Is nicotine the most addictive substance known to man?

Answer 1

Yes. Nicotine is more addictive than heroin, cocaine or any other drug. it is the most difficult drug to quit. Sustained remissions from nicotine are generally short-lived, with multiple relapses and infrequent remissions. It is responsible for more deaths (from chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, lung cancers and cardiovascular deaths) than any other drug, although alcohol related diseases come in second. Interestingly, cigarettes and alcohhol are legal, despite the risks and dangers they pose to society, whereas illicit drugs, though posing dangers, as well, precipitate far less morbidity and mortality than the drugs our society has legalized. Just grist for the mill, and food for thought.

Opiates, in the form of heroin and other substances are almost as addictive as nicotine, but quit rates exceed those of nicotine, nevertheless. Interestingly, of all the opiate-based medications used in hospitals, in order to treat pain, only 1-2% of patients become addicted, as a result.