is it meth, heroin, alcohol?'"
Apparently, it's none of the above, as he insisted: "Nope! It's nicotine."
That won't come as any surprise to the person currently trying to quit smoking or vaping.
According to the Rehab Clinics Group: "Nicotine releases dopamine and serotonin into the brain. It’s the second most popular intoxicating substance in the UK, second only to alcohol."
Action on Smoking and Health found that there are now more people in the UK who are addicted to vaping rather than smoking.
Citing government estimates, the public health charity says there are 5.4 million people over the age of 16 who now vape daily, compared to 4.9 million current smokers.
Dr Amen explained: "That little focus hack you keep seeing on TikTok, nicotine gum, pouches, vapes, it's being sold like brain fuel.
"Let me tell you, it's not a vitamin, it's one of the most addictive substances on the planet, once you start it, it grabs you and it won't let you go."
He added: "Quitting feels harder than quitting cocaine.
"Nicotine lights up your dopamine system then chains it to a craving cycle, you think you're in control but really nicotine is the boss."
The doctor also said that quitting nicotine also helped many people kick the habit for other substances, making it 'up to 42 times easier'.
"If you want real focus and energy, go to bed 30 minutes earlier," Dr Amen advised. "Hold the alcohol, exercise, or drink green tea. They won't own your brain like nicotine."
Many people went to the comment section to disagree with his opinion, claiming they thought sugar and SSRI medications were more difficult to give up.
"Damn, I was expecting sugar," wrote one.
A second claimed: "Sugar is way more addictive."
A third user asked: "Is it nicotine….. OR the hundreds of chemicals in the cigarettes and tobacco from the processing!"
Another medical expert agreed with Dr Amen, commenting: "Absolutely. I’ve seen first hand how nicotine rewires the nervous system l, not just for focus, but for stress regulation. Many of my patients don’t crave the stimulation as much as the relief it gives from overwhelm. When we start treating the nervous system, not just the habit, the healing finally sticks."
Someone else added: "As a Psych Med Withdrawal Coach, I've seen people trying to quit many substances. And the most difficult by far are psych meds like SSRIs and Benzodiazepines."
Meanwhile, one person argued: "Actually, it's our phones and social media," and another agreed that, albeit not a substance, it was their screen time and social media too.
If you want friendly, confidential advice about drugs, you can talk to FRANK. You can call 0300 123 6600, text 82111 or contact through their website 24/7, or livechat from 2pm-6pm any day of the week.