How Addictive Is Ecstasy

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

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

... all 3 of these types of brain signaling, ecstasy specifically amplifies serotonin and norepinephrine activity, more than it does that of dopamine. 1 Is MDMA Addictive? MDMA is categorized as a Schedule I drug under the ... 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 ...

... 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 ... continue reading

How to Help an Ecstasy Addict

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

... notes that experiments on animals have found that animals will self-administer MDMA, which is an indicator of the drug's addictive potential. Ecstasy can be addicting because of the pleasurable feelings it induces and ... continue reading

Ecstasy Facts, History, and Statistics

Ecstasy is the popular name for the illicit recreational drug 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, or MDMA. It is known by many other terms, including “Molly,” “E,” and “X.” History of Ecstasy Anton Kollisch, a chemist at the ...

... in which legal pharmaceuticals are manufactured, and the purity and quantity of MDMA found in ecstasy tablets can vary considerably . The slang term “Molly” (short for “molecule”) is used to refer to supposedly pure ... continue reading

Ecstasy and MDMA Overdose Symptoms, Prevention, and Addiction Treatment

Commonly used at bars and parties, club drugs are especially popular among teenagers and young adults. MDMA—a synthetic amphetamine drug also known as ecstasy and Molly—is a popular club drug. 1 With both stimulant and hallucinogenic effects , ...

... under the Controlled Substances Act, ecstasy is MDMA taken in pill form, while Molly is more often encountered in powder ... be safe to use among young people, MDMA is, in reality, addictive, dangerous, and even toxic. 2,4 ... continue reading

Concurrent Alcohol and Ecstasy Abuse

Ecstasy may make its users feel ecstatic for a time but, when abused with alcohol, it can cause seriously negative effects on your health and even kill you. Even as the name for this drug changes to the more friendly “Molly,” this does not mean ...

... to party culture. However, it can become addictive and deplete a brain's supply of serotonin. ... Ecstasy and alcohol, see the following articles: MDMA (Ecstasy or Molly) Ecstasy Overdose Symptoms How to Help an Ecstasy ... continue reading

Are These 7 Things Really as Addictive as Drugs?

When you think about the disease of addiction, images of illicit drugs or empty whisky bottles likely come to mind. But addiction isn't limited to these substances. In fact, experts have determined that humans can become addicted to anything that ...

... Library of Medicine says “can not only substitute to addictive drugs, like cocaine, but can even be more ... brought on by love - the flip-flop between ecstasy and desperation or the longing and damaging actions taken in ... 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 ...

... is an illicit form of the powerful and addictive stimulant methamphetamine. While this assessment does not ... you may have a dependence on ecstasy, also known as MDMA or molly, an illicit stimulant with hallucinogenic ... 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 is considered an even more addictive form of an already addictive substance. Crack cocaine's effects ... Are Ecstasy and MDMA? Ecstasy is the street name for the drug 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, or MDMA. MDMA is ... continue reading

How to Help a Vicodin Addict

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

... to ask treatment centers. How Addictive Is Vicodin? Vicodin is potentially addictive. The hydrocodone in Vicodin is a ... Bath Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine Marijuana Meth ... 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 ...

... and ecstasy's purer form, MDMA. The reports range from the silly (like Madonna's spat with Deadmau5 over her, “Has anyone here seen Molly?” comment), to the tragic (like Electric Zoo being canceled following two 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 ...

... in people—a key characteristic of an addictive drug—while MDMA does not. 31 Finally, although many ... Nichols and Alexander Shulgin (known as the “godfather of ecstasy”) have created hundreds of similar drugs—each with their ... continue reading

What Are Hallucinogens? Short- and Long-Term Side Effects and Treatment

Hallucinogens are drugs that alter the user's thinking processes and perception in a manner that leads to significant distortions of reality. 1 To many, the influence of these drugs represents experiences of new and even expanded consciousness and, ...

... in conjunction with cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine, or MDMA (ecstasy). 20 Users will take ketamine repeatedly in a ... . Although hallucinogens aren't classically addictive, individuals can still suffer from ... 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 ...

... be safe. Contrary to popular belief, OTC drugs can be addictive and life-threatening when misused or abused. Below are some ... may use ephedrine as a substitute for ecstasy. Negative side effects of ephedrine use include ... continue reading

Getting Help for Xanax Addiction: Xanax Addiction Treatment

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

... maintain recovery. Is Xanax Addictive? According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, Xanax is addictive if it is used ... Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine Marijuana ... 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 ...

... having tried heroin at least once. Heroin is an extremely addictive opiate due to how rapidly it enters the brain. It has ... Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine Marijuana Meth ... continue reading

How to Help a Norco Addict

Help for Norco Addicts Norco is an opiate prescription medication commonly used to provide relief from moderate to severe symptoms of pain, such as those which accompany dental work or surgery. Norco is a narcotic and is associated with an increased ...

... associated with substance use disorders. Is Norco Addictive? Norco is the brand name for a prescription ... Alcohol Bath Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine Marijuana Meth ... continue reading

Cocaine Addiction Side Effects, Symptoms, Withdrawal, and Treatment

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

... reward pathway immediately. 1 Why Is Cocaine So Addictive? Dopamine is associated with 'euphoric' emotions, the ... use. Mixing cocaine with another stimulant—such as ecstasy —can lead to heart attacks, brain injuries, ... 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 ...

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

How to Help a Lorazepam Addict

Lorazepam addiction can be extremely dangerous. Fortunately, a multitude of programs exist for those suffering to find help. How to Approach a Lorazepam-Addicted Loved One Few things are more difficult than watching a friend or family member suffer ...

... the process of recovery, call for free at now. Is Lorazepam Addictive? Lorazepam is the generic name for a drug also sold under the ... Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine ... 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 ...

... abuse may be related to: The development of adolescent addictive behaviors. Concurrent use of other substances, including alcohol, marijuana, and ecstasy. Ultram has multiple different effects on the central nervous ... continue reading

How to Help a Codeine Addict

Helping someone overcome an addiction is sometimes an arduous process, and recovery won't happen overnight. Addiction treatment takes time and often imposes stresses on both the abuser and the people they love. While it may prove difficult, ...

... prescribed for cough and pain relief. The drug itself is addictive—that is, repeated use can lead to dependency and withdrawal ... Bath Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Marijuana Meth ... 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 ...

... treatment, call for free at . Is Adderall Addictive? Adderall is addictive. According to the U.S. National Library of ... Bath Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine Marijuana ... 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 ...

... strong addiction potential. Examples include heroin and ecstasy . Schedule II drugs: Have strong potential ... drugs: Have moderate potential for dependency. Have less addictive potential than Schedule I or II drugs. Examples ... continue reading

How to Help an Oxycodone Addict

Oxycodone is an opioid pain reliever prescribed to people experiencing moderate or severe pain. Due to the drug's ability to act on the opioid receptors in the body (and for extended periods, with some formulations) oxycodone is a highly useful ...

... community and fellowship with others in recovery. Is Oxycodone Addictive? All opioids have some level of addiction. Oxycodone ... Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine Marijuana ... continue reading

How to Help an Ativan Addict

If you struggle with an addiction to a drug like Ativan, it is important to remember that you don't have to fight your battle alone . Finding a rehab facility that offers Ativan addiction help is not difficult. In fact, it's as easy as calling a ...

... attend educational lectures about addiction and recovery. Is Ativan Addictive? Ativan is a brand name for the drug lorazepam , ... Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine Marijuana ... continue reading

How to Help a Tussionex Addict

Tussionex is a combination of hydrocodone, an opioid painkiller and cough suppressant, and chlorpheniramine, an antihistamine which eases allergy symptoms 1 . As a cough medicine, Tussionex is frequently prescribed to both children and adults. It is ...

... friends to do is to stop enabling the person's addictive behaviors and let them face the consequences of their actions . ... Bath Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine Marijuana ... continue reading

How to Help a Dextromethorphan Addict

“DXM abuse is becoming especially prevalent among teens seeking a cheap high from a substance that is easy to access.” DXM is often abused for the euphoric effects that it can elicit when taken in larger-than-recommended doses. Because ...

... a background in helping DXM abusers. Is Dextromethorphan Addictive? When taken in doses above those intended, ... Alcohol Bath Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine Marijuana Meth ... continue reading

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

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

... up into a powder for snorting. Snorting ecstasy can cause the effects to peak sooner for the user, but it may also increase the risks associated with MDMA use. How Is Molly Taken? Molly can be taken in different ways and ... continue reading

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

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

... ” and nightclub scene. 2,3 You Never Know How Pure MDMA Is Many use the term Molly to refer to a supposedly pure form of MDMA , reserving the term ecstasy for tablets thought more likely to be cut with other synthetic ... continue reading

MDMA (Ecstasy) Abuse While Pregnant

Ecstasy is an illicit drug that is frequently abused among young adults. This drug, whose chemical name is 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, or MDMA for short, is structurally similar to amphetamine and has both stimulant and hallucinogenic ...

... they are ingesting a number of unknown chemicals. One study found that a single ecstasy tablet contained over 14 compounds other than MDMA. 6 One of the most concerning adulterants is the powerful opioid fentanyl , which ... 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 ...

... London broke the news that they were about to begin the world's first clinical trial using MDMA (the active ingredient in party drug ecstasy) to test the theory that it could be used—in conjunction with therapy—to cure ... continue reading

What Does Ecstasy do to Your Mind and Body?

The night started off exactly like the last few Saturdays…Chloe entered the club with her girlfriends. Soon after, each of them took a bundle of ecstasy. Not long after washing down her dose with water, Chloe felt the familiar effects of the drug. ...

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

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 ...

... used marijuana at live music events, followed by 8 percent who each used hallucinogens or MDMA (commonly referred to as Molly or ecstasy). More Than Music Electronic dance music (EDM) may be one of the fastest-growing ... 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 ...

... , rare forms of cancer , premature birth, and low body weight at birth. MDMA (Ecstasy) and Pregnancy Studies suggest that fetal MDMA exposure during the first trimester can lead to long-term memory problems and impaired ... 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 ...

... illegal, affect the kidneys' ability to operate properly. Among these substances are: Heroin . Cocaine . MDMA (ecstasy) . Inhalants . Alcohol . Tobacco. Painkillers . Heroin Heroin, which is an illicit opioid that can ... 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, ...

... was over. Does this sound familiar? Does your brain go down similar disastrous paths? Cassie, Jeff, and Molly are catastrophic thinkers . If your thought patterns are similar, you might be, too. And this means that ... 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 ...

... Naproxen. Ibuprofen. Anabolic steroids. Recreational and illicit drugs: Heroin . 13 Inhalants . 14 Cocaine . 15 MDMA or Ecstasy . 16 Methamphetamine . 17 Symptoms of Liver Damage If you or someone you love may be at risk ... 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 ...

... a strong potential for abuse and no medically recognized purpose. Heroin . LSD . Marijuana . Peyote . MDMA/ ecstasy . Schedule II: Drugs that have approved medical uses but still have a strong potential for abuse and ... 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 ...

... for women. 4 Furthermore, research has revealed that abusing methamphetamine, as well its chemical cousin MDMA (“ ecstasy ”), can have neurological consequences similar to those of a traumatic brain injury (TBI). 5 ... 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 - ...

... , based on the percentage of survey participants who chose each option, PCP, LSD, heroin, crack cocaine, and MDMA are thought to be among the most difficult to obtain. Indeed, according to the 2015 Drug Threat Assessment ... 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 ...

... substance is shown to increase a person's risk of cancer and kidney issues. 16 MDMA . Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) poses risks associated with cancer that mirror issues associated with methamphetamine. During the ... continue reading

Bath Salts Overdose Signs, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Prevention, and Treatment

What Are Bath Salts? Synthetic cathinones —commonly referred to as “bath salts”—belong to a group of drugs health officials call “new psychoactive substances.” These are psychoactive drugs that mimic the effects of existing illegal drugs ...

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

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 ...

... Night Live”, he scored film roles in movies including John Hughes' Weird Science , and he co-starred opposite Molly Ringwald in The Pick-Up Artist in 1987. That same year, Downey also gave a memorable performance in the ... 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, ...

... to individuals between 26 and 34 years old. This slightly older age group also saw a definite surge in ecstasy use over this period , as well as increased marijuana use. Among teens, conversely, rates of use declined in ... 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 ...

... the equation. The recreational substances commonly used by the group of swingers included marijuana , cocaine , MDMA and alkyl nitrates (poppers). The scientists also discovered high rates of risky and unprotected sexual ... continue reading

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

What Is Peyote Used For? Peyote (or mescaline) belongs to a class of drugs known as hallucinogens. Mescaline is the active hallucinogenic ingredient in peyote, which is a small, spineless cactus. 1 The top, or crown, of the peyote cactus has ...

... to this substance. The category of hallucinogens includes LSD, PCP , peyote, mescaline, psilocybin mushrooms, and MDMA . 7 The following 2014 statistics associated with hallucinogen use were reported: 7 Approximately 1.2 ... 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 ...

... drugs. A few of the substances commonly combined with meth include Special K, Poppers, Viagra, GHB and Ecstasy. One of the most concerning trends in the gay community is “speedballing.” When someone mixes sedatives and ... 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 ...

... classify the plant as a Schedule I substance - the most restrictive drug category, alongside drugs like heroin, ecstasy and LSD. The DEA initially proposed this category because kratom has a “high potential for abuse and ... 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 ...

... and older (nearly 1 in 5 Americans) used an illicit substance (marijuana, cocaine, heroine, LSD, PCP, ecstasy, inhalants, and methamphetamine) in 2018. (Over 23 million people aged 12 and older used an illicit substance ... 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 ...

... above later in life than their nonreligious counterparts. And the two substances that they do try earlier, LSD and ecstasy, only show small differences (0.1 to 0.2 years). The biggest difference is seen in crack cocaine ... continue reading

Mixing Alcohol With Drugs

Mixing alcohol with prescription drugs or illicit drugs (known as polysubstance use), can have dangerous health effects that many people may not realize. Since alcohol is such a commonly used substance, it's even more important to understand how it ...

... you are—which can lead to a greater risk of alcohol overdose. 8,11 Bath Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth Ecstasy Heroin Ketamine Marijuana Meth Steroids Getting Drug and Alcohol Rehab Treatment If you or a loved one is ... 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 ...

... Someone With Alcohol or Illicit Drug Addiction Alcohol Bath Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine Marijuana Meth Methoxetamine (MXE) Mushrooms PCP Peyote Steroids Stimulants ... 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 ...

... energy and focus when they feel like they can't do something on their own and need a little help. Ecstasy can be used for a lack of inhibition and enhanced sexual experience. Marijuana and alcohol are often used to relax ... 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 ...

... usually taken orally, but can be ground up and snorted. Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid: (Street names: GHB, liquid ecstasy, blue nitro, cherry meth, easy lay) GHB is a narcotic sedative that comes in liquid, powder and pill ... 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 ...

... , by substance: oxycodone (242.2% increase), alprazolam (148.3% increase), and hydrocodone products (124.5% increase). Only ecstasy saw a similar rate of increase in ER visits over the same time period when compared to ... 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 ...

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

... options with AAC. Consuming Alcohol With Illicit Drugs Bath Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth Ecstasy Heroin Inhalant Ketamine Marijuana Meth PCP Steroid Mixing Alcohol With Prescription Drugs Adderall Alprazolam Ambien ... 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 ...

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

... most commonly abused of all prescription drugs according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Addictive Properties of Prescription Opiates Prescription opiates affect the brain the same way morphine and heroin do ... 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 ...

... sober appeared to have made no impact on them at all. It's Time to Break the Pattern When addictive thinking is present, the harmful consequences of drug or alcohol use don't outweigh their euphoric effects and will ... continue reading

Why Is Xanax So Addictive?

Xanax—also known by its generic name alprazolam—belongs to a class of prescription drugs called benzodiazepines. For some people, Xanax can be an effective treatment for anxiety and panic disorders. However, Xanax users are at high risk for ...

... to a surge of neurotransmitters, including dopamine. While these surges are temporary, the persistent use of such addictive drugs may alter the brain's reward system in an enduring fashion. Studies indicate that as an ... 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, ...

... Heroin is an illegal substance that produces a strong high which is a key component of its highly addictive nature. Addictive Properties of Heroin Throughout the history of its use , heroin has been known for its highly ... continue reading

Why Is Meth So Addictive?

According to the 2014 National Survey on Drug Abuse and Health, 4.9% of Americans aged 12 and older reported using methamphetamine in their lifetime. 1 Meth is an extremely addictive drug with limited medical use. It creates an intense high that can ...

... to take methamphetamine to stay awake for days at a time. 2 Here we explore why meth is so addictive and some of the negative effects that can result from using the drug. Methods of Meth Use Methamphetamine users ... continue reading

The 7 Most Addictive Prescription Medications

Prescription drugs are commonly given to people suffering from with injuries or illnesses. They're legal when you've been prescribed the medication by a legitimate medical provider. However, these drugs still can be addictive when taken as ...

... a drug than is necessary, which can also lead to addiction. The following is a list of the seven most addictive drugs you're likely to come across. They might even end up in your medicine cabinet. 1. Vicodin The chance ... 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 ...

... opiates act on the brain in the same way as heroin, one might argue that they are equally addictive, especially since they are the most abused prescription drugs in the United States. According to the National Survey ... 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 ...

... you, you are not alone. Learn what to do to assist a painkiller addict . CNN Can Pills Really Be as Addictive as Heroin? Why does addiction to or abuse of painkillers lead to heroin use in so many cases? Are prescription ... continue reading

What Is Ativan? Is Ativan Addictive? Dangers of Ativan Abuse

Ativan is one of the top 10 psychiatric drugs used in America. Many have taken it; many have abused it. What do you know about it? If you're like most people, your knowledge of Ativan is limited. Even those who use it are often unaware of its ...

... : Loss of muscle control Low blood pressure Mental confusion Slow breathing Coma Is Ativan Addictive? Yes, Ativan is highly addictive and your chances of becoming dependent increase exponentially if you misuse this drug ... continue reading

Why Are Amphetamines So Addictive?

Amphetamines are a class of synthetic drugs that stimulate the central nervous system (CNS). They are prescribed for legitimate use in the management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy and, rarely, in cases of extreme ...

... than all other substance admission types combined to have been referred to treatment by the legal system. Addictive Properties of Amphetamines The brain is made up of neurons (nerve cells) that communicate with each ... 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 ...

... tramadol for use in the US in 1994. Results from animal and human studies indicated that tramadol was less addictive than other opiates, so it was classified as a non-scheduled drug . This meant that tramadol was not ... continue reading

How to Help a Crystal Meth Addict

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

... s tendency to become addicted to it. The very intense rush achieved when smoking crystal meth can render its addictive properties even stronger. One of the effects of meth as it reaches the brain is to stimulate dopamine ... continue reading

Xanax Overdose Symptoms, Signs & Treatment

What Is Xanax Used For? Xanax, also known generically as alprazolam, is a benzodiazepine medication commonly prescribed for the treatment of anxiety and panic disorders. 1 More infrequent, off-label uses for Xanax include managing agoraphobia (fear ...

... are consumed at once, the body may quickly become overwhelmed with the massive dose. How Addictive Is Xanax? Xanax is a highly addictive drug that users often rely on as the sole means of calming down after a stressful ... 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 ...

... the steps of finding effective recovery care with a treatment support representative. Is Morphine Addictive? Yes, morphine can be very addictive. The risk of addiction is extremely high when it is not taken as prescribed ... continue reading

5 Alarming Facts About Benzo Addiction

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

... of benzos was similar to that of opioids, cannabinoids, and GHB—all substances with exceptionally strong addictive qualities. They believe that as benzos accumulate in the body, they actually alter the structure and ... continue reading

Are You Really Addicted to Marijuana? Is Anyone?

More Americans are becoming aware that drug addiction is a disease and not a character flaw, but many continue to find it difficult to believe that marijuana addiction is real. This could be because they experimented with weed at one point and ...

... marijuana alone can cure a sickness . 2 The most common debate centers around whether is marijuana addictive. Although pot use does not spark a physical addiction, withdrawal symptoms from the substance can definitely be ... continue reading

Can You Get Addicted to Cocaine After the First Use?

How Addictive Is Cocaine? Drugs like cocaine have reputations for being extremely addictive, but still many people will want to try them “just once.” It's easy to wonder, “just how addictive is cocaine (really)?” Cocaine is a very addictive ...

... , but it won't make it go away. Consider what you are really risking when you begin using an addictive substance—your initial problem will still be there, and you'll risk compounding it with a number of other harmful ... 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. ...

... the drug was banned in the United States as part of the Harrison Narcotics Act due to new understanding of its addictive potential. 1 Depending on how it is made, heroin can be a white or brown powder or a black, sticky ... 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 ...

... methods of administration. Some opt to smoke or snort heroin due to a belief that this markedly reduces its addictive quality , but this is not the case. (It is true, though, that avoiding injection use reduces the risk ... continue reading

Big Pharma: Are They Advertising Addiction?

Pharmacological companies do not have a good rap. They've been known to bury bad news, which has had an effect on people's health, and therefore their lives. Whether it's not testing drugs properly, as with the case of thalidomide (caused defects in ...

... will control the drug market for up to twenty years. After all, why would a doctor prescribe an addictive substance when he or she could prescribe a nonaddictive alternative? That assumes, of course, there are no other ... continue reading

5 Things About Kratom You Need to Know

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

... in the U.S., you can actually order multiple drinks and you may not even know about the potentially addictive properties within the drink. According to an article published in The New York Times, some bars serve kratom ... continue reading

Xanax Overdose Risk Factors and Addiction Treatment

What Is Xanax? Xanax (generic name alprazolam) is a fast-acting benzodiazepine drug and central nervous system depressant—a grouping that includes several other sedative, hypnotic, and anxiolytic drugs. 1,2 When taken as prescribed, Xanax can be ...

... ; some may even say it's simple to get a Xanax prescription from your doctor. What Makes Xanax So Addictive? Often, patients taking regular doses of Xanax are doing so to manage panic or another anxiety disorder . With ... continue reading

Drug Use | Myths

There are many myths associated with drug use and abuse. Debunking these myths is the first step in understanding how drug use affects society and how we can tackle the problems associated with it head-on. Below are just a few of the myths that need ...

... . If you have ever heard this drug use myth, please don't believe it. Any form of heroin is addictive. The addictive properties of this drug have absolutely nothing to do with what form it is used in. Drug use does not ... continue reading

Morphine Abuse Signs, Symptoms, Effects, and Treatment

What Is Morphine Used For? Morphine is the primary chemical component of opium. It is an opioid analgesic drug that is used to treat severe pain, and it is regarded as the gold standard of pain relievers. Morphine use can create a high that includes ...

... use can create a high that includes feelings of euphoria and reduced tension. As an opiate, it can be addictive. This means that: The body develops a tolerance to the drug and, as use continues, it requires more and ... 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 ...

... man's face in a brutal attack has drawn media attention to the drug. Cocaine Cocaine is an illegal, addictive drug that has stimulant properties. It is derived from the coca leaf, and it was used in the United States ... continue reading

How to Help an Ultram Addict

Substance abuse problems have the potential to negatively affect individuals, their families, and society as a whole. As addiction progresses, the sufferer's obsession with his or her preferred substance tends to outweigh concern for the ...

... American Addiction Centers (AAC) free at to discuss treatment with a support specialist now. Is Ultram Addictive? Yes. Ultram can be addictive. Generally, if it is taken as directed, it is thought to have a low potential ... continue reading

Crystal Meth Abuse Side Effects, Symptoms, and Addiction Treatment

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

... discusses what exactly happens in your brain when you smoke crystal meth and why it is so addictive. Credit: National Geographic Effects of Crystal Meth Abuse Crystal meth works by affecting the communication chemicals ... continue reading

Side Effects of Tussionex Abuse

Tussionex, a prescription cough medicine, contains a mixture of hydrocodone (an opioid pain reliever) and chlorpheniramine (an antihistamine). In 2008, the FDA issued an alert regarding the dangers of misusing Tussionex, stating that abusing it can ...

... rate of the medication and lead to an accidental overdose 2 . Because the cough medicine contains the addictive painkiller hydrocodone, it has a high potential for abuse and should be taken with caution. Is Tussionex ... continue reading

How to Treat Actiq (Fentanyl) Addiction

Actiq is the brand name for an analgesic lozenge (on a stick like a lollipop) that contains the opioid drug fentanyl —a powerful synthetic opioid which, when rapidly absorbed through the oral mucosa (along with being slowly absorbed through the GI ...

... the rise. 2,3,14 While a “lollipop” may seem relatively innocuous, Actiq is still fentanyl and the dangers and addictive potential exist like in any other form of this drug. If you or someone you know is misusing Actiq , ... continue reading

Trazodone Use in Substance Abuse Treatment

What Is Trazodone Used For? Each individual in recovery is likely to have had a somewhat unique substance abuse program experience. There are a number of therapeutic variables, including treatment center setting and program duration. However, many ...

... its use for this purpose after the initial detox period ends. 10 Trazodone is not believed to be addictive—there is little evidence users experience any kind of “trazodone high.” However, it can cause negative side ... continue reading

How to Help Someone With Marijuana Addiction

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

... of their use may help them see the need for treatment . Is Marijuana Addictive? Despite reports to the contrary, marijuana can be addictive . The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports: 1 in 11 (0.90%) adults ... continue reading

How to Help a Soma Addict

Help for Soma Addicts Soma (generic name: carisoprodol) is a prescription muscle relaxer that can be addictive if used beyond the recommended dosage or duration. Taking Soma can also be problematic if it is abused in combination with other ...

... Soma is a Schedule IV controlled substance , meaning it carries potential for abuse and addiction . It may even be addictive to those taking it as directed, especially if the user has a history of substance abuse. Soma's ... 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 ...

... surgery. It works quickly to eliminate any pain in the body. However, it can also be very addictive. Fentanyl is much more potent than heroin and 100x more potent than morphine . Fentanyl was originally synthesized ... continue reading

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

What Are Amphetamines Used For? While amphetamines have clinical use, their potential for abuse and dependency is high. Legitimate use may turn into addiction. Amphetamines such as Adderall and non-amphetamine stimulants like Ritalin are gaining in ...

... so you that can find your way back from addiction . Short-Term Effects of Amphetamines Amphetamines can be addictive because of the effects they produce. As stimulants , they act on the central nervous system to produce ... continue reading

Methamphetamine Facts, History, and Statistics

What Is Methamphetamine? Methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant drug, originally synthesized for therapeutic use, but now found predominantly as a recreational drug of abuse. Though it is a drug that is FDA-approved and prescribed for ...

... . Delusions. Hallucinations. These effects can be difficult to reverse. Social and Environmental Risks The highly addictive nature of methamphetamine can lead to financial and relationship problems , since an addict can ... continue reading

Soma Abuse Signs, Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment

What Is Soma Used For? Soma is the trade name for carisoprodol , a muscle relaxant that is prescribed for the treatment of muscle pain and spasms . Soma is often abused for its sedating effects on the user, and the addictive properties of this drug ...

... muscle pain and spasms . Soma is often abused for its sedating effects on the user, and the addictive properties of this drug have recently been recognized by many in the medical profession as more significant than was ... 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 ...

... a number of social and legal ramifications for the user. Short-Term Effects of Heroin Use The addictive nature of this substance is reinforced by its ability to create intensely pleasurable feelings . Heroin accomplishes ... continue reading

Cocaine Addiction Treatment and Rehab Programs

Cocaine use and addiction can be dangerous for a person's physical and mental health and have a detrimental impact on their life. If you or someone you care about is struggling with cocaine addiction, you know how difficult it can be to stop using ...

... begins with detox , which involves a period of abstinence from cocaine, stimulants, and other addictive substances. 5,6 After detox, you will likely enter a professional inpatient or outpatient rehabilitative treatment ... continue reading

How Addictive Is Ecstasy

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