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Over-The-Counter Drugs of Abuse
It is a common misconception that only illegal drugs are dangerous. There are many different over-the-counter (OTC) drugs with psychoactive, or mind-altering properties that may lead to a number of serious medical and mental health consequences if ...
... safe. Contrary to popular belief, OTC drugs can be addictive and life-threatening when misused or abused. Below are some ... Dramamine—in order to get high. These antihistamine medications can be safe and therapeutic when ... 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 ...
... and is considered an even more addictive form of an already addictive substance. Crack cocaine's effects include ... coughing, while the other active ingredient is an antihistamine. It is used to relieve symptoms of colds ... 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 ...
... (Tylenol), chlorpheniramine (an antihistamine), pseudoephedrine (a decongestant), and ... a drug is prescription does not mean is not dangerous or addictive. Set clear rules that your child must not take medicine ... continue reading -
Common Street Names for Drugs
People actively misusing legal or illicit substances use slang terms for many reasons—ranging from avoiding detection by law enforcement to ensuring privacy in written and verbal communication. If you suspect that someone you love is misusing ...
... smoking, or injection ), leading to an intense and addictive high. Common heroin street names include: Brown Sugar China ... White Horse Heroin w/ OTC Cold Meds & Antihistamine: Cheese Street Names for Inhalants Inhalants —A ... continue reading -
Overdosing on Sleep Medication Is a Big Problem
According to a recent survey , 69 percent of primary care patients complain of insomnia and other sleep issues. To solve the problem, doctors often prescribe sleeping pills or hypnotic medications. However, many people end up using these drugs for ...
... -inducing medications on the market today. They include benzodiazepines, antidepressants, melatonin-like drugs, or antihistamine drugs. However, one very common sleep medication, zolpidem, is in its own category. The ... continue reading -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
Are Prescription Painkillers as Addictive as Heroin?
The Link Between Painkillers and Heroin According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), in 2011, 4.2 million Americans aged 12 or over had used heroin at least once in their lives. Of these users, an estimated 23% will go on to become ...
... you, you are not alone. Learn what to do to assist a painkiller addict . CNN Can Pills Really Be as Addictive as Heroin? Why does addiction to or abuse of painkillers lead to heroin use in so many cases? Are prescription ... 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 -
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 ...
... use is associated with several adverse effects and potential health risks. Though the question of whether ecstasy is addictive or not has yet to be fully answered, ecstasy use can be quite problematic for some. Substance ... 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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
Alcohol Overdose Symptoms and Treatment
Alcohol misuse is prevalent across the country and consequences of alcohol abuse can be felt on an individual and societal level. Alcohol misuse and excessive alcohol use include both binge drinking and heavy drinking. The Centers for Disease ...
... Your tolerance level. Combining alcohol and opioids (morphine and oxycodone). Drinking alcohol while taking antihistamines. Using sleep medication and/or anti-anxiety medication (benzodiazepines) and drinking alcohol at ... continue reading -
Snorting Ambien Side Effects, Dangers, Overdose, and Addiction Treatment
What Is Ambien Used For? The sleep aid Ambien (generic name: zolpidem ) is a prescription medication used in the treatment of insomnia in adults. 1 It works by slowing down brain activity to help users fall and stay asleep. Zolpidem is similar in ...
... Some types of over-the-counter medications , like cold and allergy meds (e.g. some antihistamines, dextromethorphan). Overdosing on Ambien is dangerous and, in extreme situations, potentially lethal. Ambien overdose is a ... continue reading -
Is Tramadol the New OxyContin?
The epidemic of painkiller addiction is well known, and OxyContin (oxycodone) has arguably been the most notorious prescription opioid at the center of this public health emergency. Drugs like OxyContin have filled the news in recent years due to ...
... tramadol for use in the US in 1994. Results from animal and human studies indicated that tramadol was less addictive than other opiates, so it was classified as a non-scheduled drug . This meant that tramadol was not ... 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 ...
... methods of administration. Some opt to smoke or snort heroin due to a belief that this markedly reduces its addictive quality , but this is not the case. (It is true, though, that avoiding injection use reduces the risk ... 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 ...
... , but it won't make it go away. Consider what you are really risking when you begin using an addictive substance—your initial problem will still be there, and you'll risk compounding it with a number of other harmful ... 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 ...
... on synthetic cathinones have been reported, animal experiments have helped to shed more light on their true addictive potential. Two recent studies showed that rats exerted more effort to get MDPV and ?-PVP (Flakka) than ... continue reading -
Snorting Heroin Side Effects, Dangers, and Addiction Treatment
Heroin is a highly addictive Schedule I controlled drug. Heroin has a long history—it was first synthesized (as diacetylmorphine) in 1874 from morphine. Paradoxically, heroin was originally marketed as a safer and non-addictive form of morphine. ...
... the drug was banned in the United States as part of the Harrison Narcotics Act due to new understanding of its addictive potential. 1 Depending on how it is made, heroin can be a white or brown powder or a black, sticky ... continue reading -
Big Pharma: Are They Advertising Addiction?
Pharmacological companies do not have a good rap. They've been known to bury bad news, which has had an effect on people's health, and therefore their lives. Whether it's not testing drugs properly, as with the case of thalidomide (caused defects in ...
... will control the drug market for up to twenty years. After all, why would a doctor prescribe an addictive substance when he or she could prescribe a nonaddictive alternative? That assumes, of course, there are no other ... continue reading -
What Drugs Cause the Most Insane Behavior?
Many substances that are addictive cause mental changes or unusual behavior. Even if a substance does not inherently have mind-altering properties, people who are addicted to it may display strange behavior if they need the drug are unable to obtain ...
... man's face in a brutal attack has drawn media attention to the drug. Cocaine Cocaine is an illegal, addictive drug that has stimulant properties. It is derived from the coca leaf, and it was used in the United States ... continue reading -
5 Things About Kratom You Need to Know
Recently, a drug called kratom, has come into the center of national controversy.Also referred to as 'ketum' or 'kakuam', taking kratom produces opiate-like effects. Kratom is legal in the U.S. and many people begin taking the drug to help with ...
... in the U.S., you can actually order multiple drinks and you may not even know about the potentially addictive properties within the drink. According to an article published in The New York Times, some bars serve kratom ... continue reading -
Xanax Overdose Risk Factors and Addiction Treatment
What Is Xanax? Xanax (generic name alprazolam) is a fast-acting benzodiazepine drug and central nervous system depressant—a grouping that includes several other sedative, hypnotic, and anxiolytic drugs. 1,2 When taken as prescribed, Xanax can be ...
... ; some may even say it's simple to get a Xanax prescription from your doctor. What Makes Xanax So Addictive? Often, patients taking regular doses of Xanax are doing so to manage panic or another anxiety disorder . With ... continue reading -
How to Help an Ultram Addict
Substance abuse problems have the potential to negatively affect individuals, their families, and society as a whole. As addiction progresses, the sufferer's obsession with his or her preferred substance tends to outweigh concern for the ...
... require increasing amounts for the same effects. This process of tolerance is a hallmark of an addictive substance and leads to the significant risk of tramadol overdose and even death. There are several considerations ... continue reading -
How to Help an Amphetamine Addict
Amphetamine addiction is a serious issue; stimulants have the potential to adversely affect the personality and behavior of individuals abusing these drugs. Some methods of amphetamine abuse may also be related to increased risks of bloodborne ...
... and/or produce an effect that lasts for much longer periods of time . However, as with most addictive drugs, over time, the body's tolerance level for amphetamines increases. This means that higher levels of amphetamines ... continue reading -
Fentanyl Abuse Symptoms, Effects, and Addiction Treatment
What Is Fentanyl Used For? Fentanyl is a synthetic opiate pain reliever. It's typically prescribed to patients for severe pain or injury , or after they have undergone surgery. It works quickly to eliminate any pain in the body. However, it can also ...
... surgery. It works quickly to eliminate any pain in the body. However, it can also be very addictive. Fentanyl is much more potent than heroin and 100x more potent than morphine . Fentanyl was originally synthesized ... 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 ...
... the creation of the drug, and this has resulted in a number 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 ... continue reading -
Crystal Meth Abuse Side Effects, Symptoms, and Addiction Treatment
What Is Crystal Meth Used For? Crystal methamphetamine (crystal meth) is a powerful central nervous stimulant with highly addictive properties . Crystal meth is the illicit, crystalline form of methamphetamine. Legally manufactured methamphetamine ...
... discusses what exactly happens in your brain when you smoke crystal meth and why it is so addictive. Credit: National Geographic Effects of Crystal Meth Abuse Crystal meth works by affecting the communication chemicals ... 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 -
How to Help a Soma Addict
Help for Soma Addicts Soma (generic name: carisoprodol) is a prescription muscle relaxer that can be addictive if used beyond the recommended dosage or duration. Taking Soma can also be problematic if it is abused in combination with other ...
... Soma is a Schedule IV controlled substance , meaning it carries potential for abuse and addiction . It may even be addictive to those taking it as directed, especially if the user has a history of substance abuse. Soma's ... continue reading -
Crack History and Statistics
Crack cocaine is a highly addictive drug of abuse that has intense stimulant properties. Typically, the user will feel a rush of excitement and energy that accompanies the euphoric delivered by the substance. Crack is a type of cocaine. This means ...
... 87 months for cocaine. How Dangerous Is It? Crack is a very dangerous substance with its highly addictive nature being a central feature of its harm-causing potential. Smoking crack triggers key pleasure-related signals ... continue reading -
How to Help Someone With Marijuana Addiction
Marijuana continues to be the most widely abused illicit drug. The increased state-level legality of marijuana may be promoting perceptions of lower risks and higher benefits among high school students. In recent surveying, one third of 10 th ...
... of their use may help them see the need for treatment . Is Marijuana Addictive? Despite reports to the contrary, marijuana can be addictive . The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports: 1 in 11 (0.90%) adults ... continue reading -
How to Treat Actiq (Fentanyl) Addiction
Actiq is the brand name for an analgesic lozenge (on a stick like a lollipop) that contains the opioid drug fentanyl —a powerful synthetic opioid which, when rapidly absorbed through the oral mucosa (along with being slowly absorbed through the GI ...
... the rise. 2,3,14 While a “lollipop” may seem relatively innocuous, Actiq is still fentanyl and the dangers and addictive potential exist like in any other form of this drug. If you or someone you know is misusing Actiq , ... continue reading -
Trazodone Use in Substance Abuse Treatment
What Is Trazodone Used For? Each individual in recovery is likely to have had a somewhat unique substance abuse program experience. There are a number of therapeutic variables, including treatment center setting and program duration. However, many ...
... its use for this purpose after the initial detox period ends. 10 Trazodone is not believed to be addictive—there is little evidence users experience any kind of “trazodone high.” However, it can cause negative side ... 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 ...
... . Delusions. 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 ... continue reading -
Codeine Abuse Symptoms and Addiction Treatment
Overview of Codeine Abuse “Codeine addiction is a widespread, far-reaching problem that spans across ages, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds.” Codeine is an opiate drug often found in prescription-strength cough syrups, or in a ...
... as pleasant, and the user may become addicted to these effects and, in turn, the drug. The addictive nature of codeine, and the accompanying physical dependency that may develop over time, can lead to difficult and ... continue reading -
Concurrent Alcohol and Ecstasy Abuse
Ecstasy may make its users feel ecstatic for a time but, when abused with alcohol, it can cause seriously negative effects on your health and even kill you. Even as the name for this drug changes to the more friendly “Molly,” this does not mean ...
... has gained wide appeal as a sort of “fun” drug that is central to party culture. However, it can become addictive and deplete a brain's supply of serotonin. A drug that can produce such a rush that the person using it ... continue reading -
How to Help an Oxycontin Addict
OxyContin is a dangerous drug when not used properly, and it's easy to fall into the trap of addiction. Fortunately, there is help out there for anyone who is addicted to the substance, and it's never been easier to get help. How to Approach an ...
... by many to be a key element in maintaining sobriety. How Addictive Is OxyContin? Like all opiates , OxyContin is potentially addictive. OxyContin attaches itself to the opioid receptors in the brain, preventing ... continue reading -
Cocaine Addiction Treatment and Rehab Programs
Cocaine use and addiction can be dangerous for a person's physical and mental health and have a detrimental impact on their life. If you or someone you care about is struggling with cocaine addiction, you know how difficult it can be to stop using ...
... begins with detox , which involves a period of abstinence from cocaine, stimulants, and other addictive substances. 5,6 After detox, you will likely enter a professional inpatient or outpatient rehabilitative treatment ... 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 -
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, ...
... s tendency to become addicted to it. The very intense rush achieved when smoking crystal meth can render its addictive properties even stronger. One of the effects of meth as it reaches the brain is to stimulate dopamine ... continue reading -
Effects of Cocaine Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment Programs
Cocaine is a Schedule II illegal stimulant drug that is highly addictive. It is often used recreationally, and there is a range of dangers associated with the use of cocaine. This page will talk about: What cocaine is and how it is used. Cocaine's ...
... talk about: What cocaine is and how it is used. Cocaine's effects on the brain and why it is so addictive. Short- and long-term effects of cocaine use. How the way it is ingested can impact the side effects of cocaine ... continue reading -
Crystal Meth Addiction: Stages, Dependence, Symptoms, and Treatment
What Is Crystal Meth? Crystal meth is a form of methamphetamine —a substance that is widely abused throughout the country. Its widespread illicit production dwarfs that of its pharmaceutical counterpart—marketed as Desoxyn —a stimulant ...
... : Feelings of euphoria. Increased energy. Increased focus. Diminished need for sleep. Like with other addictive substances, the negative effects quickly begin to outweigh the positives. The unwanted effects of crystal ... continue reading -
How to Help an Ecstasy Addict
Help for Ecstasy Addicts The full name for ecstasy is 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, or MDMA. It is a synthetic drug that has psychoactive effects on users. It is produced and available in many forms. It is similar chemically to the hallucinogen ...
... on animals have found that animals will self-administer MDMA, which is an indicator of the drug's addictive potential. Ecstasy can be addicting because of the pleasurable feelings it induces and the brain chemicals in ... 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 ...
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 ... continue reading -
The Effects of Adderall Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
What Is Adderall Used For? Adderall is a form of amphetamine prescribed for the treatment of: 1 Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Narcolepsy. It is available in 2 forms : immediate release and extended release. 1 Both forms are ...
... only the instant release form is approved for use in the treatment of narcolepsy. 2 Adderall can be addictive and dangerous to those who abuse it. 3 Adderall Short-Term Effects When used for short periods as prescribed ... continue reading -
Snorting Valium—Effects, Overdose, and Addiction Treatment
Valium is a prescription sedative medication that falls into the class of drugs known as benzodiazepines. 1 Also available as generic diazepam, Valium is prescribed in pill form to treat anxiety and panic symptoms. 1,2 When Valium is taken as ...
... a relapse . Dual diagnosis programs can help people to manage their underlying anxiety with non-addictive medications or with non-pharmacologic approaches. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is also an effective approach ... continue reading -
Krantom Addiction
Kratom is a drug being used by people in increasing numbers, though the exact number is not truly known at this time. 1 Kratom is not as well-known as other substances, such as opioids or marijuana, but its potential for misuse and adverse outcomes ...
... —such as kratom cravings and a kratom withdrawal syndrome—that resemble those of substance use disorders involving other addictive substances. 1,3 Dangers of Kratom Use The dangers of kratom use are not well understood ... continue reading -
How to Help a Norco Addict
Help for Norco Addicts Norco is an opiate prescription medication commonly used to provide relief from moderate to severe symptoms of pain, such as those which accompany dental work or surgery. Norco is a narcotic and is associated with an increased ...
... both the psychological and the physiological drug dependence associated with substance use disorders. Is Norco Addictive? Norco is the brand name for a prescription medication combining the following drugs: Hydrocodone ... continue reading -
Vicodin Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment
What Is Vicodin Used For? Physicians often prescribe Vicodin—a combination of hydrocodone (an opiate) and acetaminophen—for the relief of moderate-to-severe pain. It works by blocking pain receptors in the brain, but it also induces a sense of ...
... receptors in the brain, but it also induces a sense of euphoria, making it extremely effective but also highly addictive . Signs and Symptoms of Vicodin Abuse People who take Vicodin tend to feel a rush of euphoria and ... continue reading -
Effects of Roxicodone Addiction
Roxicodone (“Roxy”) is one available brand version of oxycodone—a powerful semi-synthetic opioid painkiller. 1,2 The medicinal effect of opioids like oxycodone is brought on by a change in the way the brain and body respond to pain. Rather ...
... tolerance and dependence are risk factors for addiction and go hand in hand with the development of addictive behaviors, such as: Spending increased amounts of time seeking out, using, and recovering from Roxicodone use ... continue reading -
Lortab Abuse Symptoms and Addiction Treatment
What Is Lortab Used For? Lortab is a brand name for the drug hydrocodone. Lortab is a semi-synthetic opiate that, in large does, produces similar effects to those of OxyContin. Taken repeatedly, it can result in dependence and addiction. Initially, ...
... Monitor your teen's Internet activity. Explain to your teen that prescription drugs can be just as dangerous and addictive as illegal drugs. If you suspect that your teen is using Lortab or other drugs, keep your eye out ... 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 -
Snorting Ritalin Side Effects, Dangers, and Addiction Help
What Does Ritalin Do? Ritalin is sold as both an immediate-release and an extended-release medication. 2 Extended-release Ritalin is designed to gradually release methylphenidate into the bloodstream throughout the day, rather than all at once. ...
... so to amplify the drug's effects in the brain, which may in turn increase Ritalin's addictive potential. In the brain, chemicals called neurotransmitters influence the way people feel. Stimulants like Ritalin affect two ... continue reading -
Snorting Vicodin: Side Effects, Dangers, and Addiction Treatment
Vicodin is the brand name for a prescription medication that is frequently used for the treatment of moderate to moderately severe pain. Vicodin is comprised of two active pain relievers: 1 Hydrocodone —an opioid pain reliever. Hydrocodone it is a ...
... opioid painkiller. 3 Acetaminophen —a common over-the-counter pain reliever. Vicodin has the potential to be addictive. The drug triggers a temporary elevation in the dopamine activity in certain regions of the brain ... continue reading -
How to Get Help for Dexedrine Abuse
How to Approach an Addict If someone close to you is struggling with an addiction to Dexedrine ( dextroamphetamine ), you may be feeling very worried about their health and well-being. It is common to feel unsure of how to express your concern when ...
... they begin to misuse the drug (for example, by taking more than prescribed). Dexedrine can absolutely be addictive whether you have obtained it legally or illegally, and it has been abused for numerous reasons, including ... continue reading -
How to Help a Painkillers Addict
Help for Painkiller Addicts Painkillers are routinely prescribed in the United States for the management of pain , but not all of them are addictive. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often prescribed for the treatment of mild to ...
... 000 of these involved opioid painkillers. With this in mind, it's clear that these drugs can have a strong addictive hold on users, and that help is crucial for anyone abusing these drugs. What Are the Signs of Addiction ... continue reading -
How to Help a Methadone Addict
Help for Methadone Addicts Methadone is an opioid drug; however, it is beneficial in the treatment of heroin dependence and other forms of opiate abuse. While it is regularly used in the management of opioid dependence, methadone itself is ...
... resources on how to start the conversation, read more here . Methadone Addiction Treatment Because methadone is so addictive, it can be hard to quit using on your own. As a result, addiction treatment recognizes that you ... continue reading -
How to Help a Meth Addict
Methamphetamine (“meth”) is a substance that has very limited medical use. The drug is only available legally under the name Desoxyn , which is a medication with limited therapeutic application for the treatment of obesity and ADHD. As a ...
... to have the conversation early. You may just save the life of someone you love. Is Methamphetamine Addictive? With its powerful and quickly delivered high, methamphetamine is considered to be one of the most highly ... 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 ...
... (hydromorphone) , and Demerol , among others. Even with a doctor's prescription, these drugs are highly addictive. About 80% of people using heroin used prescription opioids first. 3 Opioid abuse is also highly dangerous ... continue reading -
How to Help Someone With Concerta Addiction
When you love someone with an addiction, it can be hard to understand why he or she can't just stop using overnight. Addiction can take over an individual's life and produce an all-consuming desire to continue use, despite the user wanting or ...
... be very effective in the treatment of attention-deficit disorder. However, as with many stimulant drugs, it can be addictive. In fact, it is a Schedule II drug , meaning it has a high potential for abuse which may lead ... continue reading -
Cocaine Addiction Side Effects, Symptoms, Withdrawal, and Treatment
Cocaine is a powerfully addictive stimulant drug that comes in the form of a white powder which is commonly snorted, smoked, or injected. 1 Its popularity as a recreational substance is in part due to its perceived positive effects on mood, ...
... only one use, since cocaine affects the brain's reward pathway immediately. 1 Why Is Cocaine So Addictive? Dopamine is associated with 'euphoric' emotions, the regulation of movement, and the processing of reward cues. 1 ... 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. ...
... rock 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 ... continue reading -
Snorting Morphine
Morphine is a prescription opioid medication used to treat relatively severe pain 1 . Morphine is prescribed in a variety of forms, including liquid solution, tablets, and capsules, and is only intended to be used under the supervision of a medical ...
... capsules, and is only intended to be used under the supervision of a medical professional 1 . Morphine is highly addictive and is prescribed for only short periods of time—often post-surgery, or in cases where other pain ... continue reading -
Snorting Percocet
Percocet is a prescription opioid containing both oxycodone and acetaminophen. While it is an effective pain reliever, as a Schedule II controlled drug it has a high potential for abuse due to the oxycodone in it. Oxycodone is a semisynthetic opioid ...
... about a euphoric high is similar to that of heroin, which helps to explain why it can be so addictive. The high, however, may be accompanied by numerous side effects that range from unpleasant to deadly. Side effects of ... continue reading -
Kratom Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment
What Is Kratom? Kratom ( Mitragyna speciosa ) is a tree-like plant from Southeast Asia that belongs to the same family of plants as coffee and gardenias. Kratom has been used as an herbal remedy in Thailand and neighboring countries for hundreds of ...
... well known in the region—the drug has been banned in Thailand, Malaysia, and Myanmar due to its addictive potential. Finally, some chemicals found in kratom interfere with drug-metabolizing enzymes in the liver and may ... continue reading -
Concurrent Alcohol and Amphetamine Abuse
The Problem of Alcohol and Amphetamine Abuse Just because two substances can each be obtained legally does not mean that they are safe together. The risk associated with alcohol and amphetamine use increases when these addictive substances are used ...
... in limiting amphetamine abuse by teenagers. To prevent abuse: Educate yourself and your teen regarding the addictive qualities of amphetamine medications and the myth that they aid academic performance. Keep an accurate ... continue reading -
How to Help Someone With Valium Addiction
How to Help Someone Addicted to Valium If you are addicted to Valium—a sedative-hypnotic drug—you don't have to fight your addiction alone. Treatment programs give people with addictions all the support they need to recover. Regardless of how ...
... to control agitation caused by alcohol withdrawal . According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, Valium is addictive if you: Take it in large doses . Use it consistently for an extended period of time. Even people ... continue reading -
How to Help a Tramadol Addict
Help for Tramadol Addiction If you have been struggling with an addiction to tramadol, or you know someone who has, finding the proper treatment program is essential. Treatment for addiction can restore your quality of life. Regardless of how long ...
... they take the medication consistently for a long period of time. Tramadol can have numerous detrimental and addictive effects when misused. In fact, when taken in high doses, tramadol can produce effects similar to the ... continue reading -
How to Help Someone With Desoxyn Addiction
You may be surprised to learn that Desoxyn is actually methamphetamine. It is the only remaining marketed pharmaceutical containing methamphetamine. 1 Stimulant abuse is a major problem in the U.S. More than 1.6 million people in the U.S. admitted ...
... , albeit limited therapeutic uses, the medication is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance . Desoxyn's addictive potential is linked to the drug's effects on the brain . When consumed, both this drug and ... continue reading -
Lethal Drug Combinations to Avoid
What Are the Deadliest Drug Combos? Combining drugs (“polysubstance abuse”) is both common and potentially dangerous. There are various reasons why individuals use substances in combination. For some, the activity is done haphazardly, without ...
... discovered that both substances have an impact on dopaminergic brain processes—making the combined effect more addictive than that of using each drug separately (Leri, Bruneau, & Stewart, 2003). The rewarding euphoric ... 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 ...
... rewarding feelings in the brain. This reinforcement of the reward centers of the brain causes benzos to be addictive. When someone abuses them over time, the rewarding feeling in the brain caused by these drugs surpasses ... continue reading -
Heroin Overdose Symptoms, Signs, Risk Factors, Prevention, and Treatment
How Is Heroin Consumed? Heroin is one of the most common, addictive, and lethal drugs in the world. A morphine derivative, heroin is sold illegally in the form of white or brown powder, or a sticky black substance known as “black tar heroin.” In ...
... of use—smoking, snorting , and shooting up —deliver heroin extremely quickly to the brain to provide powerfully addictive effects. 1 In the brain, heroin is converted back into morphine and binds to opioid receptors. 1 ... continue reading -
Effects of Soma Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
Soma (generic name: carisoprodol ) is prescribed for short-term relief of acute musculoskeletal pain . It is intended only to be used for short time periods (generally up to 3 weeks). Is Soma Dangerous? The therapeutic effect of Soma is effectively ...
... safe. For this reason, it has not yet made it onto the DEA's controlled substances list. However, it can be addictive . In fact, some states have listed Soma as a scheduled substance. Soma is metabolized in the body to a ... continue reading -
Heroin Facts, History, and Statistics
History of Heroin Heroin is a powerful opiate narcotic that has no legal medical use in the U.S. Outside of the U.S., pharmaceutical grade heroin is still produced for limited therapeutic use. It is occasionally prescribed for severe pain in ...
... Control of certain mental disorders. Although physicians around the world seized on heroin as a safe, non-addictive substitute for morphine, evidence quickly mounted that it was, in fact, quite dangerous in its own right ... continue reading -
Concurrent Alcohol and Subutex Abuse
Subutex (buprenorphine) is used to treat an addiction to opiates. However, Subutex itself is addictive. Its addictive ingredient is buprenorphine hydrochloride, which reduces symptoms of dependence on opiates . Subutex contains only buprenorphine ...
... drugs such as Subutex is becoming more common in the medical industry (Yokell et al., 2011). Subutex can be addictive as an opiate substitute, so there are risks to taking the drug. Most doctors try to slowly wean their ... 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 ...
... on their own, this is not advisable. Always seek professional treatment when discontinuing use of an addictive substance. Medicine for OxyContin Withdrawal Withdrawal symptoms can be treated with a variety of medications ... continue reading -
Concurrent Alcohol and Bath Salts Abuse
Bath Salts: A Dangerous Synthetic Drug Even though few people mention “bath salts” when they discuss addictive drugs, this new drug has grown astronomically in popularity over the past several years. “Bath salts” are far from the salts you ...
... , they often are inevitably combined with alcohol by teens who want a new thrill. As with almost any addictive drug, bath salts have an exponentially more powerful effect when combined with alcohol. Teens have been drawn ... 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 ...
... are similar to amphetamines, which is why the amphetamine and bath salts addiction processes are similar. The addictive properties of bath salts can lead to users losing touch with reality and losing their self-control ... continue reading -
How to Help a Steroid Addict
Help for Steroid Addicts People who are addicted to steroids may need professional help to stop taking the drugs. While the dependency that develops as a result of their use may be different from that of other, more commonly abused substances, ...
... their use may be different from that of other, more commonly abused substances, anabolic steroids can indeed be addictive—meaning that the body and mind may crave the drugs, even when a person wants to stop taking them ... 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, ...
... was marketed as an analgesic and a cough sedative in 1888. It wasn't until 1913 that its addictive qualities were officially discovered and it was swiftly taken off the market. John Pemberton - The Forefather of Cocaine ... 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. ...
... are just substituting one substance for another. To clarify, naltrexone is not an opioid, nor is it addictive or habit-forming. Naltrexone dependence will not develop with continued use, so there is no risk of withdrawal ... continue reading -
The Science Behind Addiction
Throughout human evolution, activities that brought a release of dopamine were the ones that also kept us alive or contributed to reproduction, but now addictive drugs have the power to hijack the brain's natural dopamine balance. Take a look at how ...
... brought a release of dopamine were the ones that also kept us alive or contributed to reproduction, but now addictive drugs have the power to hijack the brain's natural dopamine balance. Take a look at how synapses in ... continue reading -
How to Help a Hash Addict
How to Approach a Hash Addict It is extremely difficult to watch loved ones or close friends with any type of addiction continue to engage in potentially destructive behaviors. Many struggle with whether to confront their loved one and how to go ...
... and dysfunctional behaviors associated with other substance use disorders. Thus, the answer to the question “Is hash addictive?” is that the odds favor a “yes.” The clinical term previously used for substance abuse and ... continue reading -
How to Help a Codeine Addict
Helping someone overcome an addiction is sometimes an arduous process, and recovery won't happen overnight. Addiction treatment takes time and often imposes stresses on both the abuser and the people they love. While it may prove difficult, ...
... has noted abuse potential . The drug is typically prescribed for cough and pain relief. The drug itself is addictive—that is, repeated use can lead to dependency and withdrawal . When it is used in doses and frequencies ... continue reading -
How to Help a Morphine Addict
With approximately 52 million people in the U.S. having used prescription drugs nonmedically in their lifetime, widespread addiction to drugs like morphine is increasingly becoming a problem. When someone begins to engage in abuse morphine, it's ...
... the steps of finding effective recovery care with a treatment support representative. Is Morphine Addictive? Yes, morphine can be very addictive. The risk of addiction is extremely high when it is not taken as prescribed ... continue reading -
How to Help Someone Addicted to Cocaine
Knowing how to help a friend, family member, peer, or coworker with an addiction to cocaine is difficult. Addiction can take a serious toll on relationships, making a conversation about addiction treatment even more challenging. While this type of ...
... stimulant drug produced from the coca plant. 2 Also known as coke, blow, and snow, cocaine is a highly addictive drug that looks like fine, white powder. Cocaine is usually snorted , injected , or smoked. 2 Cocaine can ... continue reading -
Drug Abuse Centers
Treatment can be provided on an outpatient, intensive inpatient or residential basis, depending on the type of center. Drug abuse centers are places where health, confidence, and optimism can be restored to people who have lost these positive ...
... of addiction treatment professionals, who help to identify the specific and individual triggers that support the addictive behavior patterns. Drug abuse centers have better program efficacy when the client has input into ... continue reading -
How to Help Someone With Adderall Addiction
Help for Adderall Addicts Adderall is the brand name for a drug that contains two active ingredients: amphetamine and dextroamphetamine . These ingredients work to stimulate and speed up the body. Doctors use this drug in the treatment of ...
... admitted to using Adderall. However, treatment for addiction to Adderall is available. Is Adderall Addictive? Adderall is addictive. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, misusing or abusing the medication ... 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 -
Effects of Flakka Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
Is Flakka Harmful? Flakka is a street drug with origins in South Florida. One of the newer chemicals in the booming category of synthetic or designer drugs, Flakka is typically made from a synthetic version of an amphetamine-like stimulant in the ...
... Flakka Dependence Flakka dependence in humans is still being researched. Scientists have shown that Flakka is as addictive as bath salts in rodent studies, however. Even after the scientists made the drug difficult for ... continue reading -
Concurrent Alcohol and Ultram Abuse
The Problem of Alcohol and Ultram Abuse When used together, Ultram and alcohol can amplify one another's effects, leading to increased risk of serious side effects. The prescription drug Ultram (generic name: tramadol) is a pain reliever with ...
... . It is used to treat moderate-to-severe long-term pain and was originally said to have a lower addictive potential than opiates. It is, however, becoming increasingly abused and its effects are shown to be similar to ... continue reading -
Effects of Spice Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
Is Spice Harmful? “Spice” (synthetic marijuana) has grown in popularity in recent years. Synthetic marijuana is sold under a variety of names other than “Spice,” including: K2. Skunk. Moon rocks. Potpourri. Substances like Spice and ...
... however, is not natural and can have a number of dangerous side effects . It can also be addictive and it can produce severe withdrawal symptoms in those who discontinue use. Many countries, states, and other localities ... continue reading
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