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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 ...
... be smoked, snorted, or injected. Regardless of the type of heroin used, the drug acts quickly in the body to elicit its dramatic results. In short, heroin is very harmful. The speed and intense effects of the substance ... 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 ...
... septum and nose tissues from snorting heroin . Women who use heroin while pregnant place themselves and ... substance and enduring withdrawal effects. Opiate Overdose Perhaps the most serious effect of heroin use is the risk ... 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, ...
... keeps many users running back to the drug even when they want to stop. Methods of Heroin Use and Effects Pure heroin can be smoked or snorted , but it is usually injected : Into a vein. Under the skin. Into a muscle ... 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 ...
... is very addictive. Its use is associated with a rewarding rush and pleasurable euphoria. Such heroin effects can strongly reinforce continued use of the drug. 4 Over time and with repeated administration, you can develop ... 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 ...
... a potentially deadly drug. In 2012, over 3,600 deaths in the U.S. were connected to heroin usage . If you're suffering the effects of heroin use and need help, don't wait to find treatment. Is a Loved One Struggling to ... continue reading -
Snorting Adderall: Side Effects and Addiction Treatment
What Does Adderall Do? Adderall is a prescription stimulant used and abused for its ability to increase energy and mental focus, as well as for its potential to elicit pleasurable feelings at high enough doses. 1 It is prescribed for the treatment ...
... names, including “black beauties,” “uppers,” and “speed.” 1 Adderall is classified as a schedule II ... effects on the brain, snorting Adderall can lead to serious and potentially fatal side effects. Side Effects of Snorting ... 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 ...
... use of heroin may also lead to collapsed veins, heart or blood infections, chronic constipation, or lung complications. 7 Other opioids have similar side effect profiles with misuse. 8 Long-Term Health Effects of Drug ... 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 ... lead to several common brain and body effects. These effects are like those that occur due to cocaine ... 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 ...
... it by crushing and snorting it, or mixing it with water and then injecting it. 5 Long-Term Effects of Vyvanse Abuse Chronic ... to help people taper off of drugs such as heroin , there are no medications approved by the Food ... 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 ...
... ; it's more powerful than speed or coke weight for weight, so it's easy to accidentally overdose . Ketamine is typically injected or snorted , but it can be smoked or taken in pill form. The effects of smoking it or ... 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 ...
... derived from morphine, 2 Roxicodone produces effects similar to those of heroin (e.g. euphoria and sedation)— ... ways other than prescribed, e.g. via snorting or injecting it. Take the medication recreationally without ... 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 ...
... due to sleep deprivation. Death. Other Effects of Methamphetamine Use Some types of brain ... Institute on Drug Abuse also reports that methamphetamine use may speed up the progression of HIV/AIDS and worsen symptoms ... 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 renal system itself. These secondary nephrotoxic effects are often a result of muscle breakdown ... . Tobacco. Painkillers . Heroin Heroin, which is an illicit opioid that can be injected , snorted , or smoked, can ... 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 ...
... analgesic—or narcotic painkiller—with similar effects to heroin and morphine . Acetaminophen, the active ... as a tablet but the user has begun crushing, chewing, snorting , or injecting the medication, this is a red flag. ... 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 ...
... drugs are abused (crushed, snorted, injected), they enter the bloodstream rapidly, producing a stronger effect and posing significantly more dangers and risks. 2,3 The Link between Heroin and Prescription Opioid Abuse ... continue reading -
Snorting Cocaine Side Effects, Signs, Dangers, and Addiction Treatment
Cocaine is a stimulant drug with highly addictive properties that is derived from the coca plant. 1 Also known as “coke,” “snow,” and “blow,” cocaine is a white, crystal-like powder that provides a euphoric high. How Is Cocaine Taken? ...
... and those who mix cocaine with other drugs (e.g. with heroin as a “speedball” or with alcohol ) are especially at risk for overdose. Side Effects of Snorting Cocaine Cocaine use can cause a range of short-term physical ... continue reading -
The Effects of Valium Use: Side Effects, Short- and Long-Term Effects, and Treatment
What Is Valium Used For? Valium—a popular sedative-hypnotic prescription drug—has numerous effects on the body, many of which can be dangerous when the drug is misused or abused. Valium (diazepam) is prescribed for sleeplessness, anxiety, muscle ...
... methods (such as injection or via crushing and snorting Valium to enhance the high). A marked physical ... brain rebounds and speeds up from its drugged state, producing other undesirable effects, such as: Anxiety ... continue reading -
Snorting Morphine
Morphine is a prescription opioid medication used to treat relatively severe pain 1 . Morphine is prescribed in a variety of forms, including liquid solution, tablets, and capsules, and is only intended to be used under the supervision of a medical ...
... users may crush up and snort morphine tablets or capsules in an effort to enhance its effects). Morphine is extremely similar to heroin —a notoriously addictive opiate. In fact, heroin is synthesized from morphine opiate ... continue reading -
Dangers of Snorting and Sniffing Drugs
Different routes of administration like snorting, sniffing, smoking, or injecting when you are using drugs can produce various effects based on how quickly the drug is absorbed into the body and the bloodstream. 1 Methods like smoking or injecting ...
... more time to produce the same effect but may last longer. 1 While snorting drugs may be a slower rate of absorption than other routes, chronic drug use over time can result in harmful effects to your health, such as ... 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 ...
... requiring more of the drug to achieve the desired effect or high. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when Tussionex use is ... effects that can result from crushing and snorting or injecting TussiCaps. These long-term effects ... continue reading -
The Effects of Meth on Your Body
During the past two decades, illicit methamphetamine - also known as crystal meth - has presented one of the largest and most dangerous drug epidemics in America. This extremely powerful stimulant, which can be smoked, injected, snorted, or eaten, ...
... damaging one's health in a variety of ways. The effects of meth can impact several crucial organ systems and cause ... potentially going days without food. Because meth also speeds up the body's metabolism, this can lead to ... continue reading -
Oxycodone Abuse Signs, Symptoms, Effects, and Treatment
What Is Oxycodone Used For? “Those addicted to prescription opiates like oxycodone are 40 times more likely to develop a heroin abuse problem.” Oxycodone is a pain-relieving drug that is prescribed frequently to address moderate-to-severe pain. ...
... are 40 times more likely to develop a heroin abuse problem.” Oxycodone is a pain-relieving drug ... experience the effects of oxycodone, it begins to adjust so that the same amount will have a decreased effect . This ... continue reading -
Effects of Drugs on the Brain: Impact of Drugs on Neurotransmitters
For many people, addiction can be difficult to understand. Understanding how drugs affect the brain can help shed some light on how a person develops an addiction. This article will discuss how various drugs affect the chemistry of the brain and ...
... -known illicit and prescription opioids include: Heroin . Morphine . Oxycodone ( OxyContin ). ... By simply swallowing, snorting , or injecting these drugs, people can get all the desired effects of endorphins without having ... continue reading -
OxyContin Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment
What Is OxyContin Used For? OxyContin is a branded formulation of the powerful opioid painkiller oxycodone . It is prescribed to manage cases of moderate-to-severe pain. When taken as directed, it is a safe and effective medication, and it has ...
... or crushing them up to be snorted or injected) elicits more intense effects and increases the user's risk ... the study. This may be due to the fact that heroin is more easily accessible and costs less than opioid painkillers ... 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 ...
... dose-dependent response to the use of opiates like heroin and, in a similar manner, to that of ... . Short-Term Effects of Demerol Use As a broad class of drugs, opiates have an analgesic—or painkilling—effect on the body ... continue reading -
Effects of Crystal Meth Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, & Side Effects
What Is Methamphetamine Used For? Methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant that can have long-lasting effects on the body. This is a man-made substance that—with the advent of other more efficacious prescription stimulants—now has limited ...
... the drug is crushed up to be snorted or injected . Smoking speeds the delivery of the substance into the ... that may be present. Methamphetamine assessment Test Long-Term Effects of Crystal Meth Use When taken over a long ... 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, ...
... use cocaine with other substances such as alcohol, heroin , and marijuana . These combinations can be ... another drug and the user is not aware). 11 Dangerous effects can occur due to polysubstance use. Mixing cocaine with ... 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 ...
... programs. But for many Americans, these restrictions came too late, going into effect long after they were hooked on opiates . As a result, heroin is now impacting a completely different segment of the nation - white ... 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 ...
... . The Heart of the Debate The problem is that prescription opioids like OxyContin mimic the effects of heroin in both the body and mind. The two drugs are virtually interchangeable, leading many addicts to jump from ... continue reading -
Free Heroin Addiction Hotline Numbers
Call American Addiction Centers (AAC) now at What Is a Heroin Hotline Number? Heroin addiction is a very hard challenge to overcome alone. This is why doctors, mental health professionals, and support group members advocate seeking help if you ...
... one in rehab? Regain control of your life today and call us at . Why Should I Call a Heroin Helpline Number? Calling a heroin helpline does not mean you must commit to anything. All it means is that you are ready to get ... continue reading -
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 ...
... with a stronger substance increases the high, but also the potential to experience dangerous physical heroin side effects . Opioids and other depressants severely impact breathing and in the case of overdose, breathing ... 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 ...
... -term euphoric effect, binding to opioid receptors in the brain and depressing the central nervous system. After the initial euphoria, heroin produces a drowsy state. Since heroin's an opioid, it produces effects similar ... 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 ...
... The combination of heroin and alcohol creates a synergistic effect. Overdoses of heroin and alcohol can ... . Finding help for heroin abuse and getting information about the side effects of heroin use is really important ... 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 ...
... prompt body systems to not only slow down, but grind to a halt. The heroin/fentanyl combo is also one that sets in quickly. Effects are felt almost instantly and collapse occurs in a matter of seconds. Simply put; most ... continue reading -
DEA: Heroin ‘Probably’ More Dangerous Than Marijuana
With 23 states and Washington D.C. legalizing medical marijuana and four states legalizing it for recreational use, it's quite possible we'll see a day when marijuana is considered “legal” throughout the U.S. However, the Drug Enforcement ...
... a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical benefits. In other words, it's in the same category as heroin and crack cocaine . Even the staunchest anti-drug supporters have hard a time putting pot on equal footing ... continue reading -
The Price Tag of Heroin in America: $51 Billion
If you're hooked on heroin, you'll spend an average of $150 a day to support your habit. That's nearly $55,000 per year. Heroin abuse comes with a pretty hefty price tag, unfortunately personal financial burden isn't the only cash-flow issue left in ...
... your habit. That's nearly $55,000 per year. Heroin abuse comes with a pretty hefty price tag, unfortunately ... 11,148 per person. At more than $50K per user, heroin's cost blows those two diseases out of the water. The U ... continue reading -
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 ...
... tools you need to stay sober. A well-thought-out plan can help you identify and manage the signs of heroin relapse before things get worse. You can implement some of the elements of a relapse prevention plan on your own ... 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 ...
... -size devices that inject naloxone. Known as the opiate antidote, naloxone saves lives by reversing the effects of heroin. Learn more about the dangers of heroin abuse and addiction . Image Source: flickr/Cristian C 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 ...
... (IMF), is made in clandestine labs. NPF is sold illegally, and it is highly sought after because it produces heroin-like effects 1 and can be cheap for manufacturers to make. On the street, it is sold under various names ... 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 ...
... their profits or increase the potency of their product — and they can have devastating effects. And when it comes to cocaine and heroin, the dangers are profound. Which additives are the most common? Which ones pack the ... 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 ...
... 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 North Carolina air blew in. How ... continue reading -
25 Great Writers Who Battled Drug Addiction and Alcoholism
Drug and Alcohol Addiction Can Affect Anyone Some people are more susceptible to addiction than others, and writers are notorious for having some sort of addiction. Whether it's alcohol to numb the noise of the world or speed or LSD to “inspire” ...
... it's alcohol to numb the noise of the world or speed or LSD to “inspire” them, the bohemian yet lonely world ... addiction to alcohol didn't help him. Hubert Selby Heroin and other painkillers were the demons of Requiem for ... 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 ...
... snorted, or taken orally. Heroin addiction takes a heavy toll on the user's life. Find out more about heroin overdose , help for heroin dependence , and the side effects of heroin ... also referred to as speed, ice, crank, ... continue reading -
New Study: Amphetamine Abuse and This Old Heart
It's called speed for a reason. Amphetamines, like Ritalin or Adderall, accelerate your heart rate. They send your nervous system into overdrive. Guess what else it speeds up? The aging process. That's right. Pumping your system full of amphetamine ...
... Ritalin or Adderall, accelerate your heart rate. They send your nervous system into overdrive. Guess what else it speeds up? The aging process. That's right. Pumping your system full of amphetamine makes you get older ... continue reading -
What Recreational Drugs Cause Liver Damage? Drugs and Liver Disease
The Function of the Liver The liver plays an extremely important role in the body. It ensures the removal of toxins and has numerous other functions, including: Fat metabolism: Liver cells—or hepatocytes—are able to process dietary and stored ...
... others are classified as enzyme inhibitors, which reduce the speed at which a drug is broken down. In many ... known as Tylenol)—elicit predictable and dose-dependent effects on the liver, others may have unforeseeable ... 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 ...
... the level of alcohol in your system. Just like coffee, the refreshing water may wake you up, but it doesn't speed up the process. But you will smell nicer. Take two and call me in the morning: Popping a couple of aspirin ... 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 ...
... and arousal. This effect actually works against the effects of heroin , which depresses the ... increase an individual's risk of addiction and the speed at which addiction develops. Secondly, particular combinations of ... 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 ... reduce the speed of your breathing and heartbeat and produce other unwanted physical effects like: ... 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 ...
... Mouth's Worst Nightmare Unfortunately, drugs have terrible effects on the human body …including your teeth ... ” like speed or ecstasy . They cause severe tooth decay, jaw-clenching and dry mouth. Heroin: Heroin belongs to ... 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 ...
... or impart a sense of temporary wellbeing, the adverse effects of drugs can be dangerous and, in some instances ... as well as illicit drugs like heroin . Research suggests that long-term heroin use can cause the white matter ... continue reading -
Taking Action: How to Intervene During an Overdose
Drug overdoses are now the leading cause of accident death in the United States. According to the Centers of Disease Control (CDC), 43,982 drug overdose deaths occurred in 2013 across the nation. That's two times the amount of overdose deaths a ...
... related deaths have increased five-fold over the last 10 years. Since both of these opiates have a depressant effect ... a life-saving drug that reverses the depressing effects of opiates on the central nervous system. ... 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 ...
... a doctor, it can speed up the onset of tolerance, give rise to number of damaging health effects, and ultimately lead ... who do not misuse the drug and is a normal effect of continued use of any drug, it can be a ... 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 ...
... the sedative effects of the other. Much like benzodiazepines, illegal opiates like heroin and prescription ... counteracts each substance's effects to an extent. In other words, stimulants ( cocaine , speed , meth , Ritalin ... 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 ...
... symptoms, and experience worse outcomes. 10,11 Both marijuana and stimulants cause the heart rate to speed up, which can mimic physical symptoms of anxiety and potentially exacerbate anxious thoughts. 12,13 Stimulants ... 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 ...
... be a good idea if you're really struggling with your addiction, getting back to work can often actually help speed up your recovery; working gives you a sense of purpose and keeps your mind off of unhealthy thoughts. By ... 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 ...
... speed. 7 What Are the Side Effects of Xanax Use? All medications have potential side effects, ... an increased frequency of use to achieve the same or similar effect that the substance had on you when you began taking it. ... 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 ...
... and certain hallucinogens, and it elicits both stimulant and sensory altering effects. 1 MDMA is known by many names, including: 1,2 X. XTC. Lover's Speed. Adam. Eve. Peace. Clarity. The drug was developed by a German ... 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 ...
... -term effects of clonazepam are: Relaxation of the mind and reduction of anxiety. People with sped-up or ... stops taking clonazepam, they will experience a rebound effect. This means that the problems which the medication ... 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 ...
... , but they vary in their speed of onset and the duration of their effects. Primarily, clonazepam is used to ... amounts of clonazepam in order to achieve the same effect. The development of tolerance may trigger the onset of ... 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 ...
... purposes. These highs can be obtained through snorting Adderall, swallowing the pills, or smoking Adderall ... and symptoms that range from short-term side effects to long-term consequences. Common signs of Adderall ... 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 ...
... the aging process. When drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, we speed toward wrinkles. Reducing our alcohol consumption can help us avoid the following alcohol aging effects . Wrinkled Skin Most of us know that alcohol ... 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 ...
... its systems . The following list details the possible effects of alcoholism. Cardiomyopathy (a Broken Heart): Myopathy ... pacemaker to keep it pumping at the right speed. Alcohol interferes with this pacemaker, causing the ... 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 ...
... better ways to understand drugs such as cocaine and their effects on the brain. With these new imaging methods, ... and his team noted a dramatic drop in blood flow speed. For the very first time, researchers were also able ... continue reading -
Joints vs. Edibles: How Marijuana Affects the Body
The primary psychoactive component of marijuana (cannabis)—what deliver the “high,” in other words—is the substance tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). 1 THC's powerful, mind-altering effects derive from its interaction with and activation of the ...
... of THC concentration or potency, swiftness of effect onset, and longevity of these symptoms depending ... the speed of onset of effects, the duration until peak effects are experienced, and the longevity of the effects. ... 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 ... even in those without ADHD. Learn more about the effects of Adderall use . The abuse of Adderall is ... 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 ... how alcohol transfers to your milk and the potential effects it can have on your child is vital to ... 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, ...
... speed,” and “ice”—is an addictive stimulant that causes users to experience an intense, euphoric rush. 1 Meth can be smoked, snorted ... chronic overdose refers to the accumulated health effects of long-term use. Chronic meth ... 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 ...
... sensation. As you keep drinking, the dopamine effect diminishes, putting you at risk for feeling the ... The depression of brain centers can also trigger adverse effects on memory. Even just a few drinks can impact ... 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 ...
... in minuscule doses or with minimal contact, the effects of the drug are serious and can include immediate ... what's in the batch), someone trying to take the amount of heroin they are used to taking can die in minutes. 5,7 ... 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 ...
... . Seven states have passed new marijuana laws, and a heroin epidemic continues to claim more lives each year than ever ... not neighboring Mexico, Idaho still suffers the effects of Mexican meth trafficking, being named as ... 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 ...
... , and Vicodin, illegally. What's most disturbing is that these drugs produce effects similar to heroin, putting users on a dangerous path to heroin use. Each year, health insurance companies spend up to $72.5 billion ... 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 ...
... pain relievers, largely because they both have similar effects on users and extremely high abuse potentials. Now more than ever, people are switching between heroin and prescription opioids to keep up their addictions ... 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, ...
... morphine or heroin, methadone is able to produce many of the same effects. The effects of methadone ... 12-hour period. However, when OxyContin is chewed, snorted, or injected, the time-release mechanism is bypassed, ... 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 ...
... 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 do not increase with dose increases ... 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 ...
... the total number of lives claimed by either Parkinson's or pneumonia at this time. Two years later in 2022, heroin deaths would be less than 5,000 short of 100,000 deaths yearly and would claim almost 20,000 more deaths ... 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 ...
... enhance, or mimic a pharmacological effect. Fentanyl is often mixed with heroin, and it may also be pressed ... U-47700, nicknamed “pink.” The effects of pink mimic other opioids such as heroin and, in 2016 it had caused 46 ... 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 - ...
... 2015 Drug Threat Assessment released by the DEA, prescription drug use rates are higher than those of cocaine, meth, heroin, MDMA, and PCP combined. The report notes that the U.S. markets for MDMA and PCP are relatively ... 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 ...
... these cocaine toothache drops would be comparable to snorting the same amount of cocaine. The rapid onset ... effects - should have been promoted casually to unsuspecting consumers. The marketing of a pharmaceutical heroin ... 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 ...
... 24 hours a day, to hear more about opiate addiction rehabilitation. The Effects of Injecting Opiates Illicit street drugs such as heroin are frequently diluted and can contain contaminating and infectious particles. The ... 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 ...
... 000 drug law violations. Two-thirds involved marijuana, crack, heroin, or cocaine. It's not hard to guess which of ... drug violations by ward, per 1,000 residents—in effect, removing population size as a factor. If you ... 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 ...
... it seemed nothing could help. Would she always be addicted to heroin? Was there anything she hadn't tried? During her most ... in the U.S.) Ibogaine can cause severe side effects , including: Ataxia (loss of control of body ... continue reading -
Sentencing by State 2
have led to overcrowded facilities, skyrocketing prison costs, and major social, economic, and political impacts. Currently, nearly half of all inmates in federal prisons are serving sentences for drug offenses. Many are fathers and mothers who miss ...
... rates are markedly higher in the Western United States. Heroin was the most common in 10 states, while powder ... an incarcerated parent, the emotional and financial effects are pronounced: These children face serious and ... 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 ...
... is relatively difficult to obtain, people have turned to alternatives such as krokodil as a heroin substitute. Krokodil Drug Effects Krokodil is attractive to those seeking a euphoric high because it is cheap, relatively ... 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 ...
... misuse drugs to obtain a quick and powerful effect. 1 Intravenous (IV) injection, or ... effects. 5 The 3 most common drugs are injected in the following ways: Heroin is available in powdered forms or as black tar heroin ... 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 ...
... . The Snowball Effect of Methadone While opiate addiction clearly has far-reaching negative effects, a core ... rates are much higher for parents using methadone than for heroin users in general. 32 (25%) of the 130 families ... 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 ...
... Health estimates there are 11,000 people addicted to heroin in San Francisco. It is estimated that thousands ... opioid cravings. That means people can't feel the effects of opioid drugs or overdose if they do happen to ... 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 ...
... anxiety, while the fentanyl delivers the lethal effects. Barring legal complications or appeals, this ... pounds of fentanyl and nearly 50 pounds of fentanyl-laced heroin out of circulation. Seized from an apartment in Queens ... continue reading -
5 Movies That Will Make You Never Want to Do Drugs Again
Hollywood has a knack for glamorizing controversial subjects and drug use is certainly one of them. Yet for every Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas or Trainspotting , there are also those films that will make you never want to touch drugs again. Here ...
... . Needle Park takes its name from a popular hangout for heroin users on Manhattan's Upper West Side, where much of ... in your mind. Learn more about the symptoms and side effects of drug use . How to Find Help for Drug or ... continue reading -
30 Famous Musicians Who Have Battled Drug Addiction and Alcoholism
1. Ozzy Osbourne Rockstar Ozzy Osbourne has long struggled with addiction. In fact, his heavy alcohol and drug abuse led to him being fired from Black Sabbath in 1978. 2. Kurt Cobain Kurt Cobain got to know his wife Courtney Love while they used ...
... Yoko Ono Musician Yoko Ono has openly admitted to heroin addiction. She has even claimed that she and John ... , but has since come clean. His reflections on the ill effects of drug use in his music are touching. 16. Elton ... 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 ...
... Suboxone ) are opioid antagonists, and will block the effects of opioid misuse . 9 MAT can make it easier ... drug-free life. Reducing the use of illicit opioids ( heroin ) and/or the non-medical use of prescription opioids ... 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 ...
... euphoria and well-being. These effects, which are similar to those of heroin (another opioid), reinforce patterns of ... may compound the risk of overdose: Snorting or injecting the medication. Continually increasing your ... 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 ...
... women. For example, men on average first use marijuana one year before women (18.9 versus 19.9), but women try heroin four years, four months earlier than men (26.9 versus 31), despite the fact that men use the drug at a ... 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 ...
... anywhere that a vein is located, but the arms are the most common location. Physical and mental effects of heroin abuse include: Surge or rush of euphoria. Dry mouth. Nausea/vomiting. Warm, flushed (and often itchy) skin ... 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, ...
... own chemical dependencies. Famous examples of this genetic effect have been passed down via musical icons , ... s death in February of 2014. He died from a heroin overdose , despite being in recovery for more than two decades ... 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 ...
... abuse , but the drug was mentioned in these articles that detailed past struggles with addiction. Heroin Heroin is a drug with severe addictive potential and tragic consequences. Its wide-reaching destructive influence ... 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 ...
... a dissociative anesthetic that may have hallucinogenic effects. While this assessment does not replace a ... . This class of drug encompasses both illicit heroin as well as morphine and prescription opioid painkillers ... 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 ...
... used to reverse overdose from opioids like heroin and prescription painkillers. But there are people ... , and that the nation's death toll from heroin and prescription opioids would be significantly higher without it ... 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 With ... with fentanyl , the onset of adverse health effects is rapid and profound. Symptoms, such as ... 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, ...
... , an opioid receptor antagonist, can block the intoxicating effects of alcohol and opioids—but again, only for some ... cocaine, simply taking more of the drug overcomes the effect of the vaccine. 21 In principle, a vaccine ... continue reading -
Injecting Drugs: 9 Hidden Dangers
Did you know that injecting drugs into your body can increase your risk for a number of health problems? Additionally, did you know that injection-related injuries not only include bruising, scarring, and venous injury, but also infectious diseases ...
... , the 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 a match to flame a ... continue reading
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