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Concurrent Alcohol and Ecstasy Abuse
Ecstasy may make its users feel ecstatic for a time but, when abused with alcohol, it can cause seriously negative effects on your health and even kill you. Even as the name for this drug changes to the more friendly “Molly,” this does not mean ...
... psychotherapy, MDMA has now been labeled as a Schedule 1 substance—one with high abuse potential ... on Ecstasy and alcohol, see the following articles: MDMA (Ecstasy or Molly) Ecstasy Overdose Symptoms How to Help an Ecstasy ... continue reading -
What Does Ecstasy do to Your Mind and Body?
The night started off exactly like the last few Saturdays…Chloe entered the club with her girlfriends. Soon after, each of them took a bundle of ecstasy. Not long after washing down her dose with water, Chloe felt the familiar effects of the drug. ...
... high. Once she does come down, she will have trouble sleeping, feel anxious, and crave more of the drug. The Same…but Different? Chloe's friend Parker had a different experience while on ecstasy ... ecstasy, real name MDMA ... continue reading -
The Scary Facts About Designer Drugs and Legal Highs
Read Time: 30 minutes Introduction What Are Designer Drugs and Legal Highs? The terms “designer drugs” and “legal highs” are used to refer to substances such as synthetic marijuana and “bath salts” that are engineered in laboratories to ...
... cocaine , and ecstasy. Like synthetic cannabinoids and other common legal highs, synthetic cathinones are ... drug—while MDMA does not. 31 Finally, although many cases of human dependence on synthetic cathinones have ... 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 ...
... are often a result of muscle breakdown and extremely high body temperatures. 1 The Function of the Kidneys The ... Among these substances are: Heroin . Cocaine . MDMA (ecstasy) . Inhalants . Alcohol . Tobacco. Painkillers . ... continue reading -
Risk of Counterfeit and Laced Drugs
Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that approximately 27 million people aged 12 and older were current illicit drug users. This figure amounts to 1 in every 10 people having used illegal drugs in the past month. With ...
... buying and using drugs comes an increase in demand on the illicit drug market. With illegal drug manufacturing in ... drug “Molly” is marketed to consumers as pure ecstasy (MDMA) . However, drugs such as Molly are often ... 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 ...
... and tablets. It is sometimes misused at higher-than-recommended doses for its dissociative effects. Learn more ... Ecstasy and MDMA? Ecstasy is the street name for the drug 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, or MDMA. MDMA ... continue reading -
Effects of PCP Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
What Is PCP? PCP is an abbreviation for the powerful dissociative sedative drug phencyclidine. PCP is sold on the street in many forms, including as: White powder. Crystal. Capsules. Tablets. Liquid. PCP tablets can be found in multiple colors. Like ...
... problems. Severe depression with suicidal thoughts. Higher anxiety, paranoia, and isolation. Extreme ... way of using the drug. Some people—intent on purchasing ecstasy or MDMA —are deceived and given pills that combine PCP ... continue reading -
Substance Use at Live Music Events
If you're gearing up for a music festival, there are some things you probably want to ensure you have with you. Most veterans will recommend not leaving the house without comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a bottle of water. Unfortunately, something ...
... who each used hallucinogens or MDMA (commonly referred to as Molly or ecstasy). More Than Music Electronic dance ... to EDM shows were also around the same age, on average, when they had their first experiences with these ... 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 ...
... coma, and death. The active ingredient in ecstasy is a compound called MDMA. Because it is one of the more well ... in fact they were meant to be consumed for a high. More recent legislation has given the DEA more tools 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 ...
... and removing it from the blood when levels are high. Protein metabolism: The liver breaks down proteins and ... : Heroin . 13 Inhalants . 14 Cocaine . 15 MDMA or Ecstasy . 16 Methamphetamine . 17 Symptoms of Liver Damage If ... continue reading -
PCP Facts, History, and Statistics
What Is PCP Used For? “Angel Dust,” “Animal Trank,” and “Rocket Fuel”—these are only some of the street names used to reference the drug PCP (Phencyclidine) , an infamous hallucinogenic (more specifically a dissociative drug ) often ...
... PCP mixed with other substances . These include tobacco, marijuana , and various synthetic drugs including MDMA (Ecstasy) . PCP has even been reported as being sold disguised as entirely different substances altogether ... continue reading -
Over-The-Counter Drugs of Abuse
It is a common misconception that only illegal drugs are dangerous. There are many different over-the-counter (OTC) drugs with psychoactive, or mind-altering properties that may lead to a number of serious medical and mental health consequences if ...
... may use ephedrine as a substitute for ecstasy. Negative side effects of ephedrine use include ... fatal when it is abused in large doses in order to get high or stay awake. In fact, taking too many caffeine pills can ... continue reading -
Common Neurological Risks of Drug Abuse
Brain Damage From Drugs While substance misuse may cause a user to feel short-lived euphoria or impart a sense of temporary wellbeing, the adverse effects of drugs can be dangerous and, in some instances, may lead to permanent brain damage. Chronic ...
... higher for women. 4 Furthermore, research has revealed that abusing methamphetamine, as well its chemical cousin MDMA (“ ecstasy ... an activity so that it can be repeated later on. 16 Drugs hijack the brain's reward pathway ... continue reading -
Effects of Bath Salts Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
Are Bath Salts Harmful? The term “bath salts” refers to a family of designer recreational drugs that contain one or more synthetic chemicals related to cathinone —a stimulant found in the khat plant with effects similar to those of amphetamine ...
... variant of cocaine , methamphetamine, or ecstasy (MDMA)—as their stimulant features are quite similar ... to be used for a long period of time or in high doses before negative side effects occur. Some adverse effects are ... continue reading -
Drug and Alcohol Misuse and Cancer Risk
What Causes Cancer? Despite declines in the death rate over the last 20 years, cancer continues to be one of the most prevalent public health issues in the U.S. According to the National Cancer Institute: 1 About 1,806,590 new cases of cancer would ...
... cancer and kidney issues. 16 MDMA . Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) poses risks associated with ... 58 million nonsmokers were exposed to secondhand smoke (based on 2019 data). 19 This frequency of exposure has led ... 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 - ...
... center is a true act of love. If you want advice on how to bring up the subject with a loved one, visit ... DEA, prescription drug use rates are higher than those of cocaine, meth, heroin, MDMA, and PCP combined. The report ... continue reading -
An Uncomfortable Truth: Drug Abuse Raises STD Rates
A new study claims that swingers play a major role in the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) but, in addition to the sex, it's their drug abuse that is ultimately contributing to this increase. Linking Drugs and STDs Researchers at the ...
... , cocaine , MDMA and alkyl nitrates (poppers). The scientists also discovered high rates of risky ... navigator with AAC for free at for more information on rehab programs and treatment options. Addiction Treatment Levels ... continue reading -
How to Help an Opana Addict
How to Approach an Opana Addict Opana is the brand name for oxymorphone, a semi-synthetic opioid painkiller . Over the past decade, increased availability of painkillers has fueled an epidemic of opioid abuse around the world. In the US, an ...
... the pills, releasing the effects immediately for a more intense high with a rapid onset. Using Opana in alternate ways such ... Bath Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine Marijuana ... 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, ...
... “fair or poor” health, however, had the highest percentage of drug users and the greatest increase over ... slightly older age group also saw a definite surge in ecstasy use over this period , as well as increased marijuana ... 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, ...
... by cocaine's reinforcing high, which is primarily a result of how it works on the dopamine neurotransmitter system ... use. Mixing cocaine with another stimulant—such as ecstasy —can lead to heart attacks, brain injuries, ... continue reading -
How to Help a Painkillers Addict
Help for Painkiller Addicts Painkillers are routinely prescribed in the United States for the management of pain , but not all of them are addictive. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often prescribed for the treatment of mild to ...
... it's clear that these drugs can have a strong addictive hold on users, and that help is crucial for anyone abusing these drugs. ... Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine Marijuana ... continue reading -
How to Help Someone With Concerta Addiction
When you love someone with an addiction, it can be hard to understand why he or she can't just stop using overnight. Addiction can take over an individual's life and produce an all-consuming desire to continue use, despite the user wanting or ...
... it is a Schedule II drug , meaning it has a high potential for abuse which may lead to severe psychological or physical ... Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine Marijuana ... continue reading -
Concurrent Alcohol and Ultram Abuse
The Problem of Alcohol and Ultram Abuse When used together, Ultram and alcohol can amplify one another's effects, leading to increased risk of serious side effects. The prescription drug Ultram (generic name: tramadol) is a pain reliever with ...
... bioavailability and activity of the drug, users face higher risks of more serious symptoms—particularly seizures. If you ... , marijuana, and ecstasy. Ultram has multiple different effects on the central nervous system ... continue reading -
Drug Abuse and Cardiovascular Health Risks: How Do Drugs Affect the Heart?
What Are the Dangers of Drug Use? Both illicit and prescription drugs present many risks to individuals who misuse them. Drug abuse affects the brain in many ways that may lead to unpredictable, dangerous behaviors, social and emotional problems, ...
... (SUD). In addition to the toll it takes on mental and behavioral health, drug abuse in its many ... that 79% had a rapid heart rate and 74% had high blood pressure. Additionally, 25% of these patients complained of chest ... continue reading -
Date Rape Drugs: It’s Not Just Roofies Anymore
Rape is a serious criminal act, with the potential for severe and lasting repercussions on the victim's life. Rape involves sexually taking advantage of another person without their consent, and this includes having sex with a person who is ...
... be cut with other powder substances such as cocaine , MDMA , or amphetamine for snorting and may be added ... its CNS depressant effects (i.e. a sedative, relaxing high that can leave a person drowsy, confused, and amnesic 8 ... 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 ...
... the same effects. They may binge on amphetamine to try to stay high. Binges are often followed by “ ... sold as tablets. Its effects are similar to those of MDMA . Users may feel peaceful, calm, and/or more empathetic ... continue reading -
Let’s Talk Truth: Exactly How Long Do Drugs Stay in Your System?
If you throw back a beer on Friday night, it's out of your system by Monday morning. But, what about other drugs? Most drugs linger a bit longer than alcohol. In fact, some of them stick around for a long time. This slower processing can surprise ...
... coach would be giving them a drug test after practice on Saturday. Will their Friday night use be detected? Meth ... time she starts her next shift. Wrong. Ecstasy, or MDMA, (a.k.a. Molly) stays with you for up to 72 hours ... continue reading -
Curing Alcoholism: We’re Finally Putting MDMA to the Test
It seems ironic that one of the first drugs I used on the way to full-blown addiction is now being used in a study to cure alcoholism. Last week, UK researchers from Imperial College of London broke the news that they were about to begin the world's ...
... the world's first clinical trial using MDMA (the active ingredient in party drug ecstasy) to test the theory that it could ... abuse. You can contact AAC free at for advice on treatment. Lines are open 24/7, 7 days a ... 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 a dependence on ecstasy, also known as MDMA or molly, an illicit stimulant with hallucinogenic ... signs and symptoms of potential misuse of ecstasy. Alprazolam Addiction Self-Assessment Quiz This 5 ... continue reading -
Catastrophic Thinking: Alcohol Isn’t Your Great Escape
Cassie's heart began to race. “Am I dying?” she thought. “What if I'm having a heart attack?” Jeff's wife was running late. He worried there had been a terrible car accident. Jeff pictured his wife lying all alone in a ditch somewhere, ...
... go down similar disastrous paths? Cassie, Jeff, and Molly are catastrophic thinkers . If your thought patterns are similar ... help you work through. If you're trying to stay on a path of alcohol treatment and sobriety, it's ... continue reading -
Robert Downey Jr.'s Incredible Comeback From Addiction
A great Hollywood comeback story, Robert Downey Jr. is now one of the most bankable and highly paid actors in show business, starring in blockbuster comic book films like Iron Man and The Avengers as Iron Man—a role he continued in 2019's ...
... Hughes' Weird Science , and he co-starred opposite Molly Ringwald in The Pick-Up Artist in 1987. That same ... Academy Award nomination, and his career seemed to be on an upward trajectory until 1996, when he was arrested ... continue reading -
How Alcohol and Drug Addiction Affects Relationships
Addiction and Relationships Many discussions surrounding addiction tend to focus on the physical and psychological effects of substance use. The effects of drug addiction, however, extend beyond these issues and also encompass a person's social ...
... as a relationship deteriorates . Frustrations will be high, but if someone is using a substance that ... and while their loved one may suspect it is going on drugs, they provide it anyway. The line between helping and ... continue reading -
Are These 7 Things Really as Addictive as Drugs?
When you think about the disease of addiction, images of illicit drugs or empty whisky bottles likely come to mind. But addiction isn't limited to these substances. In fact, experts have determined that humans can become addicted to anything that ...
... the cycle of emotions brought on by love - the flip-flop between ecstasy and desperation or the longing and ... 9% of the population. 4 Shopping addicts experience a high or sense of euphoria from buying things. It's similar ... continue reading -
7 Shocking Facts About Meth in the Gay Community
As one of the most popular drugs in the gay community, users mistakenly believe that crystal meth leads to fun and enhances their life experiences. Due to that train of thought, this drug has become somewhat of an epidemic among the gay ...
... include Special K, Poppers, Viagra, GHB and Ecstasy. One of the most concerning trends in the ... users an intense rush or high. Many gay men are tempted to inject meth at sex parties, which can go on for days. Those same ... continue reading -
Is There a Cure for Addiction?
Drug addiction, also known as a substance use disorder (SUD), is a national crisis in the United States. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): 1,2,3 Approximately 53 million people aged 12 and older (nearly 1 in 5 Americans) used ...
... illicit substance (marijuana, cocaine, heroine, LSD, PCP, ecstasy, inhalants, and methamphetamine) in 2018. (Over 23 ... same time or within a couple of hours of each other on at least 1 day in the past 30 days. Addiction to ... continue reading -
The Use and Abuse of Date Rape Drugs
Although Bill Cosby has been making headlines for his alleged use of date rape drugs, sexual assault cases involving these substances have been a problem in the U.S. for decades and continue to be a growing trend. What's more, many young adults and ...
... recreationally abusing these drugs as a way to get high. Defining Date Rape Date rape drugs are typically used ... . Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid: (Street names: GHB, liquid ecstasy, blue nitro, cherry meth, easy lay) GHB is ... continue reading -
Drug Abuse Statistics
Statisticians analyze numerical information on subjects as varied as medicine, politics and even commercial retail sales - allowing researchers to investigate trends and test new ideas. As the phenomenon of substance abuse stubbornly continues to ...
... , alcohol is still classified as a drug with a high potential for abuse. Alcohol abuse is one of the ... increase), and hydrocodone products (124.5% increase). Only ecstasy saw a similar rate of increase in ER visits over ... continue reading -
How to Help Someone With Alcohol Addiction
In the United States, alcohol use is highly prevalent. According to the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, around 138 million people, or 50% of those people aged 12 and older, reported prior month use of alcohol. 1 You may be concerned ...
... hobbies or work, to drink? Do you use alcohol in high-risk situations, such as driving while under the influence of alcohol? ... Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine Marijuana ... continue reading -
Alcohol Misuse and Addiction: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment
What Is Alcohol Misuse? According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), alcohol is the most commonly used and misused substance in the United States. 1 Those who misuse alcohol are not necessarily addicted or ...
... threshold, based on gender. When compared with those who did not binge drink, individuals who drank at a high-intensity level were ... Bath Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth Ecstasy Heroin Inhalant Ketamine Marijuana Meth PCP ... continue reading -
Ways of Helping Someone With Drug or Alcohol Addiction
Seeking Drug Addiction Help If you have a loved one who is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, it can be difficult to watch them. You may be wondering how to help them with their substance abuse issues. They might be ready to quit and ...
... intended. The person uses substances in high-risk situations, such as driving. The person ... disorder. 10 The long-term impact of alcohol and drug abuse on family members can be profound. For example, children who grow ... continue reading -
Drug Abuse Policies in the United States
What Are Drug Policies in the U.S.? In America, drug policy involves the laws that control the distribution and use of both prescription and illicit drugs. From the classification of drugs according to their potential for abuse to the legalization ...
... addiction potential. Examples include heroin and ecstasy . Schedule II drugs: Have strong ... For members of the military and veterans, the government focuses on how trauma and combat can affect drug use and addiction. ... continue reading -
How to Help an Amphetamine Addict
Amphetamine addiction is a serious issue; stimulants have the potential to adversely affect the personality and behavior of individuals abusing these drugs. Some methods of amphetamine abuse may also be related to increased risks of bloodborne ...
... Adderall. Illicit drugs like methamphetamine and ecstasy , which are highly addictive. Amphetamines ... means that higher levels of amphetamines are required to achieve the desired effects . Statistics on overdoses related ... continue reading -
Drug Abuse: The Oral Health Kryptonite
It's February and we've all celebrated Groundhog Day, Valentine's Day and even President's day. So, that's basically it for February, right? Well…actually it isn't. February is also National Dental Health Month, making this a great time to promote ...
... These include your basic “club drugs” like speed or ecstasy . They cause severe tooth decay, jaw-clenching and ... drug family and it has an indirect negative affect on teeth. Heroin actually causes an immense craving for ... continue reading -
Drugs and Devotion
Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Why do some people seem compelled to experiment and others live their entire lives without ever taking a single puff, snort, sniff, or dose of an illicit substance? Thanks to decades of social studies, we now know ...
... that was almost three times higher than the religious respondents. We now know that, on average, people who are ... the two substances that they do try earlier, LSD and ecstasy, only show small differences (0.1 to 0.2 years ... continue reading -
How to Help an Alprazolam Addict
Help for Alprazolam Addicts Alprazolam—marketed under the brand name Xanax —is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety and panic disorders . Similar to the effects of alcohol, alprazolam works by depressing brain functions . Abuse of this drug ...
... taking? Do you think you are using alprazolam too often or in high dosages? Do you worry about what will happen when you run out ... Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine Marijuana ... continue reading -
Teenagers and Drugs: 11 Real Reasons Why Teenagers Experiment
There is a common misconception that teenagers who experiment with drugs and alcohol are inherently “bad kids.” Many parents assume that teenagers experiment because they are rebellious and want to lash out. That may be the reason a small ...
... they lose confidence in themselves if they don't meet those high standards. Drugs and alcohol seem like an easy way to ... like they can't do something on their own and need a little help. Ecstasy can be used for a lack ... continue reading -
Did the DEA Really Abandon Its Plan to Ban Kratom?
Several years ago, when I was living with my ex-boyfriend, I stumbled upon a package he received. The receipt said it was a bottle of kratom - a word I had never heard of before. A cursory Google search didn't pull up much either, beside the fact it ...
... it, what he was using it for or why he was searching on Chinese websites in the first place. In fact, I'd forgotten all ... , ecstasy and LSD. The DEA initially proposed this category because kratom has a “high potential ... continue reading -
Is Your Friend High? Here’s How to Tell…
Your friend seems a little “off.” Is he simply having a bad day? Did he not sleep well? Is he sick? Or is he high? To the untrained observer, it can be hard to tell. But it's important to discern. Depending on the circumstances, it could affect ...
... look for the following signs of D.R.U.G. A.B.U.S.E. (D)isorientation: A person high on drugs can enter a dream-like state. They may experience euphoria. They don't seem fully present or aware of their surroundings. They ... continue reading -
5 Lies We’re Told About High-Functioning Alcoholics
When you hear the term “alcoholic,” people automatically think of someone who drinks too much and whose life is falling apart as a result. However, not all problem drinking can be defined within these parameters. Some people can abuse alcohol, ...
... here's a look at 5 common myths surrounding the high-functioning alcoholic: “Alcoholics can't hold down jobs or be ... , and tolerance that comes with a serious dependency on alcohol . No one can drink heavily and maintain ... continue reading -
5 Telltale Signs of a High-Functioning Addict
When you think of drug addiction, many people immediately associate the disease with the kind of tragic, rock-bottom moments we're privy to on shows like Intervention or Celebrity Rehab . The problem is that 9 times out of 10, Hollywood gets it ...
... tragic, rock-bottom moments we're privy to on shows like Intervention or Celebrity Rehab . The problem ... love may be a high-functioning addict: They Make Excuses for Behaviors A high-functioning addict may chalk up their ... continue reading -
Do Women Pay a Higher Price for Smoking Weed?
Tetrahydrocannibinol, better known as THC, is the most potent component of marijuana. It's the chemical that causes feelings of euphoria and makes users feel “high.” When someone uses marijuana, THC quickly travels into the bloodstream, through ...
... marijuana, THC quickly travels into the bloodstream, through the lungs, and on to the brain. This process is completed within a few minutes, but the high can last for several hours. Though you might think THC affects ... 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 ...
... , noting that use hits the hardest among white and higher-income New Yorkers. Spikes were also seen among older Hispanic ... Out of all 782 cases, 420 people fatally overdosed on heroin . The death toll from heroin has more ... continue reading -
Crack Cocaine’s Effect on the Brain (Simple Animation)
“Crack is whack”—that much is widely understood and accepted. But, what exactly is crack? How is crack different from cocaine? Is it possible that crack gets a bad rap, or is it as lethal as it seems? AsapSCIENCE breaks down what we need to ...
... down what we need to know about this illicit drug in Your Brain on Crack Cocaine . Or, in their own words: “Is it really ... the brain, resulting in a quick, powerful high. Whether the user snorts cocaine powder through the ... continue reading -
Over 1 in 10 Americans admit they would ignore social distancing rules to see friends on NYE.
Party like it's 2019? Just 1 in 10 Americans are optimistic they will be out celebrating this NYE, reveals survey. Although it may not seem like it, the end of the year is fast approaching, which means many Americans are beginning to think about ...
... dense population, 21% of both Kansans and South Dakotans surveyed say that they plan to be out drinking and celebrating on the last day of what has been, by most people's accounts, a challenging year - certainly one that ... continue reading -
Effects of Drug and Alcohol Use on Weight Change
Over time, the problematic use of both drugs and alcohol may have a detrimental impact on an individual's nutritional status—causing either unhealthy weight gain or weight loss depending on the specific substance used. This guide examines some of ...
... an individual's nutritional status—causing either unhealthy weight gain or weight loss depending on the specific substance used. This guide examines some of the metabolic pathologies and other processes that contribute ... 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 ...
... you can become addicted after the first use to the high risk of overdose and death, it has long been ... family members or first responders may not have this amount on hand. Gray death is arguably one of the most concerning ... 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 ...
... of the hardest hit areas has been the northeast. A worrying trend has been the recent appearance of fentanyl on the streets—an opioid analgesic 80-100 times more potent than morphine and much more potent than even heroin ... continue reading -
Women Are More Likely to Get Hooked on Cocaine—But Why?
Women are generally more vulnerable to cocaine addiction than men, according to a recent study published in the journal Nature Communications. They're also more likely to use cocaine at an earlier age, take drugs in larger quantities, and have ...
... 's menstrual cycle—specifically during the high-estrogen phase—greatly intensify the brain's dopamine ... to further understand female subjects, as most research on addiction has been conducted in male subjects,” Calipari ... continue reading -
Get the Facts on Substance Abuse
Substance abuse is a major issue in the United States. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 40.3 million people aged 12 or older had a substance use disorder (SUD) in 2020—with 28.3 million struggling with an ...
... surprising that the economic effects of substance abuse are high when you consider the health, legal, criminal, ... to note that just because a person is dependent on a drug does not necessarily mean they are addicted. ... continue reading -
Is Alcohol Wreaking Havoc on Your Sexual Performance?
Alcohol is often viewed as an aphrodisiac, but this label is far from the truth. While drinking may lower social inhibitions and increase the likelihood of poor impulse control, alcohol actually inhibits sexual performance. Believe it or not, a ...
... problem drinking, help is available and recovery is possible. Professional treatment can start those battling addiction on the path to healthy and happy lives. You can contact American Addiction Centers (AAC) free at ... continue reading -
Alcohol Effects on Teeth: Alcohol Can Wreck Your Smile
People who consume alcohol excessively and regularly are at great risk of developing tooth decay and periodontal disease. Even having a few drinks regularly can begin to break down the enamel on teeth. Alcohol and Tooth Decay The process goes like ...
... drinks regularly can begin to break down the enamel on teeth. Alcohol and Tooth Decay The process goes like ... treatment can start those battling substance use problems on the path to happy and healthy lives free ... continue reading -
The Strangest Hallucinogenic Substances on Earth
It's a funny old world as the saying goes, and nowhere is that saying more true than in the world of hallucinogenic substances. You've got a wide range of plants that produce hallucinogens, including fungi, cactuses, and weeds , but you've also got ...
... in dill and parsley, although you can forget about getting high off them; you'd need to eat half your ... think that the first actual psychoactive toads are found on the American continent. The Colorado River toad contains ... continue reading -
You Might Want to Cut Back on the Energy Drinks. Here’s Why…
Years ago, I spent an entire summer behind a small desk in an upstairs room at my dad's house, studying for the Bar Exam. Cramming 18 different legal subjects into my head over the span of two months was no easy feat, and I quickly realized I needed ...
... a couple cans of Red Bull every night, I was becoming dependent on that little “buzz” the drink gave me. The effect was similar ... believing they can provide a convenient replacement high. Still, further research is needed ... continue reading -
My Mind’s Playing Tricks on Me: How to Stop Addictive Thinking Patterns
In prison, many of the women I met struggled with substance abuse issues. Although alcohol and drugs were no longer in endless supply in there, many of them carried on with the same addictive thoughts and behaviors. Manipulation, isolation, instant ...
... returning to negative habits, take the chance to get back on track today. Call one of our admissions navigators today at ... and support you need to help you get back on the road to recovery. You can also check your ... continue reading -
Researcher Gets $431,700 to Study the Effects of Meth on Wounds
It's widely known that meth use can lead to a multitude of health problems: rotten teeth, memory loss, a weakened immune system. Nobody knows this better than Luis Martinez, microbiologist and associate professor of biomedical sciences at the New ...
... t received the drug, as well as others who have been injected with a combination of other substances. Based on Martinez's preliminary studies, meth has been found to cause an overproduction of IL-6, which delays the body ... continue reading -
Is the Trump Administration Revamping the War on Drugs?
In 1971, President Nixon declared the “War on Drugs,” labeling drug abuse as “public enemy number one.” The creation of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) followed soon after; they were charged with enforcing federal regulations and ...
... substance dependence is now over twenty-one million . The new administration is taking different standpoints on drug policies. On one hand, the Trump administration has convened a panel to study ways to better combat the ... continue reading -
A Straight Story on the Real Dangers of Xanax
“Yeah, I was feeling uptight before he was about to pick me up for our date, so I popped a Xanax,” said my friend. I cringed. It seemed like everyone I knew was using benzos to calm down, chill out, get through a first date, or ace a ...
... calm down, chill out, get through a first date, or ace a presentation. Worse yet, I knew my pal had been drinking on her date—drinking after she took Xanax. I hate to be the buzz kill of the gang, but here's the straight ... continue reading -
How Kids Get Hooked on Drugs at Such a Young Age
It's every parent's fear: their kids doing drugs. In general, most kids will try something before the age of twenty, and it's a fairly natural part of experimenting with the world around them. However, some kids will have an addiction problem before ...
... going through and that their friends don't restrict them. That's not to say that you shouldn't place restrictions on your kids-that's an integral part of parenting. Just don't expect your kids to always respect and enjoy ... continue reading -
5 Reasons Driving on Benzos Is Just a Bad Idea
Quick reflexes and sharp thinking—these are two of the most important qualities of a safe driver. If someone is sharing the road with you or if you're a passenger in their car, you want them to possess these traits, right? Well, if they're taking ...
... If you're a drowsy driver, you're not a safe driver. Reason #2 Benzodiazepines Relax Your Muscles Acting on the central nervous system , benzos cause muscle relaxation. In fact, this is one of their most desired effects ... 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 ...
... fertility. 2 Heavy alcohol use is also linked to higher rates of STDs that may damage the reproductive system and ... . Alcohol and Pregnancy According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), in 2019, ... continue reading -
Overdosing on Sleep Medication Is a Big Problem
According to a recent survey , 69 percent of primary care patients complain of insomnia and other sleep issues. To solve the problem, doctors often prescribe sleeping pills or hypnotic medications. However, many people end up using these drugs for ...
... Pill? When asked if there is a safe sleeping medication on the market, Professor Kripke says, “I've never seen ... powerful chemicals to do one thing has knock-on effects elsewhere.” One safe and alternate solution for ... 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 ...
... . Let's look at both point of views: Spotlight on the Critics Critics say that it gives drug users a ... take more risks and push the envelope as they seek higher highs from opiates. Indeed, many users overdose more than once ... continue reading -
Meth on the Mind: It’s a Mental Downhill Slide for Users
Kim felt dizzy; she was confused and her speech was severely slurred. Her sister thought she'd had a stroke. Kim couldn't focus, had no energy and seemed very sleepy. It's no surprise her sister was worried, but Kim certainly wasn't suffering from a ...
... - and so are its side effects. Meth creates the euphoric high that its users seek by forcing the release of two brain ... Difficulty learning Lack of rational thinking Delusions What's on Your Mind? Meth is one of the most ... continue reading -
Rapper’s Shocking On-Stage Antics are Cause for Concern
A Florida rapper by the name of “Stitches” has earned a name for himself as of late, but for all the wrong reasons. The joker-like face tattoos are enough to take most people aback, but it's the lyrics to Stitches' music and his on-stage ...
... tattoos are enough to take most people aback, but it's the lyrics to Stitches' music and his on-stage cocaine-fueled antics that have local parents worried. Stitches, who claims to be a former cocaine dealer, certainly ... continue reading -
Effects of Drugs on the Brain: Impact of Drugs on Neurotransmitters
For many people, addiction can be difficult to understand. Understanding how drugs affect the brain can help shed some light on how a person develops an addiction. This article will discuss how various drugs affect the chemistry of the brain and ...
... do so because these drugs have unnaturally significant effects on the opioid system, including the reward pathway. Since opioid use can initiate much higher dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens than endorphins, they ... continue reading -
7 Really Smart Ways to Save Money on Suboxone
A couple of weeks ago, I saw a Facebook post from an acquaintance of mine lamenting about the exorbitant price of Suboxone. I'd known her to have a problem with opiates in the past, but it seemed like she was doing all the right things to get her ...
... in the past, but it seemed like she was doing all the right things to get her life back on track. Yet, the high cost of her medication was now jeopardizing her sobriety. Was she just supposed to go cold turkey and hope ... continue reading -
Spotlight on ADHD Meds and Their Frightening Meth Connection
The opioid crisis has been making headlines for years, but there's another drug epidemic that has been flying under the radar: abuse of ADHD drugs. ADHD drugs, such as Adderall and Ritalin , increase levels of the brain chemical dopamine and provide ...
... the last five years, with almost 9% of high school seniors abusing it and approximately 35% of ... the scariest problem of all is that, when people are hooked on ADHD medications and the supply runs out, they're rapidly ... continue reading -
This Is Your Brain… When You Blackout on Alcohol
If you've ever found yourself in a situation where you wake up the next morning without a clue as to how you got home, you might have experienced a blackout. This is right about when you start to wonder, what the heck happened last night? But have ...
... about when you start to wonder, what the heck happened last night? But have you ever wondered what actually went on with your brain to cause you to lose all memory of your crazy night of drinking? Many researchers have ... continue reading -
History Channel Explores “America's War on Drugs”
No one gets a closer view of America's war on drugs than the officers and drug traffickers who stand on opposite sides of the battle line. What really goes on behind the scenes in each camp? What kind of power struggles wage? Who's really behind the ...
... where are we headed? The series takes a peek at what lies in store: “Five decades into the War on Drugs, a move to legalize marijuana gains momentum, mega-corporations have become richer and more powerful than any nation ... 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 ...
... much wider range of blood flow speeds. Cocaine on the Brain Doctors and researchers are always searching for ... ways to understand drugs such as cocaine and their effects on the brain. With these new imaging methods, Pan and ... 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 ...
... expect men to try before women. For example, men on average first use marijuana one year before women (18.9 ... 31), despite the fact that men use the drug at a higher rate than women. Sedatives show the biggest time gap: The ... continue reading -
The Effects of Meth on Your Body
During the past two decades, illicit methamphetamine - also known as crystal meth - has presented one of the largest and most dangerous drug epidemics in America. This extremely powerful stimulant, which can be smoked, injected, snorted, or eaten, ...
... , cognitive impairment, and even death. Meth also has a strong effect on neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine and serotonin. The “high” feeling of methamphetamine is produced by an excessive release of these ... continue reading -
The Effects of Opiates on the Body
Share on Twitter Share on Facebook They're potent, they're dangerous - and they could be in your medicine cabinet. In 2012, 259 million prescriptions for painkillers, such as Vicodin , OxyContin , and Opana, were written in the U.S. When used ...
... drugs can present some of the same risks as illicit heroin sold on the street. While 467,000 people in the U.S. struggled ... , and injection drug users are one of the highest risk groups for transmission of HIV, the virus ... continue reading -
Psychedelic Drugs and Prayer Have Similar Effects on Brain
When it comes to “out-of-body” experiences, plenty of people have reported having them during both religious awakenings and while tripping on psychedelic drugs. Although these two experiences may seem completely opposite to each other, one ...
... the morning, it's a very fuzzy world. I put my glasses on and I see the world clearly. It's possible these kind of ... to a higher power, whatever you may believe that to be, can be helpful in focusing on the present ... continue reading -
High Flyers – Survey Of 3,700 Respondents
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Over 1 in 10 Americans admit they would ignore social distancing rules to see friends on NYE.
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Effects of Drug and Alcohol Use on Weight Change
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Understanding the Effects of Long Term Drug Abuse on the Brain
Drug addiction is a chronic brain disease, and it can cause you to compulsively seek out drugs even though you're aware of the harmful results taking them can cause. Initially, your choice to take drugs is voluntary. So, if someone offers you drugs, ...
Drug addiction is a chronic brain disease, and it can cause you to compulsively seek out drugs even though you're aware of the harmful results taking them can cause. Initially, your choice to take drugs is voluntary. So, ... continue reading -
What Drugs Cause the Most Insane Behavior?
Many substances that are addictive cause mental changes or unusual behavior. Even if a substance does not inherently have mind-altering properties, people who are addicted to it may display strange behavior if they need the drug are unable to obtain ...
... panic attacks, paranoia, hallucinations, violence, and suicidal behavior. A recent, widely reported incident in which a man high on bath salts ate parts of another man's face in a brutal attack has drawn media attention ... continue reading -
Does Your Personality Put You at Risk for Addiction?
Are certain personality types more prone to substance abuse? Although it certainly seems so, this question has been the focus of debate for some time. It used to be believed that addiction could be explained by way of the two contrasting personality ...
... discovered an emerging connection between personality and substance abuse. According to recent information, people who tested high on neuroticism (indicating that they tend to be impulsive and emotionally unstable), low ... continue reading -
Crystal Meth Addiction: Stages, Dependence, Symptoms, and Treatment
What Is Crystal Meth? Crystal meth is a form of methamphetamine —a substance that is widely abused throughout the country. Its widespread illicit production dwarfs that of its pharmaceutical counterpart—marketed as Desoxyn —a stimulant ...
... sleep/wake schedule. Changing relationships marked by more conflict in established relationships. Often someone high on crystal meth will be aggressive or interrupt others in conversations. Problems with money/inability ... continue reading -
Shocking Stories Reveal Serious Dangers of Flakka
There's a whole new synthetic drug “craze” sweeping the nation courtesy of a drug known as Flakka. The Drug Enforcement Agency had no reported cases involving Flakka as recently as 2010, but that number soared to 670 in 2014. While many of the ...
... ground. Crowder later declared that he was the mythical god Thor. Example #2 In March, a Riviera Beach native high on Flakka was arrested after beating an 82-year-old woman inside her own home. Derren Morrison, 26, was ... continue reading -
The Effects of Alprazolam Use—Short-Term, Long-Term and Side Effects
Is Alprazolam Harmful? Alprazolam (trade name: Xanax ) is a sedative drug in the benzodiazepine class, indicated for the management of some forms of anxiety and panic disorders. The substance—like all benzodiazepines—has central nervous system ...
... without the presence of the substance in their system. Short-Term Effects of Alprazolam Use When users get high on alprazolam , the drug's short-term effects can cause them to feel completely calm, euphoric, and free ... continue reading -
Arkansas Woman Drowns after Huffing Duster
Duster, also known as canned or compressed air, is used to clean pieces of electronic equipment or other sensitive devices. Unfortunately, duster is also a product commonly abused. Known as “ huffing ,” users inhale the chemical-laden compressed ...
... compressed air as a way to get a quick high. Duster Claims Another Life After huffing chemically treated duster ... man was arrested for assaulting his grandmother while high on duster. After huffing multiple cans of duster, ... continue reading -
How to Help a Peyote Addict
Where Does Peyote Come From? The psychoactive drug peyote is a variety of cactus that grows in the southwestern region of the United States and Mexico. The top of this cactus features small discs, often called “buttons,” which contain a ...
... as you communicate. For example, when someone is high on peyote they may be distracted or have difficulty engaging ... Addiction Centers. Our team is well prepared to advise on all things treatment and help you find the care ... 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 ...
... initially feel a mild sense of euphoria when taking clonazepam. Although users may not intend to get high on this medication, the sensation can be extremely pleasurable and rewarding—leading to continued use of the drug ... continue reading -
Study Shows Alcohol Boosts THC Levels in Your Blood
With 4 states legalizing recreational marijuana and several others considering the possibility, driving while high on pot is becoming a much bigger concern for motorists. More Danger Behind the Wheel Plenty of marijuana users routinely get behind ...
With 4 states legalizing recreational marijuana and several others considering the possibility, driving while high on pot is becoming a much bigger concern for motorists. More Danger Behind the Wheel Plenty of marijuana ... continue reading -
From Bath Salts to Flakka: Searching for Designer Drugs
The new and unfamiliar often elicits fear of the unknown. But when the new and unfamiliar is a drug - and when this drug is attributed to episodes of extreme paranoia, acts of superhuman strength, and reports of “zombie-cannibalism” - it can ...
... state had several newsworthy incidents concerning individuals high on the synthetic substance, and authorities even ... salts made the news in Ohio after a man got high and shot his mother and girlfriend . In Arizona, bath ... continue reading -
Gabapentin Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, Overdose, & Treatment
What Is Gabapentin Neurontin? Gabapentin Neurontin is an anticonvulsant that comes in a capsule, tablet, and oral solution. It is used to manage certain seizure disorders, as well as the neuropathic pain phenomenon known as post-herpetic neuralgia ...
... dangerous impulses. Mania. Depression. Aggressive, violent, or angry behavior. Can You Get High on Gabapentin? Gabapentin is not a controlled substance. When gabapentin is taken alone and as prescribed, there is little ... 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 ...
... the full infographic. Prescription painkillers and heroin have similar physical and psychological effects. Someone high on either drug will mostly likely feel: Euphoria. Decreased awareness of pain. Drowsiness. Confusion ... continue reading
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