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My Mind’s Playing Tricks on Me: How to Stop Addictive Thinking Patterns
In prison, many of the women I met struggled with substance abuse issues. Although alcohol and drugs were no longer in endless supply in there, many of them carried on with the same addictive thoughts and behaviors. Manipulation, isolation, instant ...
... sober appeared to have made no impact on them at all. It's Time to Break the Pattern When addictive thinking is present, the harmful consequences of drug or alcohol use don't outweigh their euphoric effects and will ... continue reading -
Are These 7 Things Really as Addictive as Drugs?
When you think about the disease of addiction, images of illicit drugs or empty whisky bottles likely come to mind. But addiction isn't limited to these substances. In fact, experts have determined that humans can become addicted to anything that ...
... . The primary problem is sugar, which the US National Library of Medicine says “can not only substitute to addictive drugs, like cocaine, but can even be more rewarding and attractive.” 1 2. Love Addiction Love is a ... 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 ...
... cravings—all of which can drive a person to keep using the drug. 20 Heroin Heroin is a very addictive opioid drug. Heroin can cause euphoria, altered sensation of pain, nausea/vomiting, itching, dry mouth, skin flushing ... continue reading -
Why Is Meth So Addictive?
According to the 2014 National Survey on Drug Abuse and Health, 4.9% of Americans aged 12 and older reported using methamphetamine in their lifetime. 1 Meth is an extremely addictive drug with limited medical use. It creates an intense high that can ...
... to take methamphetamine to stay awake for days at a time. 2 Here we explore why meth is so addictive and some of the negative effects that can result from using the drug. Methods of Meth Use Methamphetamine users ... continue reading -
The 7 Most Addictive Prescription Medications
Prescription drugs are commonly given to people suffering from with injuries or illnesses. They're legal when you've been prescribed the medication by a legitimate medical provider. However, these drugs still can be addictive when taken as ...
... a drug than is necessary, which can also lead to addiction. The following is a list of the seven most addictive drugs you're likely to come across. They might even end up in your medicine cabinet. 1. Vicodin The chance ... continue reading -
Alcohol Is Addictive… But Is It Also Contagious?
A quick choice to consume alcohol doesn't just affect you—it may also affect those around you, particularly in social situations. New research suggests that, whether or not they are aware of it, people in groups are influenced by each other's ...
A quick choice to consume alcohol doesn't just affect you—it may also affect those around you, particularly in social situations. New research suggests that, whether or not they are aware of it, people in groups are ... continue reading -
An Ultimate Guide to Understanding the Dangers of Spice
“It's not bad for you, dude. It's all natural. It's just plant materials, so it can't hurt you,” a friend whispered in Dave's ear. Unfortunately for Dave, he believed his friend and they spent the next hour smoking Spice. The seizure Dave ...
... of other street names, can cause damage to every single system in your body. Due to its synthetic nature and its unregulated manufacturing, one batch of this drug usually contains very different ingredients from the next ... continue reading -
Women Are More Likely to Get Hooked on Cocaine—But Why?
Women are generally more vulnerable to cocaine addiction than men, according to a recent study published in the journal Nature Communications. They're also more likely to use cocaine at an earlier age, take drugs in larger quantities, and have ...
... are generally more vulnerable to cocaine addiction than men, according to a recent study published in the journal Nature Communications. They're also more likely to use cocaine at an earlier age, take drugs in larger ... continue reading -
This Is How Alcohol Affects Your Brain (Simple Animation)
We pop the champagne to celebrate a momentous occasion. We sip whiskey to soothe the pain of a disappointing loss. We order a glass of wine to ease the awkwardness of a first date. And we cheers tequila shots while catching up with an old friend ...
... of alcohol will vary depending on how much you are consuming and what your body is able to handle. It's nature's way of saying that when it comes to alcohol, less is always more. We all have that one friend who gets ... continue reading -
Don’t Open Wide: Pulling Dentists Off the Doctor Shopping List
Imagine you're getting your wisdom teeth removed and at the end of the procedure, your dentist hands you a prescription for a pain reliever - maybe Vicodin or Percocet . For many people, this wouldn't pose a problem. For thousands of others, ...
... , and I think we were falling into a trap we were creating ourselves.” In addition to their compassionate nature, dentists also have a habit of over-prescribing. Often times, dentists prescribe 20 to 30 tablets of a ... 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 ...
... dangers of drug abuse is by learning what, exactly, those dangers are so that you can better understand the nature of the problem and share that information with people around you. Dangers of Drug Abuse: Knowing Is Half ... continue reading -
21 Powerful Tips to Get and Stay Sober
The time is now to make a change, and stick to it . The following 21 tips will help you get and stay sober in 2017. 1. Live in the now. You cannot change yesterday or control tomorrow. Focus on doing your best right now. 2. Seek support in nature. ...
... cannot change yesterday or control tomorrow. Focus on doing your best right now. 2. Seek support in nature. Fresh air and sunshine are wonderful antidotes for depression and anxiety. Try out activities like hiking and ... continue reading -
A Dangerous Trio: Skipping Dinner, Binge Drinking and Overeating
In today's culture, binge drinking is becoming more and more prevalent. This is especially true on college campuses, where a lot of partying takes place and many students spend their nights at clubs and bars, rather than in the dorm studying. Today, ...
... cereal and a couple leftover burritos. A new study published in the Obesity Journal explains the nature behind these dangerous “binge drink, then overeat” behaviors. Researchers at the Indiana School of Medicine found ... continue reading -
Workplace Drug Abuse
The Problem of Workplace Drug Abuse Of all drug users, 68.9% are employed and active in the workplace, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) . Additionally, 1/3 of all employees are aware of illegal sale of drugs ...
... . How to handle infractions of the policy. This should be an informative list that is detailed in nature. Rules and expectations should be thoroughly explained within the text. The ideal program both enforces a clear ... continue reading -
Shocking Report: Smoking Weed Can Damage Your DNA
Scientists are finding “convincing evidence” that marijuana can damage DNA and even cause certain forms of cancer. These revelations are more than alarming, considering that Alaska, Oregon, Colorado, Washington and the city of Washington, D.C. ...
... than tobacco smoke,” says the study's lead researcher Rajinder Singh. Smoking, Inhaling, Increased Quantity Plus, the nature of smoking marijuana is that the inhaled smoke is held longer in the lungs than cigarette smoke ... 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 ...
... . 3. Community Epidemiology Work Group (CEWG) : Offers in-depth analytical information on the patterns and nature of drug abuse , drug use trends, consequences of drug use, and characteristics of those prone to drug ... continue reading -
5 Alarming Facts About Benzo Addiction
People tend to use benzodiazepines because they work, plain and simple. A group of prescription sedatives, benzodiazepines are classified as Schedule IV in the Controlled Substances Act and are most commonly prescribed to treat anxiety, namely under ...
... of benzos was similar to that of opioids, cannabinoids, and GHB—all substances with exceptionally strong addictive qualities. They believe that as benzos accumulate in the body, they actually alter the structure and ... continue reading -
A Straight Story on the Real Dangers of Xanax
“Yeah, I was feeling uptight before he was about to pick me up for our date, so I popped a Xanax,” said my friend. I cringed. It seemed like everyone I knew was using benzos to calm down, chill out, get through a first date, or ace a ...
... Look, I get it. It's so easy to get hooked; it's so easy to fly under the radar. But Xanax is addictive and it's dangerous, especially when mixed with alcohol . If you're hooked on benzos, here's my advice: Talk to your ... continue reading -
Pop Quiz: Let’s Test Your Benzo Knowledge
In 2013, 13.5 million adults filled a benzodiazepine prescription in the US. These drugs are used to treat anxiety, depression, insomnia and seizures. They are also highly addictive and frequently abused. How much do you know about this class of ...
... in the US. These drugs are used to treat anxiety, depression, insomnia and seizures. They are also highly addictive and frequently abused. How much do you know about this class of drugs? Take the following quiz to find ... continue reading -
Planning an Intervention? 5 Things You Need to Know
Watching a loved one suffer from addiction can be a difficult and painful experience. You want to offer your help and support, but you may not be sure where to start. If you're considering planning an intervention for your loved one's addiction, ...
... enabling behaviors and limit access to finances, housing, or any other support you provide that enables addictive behaviors to continue. #5. Why Do Interventions Sometimes Fail? While some interventions do fail, most of ... continue reading -
Closing Candy Land: Our Vets are Stuck in the VA’s Revolving Door
Across our nation, the brave men and women who defended its freedoms are suffering. The burden they bear isn't regret, loss, emotional trauma or illness…even though all of these things may be present. No, the cargo many of them carry is the weight ...
... and acupuncture. The VA's new goal was to identify and treat the root causes of pain instead of prescribing addictive drugs to mask them. They announced the launch of 13 new research projects - with a price tag of nearly ... 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 ...
... at Louisiana Veterans Health Care System have developed a new drug that delivers the same pain relief without the addictive qualities and other lethal effects of morphine. A Drug That Doesn't Take Your Breath Away One of ... continue reading -
Ice Bugs: Don’t Scratch That Phantom Itch!
Methamphetamine is an extremely addictive stimulant that causes irreversible harm to the body. Manufactured from a toxic concoction of chemicals, it damages blood vessels in the brain, destroys teeth and causes severe impairment in memory, judgment ...
... using the drug, or if they've been on a drug binge, finally gotten some sleep. However, meth is addictive and has powerful withdrawal symptoms. Once it wears off, which takes anywhere from a couple of hours to a couple ... continue reading -
History of Drug Abuse and Addiction in the U.S. and Throughout the World
What Is the History of Substance Abuse Rehabilitation? As drugs have been abused for hundreds of years all over the world, their effects have been felt for just as long. For as long as drugs have been used, there have been those who have abused ...
... Historical Background of Drug Abuse The Continuing Spread of Addictive Substances Opium eventually made it to China, where ... Of course, heroin did turn out to be very addictive, causing more people to abuse the drug. Thanks ... continue reading -
Drug Abuse Policies in the United States
What Are Drug Policies in the U.S.? In America, drug policy involves the laws that control the distribution and use of both prescription and illicit drugs. From the classification of drugs according to their potential for abuse to the legalization ...
... OxyContin , methadone , and Ritalin . Schedule III drugs: Have moderate potential for dependency. Have less addictive potential than Schedule I or II drugs. Examples include Suboxone , ketamine , and anabolic steroids . ... continue reading -
Getting Sober: 17 Ways You Probably Didn’t Know About (#8 is Controversial)
The 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous are so dominant in addiction recovery culture that it can be easy to forget there are other ways to get sober. If AA or NA works for you, that's wonderful. If not, there are plenty of alternative tools and ...
... . Rational Recovery Rational Recovery is an abstinence-based program based on a method called AVRT—the Addictive Voice Recognition Technique. There are no groups or support centers; the organization holds that these are ... continue reading -
A Closer Look at the History and Use of Cocaine
Cocaine is a popular CNS (central nervous system) stimulant that is naturally derived from the cocoa plant, which is most commonly grown in South America's Andean region. Though its proper chemical name is benzoylmethyl ecgonine (C17H21NO4), users ...
... kidney failure, seizure, stroke, and heart attack can also occur. Additional concerns include cocaine's highly addictive qualities. Although it is not believed to cause physical dependence, many people find cocaine to be ... continue reading -
Effects of Drugs on the Brain: Impact of Drugs on Neurotransmitters
For many people, addiction can be difficult to understand. Understanding how drugs affect the brain can help shed some light on how a person develops an addiction. This article will discuss how various drugs affect the chemistry of the brain and ...
... pleasurable, but potentially dangerous in both the short- and long-term. Why Do Drugs Feel Good? Most addictive drugs produce an intense, euphoric high that people often seek out. This is the result of drugs either ... continue reading -
Famous Drug Abusers
Drug and Alcohol Addiction: A Disease that Touches Everyone According to data from the latest National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 22.7 million Americans need treatment for a drug or alcohol problem. And though it may sound cliché, ...
... cocaine addiction for more than 40 years. Methamphetamines Known as “meth,” this drug is an extremely addictive stimulant. According to the NSDUH study , over 12 million people have tried methamphetamine at least once ... continue reading -
Voices From Both Sides of the Medical Marijuana Debate
About eight months ago, I moved to California from Texas - two states that have very different viewpoints when it comes to legalizing medical marijuana . The drug seems to be everywhere here, smoked by people walking across the street or consumed in ...
... multiple sclerosis Other prescription drugs on the market - Vicodin, OxyContin and Valium - are far more addictive Marijuana has been used for centuries as a medicinal agent and yielded positive results For every person ... continue reading -
Heroin Use Increasing Across New Demographics, Study Finds
The face of heroin in the US is changing. As the drug becomes more commonly abused among new racial, geographic and socioeconomic groups, the profile of those users is also evolving. The change is, in part, because heroin is becoming more ...
... professor of mental health law and policy, University of Southern Florida. Prescription painkillers, which are highly addictive opiates, now seemingly serve as a “gateway” drug to heroin, another opiate that is cheaper ... continue reading -
Cocaine Could Mess With Your Brain's Ability to Recognize Sadness and Fear
Cocaine is a stimulant drug with a reputation for making people more social but, in reality, it tends to make users paranoid and insufferable. And according to a new study , this may be in part because people who use cocaine are less capable of ...
... cues, even when they are no longer under the influence. “We know that cocaine is a powerful and addictive drug and an important question remains: does cocaine mess up this process so that when cocaine users are off ... continue reading -
Facing Reality: 8 Shocking Drug and Alcohol Abuse Statistics
It's no secret that drugs and alcohol can have detrimental consequences on your mind, body, and life. They are indiscriminate in who they affect; anyone who abuses alcohol or drugs is at risk for developing an addiction. Although they are sometimes ...
... a drug because of how pervasive it is in our society, but it is one of the most dangerous and addictive drugs out there. It can lead to severe adverse health effects and life-threatening alcohol withdrawal symptoms . 4 ... continue reading -
Here’s a Simple Way to Decrease Opiate Cravings
We all know that getting enough sleep is important to your mood and overall health, but it also plays a crucial role in addiction recovery, too. According to a recent Penn State study , squeezing in enough shut-eye can actually lower drug cravings ...
... and were in an upbeat mood reported less cravings. These findings were recently published in the journal Addictive Behaviors, marking the first time researchers were able to establish a connection between a patient's ... continue reading -
Cocaine Addiction: Have Scientists Finally Found a Cure?
The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that an estimated 1.5 million Americans use cocaine. In 2015, our nation saw more than 6,700 cocaine-related deaths. Research indicates that around 40% of drug-related emergency department visits involve ...
... emergency department visits involve cocaine. Newsflash: Cocaine Use Is on the Rise Cocaine is an extremely addictive stimulant. Its use can produce perceived positive effects on mood, motivation, and energy. A cocaine ... continue reading -
Shocking Stories Reveal Serious Dangers of Flakka
There's a whole new synthetic drug “craze” sweeping the nation courtesy of a drug known as Flakka. The Drug Enforcement Agency had no reported cases involving Flakka as recently as 2010, but that number soared to 670 in 2014. While many of the ...
... About Flakka New findings published in the journal Psychopharmacology found that Flakka is even more addictive than methamphetamine . Researchers at the Scripps Research Institute conducted a lab experiment with rats ... continue reading -
Opana: The New Opiate of Choice Among Addicts?
In 1995, the Food and Drug Administration approved the opioid OxyContin for treating chronic pain. The drug netted a quick $45 million in sales its first year on the market. Ten years later, sales of OxyContin ballooned to $3.1 billion and the ...
... Looking back, this astronomical rise in OxyContin use indicated a consequential mishandling of a highly addictive drug by manufacturers, distributors, commission-happy sales reps and policy-makers. Today, the U.S ... continue reading -
Newsflash: Tramadol Really is an Opiate
For years, tramadol was thought of as a safe alternative to opiates . It was viewed as less habit-forming and easier to tolerate than its “stronger” counterparts like oxycodone. Doctors handed out free samples of Ultram (tramadol's brand name), ...
... . It seemed the drug's potency had been underestimated. Like other opiates, they realized this drug is addictive and has a high risk of abuse . Potential Dangers Structurally similar to other opiates like codeine and ... continue reading -
Smoking Can be a Serious Pain…in the Back
If you have chronic back pain and are a long-time smoker, the latter may be causing the former, according to a study released by the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University. A New Worry for Smokers The study, which was published in ...
... increases risk of transitioning to chronic back pain, an effect mediated by corticostriatal circuitry involved in addictive behavior and motivated learning,” they said. Turns out back pain is only one of 14 million ... continue reading -
Dangerous Additives: What's Really in Your Cocaine?
Cocaine is one of the most lethal illegal substances. This can be explained by the extraordinary psychoactive and biological effects of the drug. Cocaine is the single most powerful central nervous system stimulant. At high doses, it can stop the ...
... even faster than when injecting or snorting more traditional cocaine. Crack cocaine is particularly addictive because the mesolimbic “reward” system in the brain is almost instantaneously flooded with dopamine ... continue reading -
The Prevalence of Substance Abuse in the Workplace
Substance abuse permeates every aspect of life for those suffering from addiction, and addictive behaviors don't get put on hold during a 9-5 job. Employees engaging in substance abuse during work hours is a more common occurrence than most people ...
Substance abuse permeates every aspect of life for those suffering from addiction, and addictive behaviors don't get put on hold during a 9-5 job. Employees engaging in substance abuse during work hours is a more common ... continue reading -
Why Is Heroin So Addictive?
Despite its dangers and reputation for harm, use of heroin continues to escalate in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Rates of heroin use have increased across gender, socioeconomic status, age group, ...
... Heroin is an illegal substance that produces a strong high which is a key component of its highly addictive nature. Addictive Properties of Heroin Throughout the history of its use , heroin has been known for its highly ... continue reading -
MDMA/Ecstasy Dangers of Use, Addictive Potential, and Treatment Options
Ecstasy is an illicitly manufactured, synthetic drug used by many people for different reasons, such as to increase feelings of well-being or feel emotional closeness to others. 1 Although ecstasy initially became popular for use at raves or ...
... health risks. Though the question of whether ecstasy is addictive or not has yet to be fully answered, ecstasy ... certain side effects days after use. 1 The nature and severity of adverse ecstasy effects can also vary ... continue reading -
Effects of Heroin Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
Is Heroin Harmful? Heroin is the name for a modified version of morphine that is a very addictive and illegal opioid drug . The drug is available on the illicit market in a number of different varieties, with purer product tending to occur in white ...
... a number of social and legal ramifications for the user. Short-Term Effects of Heroin Use The addictive nature of this substance is reinforced by its ability to create intensely pleasurable feelings . Heroin accomplishes ... continue reading -
Methamphetamine Facts, History, and Statistics
What Is Methamphetamine? Methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant drug, originally synthesized for therapeutic use, but now found predominantly as a recreational drug of abuse. Though it is a drug that is FDA-approved and prescribed for ...
... . Hallucinations. These effects can be difficult to reverse. Social and Environmental Risks The highly addictive nature of methamphetamine can lead to financial and relationship problems , since an addict can become ... continue reading -
Trading Dependencies: There’s Nothing “Mild” About a Kratom Addiction
Mitragyna Speciosa, also known as Kratom, is a large tree in the Rubiaceae family native to Southeast Asia. It is said that Kratom affects the human brain similarly to an opiate , although there is no conclusive clinical data proving how the ...
... suffering from Kratom use. Some end up in the ER as a result of overuse. Others, unaware of the addictive nature of the opiate drug , are seen for symptoms they do not even recognize as withdrawal. Symptoms of withdrawal ... continue reading -
What Is Crack Cocaine? Side Effects, Crack Withdrawal, and Addiction Treatment
What Is Crack Cocaine? Crack cocaine is an addictive stimulant drug that is the rock crystal form of powdered cocaine. 1,2,5 Crack cocaine is a more potent form of cocaine that is processed so that it can be smoked, which provides an immediate high. ...
... formation in varying sizes and shapes, while cocaine is a white or off-white powder. 5,6 Due to its addictive nature, nearly 800,000 Americans aged 12 and over had used crack in 2019, and 1 million Americans aged 12 and ... continue reading -
Lean Codeine (Purple Drank): Addiction and Treatment
Codeine is an opioid painkiller that is used in a variety of medications, but which also has a high potential for misuse and addiction. In particular, prescription-strength cough medicine containing codeine may be misused in the form of a narcotic ...
... other sedative drugs or depressant substances such as alcohol. 3 Can I Become Addicted to Lean? The highly addictive nature of opioids is due, in part, to their rewarding, euphoric effects. Opioids should only be used in ... continue reading -
Are Benzos Overprescribed?
We are an anxious nation. A whopping 40 million American adults are affected by anxiety disorders; that's 18% of the adult population! With such astronomical numbers, it shouldn't be surprising to learn anxiety disorders are the most commonly ...
... retching Psychosis Delirium Seizures Hallucinations Weakness Vertigo Increased risk of suicide Because of its highly addictive nature, it is recommended that doctors not prescribe a benzodiazepine for more than two weeks ... continue reading -
Opioid Epidemic Coming for the Elderly
How Common is Opioid Abuse in the Elderly? Close your eyes and imagine an opioid addict. Who do you see? Would you think of a young, poor male injecting heroin and obsessing over how they will need to score their next hit to satisfy their compulsive ...
... . It doesn't mean you've failed in some way, and you shouldn't feel ashamed. The powerfully addictive nature of opioids combined with short period of time it takes to become physically dependent on them makes them an ... continue reading -
Yay or Nay: Is the Opioid Epidemic a Conspiracy?
'Epidemic': Affecting a disproportionately large number of individuals within a population. Opioid Epidemic Statistics Each day, 2.1 million people in the U.S. abuse opioids. The CDC reports that 165,000 Americans died from prescription ...
... was after paying more than $600 million in fines for “misleading marketing” that misrepresented the addictive nature of their pills. Something else to consider: Pharma-funded advocates often use their influence to spread ... continue reading -
Oxycodone Abuse Signs, Symptoms, Effects, and Treatment
What Is Oxycodone Used For? “Those addicted to prescription opiates like oxycodone are 40 times more likely to develop a heroin abuse problem.” Oxycodone is a pain-relieving drug that is prescribed frequently to address moderate-to-severe pain. ...
... shows interviews with several people struggling with oxycodone addiction. The video illustrates the powerfully addictive nature of this drug. Warning: this video contains some explicit language. Credit: Vocativ Side ... continue reading -
The Dilaudid Dilemma
Every day, physicians across the nation prescribe painkillers to help patients cope with pain. The types of painkillers prescribed are as varied as the type and intensity of pain levels; however, more potent painkillers - like opioids - are ...
... of the most commonly abused opioid drugs taken by chronic opioid users. Anyone can succumb to the addictive nature of opioids like Dilaudid (Hydromorphone). In fact, regular use of opioids, as prescribed by a doctor, can ... continue reading -
Oxycontin Addiction Signs, Symptoms and Addiction Treatment
OxyContin addiction occurs from abusing an OxyCodone prescription for pain relief. Drugs are commonly used in the medical field to treat chronic pain and other ailments of patients. Unfortunately, as is human nature, substance abuse becomes ever ...
... ailments of patients. Unfortunately, as is human nature, substance abuse becomes ever more prevalent as time ... of falsely promoting the use of OxyContin as less addictive than Oxycodone. They claim that it is less likely ... 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 ...
... inconsistent between different batches due to the variable nature of substances labeled as “bath salts.” Nonetheless, ... serious injury or death. In addition to being addictive, bath salts—like many stimulant drugs—can ... continue reading -
Percocet Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment
Since the mid-1990s, rates of prescription drug abuse have skyrocketed. Today, the widespread abuse of prescription medication—whether this involves opioid painkillers, sedatives, or stimulants—is being recognized as a serious national health ...
... of moderate-to-severe pain that is not typically chronic in nature (i.e. post-surgical pain, pain from a sustained ... Consumer Reports provides an overview of the addictive potential of prescription opiates like Percocet and ... continue reading -
How Concerned Should We Be About Opiates?
Opiates are a group of drugs that manage pain by depressing the central nervous system (CNS). There are two different kinds of opiates: natural and synthetic. Natural opiates come from the dried “milk” of the poppy plant and include opium, ...
... . Because of the small concentration found in nature, most codeine in medical products is synthesized from ... . Heroin: Made from morphine, heroin is an extremely addictive opiate drug. Its abuse is a serious and growing ... 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 ...
... may be temporary, but long-term side effects can cause irreversible damage to the body. Because it is addictive in nature, those who take meth are more likely to crave the drug and to increase their dosages over time ... continue reading -
Cocaine Relapse Warning Signs, Prevention, and Addiction Treatment
Why Is Cocaine So Addictive? According to the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), approximately 1.3 million Americans met the criteria for cocaine addiction as outlined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ...
... hypertension. Like these diseases, addiction is chronic in nature and is often recurring. This means that relapse ... your desire to stay sober. Returning to addictive thinking and negative thoughts. Bottling up emotions and ... continue reading -
Long-Term Effects of Molly, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment
MDMA Drug Information Ecstasy is the more common street name for 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine—a highly addictive, illicit drug also known as MDMA , or “Molly.” This drug shares chemical structural similarities with both amphetamine and ...
... street name for 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine—a highly addictive, illicit drug also known as MDMA , or ... , in which the individual will work to understand the nature of their addiction and their triggers. 8 The most ... continue reading -
How to Help a Crystal Meth Addict
What Is Crystal Methamphetamine? Crystal methamphetamine—also known as crystal meth—is a highly addictive white, crystalline drug that can be taken by snorting, smoking, or injecting into the body. The drug also has some common street names, ...
... intense rush achieved when smoking crystal meth can render its addictive properties even stronger. One of the effects of meth ... often include: Providing education regarding the nature of crystal meth use, abuse, and ... continue reading -
How to Help a Bath Salts Addict
Are Bath Salts Addictive? Bath salts are addictive. The drugs are notoriously known for producing serious side effects that may be damaging from the first hit. They are a synthetic type of cathinone—found in nature in the khat plant. Cathinones ...
... type of cathinone—found in nature in the khat plant. Cathinones are similar to amphetamines, which is why the amphetamine and bath salts addiction processes are similar. The addictive properties of bath salts can ... continue reading -
Finding Help for Benzodiazepine Addiction
Many people become addicted to benzodiazepines, or “benzos,” as they are often called. Common types of benzos include: Xanax . Valium . Klonopin . These anti-anxiety and anti-convulsant sedatives are effective at managing the conditions for ...
... is loving and supportive (not angry and shaming) in nature. Yelling, threatening, or expressing anger in order to ... reward centers of the brain causes benzos to be addictive. When someone abuses them over time, the ... continue reading -
Dextromethorphan (DXM) Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment
What Is Dextromethorphan Used For? What Is DXM? Dextromethorphan (DXM or DM) is a cough suppressant and opioid derivative used in more than 100 over-the-counter medicines. Dextromethorphan is safe for ingestion and not habit-forming when taken as ...
... Sudden drop in academic performance. Uncooperative nature. Dextromethorphan Side Effects There are several ... drug is prescription does not mean is not dangerous or addictive. Set clear rules that your child must not take ... continue reading -
Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms and Addiction Treatment
Xanax is in a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. These frequently prescribed medications are used to treat a range of physical and mental health conditions. Specifically, Xanax (also known by its generic name alprazolam) is used in the treatment ...
... an effective medication; however, this substance can be addictive. Physiological dependence may develop among both prescription and ... with substance misuse can learn about the nature of addiction and begin the journey to ... continue reading -
LSD Overdose Signs, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Prevention, and Treatment
LSD is a hallucinogen drug capable of altering thoughts and perceptions in those who use it, causing pseudo-hallucinations and synesthesias—a condition where people see and hear things that are not real, while others report being able to hear ...
... of years, using plants or fungi found in nature, such as peyote and hallucinogenic mushrooms, but unlike ... odds of overdosing. However, LSD is not physically addictive . Users of LSD do not normally crave the drug ... continue reading -
How to Help a Peyote Addict
Where Does Peyote Come From? The psychoactive drug peyote is a variety of cactus that grows in the southwestern region of the United States and Mexico. The top of this cactus features small discs, often called “buttons,” which contain a ...
... Know if I Need Help? While peyote may not be addictive in the same manner that drugs like opioids are, abusing it ... potential aggression or violence due to the confrontational nature of the meeting and the potential for ... continue reading -
Concurrent Alcohol and Xanax Abuse
Facts on Alcohol and Xanax Alprazolam (brand name Xanax) is an anxiolytic prescription medication. Xanax is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It belongs to the benzodiazepine class of drugs and is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. ...
... sedation that results from use of these two addictive substances can lead to life-threatening respiratory depression ... drugs by teens may stem from the manufactured nature of prescription drugs, as many feel that they ... continue reading -
Why Is Xanax So Addictive?
Xanax—also known by its generic name alprazolam—belongs to a class of prescription drugs called benzodiazepines. For some people, Xanax can be an effective treatment for anxiety and panic disorders. However, Xanax users are at high risk for ...
... to a surge of neurotransmitters, including dopamine. While these surges are temporary, the persistent use of such addictive drugs may alter the brain's reward system in an enduring fashion. Studies indicate that as an ... continue reading -
Prescription Opiates: As Addictive as Heroin?
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than 21.5 million Americans aged 12 and older met the criteria for substance use disorder in 2014. Of these, 1.9 million were addicted to prescription opiate pain medications and 586,000 ...
... opiates act on the brain in the same way as heroin, one might argue that they are equally addictive, especially since they are the most abused prescription drugs in the United States. According to the National Survey ... continue reading -
Why Are Prescription Opiates So Addictive?
Prescription opiates—such as Vicodin , Percocet , and OxyContin —are narcotic medications used for pain management. These drugs are often referred to as “opioids,” which are synthetic and semi-synthetic derivatives of the active “opiate” ...
... most commonly abused of all prescription drugs according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Addictive Properties of Prescription Opiates Prescription opiates affect the brain the same way morphine and heroin do ... continue reading -
Why Are Prescription Stimulants So Addictive?
Prescription stimulants are very prevalent pharmaceutical agents. They are frequently used for the management of narcolepsy and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Drugs that fall in this category include: Dextroamphetamine and ...
... seen with opioids ). In this way , the brain's normal system of motivation can be hijacked by addictive drugs or behaviors (e.g. gambling, for some)—eliciting a reinforcing reward signal for activities that harm, rather ... continue reading -
What Is Ativan? Is Ativan Addictive? Dangers of Ativan Abuse
Ativan is one of the top 10 psychiatric drugs used in America. Many have taken it; many have abused it. What do you know about it? If you're like most people, your knowledge of Ativan is limited. Even those who use it are often unaware of its ...
... : Loss of muscle control Low blood pressure Mental confusion Slow breathing Coma Is Ativan Addictive? Yes, Ativan is highly addictive and your chances of becoming dependent increase exponentially if you misuse this drug ... continue reading -
Why Are Amphetamines So Addictive?
Amphetamines are a class of synthetic drugs that stimulate the central nervous system (CNS). They are prescribed for legitimate use in the management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy and, rarely, in cases of extreme ...
... than all other substance admission types combined to have been referred to treatment by the legal system. Addictive Properties of Amphetamines The brain is made up of neurons (nerve cells) that communicate with each ... continue reading -
Why Is Methamphetamine So Addictive?
Methamphetamine is a highly addictive chemically compounded stimulant. Similar in chemical structure to amphetamine, meth is widely and illicitly manufactured using a variety of production methods. Methamphetamine is a white, odorless, ...
... 33 years old. An equal distribution of males and females seek treatment for meth abuse. Addictive Properties of Methamphetamine Using methamphetamine, regardless of method, impacts a number of neurotransmitter systems ... 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 ...
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 ... continue reading -
Motivational Interviewing (MI) for Substance Abuse Treatment
Treating substance use disorders often involves a combination of therapeutic approaches to best match your recovery needs. Evidence-based behavioral therapies—such as motivational interviewing (MI)—can be essential to an addiction treatment ...
... 's understanding of the patient's truth. Arguments are avoided, and the counseling relationship is collaborative in nature: it is not a power struggle between the patient and counselor. The patient determines when change ... 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 ...
... or feeling things we once loved increasingly more difficult. 5. Spirituality Whether it's through religion, nature, philosophy, art or anything else, spirituality is an important aspect of our human experience. It could ... continue reading -
Xanax Addiction Treatment
Xanax Addiction is widespread! The more common a drug becomes the greater chance it has at becoming abused by the general public. Xanax is a commonly prescribed short-term drug used to treat severe anxiety and panic disorders, though due to its now ...
... prescribed short-term drug used to treat severe anxiety and panic disorders, though due to its now common-nature it has found its way into the recreational drug community. The possibility of becoming a Xanax Addict is ... continue reading -
Alternatives to Anxiety Medications
Anxiety disorders are some of the most commonly encountered mental health conditions. Approximately, 28.8% of adults will experience some type of anxiety in their lifetime (Kessler et al., 2005). Oftentimes, the first line of treatment for anxiety ...
... started you can check out the Mindful Awareness Research Center at UCLA's free guided meditations . Nature therapy has been getting more attention recently as research has begun proving the positive effects that being ... continue reading -
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a method of psychotherapy first developed by Marsha Linehan that has since proven effective in treating a variety of mental health disorders. 1 In this article, you will get an in-depth look at DBT therapy ...
... well as learn the skills necessary to improve their quality of life. A DBT skills group: 2 Is didactic in nature (like learning in a classroom). Includes homework that is assigned at the end of each session. Meets once 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 ...
... most depressing movies you'll ever watch with one of the most miserable ending scenes. But that's the nature of unchecked addiction. 6. Raoul Duke Raoul Duke (Johnny Depp) is the central character in Fear and Loathing in ... continue reading -
Intervention for Drug and Alcohol Addiction
In 2020, nearly 60% of the U.S. population aged 12 or older were estimated to have been currently using tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs. 1 There are many reasons that someone may feel the need to use substances. Some of these reasons may include an ...
... is something a person will often struggle with for the rest of their life. 3 Due to the complex nature of substance use disorders, as well as the potential risks and adverse health effects of continued substance use ... continue reading -
Cocaine Anonymous (CA) Meetings, 12 Steps, and Addiction Treatment
Cocaine addiction is a complex disease that has significant short- and long-term implications for a person's physical and mental health. 1 Treating cocaine addiction often involves behavioral interventions such as individual, family, and group-based ...
... and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. Humbly asked God ... continue reading -
Private Drug and Alcohol Rehab Centers
Around 59.3 million Americans aged 12 and older report having used an illegal drug within one year of being surveyed. 1 A substance use disorder (SUD) is a risk for many, and this risk exists regardless of age, socioeconomic status, or cultural ...
... to be provided by a private drug and alcohol rehab center. This may include modalities like art therapy, nature therapy, yoga, or other therapeutic support tools. If you do not have access to private addiction treatment ... continue reading -
Drug Abuse Treatment Programs
Why Choose Treatment? Drug abuse treatment programs provide valuable help to thousands of individuals struggling with drug misuse. Substance abuse of any kind affects people of all ages, genders, and cultural backgrounds. Despite the large ...
... history and their demonstrated response to treatment. Furthermore, for many people, the chronic nature of substance abuse necessitates vigilant outcome monitoring and, possibly, multiple intervention attempts. However ... 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 ...
... lethal concoction before it becomes a problem too large to combat. “No one should underestimate the deadly nature associated with these cocktails,” said Russ Baer of the federal Drug Enforcement Agency told NBC News . ... continue reading -
Remaining Spiritual in Recovery
Spirituality can be viewed as a means to connect with ourselves on a more authentic level, to feel a connection with those around us, and to connect with something greater than us as individuals. These spiritual connections help us derive a sense of ...
... common spiritual practices include: Practicing gratitude and a spirit of giving thanks. Being in nature. Walking, standing, or sitting meditation. Observing silence and turning to inward reflection. Mindfulness. Reciting ... continue reading -
Heroin Relapse Warning Signs, Prevention, and Addiction Treatment
Heroin Relapse Is Common Heroin addiction is very powerful, and heroin's interaction with opioid receptors and its reinforcing influence on your brain's reward centers result in such profound feelings of euphoria and pleasure that it sometimes feels ...
... that take your mind off using. You might consider exercise, getting out of the house and spending time in nature, reading, or seeing a movie. Avoid negative or all-or-nothing thinking. This might include thoughts such as ... continue reading -
Oxycodone Overdose Symptoms and Treatment
Oxycodone is a semi-synthetic opioid painkiller that is available in a range of doses and formulations (brand names include OxyContin, Percocet, Percodan, and Roxicet). Individuals who abuse oxycodone are at high risk of experiencing an overdose, ...
... , especially other depressants, can lead to negative interacting effects. Whether additive or opposing in nature, these interacting effects can lead to even more serious, life-threatening symptoms and thereby increase ... 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 ...
... it's too late. Methodology All deaths related to unintentional drug overdoses, exposure to forces of nature, HIV, alcohol, firearms, intentional self-harm (suicide), cancer (neoplasms), Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, diabetes ... continue reading -
Dark Web Oxy Dealer Could Get 20 Years in Prison
Frenchman Guy Vallerius - aka the “OxyMonster”- is accused of selling the illicit drugs oxycodone , cocaine, and methamphetamine over the dark web. In May, Vallerius plead guilty to charges of conspiracy and money laundering; he's facing at ...
... found Vallerius also had accounts on the notorious marketplaces Silk Road, Pandora, and Alpha Bay. Similar in nature to eBay, these sites can be used to sell products through a digital black market. Users can request ... continue reading -
Effects of Ketamine Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, and Side Effects
Is Ketamine Dangerous? “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 ...
... , the side effects of ketamine include: Disorientation and general confusion due to the drug's anesthetic nature. Drowsiness. Increased heart rate. Elevated blood pressure. Large doses of the drug can result in what ... continue reading -
How to Find Government- or State-Funded Drug and Alcohol Rehab Centers Near Me
Many individuals struggling with drug abuse and alcohol addiction do not seek treatment because of the cost. However, even for addicts and alcoholics in need who have no health insurance or who cannot pay for the overall costs of rehab, there are ...
... offer luxury hotel-like amenities such as swimming, art classes, yoga, chef-prepared meals, and nature excursions, many state-funded rehab centers will focus on providing counseling, behavioral therapy , addiction ... continue reading -
Luxury Rehab Centers Near Me
When considering inpatient treatment, there are generally 3 standard options: public inpatient rehab centers, private inpatient rehab centers, and luxury treatment centers. All usually offer the same core elements—including counseling, access to ...
... this session, you might attend a gym or holistic therapy session (running, yoga, swimming, surfing, nature hiking, acupuncture, massage, meditation). Depending on your medication schedule, you may receive another dose of ... continue reading -
Tramadol Withdrawal and Detox
Tramadol is a somewhat atypical prescription painkiller, with both opioid and monoamine reuptake inhibiting pharmacological properties. 1 In the U.S., tramadol is approved for use in managing moderately severe pain and has historically been marketed ...
... withdrawal symptoms usually are not life threatening, they may be uncomfortable. Because of the potentially uncomfortable nature of the withdrawal, it is not uncommon for those attempting to stop using to abandon their ... continue reading -
Ill Inventory: Drug Theft and Loss in the United States
Every year, countless people become reliant on pharmaceuticals. And every year, drugs go missing. Despite extensive efforts to curb addiction and abuse, America's war on drugs is far from over. Guidelines for improving opioid prescribing practices ...
... . In 2014 alone, there were over 700 drug-related arrests per 100,000 people. Due to the rural nature of many parts of the state, different programs have been considered to provide the necessary treatment to drug abusers ... 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 - ...
... overdoses that does not exist when people lose a loved one to an illness. For many people, it's second nature to bring a warm, comforting meal to a family that has experienced a birth, serious illness, or death. However ... 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 ...
... addicted person in the relationship can also benefit from therapy by: Gaining education surrounding the nature of substance abuse and addiction. Understanding their role in relationship struggles and patterns. Addressing ... continue reading -
12-Step Recovery Programs and Support Groups for Addiction
12-Step recovery programs have become an integral aspect of maintaining sobriety post-addiction. 1 They usually operate on the basis of abstinence while creating a community of people who are living sober lives. 1 A 12-Step program helps establish ...
... therapist can be helpful. Step Five: “Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.” This highlights the need for community. Utilizing a sponsor (another person in the 12-Step ... continue reading
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