Heroin Scientific Name

Heroin Facts, History, and Statistics

History of Heroin Heroin is a powerful opiate narcotic that has no legal medical use in the U.S. Outside of the U.S., pharmaceutical grade heroin is still produced for limited therapeutic use. It is occasionally prescribed for severe pain in ...

... , and it was largely ignored by the scientific community. Heroin as a Medicine In August 1897, Felix Hoffmann ... substance the trade name “Heroin” after “ heroisch ,” a German word meaning heroic. Heroin was presented to ... continue reading

Can You Get Addicted to Heroin After the First Use?

Heroin has the reputation of being one of the most addictive illicit drugs. Many government and academic institutions report that heroin is either very addictive or highly addictive . Adding to the risk associated with the substance is the number of ...

... first high. Why Do People Use Heroin? Heroin's intense high and quick speed of onset are major attractions for ... by the brand names Narcan and Evzio, can aid in reducing and reversing symptoms of heroin overdose and can ... 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 ...

... to elicit its dramatic results. In short, heroin is very harmful. The speed and intense effects of the substance are ... 's website, do a web search for your state name and '.gov.' American Addiction Centers (AAC) is a ... 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 ...

... . Death. A medication called naloxone —brand name Narcan —is approved to reverse the effects of a heroin overdose. Am I Addicted to Heroin? If you're worried about your use of heroin, you likely have a problem. However ... continue reading

Heroin Addiction Treatment Centers and Rehab Programs

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

... . To find your state government's website, do a web search for your state name and '.gov.' It can feel overwhelming when seeking treatment for heroin addiction, either for yourself or a loved one. If you are in need of ... continue reading

Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms, Detox, and Addiction Treatment

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

... . Why Should I Enter a Heroin Detox Program? The risks of continuing heroin use are significant and every hit ... 's website, do a web search for your state name and '.gov.' Once your state website is located, substance ... 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, ...

... withdrawal symptoms keeps many users running back to the drug even when they want to stop. Methods of Heroin Use and Effects Pure heroin can be smoked or snorted , but it is usually injected : Into a vein. Under the skin ... 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 ...

... an extremely addictive drug. In 2013, nearly 5 million people in the U.S. reported having tried heroin at least once. Heroin is an extremely addictive opiate due to how rapidly it enters the brain. It has both short-term ... 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 ...

... for up to $90 a piece, the money runs out in the blink of an eye. Eventually, someone suggests switching to heroin, pointing out that the illicit drug is much cheaper and easier to find. Next thing you know, you've moved ... 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. ...

... crave the drug several hours after your last dose. Yawning and perspiration can last 8 to 15 hours after the last heroin use and may get worse over the course of a couple days. Within 16 to 24 hours after your last use ... 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

Free Heroin Addiction Hotline Numbers

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

... one in rehab? Regain control of your life today and call us at . Why Should I Call a Heroin Helpline Number? Calling a heroin helpline does not mean you must commit to anything. All it means is that you are ready to get ... continue reading

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 ...

... opioid pain medications has increased from 76 million in 1991 to almost 207 million in 2013. 2 In the past decade, heroin use has more than doubled in young adults between the ages of 18-25 years old. 4 From 2000 to 2010 ... 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 ...

... to be made. Once cut, the powder takes on a brown or off-white color. “Black tar” is another form of heroin and—as the name implies—it is dark brown or black in color. It tends to be sticky like tar or hard like coal. #3 ... 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 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 ...

... out plan can help you identify and manage the signs of heroin relapse before things get worse. You can implement some of ... 's website, do a web search for your state name and '.gov.' American Addiction Centers (AAC) is a ... continue reading

How Similar are Heroin and Prescription Opioids?

Heroin is an illicit street drug that produces a drowsy, euphoric high. Prescription opioids are legal medications prescribed by doctors to treat pain. Both heroin and prescription painkillers belong to the family of drugs known as opioids, which ...

... known as opioids, which act upon particular receptors in the brain and body to produce their effects. Heroin and prescription opioids may seem like very different drugs, but they are actually remarkably similar in both ... 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 ...

... over the past several years. A 2011 survey showed that 4.2 million Americans aged 12 and older had tried heroin at some point in their lives. The statistic that is truly troubling is that which indicates that a full 23 ... continue reading

Are Prescription Painkillers as Addictive as Heroin?

The Link Between Painkillers and Heroin According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), in 2011, 4.2 million Americans aged 12 or over had used heroin at least once in their lives. Of these users, an estimated 23% will go on to become ...

... at least once in their lives. Of these users, an estimated 23% will go on to become heroin addicts, making heroin one of the most addictive drugs on the planet . Recent years have witnessed an alarming surge in teenage ... continue reading

Heroin's Death Toll Hits an All-Time High in New York

New York City has a serious heroin problem on their hands and new data released by the city's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene reveals just how deep the issue goes. In fact, more people died from unintentional heroin overdoses in New York ...

... the biggest jump by far was in Queens. Believe it or not, 81 residents of Queens died at the hands of heroin last year - that's 28 more deaths than Queens saw in 2012. Affluent areas of the north Bronx and eastern Queens ... continue reading

A Sister’s Honest Talk About Her Brother’s Heroin Addiction

Alex didn't answer the phone. He missed their father's birthday party and still wasn't answering. But Allison kept dialing. It didn't seem right, but then again, things hadn't seemed “right” for a long time. Alex had all but stopped showing up ...

... Did Everything Go Wrong? It was just a few months later when she got the call. Alex had been arrested for heroin possession . She sat up late with her husband, the window was open as the North Carolina air blew in. How ... continue reading

25 Great Writers Who Battled Drug Addiction and Alcoholism

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

... it's alcohol to numb the noise of the world or speed or LSD to “inspire” them, the bohemian yet lonely world ... addiction to alcohol didn't help him. Hubert Selby Heroin and other painkillers were the demons of Requiem for ... continue reading

Drugs A-Z

What Is Acamprosate? Acamprosate is thought to help recovering alcoholics stay sober by balancing inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmission. Acamprosate may be combined with behavioral therapy to decrease a person's chances of relapse and ...

... heroin overdose , help for heroin dependence , and the side effects of heroin use . What Is Hycodan? Hycodan was a previously available brand name ... effects of Soma use . What Is Speed? Speed is a slang term applied to ... continue reading

Snorting Fentanyl

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, ...

... sought-after and is referred to by a number of names such as “apache,” “china girl,” and” china white ... frequently laced with other drugs, such as cocaine or heroin. In these situations, the user is unprepared for ... 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

Snorting Tramadol

Tramadol is a medication prescribed to treat moderate to moderately severe pain in adults and, in its extended release forms, to manage certain chronic pain conditions. Similar to other pain medications like oxycodone, morphine, and hydrocodone, ...

... receptors in the body. Tramadol is known by the brand names 1,2 : ConZip. Ultram. Ultram ER. Ultracet - ... . In the case of tramadol, snorting will increase the speed at which the substance's effects are felt compared to ... 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, ... . Anabolic steroids. Recreational and illicit drugs: Heroin . 13 Inhalants . 14 Cocaine . 15 ... continue reading

4 Hangover “Cures” You Need to Ignore

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

... the level of alcohol in your system. Just like coffee, the refreshing water may wake you up, but it doesn't speed up the process. But you will smell nicer. Take two and call me in the morning: Popping a couple of aspirin ... continue reading

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 ...

... have widespread effects. 12 Commonly misused substances may speed or slow down heart rate, increase or ... inflamed, other sites on the body may be used. 21 Heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine are some of the most commonly ... 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 ...

... (CNS) stimulants , such as cocaine and methamphetamine, speed up brain activity, blood pressure, and heart rate ... as well as illicit drugs like heroin . Research suggests that long-term heroin use can cause the white matter ... continue reading

3 Devastatingly Dangerous Alcohol-Drug Combos

According to statistics compiled by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), roughly 25% of substance-related emergency room admissions involve a combination of both drugs and alcohol. Poly-Drug Abuse Although heavily ...

... Much like benzodiazepines, illegal opiates like heroin and prescription opioids (OxyContin, Vicodin, ... to an extent. In other words, stimulants ( cocaine , speed , meth , Ritalin , Adderall ) mask the depressive effects ... continue reading

Snorting Percocet

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 ...

... eventually, the brain at different rates—affecting the speed of onset and peak intensity of the high. ... to bring about a euphoric high is similar to that of heroin, which helps to explain why it can be so addictive. The ... 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 ...

... . However, if Vyvanse is misused or abused, it can speed up the development of tolerance, have a negative impact on both ... to help people taper off of drugs such as heroin , there are no medications approved by the Food ... 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 ...

... name for a drug that contains two active ingredients: amphetamine and dextroamphetamine . These ingredients work to stimulate and speed ... Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine Marijuana Meth ... continue reading

Anxiety and Substance Abuse: Treating Mental Health Issues and Addiction

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

... symptoms, and experience worse outcomes. 10,11 Both marijuana and stimulants cause the heart rate to speed up, which can mimic physical symptoms of anxiety and potentially exacerbate anxious thoughts. 12,13 Stimulants ... continue reading

How to Stay Productive at Work While Still in Recovery

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

... be a good idea if you're really struggling with your addiction, getting back to work can often actually help speed up your recovery; working gives you a sense of purpose and keeps your mind off of unhealthy thoughts. By ... continue reading

Snorting Vicodin: Side Effects, Dangers, and Addiction Treatment

Vicodin is the brand name for a prescription medication that is frequently used for the treatment of moderate to moderately severe pain. Vicodin is comprised of two active pain relievers: 1 Hydrocodone —an opioid pain reliever. Hydrocodone it is a ...

Vicodin is the brand name for a prescription medication that is frequently used for the treatment ... abusing it by oral routes because of the intensely rewarding speed of onset and strength of effects. Generally, addiction ... 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 ...

... snorting the drug will result in a faster and better high, since in some cases snorting drugs can speed up and intensify their effects. However, it is unclear whether snorting Valium actually intensifies its effects more ... 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 ...

... mind and reduction of anxiety. People with sped-up or racing thoughts will report slowed thinking ... government's website, do a web search for your state name and '.gov.' Once your state website is located, substance use ... 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 ...

... benzodiazepines . Clonazepam is known also by the brand name Klonopin . It is the third most commonly prescribed ... very similar properties, but they vary in their speed of onset and the duration of their effects. ... 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 ...

What Is Vyvanse Used For? Vyvanse is the brand name of a medication prescribed to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity ... orally. 3 In reality, snorting Vyvanse does not speed up or intensify effects . This is likely due ... 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 ...

... , the effects of the substance are modified. With many substances, there is a direct relationship between the speed of onset and the strength of the drug effects. Effects that are slower to develop will last longer ... continue reading

Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms and Quitting Adderall Use

What Is Adderall Used For? Adderall—a branded formulation of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine —is a stimulant that doctors prescribe for the management of: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Narcolepsy. As a prescription ...

... of abuse . It is sold on the black market under many different names, including “beans,” “black beauties,” “dexies,” “pep pills,” “speed,” and “uppers.” 1 This drug is abused recreationally because high doses can produce ... 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 ...

... obtained as an illicit substance, Adderall is referred to by a variety of street names, including “black beauties,” “uppers,” and “speed.” 1 Adderall is classified as a schedule II controlled substance because of its ... 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 ...

What Is Xanax Used For? Xanax (generic name: alprazolam) is a powerful benzodiazepine drug that is used to treat anxiety and ... and concentrating, general intelligence and psychomotor speed. 7 What Are the Side Effects of ... continue reading

Long-Term Effects of Molly, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment

MDMA Drug Information Ecstasy is the more common street name for 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine—a highly addictive, illicit drug also known as MDMA , or “Molly.” This drug shares chemical structural similarities with both amphetamine and ...

... and it elicits both stimulant and sensory altering effects. 1 MDMA is known by many names, including: 1,2 X. XTC. Lover's Speed. Adam. Eve. Peace. Clarity. The drug was developed by a German pharmaceutical company, Merck ... continue reading

Your Brain on Drugs: Studying Cocaine's Effect on Blood Flow

Stimulant drugs like cocaine can cause serious blood flow problems within the brain. When there is an insufficient flow of rich, oxygenated blood to the brain, it can result in aneurysm-like bleeding and strokes. Researchers have developed a new ...

... . National Institutes of Health, details of this scientific breakthrough were published in the September issue of ... and his team noted a dramatic drop in blood flow speed. For the very first time, researchers were also able ... 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 ...

... stronger synthetic opioids being added (with or without the user's knowledge) to batches of heroin. What Is Gray Death? Gray death is the name given to a new street drug that began showing up in certain regions at the ... 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 ...

... then. Seven states have passed new marijuana laws, and a heroin epidemic continues to claim more lives each year than ever before ... communities. 14 Methamphetamine, for instance, was named as the greatest drug threat by 33 ... 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 ...

... attack, lung disease, anxiety, and depression. #6 Heroin Heroin has a reputation as a “cheap” drug, and a ... often used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders. Brand names you may have hard include Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan, ... 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 ...

... 34,000 drug law violations. Two-thirds involved marijuana, crack, heroin, or cocaine. It's not hard to guess which of ... you're quite familiar with Baltimore's geography, those names won't mean much to you, but the main ... 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 ...

... River, and Gettysburg. Now the battles are named fentanyl overdose, tramadol addiction, and oxycodone abuse. ... s or pneumonia at this time. Two years later in 2022, heroin deaths would be less than 5,000 short of 100,000 ... 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 ...

... of opium poppy fields in 2014, compared to 14,419 hectares in 2013. 2 Between 2010 to 2015, the number of heroin seizures on the border of the United States and Mexico more than doubled. 1 The problem doesn't stop with ... continue reading

America’s Drug Awareness

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

... 2015 Drug Threat Assessment released by the DEA, prescription drug use rates are higher than those of cocaine, meth, heroin, MDMA, and PCP combined. The report notes that the U.S. markets for MDMA and PCP are relatively ... continue reading

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 ...

... , 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 patients ... continue reading

Prescription Painkiller FAQ

What Are Prescription Painkillers? Prescription painkillers are opioid medications used to manage relatively severe pain (such as pain associated with surgical procedures or more chronic issues like cancer-related pain). 1, 2 They can be safe and ...

... the prescription opioids are virtually indistinguishable from other dangerous drugs of abuse, such as heroin. 4 Like heroin, painkillers can produce profound respiratory depression at high doses, so those who misuse them ... continue reading

Effect of Drugs on the Kidneys: How Do Drugs Damage the Kidneys?

Chronic drug and alcohol misuse can lead to severe kidney damage or failure. The damage is not always direct; some substances may indirectly cause harm to the kidneys via biologic events triggered outside of the renal system itself. These secondary ...

... renal damage in a few different ways: Coma due to heroin overdose can lead to rhabdomyolysis, 2 a condition characterized by ... of kidney complications, such as: 2 Sped-up progression of kidney disease in people with high ... 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 ...

... increased in recent years, and that abuse and availability rates are markedly higher in the Western United States. Heroin was the most common in 10 states, while powder cocaine was the most prevalent drug in five states ... continue reading

San Francisco Mayor Proposes Drug Distribution to Homeless

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

... Health estimates there are 11,000 people addicted to heroin in San Francisco. It is estimated that thousands ... . Buprenorphine, more commonly known by its brands name Suboxone, blocks opioid receptors in the brain and ... 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

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, ...

... tried methamphetamine at least once. A few notable names attached to meth addiction include: Adolph Hitler : ... s death in February of 2014. He died from a heroin overdose , despite being in recovery for more than two ... 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 ...

... that detailed past struggles with addiction. Heroin Heroin is a drug with severe addictive potential ... one for the news that the DEA wanted a man named Walter White from Alabama for distribution of methamphetamine . The ... continue reading

What Are the Side Effects of Oxycodone?

Is Oxycodone Dangerous? Oxycodone is a prescription opioid analgesic that is used to manage moderate to severe pain by changing the way that the brain responds to pain. 1 It is the primary active component in the commonly prescribed pharmaceutical ...

... combination having a different brand name. 1 Brand names include OxyContin, Roxicodone, Percocet, and Percodan. Street names for oxycodone include “oxy,” “kickers,” “blue,” and “hillybilly heroin.” 4 At certain doses ... continue reading

30 Famous Musicians Who Have Battled Drug Addiction and Alcoholism

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

... . Yoko Ono Musician Yoko Ono has openly admitted to heroin addiction. She has even claimed that she and John ... 22. Aaron Carter Aaron Carter was pulled over for speeding and possession of two ounces of marijuana in 2008. ... continue reading

Is Tramadol the New OxyContin?

The epidemic of painkiller addiction is well known, and OxyContin (oxycodone) has arguably been the most notorious prescription opioid at the center of this public health emergency. Drugs like OxyContin have filled the news in recent years due to ...

... The allure of the opioid high is so strong, that problematic users are at high risk of progressing towards heroin abuse should they lose access to a steady supply of pills, or if oxycodone becomes too expensive—and both ... 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 ...

... a person to stay healthy until they can achieve a drug-free life. Reducing the use of illicit opioids ( heroin ) and/or the non-medical use of prescription opioids . Reducing the dangers of drug use, such as contracting ... 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 ...

... rates are much higher for parents using methadone than for heroin users in general. 32 (25%) of the 130 ... Washington State, and a 14.8% mortality rate among heroin users in the Seattle area. Mental Health Problems Mental ... continue reading

Can You Overdose on Painkillers?

Some of the most predominantly prescribed pain management medications are opioid analgesics (painkillers). These prescription drugs interact with opioid receptors throughout the brain, initiating a chain of events that ultimately brings pain relief ...

... the streets—an opioid analgesic 80-100 times more potent than morphine and much more potent than even heroin. Fentanyl has been linked with numerous fatalities in the northeast, and, now, as reported by SFGate.com, has ... 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 ...

... whether you may have an unhealthy dependence on opiates. This class of drug encompasses both illicit heroin as well as morphine and prescription opioid painkillers such as OxyContin, Vicodin, Opana, Dilauded, fentanyl ... 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

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 ...

... is called “skin popping.” Skin popping is another name for injecting drugs underneath the skin or into the ... fingers. It has been noted that a contaminant of heroin, called quinine, may cause puffy hand syndrome. Sooting ... 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, ...

... Difficulties in Vaccine Development The scientific challenges to developing an effective addiction ... disorder,” is the rationale — especially to illegal narcotics like heroin, cocaine and meth. 23 The good news is that ... 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

How to Help a Morphine Addict

With approximately 52 million people in the U.S. having used prescription drugs nonmedically in their lifetime, widespread addiction to drugs like morphine is increasingly becoming a problem. When someone begins to engage in abuse morphine, it's ...

... treatment right away . Prescription opioid abuse has its own inherent dangers and, alarmingly, can often progresses to heroin use. The Centers for Disease Control Director, Tom Friedan, M.D., M.P.H. indicated in a 2015 ... 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 ...

... —the drug will lead to effects that are similar to those of other opiates , such as morphine and heroin. Opiate effects are achieved when the substance enters the body and connects to opioid receptors . These receptors ... 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, ...

... of the forefathers of modern illicit drugs, without whom heroin, cocaine, LSD, meth, and morphine would either be ... medicinal plant or herb's active ingredient. He named the alkaloid “morphium,” after Morpheus, the Greek ... 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 ...

... scene. Let's be honest: how many people can understand all the lyrics to Smells Like Teen Spirit? His use of heroin worried people, though, and in 1994, he joined the 27 club: a litany of stars who have died at the age ... 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 ...

... 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 a contributing member of society. He is, however ... 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 ...

... blocks the brain receptors that bind to opioids, making it impossible to get high off of drugs like heroin, OxyContin, and Vicodin. In its injectable form, Vivitrol lasts for about a month. Quite a few judges, most ... 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

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 ...

... 1. Those who abuse prescription opioids are 40% more likely to use heroin than those who don't. 1 Opioid painkillers and heroin share a very similar chemical structure and produce virtually identical effects. Painkillers ... 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 ...

... underground wives tale. Despite a complete lack of scientific evidence to support this claim, it remains a ... pain. However, if you spend the whole day injecting heroin and suddenly decide to pop a Suboxone film under your ... continue reading

Why Are Prescription Opiates So Addictive?

Prescription opiates—such as Vicodin , Percocet , and OxyContin —are narcotic medications used for pain management. These drugs are often referred to as “opioids,” which are synthetic and semi-synthetic derivatives of the active “opiate” ...

... way that is less likely to cause harm. Scientific research has shown that when administered as part ... government's website, do a web search for your state name and '.gov.' Once your state website is located, substance use ... 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, ...

... some “street drugs” is the subject of ongoing scientific inquiry. Indeed, rates of drug use among those ... Americans aged 18 to 25 had been outpaced in heroin and crack cocaine consumption, however. That tragic distinction ... 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 ...

... sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)—also referred to as crib death. Learn more about the effects of using heroin while pregnant . Marijuana and Pregnancy Contrary to popular belief, marijuana can be harmful and should be ... continue reading

Oxycodone Abuse Signs, Symptoms, Effects, and Treatment

What Is Oxycodone Used For? “Those addicted to prescription opiates like oxycodone are 40 times more likely to develop a heroin abuse problem.” Oxycodone is a pain-relieving drug that is prescribed frequently to address moderate-to-severe pain. ...

... are 40 times more likely to develop a heroin abuse problem.” Oxycodone is a pain-relieving drug ... state government's website, do a web search for your state name and '.gov.' Once your state website is located, substance use ... continue reading

Fentanyl Abuse Symptoms, Effects, and Addiction Treatment

What Is Fentanyl Used For? Fentanyl is a synthetic opiate pain reliever. It's typically prescribed to patients for severe pain or injury , or after they have undergone surgery. It works quickly to eliminate any pain in the body. However, it can also ...

... times more likely to abuse or become dependent on heroin. Teen Fentanyl Abuse Teens are rarely prescribed fentanyl ... 's website, do a web search for your state name and '.gov.' Once your state website is located, substance ... 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 ...

... takes prescription opioid medication or uses illicit opioids such as heroin, you may wish to learn more about naloxone, as ... 's website, do a web search for your state name and '.gov.' American Addiction Centers (AAC) is a ... 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 ...

... weak response. As Bill suspected, John was in withdrawal. An active heroin user, John was low on cash and hadn't been able to ... of a flu or other illness, hence the name. However, the only cure for this sickness is ... 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 ...

... decades of its availability on the U.S. market—by the 1960s—it was being used in clinics to treat heroin dependency. Suboxone is much newer to the treatment scene than methadone, having only been approved in 2002 by the ... continue reading

Penalties and Sentencing for Drug Abuse, Selling, and Smuggling in the USA

Problematic substance use has the potential to negatively impact every area of your life. As dependence and addiction to alcohol or other drugs develop, these substances may begin to influence your physical and mental health, significantly affecting ...

... freely allowed to possess small amounts of marijuana and heroin for personal use. In Portugal, drug possession was ... s website, do a web search for your state name and '.gov.' American Addiction Centers (AAC) is a ... continue reading

AmeRxica’s Most Medicated

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, over 54 million people have used prescription medication non-medically - effectively more than 20 percent of the population aged 12 and older. When our doctor puts pen to paper and hands us a ...

... leads the nation in the misuse of prescription painkillers , which has also resulted in an increase in heroin-related deaths. Other states like Arkansas, West Virginia, and Alabama each had over 60,000 grams of opioids ... 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) ...

... street drug. Dilaudid, one brand name for the drug, is sought illicitly under the names 2 : D. Footballs. Dust. ... are typically labeled as more serious, such as heroin . These effects include 2 : Intense pleasure. ... 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 sense of time. While LSD won't induce powerful physical cravings 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 ... continue reading

Oxycodone Facts, History and Statistics

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

... thebaine, a chemical found in poppy plants and related to other narcotic drugs, such as morphine and heroin. History Oxycodone was first developed as part of an effort to find non-addictive alternatives to these drugs ... continue reading

How to Help a Fentanyl Addict

Fentanyl is an opiate narcotic used to relieve severe pain, such as breakthrough cancer pain. It is extremely potent - 50-100 times more potent than morphine and 30-50 times more potent than heroin . Fentanyl is often mixed with heroin or cocaine ...

... aler t in 2015 regarding its dangers . Fentanyl acts similarly to more commonly well-known drugs like heroin and morphine , both of which can rapidly lead to addiction. Like other opiates, it interacts with the ... continue reading

Find a Substance Abuse Rehab Center or Resource in Hawthorne, NJ

In 2016, 27 Hawthorne residents were admitted to treatment for alcohol as their primary drug of abuse, while 32 were admitted for heroin as their primary addiction. 1 In larger Passaic County, nearly 2,000 people sought rehab for alcohol addiction, ...

... residents were admitted to treatment for alcohol as their primary drug of abuse, while 32 were admitted for heroin as their primary addiction. 1 In larger Passaic County, nearly 2,000 people sought rehab for alcohol ... continue reading

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