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Effects of Heroin Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
Is Heroin Harmful? Heroin is the name for a modified version of morphine that is a very addictive and illegal opioid drug . The drug is available on the illicit market in a number of different varieties, with purer product tending to occur in white ...
... heroin used, the drug acts quickly in the body to elicit its dramatic results. In short, heroin is very harmful. The speed ... also be adversely affected due a to lack of oxygen . People using heroin frequently must contend ... continue reading -
Heroin Addiction Treatment Centers and Rehab Programs
Heroin addiction can negatively impact certain aspects of your life and have dangerous health repercussions. Here, we will help you understand heroin addiction, how addiction is treated, and what you should know about heroin rehab centers, including ...
... of physiological heroin dependence—at which point, your body has become so adapted to the presence of heroin that you ... least 1 year. 1 Treatment duration can be affected by the recommendations of your treatment provider, ... continue reading -
Heroin Abuse Signs, Symptoms, Effects, Overdose, and Treatment
About Heroin Abuse What Is Heroin? Heroin is a substance that is both illegal and extremely addictive . The drug derives from opium from the poppy plant before it is refined to morphine, then further chemically modified to become heroin. Despite its ...
... different methods of delivery to feel the same effects. Dependence is when your body requires heroin to feel normal and heroin withdrawal symptoms —often described as dope sickness —present without the substance in your ... continue reading -
Heroin Overdose Symptoms, Signs, Risk Factors, Prevention, and Treatment
How Is Heroin Consumed? Heroin is one of the most common, addictive, and lethal drugs in the world. A morphine derivative, heroin is sold illegally in the form of white or brown powder, or a sticky black substance known as “black tar heroin.” In ...
... process in treatment is finding safe and effective detox . Heroin withdrawal is not likely to be physically dangerous. However, it can be taxing enough on the body and mind to trigger relapse, which can increase a person ... 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 ...
... are establishing trust in the relationship that they may not have realized was there. Is Heroin Addictive? Because of the way heroin affects the brain, it is an extremely addictive drug. In 2013, nearly 5 million people ... continue reading -
Heroin’s Effects on Pregnancy
Heroin is an illegal and highly addictive substance that may be injected, smoked, or snorted. This powerful opiate drug can easily harm any user, and it can cause numerous problems for a pregnant mother and her developing baby. Unfortunately, heroin ...
... are common in the United States, women may be using heroin and other substances without realizing they are pregnant. 2 Heroin can cause serious harm to a woman's body, and it can also significantly harm her baby. If you ... 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, ...
... this is fueled by both: The desire to receive the high from heroin. The desire to avoid the discomfort of not having the substance in the body. The body's discomfort at not having the drug is called withdrawal, and this ... continue reading -
Joints vs. Edibles: How Marijuana Affects the Body
The primary psychoactive component of marijuana (cannabis)—what deliver the “high,” in other words—is the substance tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). 1 THC's powerful, mind-altering effects derive from its interaction with and activation of the ...
... , sound, and touch. However, THC can also adversely affect short-term memory and coordination and can bring on anxiety ... joint and eating an edible are reflected in the speed of onset of effects, the duration until peak ... continue reading -
Chicken vs. Egg: Which Came First, Heroin or OxyContin Addiction?
For centuries, people have debated one age old question: which came first, the chicken or the egg? While both sides of this argument have their valid points, the question itself has evolved, making its way into other areas of society, including the ...
... drugs and how their abuse can impact the human body. OxyContin and heroin are both members of the opioid family ; they ... , opiate addiction is an epidemic that touches and affects everyone. If you or someone you love is ... 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 ...
... on the drug. Dependence occurs when the brain and body begin to need the drug in order to function normally ... withdrawal symptoms. 2,3 Prescription opiates affect the brain in the same way heroin does , only the dosage is ... 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 ...
... as anesthetic and depresses, or slows, body systems down. Heroin also depresses the central nervous system, ... of fact, many of the 74 Chicagoans recently affected were found with needles still in their arms. Naloxone ... continue reading -
Is Fentanyl Abuse More Deadly Than Heroin?
Fentanyl, a drug previously unheard of by many, has become notorious in recent years due to the spike in overdose deaths from heroin laced with the potent prescription narcotic. It gained even more notoriety when the April 2016 death of iconic ...
... in the number of seizures 6 . Of those states affected, Florida and Ohio are of extreme concern due to sharp ... is much stronger than their bodies can handle. Fentanyl can heighten the potency of heroin and lead quickly to ... continue reading -
What Does It Mean to Be Dope Sick?
Bill found John curled up on the couch; he looked miserable. Bill asked, “What's wrong with you?” “I'm sick, man. You got any?” was John's weak response. As Bill suspected, John was in withdrawal. An active heroin user, John was low on cash ...
... is. Over time, John's repeated use of heroin has affected his body, causing it to become dependent on the drug. Now, in its absence, his body is experiencing heroin withdrawal . This is commonly referred to as “dope ... continue reading -
Health Effects of Drug Misuse and Addiction
Substance misuse and addiction can have serious short- and long-term effects. 1 The physical effects of drugs and alcohol vary according to the type of substance, duration of use, and method of administration. 1 Recovering from addiction can be a ...
... the Body Heroin's effects on the body commonly include flushed skin, nausea, and itchiness. 7 Heroin binds to opioid receptors throughout the body to influence the body's ability to feel pain and can dangerously affect ... 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 ...
... affect the mother's ability to carry her baby to term. 4 Heroin and Pregnancy Using an illicit drug like heroin ... for you and your child while the substance leaves your body. 5 Depending on the drug used and the severity of ... continue reading -
Effects of Roxicodone Addiction
Roxicodone (“Roxy”) is one available brand version of oxycodone—a powerful semi-synthetic opioid painkiller. 1,2 The medicinal effect of opioids like oxycodone is brought on by a change in the way the brain and body respond to pain. Rather ...
... brought on by a change in the way the brain and body respond to pain. Rather than “curing” pain, Roxicodone acts ... to achieve their analgesic effects, but they also affect vital systems such as our brain stem's ... continue reading -
Injecting Drugs: 9 Hidden Dangers
Did you know that injecting drugs into your body can increase your risk for a number of health problems? Additionally, did you know that injection-related injuries not only include bruising, scarring, and venous injury, but also infectious diseases ...
... for a number of unwanted health issues that affect their bodies and their overall health. And because of ... fingers. It has been noted that a contaminant of heroin, called quinine, may cause puffy hand syndrome. Sooting ... continue reading -
New Study: Amphetamine Abuse and This Old Heart
It's called speed for a reason. Amphetamines, like Ritalin or Adderall, accelerate your heart rate. They send your nervous system into overdrive. Guess what else it speeds up? The aging process. That's right. Pumping your system full of amphetamine ...
... your nervous system into overdrive. Guess what else it speeds up? The aging process. That's right. ... blood as well as it used to. Since amphetamine affects the entire cardiovascular system, arteries also lose optimal ... continue reading -
What Could Illicit Drug Synthesis Expose You To?
For the 44 million Americans aged 12 and older who used illicit drugs in 2014, the associated health risks are grave. But there's another risk that accompanies illegally manufactured substances - the exposure to hazardous chemicals. Clandestine drug ...
... even smoked in the form of “ice.” They speed up the body systems, which can cause a host of health risks ... the driving force behind this unfortunate upward trend. Heroin deaths have also skyrocketed. Tragically, in around ... continue reading -
4 Hangover “Cures” You Need to Ignore
The lights are too bright. The noises are too loud. Your head's spinning. Your stomach's in turmoil. No, it's not the flu. You have a hangover. You had a few too many yesterday, and now you're paying for it. Beware the Miracle Remedy So, what can ...
... . No matter how cold or hot, the shower doesn't affect the level of alcohol in your system. Just like coffee, ... the refreshing water may wake you up, but it doesn't speed up the process. But you will smell nicer. Take two ... 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 ...
... of their lifecycle which can be harmful to the body and brain. How the Liver Metabolizes Drugs When blood ... hepatitis is fatal in approximately 30-50% of those affected by the disease. 11 Some signs and symptoms of ... continue reading -
Effects of Clonazepam Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
What Is Clonazepam Used For? Clonazepam, commonly known by its brand name Klonopin , is a prescription medication commonly used for its anti-anxiety and anti-convulsant benefits. This medication is part of a larger group of substances called ...
... speed of action and the total time that the positive effects last. Some of these effects can affect ... be a habit-forming substance. Over time, the patient's body tends to build a tolerance to clonazepam. This means that ... continue reading -
Anxiety and Substance Abuse: Treating Mental Health Issues and Addiction
It can be difficult to manage an anxiety disorder or a substance use disorder, and it can be even more difficult to manage both disorders when they co-occur together. When a mental health disorder—such as an anxiety disorder—and a substance use ...
... factors are similar for anxiety and SUDs, and they affect the same parts of the brain, increasing the likelihood ... to clear substances you have been taking from your body, where you are supervised by medical staff and ... continue reading -
Taking Action: How to Intervene During an Overdose
Drug overdoses are now the leading cause of accident death in the United States. According to the Centers of Disease Control (CDC), 43,982 drug overdose deaths occurred in 2013 across the nation. That's two times the amount of overdose deaths a ...
... Poisoning Alcohol is also a depressant and affects the central nervous system similar to opiates and ... and the National Institute on Drug Abuse reports heroin-related deaths have increased five-fold over the last 10 ... continue reading -
Effects of Alcohol and Drugs on the Male and Female Reproductive Systems
How Do Drugs Affect the Reproductive System? Substance misuse can negatively impact the reproductive health of both sexes in several ways. It may contribute to serious health problems, such as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), infertility, and ...
... weight, and hormone levels can affect the breakdown of drugs and alcohol in the body. In particular, drug use ... or heavier menstrual periods and increased cramping. 2 Heroin and methadone use may also lead to amenorrhea ( ... continue reading -
Mirror, Mirror: Aging Early Courtesy of Alcohol
$2.1 billion. That's how much we spent on anti-aging skin care products in 2013. And that's just in the United States. Guess how much Americans spent on cosmetic surgery that year? $12 billion. Clearly, we want to look young and beautiful. Who ...
... drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, we speed toward wrinkles. Reducing our alcohol consumption can ... Hair Loss The dehydration our bodies undergo as a result of alcohol intake also affects our hair. This dryness makes ... 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, ...
... many people after only one use, since cocaine affects the brain's reward pathway immediately. 1 How ... people use cocaine with other substances such as alcohol, heroin , and marijuana . These combinations can be dangerous ... continue reading -
Unchain My Heart: The Real Impact of Booze
Anyone who has experienced alcohol abuse firsthand knows how heartbreaking it can be. The emotional and relational damage left in its wake is devastating. Did you know this “heartache” is more than figurative? Believe it or not, the abuse of ...
... longer contract as it should to pump blood throughout your body. As a result, your other organs don't get ... internal pacemaker to keep it pumping at the right speed. Alcohol interferes with this pacemaker, causing the ... continue reading -
Facing Reality: 8 Shocking Drug and Alcohol Abuse Statistics
It's no secret that drugs and alcohol can have detrimental consequences on your mind, body, and life. They are indiscriminate in who they affect; anyone who abuses alcohol or drugs is at risk for developing an addiction. Although they are sometimes ...
... detrimental consequences on your mind, body, and life. They are indiscriminate in who they affect; anyone who abuses alcohol or ... likely to use heroin than those who don't. 1 Opioid painkillers and heroin share a very ... continue reading -
Cocaine Overdose Symptoms, Signs, Prevention, and Addiction Treatment
Cocaine overdose can be a serious concern for anyone who uses cocaine. This article will help you understand what a cocaine overdose is, cocaine overdose effects, and potential risk factors for cocaine overdose. We will also discuss what you can do ...
... suicidal. 9 Unstable housing. 9 Injecting cocaine and/or heroin. 9 What to Do in Case of Cocaine Overdose ... stop a seizure, or restore oxygen-rich blood to the affected side of the brain in case of stroke. 2 Preventing ... continue reading -
IV Drug Use: Signs, Dangers, and Treatment
Injection is a method used by individuals who misuse drugs to obtain a quick and powerful effect. 1 Intravenous (IV) injection, or injection into a vein, is the practice referred to throughout this article as IV drug use. Injection into a vein or ...
... is largely limited to 3 main drug types: heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine. 2 However, nearly any ... risks of continued intravenous substance abuse are many and can affect a person long-term. 1 IV Drug Use Complications ... continue reading -
Why Don’t We Have Addiction Vaccines?
After three decades of research, people with addiction still have few medication options. While there are a handful of modestly effective FDA-approved drugs to treat alcohol, nicotine and opioid-use disorders, there are none at all for cocaine, ...
... Development. [22] Drugs for medical conditions that affect large numbers of people offer the best bet ... disorder,” is the rationale — especially to illegal narcotics like heroin, cocaine and meth. 23 The good news is that ... 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 ...
... to keep using the drug. 20 Heroin Heroin is a very addictive opioid drug. Heroin can cause euphoria, altered sensation of ... fast heartbeat, raised blood pressure, and elevated body temperature. Injecting meth (or any drug) ... 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. ...
... effects of the drug. Like other stimulants , ecstasy speeds up the nervous system. If we could see Chloe ... This is not surprising, since the drug often affects people differently. Ecstasy's ingredients often vary, though ... 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 ...
... the drug to help with withdrawal from certain drugs, like heroin. What you may not realize though, is that kratom can ... So, what is kratom and how does it affect the body? Here are 5 pieces of information about the mind ... continue reading -
Effects of Drugs on the Brain: Impact of Drugs on Neurotransmitters
For many people, addiction can be difficult to understand. Understanding how drugs affect the brain can help shed some light on how a person develops an addiction. This article will discuss how various drugs affect the chemistry of the brain and ...
... an addiction. This article will discuss how various drugs affect the chemistry of the brain and lead to certain ... The brain is the most complex organ in the human body and has even been called “the most complex object in ... continue reading -
A Look at the Physical Anatomy of an Overdose
A drug overdose occurs when the body has been overloaded with either prescription medication or an illicit substance. Under normal circumstances, our body's metabolism would be able to detoxify the substance in order to avoid its potentially harmful ...
... to your body during an overdose situation when one of three common drugs are consumed. Opioids Opiates, such as heroin, and prescription pain pills like Vicodin, are psychoactive drugs that directly affect the region ... 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 ...
... (CB 1 ) on nerve cells in the brain and body. The major difference between THC and the chemicals found in ... trials, it is difficult to know precisely how they will affect people after short- and long-term use. Indeed, ... 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 ...
... This means that it can produce a sped up effect on the body while changing the user's perceptions. ... confused, depressed , anxious , and sleepless . It also affects the cognition and memory of users and cravings can occur. ... continue reading -
Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms and Treatment
Many substances of abuse can lead to the development of physiological dependence—especially if they are taken in large amounts and for a long period of time. When a person becomes dependent on a substance and then decides to stop using it, they ...
... to understand how drug and alcohol withdrawal symptoms can affect you. In this article, you will learn more about ... Causes of Alcohol and Drug Withdrawal Symptoms The human body strives to be in a state of balance, known ... continue reading -
Using MDMA (Ecstasy) While Breastfeeding
Ecstasy, or MDMA, is a widely used drug popular among young adults. It is a synthetic, psychoactive drug with chemical structural similarities to both methamphetamine and mescaline—capable of producing both stimulant and hallucinogenic effects in ...
... women who use amphetamines, ecstasy, cocaine, or heroin should not breastfeed for 24 hours after use . ... therapy can help you address and work through issues that affect you and those closest to you. In addition, you ... continue reading -
Snorting Cocaine Side Effects, Signs, Dangers, and Addiction Treatment
Cocaine is a stimulant drug with highly addictive properties that is derived from the coca plant. 1 Also known as “coke,” “snow,” and “blow,” cocaine is a white, crystal-like powder that provides a euphoric high. How Is Cocaine Taken? ...
... -making, flexibility, and insight. Cocaine can also affect the brain's stress response, causing the stress ... those who mix cocaine with other drugs (e.g. with heroin as a “speedball” or with alcohol ) are especially at ... continue reading -
Long-Term Alcohol and Drug Addiction Effects
The longer an addiction to drugs or alcohol lasts, the more stress and strain it places on an individual. There is an overwhelming number of long-term physical and emotional effects that drug abuse and addiction can have on a person. The following ...
... that slow a person's breathing—such as heroin and prescription opioids —can cause serious complications for ... be inflicting severe damage on their body and brain. Addiction can affect nearly every aspect of an individual' ... 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 ...
... important to discern. Depending on the circumstances, it could affect their safety - and yours. Common Indicators of Substance ... can cause slurred speech, especially when using heroin or other opioids. If they're having ... continue reading -
Tussionex Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Treatment
What Is Tussionex? Tussionex is a prescription medication that includes a combination of chlorpheniramine—an antihistamine 1 —and the opioid painkiller hydrocodone . It is prescribed to treat respiratory symptoms—such as coughs—related to ...
... opioids, 2 which includes serious drugs of abuse like heroin , as well as various prescription painkillers . Hydrocodone ... the brain's white matter. 7 White matter affects a person's ability to regulate behavior, manage ... continue reading -
Diazepam Abuse Side Effects, Overdose, and Addiction Treatment
Diazepam is the generic name for Valium . It is one of many benzodiazepine substances that affect the central nervous system (CNS) by amplifying the depressant effects of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, to subsequently decrease brain activity. ...
... CNS depressants like alcohol , opioids (e.g. heroin or painkillers), barbiturates, and prescription sleep aids ... 't synonymous concepts. Physical dependence is the body's reliance on the drug, whereas addiction is marked ... continue reading -
Why Is Heroin So Deadly Today?
For more than a century, heroin has been a dangerous drug of abuse. For years, people have been attracted to the substance's ability to produce a relatively inexpensive, rapid-onset, and intensely euphoric high. 1,2 While the drug's high holds a ...
... adulterant, the combination of substances could easily overwhelm their body because it is so much stronger than normal heroin. Using a large amount of heroin or using it combined with a stronger substance increases the ... continue reading -
Heroin Use Increasing Across New Demographics, Study Finds
The face of heroin in the US is changing. As the drug becomes more commonly abused among new racial, geographic and socioeconomic groups, the profile of those users is also evolving. The change is, in part, because heroin is becoming more ...
... They were also more likely to have gotten in trouble with the law. Group #2 Those who used both heroin and prescription painkillers reported more mental health problems and were more likely to visit the ER than either of ... continue reading -
DEA: Heroin ‘Probably’ More Dangerous Than Marijuana
With 23 states and Washington D.C. legalizing medical marijuana and four states legalizing it for recreational use, it's quite possible we'll see a day when marijuana is considered “legal” throughout the U.S. However, the Drug Enforcement ...
... a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical benefits. In other words, it's in the same category as heroin and crack cocaine . Even the staunchest anti-drug supporters have hard a time putting pot on equal footing ... continue reading -
The Price Tag of Heroin in America: $51 Billion
If you're hooked on heroin, you'll spend an average of $150 a day to support your habit. That's nearly $55,000 per year. Heroin abuse comes with a pretty hefty price tag, unfortunately personal financial burden isn't the only cash-flow issue left in ...
... your habit. That's nearly $55,000 per year. Heroin abuse comes with a pretty hefty price tag, unfortunately ... 11,148 per person. At more than $50K per user, heroin's cost blows those two diseases out of the water. The U ... continue reading -
Heroin Facts—Because Knowing Is Half the Battle
“Smack” - “Junk” - “H” Heroin is a drug that goes by many names but, no matter what you call it, it's still the same potent, potentially deadly drug. While its name really isn't that important, knowing some basic facts about heroin can ...
... were “far more expensive and harder to obtain.” #5 Side Effects of Using Heroin Heroin drastically impacts the body and produces some pretty devastating physical, emotional and psychological effects . If you suspect ... continue reading -
Heroin Relapse Warning Signs, Prevention, and Addiction Treatment
Heroin Relapse Is Common Heroin addiction is very powerful, and heroin's interaction with opioid receptors and its reinforcing influence on your brain's reward centers result in such profound feelings of euphoria and pleasure that it sometimes feels ...
... tools you need to stay sober. A well-thought-out plan can help you identify and manage the signs of heroin relapse before things get worse. You can implement some of the elements of a relapse prevention plan on your own ... continue reading -
Free Heroin Addiction Hotline Numbers
Call American Addiction Centers (AAC) now at What Is a Heroin Hotline Number? Heroin addiction is a very hard challenge to overcome alone. This is why doctors, mental health professionals, and support group members advocate seeking help if you ...
... one in rehab? Regain control of your life today and call us at . Why Should I Call a Heroin Helpline Number? Calling a heroin helpline does not mean you must commit to anything. All it means is that you are ready to get ... continue reading -
A Sister’s Honest Talk About Her Brother’s Heroin Addiction
Alex didn't answer the phone. He missed their father's birthday party and still wasn't answering. But Allison kept dialing. It didn't seem right, but then again, things hadn't seemed “right” for a long time. Alex had all but stopped showing up ...
... Did Everything Go Wrong? It was just a few months later when she got the call. Alex had been arrested for heroin possession . She sat up late with her husband, the window was open as the North Carolina air blew in. How ... continue reading -
25 Great Writers Who Battled Drug Addiction and Alcoholism
Drug and Alcohol Addiction Can Affect Anyone Some people are more susceptible to addiction than others, and writers are notorious for having some sort of addiction. Whether it's alcohol to numb the noise of the world or speed or LSD to “inspire” ...
... Affect Anyone Some people are more susceptible to addiction than others, and writers are notorious for having some sort of addiction. Whether it's alcohol to numb the noise of the world or speed ... Hubert Selby Heroin and ... 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 ...
... Learn about the effects of hash use . What Is Heroin? Heroin is an illicit drug known to induce feelings of ... Learn about the effects of Soma use . What Is Speed? Speed is a slang term applied to illicit amphetamine and ... 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 ...
... Beans Clarity Disco Biscuit E Eve Molly Lover's Speed Peace STP X XTC Uppers Street Names for Mescaline ... Morpho Unkie White Stuff Oxycodone Oxycodone : Hillbilly Heroin Kicker O.C Oxycet Oxycotton Oxy Percs Roxy ... continue reading -
The 5 Most Dangerous Painkiller Myths
While painkiller use is widespread, there is a vast amount of false information surrounding them. Unfortunately, many people begin using opioid painkillers knowing little about them. Given few details about these drugs - how they work, when to take ...
... and their mechanism of action is similar to that of heroin . Examples of opioid pain medications include: Hydrocodone ( ... various processes of the brain and body. They can reduce the speed of your breathing and heartbeat ... continue reading -
Common Neurological Risks of Drug Abuse
Brain Damage From Drugs While substance misuse may cause a user to feel short-lived euphoria or impart a sense of temporary wellbeing, the adverse effects of drugs can be dangerous and, in some instances, may lead to permanent brain damage. Chronic ...
... (CNS) stimulants , such as cocaine and methamphetamine, speed up brain activity, blood pressure, and heart rate ... as well as illicit drugs like heroin . Research suggests that long-term heroin use can cause the white matter ... continue reading -
Vyvanse Side Effects, Short-Term and Long-Term Effects, and Treatment
What Is Vyvanse Used For? Vyvanse is a brand name for the medication lisdexamfetamine that is prescribed to treat Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and binge-eating disorders. 1,2 Vyvanse belongs to a class of medicines known as ...
... . However, if Vyvanse is misused or abused, it can speed up the development of tolerance, have a negative impact on both ... to help people taper off of drugs such as heroin , there are no medications approved by the Food ... continue reading -
Side Effects of Librium Use, Withdrawal and Addiction Treatment
What Is Librium Used For? Librium—which is a brand name formulation of chlordiazepoxide—belongs to a class of sedative medications known as benzodiazepines. Librium has been widely used as a treatment for anxiety and for managing the symptoms of ...
... period of time than directed by a doctor, it can speed up the onset of tolerance, give rise to number of ... . 1,2 Mixing alcohol or opioids —such as heroin or prescription painkillers—with Librium can increase the risk of ... continue reading -
Snorting Percocet: Dangers & Risks
Percocet is a prescription opioid containing both oxycodone and acetaminophen. While it is an effective pain reliever, as a Schedule II controlled drug it has a high potential for abuse due to the oxycodone in it. Oxycodone is a semisynthetic opioid ...
... and, eventually, the brain at different rates—affecting the speed of onset and peak intensity of the high ... to bring about a euphoric high is similar to that of heroin, which helps to explain why it can be so addictive. ... continue reading -
How to Stay Productive at Work While Still in Recovery
We live in a very competitive society when it comes to finding a job and keeping it. Even for a person that's never tasted a drop of alcohol, it's still a challenge to find a good job and get accepted into a workplace. It becomes even worse when ...
... be a good idea if you're really struggling with your addiction, getting back to work can often actually help speed up your recovery; working gives you a sense of purpose and keeps your mind off of unhealthy thoughts. By ... continue reading -
The Side Effects of Xanax: Pill Use and Short-Term and Long-Term Effects
What Is Xanax Used For? Xanax (generic name: alprazolam) is a powerful benzodiazepine drug that is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain. 1,2 The medication comes in the form of a pill that quickly ...
... and concentrating, general intelligence and psychomotor speed. 7 What Are the Side Effects ... to some effects of the drugs. 5 When tolerance occurs, your body requires a larger dose or an increased frequency of use to ... 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 ...
... stimulant and sensory altering effects. 1 MDMA is known by many names, including: 1,2 X. XTC. Lover's Speed. Adam. Eve. Peace. Clarity. The drug was developed by a German pharmaceutical company, Merck KGaA, in 1912. 3 By ... continue reading -
Clonazepam Abuse Symptoms and Addiction Treatment
Introduction to Clonazepam Abuse What Is Clonazepam Used For? Clonazepam is a prescription drug that belongs to a group of medications called benzodiazepines . Clonazepam is known also by the brand name Klonopin . It is the third most commonly ...
... have very similar properties, but they vary in their speed of onset and the duration of their effects. Primarily, ... drug. After using the drug for a while, the body becomes used to the effects of the medication, requiring ... 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 ...
... 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 attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD ... continue reading -
Snorting Adderall: Side Effects and Addiction Treatment
What Does Adderall Do? Adderall is a prescription stimulant used and abused for its ability to increase energy and mental focus, as well as for its potential to elicit pleasurable feelings at high enough doses. 1 It is prescribed for the treatment ...
... names, including “black beauties,” “uppers,” and “speed.” 1 Adderall is classified as a schedule II ... when a person consumes more of a drug than his or her body can handle. In some cases, an Adderall overdose may be ... continue reading -
Alcohol and Breastfeeding
Some women are curious about whether they can drink alcohol while they are breastfeeding. While women are strongly advised to avoid drinking any alcohol during pregnancy, the recommendations on whether a woman can drink while breastfeeding are less ...
... known as “pumping and dumping.” This practice does not speed the removal of alcohol from the breast milk. Rather, ... several hours after you have stopped drinking. Your body needs time to eliminate all alcohol in your blood ... continue reading -
Snorting Valium—Effects, Overdose, and Addiction Treatment
Valium is a prescription sedative medication that falls into the class of drugs known as benzodiazepines. 1 Also available as generic diazepam, Valium is prescribed in pill form to treat anxiety and panic symptoms. 1,2 When Valium is taken as ...
... snorting the drug will result in a faster and better high, since in some cases snorting drugs can speed up and intensify their effects. However, it is unclear whether snorting Valium actually intensifies its effects more ... continue reading -
Gray Death: The New Killer on the Street
While heroin adulterated with fentanyl has been in the news in recent years and the risks are well-known, there is a new danger on the streets, and it's even deadlier. It is a frighteningly powerful combination of heroin and synthetic opioids known ...
... Unfortunately, this high can rapidly turn deadly. Who Is Affected? The main victims of the rise of gray death ... s in the batch), someone trying to take the amount of heroin they are used to taking can die in minutes. 5,7 ... continue reading -
Seized
In 2015, Border Patrol prevented more than 1.5 million pounds of marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and meth from entering the United States. 1 In the same year, the Coast Guard intercepted 72 vessels and more than 150,000 pounds of drugs. 2 These ...
... - being from 2014. 6 A lot has happened since then. Seven states have passed new marijuana laws, and a heroin epidemic continues to claim more lives each year than ever before. 7 This is where news reports of major drug ... continue reading -
How Concerned Should We Be About Opiates?
Opiates are a group of drugs that manage pain by depressing the central nervous system (CNS). There are two different kinds of opiates: natural and synthetic. Natural opiates come from the dried “milk” of the poppy plant and include opium, ...
... of the poppy plant and include opium, morphine, and codeine. Heroin, for example, is made from the sap-like opium of ... receptors are found in certain areas of the human body. These areas include the brain, spinal cord, ... continue reading -
The 9 Most Expensive Drugs in America
Each year, Americans spend nearly $100 billion on illegal drugs such as cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. These figures do not even account for the billions of dollars that are spent on prescription drugs each year—about $374 billion according ...
... costs of using marijuana include a higher risk of heart attack, lung disease, anxiety, and depression. #6 Heroin Heroin has a reputation as a “cheap” drug, and a shocking truth is that many prescription drug users switch ... continue reading -
Trafficking Statistics
Drug abuse is a major problem in the United States, and individuals seeking to abuse drugs generally have little trouble finding those substances. Abuse of prescription and nonprescription opioids continues to be the public health crisis of our ...
... of opium poppy fields in 2014, compared to 14,419 hectares in 2013. 2 Between 2010 to 2015, the number of heroin seizures on the border of the United States and Mexico more than doubled. 1 The problem doesn't stop with ... continue reading -
If Old Drug Ads Told the Truth
Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Through the late 19th century and mid-20th century, many of today's illicit drugs of abuse were available legally in the United States. Products containing cocaine, heroin, or amphetamine were readily available for ...
... combination of alcohol and cocaine is beneficial to the body and brain. But Mariani was very wrong. When ... trying to soothe an infant. 9. Glyco-Heroin (Smith) Although heroin had already been invented in 1874 , the ... continue reading -
How Does Ibogaine Treat Opiate Addiction?
Holly started using heroin when she was 18 - at 26, she was at the end of the line. Her whole life revolved around getting high. In the past, she had tried 12-step programs, counseling, in-patient rehab, and even drug-assisted therapy…it seemed ...
... plant. She knew it affects the brain in some way to help with heroin addiction. Holly discovered Ibogaine ... , including: Ataxia (loss of control of body movements) Hallucinations Tremors Heart impairment Solution or Unsafe ... continue reading -
Facts About Krokodil (The “Zombie Drug”)
What Is Krokodil? Desomorphine (dihydrodesoxymorphine) or Krokodil, is an injectable opioid derivative of codeine. On the street and online, the drug is known as: Krokodil. Crocodile. Croc. Krok. Russian Magic. Poor Man's Heroin. The name ...
... . Crocodile. Croc. Krok. Russian Magic. Poor Man's Heroin. The name “krokodil” is thought to either derive from the ... or eschars (dead patches of skin) on their bodies. The skin of krokodil injection users can become black ... continue reading -
The Rise of Drug Deaths in America
This year, drug overdose deaths surpassed firearm deaths for the first time, making the issue of addiction and drug abuse an even greater concern for Americans . The public is aware of the numbers associated with overdose deaths; however, big ...
... the total number of lives claimed by either Parkinson's or pneumonia at this time. Two years later in 2022, heroin deaths would be less than 5,000 short of 100,000 deaths yearly and would claim almost 20,000 more deaths ... continue reading -
30 Famous Musicians Who Have Battled Drug Addiction and Alcoholism
1. Ozzy Osbourne Rockstar Ozzy Osbourne has long struggled with addiction. In fact, his heavy alcohol and drug abuse led to him being fired from Black Sabbath in 1978. 2. Kurt Cobain Kurt Cobain got to know his wife Courtney Love while they used ...
... . Yoko Ono Musician Yoko Ono has openly admitted to heroin addiction. She has even claimed that she and John ... 22. Aaron Carter Aaron Carter was pulled over for speeding and possession of two ounces of marijuana in 2008. ... continue reading -
Harm Reduction
The concept of 'harm reduction' refers to a set of policies, programs, and practices that aim to reduce the health, social, and economic consequences of drug and alcohol abuse. 1,2 Strategies might include providing a safe environment for heroin use ...
... drug-free life. Reducing the use of illicit opioids ( heroin ) and/or the non-medical use of prescription opioids . ... are not available in certain regions and are affected by local laws. 18 Leaving Addiction Behind Harm ... continue reading -
Drugs on Mars and Venus
Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus is one of the most iconic books of the '90s, having sold more than 50 million copies. Its core theory is that men and women often think and act in dramatically different ways because of fundamental differences ...
... year before women (18.9 versus 19.9), but women try heroin four years, four months earlier than men (26.9 versus 31 ... awareness to the fact that, while illicit drugs affect the people who use them in similarly harmful ways ... 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 ...
... with a unique set of challenges, as an opiate dependency ultimately affects the whole family. For thousands of parents hooked on opiates like heroin and OxyContin, methadone maintenance programs promise to open the doors ... continue reading -
Roxy Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment
What Is Roxicodone Used For? Roxicodone (often called “roxies,” “roxy,” or “blues”) is one of the brand names for oxycodone —a powerful opioid prescription painkiller. Roxicodone is prescribed to alleviate pain that cannot be managed ...
... of pain reduction and/or high. Dependence —the body's demand for continued levels of Roxicodone in the system ... addiction is a major contributing factor to eventual heroin dependence . In fact, the National Institute on ... continue reading -
San Francisco Mayor Proposes Drug Distribution to Homeless
For San Francisco, the statistics related to opioid abuse are staggering: The Department of Public Health estimates there are 11,000 people addicted to heroin in San Francisco. It is estimated that thousands of these individuals are homeless. The ...
... to opioid abuse are staggering: The Department of Public Health estimates there are 11,000 people addicted to heroin in San Francisco. It is estimated that thousands of these individuals are homeless. The Public Works ... continue reading -
Fentanyl: The Newest Lethal Injection Ingredient
Fifty times stronger than heroin , the synthetic opioid fentanyl is flooding the drug market - and heightening the danger of overdose. In search of cheaper mixes and stronger highs, dealers now lace heroin and cocaine with this potent drug. We've ...
... cisatracurium. The valium and cisatracurium relax the body and reduce anxiety, while the fentanyl ... pounds of fentanyl and nearly 50 pounds of fentanyl-laced heroin out of circulation. Seized from an apartment in Queens, ... continue reading -
Addiction Self-Assessment Quizzes for Drugs and Alcohol
Use the following self-assessment quizzes to better understand common signs, symptoms, and behavioral changes related to substance misuse and addiction. The questions used in the following self-assessments are based on the diagnostic criteria ...
... whether you may have an unhealthy dependence on opiates. This class of drug encompasses both illicit heroin as well as morphine and prescription opioid painkillers such as OxyContin, Vicodin, Opana, Dilauded, fentanyl ... continue reading -
Which Side of the Naloxone Debate Are You On?
With the opioid epidemic claiming nearly 78 lives each and every day, President-elect Trump has his work cut out for him in the drug arena. One of his stated policies involves increasing access to naloxone, a medication used to reverse overdose from ...
... used to reverse overdose from opioids like heroin and prescription painkillers. But there are people ... , and that the nation's death toll from heroin and prescription opioids would be significantly higher without it ... continue reading -
First Responders Worry About Accidental Fentanyl Exposure
Fentanyl. It's known to be 50 times more potent than heroin, and a speck the size of a few grains of salt can kill. By now, you've probably heard of this beast and the toll it's taken on so many lives around the country. A whopping 5554 people ...
... overdosed on the synthetic opioid in 2014, and deaths continue to surge into 2017 as street drugs like heroin and cocaine are unknowingly laced with fentanyl. Proceed With Caution But users aren't the only ones urged ... continue reading -
The Effects of Vicodin Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
What Is Vicodin Used For? Vicodin is an prescription painkiller medication that is comprised of two substances: Hydrocodone . Acetaminophen . Hydrocodone is an opiate drug that works as a pain reliever and is useful in managing multiple levels of ...
... that are similar to those of other opiates , such as morphine and heroin. Opiate effects are achieved when the substance enters the body and connects to opioid receptors . These receptors are located throughout the ... continue reading -
Who Manufacturers All these Crazy Semi-Legal Designer Drugs?
Designer drugs have been subject of much media attention of late, as the Internet has made obtaining them easier than in the past. In many cases, it's simpler to order designer drugs online than to try to obtain street drugs. Designer drugs can be ...
... to try to obtain street drugs. Designer drugs can be just as dangerous if not more so than drugs like heroin, cocaine , and marijuana . Designer drugs are drugs created in a lab to mimic popular drugs. Because they are ... continue reading -
The Forefathers of Modern Illicit Drugs
While illicit drugs are a major concern in today's society, many of them didn't start off as recreational. On the contrary, many started off with medicinal and anesthetic purposes. Here's a look at some of the forefathers of modern illicit drugs, ...
... of the forefathers of modern illicit drugs, without whom heroin, cocaine, LSD, meth, and morphine would either be ... find a circulatory and respiratory stimulant that would not affect the uterus. The project was put to rest ... 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 ...
... them a language. This use of LSD would affect his work substantially during this period, and it left ... all the lyrics to Smells Like Teen Spirit? His use of heroin worried people, though, and in 1994, he joined the 27 ... continue reading -
Let's Talk About the Elephant Tranquilizer in the Room
It's 10,000 times more potent than morphine. It's 100 times more powerful than fentanyl . What is it? Carfentanil. Designed as a tranquilizer for elephants, this deadly substance has made its way into our nation's illegal drug market. It's often ...
... spread, thanks to users' who constantly seek more powerful drugs to get high. But this isn't your typical street heroin . Carfentanil's extreme potency doesn't mean it gives a “better” high; it means it will kill you. It ... continue reading -
Watch the Fahrenheit With Your Fentanyl
Fentanyl is an opiate (narcotic) pain reliever typically prescribed to people for severe, ongoing pain or after surgery. This medication is 50 times stronger than heroin and, needless to say, it can be very addictive. Fentanyl can be delivered in ...
... after surgery. This medication is 50 times stronger than heroin and, needless to say, it can be very ... is the transdermal patch. Patients place one patch an area of the body and it's worn for a period of up to three days; ... continue reading -
Suboxone Debate: What Is the Big Problem with Buprenorphine?
When it comes to this nation's chemical dependence, few drugs have achieved the notoriety and reputation of opioid drugs. In fact, things have spiraled so far out of control that opiate addiction is now considered an epidemic. Despite leaving a ...
... and-dry: As long as opioids are taken, your body manufactures a lower level of endorphins and increases the number ... . However, if you spend the whole day injecting heroin and suddenly decide to pop a Suboxone film under ... continue reading -
Introducing the Drug That Can Kill With a Single Dose
Just when we'd thought we'd heard it all, an even more lethal drug concoction popped up on our radar. It's just the latest killer in the opioid epidemic ravaging our country. Dubbed “gray death” by authorities, this high-potency cocktail is ...
... would anyone want to put this stuff in their body? Playing a Dangerous Game Law enforcement officials believe ... Oftentimes, users don't have a way of telling if the heroin they've purchased is pure or if it's laced with ... continue reading -
Pregnant & Court-Ordered to Take Vivitrol: Is My Baby Safe?
It's a question many women might be asking themselves, as more and more females of childbearing age are ordered by drug courts to take Vivitrol - the injectable form of naltrexone. An opioid-antagonist, Vivitrol blocks the brain receptors that bind ...
... blocks the brain receptors that bind to opioids, making it impossible to get high off of drugs like heroin, OxyContin, and Vicodin. In its injectable form, Vivitrol lasts for about a month. Quite a few judges, most ... continue reading -
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 ...
... are about 100,000 people addicted to the drug. But it is hard to accurately diagnose someone who also abuses heroin because of the similar symptoms. In the U.S. there was a major health scare last year after an Arizona ... 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, ...
... must study how the American drug crisis truly affects a range of demographics. For Americans between the ... Americans aged 18 to 25 had been outpaced in heroin and crack cocaine consumption, however. That tragic distinction ... continue reading
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