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

    Is Heroin Harmful? Heroin is the name for a modified version of morphine that is a very addictive and illegal opioid drug . The drug is available on the illicit market in a number of different varieties, with purer product tending to occur in white ...

    ... times. Following the detoxification process, the recovering heroin addict can be referred to a number of treatment ... towards establishing and maintaining recovery from heroin. Find Heroin Addiction Treatment Programs If ... continue reading
  • Heroin Abuse Signs, Symptoms, Effects, Overdose, and Treatment

    About Heroin Abuse What Is Heroin? Heroin is a substance that is both illegal and extremely addictive . The drug derives from opium from the poppy plant before it is refined to morphine, then further chemically modified to become heroin. Despite its ...

    ... of a heroin overdose. Am I Addicted to Heroin? If you're worried about your use of heroin, you likely ... right help , recovery from heroin addiction is possible. Heroin Withdrawal Treatment Heroin withdrawal symptoms include ... continue reading
  • Heroin Overdose Symptoms, Signs, Risk Factors, Prevention, and Treatment

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

    ... to prescription painkillers are 40x more likely to be addicted to heroin and that 45% of people addicted to heroin are also addicted to painkillers . 10 When pills are no longer available through the friends or family ... continue reading
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  • Heroin Addiction Treatment Centers and Rehab Programs

    Heroin addiction can negatively impact certain aspects of your life and have dangerous health repercussions. Here, we will help you understand heroin addiction, how addiction is treated, and what you should know about heroin rehab centers, including ...

    ... be helpful to join 12-step groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or Heroin Anonymous (HA), or non-12-step groups like SMART Recovery. 1,10,11 Peer recovery counseling . This involves working with another person who is in ... 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 ...

    ... receiving treatment. Inpatient or residential treatment is when the heroin addict lives full-time at a treatment center. This allows them to focus exclusively on recovery. If you're looking for treatment for yourself or ... continue reading
  • Heroin’s Effects on Pregnancy

    Heroin is an illegal and highly addictive substance that may be injected, smoked, or snorted. This powerful opiate drug can easily harm any user, and it can cause numerous problems for a pregnant mother and her developing baby. Unfortunately, heroin ...

    ... . 8 Prenatal care is vital for any expectant mother, and it may be even more essential for women using heroin due to the high risk for pregnancy complications , such as: 3,4,5 Antepartum hemorrhage (bleeding). Low birth ... continue reading
  • Why Is Heroin So Addictive?

    Despite its dangers and reputation for harm, use of heroin continues to escalate in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Rates of heroin use have increased across gender, socioeconomic status, age group, ...

    ... events. What Does It Mean to Be Addicted to Heroin? Addiction to heroin can be an all-consuming condition that ... in recovery to access new ideas and information. They learn from people with extended abstinence from heroin ... continue reading
  • Related results

  • Facing Reality: 8 Shocking Drug and Alcohol Abuse Statistics

    It's no secret that drugs and alcohol can have detrimental consequences on your mind, body, and life. They are indiscriminate in who they affect; anyone who abuses alcohol or drugs is at risk for developing an addiction. Although they are sometimes ...

    ... when combined with alcohol. Read on to learn 8 shocking statistics about drug and alcohol abuse . 1. Those who abuse ... expensive than heroin and thus, many individuals addicted to opioids end up using heroin as a ... continue reading
  • Heroin Facts—Because Knowing Is Half the Battle

    “Smack” - “Junk” - “H” Heroin is a drug that goes by many names but, no matter what you call it, it's still the same potent, potentially deadly drug. While its name really isn't that important, knowing some basic facts about heroin can ...

    ... this nation. Need some proof? Check out these statistics: Heroin use has more than doubled among young adults ( ... and recovery is possible. Professional drug treatment can start anyone battling a heroin dependency on ... 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 ...

    ... more about MDMA in our article, Ecstasy History and Statistics . The Dangers of “Molly” The following video ... great and cost-effective way to support long-term recovery. 12 Find MDMA Addiction Treatment Programs When you ... continue reading
  • Roxy Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment

    What Is Roxicodone Used For? Roxicodone (often called “roxies,” “roxy,” or “blues”) is one of the brand names for oxycodone —a powerful opioid prescription painkiller. Roxicodone is prescribed to alleviate pain that cannot be managed ...

    ... phase of recovery prefer the help of professional detox programs . Roxicodone Statistics The pervasive ... that almost 80% of people who become addicted to heroin started out abusing prescription opioids . Prevention is ... 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, ...

    ... and include opium, morphine, and codeine. Heroin, for example, is made from the sap ... addicted to these powerful prescription painkillers, in addition to the thousands more who abuse them illegally. Troublesome statistics ... continue reading
  • Klonopin Abuse Symptoms and Addiction Treatment

    An Introduction to Klonopin Klonopin is a prescription sedative medication useful as an anti-anxiety and anti-convulsant drug. Doctors prescribe Klonopin to control or prevent seizures and reduce anxiety from panic attacks. Also known as clonazepam ...

    ... prevent relapse and strengthen recovery efforts. Klonopin Abuse Statistics With nearly 27 million prescriptions ... Alarmingly, this rate is seven times the rate of heroin use and about 4 times the rate of methamphetamine ... continue reading
  • The Deadly and Costly Consequences of DUIs

    It all starts with the thought, “I'm fine.” Maybe that person goes to a party at a friend's house and has a few beers or glasses of wine at dinner. The guest says goodbye and climbs into the driver's seat to head home. What happens next can have ...

    ... who have a BAC of .08 or higher. 26 Recovery Successes One sign that someone has an addiction to alcohol ... relapse . Historically, statistics have indicated that—of the recovering alcoholics and addicts that are able ... continue reading
  • Tussionex Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Treatment

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

    ... you in finding a recovery center. Tussionex Overdose Symptoms ... statistics are alarming. In 2014, 21.5 million Americans aged 12 or older met the criteria for a substance use disorder. 8 Of those, 1.9 million were addicted ... 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. ...

    ... diazepam can abuse the drug and eventually become addicted to it. 4 Diazepam abuse occurs when a ... free at today to learn about your options for recovery. Diazepam Statistics According to the DEA: 3 Nearly 27,000 emergency ... continue reading
  • Opana Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment

    What Is Opana Used For? Opana is the trade name for the prescription medication oxymorphone—a semi-synthetic opioid painkiller . In various formulations, oxymorphone has been available on the U.S. pharmaceutical market since 1959. In 2006, the FDA ...

    ... a safe and sober living environment in which addicted individuals can find the space to heal. ... therapy sessions. Educational talks about recovery and addiction. Opana Statistics The total number of prescriptions written ... continue reading
  • Why Is Heroin So Deadly Today?

    For more than a century, heroin has been a dangerous drug of abuse. For years, people have been attracted to the substance's ability to produce a relatively inexpensive, rapid-onset, and intensely euphoric high. 1,2 While the drug's high holds a ...

    ... and Prevention (CDC), the number of people addicted to heroin doubled from 2002 to 2013 . Most notably ... across the country. If you are ready to commit to recovery before it is too late, please call American Addiction ... continue reading
  • Record-Breaking Number of Overdoses Traced Back to Bad Heroin

    A dangerous batch of heroin circulating throughout the city of Chicago has caused a record-breaking 74 overdoses in the span of just three days. When the numbers began to climb at such an astonishing rate, medical professionals began to suspect a ...

    ... . Combined, these two drugs prompt body systems to not only slow down, but grind to a halt. The heroin/fentanyl combo is also one that sets in quickly. Effects are felt almost instantly and collapse occurs in a matter of ... continue reading
  • Heroin Use Increasing Across New Demographics, Study Finds

    The face of heroin in the US is changing. As the drug becomes more commonly abused among new racial, geographic and socioeconomic groups, the profile of those users is also evolving. The change is, in part, because heroin is becoming more ...

    ... prescription painkillers, getting addicted and switching to heroin (both drugs are opiates). Heroin Comes to Small ... are quick to point out that this is a statistic that could very easily shift. There are increasing reports ... continue reading
  • DEA: Heroin ‘Probably’ More Dangerous Than Marijuana

    With 23 states and Washington D.C. legalizing medical marijuana and four states legalizing it for recreational use, it's quite possible we'll see a day when marijuana is considered “legal” throughout the U.S. However, the Drug Enforcement ...

    ... a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical benefits. In other words, it's in the same category as heroin and crack cocaine . Even the staunchest anti-drug supporters have hard a time putting pot on equal footing ... continue reading
  • The Price Tag of Heroin in America: $51 Billion

    If you're hooked on heroin, you'll spend an average of $150 a day to support your habit. That's nearly $55,000 per year. Heroin abuse comes with a pretty hefty price tag, unfortunately personal financial burden isn't the only cash-flow issue left in ...

    ... your habit. That's nearly $55,000 per year. Heroin abuse comes with a pretty hefty price tag, unfortunately ... 11,148 per person. At more than $50K per user, heroin's cost blows those two diseases out of the water. The U ... continue reading
  • Prescription Opiates: As Addictive as Heroin?

    According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than 21.5 million Americans aged 12 and older met the criteria for substance use disorder in 2014. Of these, 1.9 million were addicted to prescription opiate pain medications and 586,000 ...

    ... 1.9 million were addicted to prescription opiate pain medications and 586,000 were addicted to heroin. 1 With massive ... closely for signs of addictive behavior. Statistics 259 million prescriptions were written for opioids ... continue reading
  • Chicken vs. Egg: Which Came First, Heroin or OxyContin Addiction?

    For centuries, people have debated one age old question: which came first, the chicken or the egg? While both sides of this argument have their valid points, the question itself has evolved, making its way into other areas of society, including the ...

    ... the whole game changes.” So, why would a heroin addict switch to OxyContin? Turns out there are a ... bed detox ward at Mercy Hospital Recovery Center in Portland. “As bad as oxycodone is, heroin is worse,” Publicker said . ... continue reading
  • Is Fentanyl Abuse More Deadly Than Heroin?

    Fentanyl, a drug previously unheard of by many, has become notorious in recent years due to the spike in overdose deaths from heroin laced with the potent prescription narcotic. It gained even more notoriety when the April 2016 death of iconic ...

    ... anesthesia, and in some cases, during postoperative recovery. Treating chronic or acute pain in opioid- ... , and it is highly sought after because it produces heroin-like effects 1 and can be cheap for manufacturers to make ... continue reading
  • Heroin Relapse Warning Signs, Prevention, and Addiction Treatment

    Heroin Relapse Is Common Heroin addiction is very powerful, and heroin's interaction with opioid receptors and its reinforcing influence on your brain's reward centers result in such profound feelings of euphoria and pleasure that it sometimes feels ...

    ... the heroin relapse rate is often high. What Percentage of Addicts Stay Clean? One study examined heroin ... part of the recovery process. What Is a Relapse? Heroin relapse is defined as the resumption of heroin use after a ... continue reading
  • Free Heroin Addiction Hotline Numbers

    Call American Addiction Centers (AAC) now at What Is a Heroin Hotline Number? Heroin addiction is a very hard challenge to overcome alone. This is why doctors, mental health professionals, and support group members advocate seeking help if you ...

    ... addiction treatment centers, which has proven highly effective in helping people achieve long-lasting recovery from heroin misuse and addiction. Heroin addiction can be painful, but you are not alone. If you or a loved ... 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 ...

    ... later when she got the call. Alex had been arrested for heroin possession . She sat up late with her husband, the window ... called “harm reduction.” It wasn't a 12-Step recovery program . It wasn't about abstinence only. It ... continue reading
  • 25 Great Writers Who Battled Drug Addiction and Alcoholism

    Drug and Alcohol Addiction Can Affect Anyone Some people are more susceptible to addiction than others, and writers are notorious for having some sort of addiction. Whether it's alcohol to numb the noise of the world or speed or LSD to “inspire” ...

    ... for his book titled Junkie, Burroughs was a heroin and opioid addict . He even accidentally shot his wife in ... alcohol use, help is available and long-term recovery is possible. Professional drug and alcohol treatment ... 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 ...

    ... of crystal meth use and how to help a crystal meth addict here. What Is Darvocet? Darvocet is a combination of acetaminophen ... setting, such as during anesthesia or in the recovery room. What Is Suboxone? Suboxone is an ... 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 ...

    ... Morpho Unkie White Stuff Oxycodone Oxycodone : Hillbilly Heroin Kicker O.C Oxycet Oxycotton Oxy Percs Roxy ... can be a good step toward helping them in their recovery from drug abuse or addiction . If you know or suspect ... continue reading
  • New Study: Amphetamine Abuse and This Old Heart

    It's called speed for a reason. Amphetamines, like Ritalin or Adderall, accelerate your heart rate. They send your nervous system into overdrive. Guess what else it speeds up? The aging process. That's right. Pumping your system full of amphetamine ...

    ... Ritalin or Adderall, accelerate your heart rate. They send your nervous system into overdrive. Guess what else it speeds up? The aging process. That's right. Pumping your system full of amphetamine makes you get older ... continue reading
  • What Recreational Drugs Cause Liver Damage? Drugs and Liver Disease

    The Function of the Liver The liver plays an extremely important role in the body. It ensures the removal of toxins and has numerous other functions, including: Fat metabolism: Liver cells—or hepatocytes—are able to process dietary and stored ...

    ... while others are classified as enzyme inhibitors, which reduce the speed at which a drug is broken down. In many cases ... rehab centers , and verify your insurance benefits. Recovery is possible. Please call us today free at ... continue reading
  • 4 Hangover “Cures” You Need to Ignore

    The lights are too bright. The noises are too loud. Your head's spinning. Your stomach's in turmoil. No, it's not the flu. You have a hangover. You had a few too many yesterday, and now you're paying for it. Beware the Miracle Remedy So, what can ...

    ... and many other myths have circulated over the centuries. When you feel terrible, you want to speed up the process of recovery. You want to feel better - now. Unfortunately, scientists tell us there is really only one ... continue reading
  • Health Effects of Drug Misuse and Addiction

    Substance misuse and addiction can have serious short- and long-term effects. 1 The physical effects of drugs and alcohol vary according to the type of substance, duration of use, and method of administration. 1 Recovering from addiction can be a ...

    ... , other sites on the body may be used. 21 Heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine are some of the most commonly ... for society or your relationships. 1 Hope for recovery is available in the form of addiction treatment . ... continue reading
  • The 5 Most Dangerous Painkiller Myths

    While painkiller use is widespread, there is a vast amount of false information surrounding them. Unfortunately, many people begin using opioid painkillers knowing little about them. Given few details about these drugs - how they work, when to take ...

    ... are at risk of becoming dependent and eventually addicted. When people refer to painkillers, they are ... are a multitude of detox centers and solutions for recovery that will help to alleviate symptoms of withdrawal ... 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 ...

    ... and nuts. As many as 80% of people who are addicted to alcohol do not get enough thiamine in their diets. 9 ... —as well as illicit drugs like heroin . Research suggests that long-term heroin use can cause the white matter ... 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 ...

    ... , or even smoked in the form of “ice.” They speed up the body systems, which can cause a host of ... been the driving force behind this unfortunate upward trend. Heroin deaths have also skyrocketed. Tragically, in around 8 ... continue reading
  • Taking Action: How to Intervene During an Overdose

    Drug overdoses are now the leading cause of accident death in the United States. According to the Centers of Disease Control (CDC), 43,982 drug overdose deaths occurred in 2013 across the nation. That's two times the amount of overdose deaths a ...

    ... Overdose While overdosing on stimulants ( cocaine , speed, methamphetamine ) is not as deadly, statistically ... and the National Institute on Drug Abuse reports heroin-related deaths have increased five-fold over the last ... continue reading
  • Vyvanse Side Effects, Short-Term and Long-Term Effects, and Treatment

    What Is Vyvanse Used For? Vyvanse is a brand name for the medication lisdexamfetamine that is prescribed to treat Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and binge-eating disorders. 1,2 Vyvanse belongs to a class of medicines known as ...

    ... distress in the user's life . When someone is addicted to Vyvanse, he or she will use the drug ... medications. Detox is only the first step on the road to recovery. For many, addiction is a chronic struggle that must be ... continue reading
  • Side Effects of Librium Use, Withdrawal and Addiction Treatment

    What Is Librium Used For? Librium—which is a brand name formulation of chlordiazepoxide—belongs to a class of sedative medications known as benzodiazepines. Librium has been widely used as a treatment for anxiety and for managing the symptoms of ...

    ... simply be seeking a sedating “high”. People who are addicted to or abuse multiple substances may use Librium for other ... AAC can help you learn more about rehab and recovery. If you or someone you know is abusing Librium ... continue reading
  • Snorting Percocet: Dangers & Risks

    Percocet is a prescription opioid containing both oxycodone and acetaminophen. While it is an effective pain reliever, as a Schedule II controlled drug it has a high potential for abuse due to the oxycodone in it. Oxycodone is a semisynthetic opioid ...

    ... bring about a euphoric high is similar to that of heroin, which helps to explain why it can be so ... can get through them without relapsing and begin your recovery from Percocet in earnest. If you are snorting Percocet ... continue reading
  • Anxiety and Substance Abuse: Treating Mental Health Issues and Addiction

    It can be difficult to manage an anxiety disorder or a substance use disorder, and it can be even more difficult to manage both disorders when they co-occur together. When a mental health disorder—such as an anxiety disorder—and a substance use ...

    ... substance use disorders are quite common. Statistics for substance abuse and anxiety show that ... helpful advice, information, or admissions. Begin your path to recovery today by verifying your insurance to see what and how ... continue reading
  • How to Stay Productive at Work While Still in Recovery

    We live in a very competitive society when it comes to finding a job and keeping it. Even for a person that's never tasted a drop of alcohol, it's still a challenge to find a good job and get accepted into a workplace. It becomes even worse when ...

    ... if you're really struggling with your addiction, getting back to work can often actually help speed up your recovery; working gives you a sense of purpose and keeps your mind off of unhealthy thoughts. By integrating ... continue reading
  • The Side Effects of Xanax: Pill Use and Short-Term and Long-Term Effects

    What Is Xanax Used For? Xanax (generic name: alprazolam) is a powerful benzodiazepine drug that is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain. 1,2 The medication comes in the form of a pill that quickly ...

    ... attention and concentrating, general intelligence and psychomotor speed. 7 What Are the Side Effects of ... a safer experience as you end your use and begin recovery. Withdrawal symptoms, or continuing using the drug to avoid ... continue reading
  • Effects of Clonazepam Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment

    What Is Clonazepam Used For? Clonazepam, commonly known by its brand name Klonopin , is a prescription medication commonly used for its anti-anxiety and anti-convulsant benefits. This medication is part of a larger group of substances called ...

    ... or less frequent (based on their stage in recovery). Outpatient programs are also options for those who are ... Treatment Programs If you or someone you love is addicted to clonazepam, seek out the needed help. It is ... continue reading
  • Clonazepam Abuse Symptoms and Addiction Treatment

    Introduction to Clonazepam Abuse What Is Clonazepam Used For? Clonazepam is a prescription drug that belongs to a group of medications called benzodiazepines . Clonazepam is known also by the brand name Klonopin . It is the third most commonly ...

    ... rehab centers, contact us for free at . Statistics on Clonazepam Abuse Nearly 17 million prescriptions for ... find support and join the conversation about addiction and recovery at our Forum today. How to Find Clonazepam ... continue reading
  • How to Help Someone With Adderall Addiction

    Help for Adderall Addicts Adderall is the brand name for a drug that contains two active ingredients: amphetamine and dextroamphetamine . These ingredients work to stimulate and speed up the body. Doctors use this drug in the treatment of ...

    ... facilities —can provide you with the resources needed to continue living in recovery even after your initial treatment program ends. Am I Addicted to Adderall? One of the more common signs of addiction is something ... 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 ...

    ... street names, including “black beauties,” “uppers,” and “speed.” 1 Adderall is classified as a schedule II controlled ... , because addicts remain at a facility and participate in therapy to work on their recovery; however, ... continue reading
  • Alcohol and Breastfeeding

    Some women are curious about whether they can drink alcohol while they are breastfeeding. While women are strongly advised to avoid drinking any alcohol during pregnancy, the recommendations on whether a woman can drink while breastfeeding are less ...

    ... also known as “pumping and dumping.” This practice does not speed the removal of alcohol from the breast milk. Rather, ... space to help you on your road to recovery. Groups such as Women For Sobriety and Alcoholics ... continue reading
  • Mirror, Mirror: Aging Early Courtesy of Alcohol

    $2.1 billion. That's how much we spent on anti-aging skin care products in 2013. And that's just in the United States. Guess how much Americans spent on cosmetic surgery that year? $12 billion. Clearly, we want to look young and beautiful. Who ...

    ... drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, we speed toward wrinkles. Reducing our alcohol consumption can ... have a problem with drinking, help is available and recovery is possible. Drug and alcohol abuse treatment programs ... continue reading
  • Unchain My Heart: The Real Impact of Booze

    Anyone who has experienced alcohol abuse firsthand knows how heartbreaking it can be. The emotional and relational damage left in its wake is devastating. Did you know this “heartache” is more than figurative? Believe it or not, the abuse of ...

    ... internal pacemaker to keep it pumping at the right speed. Alcohol interferes with this pacemaker, causing the ... have devastating health effects if left untreated. Recovery from alcohol addiction is possible for anyone ... continue reading
  • Joints vs. Edibles: How Marijuana Affects the Body

    The primary psychoactive component of marijuana (cannabis)—what deliver the “high,” in other words—is the substance tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). 1 THC's powerful, mind-altering effects derive from its interaction with and activation of the ...

    ... and eating an edible are reflected in the speed of onset of effects, the duration until peak ... a problem with marijuana misuse, help is available and recovery is possible. Professional treatment can put anyone battling a ... continue reading
  • Snorting Valium—Effects, Overdose, and Addiction Treatment

    Valium is a prescription sedative medication that falls into the class of drugs known as benzodiazepines. 1 Also available as generic diazepam, Valium is prescribed in pill form to treat anxiety and panic symptoms. 1,2 When Valium is taken as ...

    ... or minimize their drug use. Signs that a person is addicted to Valium include: 10 Taking more Valium over time. ... to living a sober life. For those seeking support in recovery, self-help groups—such as 12-step programs —are ... continue reading
  • Gray Death: The New Killer on the Street

    While heroin adulterated with fentanyl has been in the news in recent years and the risks are well-known, there is a new danger on the streets, and it's even deadlier. It is a frighteningly powerful combination of heroin and synthetic opioids known ...

    ... addicted to opioids. These people may intend to purchase heroin but unintentionally consume gray death. 6 Heroin ... with opioid addiction, help is available and recovery is possible. Professional addiction treatment can ... 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 ...

    ... from the latter half of 2015, will accurately reflect government seizure statistics when they are eventually released in 2017 or 2018. If they do, heroin busts will be 30 percent lower in 2016 than 2015 and meth ... 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 ...

    ... labels—such as calling someone with a SUD an addict—can perpetuate that stigma. 3 Repeated use of ... keep using the drug. 20 Heroin Heroin is a very addictive opioid drug. Heroin can cause euphoria, altered sensation ... continue reading
  • The 9 Most Expensive Drugs in America

    Each year, Americans spend nearly $100 billion on illegal drugs such as cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. These figures do not even account for the billions of dollars that are spent on prescription drugs each year—about $374 billion according ...

    ... fast. Most heroin addicts spend about $150 every day to fuel their addiction . Heroin also costs ... drug dependency. To learn more about treatment and recovery options, contact a caring admissions navigator with American ... continue reading
  • Trafficking Statistics

    Drug abuse is a major problem in the United States, and individuals seeking to abuse drugs generally have little trouble finding those substances. Abuse of prescription and nonprescription opioids continues to be the public health crisis of our ...

    ... opioids . 5,9 Source: CDC/NCHS, National Vital Statistics System, Mortality. CDC WONDER, Atlanta, GA: US ... http://wonder.cdc.gov/. How to Avoid Being Just Another Statistic If you or someone you love has developed a drug ... continue reading
  • If Old Drug Ads Told the Truth

    Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Through the late 19th century and mid-20th century, many of today's illicit drugs of abuse were available legally in the United States. Products containing cocaine, heroin, or amphetamine were readily available for ...

    ... to soothe an infant. 9. Glyco-Heroin (Smith) Although heroin had already been invented in 1874 , ... DrugAbuse.com or call to speak with someone today about recovery options and treatment resources that will meet your needs. ... continue reading
  • How Does Ibogaine Treat Opiate Addiction?

    Holly started using heroin when she was 18 - at 26, she was at the end of the line. Her whole life revolved around getting high. In the past, she had tried 12-step programs, counseling, in-patient rehab, and even drug-assisted therapy…it seemed ...

    ... counseling, in-patient rehab, and even drug-assisted therapy…it seemed nothing could help. Would she always be addicted to heroin? Was there anything she hadn't tried? During her most recent rehab stay, one of the other ... continue reading
  • Facts About Krokodil (The “Zombie Drug”)

    What Is Krokodil? Desomorphine (dihydrodesoxymorphine) or Krokodil, is an injectable opioid derivative of codeine. On the street and online, the drug is known as: Krokodil. Crocodile. Croc. Krok. Russian Magic. Poor Man's Heroin. The name ...

    ... Crocodile. Croc. Krok. Russian Magic. Poor Man's Heroin. The name “krokodil” is thought to either derive from ... a substance use problem, help is available and recovery is possible. Rehab programs are located throughout the ... 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 ...

    ... abuse is largely limited to 3 main drug types: heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine. 2 However, nearly any ... encouraging with loved ones on their path to recovery, helping them adhere to treatment despite difficulties or ... continue reading
  • The Rise of Drug Deaths in America

    This year, drug overdose deaths surpassed firearm deaths for the first time, making the issue of addiction and drug abuse an even greater concern for Americans . The public is aware of the numbers associated with overdose deaths; however, big ...

    ... or pneumonia at this time. Two years later in 2022, heroin deaths would be less than 5,000 short of 100, ... Don't allow yourself or anyone you know to become a statistic - or a part of the thousands of people who are ... continue reading
  • 30 Famous Musicians Who Have Battled Drug Addiction and Alcoholism

    1. Ozzy Osbourne Rockstar Ozzy Osbourne has long struggled with addiction. In fact, his heavy alcohol and drug abuse led to him being fired from Black Sabbath in 1978. 2. Kurt Cobain Kurt Cobain got to know his wife Courtney Love while they used ...

    ... 11. Yoko Ono Musician Yoko Ono has openly admitted to heroin addiction. She has even claimed that she and John ... , Elton John was, in his own words, “a drug addict and self-absorbed.” Although he came out HIV-negative, he ... continue reading
  • Harm Reduction

    The concept of 'harm reduction' refers to a set of policies, programs, and practices that aim to reduce the health, social, and economic consequences of drug and alcohol abuse. 1,2 Strategies might include providing a safe environment for heroin use ...

    ... (MAT) for people who are addicted to opioids such as heroin and prescription painkillers . The most ... can lead to relapse , and tap into their motivation for recovery. 10 Other goals of MAT include: 6,9 Helping a person ... continue reading
  • Drugs on Mars and Venus

    Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus is one of the most iconic books of the '90s, having sold more than 50 million copies. Its core theory is that men and women often think and act in dramatically different ways because of fundamental differences ...

    ... women. For example, men on average first use marijuana one year before women (18.9 versus 19.9), but women try heroin four years, four months earlier than men (26.9 versus 31), despite the fact that men use the drug at a ... continue reading
  • Methadone Programs: A Bad Treatment Plan for Addicted Parents?

    When it comes to the negative effects of substance abuse, addiction casts a wide net. Addicted parents, in particular, are faced with a unique set of challenges, as an opiate dependency ultimately affects the whole family. For thousands of parents ...

    ... For thousands of parents hooked on opiates like heroin and OxyContin, methadone maintenance programs promise to ... For opiate-addicted parents receiving treatment via methadone programs, the rate of recovery is dismally ... continue reading
  • San Francisco Mayor Proposes Drug Distribution to Homeless

    For San Francisco, the statistics related to opioid abuse are staggering: The Department of Public Health estimates there are 11,000 people addicted to heroin in San Francisco. It is estimated that thousands of these individuals are homeless. The ...

    For San Francisco, the statistics related to opioid abuse are staggering: The Department of Public Health estimates there are 11,000 people addicted to heroin in San Francisco. It is estimated that thousands of these ... continue reading
  • Fentanyl: The Newest Lethal Injection Ingredient

    Fifty times stronger than heroin , the synthetic opioid fentanyl is flooding the drug market - and heightening the danger of overdose. In search of cheaper mixes and stronger highs, dealers now lace heroin and cocaine with this potent drug. We've ...

    ... drug seizure in New York took more than 140 pounds of fentanyl and nearly 50 pounds of fentanyl-laced heroin out of circulation. Seized from an apartment in Queens, this stash had the potential to kill millions. The NYPD ... continue reading
  • Addiction Self-Assessment Quizzes for Drugs and Alcohol

    Use the following self-assessment quizzes to better understand common signs, symptoms, and behavioral changes related to substance misuse and addiction. The questions used in the following self-assessments are based on the diagnostic criteria ...

    ... opioid maintenance therapy drug used to help people addicted to opioids. While this assessment does not replace ... . This class of drug encompasses both illicit heroin as well as morphine and prescription opioid painkillers ... continue reading
  • Which Side of the Naloxone Debate Are You On?

    With the opioid epidemic claiming nearly 78 lives each and every day, President-elect Trump has his work cut out for him in the drug arena. One of his stated policies involves increasing access to naloxone, a medication used to reverse overdose from ...

    ... used to reverse overdose from opioids like heroin and prescription painkillers. But there are people ... , and that the nation's death toll from heroin and prescription opioids would be significantly higher without it ... continue reading
  • First Responders Worry About Accidental Fentanyl Exposure

    Fentanyl. It's known to be 50 times more potent than heroin, and a speck the size of a few grains of salt can kill. By now, you've probably heard of this beast and the toll it's taken on so many lives around the country. A whopping 5554 people ...

    ... overdosed on the synthetic opioid in 2014, and deaths continue to surge into 2017 as street drugs like heroin and cocaine are unknowingly laced with fentanyl. Proceed With Caution But users aren't the only ones urged ... continue reading
  • Why Don’t We Have Addiction Vaccines?

    After three decades of research, people with addiction still have few medication options. While there are a handful of modestly effective FDA-approved drugs to treat alcohol, nicotine and opioid-use disorders, there are none at all for cocaine, ...

    ... majority of people experience natural recovery. Anti-addict stigma extends to drug development ... disorder,” is the rationale — especially to illegal narcotics like heroin, cocaine and meth. 23 The good news is that vaccines ... continue reading
  • Injecting Drugs: 9 Hidden Dangers

    Did you know that injecting drugs into your body can increase your risk for a number of health problems? Additionally, did you know that injection-related injuries not only include bruising, scarring, and venous injury, but also infectious diseases ...

    ... , the back of the hands become puffy, except for the fingers. It has been noted that a contaminant of heroin, called quinine, may cause puffy hand syndrome. Sooting Tattoos PWIDs will sometimes use a match to flame a ... continue reading
  • The Effects of Vicodin Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment

    What Is Vicodin Used For? Vicodin is an prescription painkiller medication that is comprised of two substances: Hydrocodone . Acetaminophen . Hydrocodone is an opiate drug that works as a pain reliever and is useful in managing multiple levels of ...

    ... those of other opiates , such as morphine and heroin. Opiate effects are achieved when the substance enters ... enforcement. To gain more of the drug, someone addicted to Vicodin frequently will: Modify prescriptions. Make ... continue reading
  • Who Manufacturers All these Crazy Semi-Legal Designer Drugs?

    Designer drugs have been subject of much media attention of late, as the Internet has made obtaining them easier than in the past. In many cases, it's simpler to order designer drugs online than to try to obtain street drugs. Designer drugs can be ...

    ... to try to obtain street drugs. Designer drugs can be just as dangerous if not more so than drugs like heroin, cocaine , and marijuana . Designer drugs are drugs created in a lab to mimic popular drugs. Because they are ... continue reading
  • Effects of Alcohol and Drugs on the Male and Female Reproductive Systems

    How Do Drugs Affect the Reproductive System? Substance misuse can negatively impact the reproductive health of both sexes in several ways. It may contribute to serious health problems, such as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), infertility, and ...

    ... a woman's menstrual cycle and may result in lighter or heavier menstrual periods and increased cramping. 2 Heroin and methadone use may also lead to amenorrhea (absence of a period) in some women. Sexually transmitted ... continue reading
  • Cocaine Overdose Symptoms, Signs, Prevention, and Addiction Treatment

    Cocaine overdose can be a serious concern for anyone who uses cocaine. This article will help you understand what a cocaine overdose is, cocaine overdose effects, and potential risk factors for cocaine overdose. We will also discuss what you can do ...

    ... use cocaine in combination with other substances, such as alcohol or heroin . 2 Cocaine Overdose Statistics Cocaine (including crack cocaine ) use statistics from the Results of the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and ... continue reading
  • The Forefathers of Modern Illicit Drugs

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

    ... and anesthetic purposes. Here's a look at some of the forefathers of modern illicit drugs, without whom heroin, cocaine, LSD, meth, and morphine would either be less popular in our culture or not even exist. Charles ... continue reading
  • 20 Genius Minds and the Drugs They Were Addicted To

    Intelligence doesn't preclude people taking drugs any more than fame does. When those who are under stress need to relax, some turn to drugs or drink as an escape from reality. Others do it because they believe it enhances their creativity or allows ...

    ... all the lyrics to Smells Like Teen Spirit? His use of heroin worried people, though, and in 1994, he joined the 27 ... drinking whisky, although to say that he was an addict might be a misnomer. He did, however, take ... 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 ...

    ... spread, thanks to users' who constantly seek more powerful drugs to get high. But this isn't your typical street heroin . Carfentanil's extreme potency doesn't mean it gives a “better” high; it means it will kill you. It ... continue reading
  • Watch the Fahrenheit With Your Fentanyl

    Fentanyl is an opiate (narcotic) pain reliever typically prescribed to people for severe, ongoing pain or after surgery. This medication is 50 times stronger than heroin and, needless to say, it can be very addictive. Fentanyl can be delivered in ...

    ... typically prescribed to people for severe, ongoing pain or after surgery. This medication is 50 times stronger than heroin and, needless to say, it can be very addictive. Fentanyl can be delivered in many different ways ... continue reading
  • Suboxone Debate: What Is the Big Problem with Buprenorphine?

    When it comes to this nation's chemical dependence, few drugs have achieved the notoriety and reputation of opioid drugs. In fact, things have spiraled so far out of control that opiate addiction is now considered an epidemic. Despite leaving a ...

    ... scientists have developed, however, is a recovery tool for opiate addicts known as Suboxone. Suboxone is the ... pain. However, if you spend the whole day injecting heroin and suddenly decide to pop a Suboxone film under your ... continue reading
  • Introducing the Drug That Can Kill With a Single Dose

    Just when we'd thought we'd heard it all, an even more lethal drug concoction popped up on our radar. It's just the latest killer in the opioid epidemic ravaging our country. Dubbed “gray death” by authorities, this high-potency cocktail is ...

    ... , which is often cut with fentanyl and other fillers. Oftentimes, users don't have a way of telling if the heroin they've purchased is pure or if it's laced with something else before using it. That's how gray death ... continue reading
  • Pregnant & Court-Ordered to Take Vivitrol: Is My Baby Safe?

    It's a question many women might be asking themselves, as more and more females of childbearing age are ordered by drug courts to take Vivitrol - the injectable form of naltrexone. An opioid-antagonist, Vivitrol blocks the brain receptors that bind ...

    ... making it impossible to get high off of drugs like heroin, OxyContin, and Vicodin. In its injectable form, Vivitrol ... Are they using those who are court-ordered or addicted to determine the safety of Vivitrol in pregnancy? ... continue reading
  • Cocaine Addiction Side Effects, Symptoms, Withdrawal, and Treatment

    Cocaine is a powerfully addictive stimulant drug that comes in the form of a white powder which is commonly snorted, smoked, or injected. 1 Its popularity as a recreational substance is in part due to its perceived positive effects on mood, ...

    ... use cocaine with other substances such as alcohol, heroin , and marijuana . These combinations can be ... first step of the journey to lasting cocaine addiction recovery. This may require some research in order to find ... continue reading
  • What You Need to Know About ‘Zombie Drug’ Krokodil

    Krokodil (Crocodil) is a homemade version of a synthetic drug called desomorphine. As the name deso-morphine suggests, the chemical is in the opiate family and closely mimics the effects of heroin and morphine. Pure desomorphine is a very addictive ...

    ... health emergency in Russia; authorities say there are about 100,000 people addicted to the drug. But it is hard to accurately diagnose someone who also abuses heroin because of the similar symptoms. In the U.S. there was ... continue reading
  • A Decade of American Drug Use

    In the nation's ongoing drug crisis, grim statistics abound. Each day, approximately 115 Americans die of opioid overdoses. Methamphetamine use is on the rise, reviving a scourge public health officials once thought to be improving. Simultaneously, ...

    ... 'd like to learn more about the various recovery resources available, explore our content and evaluate your ... Health Services Administration , Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, and the National Survey on ... continue reading
  • Risks of Substance Abuse While Pregnant & Treatment Options

    Drinking alcohol or using drugs while pregnant can cause a number of negative health outcomes for both mother and child. It can affect a growing fetus because substances travel easily from the placenta, creating great potential for harm. 4 While not ...

    ... death. Learn more about the effects of using heroin while pregnant . Marijuana and Pregnancy Contrary to popular ... for individuals who decide to begin the journey toward recovery. 5 If you or a loved one is pregnant ... continue reading
  • Ruthless Drug Dealer Ordered to Pay for His Client’s Funeral

    Opioid abuse is killing thousands of Americans each year. Every day, nearly 100 lives are lost to the opioid epidemic. Many of these fatalities are caused by a deadly drug that's secretly added to baggies of heroin (or cocaine) as a cheap way for ...

    ... the opioid epidemic. Many of these fatalities are caused by a deadly drug that's secretly added to baggies of heroin (or cocaine) as a cheap way for dealers to add weight to their product. You've probably heard of this ... 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 ...

    ... pure elation. He states, “You discover you're no longer addicted to anything. Even a cup of tea with sugar tastes horrible.” Ten months later, the former heroin user hasn't experienced a relapse and once again feels like ... continue reading
  • Understanding Naloxone and Narcan

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

    ... prescription opioid medication or uses illicit opioids such as heroin, you may wish to learn more about naloxone, ... with opioid addiction, help is available and recovery is possible. Rehab programs are located throughout ... continue reading
  • What Does It Mean to Be Dope Sick?

    Bill found John curled up on the couch; he looked miserable. Bill asked, “What's wrong with you?” “I'm sick, man. You got any?” was John's weak response. As Bill suspected, John was in withdrawal. An active heroin user, John was low on cash ...

    ... “I'm sick, man. You got any?” was John's weak response. As Bill suspected, John was in withdrawal. An active heroin user, John was low on cash and hadn't been able to get his fix tonight. Six months sober himself, Bill ... 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 ...

    ... type of drug taken, symptoms of NAS can present within 24 hours of birth for short half-life drugs such as heroin, or be delayed for 7 days or longer for long half-life drugs such as methadone or buprenorphine. 13 Non ... continue reading
  • Methadone and Suboxone: What’s the Difference Anyway?

    An estimated 1.9 million people in the U.S. are addicted to prescription opioid drugs. Although there is no magical drug to treat opiate addiction, as part of a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) approach, there are a handful of treatment ...

    ... 1.9 million people in the U.S. are addicted to prescription opioid drugs. Although there is no magical ... the 1960s—it was being used in clinics to treat heroin dependency. Suboxone is much newer to the treatment scene than ... continue reading
  • Snorting Morphine

    Morphine is a prescription opioid medication used to treat relatively severe pain 1 . Morphine is prescribed in a variety of forms, including liquid solution, tablets, and capsules, and is only intended to be used under the supervision of a medical ...

    ... Help for Morphine Addiction People who are addicted to morphine may find it especially difficult ... attend—program participation may be lifelong. Two popular recovery groups for morphine addiction are Narcotics Anonymous ( ... 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 ...

    ... that is integral to the health and recovery of the addicted individual has a better chance of ... powerful physical cravings in the same way that drugs like heroin and cocaine will, the effects can become so desirable ... continue reading
  • Country vs. City Addictions: Are They Different?

    Urban and rural addicts don't seem to have a whole lot in common, according to a report published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). In gathering data for this particular study, researchers looked at addiction ...

    ... addicts don't have much in common. For those who believe all addictions are alike, the SAMHSA report proves otherwise. Here are some of the fascinating statistics ... 21.8 percent of city addicts say heroin is their drug of ... continue reading
  • Effects of Roxicodone Addiction

    Roxicodone (“Roxy”) is one available brand version of oxycodone—a powerful semi-synthetic opioid painkiller. 1,2 The medicinal effect of opioids like oxycodone is brought on by a change in the way the brain and body respond to pain. Rather ...

    ... effects are essentially indistinguishable from those of heroin (another full opioid agonist), making it ... better for you. For help picking the best solution for your recovery, call us now at . You can call 24 hours a day ... continue reading
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