Cocaine And Xanax

How to Help Someone Addicted to Cocaine

Knowing how to help a friend, family member, peer, or coworker with an addiction to cocaine is difficult. Addiction can take a serious toll on relationships, making a conversation about addiction treatment even more challenging. While this type of ...

... million people aged 12 and older with cocaine use disorders. 1 Cocaine is a powerful and short-acting stimulant drug produced from the coca plant. 2 Also known as coke, blow, and snow, cocaine is a highly addictive drug ... 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 ...

... or even a few years to get addicted to cocaine. Each person's path from one line of coke to addiction, tolerance, and dependence is unique to them. As cocaine abuse continues and tolerance sets in, more of the drug will ... continue reading

Cocaine Anonymous (CA) Meetings, 12 Steps, and Addiction Treatment

Cocaine addiction is a complex disease that has significant short- and long-term implications for a person's physical and mental health. 1 Treating cocaine addiction often involves behavioral interventions such as individual, family, and group-based ...

... Meetings CA meetings are hosted daily in many parts of the U.S., across the globe, and online. When joining Cocaine Anonymous, people typically find a group in their local community. This group is considered the Home ... continue reading

Cocaine Addiction Treatment and Rehab Programs

Cocaine use and addiction can be dangerous for a person's physical and mental health and have a detrimental impact on their life. If you or someone you care about is struggling with cocaine addiction, you know how difficult it can be to stop using ...

... 30 days to 90 days or longer . 12 Outpatient treatment typically lasts anywhere between 2 months and 1 year. 12 Cocaine Rehab Aftercare Programs Aftercare is a type of continuing care that can have various forms. You may ... continue reading

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

Cocaine is a Schedule II illegal stimulant drug that is highly addictive. It is often used recreationally, and there is a range of dangers associated with the use of cocaine. This page will talk about: What cocaine is and how it is used. Cocaine's ...

... associated with the use of cocaine. This page will talk about: What cocaine is and how it is used. Cocaine's effects on the brain and why it is so addictive. Short- and long-term effects of cocaine use. How the way it ... continue reading

Cocaine Addiction Side Effects, Symptoms, Withdrawal, and Treatment

Cocaine is a powerfully addictive stimulant drug that comes in the form of a white powder which is commonly snorted, smoked, or injected. 1 Its popularity as a recreational substance is in part due to its perceived positive effects on mood, ...

... article, we will talk about cocaine addiction, how addictive cocaine is, the signs and symptoms of addiction, and cocaine's effects and withdrawal symptoms. We'll also go over mixing cocaine with other drugs , as well ... continue reading

What Is Crack Cocaine? Side Effects, Crack Withdrawal, and Addiction Treatment

What Is Crack Cocaine? Crack cocaine is an addictive stimulant drug that is the rock crystal form of powdered cocaine. 1,2,5 Crack cocaine is a more potent form of cocaine that is processed so that it can be smoked, which provides an immediate high. ...

... also be referred to as rock, freebase, raw, or hard cocaine. 4,5 Crack cocaine is white or off-white in color and a solid rock formation in varying sizes and shapes, while cocaine is a white or off-white powder. 5,6 Due ... continue reading

Drugs and Devotion

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

... and blue lines) on the right Y-axis and the difference between the religious and nonreligious rates (purple bars ... 2 years). The biggest difference is seen in crack cocaine and heroin: On, average, believers who try these ... 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 ...

... to get there. While most people use one or perhaps two drugs, King used cocaine, Xanax , Valium , NyQuil, beer, tobacco, and marijuana to get him through the day. His family eventually staged an intervention, dumping ... 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 ...

... sold as Xanax or Xanax ER. While this assessment does not replace a clinical diagnosis from a professional, it can be helpful in recognizing the signs and symptoms of potential alprazolam misuse. Cocaine Addiction Self ... continue reading

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

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

... House” actress Mary-Kate Olsen suffered with anorexia and a related cocaine addiction that led her to rehab. The ... Home Alone star Macaulay Culkin was arrested for Xanax and marijuana possession during a rough patch in his ... continue reading

Risk of Counterfeit and Laced Drugs

Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that approximately 27 million people aged 12 and older were current illicit drug users. This figure amounts to 1 in every 10 people having used illegal drugs in the past month. With ...

... cutting agents found in popularly abused drugs. Cocaine may contain: Lidocaine : a local anesthetic ... ordered drugs like Ambien , Xanax, Lexapro, and Ativan over the Internet and instead received powerful anti-psychotics ... continue reading

Crack History and Statistics

Crack cocaine is a highly addictive drug of abuse that has intense stimulant properties. Typically, the user will feel a rush of excitement and energy that accompanies the euphoric delivered by the substance. Crack is a type of cocaine. This means ...

... abuse. The bar graphs state: About 37 million people over the age of 12 have used cocaine. Less than 10 million people over the age of 12 have used it. Consumption of both crack and cocaine has dropped slightly over ... continue reading

Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms and Treatment

Many substances of abuse can lead to the development of physiological dependence—especially if they are taken in large amounts and for a long period of time. When a person becomes dependent on a substance and then decides to stop using it, they ...

... with various types of substances, from marijuana and alcohol to stimulants such as cocaine and concerta, sedatives such as valium/diazepam, and opioids like subutex and heroin . 3 Significantly severe signs of withdrawal ... continue reading

Xanax Facts, History and Statistics | Dangers and Legality

Xanax is the well-known brand name for alprazolam . This medication belongs to a class of sedative and anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) drugs called benzodiazepines . History of Xanax Use Xanax is most commonly prescribed to treat: Anxiety. Panic ...

... sedation, including drowsiness and confusion, but life-threatening symptoms are rare when this drug is taken alone. However, abusers frequently combine Xanax with other drugs —such as alcohol or cocaine —to enhance the ... continue reading

LGBTQ+ and Gay-Friendly Drug and Alcohol Rehab Centers Near Me

Drug and alcohol rehab treatment is becoming increasingly specialized. Treatment designs have been evolving as a result of numerous studies indicating that recovery success is promoted when issues distinct demographic groups might face are ...

... are suffering with an opioid addiction, cocaine addiction, meth addiction, crack addiction, alcohol ... bars and clubs—potentially places of heightened alcohol and drug use. Potential frequent engagement in substance use and ... continue reading

Alcohol Misuse and Addiction: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment

What Is Alcohol Misuse? According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), alcohol is the most commonly used and misused substance in the United States. 1 Those who misuse alcohol are not necessarily addicted or ...

... disorder . 8 According to the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, of the 138.5 million people who had used alcohol in ... Alcohol With Illicit Drugs Bath Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth Ecstasy Heroin Inhalant ... continue reading

Adderall Abuse Signs, Symptoms, and Addiction Treatment

What Is Adderall Used For? Adderall is a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine that is used primarily to treat the symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) . It has benefits for sleep disorders and reported off-label ...

... to have misused prescription pain relievers. 8 times more likely to have used cocaine or prescription tranquilizers like Xanax and Klonopin recreationally. According to the Monitoring the Future Study, Adderall use rates ... 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 ...

... of anxiety and potentially exacerbate anxious thoughts. 12,13 Stimulants such as cocaine and methamphetamine ... (fluoxetine), and Celexa (citalopram). 15,22 Benzodiazepines —such as Xanax (alprazolam) and Valium (diazepam ... 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 ...

... such as diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam ( Xanax )—are GABA receptor activators, and their chronic use also causes ... symptoms. Psychostimulants Stimulant drugs—such as cocaine and amphetamine —provide some of the clearest ... continue reading

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

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

... drug scene. She is known to abuse heroin , cocaine , and prescription drugs , likely accounting for her 1995 crash ... bottles of champagne that she took from the bar's kitchen, and he expected her to pay for it. According ... continue reading

A Closer Look at the History and Use of Cocaine

Cocaine is a popular CNS (central nervous system) stimulant that is naturally derived from the cocoa plant, which is most commonly grown in South America's Andean region. Though its proper chemical name is benzoylmethyl ecgonine (C17H21NO4), users ...

... name is benzoylmethyl ecgonine (C17H21NO4), users refer to cocaine as coke, snow, blow, nose candy, dust, white lady, toot, and a host of other names. The Basics of Cocaine Cocaine is a white powder with a bitter ... continue reading

From Snort to Synapse: We Map Out Cocaine's Trip in Your Brain

The powder is perfectly lined on the table. With no straw handy, you roll up a Washington and seconds later, the snow is gone. Inhaled into your nostril, this stimulant drug has started a trip that will change your brain… forever. What does this ...

... Changing You Forever in a Moment Researchers have intently studied this coke trip under the microscope; they tell us a single dose of cocaine changes your brain's reward center. And that's partly why it's so easy to get ... 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, ...

... cardiovascular system. 1 Stimulant drugs include illicit and prescription drugs, such as: 2 Cocaine (coke, crack ). Amphetamines (prescription stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin ). Methamphetamine (meth, crystal, ice ... continue reading

Concurrent Alcohol and Cocaine Abuse

Concurrent Alcohol and Cocaine Abuse Cocaine is a profoundly addictive stimulant drug that produces euphoria, increased energy, and talkativeness. It is most often snorted or dissolved in water and injected into a vein. Due to the short duration of ...

... info. on its site. You can also check out the following DrugAbuse.com articles: The Effects of Cocaine Use Cocaine History and Statistics Cocaine Overdose The Effects of Alcohol on the Body If you are addicted to alcohol ... continue reading

Dangerous Additives: What's Really in Your Cocaine?

Cocaine is one of the most lethal illegal substances. This can be explained by the extraordinary psychoactive and biological effects of the drug. Cocaine is the single most powerful central nervous system stimulant. At high doses, it can stop the ...

... 2005. Here we will highlight some of the more insidious additives commonly found in impure street cocaine, their risks, and why they are used. Levamisole Levamisole is an anthelmic drug sometimes used to treat livestock ... continue reading

Cocaine Relapse Warning Signs, Prevention, and Addiction Treatment

Why Is Cocaine So Addictive? According to the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), approximately 1.3 million Americans met the criteria for cocaine addiction as outlined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ...

... not mean that you are a failure or that your treatment didn't work the first time. Cocaine relapse rates and statistics indicate that returning to treatment is a common occurrence. One research sample of more than 300 ... 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 ...

... sad or just a little angry. Researchers also found that the subjects who had taken cocaine had increased heart rates and higher levels of cortisol, the hormone that regulates how the body responds to stress. Small ... continue reading

Cocaine Addiction: Have Scientists Finally Found a Cure?

The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that an estimated 1.5 million Americans use cocaine. In 2015, our nation saw more than 6,700 cocaine-related deaths. Research indicates that around 40% of drug-related emergency department visits involve ...

... an extremely addictive stimulant. Its use can produce perceived positive effects on mood, motivation, and energy. A cocaine high is a pretty short-lived high, and this means that it's frequently used in what's known as a ... continue reading

Women Are More Likely to Get Hooked on Cocaine—But Why?

Women are generally more vulnerable to cocaine addiction than men, according to a recent study published in the journal Nature Communications. They're also more likely to use cocaine at an earlier age, take drugs in larger quantities, and have ...

... in this cyclical pattern? If the latter is the problem, we can start to do hormonal replacement therapy and see if that helps.” How to Find Help for Cocaine Misuse If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction to ... 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. ...

... boost Ted's mood as they build up, causing a feeling of euphoria or “high.” Repeated cocaine use alters these transmitters and tolerance quickly builds up. This means that if Ted wants to feel the same high, he has ... 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 ...

... of blood, no matter the frequency of use. Whether the mice received 30 days of chronic cocaine 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 ... 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 ...

... time (from 1980 to 2014). We then analyzed a University of Lausanne study of cutting agents for cocaine and heroin which was conducted over nine years. We used this information to uncover the dangers of ingesting these ... continue reading

Crack Cocaine’s Effect on the Brain (Simple Animation)

“Crack is whack”—that much is widely understood and accepted. But, what exactly is crack? How is crack different from cocaine? Is it possible that crack gets a bad rap, or is it as lethal as it seems? AsapSCIENCE breaks down what we need to ...

... to a solid. The new solid resembles a rock, hence the term “crack rock.” Why do people smoke crack cocaine , and how does the drug interact with the body when it's absorbed through the lungs? Because crack has a low ... continue reading

Rapper’s Shocking On-Stage Antics are Cause for Concern

A Florida rapper by the name of “Stitches” has earned a name for himself as of late, but for all the wrong reasons. The joker-like face tattoos are enough to take most people aback, but it's the lyrics to Stitches' music and his on-stage ...

... lyrics. In it, Stitches brags about his coke-dealing past and says things like “Better have my money when I come to collect” and “I love selling blow!” He also raps about selling cocaine to “pregnant b*tches” in another ... 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 ...

... stimulants , such as cocaine and methamphetamine, speed up brain activity, blood pressure, and heart rate. 1,2 ... of a sudden blow to the head or an object piercing the brain through the skull. 6 Meth and TBI both cause ... continue reading

30 Famous Athletes Who Have Battled Drug Addiction and Alcoholism

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

... list, was once busted for cocaine and marijuana possession. 26. Lawrence ... coke was the only bright spot in my future,” he has said. 27. Leonard Little Football player Leonard Little once spent three months in jail and ... continue reading

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

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

... post-use. It's likely Joe and his friends just played their last game. Coke-Laiden Pink Slip After six months of searching, Kevin finally landed a great job. He uses cocaine frequently, but managed to pass his employer ... continue reading

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

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

... it's popular on the party scene thanks to its high and dissociative effects. However, it's easy to get ketamine abuse wrong because of its potency; it's more powerful than speed or coke weight for weight, so it's easy to ... continue reading

I’m a Millionaire and I Need to Go to Rehab. Where Do I Go?

You've realized you have an issue, whether it's a heroin or coke addiction or a sex addiction, so you need to find somewhere nice to attend rehab. Naturally, you want somewhere that's a little more exclusive to avoid running into someone who might ...

... realized you have an issue, whether it's a heroin or coke addiction or a sex addiction, so you need to find ... a very high-powered job, you only want the best treatment, and you can afford to pay for it. So where would you ... continue reading

8 Tips for Coming Out of the Addiction Closet

To many, the term “alcoholic” carries a very negative connotation - one that implies being a loser or a failure. It's no mystery, then, why admitting such a thing is feared by so many. But “coming out” doesn't have to be a burdensome ...

... problem and prison experience to strangers. Tip 6: Cushion the Blow Chances are, your friends and ... fact, I've found the more I get up in front of a group and admit my weaknesses, the more whole I've become. Tip 8: You're ... 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 ...

... e.g. OxyContin, Percocet, Vicodin, etc.) . Alcohol + benzodiazepines (e.g. Ativan, Valium, Xanax, etc.). Cocaine + heroin. Alcohol + cocaine . Alcohol and Opioids Opioids are a class of drug that includes both heroin, an ... continue reading

If Old Drug Ads Told the Truth

Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Through the late 19th century and mid-20th century, many of today's illicit drugs of abuse were available legally in the United States. Products containing cocaine, heroin, or amphetamine were readily available for ...

... time. Rather than strengthening the system, this product would exacerbate the effects produced by both cocaine and alcohol and potentially contribute to more severe, long-lasting symptoms. 4. Metcalf's Coca Wine Metcalf ... continue reading

How to Treat Stimulant Addiction: Rehab and Stimulant Treatment Options

Stimulants are a broad class of substances that affect the nervous system in a way that leads to increased activity across a number of mental and physical processes—serving, in varying degrees, to boost energy and attention, but also capable of ...

... systems. The stimulant category encompasses both drugs that are encountered predominantly illicitly (e.g. cocaine, crystal meth) and those that are acquired legally, in the case of drugs prescribed by a medical provider ... continue reading

Concurrent Alcohol and Crack Abuse

Concurrent Alcohol and Crack Abuse In the mid 1980s, crack cocaine use exploded across the United States. In 1974, 5 million people had tried cocaine. By 1985, more than 22 million people had tried cocaine, with more than half of them reporting ...

... intoxication experienced from either substance alone. Furthermore, this chemical is slower to metabolize than either cocaine or alcohol and becomes extremely toxic as it builds up in the body tissues. This can result in ... 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 ...

... Intravenous Drugs of Abuse Intravenous drug abuse is largely limited to 3 main drug types: heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine. 2 However, nearly any type of drug—particularly those that come in tablet or pill form—can ... 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 ...

... start injecting. 21 If the arms get too scarred or inflamed, other sites on the body may be used. 21 Heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine are some of the most commonly injected drugs, but other drugs can be dissolved ... 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 ...

... more about the effects of cocaine use , cocaine withdrawal , and cocaine overdose symptoms . What Is ... recovering from drug or alcohol addiction. What Is Xanax? Xanax is the name brand of the generic drug alprazolam ... 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 ...

... related to illicit drug use such as heroin and cocaine. #4 Cocaine Cocaine has a reputation as a “rich man's ... treat anxiety and sleep disorders. Brand names you may have hard include Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan, and Valium. ... 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, ...

... —without a single success. The biggest investment of resources has gone to experimental vaccines against nicotine and cocaine, and numerous agents have made it as far as Phase III. But their repeated failures to show ... 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 ...

... as a gateway drug. Powder cocaine use is mainly seen in the Northeast and Southern regions; crack cocaine extends to the Midwest. Historically, crack cocaine and powder cocaine have a controversial entanglement with ... continue reading

Dangers of Snorting and Sniffing Drugs

Different routes of administration like snorting, sniffing, smoking, or injecting when you are using drugs can produce various effects based on how quickly the drug is absorbed into the body and the bloodstream. 1 Methods like smoking or injecting ...

... or heroin , but prescription pills like Adderall or Vicodin can also be crushed and snorted. 2 People might also dissolve cocaine in water and snort it using a straw, which is sometimes called an inhaler, bullet, or ... 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 ...

... and anxious, and may crave to use again. 6 Benzodiazepines Benzodiazepines , such as Valium and Xanax ... levels and become less sensitive to dopamine, and more and more cocaine is needed to produce the same effects and ... continue reading

What Drugs Cause the Most Insane Behavior?

Many substances that are addictive cause mental changes or unusual behavior. Even if a substance does not inherently have mind-altering properties, people who are addicted to it may display strange behavior if they need the drug are unable to obtain ...

... by chewing the coca leaf, by snorting the powder into the nose, by injection, by inhalation, and even by suppository. Cocaine is a serotonin-norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor, which is one reason why it is very ... continue reading

Warning: 3 Dangerous Suboxone Interactions to Avoid

Suboxone is a popular, prescription-only drug that effectively suppresses opioid cravings and reduces the symptoms of opioid withdrawal. Although Suboxone has assisted thousands of individuals struggling with opioid addiction, the drug is not ...

... ): Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, Klonopin) are typically prescribed to alleviate anxiety and treat insomnia. ... , and even death. Cocaine: By counteracting the effects of the other, combining Suboxone and cocaine produces ... 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 ...

... increased energy, has been shown to cause kidney complications in acute and chronic users. Much like heroin, rhabdomyolysis is commonly seen in those who abuse cocaine, and it can lead to kidney failure. 2 As many as 33 ... 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 ...

... cathinones are less dangerous than the illicit stimulants they mimic. Just as methamphetamine and cocaine can produce dependence and addiction in individuals who abuse them, so can cathinones. In some instances, the ... 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” ...

... or poet is a minefield. Robert Louis Stevenson In just six days, Stevenson wrote 60,000 words. The reason was cocaine , and he wasn't well at the time. Of course, the drug mentioned in The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll ... continue reading

Stimulant Detox, Withdrawal Symptoms, and Addiction Treatment

Stimulants are substances that increase the activity of several neurotransmitter systems throughout the brain and are capable of creating a state of heightened energy and alertness. Additionally, many stimulant drugs elevate physiological processes ...

... processes such as heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure. 1 Some common stimulants include: ADHD medications (amphetamine, methylphenidate). Cocaine/crack cocaine. Methamphetamine (including crystal meth). Signs of ... 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 ...

... use can lead to fertility problems in men. 8 Men who use marijuana and cocaine may experience changes in hormone levels that can affect sperm movement and lead to infertility. Anabolic steroids also pose a danger to male ... continue reading

Social Drug Use is Like Kryptonite to Healthy Relationships

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

... to approach anyone while at a bar or club. To overcome this inhibition, he snorts cocaine before going out with his friends. ... exactly in the condition to have deep conversations and get to know someone. If you're using ... 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 ...

... her sad life story. 6. Anthony Kiedis Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers turned to cocaine and heroin when he was young. However, when his bandmate died of a heroin overdose in 1988, Kiedis swore he would never ... 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 - ...

... like Vicodin, OxyContin, and Ultram) and tranquilizers (like Valium, Klonopin, and Xanax) are easy or ... who chose each option, PCP, LSD, heroin, crack cocaine, and MDMA are thought to be among the most difficult to ... continue reading

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

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

... bath salts on the brain are unknown. However, these chemicals work similarly to other psychostimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine, which makes it likely that the effects of bath salts on neural pathways is similar ... 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, ...

... purposes. Here's a look at some of the forefathers of modern illicit drugs, without whom heroin, cocaine, LSD, meth, and morphine would either be less popular in our culture or not even exist. Charles Romley Alder Wright ... 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 ...

... , cocaine, and methamphetamine over the dark web. In May, Vallerius plead guilty to charges of conspiracy and money ... the passwords to his devices - cell phone, iPad, and laptop - as part of a routine inspection at the ... continue reading

Drug and Alcohol Misuse and Cancer Risk

What Causes Cancer? Despite declines in the death rate over the last 20 years, cancer continues to be one of the most prevalent public health issues in the U.S. According to the National Cancer Institute: 1 About 1,806,590 new cases of cancer would ...

... of methamphetamine. One of these chemicals is the same carcinogen found in cigarettes and gasoline, benzene. 15 Cocaine . It is a common for cocaine dealers to add other substances to the drug to create more of the ... continue reading

Drugs on Mars and Venus

Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus is one of the most iconic books of the '90s, having sold more than 50 million copies. Its core theory is that men and women often think and act in dramatically different ways because of fundamental differences ...

... When it comes to gender differences, 1.7 times more men than women said they had used cocaine at least once before, and for crack cocaine, twice as many men said they'd tried it. Heroin, although it has one of the lowest ... 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 ...

... 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 chemically ... 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 ...

... reasons. For example, use of this drug causes severe dry mouth and increases exposure to cavity-causing bacteria. Cocaine also causes users to clench and grind their teeth, wearing down the surface enamel. So what's ... continue reading

A Decade of American Drug Use

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

... as well. Among these were drug scourges that have incited public outcry in decades past, such as crack cocaine and methamphetamine . The public also used PCP at substantially lower rates in 2016 than in 2004, a very ... continue reading

Zoloft Use in Substance Abuse Treatment

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

... about your rehab options. You deserve the best care possible, and we can help you get started on the road to recovery. Zoloft and Cocaine Addiction Treatment While research on the use of antidepressants during withdrawal ... 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 ...

... physical and psychological effects and, in many, precipitate a pattern that may eventually lead to full-blown ... period of time . Also, while crystal meth and cocaine both block the reabsorption of dopamine (reuptake), only ... 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 ...

... of the effects of benzos, and vice versa. That means that drugs like Xanax , Valium , or Klonopin ... increases the risk of severe respiratory depression and death. Heroin and Cocaine A lot of people mistakenly think this ... continue reading

Concurrent Alcohol and Bath Salts Abuse

Bath Salts: A Dangerous Synthetic Drug Even though few people mention “bath salts” when they discuss addictive drugs, this new drug has grown astronomically in popularity over the past several years. “Bath salts” are far from the salts you ...

... many bath salts have a 90% purity level, you can begin to grasp the toxicity of these drugs (cocaine and amphetamines often have a purity level under 50%). Another huge danger of bath salts is that no recommended dosage ... 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 ...

... CDC, and it includes illegal drugs like cocaine and heroin, and legal drugs, such as prescription and OTC ... other states for a relatively long time (as the green bar of cells extending to 2007 shows), but then saw a ... continue reading

Why Are Prescription Stimulants So Addictive?

Prescription stimulants are very prevalent pharmaceutical agents. They are frequently used for the management of narcolepsy and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Drugs that fall in this category include: Dextroamphetamine and ...

... , that is very similar to those of illicit drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine . Specifically, stimulants cause a buildup in the brain and spinal cord of a group of neurotransmitters called monoamines , especially ... continue reading

12-Step Recovery Programs and Support Groups for Addiction

12-Step recovery programs have become an integral aspect of maintaining sobriety post-addiction. 1 They usually operate on the basis of abstinence while creating a community of people who are living sober lives. 1 A 12-Step program helps establish ...

... Celebrate Recovery: 12-Step program centered around Christ and Christianity. Cocaine Anonymous: Recovery program targeted towards people struggling with cocaine misuse . Crystal Meth Anonymous: Recovery program targeted ... continue reading

Country vs. City Addictions: Are They Different?

Urban and rural addicts don't seem to have a whole lot in common, according to a report published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). In gathering data for this particular study, researchers looked at addiction ...

... also more likely to seek out treatment for prescription painkillers and stimulants. Urban addicts, however, primary abuse traditional street drugs like heroin and cocaine. Around 21.8 percent of city addicts say heroin ... continue reading

Effects of Drugs on the Brain: Impact of Drugs on Neurotransmitters

For many people, addiction can be difficult to understand. Understanding how drugs affect the brain can help shed some light on how a person develops an addiction. This article will discuss how various drugs affect the chemistry of the brain and ...

... are illicit stimulant drugs—like cocaine—and prescription stimulant medications that are ... anxiety and panic attacks, as well as to manage acute seizures in emergency situations. Examples include: Alprazolam ( Xanax ). ... continue reading

A Look at the Physical Anatomy of an Overdose

A drug overdose occurs when the body has been overloaded with either prescription medication or an illicit substance. Under normal circumstances, our body's metabolism would be able to detoxify the substance in order to avoid its potentially harmful ...

... areas of the body: the brain and the heart. The effects of cocaine and meth focus on the central nervous system ... and anxiety. Focusing on the central nervous system, sedatives like Xanax and Valium , slow down brain and ... continue reading

5 Genius Minds Who Dabbled in Drugs

For hundreds and thousands of years, human beings have experimented with drugs. Some people used illicit substances to celebrate the gods; some used drugs to “communicate” with the other side. As time went on, people began using drugs for a ...

... place in history. The “father of psychoanalysis” was fascinated by dream analysis and formulated the Oedipus complex. Freud also had a serious love for cocaine , describing it as his “wonder drug.” In a letter written to ... continue reading

The 10 Most Insane Drug Addict Movie Characters

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

... drug deal. 2. Eddie Nash Eddie Nash was a cocaine trader in the film Wonderland. A kingpin of the Los ... an iconic film about the drug trade in Miami, and it's a coked-up Tony Montana who gets the insane label. Played by ... continue reading

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

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

... drug that's secretly added to baggies of heroin (or cocaine) as a cheap way for dealers to add weight to ... prison after pleading guilty to drug possession and distribution of the heroin and fentanyl that lead to J.H.'s ... 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 , ...

... taught their dogs to sniff out heroin, crack, cocaine, meth and marijuana. However, there's no way for ... to sniff out illegal pot practices. Not everything is above bar; possessing anything over one ounce is still a crime ... continue reading

Are These 7 Things Really as Addictive as Drugs?

When you think about the disease of addiction, images of illicit drugs or empty whisky bottles likely come to mind. But addiction isn't limited to these substances. In fact, experts have determined that humans can become addicted to anything that ...

... , which the US National Library of Medicine says “can not only substitute to addictive drugs, like cocaine, but can even be more rewarding and attractive.” 1 2. Love Addiction Love is a tricky thing. One day it can be ... continue reading

Is Your Friend High? Here’s How to Tell…

Your friend seems a little “off.” Is he simply having a bad day? Did he not sleep well? Is he sick? Or is he high? To the untrained observer, it can be hard to tell. But it's important to discern. Depending on the circumstances, it could affect ...

... , there's a good chance your friend is high. (A)gitation: Some drugs, such as methamphetamine and cocaine, can cause irritability and nervousness. If your friend seems jumpy or easily angered, it may be because they're ... continue reading

Addiction and Your Hormones: Pointing the Finger at Estrogen

Could a hormone imbalance be to blame for your chemical dependency ? The answer might surprise you. If you're a woman, chances are you're familiar with the effects of a fluctuating estrogen level. Symptoms such as fatigue, anxiety, and depression ...

... . So, when a woman is in the high-estrogen phase of her menstrual cycle and she takes a certain drug - think meth or cocaine - she feels more enjoyment. Those increased feelings of pleasure often lead women to associate ... continue reading

Rise of the Study Drug

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

... at the same time a high potential for abuse that may lead to severe psychological and physical dependence. Cocaine, morphine and methadone are all Schedule II substances. Imagine, then, opening Twitter one morning to be ... continue reading

From Bath Salts to Flakka: Searching for Designer Drugs

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

... in terms of drug seizures. Florida's long coastline and many airports have historically made it a popular entryway for cocaine, heroin, and marijuana; authorities have now added flakka to that list. Georgia, Texas ... continue reading

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

Is Flakka Harmful? Flakka is a street drug with origins in South Florida. One of the newer chemicals in the booming category of synthetic or designer drugs, Flakka is typically made from a synthetic version of an amphetamine-like stimulant in the ...

... term effects of Flakka can rival those of some of the strongest crystal meth and cocaine . Long-Term Effects of Flakka Use Long-term effects of Flakka use are not yet published. Flakka is one of the more recent synthetic ... continue reading

Flakka Abuse Side Effects, Symptoms, and Addiction Treatment

What Is Flakka? Flakka is a relatively new synthetic designer drug that is gaining in popularity, particularly in Florida, Texas, and Ohio. This man-made stimulant is also commonly referred to as “gravel” on the street due to its white, ...

... (alpha-PVP). The drug action of alpha-PVP is similar to that of cocaine and, in 2014, it was banned and labeled as a Schedule I controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Flakka ... continue reading

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

What Is Adderall Used For? Adderall is a form of amphetamine prescribed for the treatment of: 1 Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Narcolepsy. It is available in 2 forms : immediate release and extended release. 1 Both forms are ...

... . 3 As a result of this, use of the drug can cause feelings of energy and invigoration, similar to the high experienced by cocaine users. 4 Even when it is taken as prescribed, Adderall can have several negative effects ... continue reading

Ways of Helping Someone With Drug or Alcohol Addiction

Seeking Drug Addiction Help If you have a loved one who is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, it can be difficult to watch them. You may be wondering how to help them with their substance abuse issues. They might be ready to quit and ...

... -Related Articles Help for Alcohol and Illicit Drug Abuse Alcohol Bath Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth Dextromethorphan DMT ... Oxycontin Painkiller Percocet Suboxone Subutex Tramadol Tussionex Valium Vicodin Xanax Zolpidem continue reading

History of Drug Abuse and Addiction in the U.S. and Throughout the World

What Is the History of Substance Abuse Rehabilitation? As drugs have been abused for hundreds of years all over the world, their effects have been felt for just as long. For as long as drugs have been used, there have been those who have abused ...

... that Britain went to war twice with China to keep opium trade routes open, and these naturally became known as the Opium Wars. Cocaine was isolated in 1884 and quickly became yet another widespread drug of abuse. Heroin ... continue reading

Demerol Abuse Symptoms and Addiction Treatment

What Is Demerol Used For? Demerol, also known by the street name “demmies” and the generic name meperidine , is a prescription opioid painkiller. Demerol is used to treat relatively severe pain and is available in liquid or tablet form. As a ...

... teens is linked to other dangerous behaviors, such as heavy drinking, smoking cigarettes and use of illegal drugs like marijuana and cocaine . Teens may abuse prescription drugs because of easy access, such as after ... continue reading

Date Rape Drugs: It’s Not Just Roofies Anymore

Rape is a serious criminal act, with the potential for severe and lasting repercussions on the victim's life. Rape involves sexually taking advantage of another person without their consent, and this includes having sex with a person who is ...

... debilitating, such as benzodiazepines and alcohol, cocaine and ketamine, and many other drug blends ... be prepared and brought to you. If someone offers to buy you a drink and you accept, go with them to the bar and grab it ... continue reading

Ritalin Abuse Signs, Symptoms, and Addiction Treatment

What Is Ritalin Used For? Ritalin is the trade name for methylphenidate, a stimulant of the central nervous system used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Is Ritalin Addictive? Ritalin can be very ...

... snorted, the effects of Ritalin can mimic those of cocaine, producing feelings of euphoria . In fact, the ... teen about the fact that Ritalin can be addictive and prescription drugs can be as dangerous as street drugs ... continue reading

How to Help Someone With Concerta Addiction

When you love someone with an addiction, it can be hard to understand why he or she can't just stop using overnight. Addiction can take over an individual's life and produce an all-consuming desire to continue use, despite the user wanting or ...

... commonly abused for the cocaine-like effects it can produce, such as: Euphoria. Increased wakefulness and focus. Talkativeness. It ... Painkiller Percocet Suboxone Subutex Tramadol Tussionex Valium Vicodin Xanax Zolpidem continue reading

Concerta Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment

What Is Concerta? Concerta is the brand name for an “extended-release” version of methylphenidate. Methylphenidate is also prescribed under the brand name Ritalin and is most often used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder , ...

... . When taken in high doses, Concerta can produce physical and mental effects similar to those of street drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine . People who abuse Concerta often crush the pill or empty the capsule ... continue reading

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