How Bad Is Ecstasy

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 the days following moderate use of ecstasy. These mood changes can be worse in chronic users, and, in ... purity and quantity of MDMA found in ecstasy tablets can vary considerably . The slang term “Molly” (short for “ ... 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 ...

... 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 ... Bad”- ... continue reading

Common Street Names for Drugs

People actively misusing legal or illicit substances use slang terms for many reasons—ranging from avoiding detection by law enforcement to ensuring privacy in written and verbal communication. If you suspect that someone you love is misusing ...

... called “ecstasy,” but may be also be referred to as: Adam Beans Clarity Disco Biscuit E Eve Molly Lover' ... Methadone : Amidone Fizzies Wafer Methadone mixed with MDMA: Chocolate Chip Cookies Morphine Morphine : Dreamer ... 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 ...

... original drug. Ecstasy tablets, for example, often contain the cathinone mephedrone instead of MDMA because both ... with descriptions from users ranging from “euphoric” to “worst fear” to “near-death experience.” 42 In ... 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 ... aren't helpful. Frequently playing out the worst-case scenarios of any given situation causes anxiety. ... 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

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 , ...

... last 4-8 hours. 2 Classified as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act, ecstasy is MDMA taken in pill form, while Molly is more often encountered in powder or crystal form. In either case, and despite the ... 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

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 ...

... off work, she's assured it will be long gone by the time she starts her next shift. Wrong. Ecstasy, or MDMA, (a.k.a. Molly) stays with you for up to 72 hours. Drug Spike Julia had a full college scholarship, thanks to ... 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

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 ...

... or hospital to relieve relatively severe pain. What Are Ecstasy and MDMA? Ecstasy is the street name for the drug 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, or MDMA. MDMA is a synthetic psychoactive drug that induces feelings of ... 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

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 ...

... PCP to produce a more covert way of using the drug. Some people—intent on purchasing ecstasy or MDMA —are deceived and given pills that combine PCP and other substances, including ketamine, caffeine, and methamphetamine ... 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

Instagram, Drugs, and Rock ‘n’ Roll

The Growth of Concerts and Music Festivals One of the most notable trends in music today is the growth of the music festival. As artists look to supplant revenue lost from declining sales of recorded music, music festival appearances serve as a way ...

... in the study , with 31,149 mentions. Coming next was MDMA, or Molly, with 25,605 posts, followed by marijuana with 9,705, ... substances like “Alcohol,” “Marijuana,” “Ecstasy,” and many others, including 61 popular ... 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 ...

... Self-Assessment Quiz is designed to help evaluate whether you may have a dependence on ecstasy, also known as MDMA or molly, an illicit stimulant with hallucinogenic properties that is often used as a “club drug.” While ... 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

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 ...

... can cause convulsions, heart palpitations, kidney failure, coma, and death. The active ingredient in ecstasy is a compound called MDMA. Because it is one of the more well-known synthetic drugs, it has been explicitly ... 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

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 ...

... cleaner.” “Phone screen cleaner.” Bath salts have been called a variant of cocaine , methamphetamine, or ecstasy (MDMA)—as their stimulant features are quite similar in nature. Additionally, like cocaine, bath salts are ... 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

Party Culture and Substance Use

Three out of five college students actively drink alcohol, and more than half of them practice binge drinking - or drinking enough to significantly raise blood alcohol content (BAC) levels in a short span of time. Typically, this means four drinks ...

... ” with 6 percent. Some partiers even risked mentioning other illicit substances - including heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, MDMA, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and methamphetamine. Drug use is on the rise, according to the National ... 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 ...

... is combined with other substances—such as alcohol and MDMA —according to the Center for Substance Abuse Research ( ... settings may use ephedrine as a substitute for ecstasy. Negative side effects of ephedrine use include: ... 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

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

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

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

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 ...

... even more dangerous. Drugs known to increase anger, irritability, and violence include: 1 Alcohol. Cocaine . MDMA . Methamphetamine (crystal meth) . Ritalin and other prescription stimulants . Steroids . Living with an ... 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 ...

... is a synthetic derivative of amphetamine that is typically sold as tablets. Its effects are similar to those of MDMA . Users may feel peaceful, calm, and/or more empathetic, and they may have a decreased need for sleep ... 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

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

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 ...

... 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

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 ...

... 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

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

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

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 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 ...

... 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

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

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, ...

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

Hydrocodone Facts, History and Statistics

What Is Hydrocodone? Hydrocodone is a powerful opiate drug that serves dual purposes when used as directed. It is both an effective cough suppressant and a pain reliever for moderate to severe pain. Studies show that hydrocodone is: More beneficial ...

... exceed the $20 range - a price point similar to that of some illicit substances such as ecstasy. Is Hydrocodone Illegal? Hydrocodone is a legal substance when prescribed by a medical professional, handled, and taken ... 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 ...

... of adolescent addictive behaviors. Concurrent use of other substances, including alcohol, marijuana, and ecstasy. Ultram has multiple different effects on the central nervous system and alters multiple neurotransmitter ... 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 ...

... encompasses varying substances, such as: Prescription medication like Adderall. Illicit drugs like methamphetamine and ecstasy , which are highly addictive. Amphetamines act by ramping up the activity of certain brain ... continue reading

Record-Breaking Number of Overdoses Traced Back to Bad Heroin

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

... the numbers began to climb at such an astonishing rate, medical professionals began to suspect a batch of bad heroin was involved. Deadly Heroin Hits the Streets What made this heroin so particularly deadly? Turns out it ... continue reading

Has Kombucha Gotten a Bad Rap?

Often touted as a miracle elixir, Kombucha offers a plethora of health benefits. For those who don't know, Kombucha is a fermented beverage made from tea, sugar, bacteria, and yeast. It's available in most health food stores in a variety of flavored ...

... I've suffered with acne and IBS my entire life. The stress of moving to a new city made those conditions worse. I'd done some research into gut health and discovered Kombucha has been shown to be beneficial. So I gave it ... continue reading

Marijuana Mouth: Worse Than Meth Mouth?

Kim is 38-years-old; she had been smoking weed since college. Her dentist could tell. Kim had a bad case of gingivitis. Her gums were swollen and red. Her long-term use of marijuana had wrecked her dental hygiene. If nothing changes, Kim's mouth ...

Kim is 38-years-old; she had been smoking weed since college. Her dentist could tell. Kim had a bad case of gingivitis. Her gums were swollen and red. Her long-term use of marijuana had wrecked her dental hygiene. If ... continue reading

Want to Make Your Asthma Worse? Here’s How…

Tracy's romantic evening took a turn for the worse. She was enjoying a lovely Italian dinner with her boyfriend when she suddenly started wheezing. She quickly set down her wine glass and reached for her inhaler. The medicine started working, but ...

Tracy's romantic evening took a turn for the worse. She was enjoying a lovely Italian dinner with her boyfriend when she suddenly started wheezing. She quickly set down her wine glass and reached for her inhaler. The ... continue reading

Methadone Programs: A Bad Treatment Plan for Addicted Parents?

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

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

Alcohol Poisoning: You Can Save a Life in Less Than 10 Steps

Last night Kerry got drunk… and then kept drinking. By the end of the night, he couldn't even stand up on his own. His friends carried him to the car, drove him home and put him to bed on his couch. They thought he'd just sleep it off and have a ...

... re in danger of choking on your own vomit. If worse comes to worse, you can fall into a coma and die. What ... position . Do not give them coffee (this makes dehydration worse). Do not lie them on their back. Do not give ... 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 ...

... take it in the bathroom at work and never get caught. It's a legally prescribed medication, so it can't be bad… right ? What about when you're sweating in the middle of the night because you can't sleep without it? Or ... 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 ...

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 ... continue reading

LSD Overdose Signs, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Prevention, and Treatment

LSD is a hallucinogen drug capable of altering thoughts and perceptions in those who use it, causing pseudo-hallucinations and synesthesias—a condition where people see and hear things that are not real, while others report being able to hear ...

... likely have experienced what is more commonly known as a “bad trip.” This is not to say that LSD use is ... LSD many times before without any problem may unexpectedly have a bad trip. One real danger with LSD is the way in ... continue reading

The Addiction Recovery Journey in 9 Steps

The specifics of every person's addiction journey are different, but for most people, the path to recovery follows a similar trajectory: a “bottom” followed by the decision to take action; the initial, often traumatic physical and mental ...

... by one thing, life opens up and you can appreciate the full beauty of every day. It won't be perfect, and bad things will happen—that's life. But if you stay present and use whatever tools work for you, you'll soon find ... continue reading

What Is Addiction? Drug Abuse Information and Treatment Help

Addiction is defined as a chronic, yet treatable medical disease that is characterized by the repeated, uncontrollable use of substances. When a person has an addiction, they continue using alcohol, medications, or illicit drugs regardless of the ...

... to do so, such as driving under the influence or drinking even though it can make liver problems worse. Other potentially harmful signs of addiction may include behaviors like: 6 Lying or being secretive about using a ... 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 ...

... : “This is your brain on drugs.” Hyperbole does not inspire trust. Neither does simply saying that drugs are bad without offering any information. You need to have a frank conversation with your kids about the effects of ... continue reading

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

Is Psilocybin Harmful? Psilocybin is a naturally occurring fungal alkaloid—a chemical compound that is found in more than 100 species of mushrooms (also known as magic mushrooms or shrooms). 1 When ingested, psilocybin is metabolized into a ...

... psilocybin-related experiences. The experience of having “a bad trip” or an unpleasant reaction to hallucinogenic effects. ... depression ). Increased risk of having a “bad trip,” which may be emotionally disturbing. ... continue reading

Opioid Epidemic Coming for the Elderly

How Common is Opioid Abuse in the Elderly? Close your eyes and imagine an opioid addict. Who do you see? Would you think of a young, poor male injecting heroin and obsessing over how they will need to score their next hit to satisfy their compulsive ...

... or that of someone you love, talk to a doctor or addiction professional without delay. It can only get worse the longer you wait. We know that as an older person who never considered that they might become addicted, it ... continue reading

What Are Bath Salts and Why Are They So Dangerous?

No, we're not talking about actual bath salts. That would be unfortunate and rather painful. If you've ever accidentally got a fizzy drink up your nose (we would mention one of the leading brands of cola products, but that could be confusing,) ...

... 't take as much care, so impurities like pyrrolidine or various bromine compounds might remain. These compounds smell bad and have the potential to cause serious burns. Amines are not the nicest of substances (that's why ... continue reading

He Drinks Every Day. Is My Husband an Alcoholic?

Janette isn't sure what to make of her husband's behavior. Does he simply like the taste of barley and hops… or is he addicted to alcohol? Here's her story. Drinking Patterns Our fridge is always well-stocked with beer. I guess that's not ...

... one after dinner. Some nights, it's more than one. Our recycling bin is filled with beer cans every week. Is that a bad sign? I've never been a big drinker, so it's hard to know if he's crossing the line. What's Your ... continue reading

How to Help a DMT Addict

N, N-Dimethyltryptamine is the chemical name for the drug commonly known as DMT. This potent hallucinogen , sometimes called “Dmitri,” can be synthesized in labs, but it also occurs naturally in several types of South American plants. The ...

... an Addict Suspecting that someone you love has an issue with drug use can be a scary thought. Even worse, learning that your suspicions are true can be shocking, overwhelming, and anxiety-provoking as you question what ... continue reading

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a method of psychotherapy first developed by Marsha Linehan that has since proven effective in treating a variety of mental health disorders. 1 In this article, you will get an in-depth look at DBT therapy ...

... of one's cognitions, emotions, and reality without trying to change them and without judging them as good or bad. 4 The addition of acceptance and validation is what makes DBT unique from CBT. DBT and CBT: Views, Beliefs ... 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 ...

... and other liver-related illnesses with kratom use, mainly involving kratom extracts. If you thought that was bad, kratom is also known to cause psychotic symptoms in some users. With these harmful health effects, you ... continue reading

15 Warning Signs That Your Kid May Be Using Drugs

Kids are a source of worry for every parent. You look after them for years, and you hope that they end up turning our alright. While there are hundreds of books and articles on how to raise your kids, few really work that well, and it's all down to ...

... course, if your kids end up taking drugs and getting caught, they could end up facing a trail for their errors. Bad puns aside, it's clear that drug education does a lot for some and little for others. Indeed, government ... 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 ...

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 ... continue reading

20 Genius Minds and the Drugs They Were Addicted To

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

... early twentieth century, along with being a cultist, poet, and mountaineer. He was Victorian England's bad boy, and he rebelled against so-called polite society. Naturally this involved taking large quantities of drugs ... continue reading

Drunk You, Sober You: More Alike Than You'd Think

Laura feels uncomfortable in social situations. She likes to have a few beers to loosen up. She prefers “drunk Laura” to “sober Laura” when trying to socialize. She thinks she's a lot more fun and likeable. Tom blew up at his friend Chris ...

... 't perceive. You may be using alcohol in unhealthy ways to soothe nerves or to take the blame for bad behaviors. Whether alcohol reduces inhibitions or ramps up emotions already present, it's important to keep one thing ... continue reading

30 Famous Musicians Who Have Battled Drug Addiction and Alcoholism

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

... of rehab. She passed away in 2012, allegedly as a result of her addiction . 8. Bobby Brown Singer and bad boy Bobby Brown has faced several arrests, including for DUIs and drugs . He blames his cocaine addiction on his ... continue reading

30 Famous Celebrities Who Have Done Drugs and Battled Addiction and Alcoholism

1. Drew Barrymore Former child star Drew Barrymore's drug abuse in her teenage years found her controversial fame, including two trips to rehab that motivated her to get back on track with her career. 2. Mary-Kate Olsen “Full House” actress ...

... Haim found himself lost in drugs at a young age . His death in 2010 was attributed to a bad prescription medication concoction. 7. Jeremy London While he was still struggling, actor Jeremy London denied his drug use with ... 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 ...

... in your life to get help, discuss your concerns at an appropriate time. Wait until they appear remorseful over bad behavior… don't talk to them while they are inebriated or recovering from a hangover. If you think it ... continue reading

7 Crazy Ways Addicts Fund Their Drug Habits

It's no secret that drug addiction can drive people to do things that are completely out of character. When addiction takes hold, scoring drugs to avoid withdrawals is a 24/7 job. And there's no glamour in that kind of career path. Little girls ...

... want for Christmas, steal those specific items, then bring them back and trade the “gifts” for drugs. Talk about Bad Santa! Low-Down, Dirty Moves Dog lovers prepare to cringe. Some addicts have gone so far as to dog-nap ... continue reading

Effects of Roxicodone Addiction

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

... avoidance keeps many people using opioids far beyond the point where it's no longer “fun.” Simply put, withdrawal feels bad. But there are ways to make it easier and to help prevent relapse. You can seek treatment from a ... 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 ...

... . This situation changes, though, if the person is concurrently abusing other drugs, is enduring a “bad trip” (marked by intense hallucinations), or is suffering from persistent psychosis . In this case, some ... 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 ...

... 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 know about this illicit ... continue reading

What You Need to Know About ‘Zombie Drug’ Krokodil

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

... that most of the so-called users did not test positive for desomorphine. Instead, it was likely a bad staph infection or use of unsanitary needles. The reports of Krokodil in the U.S. may have been sensationalized ... continue reading

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

Is Ketamine Harmful? “It's easy to get ketamine abuse wrong because of its potency; it's more powerful than speed or coke weight for weight, so it's easy to accidentally overdose.” Like its sister drug CP, ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic, ...

... course, have side effects, and these can be quite profound. Short-term ketamine side effects include bad hallucinations. As with all psychotropic drugs, the pleasantness of the hallucination depends on the user's state ... continue reading

My Teen Son Is an Alcoholic. How Can I Help Him?

If you are living at home with a teen who has become an alcoholic, you have many options for helping your child. Until they are 18, you have guardianship powers and can make many medical decisions for your child, and hospitals will recognize your ...

... drinking excessively . In the end, you'll both be healthier and have a stronger parent-child bond. No matter how bad things are now, you have plenty of choices that can lead to a better path. Take the first step and talk ... continue reading

The Deadly and Costly Consequences of DUIs

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

... after having too much to drink. Many people also wind up serving jail time as a result of this one bad decision to drink and drive. If you're planning on drinking, make arrangements to have a designated driver or call ... continue reading

Understanding Addiction: A Guide for Families

If your family member is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, you may feel a range of emotions, such as anger, frustration, and sadness. You may want to help, but you may feel that you don't know how. The challenges of supporting a family ...

... deserve a drink because they had a stressful day. Minimizing the problem, such as by saying “it's not so bad.” Using with the person or allowing them to use at home, with the justification that at least they're not out ... continue reading

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

Is MXE Harmful? MXE, also known as methoxetamine, is a substance with similar chemical properties to ketamine and phencyclidine (PCP) , two illicit drugs known for their hallucinogenic and dissociative properties. 1 MXE is an odorless, white powder ...

... and enlightenment for up to 24 hours after using the drug. 2 However, taking too much or having a bad reaction to MXE may lead to psychiatric, cognitive, neurological, and/or cardiovascular problems . MXE can also cause ... continue reading

Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Symptoms, Medications, and Addiction Treatment

What Are Benzodiazepines? Benzodiazepines, or “benzos,” are central nervous system depressants commonly prescribed to manage a variety of conditions, including anxiety, panic disorders, muscle spasms, seizures, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, and ...

... cause cravings, having a plan is important. Accept, rather than fight, cravings. Often cravings are thought of as bad, which causes people to resist or fight them. This can create more tension and distress. Instead, try ... 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 ...

... activities involving the illicit sale and distribution of prescription painkillers. The pill mill epidemic was particularly bad in Florida, where in 2011, there were 856 pain clinics. The astounding numbers of pill mills ... 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” ...

... will experience withdrawal symptoms. The opiate withdrawal syndrome is frequently described as feeling like a bad flu for those experiencing it, and may include: Intense opiate cravings. Body aches. Involuntary muscle ... continue reading

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

What Is Ritalin Used For? Ritalin (generic name: methylphenidate) is a stimulant prescribed to reduce the effects of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It is also sometimes prescribed for the ...

... Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It is also sometimes prescribed for the treatment of narcolepsy. Is Ritalin Bad for You? When taken as intended, and under the supervision of the prescribing physician, Ritalin is ... continue reading

Norco Abuse Symptoms and Addiction Treatment

What Is Norco Used For? Norco is a prescription medication that combines hydrocodone and acetaminophen . It is prescribed for the relief of moderate-to-severe pain . Taking Norco in amounts exceeding prescribed doses, for lengths of time longer than ...

... nausea. Other gastrointestinal distress. Long-Term Effects of Norco Abuse Hydrocodone is generally seen as the bad guy in the Norco cocktail, being the narcotic with addictive properties, but the seemingly innocent ... continue reading

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

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

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

Famous Drug Abusers

Drug and Alcohol Addiction: A Disease that Touches Everyone According to data from the latest National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 22.7 million Americans need treatment for a drug or alcohol problem. And though it may sound cliché, ...

... athletes have likely experienced traumas that put them on the path to addiction, few of them had it as bad as hockey star Theoren Fleury. Fleury failed multiple drug tests while in the NHL. After games, he reportedly ... continue reading

Remaining Spiritual in Recovery

Spirituality can be viewed as a means to connect with ourselves on a more authentic level, to feel a connection with those around us, and to connect with something greater than us as individuals. These spiritual connections help us derive a sense of ...

... plan. Although there are many reasons for this distance from spirituality, the common theme seems to stem from bad experiences with religion, a feeling that one has been forgotten or abandoned by their god, or simply a ... continue reading

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