Neither substance is considered physically addictive. Both act primarily on serotonin receptors rather than the dopamine pathways most associated with craving and dependency. Rapid tolerance development makes frequent use of either substance less effective, not more pleasurable. Both are being investigated clinically for their potential to treat addiction to alcohol, tobacco, and other substances. The FDA’s Schedule I classification of both is based on legal history, not addictive potential (Callahan et al., 2018).
