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Effects of Heroin Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
Is Heroin Harmful? Heroin is the name for a modified version of morphine that is a very addictive and illegal opioid drug . The drug is available on the illicit market in a number of different varieties, with purer product tending to occur in white ...
... t always signify purity, however, as heroin can be mixed with other white substances such as sugars, powdered milk, starches, and quinine—the latter a bitter compound that has fever-reducing and pain-relieving properties ... continue reading -
Heroin Addiction Treatment Centers and Rehab Programs
Heroin addiction can negatively impact certain aspects of your life and have dangerous health repercussions. Here, we will help you understand heroin addiction, how addiction is treated, and what you should know about heroin rehab centers, including ...
... of physiological heroin dependence—at which point, your body has become so adapted to the presence of heroin that ... example, you'll likely pay less to a preferred provider if you have a PPO, while HMOs may require you to ... continue reading -
How to Help a Heroin Addict
More than 590,000 people had a heroin use disorder in the U.S. in 2015, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. If you or someone you love is addicted to heroin, you're not alone, and there is help available. Approaching Someone About ...
... treatment is when the heroin addict lives full-time at a treatment center. This allows them to focus exclusively on recovery. If you're looking for treatment for yourself or a loved one, have a list of questions for ... continue reading -
Heroin Abuse Signs, Symptoms, Effects, Overdose, and Treatment
About Heroin Abuse What Is Heroin? Heroin is a substance that is both illegal and extremely addictive . The drug derives from opium from the poppy plant before it is refined to morphine, then further chemically modified to become heroin. Despite its ...
... approved to reverse the effects of a heroin overdose. Am I Addicted to Heroin? If you're worried about your use of heroin, you likely have a problem. However, you can use our heroin addiction assessment to help determine ... continue reading -
Why Is Heroin So Addictive?
Despite its dangers and reputation for harm, use of heroin continues to escalate in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Rates of heroin use have increased across gender, socioeconomic status, age group, ...
... highly addictive nature. All opioid addictions stem from the mechanism of action these drugs have in the brain. Heroin is a chemically modified version of its morphine precursor substance. When the drug is ingested, it ... continue reading -
Heroin Use Increasing Across New Demographics, Study Finds
The face of heroin in the US is changing. As the drug becomes more commonly abused among new racial, geographic and socioeconomic groups, the profile of those users is also evolving. The change is, in part, because heroin is becoming more ...
... and Rigg examined three groups of people who had reported using heroin and/or prescription opiates (via the 2010 ... experts are quick to point out that this is a statistic that could very easily shift. There are increasing ... continue reading -
Chicken vs. Egg: Which Came First, Heroin or OxyContin Addiction?
For centuries, people have debated one age old question: which came first, the chicken or the egg? While both sides of this argument have their valid points, the question itself has evolved, making its way into other areas of society, including the ...
... to data from the 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), about 669,000 Americans reported using heroin in the past year , a number that has steadily risen since 2007. Those between the ages of 18 and 25 ... continue reading -
Free Heroin Addiction Hotline Numbers
Call American Addiction Centers (AAC) now at What Is a Heroin Hotline Number? Heroin addiction is a very hard challenge to overcome alone. This is why doctors, mental health professionals, and support group members advocate seeking help if you ...
... and call us at . Why Should I Call a Heroin Helpline Number? Calling a heroin helpline does not mean you must commit to ... field more than 65,000 calls per month and have helped millions access treatment. Call them today at ... continue reading -
Why Is Heroin So Deadly Today?
For more than a century, heroin has been a dangerous drug of abuse. For years, people have been attracted to the substance's ability to produce a relatively inexpensive, rapid-onset, and intensely euphoric high. 1,2 While the drug's high holds a ...
... . 9 In some cases, it is sold in bags with logos that make it look like heroin. To date, a limited number of studies have revealed little about U-47700's potency or toxic impact, apart from its powerful potential to ... continue reading -
Heroin Facts—Because Knowing Is Half the Battle
“Smack” - “Junk” - “H” Heroin is a drug that goes by many names but, no matter what you call it, it's still the same potent, potentially deadly drug. While its name really isn't that important, knowing some basic facts about heroin can ...
... 10,000 deaths by overdose . That same year, 586,000 Americans had developed a substance use disorder involving heroin. Heroin-related deaths increased in groups across the board. Fatalities spiked among men and women ... continue reading -
Concurrent Alcohol and Heroin Abuse
Dangers of Abusing Alcohol and Heroin The dangerous combination of alcohol and heroin gets widespread publicity every year from tragedies that remind the public how alcohol amplifies the already powerful effects of heroin on the central nervous ...
... by taking an excess amount. Statistics on Alcohol and Heroin For reasons of price or availability , heroin use has been climbing in the US over the past several years. A 2011 survey showed that 4.2 million Americans aged ... continue reading -
Record-Breaking Number of Overdoses Traced Back to Bad Heroin
A dangerous batch of heroin circulating throughout the city of Chicago has caused a record-breaking 74 overdoses in the span of just three days. When the numbers began to climb at such an astonishing rate, medical professionals began to suspect a ...
... of Chicago has caused a record-breaking 74 overdoses in the span of just three days. When the numbers began to climb at such an astonishing rate, medical professionals began to suspect a batch of bad heroin was involved ... continue reading -
DEA: Heroin ‘Probably’ More Dangerous Than Marijuana
With 23 states and Washington D.C. legalizing medical marijuana and four states legalizing it for recreational use, it's quite possible we'll see a day when marijuana is considered “legal” throughout the U.S. However, the Drug Enforcement ...
... other words, it's in the same category as heroin and crack cocaine . Even the staunchest anti-drug supporters have hard a time putting pot on equal footing with heroin. In fact, federal judge Kimberly Mueller declined to ... continue reading -
The Price Tag of Heroin in America: $51 Billion
If you're hooked on heroin, you'll spend an average of $150 a day to support your habit. That's nearly $55,000 per year. Heroin abuse comes with a pretty hefty price tag, unfortunately personal financial burden isn't the only cash-flow issue left in ...
... at the University of Illinois Chicago decided to look at the financial impact heroin has on our society. They developed a cost-analytic model to determine the repercussions. The variables included: Number of imprisoned ... continue reading -
Prescription Opiates: As Addictive as Heroin?
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than 21.5 million Americans aged 12 and older met the criteria for substance use disorder in 2014. Of these, 1.9 million were addicted to prescription opiate pain medications and 586,000 ...
... the other hand, many argue that heroin is cheaper and easier to obtain because laws and policies surrounding prescription opiates have strengthened in the last few years as a result of the opiate-addiction epidemic. In ... continue reading -
Heroin Relapse Warning Signs, Prevention, and Addiction Treatment
Heroin Relapse Is Common Heroin addiction is very powerful, and heroin's interaction with opioid receptors and its reinforcing influence on your brain's reward centers result in such profound feelings of euphoria and pleasure that it sometimes feels ...
... reports that 2.1% of adults aged 26 and older have used heroin at least once in their lifetimes. 2 Anyone can develop a heroin addiction—it's not limited to a specific demographic—but once you develop an addiction, it ... continue reading -
Heroin's Death Toll Hits an All-Time High in New York
New York City has a serious heroin problem on their hands and new data released by the city's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene reveals just how deep the issue goes. In fact, more people died from unintentional heroin overdoses in New York ...
... saw in 2012. Affluent areas of the north Bronx and eastern Queens have also become hot spots for heroin, a result of heavy opioid pill and heroin use in the surrounding suburbs in Westchester County and on Long Island ... continue reading -
Is Fentanyl Abuse More Deadly Than Heroin?
Fentanyl, a drug previously unheard of by many, has become notorious in recent years due to the spike in overdose deaths from heroin laced with the potent prescription narcotic. It gained even more notoriety when the April 2016 death of iconic ...
... of NPF is reported to sell for roughly $1.3 million dollars, whereas a kilo of heroin will sell for a relatively mere $271,000 3 . There has been a spike in the number of fentanyl drug seizures in the past 2 years. In ... 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 ...
... . In 1987, average cocaine was 80% pure; today, its purity is closer to 52%. Likewise, heroin hit a purity high of 58% in 1993, but has since dropped to an estimated 35%. What's causing the sharp increase in additives to ... continue reading -
A Sister’s Honest Talk About Her Brother’s Heroin Addiction
Alex didn't answer the phone. He missed their father's birthday party and still wasn't answering. But Allison kept dialing. It didn't seem right, but then again, things hadn't seemed “right” for a long time. Alex had all but stopped showing up ...
... he able to resist the pull? When Did Everything Go Wrong? It was just a few months later when she got the call. Alex had been arrested for heroin possession . She sat up late with her husband, the window was open as 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” ...
... for having some sort of addiction. Whether it's alcohol to numb the noise of the world or speed or LSD ... Most famous for his book titled Junkie, Burroughs was a heroin and opioid addict . He even accidentally shot his ... 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 ...
... hash use . What Is Heroin? Heroin is an illicit drug known ... a sedative-anxiolytic which has historically been associated with cases of abuse and dependence. Learn about the effects of Soma use . What Is Speed? Speed is a ... continue reading -
Amphetamine Addiction Signs, Symptoms, Effects, and Treatment
Amphetamines are prescription medications or illegal substances that are also known as stimulants, as they speed up your metabolism and increase your alertness. When legally prescribed, they are typically used to treat attention-deficit ...
... as base, crystal, d-meth, fast, glass, ice, meth, speed, whiz, pure, or wax. Methamphetamine , which, when in liquid ... those that occur due to cocaine use, but they have a slower onset and last longer. 1 The effects of ... continue reading -
New Study: Amphetamine Abuse and This Old Heart
It's called speed for a reason. Amphetamines, like Ritalin or Adderall, accelerate your heart rate. They send your nervous system into overdrive. Guess what else it speeds up? The aging process. That's right. Pumping your system full of amphetamine ...
It's called speed for a reason. Amphetamines, like Ritalin or Adderall, accelerate your heart rate. They send your nervous system into overdrive. Guess what else it speeds up? The aging process. That's right. Pumping ... continue reading -
What Recreational Drugs Cause Liver Damage? Drugs and Liver Disease
The Function of the Liver The liver plays an extremely important role in the body. It ensures the removal of toxins and has numerous other functions, including: Fat metabolism: Liver cells—or hepatocytes—are able to process dietary and stored ...
... well as drugs and other toxic substances the individual may have consumed. 1 The liver's job is to detoxify ... are classified as enzyme inhibitors, which reduce the speed at which a drug is broken down. In many cases, the ... 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 ...
... 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 ... 't speed up the process. But you will smell nicer. Take two and call me in the morning: Popping a couple ... 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 ...
... each drug cancels the other out is both deceptive and dangerous. Indeed, a user may feel less drowsy if they have used cocaine with heroin, but this deception is a mere smokescreen. The reason for many of the deaths as ... 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 ...
... a threat to the cardiovascular system can have widespread effects. 12 Commonly misused substances may speed or ... , other sites on the body may be used. 21 Heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine are some of the most commonly ... continue reading -
The 5 Most Dangerous Painkiller Myths
While painkiller use is widespread, there is a vast amount of false information surrounding them. Unfortunately, many people begin using opioid painkillers knowing little about them. Given few details about these drugs - how they work, when to take ...
... their mechanism of action is similar to that of heroin . Examples of opioid pain medications include: Hydrocodone ... prescribers. Using painkillers at high doses. Having a mental illness or history of substance use ... continue reading -
Drug Abuse: The Oral Health Kryptonite
It's February and we've all celebrated Groundhog Day, Valentine's Day and even President's day. So, that's basically it for February, right? Well…actually it isn't. February is also National Dental Health Month, making this a great time to promote ...
... (kids and adults) visit the dentist twice a year in order to make sure all's well ... speed or ecstasy . They cause severe tooth decay, jaw-clenching and dry mouth. Heroin: Heroin belongs to the opiate drug family and it has ... 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 ...
... well as illicit drugs like heroin . Research suggests that long-term heroin use can cause the white matter ... failure, may occur within minutes of a single use. Since inhalants have different chemical components, they will ... continue reading -
Taking Action: How to Intervene During an Overdose
Drug overdoses are now the leading cause of accident death in the United States. According to the Centers of Disease Control (CDC), 43,982 drug overdose deaths occurred in 2013 across the nation. That's two times the amount of overdose deaths a ...
... Overdose While overdosing on stimulants ( cocaine , speed, methamphetamine ) is not as deadly, statistically ... heroin-related deaths have increased five-fold over the last 10 years. Since both of these opiates have a ... continue reading -
Effects of Ketamine Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, and Side Effects
Is Ketamine Dangerous? “It's easy to get ketamine abuse wrong because of its potency; it's more powerful than speed or coke weight for weight, so it's easy to accidentally overdose.” Like its sister drug CP, ketamine is a dissociative ...
... abuse wrong because of its potency; it's more powerful than speed or coke weight for weight, so it's easy to ... with the law as a result of using ketamine and don't want to give it up, you may well have an addiction . You ... continue reading -
Vyvanse Side Effects, Short-Term and Long-Term Effects, and Treatment
What Is Vyvanse Used For? Vyvanse is a brand name for the medication lisdexamfetamine that is prescribed to treat Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and binge-eating disorders. 1,2 Vyvanse belongs to a class of medicines known as ...
... is misused or abused, it can speed up the development of tolerance, have a negative impact on both mental and physical ... to help people taper off of drugs such as heroin , there are no medications approved by the Food ... continue reading -
Side Effects of Librium Use, Withdrawal and Addiction Treatment
What Is Librium Used For? Librium—which is a brand name formulation of chlordiazepoxide—belongs to a class of sedative medications known as benzodiazepines. Librium has been widely used as a treatment for anxiety and for managing the symptoms of ...
... more frequently, or for a longer period of time than directed by a doctor, it can speed up the onset of tolerance ... 1,2 Mixing alcohol or opioids —such as heroin or prescription painkillers—with Librium can increase the ... continue reading -
3 Devastatingly Dangerous Alcohol-Drug Combos
According to statistics compiled by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), roughly 25% of substance-related emergency room admissions involve a combination of both drugs and alcohol. Poly-Drug Abuse Although heavily ...
... an extent. In other words, stimulants ( cocaine , speed , meth , Ritalin , Adderall ) mask the depressive ... Alcohol or Drug Addiction If you think you might have a problem with alcohol or drug misuse, help is available ... 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 ...
... . 1 About 32% of American adults have both a mental illness and a substance use disorder (SUD) at some ... have worse symptoms, and experience worse outcomes. 10,11 Both marijuana and stimulants cause the heart rate to speed ... 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 ...
... to work can often actually help speed up your recovery; working gives you a sense of purpose and keeps ... them . Once you have a list telling you exactly what you need to do, you'll find that you have a lot more energy to ... continue reading -
Meth Abuse Signs, Symptoms, Effects, and Treatment
Methamphetamine is a psychostimulant often abused for the euphoric “high” it provides. Some signs of meth abuse include frequent paranoia, agitation, sweating, insomnia, skin changes, weight loss, and more. Abusing this powerfully addictive drug ...
... on Drug Abuse also reports that methamphetamine use may speed up the progression of HIV/AIDS and worsen symptoms ... death . Meth Abuse Statistics and History Methamphetamine has a long history . It was given to soldiers ... continue reading -
The Side Effects of Xanax: Pill Use and Short-Term and Long-Term Effects
What Is Xanax Used For? Xanax (generic name: alprazolam) is a powerful benzodiazepine drug that is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain. 1,2 The medication comes in the form of a pill that quickly ...
... and concentrating, general intelligence and psychomotor speed. 7 What Are the Side Effects of Xanax Use? All medications have potential side effects, including Xanax. Even when a person is adhering to prescribed dosing ... continue reading -
Long-Term Effects of Molly, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment
MDMA Drug Information Ecstasy is the more common street name for 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine—a highly addictive, illicit drug also known as MDMA , or “Molly.” This drug shares chemical structural similarities with both amphetamine and ...
... : 1,2 X. XTC. Lover's Speed. Adam. Eve. Peace. Clarity. The drug was developed by a German pharmaceutical company, Merck KGaA, in 1912. 3 By the 1980s, ecstasy had become a popular drug in party culture thanks, in ... continue reading -
Effects of Clonazepam Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
What Is Clonazepam Used For? Clonazepam, commonly known by its brand name Klonopin , is a prescription medication commonly used for its anti-anxiety and anti-convulsant benefits. This medication is part of a larger group of substances called ...
... -up or racing thoughts will report slowed thinking and increased feelings of calm. Worries that were previously problematic will have less of a detrimental impact. Relaxation of the body. With the mind being slowed, the ... continue reading -
Clonazepam Abuse Symptoms and Addiction Treatment
Introduction to Clonazepam Abuse What Is Clonazepam Used For? Clonazepam is a prescription drug that belongs to a group of medications called benzodiazepines . Clonazepam is known also by the brand name Klonopin . It is the third most commonly ...
... (Ativan). These medications have very similar properties, but they vary in their speed of onset and the duration ... abused by teens and young adults because: It has a perceived low risk due to its prescription drug status ... continue reading -
How to Help Someone With Adderall Addiction
Help for Adderall Addicts Adderall is the brand name for a drug that contains two active ingredients: amphetamine and dextroamphetamine . These ingredients work to stimulate and speed up the body. Doctors use this drug in the treatment of ...
... a drug that contains two active ingredients: amphetamine and dextroamphetamine . These ingredients work to stimulate and speed ... . If you have more than one active prescription for the drug, you have a problem. However, ... continue reading -
Mirror, Mirror: Aging Early Courtesy of Alcohol
$2.1 billion. That's how much we spent on anti-aging skin care products in 2013. And that's just in the United States. Guess how much Americans spent on cosmetic surgery that year? $12 billion. Clearly, we want to look young and beautiful. Who ...
... When drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, we speed toward wrinkles. Reducing our alcohol consumption can ... Help for Alcohol Misuse If you or a loved one thinks they may have a problem with drinking, help is available and ... continue reading -
Unchain My Heart: The Real Impact of Booze
Anyone who has experienced alcohol abuse firsthand knows how heartbreaking it can be. The emotional and relational damage left in its wake is devastating. Did you know this “heartache” is more than figurative? Believe it or not, the abuse of ...
... internal pacemaker to keep it pumping at the right speed. Alcohol interferes with this pacemaker, causing the ... AAC) is a leading treatment provider and has trusted rehab programs across the U.S. A caring AAC ... 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 ...
... result in aneurysm-like bleeding and strokes. Researchers have developed a new brain imaging tool that can help them ... drug, Pan and his team noted a dramatic drop in blood flow speed. For the very first time, researchers ... 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 ...
... pronounced differences between smoking a joint and eating an edible are reflected in the speed of onset of ... for Marijuana Misuse If you think you or a loved one may have a problem with marijuana misuse, help is available ... continue reading -
Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms and Quitting Adderall Use
What Is Adderall Used For? Adderall—a branded formulation of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine —is a stimulant that doctors prescribe for the management of: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Narcolepsy. As a prescription ...
... “beans,” “black beauties,” “dexies,” “pep pills,” “speed,” and “uppers.” 1 This drug is abused recreationally because ... Centers (AAC) is a leading provider of addiction treatment programs and has trusted rehab facilities ... 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 ...
... , such as: 6,7 Impaired sense of smell. Recurring nose bleeds. Congestion and runny nose. ... using it without a prescription or in ways other than prescribed. 8 By 2014, over 3.8 million Americans had misused Adderall ... continue reading -
Alcohol and Breastfeeding
Some women are curious about whether they can drink alcohol while they are breastfeeding. While women are strongly advised to avoid drinking any alcohol during pregnancy, the recommendations on whether a woman can drink while breastfeeding are less ...
... also known as “pumping and dumping.” This practice does not speed the removal of alcohol from the breast milk. Rather, it ... it is important to keep in mind that if you have a few drinks, it does not mean that you should ... continue reading -
Meth Overdose Symptoms, Signs, Risk Factors, Prevention, and Treatment
What Is Methamphetamine? Methamphetamine—most commonly known as “meth,” “crystal,” “speed,” and “ice”—is an addictive stimulant that causes users to experience an intense, euphoric rush. 1 Meth can be smoked, snorted, injected, ...
... —most commonly known as “meth,” “crystal,” “speed,” and “ice”—is an addictive stimulant that causes ... you or someone you know has suffered a meth overdose and is lucky enough to have survived, you may wish to ... continue reading -
The Effects of Alcohol on the Body
Drinking alcohol puts you in a league with 70% of Americans who also do. And though nights spent with a beer, a glass of your favorite wine, or a mixed drink might seem like harmless fun, do you really know how it's affecting your body? Like all ...
... body. American Addiction Centers (AAC) is a leading treatment provider and has trusted rehab programs across the country. If ... causing it to speed up or beat irregularly. Worse, it can lead to a condition called alcoholic ... continue reading -
Gray Death: The New Killer on the Street
While heroin adulterated with fentanyl has been in the news in recent years and the risks are well-known, there is a new danger on the streets, and it's even deadlier. It is a frighteningly powerful combination of heroin and synthetic opioids known ...
... deadlier. It is a frighteningly powerful combination of heroin and synthetic opioids known as “gray death.” America's battle with addiction is ever-growing and ever-changing. For many years, heroin has been one of the ... continue reading -
Seized
In 2015, Border Patrol prevented more than 1.5 million pounds of marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and meth from entering the United States. 1 In the same year, the Coast Guard intercepted 72 vessels and more than 150,000 pounds of drugs. 2 These ...
... higher than the national average - placing it highest in the country . Delaware's problem with heroin, which has been dubbed a “deadly crisis”, has been covered by the media from almost every angle, from reports of major ... 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 ...
... to prescription drug use are comparable to crime related to illicit drug use such as heroin and cocaine. #4 Cocaine Cocaine has a reputation as a “rich man's drug.” At approximately $60 per gram, it is one of the most ... 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 ...
... the following dramatic increase between 1999 and 2014. In 1999, only 557 people who died from a drug overdose had both heroin and an opioid analgesic in their systems. This figure dropped for the next few years and then ... continue reading -
How Concerned Should We Be About Opiates?
Opiates are a group of drugs that manage pain by depressing the central nervous system (CNS). There are two different kinds of opiates: natural and synthetic. Natural opiates come from the dried “milk” of the poppy plant and include opium, ...
... per dose. It is used for heroin detoxification or as part of a maintenance program. 11 OxyContin: Developed by Purdue Pharma in 1995, OxyContin addiction has since become a highly publicized epidemic. This time-released ... 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 ...
... opioid agonist, meaning that its effects are less powerful than full agonists like methadone or heroin. Buprenorphine also has a “ceiling effect” where, starting at moderate doses, the effects of the drug level off and ... continue reading -
The Rise of Drug Deaths in America
This year, drug overdose deaths surpassed firearm deaths for the first time, making the issue of addiction and drug abuse an even greater concern for Americans . The public is aware of the numbers associated with overdose deaths; however, big ...
... treatment, these figures show how large of a problem heroin could become if left unchecked. Changing the Face of Death Heroin and its gateway opioid painkillers have experienced an unprecedented increase in lives claimed ... continue reading -
Trafficking Statistics
Drug abuse is a major problem in the United States, and individuals seeking to abuse drugs generally have little trouble finding those substances. Abuse of prescription and nonprescription opioids continues to be the public health crisis of our ...
... One of the effects of widespread prescription opioid abuse has been an uptick in new heroin users . The increase reflects, at least in part, a growing number of individuals who transition from prescription opioids while ... 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 - ...
... than 28,000 people died from opioid overdoses (prescription opioid pain relievers and heroin). Six percent of respondents said they themselves had a substance abuse problem . Given that 2.7 percent of Americans report 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 ...
... for addiction and increasingly harmful health effects - should have been promoted casually to unsuspecting consumers. The marketing of a pharmaceutical heroin product for children, for one, seems shocking, but highlights ... continue reading -
The Effects of Opiates on the Body
Share on Twitter Share on Facebook They're potent, they're dangerous - and they could be in your medicine cabinet. In 2012, 259 million prescriptions for painkillers, such as Vicodin , OxyContin , and Opana, were written in the U.S. When used ...
... 2 million were estimated to abuse opioid painkillers. Abuse of opiates, whether prescription painkillers or heroin, can have a serious impact on your health. In addition to the hazards of overusing opioid painkillers ... continue reading -
Drug Arrests Across America
The Current Drug Landscape An estimated 24.6 million Americans aged 12 or over used an illicit drug in 2013. That's 9.4% of the population. 1 The number was similar in 2012 (9.2%), and in that year the FBI reports that there were 1.5 million drug ...
... alongside meth availability. About one third of people who reported using meth also stated they had used heroin—a substantial increase since 2005. Marijuana use is common following its legalization for people aged 21 ... continue reading -
How Does Ibogaine Treat Opiate Addiction?
Holly started using heroin when she was 18 - at 26, she was at the end of the line. Her whole life revolved around getting high. In the past, she had tried 12-step programs, counseling, in-patient rehab, and even drug-assisted therapy…it seemed ...
... knew that it's a psychoactive substance which comes from a West African plant. She knew it affects the brain in some way to help with heroin addiction. Holly discovered Ibogaine has been effective in treating other ... 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 ...
... sometimes seen in users who have not overdosed or experienced a coma. Intravenous heroin users are more likely ... tobacco is associated with a number of kidney complications, such as: 2 Sped-up progression of kidney disease ... 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 ...
... that authorities seize originates in Mexico and enters via the southwest border. Heroin use has skyrocketed over the past decade. Two areas that have seen a high concentration of use are Ohio and the Northeastern U.S ... continue reading -
Facts About Krokodil (The “Zombie Drug”)
What Is Krokodil? Desomorphine (dihydrodesoxymorphine) or Krokodil, is an injectable opioid derivative of codeine. On the street and online, the drug is known as: Krokodil. Crocodile. Croc. Krok. Russian Magic. Poor Man's Heroin. The name ...
... high abuse potential and no accepted medicinal use. Desomorphine: A Cheap Substitute for Heroin Krokodil use has spread rapidly across Russia, with at least 100,000 people having injected the drug in 2011 . Krokodil was ... 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 ...
... a major vein). Getting off (injecting). Booting (drawing blood back and re-injecting it). Common Intravenous Drugs of Abuse Intravenous drug abuse is largely limited to 3 main drug types: heroin ... likely to have problems ... continue reading -
Methadone Programs: A Bad Treatment Plan for Addicted Parents?
When it comes to the negative effects of substance abuse, addiction casts a wide net. Addicted parents, in particular, are faced with a unique set of challenges, as an opiate dependency ultimately affects the whole family. For thousands of parents ...
... in 2 cases, both parents had died before the 10-year follow-up interview. This compares to a 7.5% mortality rate in the general population of Washington State, and a 14.8% mortality rate among heroin users in the Seattle ... continue reading -
San Francisco Mayor Proposes Drug Distribution to Homeless
For San Francisco, the statistics related to opioid abuse are staggering: The Department of Public Health estimates there are 11,000 people addicted to heroin in San Francisco. It is estimated that thousands of these individuals are homeless. The ...
... started on the drug in 2016 are still working on staying clean today . Considering more than three-fourths of heroin users typically relapse after starting treatment, that's a pretty good percentage. Image Source: iStock continue reading -
Fentanyl: The Newest Lethal Injection Ingredient
Fifty times stronger than heroin , the synthetic opioid fentanyl is flooding the drug market - and heightening the danger of overdose. In search of cheaper mixes and stronger highs, dealers now lace heroin and cocaine with this potent drug. We've ...
... before it hits the streets and unleashes deadly results. A recent drug seizure in New York took more than ... of fentanyl-laced heroin out of circulation. Seized from an apartment in Queens, this stash had the potential to ... 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 ...
... Void This experimental film by Gaspar Noe may not have rocked the box office when it came out in 2009 ... York City. Needle Park takes its name from a popular hangout for heroin users on Manhattan's Upper West Side, where ... 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 ...
... heroin ever written. Despite having avoided a reputation for drug use, he has definitely done his share, but has ... 22. Aaron Carter Aaron Carter was pulled over for speeding and possession of two ounces of marijuana in 2008 ... continue reading -
Harm Reduction
The concept of 'harm reduction' refers to a set of policies, programs, and practices that aim to reduce the health, social, and economic consequences of drug and alcohol abuse. 1,2 Strategies might include providing a safe environment for heroin use ...
... . 1,2 Strategies might include providing a safe environment for heroin use that minimizes the risk of overdose ... you too. Opioid Overdose Prevention Overdoses from opioids have reached epidemic proportions in the U.S., and ... continue reading -
Roxy Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment
What Is Roxicodone Used For? Roxicodone (often called “roxies,” “roxy,” or “blues”) is one of the brand names for oxycodone —a powerful opioid prescription painkiller. Roxicodone is prescribed to alleviate pain that cannot be managed ...
... describe them as the worst flu they've ever had), yet this process is typically not dangerous to the ... because opioid dependence and addiction is a major contributing factor to eventual heroin dependence . In fact, the ... 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 ...
... the northeast. A worrying trend has been the recent appearance of fentanyl on the streets—an opioid analgesic 80-100 times more potent than morphine and much more potent than even heroin. Fentanyl has been linked with ... 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 ...
... in the past year. Women were marginally more dependent than men for heroin , stimulants, inhalants, and hallucinogens. When sexes were combined, heroin had a rate of dependence and abuse more than 3.5 times higher than ... continue reading -
Signs and Symptoms of Commonly Abused Drugs
When you suspect that you or a loved one is struggling with a substance abuse problem, it's important to know some of the signs and symptoms of addiction to that drug. You can find a brief overview of the major drugs of abuse below. For a full list ...
... People who use marijuana often try to hide the smell in their rooms by covering it up with incense. ... someone's arms, it is a sign of possible heroin abuse. The needles can be inserted anywhere that a vein is located, but ... continue reading -
Famous Drug Abusers
Drug and Alcohol Addiction: A Disease that Touches Everyone According to data from the latest National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 22.7 million Americans need treatment for a drug or alcohol problem. And though it may sound cliché, ...
... and methadone. Cory Monteith : The Glee star died at age 31 from a mixed drug toxicity of heroin and alcohol. The young actor had entered rehab to address his addiction. After rehab, Monteith relapsed and reportedly ... continue reading -
Drugs in the News
In a world grappling with issues of substance use and abuse, drugs are bound to see their days in the spotlight of our 24-hour news cycle. Maybe it's because of another tragic celebrity overdose, forcing us to confront the fact that even our heroes ...
... past struggles with addiction. Heroin Heroin is a drug with severe addictive potential ... MDMA and ecstasy. Even more shocking was the news source who had the most neutral lean toward MDMA: FoxNews.com. Conclusion Here' ... 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 ...
... of potential heroin misuse. Ambien Addiction Self-Assessment Quiz This 5-minute Ambien addiction self-assessment quiz is designed to help evaluate whether you may have using Ambien problematically, a prescription sleep ... 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 ...
... -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 opioids like heroin and prescription painkillers ... continue reading -
First Responders Worry About Accidental Fentanyl Exposure
Fentanyl. It's known to be 50 times more potent than heroin, and a speck the size of a few grains of salt can kill. By now, you've probably heard of this beast and the toll it's taken on so many lives around the country. A whopping 5554 people ...
... continue to surge into 2017 as street drugs like heroin and cocaine are unknowingly laced with fentanyl. Proceed ... or the wind blows it in his face, he could have a serious problem,” said Tommy Farmer , special agent in ... 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, ...
... Kim Janda and Dr. George Koob at the Scripps Research Institute have made the most progress, using a so-called “dynamic” heroin vaccine. A 2013 study in rats showed that vaccination significantly decreased their relapse ... continue reading -
Injecting Drugs: 9 Hidden Dangers
Did you know that injecting drugs into your body can increase your risk for a number of health problems? Additionally, did you know that injection-related injuries not only include bruising, scarring, and venous injury, but also infectious diseases ...
... .” When this occurs, the back of the hands become puffy, except for the fingers. It has been noted that a contaminant of heroin, called quinine, may cause puffy hand syndrome. Sooting Tattoos PWIDs will sometimes use ... continue reading -
Percocet Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment
Since the mid-1990s, rates of prescription drug abuse have skyrocketed. Today, the widespread abuse of prescription medication—whether this involves opioid painkillers, sedatives, or stimulants—is being recognized as a serious national health ...
... Percocet is known by numerous names, including: Hillbilly heroin. Perks. Percs. Signs and Symptoms of Percocet Abuse ... drug in excessive doses, he or she may have a problem. Taking Percocet using an alternate method is ... continue reading -
The Effects of Vicodin Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
What Is Vicodin Used For? Vicodin is an prescription painkiller medication that is comprised of two substances: Hydrocodone . Acetaminophen . Hydrocodone is an opiate drug that works as a pain reliever and is useful in managing multiple levels of ...
... to morphine. In addition, hydrocodone has some utility as a cough suppressant —similar to codeine. ... to those of other opiates , such as morphine and heroin. Opiate effects are achieved when the substance enters the body ... 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 ...
... than drugs like heroin, cocaine , and marijuana . Designer drugs are drugs created in a lab to mimic ... compounds mixed in with the drug. ecstasy is a synthetic drug that has been around for years. Users may feel euphoric ... 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 ...
... of STDs that may damage the reproductive system and/or hinder a woman's ability to get pregnant. 3 Women under the influence ... may have negative effects on infants during pregnancy include: Heroin —Women who use heroin and ... 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, ...
... Wright - The Forefather of Heroin Dr. Charles Wright, born in 1844, was a physics and chemistry researcher in ... a pharmacist, searched for a cure to counteract his addiction to morphine, which he had been using as a ... 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 ...
... : how many people can understand all the lyrics to Smells Like Teen Spirit? His use of heroin worried people, though, and in 1994, he joined the 27 club: a litany of stars who have died at the age of 27 due to suicide ... continue reading -
Let's Talk About the Elephant Tranquilizer in the Room
It's 10,000 times more potent than morphine. It's 100 times more powerful than fentanyl . What is it? Carfentanil. Designed as a tranquilizer for elephants, this deadly substance has made its way into our nation's illegal drug market. It's often ...
... isn't your typical street heroin . Carfentanil's extreme potency doesn't mean it gives a “better” high; it means ... coroner Dr. Lakshmi Sammarco points out, “We don't have any human testing data. We don't know what the ... continue reading -
Watch the Fahrenheit With Your Fentanyl
Fentanyl is an opiate (narcotic) pain reliever typically prescribed to people for severe, ongoing pain or after surgery. This medication is 50 times stronger than heroin and, needless to say, it can be very addictive. Fentanyl can be delivered in ...
... after surgery. This medication is 50 times stronger than heroin and, needless to say, it can be very ... fall can easily result in overdose. If you don't have access to air conditioning, keep your body cooled with fans ... continue reading -
Facing Reality: 8 Shocking Drug and Alcohol Abuse Statistics
It's no secret that drugs and alcohol can have detrimental consequences on your mind, body, and life. They are indiscriminate in who they affect; anyone who abuses alcohol or drugs is at risk for developing an addiction. Although they are sometimes ...
... likely to use heroin than those who don't. 1 Opioid painkillers and heroin share a very similar chemical ... if You Think You May Have a Drug or Alcohol Problem If you suspect you may have a substance use problem, help is ... continue reading -
Suboxone Debate: What Is the Big Problem with Buprenorphine?
When it comes to this nation's chemical dependence, few drugs have achieved the notoriety and reputation of opioid drugs. In fact, things have spiraled so far out of control that opiate addiction is now considered an epidemic. Despite leaving a ...
... other opiates such as hydrocodone, heroin, codeine and OxyContin. 1 ... a looming disaster speeding toward the addiction community. Let's take a look at both sides of this argument. The Pro-Suboxone Movement Suboxone has a ... 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 ...
... , which is often cut with fentanyl and other fillers. Oftentimes, users don't have a way of telling if the heroin they've purchased is pure or if it's laced with something else before using it. That's how gray death ... 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 ...
... off of drugs like heroin, OxyContin, and Vicodin. In its injectable form, Vivitrol lasts for about a month. Quite a few judges, most recently one in Ohio, have offered Vivitrol to drug offenders as a way to avoid jail ... 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 ...
... are caused by a deadly drug that's secretly added to baggies of heroin (or cocaine) as a cheap way for ... ? This seems to have a ring of justice to it. Perhaps the courts will choose to take it a step further by making ... continue reading
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