Before After Heroin

Heroin Addiction Treatment Centers and Rehab Programs

Heroin addiction can negatively impact certain aspects of your life and have dangerous health repercussions. Here, we will help you understand heroin addiction, how addiction is treated, and what you should know about heroin rehab centers, including ...

... can impact the course of treatment. 2 Before deciding to begin heroin addiction rehab, it may be helpful ... legal, vocational, and family needs. 2 What Happens After Heroin Rehab? Recovery efforts shouldn't end once you've ... 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 ...

... abuse treatment program . Going to Treatment After a Relapse After a relapse, it's often wise to ... can help you identify and manage the signs of heroin relapse before things get worse. You can implement some of the ... continue reading

Why Is Heroin So Deadly Today?

For more than a century, heroin has been a dangerous drug of abuse. For years, people have been attracted to the substance's ability to produce a relatively inexpensive, rapid-onset, and intensely euphoric high. 1,2 While the drug's high holds a ...

... Why “Heroin” Isn't As Simple As Before With various substances being combined with the drug, heroin really ... sometimes sought after by people seeking an intense high, and it is sometimes sold in or as heroin to unsuspecting ... continue reading

Chicken vs. Egg: Which Came First, Heroin or OxyContin Addiction?

For centuries, people have debated one age old question: which came first, the chicken or the egg? While both sides of this argument have their valid points, the question itself has evolved, making its way into other areas of society, including the ...

... can get clean by substituting OxyContin for heroin. After all, prescription painkillers can't be ... been living in active addiction, you can regain your sobriety. And before you know it, you'll be using the chicken and egg ... continue reading

Heroin Facts—Because Knowing Is Half the Battle

“Smack” - “Junk” - “H” Heroin is a drug that goes by many names but, no matter what you call it, it's still the same potent, potentially deadly drug. While its name really isn't that important, knowing some basic facts about heroin can ...

... like tar or hard like coal. #3 Heroin is More Popular Than Ever Before Over the past decade, heroin use has grown by leaps and bounds. ... system. After the initial euphoria, heroin produces a drowsy state. Since heroin's an ... continue reading

Is Fentanyl Abuse More Deadly Than Heroin?

Fentanyl, a drug previously unheard of by many, has become notorious in recent years due to the spike in overdose deaths from heroin laced with the potent prescription narcotic. It gained even more notoriety when the April 2016 death of iconic ...

... this powerful painkiller for 1 , 2 : Use before surgery as an adjunct to anesthesia, and in ... is sold illegally, and it is highly sought after because it produces heroin-like effects 1 and can be cheap for manufacturers ... 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 ...

... Learn about the effects of hash use . What Is Heroin? Heroin is an illicit drug known to induce feelings of ... Learn about the effects of Soma use . What Is Speed? Speed is a slang term applied to illicit amphetamine and ... continue reading

Snorting Fentanyl

Fentanyl is a pain-relieving substance with two main uses 1 : Treating significant acute, post-operative pain following surgery. Treating chronic or breakthrough pain in people that no longer respond to other narcotic medications. Like morphine, ...

... its powerful high and the numbers of overdoses related to fentanyl-laced heroin have reached alarming heights. On the street, fentanyl is increasingly sought-after and is referred to by a number of names such as “apache ... continue reading

Snorting Tramadol

Tramadol is a medication prescribed to treat moderate to moderately severe pain in adults and, in its extended release forms, to manage certain chronic pain conditions. Similar to other pain medications like oxycodone, morphine, and hydrocodone, ...

... vessels in the nose. It is then transported to the heart before it is spread to organs in the body, including the brain ... lifestyle 13 . Learn more about what happens after detox on our Tramadol Withdrawal page. If you ... 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 ...

... the full effects of heroin and quit before the dose becomes fatal. If enough heroin is ingested, respiratory depression ... an individual's risk of addiction and the speed at which addiction develops. Secondly, particular ... continue reading

4 Hangover “Cures” You Need to Ignore

The lights are too bright. The noises are too loud. Your head's spinning. Your stomach's in turmoil. No, it's not the flu. You have a hangover. You had a few too many yesterday, and now you're paying for it. Beware the Miracle Remedy So, what can ...

... refreshing water may wake you up, but it doesn't speed up the process. But you will smell nicer. Take two ... and call me in the morning: Popping a couple of aspirin before you hit the mattress to sleep it off won't fend off ... continue reading

Vyvanse Side Effects, Short-Term and Long-Term Effects, and Treatment

What Is Vyvanse Used For? Vyvanse is a brand name for the medication lisdexamfetamine that is prescribed to treat Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and binge-eating disorders. 1,2 Vyvanse belongs to a class of medicines known as ...

... . However, if Vyvanse is misused or abused, it can speed up the development of tolerance, have a negative impact on both ... to help people taper off of drugs such as heroin , there are no medications approved by the Food ... continue reading

Alcohol and Breastfeeding

Some women are curious about whether they can drink alcohol while they are breastfeeding. While women are strongly advised to avoid drinking any alcohol during pregnancy, the recommendations on whether a woman can drink while breastfeeding are less ...

... 30 minutes to 1 hour of consuming the last drink. After this time, there are differences in how long it takes ... sends a signal to the body to create new milk before the next feeding. The amount of prolactin that is released ... continue reading

Joints vs. Edibles: How Marijuana Affects the Body

The primary psychoactive component of marijuana (cannabis)—what deliver the “high,” in other words—is the substance tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). 1 THC's powerful, mind-altering effects derive from its interaction with and activation of the ...

... as long as 30 to 60 minutes before reaching the brain), the effects felt after consuming edibles will often be more gradual in ... and eating an edible are reflected in the speed of onset of effects, the duration until peak ... continue reading

Mirror, Mirror: Aging Early Courtesy of Alcohol

$2.1 billion. That's how much we spent on anti-aging skin care products in 2013. And that's just in the United States. Guess how much Americans spent on cosmetic surgery that year? $12 billion. Clearly, we want to look young and beautiful. Who ...

... goes away a few hours or a day after drinking. However, consistent overconsumption of alcohol can ... loss. Too much alcohol and you may look like grandpa long before your time. Where to Get Help for Alcohol Misuse If you ... continue reading

How to Stay Productive at Work While Still in Recovery

We live in a very competitive society when it comes to finding a job and keeping it. Even for a person that's never tasted a drop of alcohol, it's still a challenge to find a good job and get accepted into a workplace. It becomes even worse when ...

... addiction, getting back to work can often actually help speed up your recovery; working gives you a sense of ... experience during recovery a bit easier, consult your boss before you make any decisions and see what they think ... continue reading

Overdosed

The United States is experiencing an epidemic of drug overdose deaths: every year, nearly 44,000 lives are tragically lost, with more than half of the fatalities caused by prescription drugs. We've analyzed the latest government data to find out why ...

... there were nearly 6.6 times more deaths than the year before (101, up from 15). New Mexico is also interesting, ... We searched CDC's data for records that showed heroin and an opioid analgesic in decedents' systems at the ... continue reading

Seized

In 2015, Border Patrol prevented more than 1.5 million pounds of marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and meth from entering the United States. 1 In the same year, the Coast Guard intercepted 72 vessels and more than 150,000 pounds of drugs. 2 These ...

... laws, and a heroin epidemic continues to claim more lives each year than ever before. 7 This is ... could explain its ranking. Cocaine typically reaches the state after first being smuggled across the U.S.-Mexico border ... 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, ...

... resin is refined to make morphine, before being transformed into different forms of heroin. Synthetic opiates, on the other hand ... more than troublesome. “45 years after the introduction of opioid substitution treatment, ... continue reading

Sentencing by State 2

have led to overcrowded facilities, skyrocketing prison costs, and major social, economic, and political impacts. Currently, nearly half of all inmates in federal prisons are serving sentences for drug offenses. Many are fathers and mothers who miss ...

... rates are markedly higher in the Western United States. Heroin was the most common in 10 states, while powder ... Mexico and makes its way through Arizona and Colorado before ending up in Nebraska. The drug has even been ... continue reading

How Does Ibogaine Treat Opiate Addiction?

Holly started using heroin when she was 18 - at 26, she was at the end of the line. Her whole life revolved around getting high. In the past, she had tried 12-step programs, counseling, in-patient rehab, and even drug-assisted therapy…it seemed ...

... nothing could help. Would she always be addicted to heroin? Was there anything she hadn't tried? During ... patients mentioned Ibogaine. Holly hadn't heard of it before, and was intrigued by the amazing claims made about ... continue reading

Why Don’t We Have Addiction Vaccines?

After three decades of research, people with addiction still have few medication options. While there are a handful of modestly effective FDA-approved drugs to treat alcohol, nicotine and opioid-use disorders, there are none at all for cocaine, ...

... kill the buzz induced by booze and other substances before a person could feel it. But it also ... disorder,” is the rationale — especially to illegal narcotics like heroin, cocaine and meth. 23 The good news is that ... continue reading

Risks of Substance Abuse While Pregnant & Treatment Options

Drinking alcohol or using drugs while pregnant can cause a number of negative health outcomes for both mother and child. It can affect a growing fetus because substances travel easily from the placenta, creating great potential for harm. 4 While not ...

... Heroin and Pregnancy Using an illicit drug like heroin also significantly increases your baby's risk of developing neonatal abstinence syndrome shortly after ... with drug or alcohol addiction before or during pregnancy, help ... continue reading

Harm Reduction

The concept of 'harm reduction' refers to a set of policies, programs, and practices that aim to reduce the health, social, and economic consequences of drug and alcohol abuse. 1,2 Strategies might include providing a safe environment for heroin use ...

... almost 40% in 1996 to 1.7% in 2011 after the city opened Insite, the country's first supervised injection ... drug-free life. Reducing the use of illicit opioids ( heroin ) and/or the non-medical use of prescription opioids ... 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, ...

... the forefathers of modern illicit drugs, without whom heroin, cocaine, LSD, meth, and morphine would ... years later, the Coca-Cola company ran into controversy after it was discovered cocaine was an addictive and dangerous ... continue reading

Which Side of the Naloxone Debate Are You On?

With the opioid epidemic claiming nearly 78 lives each and every day, President-elect Trump has his work cut out for him in the drug arena. One of his stated policies involves increasing access to naloxone, a medication used to reverse overdose from ...

... users overdose more than once - some multiple times before learning their lesson. Each time, naloxone brings them ... that the nation's death toll from heroin and prescription opioids would be significantly higher without ... continue reading

Methadone Programs: A Bad Treatment Plan for Addicted Parents?

When it comes to the negative effects of substance abuse, addiction casts a wide net. Addicted parents, in particular, are faced with a unique set of challenges, as an opiate dependency ultimately affects the whole family. For thousands of parents ...

... later. Another 14 (9.7%) met the criteria for recovery after 5 to 10 years. 10 could not be located or contacted. ... parent, and in 2 cases, both parents had died before the 10-year follow-up interview. This compares to a ... continue reading

Effects of Alcohol and Drugs on the Male and Female Reproductive Systems

How Do Drugs Affect the Reproductive System? Substance misuse can negatively impact the reproductive health of both sexes in several ways. It may contribute to serious health problems, such as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), infertility, and ...

... go through withdrawal shortly after birth. This is common in infants exposed to heroin and other opiates, ... . Alcohol use during the early stages of pregnancy—even before a woman is aware that she is pregnant—can begin ... continue reading

Understanding Naloxone and Narcan

Naloxone—also known by brand names such as Narcan and Kloxxado—can be a lifesaving medication when used promptly in cases of opioid overdose. 1 If you or someone you care about takes prescription opioid medication or uses illicit opioids such as ...

... opioid medication or uses illicit opioids such as heroin, you may wish to learn more about naloxone ... a person can feel the effects of opioid overdose return after the naloxone wears off. 1 Some people may require ... continue reading

Opioid Overdose Symptoms & Signs

Opioid overdose is a serious concern in the U.S. and around the globe. According to the World Health Organization, there were around 600,000 deaths related to drug use in 2019; around 80% of these were opioid-related, and 25% of those deaths were ...

... illicitly to get high. Some are illegal, like heroin, and others are legal medications that doctors may ... risk of relapse or a return to opioid use. 6,8 After detox, people may transition to an inpatient program and/or ... 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 ...

... to patients for severe pain or injury , or after they have undergone surgery. It works quickly to eliminate ... more likely to abuse or become dependent on heroin. Teen Fentanyl Abuse Teens are rarely prescribed fentanyl ... continue reading

What Does Ecstasy do to Your Mind and Body?

The night started off exactly like the last few Saturdays…Chloe entered the club with her girlfriends. Soon after, each of them took a bundle of ecstasy. Not long after washing down her dose with water, Chloe felt the familiar effects of the drug. ...

... after washing down her dose with water, Chloe felt the familiar effects of the drug. Like other stimulants , ecstasy speeds ... shadows more erratic and blurry than they were before. The drug's stimulation gave her a boost ... 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 ...

... there is usually a lag after new designer drugs become available before drug testing is adjusted to ... under the most stringent prohibition with drugs such as heroin and ecstasy. 36 However, such emergency controls are ... continue reading

The Deadly and Costly Consequences of DUIs

It all starts with the thought, “I'm fine.” Maybe that person goes to a party at a friend's house and has a few beers or glasses of wine at dinner. The guest says goodbye and climbs into the driver's seat to head home. What happens next can have ...

... twice before drinking and driving. In fact, nearly 2% of adults in the United States have reported driving after consuming ... fatalities are the result of distraction, speeding, weather conditions and animals—as well ... continue reading

Ibogaine: Can it Cure My Addiction?

What does it take to quit using heroin or other opioids? This is a question that is very much on the minds of millions of Americans. The scientific community continues to look for the best way to quit using drugs and everyone wants to know what will ...

... illegal in the U.S. Side Effects of Ibogaine After having ibogaine therapy , you might experience visual and auditory ... addiction, you must consider all factors seriously before deciding on ibogaine as a treatment for your ... continue reading

7 “Rock-Bottom” Myths and the Truth Behind Them

Of all the popular addiction catchphrases, one has completely saturated the fabric of society and taken on a life of its own. That phrase is “rock-bottom.” When addiction professionals talk about chemical dependency, they often use the phrase ...

... shots of Jack Daniels or cold mugs of Budweiser. Recovering heroin addicts will never be “immune” to the lure of ... feel like they have to wait for it to happen before they seek out help. Rock-bottom has become a mythical ... continue reading

5 NFL Players Who Tackled Their Addictions

Drugs and alcohol have become a major part of NFL culture. From March 2013 to March 2014, NFL players were arrested 27 times on drug charges, and several players have also received lengthy suspensions for positive drug tests, including Cleveland ...

... to be rushed to the hospital. “I used a lot of heroin. You talk about an expensive habit,” he said. “I remember ... destroyed relationships. I had to get help before I died.” After his 2010 episode, Ainge spent four months ... continue reading

Get the Facts on Substance Abuse

Substance abuse is a major issue in the United States. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 40.3 million people aged 12 or older had a substance use disorder (SUD) in 2020—with 28.3 million struggling with an ...

... street drugs are known to be dangerous, such as heroin and crystal meth, prescription drugs are often viewed in ... of the drug to experience the same effect as they did before—this is known as tolerance. 5,6 When a person ... continue reading

Did the DEA Really Abandon Its Plan to Ban Kratom?

Several years ago, when I was living with my ex-boyfriend, I stumbled upon a package he received. The receipt said it was a bottle of kratom - a word I had never heard of before. A cursory Google search didn't pull up much either, beside the fact it ...

... a bottle of kratom - a word I had never heard of before. A cursory Google search didn't pull up much either, beside ... most restrictive drug category, alongside drugs like heroin, ecstasy and LSD. The DEA initially proposed ... 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 ...

... potency and lasting “high” - similar to that of heroin - carries a great risk of physical and psychological dependence ... patient was mistakenly given 10 milligrams of Dilaudid before being discharged from the ER. This is ... continue reading

Mixing Alcohol With Drugs

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

... 11 Bath Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth Ecstasy Heroin Ketamine Marijuana Meth Steroids Getting Drug and Alcohol ... point in the recovery process, including before, during, and after treatment. 12,16 Aftercare Once ... continue reading

Gabapentin Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, Overdose, & Treatment

What Is Gabapentin Neurontin? Gabapentin Neurontin is an anticonvulsant that comes in a capsule, tablet, and oral solution. It is used to manage certain seizure disorders, as well as the neuropathic pain phenomenon known as post-herpetic neuralgia ...

... is used as a cutting agent in street heroin, increasing the potential for abuse and the ... engage in group therapy. 12-Step support groups : Before, during, or after treatment, you may attend 12-Step meetings like AA ... 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 ...

... that cost does not become a barrier to care. Before incurring out-of-pocket costs, it is always recommended ... to your plan, you may pay more out-of-pocket after your insurance coverage. 25 If you do not have health ... continue reading

Opioid Addiction: Treatment and Rehab

If you or a loved one abuses opioids, you should know that opioid addiction treatment can be a beneficial and potentially life-saving intervention. 1 It can be challenging and uncomfortable to stop using opioids on your own. 2 Opioid rehab can help ...

... on the same opioid receptors in the brain as heroin, morphine, and other opioid pain medications. It does ... . It can be helpful in preventing relapse during and after formal rehab treatment. Lofexidine . This drug is not ... continue reading

Drug Addiction Quiz

The drug addiction quiz is designed to provide you an idea of whether a drug addiction or drug abuse problem exists. The drug addiction quiz is not perfect and the drug addiction quiz should only be seen as a guide. Take the drug addiction quiz ...

... once per week? Yes No Have you abused prescription drugs before? Yes No Have you ever tried to stop using drugs but ... Yes No Do you ever feel ashamed or guilty after using drugs? Yes No Has your relationships with friends ... continue reading

My Confusing Experience Following the Kratom Trail

Three years ago, I lived with a boyfriend who was a functioning addict. He was in law school at the time, so he looked for anything he could get his hands on to sharpen his focus, then allow him to relax after hours of intense studying. He chewed ...

... What is Kratom? Kratom was a word I'd never heard before; a quick Google search didn't reveal much, other than ... other drugs, like heroin and LSD. But then the DEA quickly repealed its intent after receiving a barrage of ... continue reading

Drug Abuse and Cardiovascular Health Risks: How Do Drugs Affect the Heart?

What Are the Dangers of Drug Use? Both illicit and prescription drugs present many risks to individuals who misuse them. Drug abuse affects the brain in many ways that may lead to unpredictable, dangerous behaviors, social and emotional problems, ...

... a trigger for a heart attack, especially in the first hour after use. 7 Designer Drugs Over the last decade, so-called ... street drugs like heroin and cocaine may not be fully dissolved before injection. These contaminants ... continue reading

Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome or PAWS—Symptoms and Treatment

What Is Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome or PAWS? Post-acute withdrawal syndrome is a collection of symptoms experienced by some individuals struggling with alcohol and drug addiction after a prolonged period of withdrawal. 1 The syndrome is also ...

... in brain function induced by psychoactive drugs that persist long after cessation of drug-taking, it is possible that any ... a delay of several weeks to a month before patients derive benefits from these medications. It is ... 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 blood-brain barrier, which helps to explain why users experience such a fast and intense high after taking the drug. Heroin is an opioid and it belongs to the same family as prescription opioids like hydrocodone and ... continue reading

Record-Breaking Number of Overdoses Traced Back to Bad Heroin

A dangerous batch of heroin circulating throughout the city of Chicago has caused a record-breaking 74 overdoses in the span of just three days. When the numbers began to climb at such an astonishing rate, medical professionals began to suspect a ...

... . Combined, these two drugs prompt body systems to not only slow down, but grind to a halt. The heroin/fentanyl combo is also one that sets in quickly. Effects are felt almost instantly and collapse occurs in a matter of ... 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 ...

... . But for many Americans, these restrictions came too late, going into effect long after they were hooked on opiates . As a result, heroin is now impacting a completely different segment of the nation - white communities ... continue reading

DEA: Heroin ‘Probably’ More Dangerous Than Marijuana

With 23 states and Washington D.C. legalizing medical marijuana and four states legalizing it for recreational use, it's quite possible we'll see a day when marijuana is considered “legal” throughout the U.S. However, the Drug Enforcement ...

... a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical benefits. In other words, it's in the same category as heroin and crack cocaine . Even the staunchest anti-drug supporters have hard a time putting pot on equal footing ... continue reading

The Price Tag of Heroin in America: $51 Billion

If you're hooked on heroin, you'll spend an average of $150 a day to support your habit. That's nearly $55,000 per year. Heroin abuse comes with a pretty hefty price tag, unfortunately personal financial burden isn't the only cash-flow issue left in ...

... your habit. That's nearly $55,000 per year. Heroin abuse comes with a pretty hefty price tag, unfortunately ... 11,148 per person. At more than $50K per user, heroin's cost blows those two diseases out of the water. The U ... 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 ...

... that less than 4% of people who used prescription opiates non-medically started using heroin within the next 5 years after abusing opioid painkillers. 4 Although prescription opiates may arguably be as addictive as ... continue reading

Free Heroin Addiction Hotline Numbers

Call American Addiction Centers (AAC) now at What Is a Heroin Hotline Number? Heroin addiction is a very hard challenge to overcome alone. This is why doctors, mental health professionals, and support group members advocate seeking help if you ...

... one in rehab? Regain control of your life today and call us at . Why Should I Call a Heroin Helpline Number? Calling a heroin helpline does not mean you must commit to anything. All it means is that you are ready to get ... continue reading

How Similar are Heroin and Prescription Opioids?

Heroin is an illicit street drug that produces a drowsy, euphoric high. Prescription opioids are legal medications prescribed by doctors to treat pain. Both heroin and prescription painkillers belong to the family of drugs known as opioids, which ...

... known as opioids, which act upon particular receptors in the brain and body to produce their effects. Heroin and prescription opioids may seem like very different drugs, but they are actually remarkably similar in both ... continue reading

Heroin's Death Toll Hits an All-Time High in New York

New York City has a serious heroin problem on their hands and new data released by the city's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene reveals just how deep the issue goes. In fact, more people died from unintentional heroin overdoses in New York ...

... the biggest jump by far was in Queens. Believe it or not, 81 residents of Queens died at the hands of heroin last year - that's 28 more deaths than Queens saw in 2012. Affluent areas of the north Bronx and eastern Queens ... continue reading

A Sister’s Honest Talk About Her Brother’s Heroin Addiction

Alex didn't answer the phone. He missed their father's birthday party and still wasn't answering. But Allison kept dialing. It didn't seem right, but then again, things hadn't seemed “right” for a long time. Alex had all but stopped showing up ...

... when she got the call. Alex had been arrested for heroin possession . She sat up late with her husband, the ... seven rehabs by now. Her parents were going broke after paying for treatment programs that never seemed to work. ... continue reading

Russian Roulette: The Hidden Dangers of Cutting Agents in Cocaine and Heroin

In the United States, more than 47,000 people die from drug overdoses every year . To make matters worse, drug deaths have recently surpassed both automobile and firearm accidents as the leading cause of accidental death in the country. There's no ...

... then or even 30 years ago. In 1987, average cocaine was 80% pure; today, its purity is closer to 52%. Likewise, heroin hit a purity high of 58% in 1993, but has since dropped to an estimated 35%. What's causing the sharp ... continue reading

25 Great Writers Who Battled Drug Addiction and Alcoholism

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

... it's alcohol to numb the noise of the world or speed or LSD to “inspire” them, the bohemian yet lonely world ... heroin and opioid addict . He even accidentally shot his wife in the head while under the influence after ... continue reading

New Study: Amphetamine Abuse and This Old Heart

It's called speed for a reason. Amphetamines, like Ritalin or Adderall, accelerate your heart rate. They send your nervous system into overdrive. Guess what else it speeds up? The aging process. That's right. Pumping your system full of amphetamine ...

... Ritalin or Adderall, accelerate your heart rate. They send your nervous system into overdrive. Guess what else it speeds up? The aging process. That's right. Pumping your system full of amphetamine makes you get older ... continue reading

What Recreational Drugs Cause Liver Damage? Drugs and Liver Disease

The Function of the Liver The liver plays an extremely important role in the body. It ensures the removal of toxins and has numerous other functions, including: Fat metabolism: Liver cells—or hepatocytes—are able to process dietary and stored ...

... others are classified as enzyme inhibitors, which reduce the speed at which a drug is broken down. In many ... timeframe can vary from a couple hours to a year after drug initiation. 4 Drug-Induced Hepatitis One example of ... continue reading

Health Effects of Drug Misuse and Addiction

Substance misuse and addiction can have serious short- and long-term effects. 1 The physical effects of drugs and alcohol vary according to the type of substance, duration of use, and method of administration. 1 Recovering from addiction can be a ...

... be difficult to reverse and may present challenges long after a person stops using drugs. 2 Heart and ... inflamed, other sites on the body may be used. 21 Heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine are some of the most commonly ... continue reading

The 5 Most Dangerous Painkiller Myths

While painkiller use is widespread, there is a vast amount of false information surrounding them. Unfortunately, many people begin using opioid painkillers knowing little about them. Given few details about these drugs - how they work, when to take ...

... mechanism of action is similar to that of heroin . Examples of opioid pain medications include: Hydrocodone ... symptoms will commonly present between 12 and 30 hours after the last dose if one abruptly quits painkiller use. ... continue reading

Drug Abuse: The Oral Health Kryptonite

It's February and we've all celebrated Groundhog Day, Valentine's Day and even President's day. So, that's basically it for February, right? Well…actually it isn't. February is also National Dental Health Month, making this a great time to promote ...

... and Your Teeth Love Drugs: These include your basic “club drugs” like speed or ecstasy . They cause severe tooth decay, jaw-clenching and dry mouth. Heroin: Heroin belongs to the opiate drug family and it has an indirect ... continue reading

Common Neurological Risks of Drug Abuse

Brain Damage From Drugs While substance misuse may cause a user to feel short-lived euphoria or impart a sense of temporary wellbeing, the adverse effects of drugs can be dangerous and, in some instances, may lead to permanent brain damage. Chronic ...

... (CNS) stimulants , such as cocaine and methamphetamine, speed up brain activity, blood pressure, and heart rate ... as well as illicit drugs like heroin . Research suggests that long-term heroin use can cause the white matter ... continue reading

Taking Action: How to Intervene During an Overdose

Drug overdoses are now the leading cause of accident death in the United States. According to the Centers of Disease Control (CDC), 43,982 drug overdose deaths occurred in 2013 across the nation. That's two times the amount of overdose deaths a ...

... and the National Institute on Drug Abuse reports heroin-related deaths have increased five-fold over the last ... takes effect. If the person is still unresponsive after three to five minutes, administer another dose of ... continue reading

Snorting Percocet: Dangers & Risks

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 ...

... eventually, the brain at different rates—affecting the speed of onset and peak intensity of the high. ... to bring about a euphoric high is similar to that of heroin, which helps to explain why it can be so addictive. ... continue reading

3 Devastatingly Dangerous Alcohol-Drug Combos

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

... extent. In other words, stimulants ( cocaine , speed , meth , Ritalin , Adderall ) mask the depressive ... alcohol and drugs commonly produces tragic results, especially after spinning the cylinder a number of times. ... continue reading

Side Effects of Librium Use, Withdrawal and Addiction Treatment

What Is Librium Used For? Librium—which is a brand name formulation of chlordiazepoxide—belongs to a class of sedative medications known as benzodiazepines. Librium has been widely used as a treatment for anxiety and for managing the symptoms of ...

... period of time than directed by a doctor, it can speed up the onset of tolerance, give rise to number of ... . 1,2 Mixing alcohol or opioids —such as heroin or prescription painkillers—with Librium can increase the risk of ... continue reading

Anxiety and Substance Abuse: Treating Mental Health Issues and Addiction

It can be difficult to manage an anxiety disorder or a substance use disorder, and it can be even more difficult to manage both disorders when they co-occur together. When a mental health disorder—such as an anxiety disorder—and a substance use ...

... Both marijuana and stimulants cause the heart rate to speed up, which can mimic physical symptoms of anxiety ... alcohol withdrawal symptoms, increased risk of relapse after treatment, and more severe anxiety symptoms, and ... continue reading

Unchain My Heart: The Real Impact of Booze

Anyone who has experienced alcohol abuse firsthand knows how heartbreaking it can be. The emotional and relational damage left in its wake is devastating. Did you know this “heartache” is more than figurative? Believe it or not, the abuse of ...

... to heart failure. Arrhythmia: Your heart relies on an internal pacemaker to keep it pumping at the right speed. Alcohol interferes with this pacemaker, causing the heart to beat too quickly or irregularly. This is called ... 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 ...

... snorting the drug will result in a faster and better high, since in some cases snorting drugs can speed up and intensify their effects. However, it is unclear whether snorting Valium actually intensifies its effects more ... 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 ...

... and less intense as the body proceeds to process the drug before it can act on the brain. 5 In most cases, ... it by oral routes because of the intensely rewarding speed of onset and strength of effects. Generally, addiction ... continue reading

Snorting Vyvanse: Effects and Addiction Treatment

What Is Vyvanse Used For? Vyvanse is the brand name of a medication prescribed to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and binge-eating disorder (BED). 1 This substance is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that interacts with ...

... is consumed orally, it must be processed by serum enzymes after being absorbed into the blood from the GI tract for ... orally. 3 In reality, snorting Vyvanse does not speed up or intensify effects . This is likely due ... continue reading

Snorting Hydrocodone

Hydrocodone is an opioid substance used in many prescription medications to treat cough and pain. Hydrocodone is available in formulations of pure hydrocodone (Hysingla, Zohydro) or in combination with other pain relievers like ibuprofen ...

... , the effects of the substance are modified. With many substances, there is a direct relationship between the speed of onset and the strength of the drug effects. Effects that are slower to develop will last longer ... continue reading

Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms and Quitting Adderall Use

What Is Adderall Used For? Adderall—a branded formulation of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine —is a stimulant that doctors prescribe for the management of: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Narcolepsy. As a prescription ...

... beans,” “black beauties,” “dexies,” “pep pills,” “speed,” and “uppers.” 1 This drug is abused recreationally ... withdrawal symptoms can persist for months or years, long after the drug has left the body. The causes of ... continue reading

Meth Overdose Symptoms, Signs, Risk Factors, Prevention, and Treatment

What Is Methamphetamine? Methamphetamine—most commonly known as “meth,” “crystal,” “speed,” and “ice”—is an addictive stimulant that causes users to experience an intense, euphoric rush. 1 Meth can be smoked, snorted, injected, ...

What Is Methamphetamine? Methamphetamine—most commonly known as “meth,” “crystal,” “speed,” and “ice”—is an addictive stimulant that causes users to experience an intense, euphoric rush. 1 Meth can be smoked, snorted, ... continue reading

Snorting Adderall: Side Effects and Addiction Treatment

What Does Adderall Do? Adderall is a prescription stimulant used and abused for its ability to increase energy and mental focus, as well as for its potential to elicit pleasurable feelings at high enough doses. 1 It is prescribed for the treatment ...

... names, including “black beauties,” “uppers,” and “speed.” 1 Adderall is classified as a schedule II controlled ... is the second most common route of administration, after swallowing, among college students . 4 Adolescents ... continue reading

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

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

... use or 2 repeated injections of the drug, Pan and his team noted a dramatic drop in blood flow speed. For the very first time, researchers were also able to identify cocaine-induced microischemia brought on by decreased ... continue reading

Gray Death: The New Killer on the Street

While heroin adulterated with fentanyl has been in the news in recent years and the risks are well-known, there is a new danger on the streets, and it's even deadlier. It is a frighteningly powerful combination of heroin and synthetic opioids known ...

... addiction is ever-growing and ever-changing. For many years, heroin has been one of the world's most notorious substances—from suggestions that you can become addicted after the first use to the high risk of overdose and ... continue reading

The 9 Most Expensive Drugs in America

Each year, Americans spend nearly $100 billion on illegal drugs such as cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. These figures do not even account for the billions of dollars that are spent on prescription drugs each year—about $374 billion according ...

... attack, lung disease, anxiety, and depression. #6 Heroin Heroin has a reputation as a “cheap” drug, and ... near meth labs can suffer lifelong irreversible problems after being exposed to these chemicals. #8 Benzodiazepines ... 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 ...

... keep using the drug. 20 Heroin Heroin is a very addictive opioid drug. Heroin can cause euphoria, altered sensation ... addiction, and individuals who start using marijuana before they are eighteen are even more likely to ... continue reading

Trafficking Statistics

Drug abuse is a major problem in the United States, and individuals seeking to abuse drugs generally have little trouble finding those substances. Abuse of prescription and nonprescription opioids continues to be the public health crisis of our ...

... of opium poppy fields in 2014, compared to 14,419 hectares in 2013. 2 Between 2010 to 2015, the number of heroin seizures on the border of the United States and Mexico more than doubled. 1 The problem doesn't stop with ... continue reading

Facts About Krokodil (The “Zombie Drug”)

What Is Krokodil? Desomorphine (dihydrodesoxymorphine) or Krokodil, is an injectable opioid derivative of codeine. On the street and online, the drug is known as: Krokodil. Crocodile. Croc. Krok. Russian Magic. Poor Man's Heroin. The name ...

... On the street and online, the drug is known as: Krokodil. Crocodile. Croc. Krok. Russian Magic. Poor Man's Heroin. The name “krokodil” is thought to either derive from the appearance of a user's skin around the injection ... continue reading

IV Drug Use: Signs, Dangers, and Treatment

Injection is a method used by individuals who misuse drugs to obtain a quick and powerful effect. 1 Intravenous (IV) injection, or injection into a vein, is the practice referred to throughout this article as IV drug use. Injection into a vein or ...

... can be dissolved and injected, though black tar heroin tends to clog injection needles more often. 2 Methamphetamine comes in crystal or powdered form. People may inject meth after first dissolving the powder in water or ... 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 - ...

... that no one delivers casseroles - or emotional support - after a drug-related death. Ease of Entering Rehab Say ... use rates are higher than those of cocaine, meth, heroin, MDMA, and PCP combined. The report notes that the ... continue reading

Effect of Drugs on the Kidneys: How Do Drugs Damage the Kidneys?

Chronic drug and alcohol misuse can lead to severe kidney damage or failure. The damage is not always direct; some substances may indirectly cause harm to the kidneys via biologic events triggered outside of the renal system itself. These secondary ...

... renal damage in a few different ways: Coma due to heroin overdose can lead to rhabdomyolysis, 2 a condition characterized by ... of kidney complications, such as: 2 Sped-up progression of kidney disease in people with high ... 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 ...

... than 5,000 short of 100,000 deaths yearly and would claim almost 20,000 more deaths annually than diabetes. It would be 2024 before heroin deaths would surpass Alzheimer's forecasted death toll. While it is possible that ... continue reading

30 Famous Musicians Who Have Battled Drug Addiction and Alcoholism

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

... . Yoko Ono Musician Yoko Ono has openly admitted to heroin addiction. She has even claimed that she and John ... 22. Aaron Carter Aaron Carter was pulled over for speeding and possession of two ounces of marijuana in 2008. ... continue reading

Can You Overdose on Painkillers?

Some of the most predominantly prescribed pain management medications are opioid analgesics (painkillers). These prescription drugs interact with opioid receptors throughout the brain, initiating a chain of events that ultimately brings pain relief ...

... can proceed with a treatment plan created before or during detox, which may include ... times more potent than morphine and much more potent than even heroin. Fentanyl has been linked with numerous fatalities in the northeast ... continue reading

Roxy Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment

What Is Roxicodone Used For? Roxicodone (often called “roxies,” “roxy,” or “blues”) is one of the brand names for oxycodone —a powerful opioid prescription painkiller. Roxicodone is prescribed to alleviate pain that cannot be managed ...

... . 3 This is especially worrying because opioid dependence and addiction is a major contributing factor to eventual heroin dependence . In fact, the National Institute on Drug Abuse states that almost 80% of people who ... continue reading

San Francisco Mayor Proposes Drug Distribution to Homeless

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

... started on the drug in 2016 are still working on staying clean today . Considering more than three-fourths of heroin users typically relapse after starting treatment, that's a pretty good percentage. Image Source: iStock continue reading

Fentanyl: The Newest Lethal Injection Ingredient

Fifty times stronger than heroin , the synthetic opioid fentanyl is flooding the drug market - and heightening the danger of overdose. In search of cheaper mixes and stronger highs, dealers now lace heroin and cocaine with this potent drug. We've ...

... , police officials are struggling to stop the drug before it hits the streets and unleashes deadly results. ... of fentanyl and nearly 50 pounds of fentanyl-laced heroin out of circulation. Seized from an apartment in Queens ... continue reading

5 Movies That Will Make You Never Want to Do Drugs Again

Hollywood has a knack for glamorizing controversial subjects and drug use is certainly one of them. Yet for every Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas or Trainspotting , there are also those films that will make you never want to touch drugs again. Here ...

... in the fetal position. Like you probably will be after watching it. Enter the Void This experimental film by ... Needle Park takes its name from a popular hangout for heroin users on Manhattan's Upper West Side, where much of ... continue reading

Addiction Self-Assessment Quizzes for Drugs and Alcohol

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

... whether you may have an unhealthy dependence on opiates. This class of drug encompasses both illicit heroin as well as morphine and prescription opioid painkillers such as OxyContin, Vicodin, Opana, Dilauded, fentanyl ... continue reading

First Responders Worry About Accidental Fentanyl Exposure

Fentanyl. It's known to be 50 times more potent than heroin, and a speck the size of a few grains of salt can kill. By now, you've probably heard of this beast and the toll it's taken on so many lives around the country. A whopping 5554 people ...

... continue to surge into 2017 as street drugs like heroin and cocaine are unknowingly laced with fentanyl. Proceed ... of substance to protect their skin and lungs. After interception, they're advised to bring the evidence ... continue reading

Injecting Drugs: 9 Hidden Dangers

Did you know that injecting drugs into your body can increase your risk for a number of health problems? Additionally, did you know that injection-related injuries not only include bruising, scarring, and venous injury, but also infectious diseases ...

... the fingers. It has been noted that a contaminant of heroin, called quinine, may cause puffy hand syndrome. Sooting ... sometimes use a match to flame a needle before injecting drugs into their veins. Altogether, this ... continue reading

Who Manufacturers All these Crazy Semi-Legal Designer Drugs?

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

... to try to obtain street drugs. Designer drugs can be just as dangerous if not more so than drugs like heroin, cocaine , and marijuana . Designer drugs are drugs created in a lab to mimic popular drugs. Because they are ... continue reading

20 Genius Minds and the Drugs They Were Addicted To

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

... alcohol, or drug use. In Cobain's case, it was suicide, presumably exacerbated by his heavy heroin habit . Nirvana split up soon after. 8. Marilyn Monroe By Corpus Christi Caller Marilyn Monroe is legendary for her stage ... continue reading

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