Facts About Ecstasy

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 ...

... a logo. It may also be found in capsule, powder, or liquid form. 2 Learn more about MDMA in our article, Ecstasy History and Statistics . The Dangers of “Molly” The following video from UMass Medical school describes why ... continue reading

MDMA/Ecstasy Dangers of Use, Addictive Potential, and Treatment Options

Ecstasy is an illicitly manufactured, synthetic drug used by many people for different reasons, such as to increase feelings of well-being or feel emotional closeness to others. 1 Although ecstasy initially became popular for use at raves or ...

... or MDMA. 2 It's also known by various street names, such as molly, XTC, E, X, beans, and adams. 3 Ecstasy is ... desire to talk about emotional events and experiences. 1,2 These and other symptoms of ecstasy use usually ... continue reading

How to Help an Ecstasy Addict

Help for Ecstasy Addicts The full name for ecstasy is 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, or MDMA. It is a synthetic drug that has psychoactive effects on users. It is produced and available in many forms. It is similar chemically to the hallucinogen ...

... seeking treatment for themselves or someone they care about. These options can include inpatient rehab, outpatient therapy ... self-administer MDMA, which is an indicator of the drug's addictive potential. Ecstasy can be ... 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 ...

... meth include Special K, Poppers, Viagra, GHB and Ecstasy. One of the most concerning trends in the gay ... in the number of gay meth users injecting the drug. In fact, the number of men injecting (in a sexual context) ... continue reading

What Is Molly? 5 Things You Didn’t Know About MDMA

Molly is a street name for MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine), a popular rave drug used at nightclubs and music festivals to alter mood and perception. 1 People may see Molly as a drug that helps them let loose, connect to others, and dance ...

... , and dance all night, but there are many facts about the substance of which users may be unaware. MDMA Has Been Around for Over 100 Years MDMA (also known as ecstasy) is a synthetic substance that's been around for ... 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 ...

... . Learn more about teen drug and alcohol misuse . Resources, Articles and More Information For more information on Ecstasy and alcohol, see the following articles: MDMA (Ecstasy or Molly) Ecstasy Overdose Symptoms How ... continue reading

PCP Facts, History, and Statistics

What Is PCP Used For? “Angel Dust,” “Animal Trank,” and “Rocket Fuel”—these are only some of the street names used to reference the drug PCP (Phencyclidine) , an infamous hallucinogenic (more specifically a dissociative drug ) often ...

... marijuana , and various synthetic drugs including MDMA (Ecstasy) . PCP has even been reported ... American Addiction Centers (AAC) free at for more information about drug abuse treatment options —you can get your life back ... 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 ...

... party drug “Molly” is marketed to consumers as pure ecstasy (MDMA) . However, drugs such as Molly are often ... give us a call today free at to learn more about available recovery options and resources. We can help you find ... 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 ...

... morning. But, what about other drugs? Most drugs linger a bit longer than alcohol. In fact, some of them ... the time she starts her next shift. Wrong. Ecstasy, or MDMA, (a.k.a. Molly) stays with you for up to 72 hours. ... 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, ...

... go down similar disastrous paths? Cassie, Jeff, and Molly are catastrophic thinkers . If your thought patterns are similar ... disorders, many turn to substance abuse. In fact, about 20% of Americans with an anxiety or mood ... 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 ...

... know is that treatment works for many people. In fact, about half of those who complete treatment for the first time ... Bath Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine Marijuana Meth ... 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 ...

... it comes to the renal filtration process. In fact, the majority of misused substances are excreted through ... Among these substances are: Heroin . Cocaine . MDMA (ecstasy) . Inhalants . Alcohol . Tobacco. Painkillers . ... continue reading

Over-The-Counter Drugs of Abuse

It is a common misconception that only illegal drugs are dangerous. There are many different over-the-counter (OTC) drugs with psychoactive, or mind-altering properties that may lead to a number of serious medical and mental health consequences if ...

... settings may use ephedrine as a substitute for ecstasy. Negative side effects of ephedrine use include: ... in large doses in order to get high or stay awake. In fact, taking too many caffeine pills can lead to an overdose . ... 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, ...

... dissociative drug is no longer used medicinally. (Learn about the history of PCP .) It's still legal ... in conjunction with cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine, or MDMA (ecstasy). 20 Users will take ketamine repeatedly in ... 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 - ...

... or hear much about drug deaths, but they're occurring at an alarming and ever-increasing rate. In fact, since the turn ... option, PCP, LSD, heroin, crack cocaine, and MDMA are thought to be among the most difficult to obtain ... 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, ...

... risks. Further complicating the issue is the fact that the precise effects of these combinations ... is struggling with drug or alcohol misuse. To learn more about options for drug treatment , please contact the caring team ... 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 ...

... Hughes' Weird Science , and he co-starred opposite Molly Ringwald in The Pick-Up Artist in 1987. That same ... out. Now in recovery for more than 15 years, the fact that Robert Downey Jr.'s career seems to improve the longer ... 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 ...

... be cut with other powder substances such as cocaine , MDMA , or amphetamine for snorting and may be added to ... usually felt within 1-30 minutes of ingestion and last about an hour. 7 Depending on the dose, effects may ... 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 ...

... it's so vital to get help as soon as possible. In fact, heroin is a potentially deadly drug. In 2012, over 3,600 ... ask ahead of time, the more comfortable you'll feel about the program you pick. Receive 24/7 text support ... continue reading

Did the DEA Really Abandon Its Plan to Ban Kratom?

Several years ago, when I was living with my ex-boyfriend, I stumbled upon a package he received. The receipt said it was a bottle of kratom - a word I had never heard of before. A cursory Google search didn't pull up much either, beside the fact it ...

... searching on Chinese websites in the first place. In fact, I'd forgotten all about the strange herb…until I came across this article ... drug category, alongside drugs like heroin, ecstasy and LSD. The DEA initially proposed ... 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 ...

... from Imperial College of London broke the news that they were about to begin the world's first clinical trial using MDMA (the active ingredient in party drug ecstasy) to test the theory that it could be used—in ... 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 ... orally in capsule or pill form. Learn about the long-term effects of ecstasy use . What Is Fentanyl? Fentanyl is ... 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. ...

... cause brain damage and they will likely develop severe memory problems . While use of ecstasy, real name MDMA (short for methylenedioxymethamphetamine), often produces only mild side effects, it does involve a huge risk ... 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 ...

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

... abusing methamphetamine, as well its chemical cousin MDMA (“ ecstasy ”), can have neurological consequences similar to ... compassionate staff can answer questions you have about how addiction affects you, connect you with ... continue reading

Party Culture and Substance Use

Three out of five college students actively drink alcohol, and more than half of them practice binge drinking - or drinking enough to significantly raise blood alcohol content (BAC) levels in a short span of time. Typically, this means four drinks ...

... four drinks for women and five drinks for men in about two hours. Nearly six percent of fatalities around the world ... substances - including heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, MDMA, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and methamphetamine. ... 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 ...

... Heroin . 13 Inhalants . 14 Cocaine . 15 MDMA or Ecstasy . 16 Methamphetamine . 17 Symptoms of Liver Damage If ... 7 addiction helpline that can answer your questions about substance abuse, connect you with suitable rehab ... 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 ...

... in the U.S. According to the National Cancer Institute: 1 About 1,806,590 new cases of cancer would be diagnosed in 2020 ... and kidney issues. 16 MDMA . Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) poses risks associated with ... 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 ...

... 2,237 in 2011. 3 While bath salts use appears to have declined recently, many sellers have relabeled these products as “ molly ” or “ flakka ,” so many users don't even realize they're taking bath salts. 5 What Do Bath ... 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 ...

... typically sold as tablets. Its effects are similar to those of MDMA . Users may feel peaceful, calm, and/or more empathetic ... Visit the links below to find out more about your health insurance coverage levels, how to get ... 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 ...

... PCP , peyote, mescaline, psilocybin mushrooms, and MDMA . 7 The following 2014 statistics associated with ... trusted rehab programs across the country. To learn about treatment options with AAC, please contact one of ... continue reading

An Uncomfortable Truth: Drug Abuse Raises STD Rates

A new study claims that swingers play a major role in the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) but, in addition to the sex, it's their drug abuse that is ultimately contributing to this increase. Linking Drugs and STDs Researchers at the ...

... group of swingers included marijuana , cocaine , MDMA and alkyl nitrates (poppers). The scientists also ... using a condom for vaginal sex. Risky Behaviors About 13% of the participants were diagnosed with STDs including ... continue reading

How to Help an Alprazolam Addict

Help for Alprazolam Addicts Alprazolam—marketed under the brand name Xanax —is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety and panic disorders . Similar to the effects of alcohol, alprazolam works by depressing brain functions . Abuse of this drug ...

... are using alprazolam too often or in high dosages? Do you worry about what will happen when you run out? Do you crave alprazolam if ... Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine ... continue reading

Drugs and Devotion

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

... two substances that they do try earlier, LSD and ecstasy, only show small differences (0.1 to 0.2 ... The NSDUH survey doesn't ask respondents to go into detail about what their religious beliefs consist of, but it does ask ... 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, ...

... experiencing these symptoms , as they may hurt themselves. Learn more about the effects of opioid use . Am I Addicted to Codeine ... Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Marijuana Meth ... 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 ...

... of loved ones can come together to approach the Tussionex user about the negative consequences of his or her behaviors 5 . The ... Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine Marijuana ... continue reading

How to Help Someone With Concerta Addiction

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

... However, as with many stimulant drugs, it can be addictive. In fact, it is a Schedule II drug , meaning it has a high ... Bath Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine Marijuana Meth ... 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, ...

... to polysubstance use. Mixing cocaine with another stimulant—such as ecstasy —can lead to heart attacks, brain injuries, liver damage ... to speak with a caring admissions navigator about your rehab options. Levels of Care in ... 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 ...

... to adverse reactions to pharmaceuticals taken as prescribed, about 45% involved drug abuse. Of the 2.1 ... ), and hydrocodone products (124.5% increase). Only ecstasy saw a similar rate of increase in ER visits over ... 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 ...

... Express your concerns and state facts, not opinions. Be patient. Offer help, including information about treatment, how it works, and ... Crack Crystal Meth Dextromethorphan DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine ... 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 ...

... to help prevent drug abuse and educate the public about the dangers of drug use and sales. Laws ... Have strong addiction potential. Examples include heroin and ecstasy . Schedule II drugs: Have strong potential for ... 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 ...

... to the accessibility of the substance and peer pressure. In fact, among those aged 12 to 20 in 2020, 16. ... about treatment options with AAC. Consuming Alcohol With Illicit Drugs Bath Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth Ecstasy ... 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 ...

... 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 ... - the flip-flop between ecstasy and desperation or the longing ... continue reading

Teenagers and Drugs: 11 Real Reasons Why Teenagers Experiment

There is a common misconception that teenagers who experiment with drugs and alcohol are inherently “bad kids.” Many parents assume that teenagers experiment because they are rebellious and want to lash out. That may be the reason a small ...

... something on their own and need a little help. Ecstasy can be used for a lack of inhibition and enhanced ... family history of addiction, be honest and open a dialogue about the real risks of substance abuse. How to Get Help ... continue reading

5 Alarming Facts About Benzo Addiction

People tend to use benzodiazepines because they work, plain and simple. A group of prescription sedatives, benzodiazepines are classified as Schedule IV in the Controlled Substances Act and are most commonly prescribed to treat anxiety, namely under ...

... chemical composition and action in the body make them especially easy to abuse. These 5 alarming facts about benzo addiction may surprise you. 1. Becoming Addicted Is Shockingly Easy Researchers discovered that when you ... continue reading

Facts About Krokodil (The “Zombie Drug”)

What Is Krokodil? Desomorphine (dihydrodesoxymorphine) 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 “krokodil” is ...

... delivers potent sedative and pain-relieving effects in the user. Krokodil's effects have a very fast onset of about 2-3 minutes and last for approximately 2 hours. The drug, while cheap, produces a relatively short high ... continue reading

9 Mind-Blowing Facts About W-18

Just when we thought things couldn't get any worse than fentanyl … The street-drug market has a new player - and it's even deadlier than previous killers. W-18 won't deliver a great high; it will, however, deliver death. Introducing W-18 Here are ...

... . W-18 won't deliver a great high; it will, however, deliver death. Introducing W-18 Here are the scary facts on this synthetic drug: Not for Human Use: The drug is a synthetic opioid with no known clinical use. A team ... continue reading

Underage DUIs: 6 Sobering Facts About Drunk Driving

Drunk driving can have serious consequences, including injury and death. If you're an underage driver, you will be slammed with a DUI (driving under the influence) charge if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level is 0.01% or higher; if you are ...

... , and come at great cost to the driver, passengers, and anyone else that happens to be nearby. These 6 facts will have you thinking twice before getting behind the wheel after drinking alcohol. #1. 1 in 3 driving-related ... continue reading

Everything You Need to Know About Alcohol and Drug Rehab

Entering into treatment for substance abuse can seem like a daunting endeavor. You may not be sure how effective it will be or what it actually entails, and then there's the issue of paying for it! With all these unknowns, rehab can feel ...

... family and friends, and basically anything that will help keep you sober and prevent a relapse. Facts About Aftercare Those who take advantage of the aftercare services offered by their addiction treatment centers have ... continue reading

5 Things About Kratom You Need to Know

Recently, a drug called kratom, has come into the center of national controversy.Also referred to as 'ketum' or 'kakuam', taking kratom produces opiate-like effects. Kratom is legal in the U.S. and many people begin taking the drug to help with ...

... multiple drinks and you may not even know about the potentially addictive properties within the drink. According ... Effects to Opiates Want to hear another crazy fact about Kratom? It's actually categorized as a dietary ... continue reading

6 Facts You Need to Know About Opiate Withdrawal

The United States has the highest rate of opioid use per capita in the world. As a nation, we consume 80% of the world's opioid supply. 1 In 2014, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that 1.9 million people aged 12 or older had a ...

... It is important to start a conversation about what it feels like to come off of opiates as withdrawal has been shown to contribute to high rates of relapse and overdose . Fact: The length of withdrawal varies from person ... continue reading

What Every Parent Needs to Know About Adderall Addiction

Adderall is most commonly prescribed as part of a treatment plan for adolescents and teenagers with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). But more teens-turned-young adults have discovered a new use for the “smart drug”—a term used ...

... studying, learning and performance in school. In fact, the demographic most susceptible to Adderall abuse and ... a happier and healthier life. To learn more about treatment options, contact a caring admissions navigator ... continue reading

Get the Facts on Substance Abuse

Substance abuse is a major issue in the United States. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 40.3 million people aged 12 or older had a substance use disorder (SUD) in 2020—with 28.3 million struggling with an ...

... drugs are safer, they can be as addictive as heroin. Prescription drugs are often misused in the United States. About 18 million people aged 12 or older abused these medications at least once in 2017. 3 Opioids—including ... continue reading

Yes, Suboxone is Sober & The Truth About Suboxone

In 2014, almost 2 million Americans abused or were dependent on prescription pain medication. During that same time, as many as one in four people who received opioids for treatment of long-term pain in primary care settings struggled with an opioid ...

... cravings Normalizing brain chemistry The Truth About Suboxone Suboxone has been proven clinically effective ... some of these common misconceptions, then separate fact from fiction: Suboxone is Just Substituting One Drug ... continue reading

Busting 6 Alcohol Myths: Fact or Fiction?

Our beliefs guide our actions. We base our decisions on what we know to be true. But what if the 'facts' we believe aren't true after all? Get Your Facts Straight Some people can enjoy a drink without any problems; others aren't so lucky. Binge ...

... But what if the 'facts' we believe aren't true after all? Get Your Facts Straight Some people can enjoy ... again. Your body has to process the alcohol. It typically takes about an hour to process 1 unit (12 fl oz of beer, 8 ... 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, ...

... in the past year. 60% of teens who abused prescription pain relievers did so before the age of 15. About 7 million people aged 12 and older used a prescription drug non-medically in 2009, according to the most recent ... continue reading

A Living Nightmare: 5 Things Doctors Don’t Tell You About Benzos

Written by Dean Dauphinais It's no secret that prescription drugs can work miracles when obtained legally and taken as directed. But do you know that some prescription meds can also make your life a living hell. Such is the case with ...

... of the hardest drugs to quit. More online research revealed that just about everybody lists benzos as one of the ten toughest drugs to quit. In fact, they're mentioned in the same conversations as heroin, crack cocaine ... continue reading

Everything You Need to Know About Alcohol Withdrawal

Two men in their early 30s enter an emergency room. One is suffering from heroin withdrawal and the other from alcohol withdrawal. One of the men is given some medication to reduce the painful effects of his symptoms and released within 2 hours of ...

... caring representative with American Addiction Centers free at at any time, day or night, to learn more about alcohol misuse and treatment. You can also check your health insurance coverage using the form below or contact ... continue reading

Getting Sober: 17 Ways You Probably Didn’t Know About (#8 is Controversial)

The 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous are so dominant in addiction recovery culture that it can be easy to forget there are other ways to get sober. If AA or NA works for you, that's wonderful. If not, there are plenty of alternative tools and ...

... can help followers to achieve balance and moderation in all aspects of their lives. The organization is upfront about the fact that 30 percent of its members go on to abstinence-based programs, if moderation didn't work ... continue reading

12-Step Thinking: Let's Talk About AA and the C-Word (Uncovering Alcoholics Anonymous)

No, not that c-word! To be clear, we're talking about the word cult here. If you're familiar with the world of addiction recovery, then you're no doubt acquainted with Alcoholics Anonymous—or AA as it is more commonly known. And if you've had more ...

... but not the underlying causes - and AA does nothing about this. It merely replaces one dependency with another,” says ... only get it, they choose to embrace it. In fact, most AA members attend meetings for a minimum of ... continue reading

The Truth About This Vegetable’s Alcohol Antidote Reputation

Recent studies have shown that tomatoes reduce the harmful effects of alcohol on the body. Now, this doesn't mean you can do a tequila shot with a tomato chaser and escape the consequences. This fruit won't save you from the headache and other ...

... an admissions navigator with American Addiction Centers free at at any time, day or night, to learn more about substance abuse and treatment. You can also check your health insurance coverage using the form below or make ... 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 ...

... . She was twenty-seven and he was nineteen. He looked so cute in his suit. He seemed happy. Allison knew about their family's history of substance abuse—her father drank all the time. Sometimes she felt the pull of an ... continue reading

Here’s What You Need to Know About the Probuphine Implant

Probuphine is the very first breakthrough buprenorphine implant. What is buprenorphine, you ask? It's a common prescription for opioid addiction treatment and it prevents withdrawal symptoms. Buprenorphine is an ingredient found in Suboxone and ...

... during early opioid withdrawal . What Are the Pros of Probuphine? With an implant, you don't have to worry about taking a pill or an injection every day. There's no risk of forgetting to take your medication. You also ... continue reading

Let’s Clear the Air About Secondhand Marijuana Smoke

Picture this : You're at a friend's house and someone lights up a cigarette. Sitting next to her, you inhale the secondhand smoke for one minute. Over the next half-hour, your blood vessels are affected by the smoke, impaired as they recover from ...

... fully recover. Researchers report many people mistakenly believe marijuana smoke is harmless. While we've heard about the dangers of secondhand tobacco smoke for years, secondhand marijuana smoke has never really been ... continue reading

Here’s What You Need to Know About Pink

After a simple search online, Ryan Ainsworth and Grant Seaver ordered a bag of U-47700, a.ka. “ pink .” The powder arrived from Shanghai at their friend's house, as planned. What happened next was not planned. The two 13-year-old best friends ...

... Company as part of research efforts to create new and improved painkillers. It is derived from morphine —but about eight times stronger—and the Food and Drug Administration never approved it for human use. And, as the ... continue reading

Let's Talk About the Elephant Tranquilizer in the Room

It's 10,000 times more potent than morphine. It's 100 times more powerful than fentanyl . What is it? Carfentanil. Designed as a tranquilizer for elephants, this deadly substance has made its way into our nation's illegal drug market. It's often ...

... . With overdoses mounting, the DEA scrambled to issue a warning to both the public and police officials about the dangers of carfentanil. DEA Acting Administrator Chuck Rosenberg referred to the drug as “crazy dangerous ... continue reading

Take My Breath Away: A Deadly Warning About Opiates

You've just taken an opioid painkiller . The medication travels to your brain, making the pain sensations stop. The same opiates also make you feel much calmer, offering up a bonus anti-depressing effect. And that's the good news. The bad news is ...

... 're experiencing a breathing problem. Many people on prescription painkillers are not as careful as they should be about drinking while taking the drugs. When lacking sleep as a result of chronic pain, many people seek ... continue reading

7 Things You Don’t Realize About Teenage Drug Abuse

It's difficult to convince adolescents of the harmful and potentially deadly effects of drug abuse. After all, teens have an exaggerated sense of invulnerability: “Nothing bad will ever happen to me, regardless of what anyone says, thinks they ...

... 7 things that we, as adults, wish we knew about using drugs as teens. #1. Legal Consequences DUIs and ... much as teenagers, but it's been a well-known fact that drugs affect delicate chemical balances in our brains. Because ... continue reading

What You Need to Know About Secondhand Drinking

Lisa Frederiksen likens the public's understanding of secondhand drinking to 30 years ago when doctors proved that lung cancer in nonsmokers was a direct link to secondhand cigarette smoke. Frederiksen, author, speaker, consultant and founder of ...

... is your life, your sanity and your health.” If you or someone you know struggles with alcohol abuse, help is available. Start by learning more about the available treatment options. Image Source: deathtothestockphoto.com continue reading

Countering the Myths About Methadone: Is it Right for You?

Methadone maintenance has been around for years as an effective treatment for opioid dependency. However, its use remains controversial, and there's seemingly no end to the myths and false information aimed at discouraging anyone from using it as a ...

... at discouraging anyone from using it as a treatment option. Setting the Record Straight Below, we've separated fact from fiction when it comes to considering methadone as a treatment choice : Myth #1 - Methadone Isn't ... continue reading

7 Things to Know About Quitting Opioids

Opioids are used by millions of Americans. It seems that every day a news article is being shared on television or the Internet about opioid misuse, addiction, and, unfortunately, overdose. With new information emerging each year from research and ...

... addiction to opioids, quitting could save your life. In fact, worldwide, opioids are at the top of the list ... through the process themselves. The best way to learn about quitting is to reach out to a health professional ... continue reading

9 Things People Get Wrong About Anxiety. #6 Makes it Worse!

With more than 40 million Americans over the age of 18 currently struggling with some form of anxiety, there's a lot of misinformation floating around out there. From old wives tales to downright dangerous “cures,” if you're struggling with an ...

... first orders of business should be separating fact from fiction. One important fact that a lot of people don't ... with anxiety disorders put off seeking treatment for about 10 years. Instead of being proactive in treating ... continue reading

5 Controversial Thoughts We Have About Addiction

Addiction is a highly controversial word that tends to stir up debate: ask 10 people their opinion on the matter and you'll wind up with 10 contrasting answers. But despite differing opinions, people are finally talking about addiction instead of ...

... instead of keeping it in the shadows. Addiction is a major public health crisis, and it needs to be talked about. The more we discuss it, the more awareness we create. And the more awareness we create, the more likely it ... continue reading

Dangers of IV Drug Use: What You Need to Know About Track Marks

Certain drugs can be injected into the muscle, under the skin, or directly into a vein. The later is the most popular method, as the intense effects of the drug occurs very quickly. Those that use this method will begin to show marks on their body ...

Certain drugs can be injected into the muscle, under the skin, or directly into a vein. The later is the most popular method, as the intense effects of the drug occurs very quickly. Those that use this method will begin ... 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 ...

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. ... 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 ...

... at the nearby Salvation Army and was battling addiction problems , according to a Salvation Army official. Shocking Facts About Inhalant Abuse More than 2.6 million children between the ages of 12 to 17 abuse duster. One ... continue reading

Concurrent Alcohol and Methadone Abuse

It's important to know the facts about drinking and using methadone. Alcohol and methadone can both cause a range of profound effects, and both substances have the potential to lead to addiction. Combining these two substances can be even more ...

It's important to know the facts about drinking and using methadone. Alcohol and methadone can both cause a range of profound effects, and both substances have the potential to lead to addiction. Combining these two ... continue reading

Shocking Stories Reveal Serious Dangers of Flakka

There's a whole new synthetic drug “craze” sweeping the nation courtesy of a drug known as Flakka. The Drug Enforcement Agency had no reported cases involving Flakka as recently as 2010, but that number soared to 670 in 2014. While many of the ...

... “relatively harmless,” recent studies and reports are proving that's far from the case. Just the Facts About Flakka New findings published in the journal Psychopharmacology found that Flakka is even more addictive than ... 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 ...

... than 2.5 million residents every year. Alongside the cause(s) of death, the CDC records key demographic facts about decedents, such as their gender, age, race, and where they lived and died. By filtering CDC's mortality ... continue reading

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

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

... worsen substance abuse in the LGBTQ+ population (including gay youth and teens) to begin with. Facts About Alcohol and Drug Addiction Treatment for LBGTQ+ Individuals As with anyone suffering from substance abuse, there ... 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 is born prematurely. Some women may feel guilty or ashamed about their smoking, but every mother wants the best for her ... pregnant patient. Below are a few facts about these medications: 30,31 Varenicline acts on ... continue reading

The Siver Lining for Meth-Exposed Newborns Starts Here

Thousands of pregnant women in the U.S. are abusing meth during pregnancy. In fact, about 25 percent of all pregnant women seeking treatment at federal facilities are methamphetamine users. The result is hundreds of thousands of babies at risk. ...

... U.S. are abusing meth during pregnancy. In fact, about 25 percent of all pregnant women seeking treatment at ... is one that can be taken well beyond the home. In fact, experts note it's much easier to correct meth-related ... continue reading

Concurrent Alcohol and Lorazepam Abuse

Although lorazepam and alcohol can both be safe when consumed appropriately, concurrent abuse can quickly lead to the need for immediate medical treatment. Facts about drinking and using lorazepam clearly indicate that it is never safe to mix these ...

... safe when consumed appropriately, concurrent abuse can quickly lead to the need for immediate medical treatment. Facts about drinking and using lorazepam clearly indicate that it is never safe to mix these two substances ... continue reading

Finding Help for Benzodiazepine Addiction

Many people become addicted to benzodiazepines, or “benzos,” as they are often called. Common types of benzos include: Xanax . Valium . Klonopin . These anti-anxiety and anti-convulsant sedatives are effective at managing the conditions for ...

... for staging a successful intervention—one that persuades a loved one to get help. 2 Learn alarming facts about benzo addiction . Benzo Addiction Treatment Programs There are a variety of addiction treatment options for ... continue reading

Addiction Stigma: Dangers, Reducing Stigma, and Substance Abuse Treatment

Individuals with a substance use disorder—the clinical diagnosis for an addiction—sometimes feel shame or internalize the disease as a moral failing due to long-standing stigma associated with the disease of addiction. A stigma is an attribute, ...

... use disorders. In this article, you will gain an in-depth look at the stigma around addiction, facts about addiction, dangers surrounding the stigma of addiction, how to help a loved one struggling with addiction, and ... continue reading

Concurrent Alcohol and Crystal Meth Abuse

Crystal meth is an illicit and powerful stimulant drug that is most commonly smoked, snorted, or injected. It is characterized by its ability to produce a powerful euphoria, increased energy, decreased appetite, and increased heart rate. It is ...

... of ingredients to make $20,000 worth of crystal meth. Teen Drinking and Crystal Meth Abuse The facts about teens using crystal meth and alcohol are conflicting—some are encouraging, while others indicate that there is ... continue reading

The Effects of Alprazolam Use—Short-Term, Long-Term and Side Effects

Is Alprazolam Harmful? Alprazolam (trade name: Xanax ) is a sedative drug in the benzodiazepine class, indicated for the management of some forms of anxiety and panic disorders. The substance—like all benzodiazepines—has central nervous system ...

... benzodiazepines at some point in their lives. Learn more about the dangers of benzodiazepines like alprazolam at our blog, 5 Alarming Facts About Benzo Addiction . Alprazolam Dependence Substance dependency occurs when ... continue reading

Dangers of Drinking Alcohol During Pregnancy

When a woman uses drugs during pregnancy, it can result in negative health effects for both her and her baby-and alcohol is no exception. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can lead to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) and several other birth ...

... risks of drinking while pregnant and helpful treatment options if you're struggling with alcohol use. Facts About Alcohol and Pregnancy Drinking alcohol during pregnancy is more common than you may think. According to ... continue reading

Concurrent Alcohol and Norco Abuse

Norco, which is the brand name for hydrocodone , is a narcotic pain reliever. If you are misusing Norco, your body may be dependent on the drug, ultimately resulting in addiction. Concurrent alcohol and Norco abuse occurs when someone is using both ...

... , but it can increase your risk for substance abuse and addiction (Kreek, 1984). One of the little known facts about drinking and Norco use is that their short-term effects increase your risk of becoming addicted to both ... continue reading

Adderall Abuse Signs, Symptoms, and Addiction Treatment

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

... to serious medical issues like strokes and/or cardiac arrests. Adderall Abuse Treatment Knowing the facts about Adderall can help prevent addiction and mitigate the need for treatment. Preventative treatment for Adderall ... continue reading

The Other Side of Suboxone

It's become a commonly prescribed medical treatment for opioid addiction . In some cases, doctors prescribe Suboxone with the intention of stabilize those struggling with continued, compulsive abuse of illicit or prescription opioids to then, one ...

... can further an individual's addiction and recovery struggles. No matter where you stand on the issue, it's important to do your research and understand the facts before starting down this, or any other, treatment path. continue reading

Concurrent Alcohol and Opiate Abuse

Prescription opiates are effective in the treatment of pain, but they have the potential to be addictive and, in fact, many people are struggling with opiate painkiller addictions. According to the National Institutes of Health, opioids account for ...

... every year from causes involving alcohol use and abuse. The American Society of Addiction Medicine's 2016 Facts & Figures shows that nearly 2 million people in the nation are suffering from an addiction to prescription ... continue reading

Concurrent Alcohol and Morphine Abuse

It is never safe to mix alcohol with other medications. Morphine—an opiate—can be particularly dangerous when mixed with alcohol, given its ability to intensify the effects of alcohol intoxication. Alcohol and morphine facts and information ...

... with alcohol, given its ability to intensify the effects of alcohol intoxication. Alcohol and morphine facts and information indicate that mixing these two substances can lead to a rapid overdose, requiring emergency ... continue reading

Wait… Marijuana Can Increase My Risk of Alzheimer's??

Meet Bill. Bill smokes marijuana every day - a lot of it. From blunts and bowls to bongs and wax, there's barely a waking moment Bill isn't high. Meet Bill's Brain As we travel through Bill's cranium, we see the blood flow (in nearly all areas of ...

... with Alzheimer's disease,” and marijuana use inhibits hippocampus activity and disrupts memory formation. Putting these facts together, we see that marijuana use might lead to a greater risk for Alzheimer's. Researcher ... continue reading

Yay or Nay: Is the Opioid Epidemic a Conspiracy?

'Epidemic': Affecting a disproportionately large number of individuals within a population. Opioid Epidemic Statistics Each day, 2.1 million people in the U.S. abuse opioids. The CDC reports that 165,000 Americans died from prescription ...

... goal actually harmful to the public? Do they keep things hidden from their customers? Let's take a look at some facts and figures, then you can decide. Big Pharma Spends Big Bucks $880 million. That's the total spent by ... continue reading

Drinking Heavyweights

1 in 10 Americans consider themselves as ' heavyweight ' drinkers, reveals survey. In our social circles, there are usually three distinct types of drinkers during boozy get-togethers: heavyweight drinkers, who can take shot after shot without even ...

... social atmosphere. If people are drinking around you, you may feel left out if you don't join in. In fact, a s remarkable 81% of respondents say they're more likely to drink heavily when they're around drinking buddies ... continue reading

An Analysis of Drug Sentencing Trends in the US

The United States justice system tries drug offenses on a daily basis, primarily through state courts. Because the vast majority of drug offenses are state cases rather than federal cases, individuals convicted of these crimes are largely tried and ...

... with 36 months. According to sentencing data, the punishment for simple drug possession is far less severe. In fact, in 39 states, the median prison sentence for possession was 0 months. Georgia, New York, Oklahoma, and ... continue reading

Ibogaine: Miracle Cure or Dangerous Botanical?

We all know healthcare providers and researchers are desperate to find solutions to the opioid crisis, but are they overlooking a possible cure? The answer, according to a recent article , appears to be yes. The article, which was published by The ...

... with the heart's electrical signals and significantly lowers the heart rate, resulting in heart muscle damage. In fact, it's estimated that one in 400 people die from taking the drug, mainly due to undiagnosed, pre ... continue reading

Is the Trump Administration Revamping the War on Drugs?

In 1971, President Nixon declared the “War on Drugs,” labeling drug abuse as “public enemy number one.” The creation of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) followed soon after; they were charged with enforcing federal regulations and ...

... ) program. Mass imprisonments continued - and even increased - through Presidents Reagan, Clinton, and both Bushes. In fact, in the early 2000's, a Florida State University Law Review concluded that the threat of harsh ... continue reading

Don’t Open Wide: Pulling Dentists Off the Doctor Shopping List

Imagine you're getting your wisdom teeth removed and at the end of the procedure, your dentist hands you a prescription for a pain reliever - maybe Vicodin or Percocet . For many people, this wouldn't pose a problem. For thousands of others, ...

... Dentists, in addition to doctors and veterinarians, have become a significant source of opioid prescribing. In fact, a 2011 study in the journal of the American Dental Association estimates that dentists are responsible ... continue reading

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