Ecstasy Before And After Brain

Ecstasy Facts, History, and Statistics

Ecstasy is the popular name for the illicit recreational drug 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, or MDMA. It is known by many other terms, including “Molly,” “E,” and “X.” History of Ecstasy Anton Kollisch, a chemist at the ...

... manufactured, and the purity and quantity of MDMA found in ecstasy tablets can vary considerably . The slang term “Molly” ... a problem with ecstasy use, don't wait to do significant damage to your body before you stop. ... continue reading

Ecstasy and MDMA Overdose Symptoms, Prevention, and Addiction Treatment

Commonly used at bars and parties, club drugs are especially popular among teenagers and young adults. MDMA—a synthetic amphetamine drug also known as ecstasy and Molly—is a popular club drug. 1 With both stimulant and hallucinogenic effects , ...

... later. Effects often peak after about 90 minutes and last 4-8 hours. 2 Classified as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act, ecstasy is MDMA taken in pill form, while Molly is more often encountered in ... continue reading

What Does Ecstasy do to Your Mind and Body?

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

... with her girlfriends. Soon after, each of them took a bundle of ecstasy. Not long after washing down her dose with ... brain damage and they will likely develop severe memory problems . While use of ecstasy, real name MDMA ... 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 ...

... variant of cocaine , methamphetamine, or ecstasy (MDMA)—as their stimulant features are quite similar ... time or in high doses before negative side effects occur. Some adverse effects are dangerous and may result in death if ... continue reading

Bath Salts Overdose Signs, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Prevention, and Treatment

What Are Bath Salts? Synthetic cathinones —commonly referred to as “bath salts”—belong to a group of drugs health officials call “new psychoactive substances.” These are psychoactive drugs that mimic the effects of existing illegal drugs ...

... salts first made their appearance in Europe in 2007, and it didn't take long before they reached U.S. shores. 4 Since then, ... cathinone stimulant) and cocaine or methamphetamine, their effects on the brain are likely to ... 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, ...

... in the first hour after use. 7 Designer ... before injection. These contaminants can clog blood vessels supplying oxygen and nutrients to organs, leading to infections and tissue death in the lungs, liver , kidneys , or brain ... continue reading

Concurrent Alcohol and Ecstasy Abuse

Ecstasy may make its users feel ecstatic for a time but, when abused with alcohol, it can cause seriously negative effects on your health and even kill you. Even as the name for this drug changes to the more friendly “Molly,” this does not mean ...

... More Information For more information on Ecstasy and alcohol, see the following articles: MDMA (Ecstasy or Molly) Ecstasy Overdose Symptoms How to Help an Ecstasy Addict Effects of Alcohol Use You can find a supportive ... 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 ...

... Molly/MDMA/ecstasy use, they found that only half of the hair samples contained MDMA . Approximately 49%, however, tested positive for butylone and ... will give a “prescription” after answering only an online questionnaire. ... 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 ...

... a drug test after practice on ... before and asks how long it will affect her. With the next day off work, she's assured it will be long gone by the time she starts her next shift. Wrong. Ecstasy, or MDMA, (a.k.a. Molly ... continue reading

Curing Alcoholism: We’re Finally Putting MDMA to the Test

It seems ironic that one of the first drugs I used on the way to full-blown addiction is now being used in a study to cure alcoholism. Last week, UK researchers from Imperial College of London broke the news that they were about to begin the world's ...

... world's first clinical trial using MDMA (the active ingredient in party drug ecstasy) to test the theory that ... therapists over the course of my five years in recovery. After all, we're sharing deep traumas that led us to ... 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 ...

... Ecstasy and MDMA? Ecstasy is the street name for the drug 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, or MDMA. MDMA ... insomnia, but it can also be used as a sedative before surgery. Though oral forms of Nembutal were once on the ... continue reading

Common Street Names for Drugs

People actively misusing legal or illicit substances use slang terms for many reasons—ranging from avoiding detection by law enforcement to ensuring privacy in written and verbal communication. If you suspect that someone you love is misusing ...

... “ecstasy,” but may be also be referred to as: Adam Beans Clarity Disco Biscuit E Eve Molly Lover ... Helping a Loved One With Drug Misuse or Addiction Identifying and learning more about the substances that a loved one is ... 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 ...

... which is an illicit form of the powerful and addictive stimulant methamphetamine. While this assessment does ... you may have a dependence on ecstasy, also known as MDMA or molly, an illicit stimulant with hallucinogenic ... 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 ...

... the Kidneys? Many different drugs, both legal and illegal, affect the kidneys' ability to operate properly. Among these substances are: Heroin . Cocaine . MDMA (ecstasy) . Inhalants . Alcohol . Tobacco. Painkillers ... 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 ...

... calm while taking the drug. Overdoses of ecstasy can cause convulsions, heart palpitations, kidney failure, coma, and death. The active ingredient in ecstasy is a compound called MDMA. Because it is one of the more well ... continue reading

Catastrophic Thinking: Alcohol Isn’t Your Great Escape

Cassie's heart began to race. “Am I dying?” she thought. “What if I'm having a heart attack?” Jeff's wife was running late. He worried there had been a terrible car accident. Jeff pictured his wife lying all alone in a ditch somewhere, ...

... less fun for Molly. Before every game, she imagined all the injuries her daughter could suffer, and she couldn't relax until the final inning was over. Does this sound familiar? Does your brain go down similar disastrous ... 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 ...

... end of their lifecycle which can be harmful to the body and brain. How the Liver Metabolizes Drugs When blood enters the liver ... . Recreational and illicit drugs: Heroin . 13 Inhalants . 14 Cocaine . 15 MDMA or Ecstasy . 16 ... continue reading

What Are Hallucinogens? Short- and Long-Term Side Effects and Treatment

Hallucinogens are drugs that alter the user's thinking processes and perception in a manner that leads to significant distortions of reality. 1 To many, the influence of these drugs represents experiences of new and even expanded consciousness and, ...

... of mescaline within one to two hours after ingestion, and its effects can last up to 12 hours ... in conjunction with cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine, or MDMA (ecstasy). 20 Users will take ketamine repeatedly in a ... 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 ...

... MDMA (“ ecstasy ”), can have neurological consequences similar to those of a traumatic brain injury (TBI). 5 Traumatic brain ... or huffing inhalants can lead to seizures and/or a coma. 14 Sudden sniffing death syndrome ... continue reading

America’s Drug Awareness

For the first time in a decade , the CDC reported that death rates in the United States have increased. While news outlets trumpet the increased violence rampant in many areas of the country, the public is largely unaware of a silent contributor - ...

... that no one delivers casseroles - or emotional support - after a drug-related death. Ease of Entering Rehab Say ... each option, PCP, LSD, heroin, crack cocaine, and MDMA are thought to be among the most difficult to obtain ... 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 ...

... Cancer risk will significantly decrease within a few years after the last use. 4 Alcohol According to the National ... s risk of cancer and kidney issues. 16 MDMA . Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) poses risks associated ... continue reading

Robert Downey Jr.'s Incredible Comeback From Addiction

A great Hollywood comeback story, Robert Downey Jr. is now one of the most bankable and highly paid actors in show business, starring in blockbuster comic book films like Iron Man and The Avengers as Iron Man—a role he continued in 2019's ...

... actor in the mid to late 80s. After a season in the cast of “Saturday Night Live”, he scored film roles in movies including John Hughes' Weird Science , and he co-starred opposite Molly Ringwald in The Pick-Up Artist in ... continue reading

Effects of Peyote Abuse: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment

What Is Peyote Used For? Peyote (or mescaline) belongs to a class of drugs known as hallucinogens. Mescaline is the active hallucinogenic ingredient in peyote, which is a small, spineless cactus. 1 The top, or crown, of the peyote cactus has ...

... often precipitates the development of tolerance, where the brain becomes desensitized to the effects of a drug ... can start to be felt between 20 to 90 minutes after ingestion and can last for up to 12 hours . 2,4 Ingesting ... 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 ...

... tension. Effects can begin as early as 30 minutes after ingestion, peaking within 2 hours. 5 Even a dose ... . If you do not remember what happened the night before and you suspect that someone may have raped you, first ... continue reading

How Alcohol and Drug Addiction Affects Relationships

Addiction and Relationships Many discussions surrounding addiction tend to focus on the physical and psychological effects of substance use. The effects of drug addiction, however, extend beyond these issues and also encompass a person's social ...

... and violence include: 1 Alcohol. Cocaine . MDMA . Methamphetamine (crystal meth) . Ritalin and ... Seek continuous social support during and after the breakup. Be clear, concise, and consistent with your communication. Be ... 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 ...

... use of marijuana can impact brain development and cause problems with breathing, nausea and vomiting, and more. Chronic use may result in addiction, and individuals who start using marijuana before they are eighteen are ... continue reading

Are These 7 Things Really as Addictive as Drugs?

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

... the flip-flop between ecstasy and desperation or the longing and damaging actions taken ... after telling half-truths or bona fide yarns. The pleasure gleaned from lying causes euphoric physiological changes in the brain and ... continue reading

7 Shocking Facts About Meth in the Gay Community

As one of the most popular drugs in the gay community, users mistakenly believe that crystal meth leads to fun and enhances their life experiences. Due to that train of thought, this drug has become somewhat of an epidemic among the gay ...

... with meth include Special K, Poppers, Viagra, GHB and Ecstasy. One of the most concerning trends in the ... a recovering addict, attended one of these lavish parties after reading an invitation post on Grindr. “The party was ... continue reading

Is There a Cure for Addiction?

Drug addiction, also known as a substance use disorder (SUD), is a national crisis in the United States. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): 1,2,3 Approximately 53 million people aged 12 and older (nearly 1 in 5 Americans) used ...

... LSD, PCP, ecstasy, inhalants, and methamphetamine) in 2018. (Over 23 million people aged 12 and older used an ... as a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory, and related circuitry. 13 Addiction to ... continue reading

The Use and Abuse of Date Rape Drugs

Although Bill Cosby has been making headlines for his alleged use of date rape drugs, sexual assault cases involving these substances have been a problem in the U.S. for decades and continue to be a growing trend. What's more, many young adults and ...

... instances, people are able to spot these questionable substances before ingesting them. Abusing Date Rape Drugs Let's take ... in approximately twenty to thirty minutes after taking the drug and may last for up to twelve ... continue reading

Drug Abuse Statistics

Statisticians analyze numerical information on subjects as varied as medicine, politics and even commercial retail sales - allowing researchers to investigate trends and test new ideas. As the phenomenon of substance abuse stubbornly continues to ...

... various age groups, rates of relapse after treatment and education levels among abusers. With this ... Americans are dying due to drug abuse more frequently than ever before, in part because only 1 in 10 people with a ... 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, ...

... be triggered in many people after only one use, since cocaine affects the brain's reward pathway immediately. 1 Why ... stimulant—such as ecstasy —can lead to heart attacks, brain injuries, liver damage , and strokes. 11 It ... continue reading

How to Help a Tussionex Addict

Tussionex is a combination of hydrocodone, an opioid painkiller and cough suppressant, and chlorpheniramine, an antihistamine which eases allergy symptoms 1 . As a cough medicine, Tussionex is frequently prescribed to both children and adults. It is ...

... 't have to reach rock bottom before making a commitment to change and seeking treatment. Approaching someone about an ... Bath Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine Marijuana Meth ... continue reading

Concurrent Alcohol and Ultram Abuse

The Problem of Alcohol and Ultram Abuse When used together, Ultram and alcohol can amplify one another's effects, leading to increased risk of serious side effects. The prescription drug Ultram (generic name: tramadol) is a pain reliever with ...

... , including alcohol, marijuana, and ecstasy. Ultram has multiple different effects on the central nervous system and alters multiple neurotransmitter systems. Effects on a still-developing brain can be difficult to ... continue reading

How to Help a Codeine Addict

Helping someone overcome an addiction is sometimes an arduous process, and recovery won't happen overnight. Addiction treatment takes time and often imposes stresses on both the abuser and the people they love. While it may prove difficult, ...

... home after appointments. This treatment may benefit individuals who do not have medical complications and who ... Bath Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Marijuana Meth Methoxetamine ... continue reading

How to Help a Vicodin Addict

Help for Vicodin Addiction Vicodin is one of the many brand names for the combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone . Hydrocodone is an opioid used to treat moderate and severe pain , as well as being a treatment for coughs. The acetaminophen is ...

... consider approaching them about getting help before it's too late. The ... and 7-day detox programs . Vicodin Addiction Treatment Recovery and rehabilitation can begin after detox and will generally include individual and ... continue reading

Getting Help for Xanax Addiction: Xanax Addiction Treatment

What Is Xanax Used For? Xanax—also known by its generic name alprazolam —is a benzodiazepine that comes in either tablet or capsule form. It's used to manage anxiety and panic disorders. Sometimes called “purple footballs,” “bars,” or ...

... these special cases. After detox, your day revolves around your recovery. Learn about 3-day, 5-day and 7-day detox ... Bath Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine Marijuana Meth ... continue reading

How to Help Someone With Alcohol Addiction

In the United States, alcohol use is highly prevalent. According to the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, around 138 million people, or 50% of those people aged 12 and older, reported prior month use of alcohol. 1 You may be concerned ...

... functioning of the brain, particularly in the brain circuits that are involved with self-control and reward. 8 ... person using more alcohol to achieve the same effects as before. 9 As a person keeps consuming more alcohol, ... 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 ...

... it is a depressant. Severe damage to the heart, brain, and other organs can occur, as well as overdose. Alcohol Use ... Drugs Bath Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth Ecstasy Heroin Inhalant Ketamine Marijuana Meth PCP Steroid ... 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 ...

... them of hobbies and activities that they used to really enjoy before they began abusing Adderall, and explain how you feel ... Bath Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine Marijuana ... 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 ...

... prescriptions from different doctors, attempt to fill prescriptions before the refill date, or use the medication in ... causes significant changes in the way the brain functions and how a person behaves. It is characterized ... continue reading

Drug Abuse Policies in the United States

What Are Drug Policies in the U.S.? In America, drug policy involves the laws that control the distribution and use of both prescription and illicit drugs. From the classification of drugs according to their potential for abuse to the legalization ...

... . Have strong addiction potential. Examples include heroin and ecstasy . Schedule II drugs: Have strong potential for misuse and dependency. Examples include OxyContin , methadone , and Ritalin . Schedule III drugs: Have ... continue reading

How to Help an Opana Addict

How to Approach an Opana Addict Opana is the brand name for oxymorphone, a semi-synthetic opioid painkiller . Over the past decade, increased availability of painkillers has fueled an epidemic of opioid abuse around the world. In the US, an ...

... reward centers of the brain. The combined effect of activation on opioid receptors and heightened dopamine activity gives ... Bath Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine Marijuana ... continue reading

Hydrocodone Facts, History and Statistics

What Is Hydrocodone? Hydrocodone is a powerful opiate drug that serves dual purposes when used as directed. It is both an effective cough suppressant and a pain reliever for moderate to severe pain. Studies show that hydrocodone is: More beneficial ...

... past year use of Vicodin, a widely prescribed mix of hydrocodone and acetaminophen: By 8 th graders was 1% in 2014 (down from ... to that of some illicit substances such as ecstasy. Is Hydrocodone Illegal? Hydrocodone is a ... continue reading

How to Help an Amphetamine Addict

Amphetamine addiction is a serious issue; stimulants have the potential to adversely affect the personality and behavior of individuals abusing these drugs. Some methods of amphetamine abuse may also be related to increased risks of bloodborne ...

... and ecstasy , which are highly addictive. Amphetamines act by ramping up the activity of certain brain ... type—be it inpatient or outpatient—for your situation. Before making a decision on the right type of treatment for ... continue reading

How to Help a Tramadol Addict

Help for Tramadol Addiction If you have been struggling with an addiction to tramadol, or you know someone who has, finding the proper treatment program is essential. Treatment for addiction can restore your quality of life. Regardless of how long ...

... by changing the way your brain and nervous system sense pain. It comes in tablet form and an extended release capsule. ... Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine Marijuana ... continue reading

How to Help Someone With Valium Addiction

How to Help Someone Addicted to Valium If you are addicted to Valium—a sedative-hypnotic drug—you don't have to fight your addiction alone. Treatment programs give people with addictions all the support they need to recover. Regardless of how ...

... before treatment, but also during and after treatment. No one wants to see their loved one suffer, and CRAFT may help families and ... Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine ... continue reading

How to Help a Painkillers Addict

Help for Painkiller Addicts Painkillers are routinely prescribed in the United States for the management of pain , but not all of them are addictive. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often prescribed for the treatment of mild to ...

... a member of the medical team for an evaluation before starting treatment can help you create a plan that ... and addiction. Their euphoric and numbing effects are sought after by both those with legitimate prescriptions and ... continue reading

How to Help a Methadone Addict

Help for Methadone Addicts Methadone is an opioid drug; however, it is beneficial in the treatment of heroin dependence and other forms of opiate abuse. While it is regularly used in the management of opioid dependence, methadone itself is ...

... They can also include depression and possibly mania . This can happen around 24 to 48 hours after stopping use of the drug ... Bath Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine Marijuana ... 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 ...

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

Before & After: Physical Effects of Drugs

Drug abuse is a national issue continuing to plague Americans of all walks of life. An estimated 19.7 million Americans age 12 and older struggled with a substance use disorder in 2017. Research also shows that many people who suffer from untreated ...

... throughout the years. We created these before and after images as gifs to show the transformations before and after substance abuse. The Faces of Addicts Before and After Substance Abuse The evidence of physical decline ... continue reading

Snorting Ambien Side Effects, Dangers, Overdose, and Addiction Treatment

What Is Ambien Used For? The sleep aid Ambien (generic name: zolpidem ) is a prescription medication used in the treatment of insomnia in adults. 1 It works by slowing down brain activity to help users fall and stay asleep. Zolpidem is similar in ...

... is changed, the drug's effects on the brain and body are changed, as well, and risks to the user increase. 5 In the ... overdose symptoms often resolve within 6 hours after consumption. Some overdose patients can receive a ... 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 ...

... begin feeling mental and physical exhaustion, insomnia, and worsening depressive symptoms. Around 12 hours after this initial “ ... the issues surrounding stimulant detox and withdrawal before and are better equipped to help ... continue reading

Oxycodone Facts, History and Statistics

Oxycodone is an opioid analgesic, or 'painkiller' drug that is most often prescribed to control moderate to severe pain that cannot be treated with other medications. It is a semi-synthetic opiate that was first created in 1916 from thebaine, a ...

... to these drugs, which were commonly used in medicine before and during World War I. Although the US only accounts ... in the eastern US almost immediately after its introduction and soon spread throughout the entire country ... continue reading

Naltrexone Side Effects, Use in Addiction Treatment, and Rehab Programs

For those struggling with alcohol or opioid addiction, what's commonly referred to as MAT—short for medication-assisted treatment or medication for addiction treatment—can help people quit drinking and using drugs to maintain long-term sobriety. ...

... therapy may be first initiated after completion of the detox and withdrawal management period. 1,2 ... before starting naltrexone. All concerns should be reviewed with your physician and/or pharmacist. Education and ... continue reading

Opioid Addiction: Treatment and Rehab

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

... the same opioid receptors in the brain as heroin, morphine, and other opioid pain medications. It does ... cravings. It can be helpful in preventing relapse during and after formal rehab treatment. Lofexidine . This drug is ... 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

Home Alone: Binge-Drinking and Motherhood

Not too long ago, I had dinner with one of my high-school friends - someone I hadn't seen in several years. I remember thinking she had a picture-perfect Facebook life - a hot husband, two beautiful kids and an enormous house in Scottsdale. That's ...

... are drinking more than ever before and experts worry that they could be putting themselves and their kids at risk. ... s also a socially acceptable and inexpensive way to unwind after a long and stressful day. This habit can ... continue reading

Drug and Alcohol Rehab for Veterans

Veterans frequently face a range of challenges as they readjust to civilian life after separation from the military. Substance use, mental health disorders, service-related injuries, and chronic pain are common among veterans. 1 Veterans are at ...

... -occurring disorder simultaneously. 20 Veterans and PTSD PTSD can occur after exposure to trauma, such as ... cycle of worsening both disorders. 6,12 Veterans and Traumatic Brain Injury TBI can occur if a person suffers ... continue reading

Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms, Detox, and Addiction Treatment

What Helps With Heroin Withdrawal? Heroin is an illicitly manufactured opioid drug and morphine derivative. Both the pain-relieving and the pleasurable properties of heroin are initiated through the drug's interaction with opioid receptors in the ...

... tongue). Buprenorphine only partially activates the brain's opioid receptors, providing stabilizing relief from ... on-one). Therapy will also address cravings during and after treatment. Therapy may occur on an inpatient or ... continue reading

Concurrent Alcohol and Inhalant Abuse

Alcohol and inhalants are two of the most commonly abused substances, especially among a younger population. The Centers for Disease Control logs more than 4,300 deaths per year from underage drinking and abuse. According to the Foundation for a ...

... .com.) Combined Effects of Abuse Inhalants are capable of producing hallucinations, long-term psychosis and severe brain damage. When mixed with alcohol, the two substances severely slow down the respiratory, cardiac ... continue reading

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

What Is Demerol Used For? Demerol is a prescription opioid painkiller with effects similar to those of the illicit opiate drug heroin, including the production of a pleasant, euphoric state among those who use it. Demerol is a branded formulation of ...

... promote abuse. These opioids lead to pleasure and euphoria because they act on the reward centers of the brain . Demerol users may take high doses of the drug, snort or inject it, and/or mix it with other drugs in order ... continue reading

How Edie Falco Portrays Addiction and Lives Recovery

Edie Falco has tackled a wide variety of roles on the stage and screen since beginning her career in the late '80s. But she is arguably best known for her breakthrough performance as mafia wife Carmela Soprano in HBO's drama, The Sopranos . Falco ...

... NY Magazine in 2008. “My life was an absolute mess, and I was hanging out with very scary and dangerous people and behaving in ways that I was horrified by. And after one particular night of debauchery, where I woke up—I ... continue reading

Arkansas Woman Drowns after Huffing Duster

Duster, also known as canned or compressed air, is used to clean pieces of electronic equipment or other sensitive devices. Unfortunately, duster is also a product commonly abused. Known as “ huffing ,” users inhale the chemical-laden compressed ...

... duster. One in four students has abused duster before eighth grade. Inhalants are often the first drug ... Inhalants are the fourth most-abused substance after alcohol, tobacco and marijuana. The number of lives claimed ... continue reading

Do I Have to Hit Rock Bottom Before I Get Help?

No! Hitting rock bottom is not a prerequisite to seeking help for substance abuse; help is available whenever you are ready for it. Unfortunately, statistics show that many people who are struggling with substance abuse will not seek help until they ...

... to hit rock bottom before I seek help?” means a) that you haven't yet hit rock bottom and b) that you are ... brain, and just like other physical disorders there is help and healing—but only if you move beyond the stigma and ... continue reading

Harmful Effects of Smoking During Pregnancy and How to Stop

In the U.S., there are an estimated 42 million people (nearly 18% of the total population) who currently smoke. 1 Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable disease, disability, and death in the U.S. In fact, smoking accounts for nearly 1 in ...

... baby's developing brain and make it difficult ... after a woman has tried behavioral therapy interventions and they have failed. 31 A doctor should first discuss the risks and benefits of nicotine replacement therapy before ... 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 ...

... for the drugs or medications they took before. Because the most intense physical withdrawal ... thoughts, decision making, and emotions. When these changes in the brain continue long after the acute withdrawal period ... continue reading

Alprazolam Abuse Symptoms, Signs and Addiction Treatment

What Is Alprazolam Used For? Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine substance better known by its brand name, Xanax. All benzodiazepines are depressant medications that slow down a user's body and mind, resulting in reduced anxiety and increased relaxation. ...

... is a neurotransmitter that down-regulates excitatory brain activity, slowing down the firing of neurons ... History and Statistics page. Teen Alprazolam Abuse Prevention is recommended in order to stop use before it can ... continue reading

Effects of Desoxyn Abuse: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment

What Is Desoxyn Used For? Desoxyn is a prescription drug that is indicated to treat two conditions: 1,2 Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children 6 and older. Exogenous obesity (obesity due to overeating) in individuals 12 years ...

... . Recovery housing that provides a supervised setting for people in recovery before they transition back to their home environment. Outpatient care and services , where the individual will attend treatment during the day ... continue reading

What Is Addiction? Drug Abuse Information and Treatment Help

Addiction is defined as a chronic, yet treatable medical disease that is characterized by the repeated, uncontrollable use of substances. When a person has an addiction, they continue using alcohol, medications, or illicit drugs regardless of the ...

... and over. 3 With repeated use of certain drugs, the brain ... before. 4 This effect is known as “tolerance.” For example, 2 drinks may initially be all a person needs to have to feel the pleasant effects of alcohol, but after ... continue reading

Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment and Rehab Programs

Many prescription medications have the potential to become drugs of abuse if they are misused. Misuse of prescription drugs means taking them other than as prescribed. This includes taking a larger dose, using them more frequently, or taking them ...

... is to help you solidify coping skills and maintain sobriety after completing a rehab treatment program. Many ... that cost does not become a barrier to care. Before incurring out-of-pocket costs, it is always recommended ... continue reading

Tussionex Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Treatment

What Is Tussionex? Tussionex is a prescription medication that includes a combination of chlorpheniramine—an antihistamine 1 —and the opioid painkiller hydrocodone . It is prescribed to treat respiratory symptoms—such as coughs—related to ...

... situations that can be physically dangerous, such as before or while driving. Developing a tolerance, or ... that the area of the brain that controls breathing is suppressed. 1 Signs and symptoms of a Tussionex overdose can ... continue reading

Sedative Withdrawal Symptoms, Detoxification, and Addiction Treatment

What Is a Sedative Drug? Sedatives are a class of drugs that depress, or slow down the central nervous system. This substance class encompasses a wide variety of drugs, the most common of which include: Benzodiazepines (treat anxiety and seizures). ...

... the brain. Sedative Withdrawal Symptoms Sedative drugs reduce and slow communication throughout the brain. ... before their use is eventually stopped altogether once the withdrawal period is completed. What Happens After ... 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 ...

... to no heartbeat as the brain is deprived of oxygen. Finding help for heroin abuse and getting information about the ... the abuser receives intensive counseling and follow-up monitoring after a period in a residential or ... continue reading

Xanax Addiction Side Effects, Withdrawal and Treatment

Xanax is a commonly prescribed medication used to treat specific anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder. Alprazolam is the generic name for Xanax, and this specific prescription medication belongs to the class of drugs called benzodiazepines, or ...

... abuse, it is important to understand how Xanax can affect the brain and body when it's misused. This article will answer the following ... begin within a few hours after a person's last use of Xanax and may include: 5, 10 ... continue reading

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

While alcohol is widely used in the United States, it can have an array of harmful effects. A 2019 survey reported that 85.6% of Americans aged 18 and over had consumed alcohol at some time in their life, nearly 70% of people had consumed alcohol ...

... experience. 3, 4 Alcohol use changes how the circuits in the brain work, especially in the areas of rewards, stress, and impulse control, and can persist even after substance use has stopped. 4, 5 People who have an AUD ... continue reading

Benzodiazepine Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment

Benzodiazepines (benzos) are commonly prescribed medications in the United States. In 2017, there were over 120 million benzodiazepine prescriptions dispensed throughout the country. 1 Benzos belong to a larger group of medications known as ...

... neural processes. 2 It is this slowing down of brain activity that can lead to the sedative effects of benzos ... a person's physical health before addressing behavioral, psychological, social and other factors related to ... continue reading

Tramadol Addiction Symptoms, Side Effects, and Treatment

Tramadol is an opioid analgesic medication prescribed for pain relief. 1 When it is used as prescribed, tramadol can be effective in managing moderate-to-moderately severe pain. 1 Like other prescription opioid painkillers, tramadol can be easily ...

... Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in 1995. In 2014, after years of reports of people diverting the drug for illicit misuse, ... to potentially harmful consequences and/or long-lasting changes to the brain. 4 Signs of Tramadol ... continue reading

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

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

... Myth #5: There's No Hope for Recovery After This Point Another popular rock-bottom myth is that ... when there are more recovery tools and therapy options available to us than ever before. 2 Cutting-edge research in this ... 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. ...

... cortex. But what does this mean in plain English? The prefrontal cortex is the part of Ted's brain that processes information and weighs whether or not it's a good idea to take the drug. This new pathway (or backdoor ... continue reading

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy for Addiction

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, originally approved for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), has since also been found to be useful in addiction treatment. EMDR can be combined with other therapies and works ...

... side to side. 1 To get through all 8 phases and ensure that you are safe between sessions, EMDR appointments run ... during or after EMDR sessions. 4 That way, they know if you need help or more time before ending a session ... continue reading

Vivitrol for Alcohol and Opioid Addiction Treatment

Vivitrol is the brand name for extended-release naltrexone, an injectable treatment for alcohol use disorder and opioid use disorder. Addiction to a substance, or a substance use disorder (SUD), is a chronic, lifelong disorder. 1 Long-term ...

... receptors in your brain. 2 The opioid receptors are responsible for your brain's reward circuit and the “high” ... free before starting Vivitrol. 2 As an opioid antagonist, Vivitrol will block your opioid receptors and cause ... continue reading

Naltrexone for Addiction Treatment: Side Effects and Rehabilitation

Successful addiction treatment can be life-changing, and medication for addiction treatment (MAT) is an effective tool that can promote both abstinence and long-term recovery. Naltrexone is one medication in the MAT armamentarium that is highly ...

... days before taking naltrexone, or you run the risk of experiencing opioid withdrawal symptoms . 1 After you ... development involves certain pathological changes in brain functioning and behavior which can have a ... continue reading

Alcohol Overdose Symptoms and Treatment

Alcohol misuse is prevalent across the country and consequences of alcohol abuse can be felt on an individual and societal level. Alcohol misuse and excessive alcohol use include both binge drinking and heavy drinking. The Centers for Disease ...

... overdose, some of which are permanent, and can include brain damage and death. 2 What Are the Risk ... to wait for a person to display all or only certain signs before making the call for help. 2 Keep in mind that many of ... continue reading

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

How Is Heroin Consumed? Heroin is one of the most common, addictive, and lethal drugs in the world. A morphine derivative, heroin is sold illegally in the form of white or brown powder, or a sticky black substance known as “black tar heroin.” In ...

... , is a stimulant and heroin is a depressant, they create counteracting effects in the body and brain that may make the ... before overdose occurs. Heroin Detox and Withdrawal The first process in treatment is finding safe and ... continue reading

Mother of Newborn Arrested After Failing Drug Test

There has been an enormous amount of debate and passion as of late - all of it spurred on by one question: what should happen to mothers who give birth to addicted children. Alabama came up with its own solution that involves jail time and bringing ...

... give a negative drug test before she can be released from jail and, by court order, may not ... person in Tennessee to be charged under the new law after she and her newborn baby tested positive for methamphetamines . What' ... continue reading

What Are Bath Salts and Why Are They So Dangerous?

No, we're not talking about actual bath salts. That would be unfortunate and rather painful. If you've ever accidentally got a fizzy drink up your nose (we would mention one of the leading brands of cola products, but that could be confusing,) ...

... of elation and stimulation. It gained popularity because it was legal to purchase for about 18 months after it was ... the molecule so that it binds more strongly in the brain. This also means you get some nasty side effects ... continue reading

Vivitrol's New and Controversial Role in Prisons

When I was in prison, the majority of inmates struggled with substance abuse. And because the prison system did very little (if anything at all) to rehabilitate us, it wasn't unusual for those who were released to almost immediately overdose or ...

... s manufacturer, and they have agreed to provide the first injection between two and seven days before an inmate's ... shots after release. But in some cases, newly released inmates can't get approved for Medicaid and struggle ... continue reading

Understanding Naloxone and Narcan

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

... that attaches to opioid receptors in the brain and reverses and blocks the effects of other opioids. 1 ... a person can feel the effects of opioid overdose return after the naloxone wears off. 1 Some people may require more ... 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 ...

... these can impact the course of treatment. 2 Before deciding to begin heroin addiction rehab, it may ... addiction severity and mental, physical, social, legal, vocational, and family needs. 2 What Happens After Heroin Rehab ... continue reading

Understanding the Effects of Long Term Drug Abuse on the Brain

Drug addiction is a chronic brain disease, and it can cause you to compulsively seek out drugs even though you're aware of the harmful results taking them can cause. Initially, your choice to take drugs is voluntary. So, if someone offers you drugs, ...

... the brain, and there ... and death. You can build a tolerance after the very first time you take a drug, which means you'll need to constantly increase the dosage you take to get the same feeling as the first time. The brain ... 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 ...

... alcohol is all too common—users often drink alcohol before choosing to use crack to enhance the “high,” ... less developed bodies with less mature brains. Resources, Articles, and More Information For additional information, ... continue reading

10 Ways Drug Abuse Hurts You and Those Around You

Most of us have heard countless times that drug abuse isn't beneficial—the word “abuse” is in the name, after all. But a lot of people don't realize just how dangerous it can be, both to the person using and the people that person loves and ...

... once can result in a fatal overdose , brain damage, and/or infect someone with diseases that will stay with ... , if the person already had mental health problems before using the drug, those problems are often exacerbated ... 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 ...

... system depressant, meaning that it slows the body and brain, and it may lead to erectile dysfunction, or inability ... Alcohol use during the early stages of pregnancy—even before a woman is aware that she is pregnant—can ... continue reading

Vyvanse Abuse Symptoms and Addiction Treatment

What Is Vyvanse Used For? Vyvanse, also known in its generic form as lisdexamfetamine, is a medication used for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adults. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also ...

... meaning that it speeds up brain activity. Vyvanse can improve attention and focus in individuals with ADHD ... Vyvanse. Using Vyvanse in a dangerous situation, such as before or while driving a car. Tolerance, or a diminished ... 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 ...

... heroin users begin their drug abuse with another opiate like Vicodin before moving to heroin. If you're worried about your use ... breathing and/or heart rate, there is risk for a lack of oxygen delivery to the brain and ... 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 ...

... is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain. 1,2 The medication ... risk of withdrawal should always be considered before stopping or decreasing Xanax use, especially among ... continue reading

Common Signs and Symptoms of Substance Abuse

How to Tell if Someone Is Using Drugs Drug use affects people across all walks of life and levels of socioeconomic status. Whatever reason a person starts taking drugs for—whether recreationally or as prescribed—tolerance, patterns of increased ...

... use, physical dependence and, ultimately, addiction may develop—sometimes before the user even realizes ... a person's behavior and habits. Some drugs can impair the brain's ability to focus and think clearly. 5 Changes ... 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 ...

... a heavy cocaine user, it's easy to see that blood flow is sluggish and abnormal compared to the brain of a non-user. These abnormalities are thought to bring on memory loss, learning problems, attention deficit disorders ... continue reading

What Does Acid Do to You? Short-Term, Long-Term, and Side Effects of Acid (LSD)

What Is LSD (Acid)? D-lysergic acid diethylamide, better known as LSD or “acid,” is a hallucinogenic drug made from lysergic acid, a natural chemical found in a fungus that grows on rye called Claviceps purpurea . LSD was first created in 1938 ...

... certain serotonin receptor sub-types in the brain and body. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter involved with ... of HPPD can last from weeks to years before resolving on their own, and there is no widely recognized treatment. 8 ... continue reading

Ecstasy Before and After Brain

Get Sober Today

Related results