Functional Meth User

Crystal Meth and Pregnancy | Effects of Smoking Meth While Pregnant

As methamphetamine use continues to rise, so do treatment and hospital admissions. In 2012, meth ranked first in drug-related treatment admissions in Hawaii and San Diego. 4 Females have also been found to start using meth at a younger age and in ...

... users, meth abuse during pregnancy is a growing public health concern. 6 One study of meth-related emergency ... start your journey. Meth Addiction Treatment Levels of Care Recommended Crystal Meth Rehab-Related Articles 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 ...

... performing repetitive actions. Effects of Meth Abuse Crystal meth use can lead to many detrimental ... addition to symptoms caused by the drug itself, methamphetamine users are also at increased risk of blood-borne diseases ... 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, ...

... dependence and tolerance. As tolerance builds, meth users will often need to continually increase their ... free self-help groups like Narcotics Anonymous , Crystal Meth Anonymous , and SMART Recovery provide support and ... continue reading

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

Is Meth Harmful? Meth—the abbreviated colloquialism for methamphetamine—is a wildly addictive and dangerous substance. Users can rapidly become dependent on its effects, which present a number of health risks. The illegal production and ...

... The main drug of this form that is used on the streets is crystal meth, which can provide a high for up to 12 hours and allows users to get high relatively quickly. Short-Term Effects of Methamphetamine There are various ... continue reading

How to Help a Meth Addict

Methamphetamine (“meth”) is a substance that has very limited medical use. The drug is only available legally under the name Desoxyn , which is a medication with limited therapeutic application for the treatment of obesity and ADHD. As a ...

... , or injected to produce a stimulating, euphoric high . Crystal meth is one version of the substance that is particularly dangerous ... used. This rewarding sensation compels the user to continue taking methamphetamine, even ... continue reading

How Alcohol and Drug Addiction Affects Relationships

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

... : 1 Alcohol. Cocaine . MDMA . Methamphetamine (crystal meth) . Ritalin and other prescription stimulants . Steroids ... be very difficult to begin or maintain a functional relationship during a period of active addiction. ... continue reading

Crystal Meth Abuse Side Effects, Symptoms, and Addiction Treatment

What Is Crystal Meth? Crystal methamphetamine (crystal meth) is a powerful central nervous stimulant with highly addictive properties . Crystal meth is the illicit, crystalline form of methamphetamine. Legally manufactured methamphetamine is ...

... Respiratory or airway abnormalities. Persistently elevated heart rate, placing users at risk for heart attack . What Happens When You Smoke Crystal Meth The following video from National Geographic discusses what exactly ... continue reading

Crystal Meth Addiction: Stages, Dependence, Symptoms, and Treatment

What Is Crystal Meth? Crystal meth is a form of methamphetamine —a substance that is widely abused throughout the country. Its widespread illicit production dwarfs that of its pharmaceutical counterpart—marketed as Desoxyn —a stimulant ...

... use is ended , the user may experience: Fatigue with extended periods of sleep. A potentially profoundly depressed mood . Feeling confused or disorganized. Increased irritability. Crystal Meth Addiction Treatment It will ... continue reading

How to Help a Crystal Meth Addict

What Is Crystal Methamphetamine? Crystal methamphetamine—also known as crystal meth—is a highly addictive white, crystalline drug that can be taken by snorting, smoking, or injecting into the body. The drug also has some common street names, ...

... in shaping behavior and should be minimally interfered with. Things to Avoid When Confronting a Person A crystal meth user should not be approached when under the drug's influence. If at all possible, try to catch ... 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 ...

... so strong—and intensely rewarding—that it reinforces the behavior that initiated its release. As users become more tolerant of crystal meth, they will need more of the substance to achieve the desired high and will take ... 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 ...

... National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Per NIDA, in that same year, there were an estimated 133,000 new crystal meth users 12 years of age and older. It takes only $1,000 worth of ingredients to make $20,000 worth of ... 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, ...

... decades, illicit methamphetamine - also known as crystal meth - has presented one of the largest and ... The symptoms can be silent as the damage occurs - and meth users may not be aware of the harm to their bodies until it ... continue reading

Concurrent Alcohol and Meth Abuse

Methamphetamine is a potent stimulant that produces both an addictive high and a slew of negative effects. When it's combined with alcohol, the effects may be even more harmful. Meth is a fine, odorless, white powder that is typically smoked, ...

... abuse. 12-Step programs : Fellowships—such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Crystal Meth Anonymous—are free to join and provide the recovering user with a supportive and encouraging environment. Non-12-Step programs : ... 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 ...

... about the harmful effects of crystal meth use and how to help a crystal meth addict here. What Is Darvocet ... . Weed addiction can take a heavy toll on the user's quality of life. Learn about weed withdrawal symptoms and ... continue reading

Alcohol Misuse and Addiction: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment

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

... as heavy drinkers. 7 In terms of people who were past-month binge alcohol users: 7 31.4% were young adults aged 18 to 25. 22.9% were ... Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth Ecstasy Heroin Inhalant Ketamine Marijuana Meth PCP Steroid ... 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 ...

... the skin. Anorexia. Dental problems. There are a variety of treatment options available in helping someone addicted to crystal meth . Speak with someone now at . Credit: A&E Prescription Drugs The main classes of abused ... continue reading

Ways of Helping Someone With Drug or Alcohol Addiction

It can be frustrating to see a loved one struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, especially if one feels as though they should be helping their loved one find treatment or recovery. Many may try to help their addicted loved ones by encouraging ...

... Illicit Drug Abuse Alcohol Bath Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth Dextromethorphan DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine Marijuana Meth Methylphenidate Methoxetamine (MXE) Morphine Mushrooms PCP Peyote Steroids ... 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, ...

... from 1933 to 1945 and a methamphetamine addict. A report in the Daily Mail states that Hitler abused crystal meth before a 1943 meeting with Mussolini, where he ranted for two hours. Additionally, the Fuhrer took nine ... continue reading

The Forefathers of Modern Illicit Drugs

While illicit drugs are a major concern in today's society, many of them didn't start off as recreational. On the contrary, many started off with medicinal and anesthetic purposes. Here's a look at some of the forefathers of modern illicit drugs, ...

... led pharmacologist Akira Ogata to synthesize the crystalline form of methamphetamine, which we today know as crystal meth . Friedrich Sertürner - The Forefather of Morphine Born in 1783, Friedrich Sertürner, achieved a ... continue reading

Drug and Alcohol Misuse and Cancer Risk

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

... of misuse that have been found to increase a user's susceptibility to cancer. However, there are other factors ... are several examples of this, including: Methamphetamine/crystal meth . Many toxic chemicals are used in the ... 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 ...

... the influence or recovering from intoxication. Others may lend a user money or bail them out of jail. These kinds of ... Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine Marijuana Meth Methoxetamine ... continue reading

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Across Generations

Substance abuse—both of alcohol and/or illicit drugs—has always maintained a consistent presence in American culture. As new drugs have been developed over the decades, their popular use has gone hand in hand with sweeping societal changes. From ...

... and barbiturates of the '60s and '70s to the cocaine and meth crazes of the '80s and '90s, it often seems that ... Sedatives: A Boomer Throwback With the rising national crystal meth epidemic of the '90s and 2000s, you ... 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 ...

... which uses a points system that rewards recovering heroin users for remaining drug free. Behavioral therapy can take ... Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine Marijuana Meth Methoxetamine ... continue reading

How to Help an Opana Addict

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

... version is not always taken as directed, however. Recreational users may grind, crush or dissolve and next snort or ... Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine Marijuana Meth Methoxetamine ... continue reading

How to Help an Oxycontin Addict

OxyContin is a dangerous drug when not used properly, and it's easy to fall into the trap of addiction. Fortunately, there is help out there for anyone who is addicted to the substance, and it's never been easier to get help. How to Approach an ...

... feelings of pleasure and reward sensations that compel the user to continue taking the drug in order to recreate ... Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine Marijuana Meth Methoxetamine ( ... continue reading

How to Help an Opiate Addict

Help for Opiate Addicts Opiates are some of the most abused drugs in America, with prescription opiates accounting for up to 5.1 million cases of addiction. Around 210 million doses of opiates, including morphine , OxyContin , and Vicodin , were ...

... , they can be addictive to users, even when taken as prescribed. Many users end up taking higher doses ... Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine Marijuana Meth Methoxetamine (MXE) ... continue reading

How to Help a Tramadol Addict

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

... medication. What Are the Signs of Addiction? Tramadol users show signs of addiction in every aspect of their ... Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine Marijuana Meth Methoxetamine (MXE ... continue reading

How to Help Someone With Valium Addiction

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

... Is Valium? Valium can be highly addictive. Users grow dependent on the pleasurable sensations that Valium use ... Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine Marijuana Meth Methoxetamine (MXE ... continue reading

How to Help a Vicodin Addict

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

... of addictions in the United States alone. Vicodin users, even without an addiction , experience undesirable effects of ... Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine Marijuana Meth Methoxetamine ... 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 ...

... Recurrent substance use in situations which place the user at risk of harming himself or herself. Recurrent ... Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine Marijuana Meth Methoxetamine (MXE ... 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 ...

... addiction and its effects : Alcohol Bath Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine Marijuana Meth Methoxetamine (MXE) Mushrooms PCP Peyote Steroids Stimulants Help for Prescription ... 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 ...

... to be dangerous, such as heroin and crystal meth, prescription drugs are often viewed in a more ... life-threatening. 5,7 To avoid discomfort from withdrawal , users need to stop using the drug gradually. It is important ... continue reading

30 Famous Athletes Who Have Battled Drug Addiction and Alcoholism

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

... claimed his drug usage was the result of drinking a spiked soda, later revealed that he had done crystal meth frequently during his career. 7. Josh Hamilton MLB player Josh Hamilton's career was delayed and derailed for ... continue reading

Effects of Stimulant Drugs: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment

What Are Stimulants Used For? Stimulants are a class of substances that increase certain types of cell signaling and amplify various physiologic processes throughout the brain and body. In particular, many types of stimulant drugs are associated ...

... Ritalin ( methylphenidate ). Methamphetamine (including crystal meth ). Cocaine (including crack cocaine ). ... invariably accompanied by a range of risks to the user's health. Side Effects of Stimulant Drugs While every ... continue reading

Stimulant Detox, Withdrawal Symptoms, and Addiction Treatment

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

... Cocaine/crack cocaine. Methamphetamine (including crystal meth). Signs of Withdrawal From Stimulants ... one-on-one with a doctor. Therapy will help recovering users learn how to cope with cravings, resist relapse , and find ... 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 ...

... Rehab Centers Near Me? Whether you are suffering with an opioid addiction, cocaine addiction, meth addiction, crack addiction, alcohol addiction, marijuana addiction, benzo addiction, or any other substance abuse ... continue reading

How Kids Get Hooked on Drugs at Such a Young Age

It's every parent's fear: their kids doing drugs. In general, most kids will try something before the age of twenty, and it's a fairly natural part of experimenting with the world around them. However, some kids will have an addiction problem before ...

... , even detailing how to make and take them. While it's unlikely that your kid will become addicted to meth this way, your child might look at taking poppers (amyl nitrate) , solvents, or even mild hallucinogens that can ... 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 ...

... off fumes or vapors, which are then inhaled by the user, providing them with a short-lived but dangerous high. Depending ... Feed Crank Crystal Fire Glass Go Fast Ice Meth Methlies Quick Shards Speed Stove Top Tina Trash ... 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, ...

... stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin ). Methamphetamine (meth, crystal, ice). The heart-damaging effects ... without warning, even in individuals who are not habitual drug users. Those who are addicted to drugs are at even ... 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 - ...

... having used illicit drugs in the past month. Among those users, 7.1 million had an illicit drug use disorder - which ... drug use rates are higher than those of cocaine, meth, heroin, MDMA, and PCP combined. The report notes ... 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 ...

... to clog injection needles more often. 2 Methamphetamine comes in crystal or powdered form. People may inject meth after first dissolving the powder in water or alcohol. 6 Cocaine is typically obtained as a white powder ... 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 ...

... , is referred to as base, crystal, d-meth, fast, glass, ice, meth, speed, whiz, pure, or wax. Methamphetamine ... work with a counselor to develop healthier or more functional ways of looking at and relating to yourself and ... continue reading

State Sentencing: How Drug Sentencing Varies Across the U.S.

The United States has 5% of the world's population - and 25% of its prisoners. The average cost to house a minimum-security prisoner for one year is $21,006. By comparison, the average cost of putting a K-12 student through school for one year is ...

... most of the western United States. In a strange irony, New Mexico - a state with a connection to meth that was popularized via “Breaking Bad” - has marijuana as the leading substance for drug sentences. Wondering which ... 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 ...

... For this project we scraped the internet for news articles containing the terms “Marijuana,” “Cocaine,” “Heroin,” Meth,” “MDMA,” “Ecstasy,” “OxyContin,” and “Xanax,” from 16 of the internets top news publishers. Over 188 ... 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 ...

... a year or two old, with the most recent complete figures for the “big four” - marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and meth 5 - being from 2014. 6 A lot has happened since then. Seven states have passed new marijuana laws, and a ... continue reading

What Could Illicit Drug Synthesis Expose You To?

For the 44 million Americans aged 12 and older who used illicit drugs in 2014, the associated health risks are grave. But there's another risk that accompanies illegally manufactured substances - the exposure to hazardous chemicals. Clandestine drug ...

... of synthetic drugs. To meet the demands of drug users across the country, drug manufacturing has gone into ... at the specific hazards associated with the manufacture of meth and other illicit drugs. The Hazards of Illegal ... continue reading

Stimulant Drug Abuse: Side Effects and Addiction Treatment

Stimulants—both illicit and prescription—are known to increase energy and alertness. Prescription stimulants can offer therapeutic benefits when used as prescribed. However, both prescription and illicit stimulants have a high propensity for ...

... purpose. Grinding one's teeth, clenching one's jaw, and drinking sugary beverages, which exacerbate “meth mouth.” Impaired ability to think, remember, and communicate. Inability to sleep. Inappropriate behavior. Lack of ... 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 ...

... , or a criminal record. Each State's Top Drug in Offenses Of all the drug issues facing the country, meth stands out as an ever-increasing epidemic in numerous states. Experts note that between 2009 and 2015, there was a ... continue reading

Common Neurological Risks of Drug Abuse

Brain Damage From Drugs While substance misuse may cause a user to feel short-lived euphoria or impart a sense of temporary wellbeing, the adverse effects of drugs can be dangerous and, in some instances, may lead to permanent brain damage. Chronic ...

... risk of Parkinson's disease. 18 Research from the University of Utah found that meth users were 3 times more likely than non-illicit drug users to develop Parkinson's disease, and that the risk may be higher for women ... 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 ...

... soared in recent years. 6 It's not just marijuana that can be found there, either. The main clusters of meth arrests can be seen in the downtown area, especially on and around Market Street. This is where much of San ... continue reading

The Explosion of Hash Oil

Much like any other area of our culture, the illicit drug market experiences trends in the rise and fall of new products, from crack cocaine to OxyContin to methamphetamine . Drug manufacturers and dealers are continually producing and selling the ...

... 3 . The solvents aren't just a hazard to hash oil users, but to drug producers (and their neighbors). Previously, the ... lab has been inextricably linked with only homemade meth production - but not anymore. We've located ... continue reading

How to Help a Loved One With Dilaudid Addiction

How to Approach a Dilaudid Addict Helping a loved one with a Dilaudid addiction can be incredibly challenging. It is important to be supportive and helpful without enabling your loved one to continue using. Some tips from the National Council on ...

... . Understanding the causes of behavior (functional analysis). Effective communication skills. Allowing ... drug to achieve the initial effect. Over time, the user may develop a physical dependence on the drug and experience ... continue reading

Study Indicates Pot Really Can Lower Your IQ

This is your brain on pot: A new study has found that regular marijuana use is linked to both lower IQ scores and impaired decision making skills. It's All in Your Mind The findings from the University of California Davis Centre for Neuroscience ...

... results suggest increases in connectivity, both structural and functional, that may be compensating for gray matter losses ... Bulletin found that those who were heavy pot users in adolescence had permanent damage in the ... continue reading

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Addiction

Therapy can be a helpful tool in managing mental health symptoms and navigating difficult life transitions, such as when you quit drinking alcohol or using drugs. There are several types of therapy used in addiction treatment, and one of the most ...

... misuse demonstrated changes in the area of the brain responsible for impulse control and response inhibition on functional MRI images. 6 This suggests that, over time, CBT can change how the brain responds to potential ... continue reading

Are You an Enabler? How to Stop Enabling an Addict

What Is an Enabler? Enabling is a term that can be thought of in a positive or negative light, but when we talk about enabling in terms of addiction and recovery, it usually has a negative connotation. When someone is struggling with addiction, an ...

... together. 6 Community reinforcement and family training (CRAFT) is a strategy that includes functional analysis, motivation building, communication skills training, immediate treatment entry, life enrichment, and safety ... continue reading

Alternatives to Painkillers

The 2012 National Health Interview Survey estimated that 126.1 million adults reported some pain in the previous 3 months, 25.3 million adults reported suffering from daily (chronic) pain, and 23.4 million reported experiencing a lot of it overall ...

... against the dangers of those commonly prescribed medications. Severe pain that causes significant functional impairment often requires prescription painkillers ; however, it's important to understand that painkillers ... continue reading

Percocet Addiction: Side Effects and Treatment

Percocet is a brand name for a painkiller combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen. 1 Although it may be used safely when taken as directed under a doctor's supervision and can be effective for its intended uses, it has a high potential for misuse ...

... the negative consequences of such use. 6 Addiction to drugs like Percocet is associated with functional brain changes, including in areas related to judgment, decision making, learning, memory, and behavioral control ... 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 ...

... recover from addiction and we can help you too. Setting Healthy Boundaries If you are a part of the user's social network and you've been enabling them, it's important to stop these behaviors and set healthy boundaries ... continue reading

Snorting Heroin Side Effects, Dangers, and Addiction Treatment

Heroin is a highly addictive Schedule I controlled drug. Heroin has a long history—it was first synthesized (as diacetylmorphine) in 1874 from morphine. Paradoxically, heroin was originally marketed as a safer and non-addictive form of morphine. ...

... of the most dangerous side effects of this drug is the way in which it can slow down a user's breathing, which can in turn decrease the amount of oxygen delivered to the brain. Heroin overdoses can result in respiratory ... continue reading

Snorting Ketamine

Ketamine is a drug used in human and animal surgery to induce numbness and sedation without compromising breathing and blood pressure 1 . It is a dissociative anesthetic, and it has been increasingly used as a party drug due to the detached, ...

... a risk for addiction development, but that does not mean that someone can't get addicted to it. Ketamine users may find themselves escalating their doses to get the same effect as the first time they used it, as extended ... continue reading

Long-Term Side Effects of Zolpidem Abuse

What Is Zolpidem Used For? Zolpidem is a hypnotic, or sleep-promoting substance found in some prescription insomnia medications, including the sleeping pill Ambien. 1 As a sedative-hypnotic substance, zolpidem use can impart a sense of euphoria and ...

... sending them to the emergency room. In fact, in 2010, more than 64,000 ER visits involved zolpidem use. 2 Users also run a high risk of developing a dependence on the drug, which can quickly escalate into a full-blown ... 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. To many, the influence of these drugs represents experiences of new and even expanded consciousness and, ...

... PCP at least once in their lives. 5 The effects of PCP vary depending on the dose, but in general, the user will feel effects within 1-5 minutes if the hallucinogen is injected or smoked and within about 30 minutes if it ... continue reading

Effects of Acid (LSD): Short-Term, Long-Term, and Side Effects

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

... In some cases, HPPD is severe, long-lasting, and has a significant negative effect on other aspects of a user's life. The distressing effects of a bad trip normally ease when the drug wears off. However, they can persist ... continue reading

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

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

... In addition to these physical health symptoms, Desoxyn can impact the mental stability and state of the user significantly. Desoxyn can trigger new psychotic or mood episodes in an individual with no prior mental health ... continue reading

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

What Is Hydromorphone Used For? Hydromorphone (brand names: Dilaudid, Exalgo) is a powerful semi-synthetic opioid painkiller used in both hospital settings and as part of a long-term treatment regimen for significant pain in opioid-tolerant ...

... a feeling of reward that promotes repetition of the action. Because hydromorphone induces a large release of dopamine, a user can easily become addicted to the feeling and use it over and over again in order to reproduce ... continue reading

Treatment for LSD Abuse: How to Treat LSD Addiction

Psychoactive substances, by definition, change the way people think and feel. Hallucinogens do this in a unique way, by altering the way that humans sense and perceive the world—making false visual, auditory, and tactile sensations seem real. One ...

... in the same way that drugs like heroin and cocaine will, the effects can become so desirable for the user that they continue to use it despite mounting negative consequences. 6 They may even need to keep taking more ... continue reading

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

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

... to feel Ambien 's effects more rapidly or intensely may crush Ambien pills and snort the powder. Whether the user is snorting the pills to get high, hallucinate, or just enhance the sleep-inducing effects, 2,5 taking the ... continue reading

Benzodiazepine Overdose Symptoms and Addiction Treatment

Benzodiazepines, or “benzos,” are prescription medications used to treat anxiety, panic attacks, muscle spasms, alcohol withdrawal, and seizures. 1,2 Benzos were once prescribed for the short-term management of insomnia, but they are rarely used ...

... drug. In fact, benzodiazepines may be less effective after 4 to 6 months of daily use. 6 As a result, a user may take more of the drug in an attempt to achieve the desired effects, thus increasing their risk of overdose ... continue reading

Steroid Overdose Symptoms and Treatment

In general, there are two kinds of steroid drugs: Corticosteroids, which are used for medical issues. Anabolic steroids , which may also have indications for medical use, but are often misused to improve strength, appearance, and athletic ...

... Suicidal ideation. These can be especially problematic as the user is coping with the extreme mood swings brought on ... may also be able to help restore a steroid user to hormonal balance with hormone therapy, which can ... 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 ...

... music festivals, raves, and clubs. 4 In 2016, 1.4 million people aged 12 and older were current users of hallucinogens (note: MDMA is categorized as a hallucinogen in this survey). 5 Ecstasy came under scrutiny in 1985 ... continue reading

Diazepam Abuse Side Effects, Overdose, and Addiction Treatment

Diazepam is the generic name for Valium . It is one of many benzodiazepine substances that affect the central nervous system (CNS) by amplifying the depressant effects of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, to subsequently decrease brain activity. ...

... or to modify the effects of other drugs. Not only can abusing diazepam lead to ill effects on a user's physical and mental health, but it can be fatal. The risk is especially high when an individual combines diazepam ... 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 ...

... products as “ molly ” or “ flakka ,” so many users don't even realize they're taking bath salts. 5 What Do ... consumed. Other substances consumed. Mental health status of the user. Age. Weight. If the person is not overly ... continue reading

Concurrent Alcohol and Concerta Abuse

Simultaneous abuse of Concerta—a central nervous system stimulant—and alcohol—a depressant substance—can have numerous effects on the body. Unbeknownst to many users, each substance can effectively increase the dangers of the other. ...

... when used alone. When the two are used together, the dangers increase. When alcohol and Concerta are taken concurrently, users report: An increase in euphoric feelings , more than in the case of either drug on its own ... continue reading

Snorting Molly (MDMA) Side Effects, Risks, and Addiction Treatment

What Is Molly (MDMA)? Molly, commonly referred to as MDMA or 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, is a synthetic drug with both amphetamine and stimulant properties and mild hallucinogenic effects. It is the primary psychoactive agent found in many ...

... 3 The faster a drug reaches the brain , the faster the rewarding effects are induced, and the more likely the user is to develop an addiction. 3 When swallowed, the effects of ecstasy use can be felt around 30-45 minutes ... continue reading

Snorting Fentanyl: Long-Term Effects & Dangers

Fentanyl is a pain-relieving substance with two main uses 1 : Treating significant acute, post-operative pain following surgery. Treating chronic or breakthrough pain in people that no longer respond to other narcotic medications. Like morphine, ...

... that no longer respond to other narcotic medications. Like morphine, fentanyl is an opioid substance that reduces the user's perception of pain by acting on opioid receptors in the brain and body 2 . Fentanyl is one of ... continue reading

Snorting Ritalin Side Effects, Dangers, and Addiction Help

What Does Ritalin Do? Ritalin is sold as both an immediate-release and an extended-release medication. 2 Extended-release Ritalin is designed to gradually release methylphenidate into the bloodstream throughout the day, rather than all at once. ...

... a safe environment in which drugs can be removed from the body in a controlled manner. Because Ritalin users may develop a range of withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop their use, detox programs monitor these symptoms ... continue reading

Concurrent Alcohol and Cocaine Abuse

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

... Cocaine might seem like a great partner to alcohol, but it actually can produce more than a few dangers to the user when it is combined with alcohol. It has been reported that the risk of sudden death is 20 times greater ... continue reading

Concurrent Alcohol and Ativan Abuse

Ativan is a sedative anxiolytic, or anti-anxiety medication , with effects similar to those of other drugs in its class, such as Valium and Xanax. Ativan is the trade name for lorazepam, which is part of a class of drug called “benzodiazepines” ...

... to those of someone mixing Xanax and alcohol . Users will have clouded thoughts and may behave similarly to people ... and other benzodiazepines affect memory and the user's ability to think clearly. The physical effects ... continue reading

Getting Help for Xanax Addiction: Xanax Addiction Treatment

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

... aspect of their lives. It is common for those struggling with Xanax abuse to miss work. You might also notice that a user sleeps more often than normal, since the drug tends to elicit drowsiness. You may notice that: The ... continue reading

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 ...

... and mental health , and it is likely to culminate in a number of social and legal ramifications for the user. Short-Term Effects of Heroin Use The addictive nature of this substance is reinforced by its ability to create ... 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, ...

... another substance) or unintentionally (e.g. in cases where a drug is laced with another drug and the user is not aware). 11 Dangerous effects can occur due to polysubstance use. Mixing cocaine with another stimulant—such ... continue reading

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

Is Ativan Harmful? Ativan (generic name: lorazepam) is classified as a benzodiazepine medication used primarily for the short-term treatment of anxiety and seizure activity. It is sometimes used to manage intractable insomnia, and as a sedative for ...

... or prescription opioids . For instance, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 15% of heroin users were users of a benzodiazepine on a daily basis, with 73% using them weekly. Ativan itself is normally abused ... continue reading

Zolpidem Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Treatment Programs

What Is Zolpidem? Zolpidem tartrate is a sedative-hypnotic agent found in many prescription sleep aid drugs used to treat insomnia. 1 The most widely known brand name formulation of zolpidem in the U.S. is Ambien. The pharmacological effects of ...

... -like high. 5 Side Effects of Zolpidem Abuse Zolpidem's negative health effects can take their toll on the user, especially in cases of abuse. When a person begins abusing it, they may become tolerant to and dependent on ... continue reading

Inhalant Overdose Symptoms, Risk Factors, Prevention, and Treatment

Can You Overdose on Inhalants? Inhalants are a group of chemicals that users inhale to create a mind-altering experience. Many of these substances are household items—easily obtained from the local hardware store, if not your garage or kitchen ...

... inhalant can result in nausea and vomiting. If they user loses consciousness, they can choke and aspirate on ... problem, rather than only focusing on the inhalant user. Here, the family will gain education and helpful ... continue reading

Librium Abuse Side Effects, Withdrawal, and Addiction Treatment

Librium—which is the brand name for chlordiazepoxide—is a prescription medication that belongs to a class of controlled substances called benzodiazepines. It is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, meaning it slows down brain activity. ...

... . 1 Librium abuse frequently occurs when it is taken nonmedically for the intended purpose of getting high. Users may snort the contents of Librium capsules or combine Librium with other drugs, such as alcohol or opioids ... 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 put the user in a coma, cause brain damage and even lead to death. Heroin, which is synthesized from morphine that ... continue reading

How to Help a PCP Addict

What Is PCP? PCP, or phencyclidine—commonly called “angel dust” —was developed in the 1950s as an intravenously administered anesthetic. PCP is no longer approved for medical use, and it is now only found on the illicit market. Most ...

... easily in liquid. PCP can be ingested in multiple ways. Users may: Take it in pill form. Apply it to either ... —even when PCP use has negatively impacted the user's life. The official substance abuse diagnosis in cases ... continue reading

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

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

... Malnutrition. Arguably, the most dangerous side effect of these drugs is the risk of addiction . Addiction causes a user to lose self-control and potentially to lose touch with reality. This can lead to taking more of a ... 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 ...

... and/or other substances. Abuse occurs when a user: Takes excess doses. Takes more frequent doses than ... euphoric state with the same amount of Valium, so the user will need to take increasing doses—upping the risk of ... continue reading

How to Help Someone With Marijuana Addiction

Marijuana continues to be the most widely abused illicit drug. The increased state-level legality of marijuana may be promoting perceptions of lower risks and higher benefits among high school students. In recent surveying, one third of 10 th ...

... , just as they are for the addicts themselves. They help to create a safe environment for the user that sets appropriate boundaries and limitations without being too critical. 12-step/community supports. Outside of ... continue reading

Marijuana Use and Abuse: Side Effects, Withdrawal Symptoms, and Treatment

What Is Marijuana? Marijuana refers to the leaves, flowers, and extracts of the plant Cannabis sativa and several closely related species—commonly known as hemp. Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States and is known by ...

... may aggravate pre-existing heart conditions in long-term users and those who are older—placing them at ... develop a dependence on it. Signs of dependence in a user include the need to use marijuana to cope with everyday ... continue reading

How to Help an Ambien Addict

Ambien is a brand name for zolpidem , a medication prescribed for the management of insomnia . A few other formulations of the same medication with differing delivery methods are marketed under the names: Edluar and Intermezzo —Sublingual zolpidem ...

... Ambien addiction will be treated based on individual needs and the magnitude of a person's addiction. First, the user may need to undergo a period of detoxification from Ambien. Detox is the body's act of processing and ... continue reading

Alprazolam Abuse Symptoms, Signs and Addiction Treatment

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

... your recovery. Typically, detox is completed on an inpatient basis in order to monitor the vital signs of the user. Learn about 3-day, 5-day and 7-day detox programs . Following detox, someone fighting a Xanax addiction ... continue reading

Snorting Vyvanse: Effects and Addiction Treatment

What Is Vyvanse Used For? Vyvanse is the brand name of a medication prescribed to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and binge-eating disorder (BED). 1 This substance is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that interacts with ...

... However, this does not mean that recreational Vyvanse users do not commonly attempt to snort and inject the ... more rapid and intense effects in many other drugs). Users who take the drug recreationally typically do so to: ... continue reading

Snorting Hydrocodone

Hydrocodone is an opioid substance used in many prescription medications to treat cough and pain. Hydrocodone is available in formulations of pure hydrocodone (Hysingla, Zohydro) or in combination with other pain relievers like ibuprofen ...

... result from an immediate release of a large amount of hydrocodone . Effects of Snorting Hydrocodone While no user is immune to the side effects of it, those who abuse the drug may experience increasingly severe effects ... continue reading

Side Effects of ACTIQ Abuse

ACTIQ is a brand name for fentanyl, an extremely powerful opioid painkiller that is used only for severe pain such as breakthrough cancer pain 1 . Fentanyl is available in a number of formulations and delivery methods, including 2,3,4 : Tablets and ...

... time may experience harm related to repeated periods of depressed respiration . As mentioned, ACTIQ may slow a user's breathing, especially at high doses. When a person's breathing is impaired, the individual is at risk ... continue reading

Signs & Symptoms of Hydromorphone Abuse

Hydromorphone is a prescription medication used for the long-term treatment of moderate to severe pain that cannot be managed by other pain medicines or non-pharmacologic options. Hydromorphone is an opioid pain medication that is available as a(n) ...

... does not treat the underlying cause of the pain; it only makes the pain more bearable for the user. When the substance is injected or consumed orally, the pain relief will begin between 15 and 30 minutes. The analgesic ... continue reading

Adderall Overdose Symptoms and Treatment

What Does Adderall Do? Adderall—the pharmaceutical combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine—is a prescription stimulant medication primarily used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adults. 1 When ...

... -medical purposes at some point in their lifetimes. 2 There were more than 4.8 million non-medical Adderall users between the ages of 18 and 25, making young adults the most at-risk age group for prescription stimulant ... continue reading

What Drugs Cause the Most Insane Behavior?

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

... can be dangerous and they can give the user an unfair advantage when competing. Anabolic steroids can ... his eyes are closed, and some users have spiritual experiences while high. Users may see many colors or objects ... 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 ...

... more powerful high with a rapid onset that may be both dangerous and more likely to quickly lead the user down the path of addiction . Why Is Snorting Adderall Dangerous? Snorting Adderall delivers the drug to the brain ... continue reading

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