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Marijuana Use and Abuse: Side Effects, Withdrawal Symptoms, and Treatment
What Is Marijuana? Marijuana refers to the leaves, flowers, and extracts of the plant Cannabis sativa and several closely related species—commonly known as hemp. Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States and is known by ...
... uses marijuana determines the intensity of the high , while the potency of different strains of marijuana is a ... many offer specialized treatment that can cater to individual needs. You can use SAMHSA's Find Treatment ... continue reading -
Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms, Detox, and Addiction Treatment Programs
Marijuana (cannabis, weed, grass, hashish) is the most widely used illicit drug in the United States. According to the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 8.4% of all Americans over the age of 12 (22.2 million people) had used ...
... in the treatment of cannabis withdrawal. Marijuana Detox Programs While users detoxing from marijuana may do so from home, ... . Once your body is free of marijuana, you can move into recovery from a stable starting point. ... continue reading -
Marijuana Facts, History, and Statistics
History of Marijuana Marijuana has roots as far back as 2737 B.C. It has been referenced in ancient Chinese medicine, and its use had spread from China to India, North Africa, and Europe by 500 A.D. Historically reported medicinal uses of marijuana ...
... brains are still developing. While it has a reputation for being safe, like any drug, marijuana can cause serious unintended consequences and abuse can bring about numerous problems. If you're concerned about your use ... continue reading -
Effects of Marijuana Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, & Side Effects
Is Marijuana Dangerous? Marijuana may indeed be harmful. There is a link between long-term marijuana use and increased rates of schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety . Marijuana also increases a person's heart rate for up to three hours after use, ...
... . Rehab facilities are located throughout the U.S., and many offer specialized treatment that can cater to individual needs. You can use SAMHSA's Find Treatment tool to search for programs. Many state government websites ... continue reading -
Marijuana Addiction Treatment Centers and Rehab Programs
Benefits of Rehab for Weed Addiction Marijuana addiction—otherwise known as marijuana use disorder—is estimated to occur in 10-30% of individuals who misuse marijuana. 1 Marijuana addiction has the potential to take a serious toll on a person's ...
... rehab are often understandably concerned about the cost of treatment. Overcoming addiction is one of the most important steps you can take to take back control of your life, and there are ways to pay for rehab so that ... 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 ...
... calm; avoid emotional pleas. If they are not ready yet, don't push it. After a little time passes, you can try approaching them again about getting help. If your loved one is not ready to seek addiction treatment , set ... 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 ...
... of solid edibles. 6,7 Biggest Takeaways Some of the more pronounced differences between smoking a joint and eating an edible ... at to learn more about treatment options. You can also check your insurance coverage online now ... continue reading -
Weed Gets a “Fancy” New Name: Craft Cannabis
We've become a country consumed with what goes into our food products. While many want organic foods, others want gluten-free meals and non-GMO practices. It looks like this trend has expanded to include drug use. The latest trend in marijuana is ...
We've become a country consumed with what goes into our food products. While many want organic foods, others want gluten-free meals and non-GMO practices. It looks like this trend has expanded to include drug use. The ... continue reading -
Voices From Both Sides of the Medical Marijuana Debate
About eight months ago, I moved to California from Texas - two states that have very different viewpoints when it comes to legalizing medical marijuana . The drug seems to be everywhere here, smoked by people walking across the street or consumed in ...
... abuse and addiction Could lead to a lower quality of life, as well as health problems and financial issues Is an excuse for drug legalization and recreational use Do Your Own Research Regardless of which side you fall on ... continue reading -
Disguising Danger: 7 Marijuana Edibles Side Effects Shockers
Lots of the people who have tried marijuana have done so in the form of snacks like pot cookies or brownies. Since one of the effects of pot is an increased appetite, it's only natural that the “ganja-preneurs” are marketing more marijuana ...
... high that quickly dissipates, while edibles kick in after about an hour and the effects can last from six to 10 ... Smoking Weed? How to Get Help for Marijuana Misuse If you or a loved one is struggling with the misuse of ... continue reading -
Shocking Report: Smoking Weed Can Damage Your DNA
Scientists are finding “convincing evidence” that marijuana can damage DNA and even cause certain forms of cancer. These revelations are more than alarming, considering that Alaska, Oregon, Colorado, Washington and the city of Washington, D.C. ...
... . have all legalized marijuana for recreational use, while all the previously mentioned states plus 19 others ... of harm in using marijuana has also decreased, which could signal a future spike in usage. Among high school ... continue reading -
Effects of Smoking Marijuana While Pregnant and How to Quit Weed Smoking Weed
Effects of Marijuana on a Developing Fetus Although marijuana is one of the most widely used illicit drugs, there is limited data on the prevalence of marijuana use among pregnant women. One report estimated marijuana use during pregnancy to be ...
... When a woman smokes marijuana or consumes cannabis edibles during pregnancy, its active psychoactive components are ... marijuana use while you are pregnant requires a combination of approaches so that you can address the ... continue reading -
MDMA (Ecstasy) Abuse While Pregnant
Ecstasy is an illicit drug that is frequently abused among young adults. This drug, whose chemical name is 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, or MDMA for short, is structurally similar to amphetamine and has both stimulant and hallucinogenic ...
... . Poor milestone achievement at 4 months. Quitting Ecstasy While Pregnant If you are pregnant and addicted to ecstasy, the safest choice you can make for you and your baby is to seek professional addiction treatment ... continue reading -
Crystal Meth and Pregnancy | Effects of Smoking Meth While Pregnant
As methamphetamine use continues to rise, so do treatment and hospital admissions. In 2012, meth ranked first in drug-related treatment admissions in Hawaii and San Diego. 4 Females have also been found to start using meth at a younger age and in ...
... their drug use. If you are currently using meth and you are pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant, talk to your ... number of other services to support your recovery, while still being able to live at home. Inpatient ... 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 ...
... using heroin while pregnant . Marijuana and Pregnancy Contrary to popular belief, marijuana can be harmful and ... 3 Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment Types If you're struggling with drug or alcohol addiction before or ... 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 ...
... that cocaine is highly addictive, but the question remains: can you really get addicted to cocaine after trying it one time ... user hasn't used the drug for a while. To varying degrees, tolerance, physical dependence, and ... 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 ...
... is the number of people who abuse the drug. Heroin use is strongly associated with addiction, but can you get addicted to heroin after using it just once? Governmental and educational leaders in the field do not ... continue reading -
Can You Stay Calm… and Trash the Benzos?
After suffering an embarrassing panic attack at the mall, Kara visited a psychiatrist. He prescribed medication to help Kara with her symptoms—within a couple of months, this “solution” turned into an addiction. Now Kara has anxiety issues as ...
... A use of calming breathing techniques can keep your heart rate slow and stave off the panic. Eat Away at Anxiety Rather than allow the anxiety to eat away at you, munch on foods that allow you to eat away at your anxiety ... 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 ...
... increasing the dose also puts you at severe risk for opioid overdose, which can be fatal. Signs and ... (hypotension). Weak pulse. Nausea/vomiting. Risk Factors While any abuse of prescription painkillers is dangerous , there ... continue reading -
Can You Get Addicted to Crystal Meth After the First Use?
What Is Crystal Meth? Crystal meth is a powerful, synthetically made stimulant. It can be ingested orally, injected intravenously , snorted , or smoked. Crystal meth is notorious for its high addictive potential, and many people suggest that taking ...
... being an attempt to relive the first experience. While addiction can set in quickly, it is not the same ... drug poses or has already caused. Questions to Ask if You're Considering Trying Crystal Meth Why do I want to try ... continue reading -
Using Painkillers When Pregnant
Prescription painkillers, or opioids, are commonly used to treat pain. Opioid painkillers include drugs such as hydrocodone (Vicodin), oxycodone (OxyContin), codeine, and morphine. In addition to their inclusion in the many opioid analgesic ...
... mother used. Whether the baby was born early. NAS symptoms can begin 1-3 days after the baby is born. If doctors ... while they are pregnant. If you are pregnant, talk to your health care provider about the medications you ... continue reading -
Effects of Marijuana on Breast Milk and Smoking Weed While Breastfeeding
Cannabis (also called marijuana or 'weed') is the most commonly used drug during pregnancy. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 78,000 pregnant women reported past-month marijuana use. 1 While many feel that smoking weed ...
... , women are usually advised to avoid cannabis while pregnant and breastfeeding. Breastfeeding mothers may feel more ... specialist who can help you find the best addiction treatment center to meet your needs. Could My Breast ... continue reading -
Risks of Smoking While Breastfeeding
The numerous health hazards associated with smoking tobacco are well researched and documented. There is no safe time to smoke , but in some situations, the potential for harm is more unequivocal than usual. One such situation is smoking before and ...
... makes conception more difficult. Continuing to smoke while pregnant can lead to a lengthy list of risks and ... infant death syndrome (SIDS) 3 ; however, if you plan to smoke while doing it, there are some risks to consider. ... continue reading -
Risks of Using Cocaine While Breastfeeding
Cocaine is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant that is easily absorbed into the bloodstream. It has a high milk-to-plasma ratio, meaning a significant amount of the drug may pass from a mother's blood into her breast milk. 1 Cocaine is the ...
... 4-12 members, and they can meet as often as once or twice a week. Groups allow members to share experiences with others and provide support to one another. If you are using cocaine while breastfeeding, make sure to take ... 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 ...
... has warnings on the label about combining it with alcohol . When your head starts pounding in the morning, you can take some ibuprofen if needed. Just know that it only dulls the pain - not cures the hangover. “Hair ... continue reading -
Here’s What You Need to Know About Pink
After a simple search online, Ryan Ainsworth and Grant Seaver ordered a bag of U-47700, a.ka. “ pink .” The powder arrived from Shanghai at their friend's house, as planned. What happened next was not planned. The two 13-year-old best friends ...
... ). Users grow out their pinky fingernails to scoop up the powder, then snort the drug through a nostril. How Can You Protect Your Teen From Pink? According to a press release on pink from CBS affiliate KUTV, here's what ... continue reading -
This Is Your Brain… When You Blackout on Alcohol
If you've ever found yourself in a situation where you wake up the next morning without a clue as to how you got home, you might have experienced a blackout. This is right about when you start to wonder, what the heck happened last night? But have ...
... you drink copious amounts of alcohol and can't remember anything you ... you may not have realized just how inebriated you really were. While you may not have embarrassed yourself quite as badly as you thought you did, you ... continue reading -
Pregnant & Court-Ordered to Take Vivitrol: Is My Baby Safe?
It's a question many women might be asking themselves, as more and more females of childbearing age are ordered by drug courts to take Vivitrol - the injectable form of naltrexone. An opioid-antagonist, Vivitrol blocks the brain receptors that bind ...
... instructed by to take Vivitrol by local authorities while attending an inpatient rehab . Now Jamie has ... to be faced with a decision if I did discover I was pregnant and didn't know if the Vivitrol that's already in my ... continue reading -
Could This Inexpensive Medication Reduce Your Withdrawal Symptoms?
Withdrawal. It's a huge hurdle on the path to recovery. Those struggling to leave opioids behind know they'll eventually have to face the intimidating mental and physical effects of withdrawal. It's a powerful and frightening thought. Some of the ...
... give up and return to opioids for relief. But this could soon change… According to the results of a recent study, ... The findings of Dr. Trang and his team could have important implications for people on opioid therapy and ... continue reading -
Dark Web Oxy Dealer Could Get 20 Years in Prison
Frenchman Guy Vallerius - aka the “OxyMonster”- is accused of selling the illicit drugs oxycodone , cocaine, and methamphetamine over the dark web. In May, Vallerius plead guilty to charges of conspiracy and money laundering; he's facing at ...
... his home in France to Austin, Texas…where he was set to compete in the world beard-growing championship. (Can't make this stuff up!) He was arrested by U.S. authorities when he flew into Atlanta, Georgia. Special Agent ... continue reading -
Wait… Marijuana Can Increase My Risk of Alzheimer's??
Meet Bill. Bill smokes marijuana every day - a lot of it. From blunts and bowls to bongs and wax, there's barely a waking moment Bill isn't high. Meet Bill's Brain As we travel through Bill's cranium, we see the blood flow (in nearly all areas of ...
... flow is greatest in this part of Bill's brain. That can't be good - and researchers agree. Our tour of Bill's ... an interview, “Prior papers have suggested that marijuana can damage the brain. What surprised [us] was how ... continue reading -
How to Stay Healthy When Someone You Love Is Addicted to Drugs or Alcohol
“Self-care is essential to finding ways to limit the unwanted influence of substance use in your life.” When someone you love is abusing substances like alcohol and/or other drugs, you are likely to focus solely on the damage the addiction is ...
... in weight from overeating or eating too little. Having an ... you on issues like communication and distress tolerance while offering support and validation. The therapist can train you to be more aware of the role you ... continue reading -
What You Need to Know About ‘Zombie Drug’ Krokodil
Krokodil (Crocodil) is a homemade version of a synthetic drug called desomorphine. As the name deso-morphine suggests, the chemical is in the opiate family and closely mimics the effects of heroin and morphine. Pure desomorphine is a very addictive ...
... farms. Around 2002, it was discovered that you can concoct a cheap version of desomorphine from everyday ... Although there were numerous reports of the new “flesh-eating” drug, the Daily Beast and Forbes confirmed that most ... 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 ...
... options, contact a caring admissions navigator with American Addiction Centers (AAC) for free at . You can also check your insurance coverage online now. Addiction Treatment Levels of Care Recommended Substance Misuse ... continue reading -
Does Your Personality Put You at Risk for Addiction?
Are certain personality types more prone to substance abuse? Although it certainly seems so, this question has been the focus of debate for some time. It used to be believed that addiction could be explained by way of the two contrasting personality ...
... for some time. It used to be believed that addiction could be explained by way of the two contrasting personality types: ... way to cope. In addition, it's believed that, while Type B's get bored easily and chase the rush of ... continue reading -
What You Need to Know About Secondhand Drinking
Lisa Frederiksen likens the public's understanding of secondhand drinking to 30 years ago when doctors proved that lung cancer in nonsmokers was a direct link to secondhand cigarette smoke. Frederiksen, author, speaker, consultant and founder of ...
... behaviors like domestic violence, crime, driving while impaired, sexual assault, verbal, physical or ... your life, your sanity and your health.” If you or someone you know struggles with alcohol abuse, help is available. ... continue reading -
Study: Drug Forums Aren’t Very Helpful if You Want to Get Clean
Libraries. Encyclopedias. Professors. Doctors. Pre-Internet, these were our top sources of information. If we wanted answers, this is where we looked. Fast-forward to modern times. With access to pretty much everything now at our fingertips, we've ...
... More and more of our days are devoted to screen time. Did you know we now spend an average of four hours a day on ... happens when I try it…) Researchers noted that, while they might be designed to prevent harmful drug use ... continue reading -
Drunk You, Sober You: More Alike Than You'd Think
Laura feels uncomfortable in social situations. She likes to have a few beers to loosen up. She prefers “drunk Laura” to “sober Laura” when trying to socialize. She thinks she's a lot more fun and likeable. Tom blew up at his friend Chris ...
... significant changes. We essentially become different people while we're under the influence. But, ... you may be fooling yourself. It's possible you're playing some internal psychological game that others can't perceive. You ... continue reading -
Study Indicates Pot Really Can Lower Your IQ
This is your brain on pot: A new study has found that regular marijuana use is linked to both lower IQ scores and impaired decision making skills. It's All in Your Mind The findings from the University of California Davis Centre for Neuroscience ...
... Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago. “And if you throw stuff into the brain that's not supposed ... many view as “harmless” recreational marijuana use could have permanent cognitive implications for adulthood and beyond ... continue reading -
You’re Not a Victim: 5 Ways to Break Out of This Role
When struggling with substance abuse , it's tempting to feel like the victim. Things are rough. Your life is probably in shambles. Your loved ones have likely distanced themselves from you. Things are falling apart. The question is - how do you ...
... . Check into community organizations. Find a local church or spiritual center. Ask your family and friends how you can help them this week. Focus on Long-Term Consequences Victims are focused on their short-term needs. I ... 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 ...
... around on the second chance this medication gives them, while others continue on with the same destructive thinking and ... behavior. In the end, it's up to you to educate yourself about naloxone and make up your own ... continue reading -
You’re Fired: Police Departments Weaning K9’s Off Marijuana
Jobs change with technology, and work tasks evolve with those advancements. New policies and developments often put people out of work. It turns out, people aren't the only ones affected by those changes. Due to new marijuana guidelines , ...
... effective. Training new dogs or re-training old ones can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Some agencies are ... never go away. But who knows? Maybe in five years, you may be able to count on one hand the amount that ... continue reading -
You Might Want to Cut Back on the Energy Drinks. Here’s Why…
Years ago, I spent an entire summer behind a small desk in an upstairs room at my dad's house, studying for the Bar Exam. Cramming 18 different legal subjects into my head over the span of two months was no easy feat, and I quickly realized I needed ...
... . That's when energy drinks soon became my go-to. I slowly registered, after weeks of knocking back a couple cans of Red Bull every night, I was becoming dependent on that little “buzz” the drink gave me. The effect was ... continue reading -
Listen To Your Gut: It Could Save Your Liver
Do you know what's swimming around in your gut? Bacteria. What else is in there? Antibiotics. And no , not prescription meds like doctors give you for an infection. Your body actually produces natural antibiotics that kill the bacteria roaming ...
... no , not prescription meds like doctors give you for an infection. Your body actually produces natural ... proteins. Without these, the bacteria replicate freely and can more easily move through your intestinal wall. Once ... continue reading -
Cocaine Could Mess With Your Brain's Ability to Recognize Sadness and Fear
Cocaine is a stimulant drug with a reputation for making people more social but, in reality, it tends to make users paranoid and insufferable. And according to a new study , this may be in part because people who use cocaine are less capable of ...
... on cocaine rehab programs, please contact a caring American Addiction Centers (AAC) representative free at . You can also check your health insurance coverage using the form below to determine whether your insurance ... continue reading -
Alcohol Effects on Teeth: Alcohol Can Wreck Your Smile
People who consume alcohol excessively and regularly are at great risk of developing tooth decay and periodontal disease. Even having a few drinks regularly can begin to break down the enamel on teeth. Alcohol and Tooth Decay The process goes like ...
... please contact American Addiction Centers (AAC) free at . Our caring representatives can take your call at any time, day or night. You can also check your health insurance coverage using the form below. Alcohol Addiction ... continue reading -
Buzzkill: Mary Jane’s Not as Relaxing as You Think
Mellow. This is the word many people associate with marijuana. Take a few tokes and you'll feel relaxed. As it takes effect, your stress just melts away. Mary Jane is smooth and easygoing. Right? Not so fast… It's a common claim, but a recent ...
... to this drug as a source of stress relief could backfire. If you consume higher amounts of marijuana, you might end up being more stressed out than you were before you fired up. How to Find Help for Marijuana Misuse ... continue reading -
Who's Smoking Weed These Days? You Asked, the CDC Answered
Close your eyes. Picture someone smoking pot. What do they look like? Most importantly, how old are they? Did you drum up an image of a teen experimenting with drugs? A college student? If so, your image needs some updating. The Centers for Disease ...
... percent drop in usage is pretty encouraging. In Other News… While teens may be slowing down their consumption of pot, the ... , where we are and where we are headed. Comparisons can be made at future dates to see if new laws ... continue reading -
6 Facts You Need to Know About Opiate Withdrawal
The United States has the highest rate of opioid use per capita in the world. As a nation, we consume 80% of the world's opioid supply. 1 In 2014, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that 1.9 million people aged 12 or older had a ...
... what happens if you are physically dependent on opiates, get arrested, and then you're sent to jail? ... . Depending on the type of drug taken, symptoms of NAS can present within 24 hours of birth for short half-life drugs ... continue reading -
Take the Backdoor: Why Your Brain Can't Refrain From Cocaine
Ted just snorted 2 lines of cocaine. If we could see inside his brain, we'd see some pretty alarming results. The blood vessels of Ted's brain are shrinking and blood flow is restricted, diminishing his ability to think, remember, and function. ...
... few. If you thought that things get back to normal once the cocaine leaves Ted's brain, think again. While it's ... contact a caring AAC representative free at . You can also check your insurance coverage using the form ... continue reading -
Here’s What You Need to Know About the Probuphine Implant
Probuphine is the very first breakthrough buprenorphine implant. What is buprenorphine, you ask? It's a common prescription for opioid addiction treatment and it prevents withdrawal symptoms. Buprenorphine is an ingredient found in Suboxone and ...
... taking a pill or an injection every day. There's no risk of forgetting to take your medication. You also can't lose it and it can't be stolen. Since the implant disperses the medication evenly throughout your body, it ... continue reading -
Can’t Sleep? Try Putting Down the Marijuana (Seriously)
For as long as she could remember, people told Sue that marijuana helped you sleep. So once she started having problems catching zs, she decided to give weed a try. Sue smoked pot every night for nearly three months, but for some reason, the ...
For as long as she could remember, people told Sue that marijuana helped you sleep. So once she started having problems catching ... claim the drug helps them sleep better. While they may believe this, researchers found daily ... continue reading -
Drunk in the Moment: We Can’t Drink Reality Away
It's a typical scenario: You had an awful day at work, so you hit the town with a group of friends, intent on drinking and dancing the night away. As you're downing a sixth shot of tequila in what will undoubtedly be an eight-shot series, you turn ...
... best night ever.” Then morning rolls around. Suddenly, you hate life…and the sledgehammer that seems to be ... happiness or satisfaction in a laboratory. And though we can't put emotions in a petri dish or marvel at them ... continue reading -
Introducing the Drug That Can Kill With a Single Dose
Just when we'd thought we'd heard it all, an even more lethal drug concoction popped up on our radar. It's just the latest killer in the opioid epidemic ravaging our country. Dubbed “gray death” by authorities, this high-potency cocktail is ...
... the deadly nature associated with these cocktails,” said Russ Baer of the federal Drug Enforcement Agency told NBC News . “You can buy one of these cocktails for $10-20 on the street and lose your life in a few seconds.” continue reading -
Countering the Myths About Methadone: Is it Right for You?
Methadone maintenance has been around for years as an effective treatment for opioid dependency. However, its use remains controversial, and there's seemingly no end to the myths and false information aimed at discouraging anyone from using it as a ...
... success rate of only 5-10%. With this in mind, you can clearly see the benefits of using methadone for addiction treatment, ... him, if people practice good dental hygiene while on methadone, they shouldn't have any dental ... continue reading -
3 Thank-Yous I Owe to My Old Addiction
Life doesn't always go as planned. Especially when you find yourself in a maximum-security state prison on your first ever offense. When Life Takes an Unexpected Detour At 27 years old, I seemed to have everything in front of me: a promising future ...
... options, contact a caring admissions navigator with American Addiction Centers (AAC) for free at . You can also check your insurance coverage online now. Levels of Care in Addiction Treatment Recommended Substance Misuse ... continue reading -
4 Physical Signs You're Addicted to Ritalin
Ritalin is a stimulant drug used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and narcolepsy. It's classified by the Drug Enforcement Administration as a Schedule II narcotic—meaning it's in the same ...
... Addiction Centers (AAC) to learn more about treatment options. Call us for free at . You can also check your insurance coverage online now. Addiction Treatment Levels of Care Recommended Ritalin Rehabilitation-Related ... continue reading -
The Confusion Continues: Can Baclofen Treat Alcoholism or Not?
What happens when researchers deliver conflicting results? What should we believe? A recent study examining the effectiveness of baclofen for alcohol dependence seems to fly in the face of previous research. Experts are questioning whether or not ...
... treatment centers that match your requirements. Please contact AAC free at at any time, day or night. You can also check your health insurance coverage using the form below. Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment Levels of ... continue reading -
Dangers of IV Drug Use: What You Need to Know About Track Marks
Certain drugs can be injected into the muscle, under the skin, or directly into a vein. The later is the most popular method, as the intense effects of the drug occurs very quickly. Those that use this method will begin to show marks on their body ...
... forearms, fresh track marks are identified as non-healed puncture wounds. Continued injection in the same area can result in scarring, dark pigmentation at the injection site, damage to the veins, lesions, and bruising ... continue reading -
Shooting Up: How Far Would You Go For a Fix?
IV drug users can quickly find themselves in desperate situations. They often lack clean needles, pure water and other supplies needed to shoot up, prompting many of them to improvise. And for a large segment of the population, improvising means ...
... IV drug use. If you don't have a clean bottle of water lying around, you've got to get it ... from the same pipes that feed the sinks, right?” And while that's technically true, technicalities do not make for clean water ... continue reading -
7 Signs You May Be Addicted to Tramadol
Tramadol is an opiate analgesic prescribed for the treatment of moderate to moderately severe pain. The drug works by changing the way your brain and nervous system respond to pain. Because Tramadol is a milder form of opiate medication, people ...
... your doctor. Here are 7 signs to look out for if you think you may be addicted to Tramadol. #1. Physical dependence. Physical dependence on Tramadol can develop over time with prolonged and increased use . If dependence ... continue reading -
Smoking Around Kids is More Dangerous Than You Think
Most of us know that exposure to secondhand smoke can produce serious consequences for unborn children, including low birth weight, heart defects and learning disorders. But the potential ramifications of secondhand smoke certainly don't stop at ...
... Clearing the Smoke If you're ready to quit smoking , there are plenty of ways you can do it. Although some ... symptoms associated with tobacco . If you experience a slip while trying to quit, forgive yourself and ... continue reading -
Study: Your Genes Could Make You a Compulsive Drinker
Jessica has tried time and again to limit her drinking. “I'll just have one glass of wine tonight!” she tells herself, night after night. But one leads to two leads to a whole bottle, followed by shots at a bar, and she wakes up the next day ...
... compulsively. A new study indicates that there may be genetic factors that drive some people to drink excessively, while others can easily stop after a glass or two. Do We Have Genetic Proof? In a study earlier this year ... continue reading -
My Teen Son Is an Alcoholic. How Can I Help Him?
If you are living at home with a teen who has become an alcoholic, you have many options for helping your child. Until they are 18, you have guardianship powers and can make many medical decisions for your child, and hospitals will recognize your ...
... want to wait until your child accepts the fact that they have a problem, but if they are already out of control, you can do what is necessary as a parent to make sure your teen gets help . Take your child to a medical ... continue reading -
Sober Living Homes—Halfway There: Everything You Need to Know
When in recovery, choosing a safe living environment is very important. Sober living homes are one option that allows you to recover in a safe place with others in similar situations. They help you to transition back into the community after ...
... who oversees and enforces the house rules, while other homes have a social model approach in ... and go to meetings with can be the make-it-or-break-it factor in whether or not you stay sober. Who Can Live in a Sober Living ... continue reading -
What Is Molly? 5 Things You Didn’t Know About MDMA
Molly is a street name for MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine), a popular rave drug used at nightclubs and music festivals to alter mood and perception. 1 People may see Molly as a drug that helps them let loose, connect to others, and dance ...
... of MDMA include: 1,2 Sleep problems. Severe anxiety. Paranoia. Confusion. Cognition and memory problems. Death. Molly Can Kill You While it is a rare occurrence, it is possible to die from a single night of MDMA use ... continue reading -
Everything You Need to Know About Alcohol and Drug Rehab
Entering into treatment for substance abuse can seem like a daunting endeavor. You may not be sure how effective it will be or what it actually entails, and then there's the issue of paying for it! With all these unknowns, rehab can feel ...
... free, 24-hour helpline will put you in touch with someone who can help you find the right treatment center near you for your requirements. You can contact us at . You can also check your health insurance coverage using ... continue reading -
Three Lethal Drug Combinations That Can Kill You
We all know that certain drugs can cause dangerous interactions when taken together, but some people either don't take the threat seriously or they're simply uninformed when it comes to specific chemicals and substances. Most Dangerous Drug ...
... associated with anterograde amnestic effects, the combined cognitive effects can make it easier to forget how many drinks you've had or how many pills you've taken. Consuming these two substances in excess increases the ... continue reading -
10 Ways Drug Abuse Hurts You and Those Around You
Most of us have heard countless times that drug abuse isn't beneficial—the word “abuse” is in the name, after all. But a lot of people don't realize just how dangerous it can be, both to the person using and the people that person loves and ...
... , we've outlined some of the most common ways drug abuse can be deeply hurtful to you, your community, and the people you love. With this knowledge, you'll be better equipped to protect yourself and your loved ones from ... continue reading -
Methadone Maintenance Clinics: Everything You Need to Know
If you're addicted to opiates, a methadone clinic can provide ongoing medication maintenance to help you quit them. Committing to a methadone maintenance program for at least 1 year will likely change your life for the better and help you commit to ...
... for opiate addiction and their goal is to help you—you can expect to be treated in a respectful manner by staff members. Keep in mind that while their goal is to help you find the best solutions for your treatment, there ... continue reading -
Are You Helping Or Enabling? 7 Ways to Spot the Difference
There's no doubt that loving an addict is hard. It's natural for you to want your loved ones to succeed rather than suffer. While reaching out to help a loved one in need is certainly not a bad thing, there's a fine line between helping and ...
... loved one money that they will ultimately end up using to buy drugs. You might even pay their bills, buy groceries, or otherwise enable them financially. While it can be hard to see a loved one's electricity get shut off ... continue reading -
7 Things You Don’t Realize About Teenage Drug Abuse
It's difficult to convince adolescents of the harmful and potentially deadly effects of drug abuse. After all, teens have an exaggerated sense of invulnerability: “Nothing bad will ever happen to me, regardless of what anyone says, thinks they ...
... become old before our time. While it is important to recognize that drugs can lead to these deteriorating consequences ... life. How to Find Help for Substance Misuse If you or a loved one is struggling with drug or alcohol ... 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, ...
... they are high or experiencing withdrawal symptoms . While it may be difficult, try to approach the individual when they are sober so he or she can truly process what you are saying. Staging a group intervention before ... continue reading -
What Could Illicit Drug Synthesis Expose You To?
For the 44 million Americans aged 12 and older who used illicit drugs in 2014, the associated health risks are grave. But there's another risk that accompanies illegally manufactured substances - the exposure to hazardous chemicals. Clandestine drug ...
... United States, the results are mixed. The good news: As you can see from the graph, since 2002, the proportions of the ... with taking drugs are numerous and varied. While synthetic drugs do increase the hazards of taking ... continue reading -
Alcohol Poisoning: You Can Save a Life in Less Than 10 Steps
Last night Kerry got drunk… and then kept drinking. By the end of the night, he couldn't even stand up on his own. His friends carried him to the car, drove him home and put him to bed on his couch. They thought he'd just sleep it off and have a ...
... Centers (AAC) for more information free at . There are also free drug and alcohol abuse hotline numbers you can call. Check your health insurance coverage online now using the form below. Levels of Drug and Alcohol ... continue reading -
Help, I’ve Been Arrested for DUI – What Can I Do to Stay Out of Jail?
If you've been arrested for a DUI, you might be in a lot of trouble. One factor that will affect whether or not you stay out of jail will be how much you had to drink at the time of your arrest. Complying with instructions and requests from the ...
... is about eight hours of work per day assigned. You can't eliminate any time off this sentence, though, like you can with a jail sentence, so what you get is what you'll have to complete. Sometimes, a first-time offender ... continue reading -
Am I Addicted to Klonopin? How Can I Quit Safely?
Klonopin is a brand name for the drug clonazepam . It's a benzodiazepine that affects the way chemicals in the brain work. It helps reduce anxiety , can treat seizure disorders, and may be used to treat panic disorders. Those taking it sometimes ...
... an addiction to the drug, consider addiction treatment options . Professional addiction centers can help you safely withdraw from using the drug. You might also be able to do a tapering program at home under the guidance ... continue reading -
Smoking Can be a Serious Pain…in the Back
If you have chronic back pain and are a long-time smoker, the latter may be causing the former, according to a study released by the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University. A New Worry for Smokers The study, which was published in ...
... number one cause of preventable deaths. The Bottom Line While people may not die from chronic back pain, they ... that offers smoking cessation classes. Once there, you can work with your doctor to address the back pain ... continue reading -
A Living Nightmare: 5 Things Doctors Don’t Tell You About Benzos
Written by Dean Dauphinais It's no secret that prescription drugs can work miracles when obtained legally and taken as directed. But do you know that some prescription meds can also make your life a living hell. Such is the case with ...
... on Klonopin almost 10 years ago to help ease the stress I was feeling while dealing with my son's addiction (oh, the irony!) He told me ... Centers (AAC) for free at . You can also check your insurance coverage online now. ... continue reading -
6 Things About Benzo Withdrawal You Might Not Know
What Are Benzos? Benzodiazepines (benzos) are an anxiolytic class of drugs that belong to a larger group of substances that can be categorized as central nervous system (CNS) depressants. 1 Benzodiazepines work by increasing inhibitory ...
... crushing up the oral tablets prior to snorting them. 1 While fatal overdose with benzos alone may be relatively uncommon, ... 6. Getting Clean Is Possible You can! Although benzo withdrawal can be uncomfortable at best and ... continue reading -
Are You Really Addicted to Marijuana? Is Anyone?
More Americans are becoming aware that drug addiction is a disease and not a character flaw, but many continue to find it difficult to believe that marijuana addiction is real. This could be because they experimented with weed at one point and ...
... (car accidents, reckless behavior) increases while intoxicated. 1 It's estimated that you would need to smoke 19 pounds of ... there is no proof to date that marijuana alone can cure a sickness . 2 The most common debate ... 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 ...
... the plant to get an extra boost of energy while working in the fields. However, due to the harmful ... Colorado, New York, North Carolina, are opening spots where you can sit and enjoy the narcotic effects of the tea drink. ... 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 ...
... ibogaine highly risky and a less than ideal therapy for you . 5 From 1990 to 2008, there were 19 deaths ... much as any other opioid in that same year. 6 While ibogaine can be a very rapid and successful form of treatment for ... continue reading -
Everything You Need to Know About Alcohol Withdrawal
Two men in their early 30s enter an emergency room. One is suffering from heroin withdrawal and the other from alcohol withdrawal. One of the men is given some medication to reduce the painful effects of his symptoms and released within 2 hours of ...
... alcohol withdrawal can result in cardiovascular collapse (circulatory failure) and lead to death. While it's ... to learn more about alcohol misuse and treatment. You can also check your health insurance coverage using the ... continue reading -
Pop Quiz: Which of These Scenarios Can Land You in Jail?
Today's drug laws seem to be in constant flux. Depending on which side of a state line you stand, you might be commended or arrested for the same act. This leaves many wondering exactly what is legal and what could put them in handcuffs. Try your ...
... same act. This leaves many wondering exactly what is legal and what could put them in handcuffs. Try your hand at this quiz; see if you can correctly identify which of the following scenarios lead to potential jail time ... continue reading -
Getting Sober: 17 Ways You Probably Didn’t Know About (#8 is Controversial)
The 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous are so dominant in addiction recovery culture that it can be easy to forget there are other ways to get sober. If AA or NA works for you, that's wonderful. If not, there are plenty of alternative tools and ...
... series of pressure points while talking your way through whatever challenge you're facing—for example, ... are also online and phone-in meetings for those who can't make it to any of the physical locations. Levine proposes ... continue reading -
Am I Addicted to Painkillers? How Can I Quit Safely?
If you've been taking painkillers for an extended time, particularly after the pain that originally prompted their use has subsided, you might well wonder whether you're addicted to painkillers. Though many people take painkillers following a ...
... body has adapted to expect the drug and now believes it needs the drug to work properly. Over time, you can become addicted to opioid-based painkillers such as Vicodin , morphine , or OxyContin . Opioids, which come from ... continue reading -
3 Things You Should Never Say to an Addict
If someone you love is addicted to drugs or alcohol, then you're no stranger to heartache and worry. In addition to those feelings, bitterness and disappointment are probably unfortunate staples of your home. Life kind of becomes a pressure cooker; ...
... hard to understand substance abuse if you've never been in its clutches and it can be more than frustrating to stand idly by while a loved one slowly destroys his life. You want to help , but you're not sure what to say ... continue reading -
Are You an Enabler? How to Stop Enabling an Addict
What Is an Enabler? Enabling is a term that can be thought of in a positive or negative light, but when we talk about enabling in terms of addiction and recovery, it usually has a negative connotation. When someone is struggling with addiction, an ...
... their rent after they lose their job, you are enabling them to continue down the path they are on, at least for the time being. While the intention is to help them, it can passively encourage their behavior. 1 Substance ... continue reading -
What Can I Do if My Mother or Father Is an Alcoholic or Drug Abuser?
One of the most common issues we hear about is that a parent has become an addict and the children don't know what to do about it. Sometimes, they're scared of being taken away from the parent if the authorities find out. Sometimes they want the ...
... options. If your parent beats you while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, you need to seek help. ... the flu to the point where he or she could not function, you'd take your parent to the doctor. The same goes ... continue reading -
Signs That You May Need Rehab
Participation in a structured drug or alcohol rehab program is a necessary first step for many individuals seeking to find recovery from substance abuse. Some people try to quit on their own without the professional care that rehab provides, ...
... drug or alcohol addiction, you could be experiencing difficulties in certain areas of your life. Using substances in risky situations, such as sharing needles to inject drugs or driving while under the influence , are ... continue reading -
Am I Addicted to Prescription Drugs? How Can I Quit Safely?
If you've been using prescription drugs in a way that was not intended by your doctor, then it is possible that you are dependent on them, and dependency often leads to addiction. While addiction can be frightening, the good news is there's plenty ...
... professionals who will care for you while you go through withdrawal. After you detox, you can participate in different types of therapy to help you overcome your addiction and avoid relapsing . You may go to an inpatient ... 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 ...
... delaying going back to work until after rehab. And while this can be a good idea if you're really struggling with your addiction, getting back to work can often actually help speed up your recovery; working gives ... continue reading -
Using MDMA (Ecstasy) While Breastfeeding
Ecstasy, or MDMA, is a widely used drug popular among young adults. It is a synthetic, psychoactive drug with chemical structural similarities to both methamphetamine and mescaline—capable of producing both stimulant and hallucinogenic effects in ...
... goes without saying, but using illicit substances such as ecstasy while nursing can cause serious harm to you and your baby. Effects on the Mother Ecstasy use can cause a number of problems for an expecting mother , ... continue reading -
Drug and Alcohol Rehab for Women
Finding the right drug rehab center is an important part of treatment and recovery from addiction. Many women have found that pursuing a women's rehab center has helped address their unique needs. Others may benefit from certain services at rehab ...
... anxiety , or another mental illness, such as an eating disorder. 2 In response to the growing number of women ... if you use opioids while pregnant, there is an increased likelihood that both the mother and baby can become ... 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 ...
... US each year? What drugs are deadly to mix with benzos? What are the most widely abused benzos? Can you legally drive while using benzos? How long does it take to detox from benzos? How do benzos work in the body? Who ... 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 ...
... IR and XR can lead to physical dependence, tolerance, and addiction. Can You Snort Adderall? While many Adderall users ... that sustain life, such as eating. However, drugs can release excess dopamine, causing rewarding ... continue reading -
Mother of Newborn Arrested After Failing Drug Test
There has been an enormous amount of debate and passion as of late - all of it spurred on by one question: what should happen to mothers who give birth to addicted children. Alabama came up with its own solution that involves jail time and bringing ...
... -Parker must give a negative drug test before she can be released from jail and, by court order, may ... to start criminally prosecuting mothers who use drugs while pregnant. The move has sparked controversy, driving many ... continue reading -
Harmful Effects of Smoking During Pregnancy and How to Stop
In the U.S., there are an estimated 42 million people (nearly 18% of the total population) who currently smoke. 1 Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable disease, disability, and death in the U.S. In fact, smoking accounts for nearly 1 in ...
... Credit: American Medical Association Quitting Smoking While Pregnant Quitting smoking during pregnancy is one of the most important steps a woman can take to improve her health. It will help you feel better and provide a ... continue reading -
Dangers of Drinking Alcohol During Pregnancy
When a woman uses drugs during pregnancy, it can result in negative health effects for both her and her baby-and alcohol is no exception. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can lead to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) and several other birth ...
... about risks of drinking while pregnant and helpful treatment options if you're struggling with alcohol use. ... . 7 Given that a mother's eating habits during pregnancy can affect the severity of fetal alcohol impairment ... continue reading
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