Acne From Drug Use

Dangers of IV Drug Use: What You Need to Know About Track Marks

Certain drugs can be injected into the muscle, under the skin, or directly into a vein. The later is the most popular method, as the intense effects of the drug occurs very quickly. Those that use this method will begin to show marks on their body ...

... lesions, and bruising. Effects of IV Drug Use A common effect of intravenous drug use is the appearance of collapsed veins. ... blood-borne viruses can also be contracted from using unsterile needles. The two most commonly ... continue reading

Political Parties on Drug Use

A recent Pew Research Center survey indicated that 86 percent of Americans believe the country is more politically divided than ever before. Polarized viewpoints surrounding topics like immigration and foreign trade are broadcasted daily on ...

... these policies did not promote addiction. Drug Stigmas Vary From Left to Right Although an overwhelming ... the amount of media airtime, with 506 minutes. Drug use and other drug-related issues did not appear on the list of ... continue reading

A Decade of American Drug Use

In the nation's ongoing drug crisis, grim statistics abound. Each day, approximately 115 Americans die of opioid overdoses. Methamphetamine use is on the rise, reviving a scourge public health officials once thought to be improving. Simultaneously, ...

... certain substances may cause new alarm or fade from view temporarily, rates of overall drug use are still troublingly high. Surely, emerging trends in drug use must be assessed and addressed quickly. But regardless ... continue reading

Social Drug Use is Like Kryptonite to Healthy Relationships

Heather always feels awkward at parties. She's quiet and shy. She never knows what to say and finds it hard to interact with people in these intimidating settings. To help her “loosen up,” she tries smoking pot before going to a party. Once ...

... and sends otherwise shy people like Heather onto the table tops. Not What You Bargained For The rationale behind using drugs is that it “helps” you meet people and interact more. The problem, however, is that it's a ... continue reading

The 25 Best Sources for Drug Addiction Research

1. Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) : Aims to bring effective substance abuse prevention to every community; works to improve accessibility to and quality of substance abuse prevention services. 2. Center for Substance Abuse Treatment ...

... drug abuse , drug use trends, consequences of drug use, and characteristics of those prone to drug use. 4. Drug ... support for individuals dealing with and recovering from drug abuse . 10. National Abandoned Infants ... continue reading

What's Your Generation’s Drug of Choice? Let’s Find Out…

Every generation has its trends. From hairstyles, to music, and yes, even drugs. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) has been studying the drug habits of Americans for decades. Their survey results reveal patterns of drug use among ...

Every generation has its trends. From hairstyles, to music, and yes, even drugs. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) has been studying the drug habits of Americans for decades. Their survey results reveal ... continue reading

10 Ways Drug Abuse Hurts You and Those Around You

Most of us have heard countless times that drug abuse isn't beneficial—the word “abuse” is in the name, after all. But a lot of people don't realize just how dangerous it can be, both to the person using and the people that person loves and ...

... when it comes to landing and maintaining a job. In the short term, impaired judgment and lack of sleep from drug use can make you perform poorly the duties you'd otherwise excel at. In the long run, desperation ... continue reading

Drugs at School: Are Zero-Tolerance Policies Really Working?

Adopted over 20 years ago, zero-tolerance drug policies still dominate the conduct codes of most American public schools. In fact, the U.S. Department of Education reports an estimated 88 percent of schools enforce these policies. Zero-Tolerance as ...

... . Discrediting “policy-as-a-deterrent” proponents, there was a 60 percent increase in the likelihood of drug use at Victoria zero-tolerance schools. Victoria police involvement was only required 30 percent of the time ... continue reading

Effects of Psilocybin Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment

Is Psilocybin Harmful? Psilocybin is a naturally occurring fungal alkaloid—a chemical compound that is found in more than 100 species of mushrooms (also known as magic mushrooms or shrooms). 1 When ingested, psilocybin is metabolized into a ...

... effects of taking psilocybin can vary and often depend on the person and the context in which the drug is used. The effects may include the following: 1,2,5 Intense emotions and sensory experiences. Spiritual experiences ... continue reading

Who Manufacturers All these Crazy Semi-Legal Designer Drugs?

Designer drugs have been subject of much media attention of late, as the Internet has made obtaining them easier than in the past. In many cases, it's simpler to order designer drugs online than to try to obtain street drugs. Designer drugs can be ...

... like heroin, cocaine , and marijuana . Designer drugs are drugs created in a lab to mimic popular drugs. Because they are chemically different, though similar, from drugs like heroin , crack , and others, up until 2012 ... continue reading

Six Colossal Drug Abuse Meltdowns and How to Spot the Warning Signs

It's no mystery that celebrities, as well as the everyday Joe, can have problems with drugs. Because celebrities are in the limelight, though, we often see the drug abuse meltdown of famous people more prominently. The following six meltdowns were ...

... for the two expensive bottles of champagne that she took from the bar's kitchen, and he expected her to ... or more prescription amphetamine pills per day. Her prescription drug use was out of control, and the court ordered ... continue reading

Heartbroken Parents Use Obituaries to Raise Addiction Awareness

When a loved one passes away, you want to remember them at their best. You want others to remember them at their best. You carefully select the words for their obituary to reflect their life's contributions and all the love and affection you feel ...

... for thousands of families across the nation as overdose from drug abuse claims the lives of more than 140 people ... in their child's tragic death. Some choose to use phrasing that leaves the cause of death less clear ... continue reading

The Thief, Pt. II: 7 Things Addiction Steals From Our Loved Ones

Addiction is often referred to as a family disease—and for good reason. Contagious in its misery and destruction, the disease of addiction has the ability to sabotage anything we hold near and dear to our hearts. When friends and family are ...

... is quickly replaced by spending time on our drug of choice—either using, trying to use or thinking about using. Whether it's a week or a decade, the time that addiction steals from our loved ones is something no one will ... continue reading

Released From Prison… and Still Addicted to Substances

There are over 2.3 million people in American prisons and jails, making the U.S. the most heavily incarcerated country in the world. More than 65% of this segment meet medical criteria for substance addiction, but they are provided with few ...

... the system is to enact various forms of decriminalization policies for drug use and possession. This not only makes sense from a human standpoint, but also from a financial one. According to a 2010 study published by ... continue reading

15 Warning Signs That Your Kid May Be Using Drugs

Kids are a source of worry for every parent. You look after them for years, and you hope that they end up turning our alright. While there are hundreds of books and articles on how to raise your kids, few really work that well, and it's all down to ...

... something else, ask your kid about it. Rapidly changing grades are one of the common consequences of drug addiction or use. If you kid goes from being a straight-A student to getting F's or D's, something's changed. Of ... continue reading

How Alcohol and Drug Addiction Affects Relationships

Addiction and Relationships Many discussions surrounding addiction tend to focus on the physical and psychological effects of substance use. The effects of drug addiction, however, extend beyond these issues and also encompass a person's social ...

... and psychological effects of substance use. The effects of drug addiction, however, extend beyond ... the care you need. We've helped thousands recover from addiction and we can help you too. Find Addiction Treatment ... continue reading

Substance Use at Live Music Events

If you're gearing up for a music festival, there are some things you probably want to ensure you have with you. Most veterans will recommend not leaving the house without comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a bottle of water. Unfortunately, something ...

... issues, there are tools and resources available to provide information and assistance - from knowing the signs and symptoms of drug use to seeking professional help with treatment. To learn more, visit us at DrugAbuse ... continue reading

30 Famous Celebrities Who Have Done Drugs and Battled Addiction and Alcoholism

1. Drew Barrymore Former child star Drew Barrymore's drug abuse in her teenage years found her controversial fame, including two trips to rehab that motivated her to get back on track with her career. 2. Mary-Kate Olsen “Full House” actress ...

... Seymour Hoffman Philip Seymour Hoffman, “Capote” Oscar nominee, used alcohol and drugs a lot as a young adult. Hoffman relapsed in February 2014 and died from a combined drug intoxication . 18. Charlie Sheen At age 16 ... continue reading

Before & After: Physical Effects of Drugs

Drug abuse is a national issue continuing to plague Americans of all walks of life. An estimated 19.7 million Americans age 12 and older struggled with a substance use disorder in 2017. Research also shows that many people who suffer from untreated ...

... of time between a user's first drug-related offense and their most recent charge. Drug abuse is a national issue; people from all walks of life experience substance use and abuse. Awareness about the substances around ... continue reading

30 Famous Musicians Who Have Battled Drug Addiction and Alcoholism

1. Ozzy Osbourne Rockstar Ozzy Osbourne has long struggled with addiction. In fact, his heavy alcohol and drug abuse led to him being fired from Black Sabbath in 1978. 2. Kurt Cobain Kurt Cobain got to know his wife Courtney Love while they used ...

... abuse led to him being fired from Black Sabbath in 1978. 2. Kurt Cobain Kurt Cobain got to know his wife Courtney Love while they used drugs together. His 1994 heroin and alcohol overdose was reportedly the first attempt ... continue reading

Am I Addicted to Prescription Drugs? How Can I Quit Safely?

If you've been using prescription drugs in a way that was not intended by your doctor, then it is possible that you are dependent on them, and dependency often leads to addiction. While addiction can be frightening, the good news is there's plenty ...

... you go from doctor to doctor in an effort to get more prescriptions for the drug. Behavioral changes can also signal dependency . If your personality has been changing and you don't enjoy things you used to enjoy, your ... continue reading

Cocaine Use During Pregnancy

Cocaine use during pregnancy has the potential to harm both mother and baby, and the effects may be long-lasting. 1 Research estimates that there are about 750,000 pregnancies that are exposed to cocaine every year. 1 This means that a mother may ...

... cocaine every year. 1 This means that a mother may use the drug before she even knows she is pregnant—placing the fetus ... , they were also more likely to suffer from the problems above. Researchers suggest that prenatal ... continue reading

DMT Drug Abuse Effects, Symptoms, and Treatment Programs

What Is DMT? DMT (dimethyltryptamine) is a hallucinogen capable of inducing a psychedelic “trip,” which typically ranges from 30 to 45 minutes in duration. 1 DMT is a Schedule 1 drug under the Controlled Substance Act and has no recognized ...

... under the Controlled Substance Act and has no recognized medical use in the United States. DMT can be extracted from a variety of plant sources. The drug can also be synthesized in a lab. DMT first became popular as a ... continue reading

Study: Drug Forums Aren’t Very Helpful if You Want to Get Clean

Libraries. Encyclopedias. Professors. Doctors. Pre-Internet, these were our top sources of information. If we wanted answers, this is where we looked. Fast-forward to modern times. With access to pretty much everything now at our fingertips, we've ...

... , as they encourage experimentation. They shift the relationship with potent drugs from necessary medication to using the mind and body as a personal lab for medical experiments. (User1978 tried this, so let's see what ... continue reading

30 Famous Athletes Who Have Battled Drug Addiction and Alcoholism

1. Michael Phelps Eight-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer Michael Phelps has not only plunged into the water, but also into drugs. In 2009, he lost his endorsement contract with Kellogg's after a photo emerged of him taking a hit of marijuana . 2. ...

... . He had previously been expelled from the league for cocaine use. 22. Steve Howe In 1992, MLB player Steve Howe became the league's first player to be banned for life due to drug use. 23. Todd Marinovich Football player ... continue reading

Can You Get Addicted to Heroin After the First Use?

Heroin has the reputation of being one of the most addictive illicit drugs. Many government and academic institutions report that heroin is either very addictive or highly addictive . Adding to the risk associated with the substance is the number of ...

... real pleasure, he or she may begin focusing on the drug as the sole means of meeting their needs and neglecting other ... take it even when known adverse consequences result from use. What to Do if You're Considering Trying ... continue reading

Effects of Methoxetamine Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment

Is MXE Harmful? MXE, also known as methoxetamine, is a substance with similar chemical properties to ketamine and phencyclidine (PCP) , two illicit drugs known for their hallucinogenic and dissociative properties. 1 MXE is an odorless, white powder ...

... than intended. Feeling unable to cut down or stop using a drug. Spending a long time acquiring, using, or recovering from a drug. Strong urges to use. Difficulty carrying out responsibilities at work, home, or school ... continue reading

Zoloft Use in Substance Abuse Treatment

What Is Zoloft Used For? Zoloft (sertraline hydrochloride) is a commonly prescribed antidepressant that belongs to a group of drugs called selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These drugs work by boosting the activity of the ...

... Is Zoloft Unhelpful in Substance Abuse Treatment? Zoloft may not always be appropriate for use among those in recovery from drug abuse and addiction. For example, one specific study which looked at the effectiveness of ... continue reading

Naltrexone Side Effects, Use in Addiction Treatment, and Rehab Programs

For those struggling with alcohol or opioid addiction, what's commonly referred to as MAT—short for medication-assisted treatment or medication for addiction treatment—can help people quit drinking and using drugs to maintain long-term sobriety. ...

... stop using it. 1 Naltrexone use can reduce your drinking and drug use by decreasing your desire to use ... However, many people require more than just medications to recover from AUD or OUD. 7 If you or someone you care ... continue reading

Effects of PCP Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment

What Is PCP? PCP is an abbreviation for the powerful dissociative sedative drug phencyclidine. PCP is sold on the street in many forms, including as: White powder. Crystal. Capsules. Tablets. Liquid. PCP tablets can be found in multiple colors. Like ...

... pain inaccurately, the violence could end with serious physical injuries. Another level of danger from PCP use is that the substance is easily mixed with other drugs like marijuana and tobacco. In powder form, PCP can be ... continue reading

Party Culture and Substance Use

Three out of five college students actively drink alcohol, and more than half of them practice binge drinking - or drinking enough to significantly raise blood alcohol content (BAC) levels in a short span of time. Typically, this means four drinks ...

... percent 11 years prior. While it's not clear from our social media analysis, America's party culture may be a contributing factor to the rise in drug use. Breaking Down Social Substance Mentions To better understand the ... continue reading

Instagram, Drugs, and Rock ‘n’ Roll

The Growth of Concerts and Music Festivals One of the most notable trends in music today is the growth of the music festival. As artists look to supplant revenue lost from declining sales of recorded music, music festival appearances serve as a way ...

... Aoki, and A-Trak, have attached their names to PSAs encouraging festival-goers to either exercise caution or abstain from using drugs altogether. And not all posts about substances at these festivals are about doing ... continue reading

The Harmful Effects of Drugs and Alcohol

It should come as no surprise that drugs and alcohol can have negative effects on your life. Although sometimes it may be difficult to imagine, the abuse of these substances can change everything from your body to your bank account. This can include ...

... also impacts your productivity and success at work and in school. The time spent searching for, using, and recuperating from drugs can be better spent learning new skills to advance your career. The legal issues tied to ... continue reading

Can You Get Addicted to Cocaine After the First Use?

How Addictive Is Cocaine? Drugs like cocaine have reputations for being extremely addictive, but still many people will want to try them “just once.” It's easy to wonder, “just how addictive is cocaine (really)?” Cocaine is a very addictive ...

... of employment. Previously enjoyed activities and priorities taking a backseat to drug use. Financial hardships. Getting into trouble with the law. Aside from the list of negative life changes that the majority of people ... continue reading

20 Genius Minds and the Drugs They Were Addicted To

Intelligence doesn't preclude people taking drugs any more than fame does. When those who are under stress need to relax, some turn to drugs or drink as an escape from reality. Others do it because they believe it enhances their creativity or allows ...

... died at the age of 27 due to suicide, alcohol, or drug use. In Cobain's case, it was suicide, presumably exacerbated by ... it was revealed in 1822. He reportedly suffered from anxiety, leading many to speculate that he had ... continue reading

Effects of Ketamine Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment

Is Ketamine Harmful? “It's easy to get ketamine abuse wrong because of its potency; it's more powerful than speed or coke weight for weight, so it's easy to accidentally overdose.” Like its sister drug CP, ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic, ...

... the recovery position if possible to prevent this from happening. Promptly call 911 to get emergency ... This is often the stage where relapse (going back to using a drug) happens, but with support and the skills learned in ... continue reading

Mixing Alcohol With Drugs

Mixing alcohol with prescription drugs or illicit drugs (known as polysubstance use), can have dangerous health effects that many people may not realize. Since alcohol is such a commonly used substance, it's even more important to understand how it ...

... . Coma. Mixing alcohol with prescription drugs like benzodiazepines used to manage anxiety—such as Ativan ... unpleasant effects, such as feeling too drunk or sedated from alcohol or being unable to sleep as a result ... continue reading

The Cost of Drugs in the NFL

Athletes playing in professional sports leagues often seek every available opportunity to gain a competitive edge. With so much pressure placed on winning, performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) such as steroids present a tempting shortcut to elevate ...

... to elevate performance; prescription drugs such as painkillers enable endurance through painful injuries; and recreational use of substances such as alcohol and marijuana provide an escape from the stress of playing on ... continue reading

Drugs in the News

In a world grappling with issues of substance use and abuse, drugs are bound to see their days in the spotlight of our 24-hour news cycle. Maybe it's because of another tragic celebrity overdose, forcing us to confront the fact that even our heroes ...

... in the articles for each publisher. The data represented was taken from a random sampling of articles including keywords for our six drug categories, using the Alchemy Sentiment API to assign each article a score ... continue reading

Popular Drugs By Demographic

Drug use is a growing problem in America and a concern that affects various demographics. In fact, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, in 2011, about 8.7 percent of Americans 12 years and older—22.5 million ...

... 7.2 to 16 percent, more than doubling. Prescription drug abuse among older Americans has increased from 0.7 to 3.5 percent. However, marijuana use remains most popular among this group, perhaps for its hallucinogenic ... continue reading

Addiction Self-Assessment Quizzes for Drugs and Alcohol

Use the following self-assessment quizzes to better understand common signs, symptoms, and behavioral changes related to substance misuse and addiction. The questions used in the following self-assessments are based on the diagnostic criteria ...

... molly, an illicit stimulant with hallucinogenic properties that is often used as a “club drug.” While this assessment does not replace a clinical diagnosis from a professional, it can be helpful in recognizing signs and ... continue reading

12 of the Most Addictive Drugs

Addiction affects millions of lives in the U.S. It is a chronic disease that frequently includes cycles of relapse and remission, and it is progressive without treatment or participation in recovery work. It is characterized by being unable to ...

... take the drug in a short period of time to stay high. Repeated use of cocaine can lead to addiction. Cocaine increases the amount of available dopamine in the brain by preventing the dopamine from being recycled ... continue reading

Can You Get Addicted to Crystal Meth After the First Use?

What Is Crystal Meth? Crystal meth is a powerful, synthetically made stimulant. It can be ingested orally, injected intravenously , snorted , or smoked. Crystal meth is notorious for its high addictive potential, and many people suggest that taking ...

... meth's short- and long-term effects are similar to those seen with cocaine use. Though both are stimulant drugs, crystal meth and cocaine differ from one another at a molecular level. As such, they both interact with and ... continue reading

Drug Overdose Signs and Symptoms

Drug abuse always carries the risk of serious side effects, including overdose. Whether you abuse alcohol, an illegal drug like cocaine, or medications prescribed by a doctor—such as opioid painkillers—addiction development will always be a ...

... . A reluctance to seek emergency help when needed. Intravenous drug use . Being recently released from prison. Previous suicide attempts. Resuming drug use after a period of abstinence. Low level of physical tolerance ... continue reading

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Across Generations

Substance abuse—both of alcohol and/or illicit drugs—has always maintained a consistent presence in American culture. As new drugs have been developed over the decades, their popular use has gone hand in hand with sweeping societal changes. From ...

... their early 40s. Marijuana was the second-most-used drug for all of the generations—but as you might expect from the emerging drug culture of the 1960s, Boomers stand out from the pack . 2 Boomers, Millennials, and Gen ... continue reading

Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment and Rehab Programs

Many prescription medications have the potential to become drugs of abuse if they are misused. Misuse of prescription drugs means taking them other than as prescribed. This includes taking a larger dose, using them more frequently, or taking them ...

... 20 There are also sub-groups of AA for specific drugs of choice, including NA for people in recovery from prescription drug abuse. 21 Therapists also typically use modalities like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) , an ... continue reading

Drugs and Devotion

Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Why do some people seem compelled to experiment and others live their entire lives without ever taking a single puff, snort, sniff, or dose of an illicit substance? Thanks to decades of social studies, we now know ...

... , compiled a ranking of which states were the most and least religious in 2014. Our drug-use map uses data from the same year, collected by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) through ... continue reading

From Bath Salts to Flakka: Searching for Designer Drugs

The new and unfamiliar often elicits fear of the unknown. But when the new and unfamiliar is a drug - and when this drug is attributed to episodes of extreme paranoia, acts of superhuman strength, and reports of “zombie-cannibalism” - it can ...

... to each other - the result of analogous molecular evolution from the same precursor substances. While the strange, erratic crimes associated with use of these drugs could be accounted for by other factors - including pre ... continue reading

Drug Arrests Across America

The Current Drug Landscape An estimated 24.6 million Americans aged 12 or over used an illicit drug in 2013. That's 9.4% of the population. 1 The number was similar in 2012 (9.2%), and in that year the FBI reports that there were 1.5 million drug ...

... Share on Facebook Sources 1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Results from the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Summary of National Findings, NSDUH Series H-48, HHS Publication No ... continue reading

What Could Illicit Drug Synthesis Expose You To?

For the 44 million Americans aged 12 and older who used illicit drugs in 2014, the associated health risks are grave. But there's another risk that accompanies illegally manufactured substances - the exposure to hazardous chemicals. Clandestine drug ...

... is on the rise. In 2014, 10.2 percent of people aged 12 and older used illicit drugs during the past 30 days - a higher percentage than any other year from 2002 to 2013. What's fueling the increase? Two issues: marijuana ... continue reading

America’s Drug Awareness

For the first time in a decade , the CDC reported that death rates in the United States have increased. While news outlets trumpet the increased violence rampant in many areas of the country, the public is largely unaware of a silent contributor - ...

... substance abuse. More than one-third know someone who has died from an overdose, and more than half have voiced concern about a loved one's drug use. Drugs are currently the leading cause of injury-related deaths in the ... continue reading

Drugs A-Z

What Is Acamprosate? Acamprosate is thought to help recovering alcoholics stay sober by balancing inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmission. Acamprosate may be combined with behavioral therapy to decrease a person's chances of relapse and ...

... is a combination of acetaminophen and propoxyphene. It is used to treat pain and reduce fevers. In large doses it can be harmful or fatal. This drug was removed from the United States market in November 2010 by FDA ... continue reading

The Scary Facts About Designer Drugs and Legal Highs

Read Time: 30 minutes Introduction What Are Designer Drugs and Legal Highs? The terms “designer drugs” and “legal highs” are used to refer to substances such as synthetic marijuana and “bath salts” that are engineered in laboratories to ...

... ingredients or dosage, users are invariably taking a chance with their health whenever they use these drugs. By using data from animal studies and individual case reports of human users, however, some general conclusions ... continue reading

Is There Ever a Good Time to Use Benzos?

Carol had a severe panic disorder. It started when she was assaulted at age 34. She'd tried many medications, but only Xanax helped. She worked closely with her doctor and never abused them, but over time she felt the negative cognitive effects of ...

... a plan. She stayed strictly off of alcohol, used meditation and exercise to calm her anxiety, and decreased ... tiny “emergency” bottle of Xanax - just in case - but so far, she hasn't needed to use it. Image Source: iStock continue reading

The Thief: 7 Things Addiction Steals From Us

Addiction is much more than a psychological or physical reliance on substances or behaviors; it's a physical, emotional and spiritual issue that puts blinders on our perspective, corrodes our value systems, and compromises our ability to prioritize ...

... is relatively predictable in terms of what it steals from us. Addiction is a thief of our time, ... most common targets. 1. Relationship Watching someone suffer from addiction can be both heart wrenching and infuriating. ... continue reading

Infographic: Top 5 Deadliest Drugs

The top 5 deadliest drugs may not be the first that come to your mind. In fact, several of them are legal and commonly used! View our infographic below to learn ...

The top 5 deadliest drugs may not be the first that come to your mind. In fact, several of them are legal and commonly used! View our infographic below to learn more. continue reading

Want to Feel Better from Anxiety & Depression Fast? Try These 8 Techniques!

The stresses of everyday life can take their toll physically, emotionally and psychologically. However, ignoring these issues will not make them go away, nor make life easier to deal with. Addressing stress, anxiety or depression in a healthy ...

... #3. Exercise and eat well. Feeling better begins from the inside out. The dynamic duo of healthy diet ... list for achievable future goals. That savings could be used for travel, that fun class you always wanted to take ... continue reading

instagram-drug-dealers

Social media platforms operate in a Wild West world of limited regulations, often hiding behind the shield of user privacy to avoid taking action against predatory accounts, spammers, and misinformation campaigns. This neglect and hands-off approach ...

... of physical and psychological harm. To illustrate this point, American Addiction Centers researched the ease of finding drugs for sale on social media outlets. Not surprisingly, it didn't take long to find other users ... continue reading

Celebrities & Drug-Related Deaths

With great wealth and fame also comes great responsibility - especially for celebrities. Famous actors, musicians, and athletes all have to maintain a public image while balancing the rigors of their work with the allures of pleasure. High incomes ...

... the allures of pleasure. High incomes and a developed American party culture allow them sustained access to drugs, which when combined with the stresses and pressures of fame, sometimes leads to addiction and overdose. continue reading

How Kids Get Hooked on Drugs at Such a Young Age

It's every parent's fear: their kids doing drugs. In general, most kids will try something before the age of twenty, and it's a fairly natural part of experimenting with the world around them. However, some kids will have an addiction problem before ...

... are the most likely reason that your kid will enter into addiction . If your kid understands the risks of taking drugs (especially glue-the average age of a solvent addict is 12), he or she is likely to have the power to ... continue reading

3 Devastatingly Dangerous Alcohol-Drug Combos

According to statistics compiled by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), roughly 25% of substance-related emergency room admissions involve a combination of both drugs and alcohol. Poly-Drug Abuse Although heavily ...

... free at at any time, day or night. You can also check your health insurance coverage using the form below or contact free drug and alcohol hotline numbers . Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment Levels of Care Recommended ... continue reading

Drugs vs. Supplements: What's the Difference?

Your regular doctor suggests taking a supplement to improve your overall health. And then your specialist recommends a completely different combination of drugs and supplements. It's so easy to get overwhelmed. Which one's right for you? Navigating ...

... the counter… better to be safe than sorry. How to Get Help for Drug or Alcohol Misuse If you or a loved one is struggling with your drug or alcohol use, it may be time to seek help. Professional rehab programs can put ... continue reading

4 Loopholes We Use to Justify Staying Addicted

Justification is the effort to prove that our behaviors are valid or reasonable, and it is human nature to do so. In the field of psychology, this human tendency is related to cognitive dissonance. Simply put, cognitive dissonance is an ...

... four loopholes are some of the most common excuses used to justify our substance-driven behaviors . Loophole #1 ... the household or all of the above, drug and alcohol addiction progressively destroys our lives. Although ... continue reading

Effects of Drug and Alcohol Use on Weight Change

Over time, the problematic use of both drugs and alcohol may have a detrimental impact on an individual's nutritional status—causing either unhealthy weight gain or weight loss depending on the specific substance used. This guide examines some of ...

... , the problematic use of both drugs and alcohol may have a detrimental impact on an individual's nutritional status—causing either unhealthy weight gain or weight loss depending on the specific substance used. This guide ... continue reading

Gabapentin: New Drug of Abuse for People in Treatment? Risk vs. Reward

According to the Census in 2015, the United States had a total population of 321 million people. In that same year, 57 million prescriptions for gabapentin were written. Gabapentin—or its brand name Neurontin —is an anti-seizure medication which ...

... any—mind- or mood-altering effects on its own. However, drug abusers say it has the power to increase euphoric effects when used in combination with drugs like opiates and benzos. In 2013 alone, gabapentin played a role ... continue reading

Psychedelic Drugs and Prayer Have Similar Effects on Brain

When it comes to “out-of-body” experiences, plenty of people have reported having them during both religious awakenings and while tripping on psychedelic drugs. Although these two experiences may seem completely opposite to each other, one ...

... from these experiences. His conclusions came from a study that examined the brains of nuns who used ... world clearly. It's possible these kind of experiences [with drugs] are not artificial or false, but really enable a ... continue reading

An Analysis of Drug Sentencing Trends in the US

The United States justice system tries drug offenses on a daily basis, primarily through state courts. Because the vast majority of drug offenses are state cases rather than federal cases, individuals convicted of these crimes are largely tried and ...

... scheduled within the guidelines or more. All told, only 6 states and Washington D.C. use the guidelines to sentence drug offenses. The remaining 45 states sentenced less than half of their cases within the guidelines. So ... continue reading

Study: Medical Marijuana Cuts Use of Prescription Drugs

A recent study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine revealed that medical marijuana users take fewer other medicines—such as opiates. Researchers monitored the use of prescription medications among participants ...

... all kind of a Wild West.” How to Find Help for Drug Misuse If you or a loved one is struggling with substance misuse ... check your health insurance coverage using the form below. Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment Levels ... continue reading

The 20 Countries With the Harshest Drug Laws in the World

United States drug laws are often considered harsh, but the penalties for carrying or trafficking drugs in other countries, particularly those in Central America, South America, and Southeast Asia, can be much more severe. Here are 20 countries in ...

... be executed. Iran Iran is not known to be tolerant of criminal offenses in general, and drug offenses are no different. The use of opium is a particular problem in Iran, in part because it is produced in neighboring ... continue reading

How to Stay Healthy When Someone You Love Is Addicted to Drugs or Alcohol

“Self-care is essential to finding ways to limit the unwanted influence of substance use in your life.” When someone you love is abusing substances like alcohol and/or other drugs, you are likely to focus solely on the damage the addiction is ...

... the stress of loving someone who is abusing drugs or alcohol is too overwhelming to deal with on ... ones of people struggling with substance use disorders: Therapy . Seeking therapy from a mental health professional can ... continue reading

Let’s Talk Truth: Exactly How Long Do Drugs Stay in Your System?

If you throw back a beer on Friday night, it's out of your system by Monday morning. But, what about other drugs? Most drugs linger a bit longer than alcohol. In fact, some of them stick around for a long time. This slower processing can surprise ...

... more relaxed, but it came at a price. Monday morning, her employer sprang a surprise mandatory drug screening. In cases of sporadic use, Valium can be detected in urine up to seven days (or up to 6 weeks with chronic ... continue reading

Drug and Alcohol in the Community

Half of Americans are concerned about increased substance use in their communities due to the economic impact of Coronavirus, a survey reveals. There was no way that Americans could anticipate, let alone be prepared for the aftermath of the global ...

... Americans say they are concerned that the economic downturn caused by the Coronavirus will result in increased drug and alcohol use in their community. When broken down by city, it was found that LA is the most concerned ... continue reading

The Five Most Famous Drug Cartels

It should come as little surprise that the five most famous drug cartels are centered in Mexico. After all, Miguel Angel Felix Gallardo, known as “The Godfather” for controlling all drug trafficking in Mexico as well as that along the country's ...

... and the Barrio Azteca—to power one of the primary illegal drug shipment transportation routes into America. Despite its casualties resulting from the ongoing battle with the Sinoloa Cartel, the Juárez Cartel continues ... continue reading

History Channel Explores “America's War on Drugs”

No one gets a closer view of America's war on drugs than the officers and drug traffickers who stand on opposite sides of the battle line. What really goes on behind the scenes in each camp? What kind of power struggles wage? Who's really behind the ...

... new documentary series , “America's War on Drugs” offers first-hand accounts from gang members, insiders, major drug traffickers, and former CIA and DEA officers. From covert LSD experiments to the rise of the cocaine ... continue reading

Is the Trump Administration Revamping the War on Drugs?

In 1971, President Nixon declared the “War on Drugs,” labeling drug abuse as “public enemy number one.” The creation of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) followed soon after; they were charged with enforcing federal regulations and ...

... of nationwide mass incarcerations and minimum sentences for low-level drug offenses as a means to deter people from getting involved with drugs. The War on Drugs continued well into the 1980's, when Nancy Reagan famously ... continue reading

Understanding the Effects of Long Term Drug Abuse on the Brain

Drug addiction is a chronic brain disease, and it can cause you to compulsively seek out drugs even though you're aware of the harmful results taking them can cause. Initially, your choice to take drugs is voluntary. So, if someone offers you drugs, ...

... growth where the brain is changing and developing; changes made with drugs at that point could be permanent. If you or your loved one is suffering from alcohol or drug addiction, give us a call at to discuss the possible ... continue reading

Three Lethal Drug Combinations That Can Kill You

We all know that certain drugs can cause dangerous interactions when taken together, but some people either don't take the threat seriously or they're simply uninformed when it comes to specific chemicals and substances. Most Dangerous Drug ...

... the rules of science always apply. Don't risk your life with lethal drug combinations; it's never worth it. If you are afraid that you ... more about health insurance coverage levels from some household health brand names for ... continue reading

The Forefathers of Modern Illicit Drugs

While illicit drugs are a major concern in today's society, many of them didn't start off as recreational. On the contrary, many started off with medicinal and anesthetic purposes. Here's a look at some of the forefathers of modern illicit drugs, ...

... became the first to synthesize methamphetamine, which came from ephedrine. It was Nagayoshi's work that led ... Sertürner investigated its effects. The drug became a widely used sedative after 1815, and Sertürner worked ... continue reading

7 Crazy Ways Addicts Fund Their Drug Habits

It's no secret that drug addiction can drive people to do things that are completely out of character. When addiction takes hold, scoring drugs to avoid withdrawals is a 24/7 job. And there's no glamour in that kind of career path. Little girls ...

... look at seven of the most outrageous methods ever used to fund a drug addiction: Law Breakers Addicts in Baltimore took recycling ... to snatch these huge fixtures, many from affluent neighborhoods. At college campus parties ... continue reading

San Francisco Mayor Proposes Drug Distribution to Homeless

For San Francisco, the statistics related to opioid abuse are staggering: The Department of Public Health estimates there are 11,000 people addicted to heroin in San Francisco. It is estimated that thousands of these individuals are homeless. The ...

... used to treat opioid addiction. Buprenorphine causes fewer side effects than its sister drug, and it also works faster. Rather than slowly reducing cravings and coaxing those who are addicted away from heroin, the drug ... continue reading

Rise of the Study Drug

In the United States, a Schedule II drug is one that has some accepted medical use, but at the same time a high potential for abuse that may lead to severe psychological and physical dependence. Cocaine, morphine and methadone are all Schedule II ...

In the United States, a Schedule II drug is one that has some accepted medical use, but at the same time a ... opening Twitter one morning to be greeted by tweets from across the nation by young people that quite plainly, ... continue reading

Ruthless Drug Dealer Ordered to Pay for His Client’s Funeral

Opioid abuse is killing thousands of Americans each year. Every day, nearly 100 lives are lost to the opioid epidemic. Many of these fatalities are caused by a deadly drug that's secretly added to baggies of heroin (or cocaine) as a cheap way for ...

... epidemic. Many of these fatalities are caused by a deadly drug that's secretly added to baggies of heroin (or cocaine ... S. More than 20,000 people in 2016 died from using these substances. In New York City, fentanyl-laced ... continue reading

Introducing the Drug That Can Kill With a Single Dose

Just when we'd thought we'd heard it all, an even more lethal drug concoction popped up on our radar. It's just the latest killer in the opioid epidemic ravaging our country. Dubbed “gray death” by authorities, this high-potency cocktail is ...

... tranquilizer 100 times more powerful than fentanyl and used for veterinary purposes on large animals (think elephants ... life.” Do Not Underestimate This Drug An exact number of deaths from the drug is unknown, but a ... continue reading

What You Need to Know About ‘Zombie Drug’ Krokodil

Krokodil (Crocodil) is a homemade version of a synthetic drug called desomorphine. As the name deso-morphine suggests, the chemical is in the opiate family and closely mimics the effects of heroin and morphine. Pure desomorphine is a very addictive ...

... where it is much easier to smuggle in narcotics from Middle Eastern poppy farms. Around 2002, it was ... book - among other things. The resulting product is a drug called Krokodil which mimics the effects of heroin for a ... continue reading

The 10 Most Insane Drug Addict Movie Characters

Insanity is a hard thing to define, but there are a number of characters in films who are definitely nuts in some way. Here's a quick rundown: 1. Francis Begbie Francis Begbie from Trainspotting was played by Robert Carlyle. A violent, intimidating ...

... has stolen £16,000 (around $25,000) of drug money from him. He destroys a hotel room and attracts the ... of the Florida drug trade by treating human life as valueless as long as he isn't able to use the people around ... continue reading

25 Great Writers Who Battled Drug Addiction and Alcoholism

Drug and Alcohol Addiction Can Affect Anyone Some people are more susceptible to addiction than others, and writers are notorious for having some sort of addiction. Whether it's alcohol to numb the noise of the world or speed or LSD to “inspire” ...

... was a great book, but it was written partially from an autobiographical point of view. Benzedrine features heavily. Thomas ... for Drug or Alcohol Misuse If you or a loved one is struggling with problem drug or alcohol use, ... continue reading

Your Brain on Drugs: Studying Cocaine's Effect on Blood Flow

Stimulant drugs like cocaine can cause serious blood flow problems within the brain. When there is an insufficient flow of rich, oxygenated blood to the brain, it can result in aneurysm-like bleeding and strokes. Researchers have developed a new ...

... how stimulant drug abuse affects the brain. Developed by a team of researchers from Stony Brook University ... neural experts were able to observe exactly how cocaine use affects the tiny blood vessels in a mouse's brain ... continue reading

Robert Downey Jr.'s Incredible Comeback From Addiction

A great Hollywood comeback story, Robert Downey Jr. is now one of the most bankable and highly paid actors in show business, starring in blockbuster comic book films like Iron Man and The Avengers as Iron Man—a role he continued in 2019's ...

... daily drinker. A Rising Star in Hollywood Despite his active drug and alcohol addiction, Downey Jr. made a name for ... under the influence. That incident led to him being fired from his role on the TV show “Ally McBeal” in ... continue reading

Detoxing from OxyContin: What to Expect

What makes OxyContin so addictive? Why does the body develop dependence on OxyContin? And if you're addicted to Oxy, how do you break the vicious cycle? Here, we will explore what the drug is, what detoxification looks like and how to identify and ...

... own. OxyContin Withdrawal Symptoms The withdrawal symptoms from OxyContin can be painful and frightening. The ... to become dependent on the drug to function. Within 24 hours of discontinuing use of OxyContin, the addicted ... continue reading

Is This New Drug the Holy Grail of All Pain Relievers?

Millions of Americans suffer daily from chronic pain. Factor in all the people managing temporary pain after accidents or surgeries and you have a massive number of people on prescription painkillers. Abuse of morphine, an extremely powerful and ...

... depression seen with morphine use was not present with use of the new drug. However, it did ... -relieving results, this new drug could have a huge impact on the millions suffering from chronic pain. Researchers hope ... continue reading

The Rise of Drug Deaths in America

This year, drug overdose deaths surpassed firearm deaths for the first time, making the issue of addiction and drug abuse an even greater concern for Americans . The public is aware of the numbers associated with overdose deaths; however, big ...

... - 291,557 . It only took four years, from 1999 to 2002, for drug overdose deaths to eclipse the number suffered by the U ... more likely to be prescribed a higher dosage and use them for longer periods of time than men. For ... continue reading

Take the Backdoor: Why Your Brain Can't Refrain From Cocaine

Ted just snorted 2 lines of cocaine. If we could see inside his brain, we'd see some pretty alarming results. The blood vessels of Ted's brain are shrinking and blood flow is restricted, diminishing his ability to think, remember, and function. ...

... , the changes to his brain may or may not heal. From Voluntary to Compulsive A recent study gives us more insight into ... Ted's first few uses, taking the drug is voluntary. However, the use eventually becomes habitual—a ... continue reading

State Sentencing: How Drug Sentencing Varies Across the U.S.

The United States has 5% of the world's population - and 25% of its prisoners. The average cost to house a minimum-security prisoner for one year is $21,006. By comparison, the average cost of putting a K-12 student through school for one year is ...

... . We took a look at drug sentencing statistics from a 2013 report by the United ... drugs are all other controlled substances not individually mentioned by the Sentencing Commission Report. Fair Use Please feel free to use ... continue reading

Effects of Inhalant Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment

What Are Inhalants? There is a huge number of inhalants available for abuse, and they're fairly easy to obtain. It's unsurprising that teens in particular are susceptible to inhalant abuse, simply because these compounds can be acquired at any ...

... Harmful Long-Term Effects of Inhalants Like abuse of many drugs, inhalant abuse can result in death, and it doesn't ... can occur even after just one use. Volatile compounds cross from the lungs into the bloodstream and can ... continue reading

New Drug Testing Technology Makes Urine Samples a Thing of the Past

Breathe on this. Spit on that. Provide a urine sample. You know the drill. The methods of drug testing are relatively common and well-known. From breathalyzers to blood tests, most people are familiar with the process… but all that's about to ...

... to the sink. Researchers report a 99 percent accuracy rate using this method. The brains behind this drug testing breakthrough consist of individuals from: Surrey University in England The Netherlands Forensic Institute ... continue reading

Effects of Bath Salts Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment

Are Bath Salts Harmful? The term “bath salts” refers to a family of designer recreational drugs that contain one or more synthetic chemicals related to cathinone —a stimulant found in the khat plant with effects similar to those of amphetamine ...

... starting the first time they take the drug, and bath salts do not need to be used for a long period of time or ... return home. Sober living homes give people recovering from addiction time to adjust to the world before ... continue reading

Health Insurance for Drug and Alcohol Rehab Treatment

If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction to drugs and/or alcohol, it can feel overwhelming. Getting help through an addiction treatment program is a way to start down the road to recovery, but the cost may seem out of reach. While you ...

... may be unsure of how to pay for alcohol and drug rehab programs, there is a number of ways to get ... of providers that you can choose from, whose services will cost less if you use providers within the network. You also ... continue reading

What Can I Do if My Mother or Father Is an Alcoholic or Drug Abuser?

One of the most common issues we hear about is that a parent has become an addict and the children don't know what to do about it. Sometimes, they're scared of being taken away from the parent if the authorities find out. Sometimes they want the ...

... is in a mess and needs help. Ask questions like: When did you first start using [drug]? How much do you reckon you get through in a day? Where do you get it from? How do you feel when on it? And how do you feel off it ... continue reading

Effects of Meth Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment

Is Meth Harmful? Meth—the abbreviated colloquialism for methamphetamine—is a wildly addictive and dangerous substance. Users can rapidly become dependent on its effects, which present a number of health risks. The illegal production and ...

... of people's deaths and injuries. Meth is more addictive and harmful than amphetamine, from which it is derived. The main drug of this form that is used on the streets is crystal meth, which can provide a high for up to ... continue reading

The Effects of Carisoprodol Use

Carisoprodol, sold under the trade names Soma and Vanadom, is a muscle relaxant that acts as a strong sedative. The drug is often prescribed clinically for the relief of muscle pain and is typically recommended for use only on a short-term basis. Is ...

... . Declining school or work performance. Withdrawal from social activities. Interpersonal/relationship problems. Compulsions to seek out and use the drug. Financial issues. Carisoprodol Dependence Carisoprodol dependence ... continue reading

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