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3 Things You Should Never Say to an Addict
If someone you love is addicted to drugs or alcohol, then you're no stranger to heartache and worry. In addition to those feelings, bitterness and disappointment are probably unfortunate staples of your home. Life kind of becomes a pressure cooker; ...
... It'd be wonderful if all addicts could instantly stop feeding their addictions, but most need help . You can't ... . This becomes even more frustrating when you're a witness to multiple episodes of relapse. But if you give ... continue reading -
5 Lies All Addicts Tell Themselves
As an addict, life is a game of survival. Day after day is dedicated to avoiding withdrawals and hiding the outward signs of chemical dependency. On top of that, feeding an addiction means developing an arsenal of psychological defense mechanisms. ...
... whenever I want to. Control is a big deal for most addicts. This statement allows them to feel like they're still ... they don't get help, however, it's only a matter of time. Excuse #5 I don't care about my life and I don ... continue reading -
Why Do Binge Drinkers Have a Hard Time with Healing Wounds?
The term binge drinking applies when a pattern of alcohol consumption results in the rapid increase of blood-alcohol content that meets or exceeds the legal limits of intoxication. Experts have known for decades that the effects of binge drinking ...
... in intoxicated patients,” the researchers concluded. If you or someone you know struggles with binge drinking, learn more about alcohol abuse signs, symptoms and treatment options. Image Source: deathtothestockphoto.com continue reading -
Heroin's Death Toll Hits an All-Time High in New York
New York City has a serious heroin problem on their hands and new data released by the city's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene reveals just how deep the issue goes. In fact, more people died from unintentional heroin overdoses in New York ...
... from opioid pills leveled off during the same time period, with 215 deaths recorded in 2013. Dangerous ... died at the hands of heroin last year - that's 28 more deaths than Queens saw in 2012. Affluent areas of the north ... continue reading -
The 7 Most Addictive Prescription Medications
Prescription drugs are commonly given to people suffering from with injuries or illnesses. They're legal when you've been prescribed the medication by a legitimate medical provider. However, these drugs still can be addictive when taken as ...
... who have taken excessive amounts to produce euphoria. Those who take large amounts over a long period of time are most at risk for heart problems. 5. Darvocet Darvocet is an opioid used to ease the pain from serious ... continue reading -
Country vs. City Addictions: Are They Different?
Urban and rural addicts don't seem to have a whole lot in common, according to a report published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). In gathering data for this particular study, researchers looked at addiction ...
... or upon the referral of a family member or friend (22.8 percent versus 38.7 percent). Urban addicts were more likely to enter a treatment program voluntarily or under the pressure of family members. Substances of Abuse ... continue reading -
5 Naloxone Myths Debunked
Naloxone History Lesson Naloxone is not a new medication. In fact, emergency responders have used naloxone since the 1960s. Today, worried parents keep naloxone on hand, law enforcement officers carry the medication in case of life-threatening ...
... against opiate -related overdose deaths. Myth #1: Naloxone Encourages Addicts to Take More Drugs Truth: Research has shown that naloxone does not encourage more substance abuse . In fact, if anything, it decreases the ... continue reading -
Do Women Pay a Higher Price for Smoking Weed?
Tetrahydrocannibinol, better known as THC, is the most potent component of marijuana. It's the chemical that causes feelings of euphoria and makes users feel “high.” When someone uses marijuana, THC quickly travels into the bloodstream, through ...
... affects everyone the same, research has proven otherwise time and again. However, THC tolerance studies have only ... more severe in women. And to top it off, women also have a higher likelihood of relapsing after quitting ... 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 ...
... child stop drinking. If you fear that the problem is more serious than a mild problem, try talking to your child ... in your family drink heavily, now may be the time to quit. If you and your child can participate in a ... continue reading -
Dangers of Snorting and Sniffing Drugs
Different routes of administration like snorting, sniffing, smoking, or injecting when you are using drugs can produce various effects based on how quickly the drug is absorbed into the body and the bloodstream. 1 Methods like smoking or injecting ...
... or injecting produce a quicker, more intense high, whereas snorting takes more time to produce the same effect ... therapist regularly to learn strategies to avoid relapse and strengthen coping skills. Aftercare services , ... continue reading -
Overdosing on Sleep Medication Is a Big Problem
According to a recent survey , 69 percent of primary care patients complain of insomnia and other sleep issues. To solve the problem, doctors often prescribe sleeping pills or hypnotic medications. However, many people end up using these drugs for ...
... solve the problem, doctors often prescribe sleeping pills or hypnotic medications. However, many people end up using these drugs for long stretches of time, unaware that the medications are only for short-term use. This ... 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, ...
... times more potent than morphine). Prince was reportedly first prescribed opioids for knee pain from jumping on stage and he soon became addicted ... sober for over 20 years, he relapsed into drinking in 2004. He checked ... continue reading -
5 NFL Players Who Tackled Their Addictions
Drugs and alcohol have become a major part of NFL culture. From March 2013 to March 2014, NFL players were arrested 27 times on drug charges, and several players have also received lengthy suspensions for positive drug tests, including Cleveland ...
... many current and former NFL stars have beaten the odds. Here are 5 examples of NFL players who successfully ... the sober life.” Erik Ainge (New York Jets) Shortly before training camp began for the 2010 season, Ainge, 28, ... continue reading -
The 25 Best Sources for Drug Addiction Research
1. Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) : Aims to bring effective substance abuse prevention to every community; works to improve accessibility to and quality of substance abuse prevention services. 2. Center for Substance Abuse Treatment ...
... American Addiction Centers (AAC) for free at to learn more about treatment options. You can also check your insurance ... Hotline Numbers How to Help a Drug Addict Drug and Alcohol Detoxification Rehab Without Insurance ... 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 ...
... illicit drugs during pregnancy are up to 2 times more likely to have stillbirths. Some infants become ... , help is available. Addiction is a chronic, relapsing medical condition, and substance use disorders are treated as ... 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 ...
... time. This could lead a person to use more of the drugs to achieve the same feelings that they felt before. ... treatment that meets your requirements. 8 Dealing With Relapse Treatment for substance use can be effective, but ... continue reading -
Smoking Can be a Serious Pain…in the Back
If you have chronic back pain and are a long-time smoker, the latter may be causing the former, according to a study released by the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University. A New Worry for Smokers The study, which was published in ...
... concluded that smokers are as much as three times more likely to develop chronic back pain than nonsmokers. ... , is if you smoke and have no back pain, quit before you develop a chronic condition. What Smokers Need to Know ... continue reading -
What Are the Current Substance Addiction Trends Among Teens Today?
Although you might think your home is drug-free, your teenager might know otherwise. Many of the current substance abuse and addiction trends among teens today are shocking simply because they involve household products that are readily available. ...
... for teens to get their hands on nitrous oxide, more commonly known as laughing gas. This is the same ... actress Demi Moore was said to be abusing Whip-Its before she was hospitalized. Given these current substance or drug ... continue reading -
Drug Abuse Policies in the United States
What Are Drug Policies in the U.S.? In America, drug policy involves the laws that control the distribution and use of both prescription and illicit drugs. From the classification of drugs according to their potential for abuse to the legalization ...
... these released inmates will need to have solid relapse prevention strategies in place. Social and familial support ... can occur in any group. However, certain groups are more likely to be at risk for drug misuse. For members ... continue reading -
30 Famous Athletes Who Have Battled Drug Addiction and Alcoholism
1. Michael Phelps Eight-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer Michael Phelps has not only plunged into the water, but also into drugs. In 2009, he lost his endorsement contract with Kellogg's after a photo emerged of him taking a hit of marijuana . 2. ...
... cocaine use. He entered rehab in 1987 but later relapsed and was suspended from playing in the 1995 season. ... All-Time” list, was once busted for cocaine and marijuana possession. 26. Lawrence Taylor One of the most ... continue reading -
Your Brain on Drugs: Studying Cocaine's Effect on Blood Flow
Stimulant drugs like cocaine can cause serious blood flow problems within the brain. When there is an insufficient flow of rich, oxygenated blood to the brain, it can result in aneurysm-like bleeding and strokes. Researchers have developed a new ...
... drop in blood flow speed. For the very first time, researchers were also able to identify cocaine-induced microischemia ... drug addicts, improve brain-cancer surgery techniques, and boost tissue engineering. Learn more ... continue reading -
Drug Use and the Pancreas: What Medications Affect the Pancreas?
The pancreas plays a major role in the body's digestive system. From blood sugar regulation to digestion, the pancreas is constantly hard at work. However, the pancreas can become inflamed and, over time, accumulate scarring and damage as a result ...
... is smoking . Smokers are 2 to 3 times more like to develop pancreatic cancer than nonsmokers (American ... both contribute to your risk. There is evidence that quitting smoking can decrease your risk of pancreatic cancer. In ... 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 ...
... Like many chronic medical conditions, treatment may not be curative, but the condition can be successfully managed ... can be adversely affected by drug-related changes, over time. 2 Thus motivation, memory, ability to think ... 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 ...
... by the Guinness World Records as the most awarded female act of all time, was repeatedly in and out of rehab ... Elton John was, in his own words, “a drug addict and self-absorbed.” Although he came out HIV-negative, he ... continue reading -
The “Hitting Rock Bottom” Myth
Misinformation and myths surrounding addiction are incredibly problematic in the world of substance misuse, addiction, and recovery. Misinformation and myths can result in missed opportunities for treatment, worsening conditions, and significant ...
... addicted to drugs or alcohol is just as vulnerable as their physical health. Many substances overstimulate the release of a neurotransmitter called dopamine. Over time ... of recovery and relapse, so resistance, continued ... continue reading -
Dangerous Additives: What's Really in Your Cocaine?
Cocaine is one of the most lethal illegal substances. This can be explained by the extraordinary psychoactive and biological effects of the drug. Cocaine is the single most powerful central nervous system stimulant. At high doses, it can stop the ...
... is speculated that producers mix levamisole with cocaine because it adds weight to the powder, making the cocaine more valuable. It is also nearly impossible to detect when mixed into cocaine, and may serve to mask other ... 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 ...
... smokers can significantly lower their cancer risk by quitting. Cancer risk will significantly decrease within a ... substances to the drug to create more of the product and boost profits. At times, the product used to cut the ... continue reading -
An Uncomfortable Truth: Drug Abuse Raises STD Rates
A new study claims that swingers play a major role in the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) but, in addition to the sex, it's their drug abuse that is ultimately contributing to this increase. Linking Drugs and STDs Researchers at the ...
... same journal found that men who drank 9.9 grams or more of alcohol per day had a significantly higher rate of human ... and Infection found that female drinkers were 3 times more likely than non-drinkers to test positive for ... continue reading -
Alcohol Poisoning Deaths Are Occurring at an Alarming Rate
The perception that it's the college crowd most given to binge drinking and alcohol poisoning has just been proven false, thanks to a study recently released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Cause of a Deadly Problem Of ...
... binge drinking an excessive amount of alcohol in a short period of time. This form of drinking is defined as 4 or more drinks in one occasion and 5 or more for men. The massive quantity of alcohol used by binge drinkers ... continue reading -
Six Colossal Drug Abuse Meltdowns and How to Spot the Warning Signs
It's no mystery that celebrities, as well as the everyday Joe, can have problems with drugs. Because celebrities are in the limelight, though, we often see the drug abuse meltdown of famous people more prominently. The following six meltdowns were ...
... stint, along with a breakdown at her home, got Britney time in a psychiatric ward after a jury discovered that she regularly took thirty or more prescription amphetamine pills per day. Her prescription drug use was out ... continue reading -
Workplace Drug Abuse
The Problem of Workplace Drug Abuse Of all drug users, 68.9% are employed and active in the workplace, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) . Additionally, 1/3 of all employees are aware of illegal sale of drugs ...
... this privately or outside of work if it makes you more comfortable. Never feel that you are risking a coworker' ... will occur. Reporting your suspicions can also prompt an addict to seek treatment . If you feel that you have ... continue reading -
Mind Over Matter: The Psychological Grip of Addiction
For most people addicted to drugs or alcohol, the compulsive desire to use is complex. That urge is often triggered by certain environments, thoughts or past experiences. And while addiction is classically thought of as a physical dependence, the ...
... take place that include nausea, headaches or restlessness. Many addicts looking to get clean will go through a detox ... those emotions time and again, so they continually pursue them—despite the heavy cost. Addicts can ... continue reading -
Alcohol Effects on Teeth: Alcohol Can Wreck Your Smile
People who consume alcohol excessively and regularly are at great risk of developing tooth decay and periodontal disease. Even having a few drinks regularly can begin to break down the enamel on teeth. Alcohol and Tooth Decay The process goes like ...
... care of myself emotionally again, as well,” says Lisa. Learn more about the short- and long-term effects of alcohol abuse . ... Our caring representatives can take your call at any time, day or night. You can also check your ... continue reading -
A Closer Look at the History and Use of Cocaine
Cocaine is a popular CNS (central nervous system) stimulant that is naturally derived from the cocoa plant, which is most commonly grown in South America's Andean region. Though its proper chemical name is benzoylmethyl ecgonine (C17H21NO4), users ...
... or frequent users to quit without professional help . That said, many people who use cocaine ... 000 people over the age of 12 used cocaine for the first time during the course of the previous 12 months. This figure may ... continue reading -
What Can I Do if My Mother or Father Is an Alcoholic or Drug Abuser?
One of the most common issues we hear about is that a parent has become an addict and the children don't know what to do about it. Sometimes, they're scared of being taken away from the parent if the authorities find out. Sometimes they want the ...
One of the most common issues we hear about is that a parent has become an addict and the children don't know ... persistent. If your parent does refuse to talk the first time, try again and again. Eventually, you should get ... continue reading -
Alcohol Is Addictive… But Is It Also Contagious?
A quick choice to consume alcohol doesn't just affect you—it may also affect those around you, particularly in social situations. New research suggests that, whether or not they are aware of it, people in groups are influenced by each other's ...
... or someone you know struggles with binge drinking, learn more about alcohol abuse signs, symptoms , and treatment options ... your location. Please contact AAC free at at any time, day or night. You can also check your ... 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 ...
... more immediately, may peak more quickly, and ultimately last for a shorter period of time. ... 30 to 60 minutes before reaching the brain), the effects felt after consuming edibles will often be more gradual in onset but ... continue reading -
History of Drug Abuse and Addiction in the U.S. and Throughout the World
What Is the History of Substance Abuse Rehabilitation? As drugs have been abused for hundreds of years all over the world, their effects have been felt for just as long. For as long as drugs have been used, there have been those who have abused ...
... addicts a variety of treatment approaches , ranging from traditional, evidenced-based care to more ... this war unable to function without morphine , according to Time's The Civil War: An Illustrated History. A similar ... continue reading -
What You Need to Know About Secondhand Drinking
Lisa Frederiksen likens the public's understanding of secondhand drinking to 30 years ago when doctors proved that lung cancer in nonsmokers was a direct link to secondhand cigarette smoke. Frederiksen, author, speaker, consultant and founder of ...
... track. Call us at . Long-Term Effects FFSRS, the most well-known brain map, is essentially triggered by stress-producing ... on by danger-related memories. Continued over time, this habitual brain map sets up physical ... 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 ...
... possessions. 4 Symptoms of intoxication or withdrawal , depending on the time since their last use. 6,7 If you think a loved ... of a more formal treatment program. It can play a large role in reducing relapse and maintaining ... continue reading -
Shocking Report: Smoking Weed Can Damage Your DNA
Scientists are finding “convincing evidence” that marijuana can damage DNA and even cause certain forms of cancer. These revelations are more than alarming, considering that Alaska, Oregon, Colorado, Washington and the city of Washington, D.C. ...
... old attitudes and beliefs about the dangers of marijuana shift as more constituencies vote to legalize marijuana for medical purposes and for small-time recreational purposes. What may get lost in the shift, however, is ... continue reading -
5 Genius Minds Who Dabbled in Drugs
For hundreds and thousands of years, human beings have experimented with drugs. Some people used illicit substances to celebrate the gods; some used drugs to “communicate” with the other side. As time went on, people began using drugs for a ...
... drugs to “communicate” with the other side. As time went on, people began using drugs for a quick ... studies have shown that people with higher IQs are far more likely to use drugs than people with average IQs. Here ... continue reading -
Study Indicates Pot Really Can Lower Your IQ
This is your brain on pot: A new study has found that regular marijuana use is linked to both lower IQ scores and impaired decision making skills. It's All in Your Mind The findings from the University of California Davis Centre for Neuroscience ...
... that of non-marijuana users. Even more compelling, the gap was much more significant in those who started smoking at ... not something the human brain can sustain over time. “The results suggest increases in connectivity, ... 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 ...
... drug may be amplified. As a result, the kidneys are more easily prone to toxicity from certain drugs and other substances. ... or drinking excess amounts of alcohol over time can harm the kidneys directly. However, even ... 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 ...
... University of Utah found that meth users were 3 times more likely than non-illicit drug users to develop Parkinson' ... peas, soybeans, and nuts. As many as 80% of people who are addicted to alcohol do not get enough ... continue reading -
Is There a Cure for Alcoholism?
We're often asked whether there's a cure for alcoholism. Often this is by a concerned partner or friend, and sometimes it's by someone who suffers from the disease. Like many diseases, however, the answer lies between yes and no. The problem with ...
... cravings again, thousands of people in virtually identical positions do not experience the same cure. Time and training are the most important aspects of alcoholism treatment . While you'll never get rid of the cravings ... continue reading -
Understanding Teen Alcoholism and Finding Teen Alcohol Treatment Help
Facing teen alcoholism can be difficult for any family. Even when the teen who is abusing alcohol is ready and willing to accept help, the battle can be tough. If the family needs to stage an intervention in order to get the teen to accept help, it ...
... with a crowd that drinks or abuses drugs, it is more likely that your teen will eventually do so. Not all ... about issues like money or where he or she is spending time, then it is possible that your teen is drinking. If ... continue reading -
Drug Abuse and Cardiovascular Health Risks: How Do Drugs Affect the Heart?
What Are the Dangers of Drug Use? Both illicit and prescription drugs present many risks to individuals who misuse them. Drug abuse affects the brain in many ways that may lead to unpredictable, dangerous behaviors, social and emotional problems, ...
... heart itself. 3 Cocaine and Heart Attacks Cocaine is one of the most widely misused stimulants in the U.S., with 1.7% of ... are not habitual drug users. Those who are addicted to drugs are at even greater risk because these ... continue reading -
Addiction Stigma: Dangers, Reducing Stigma, and Substance Abuse Treatment
Individuals with a substance use disorder—the clinical diagnosis for an addiction—sometimes feel shame or internalize the disease as a moral failing due to long-standing stigma associated with the disease of addiction. A stigma is an attribute, ...
... more likely to favor punishment (jail time) for individuals labeled “substance abusers.” 3 Other labels that perpetuate addiction stigma include: 3 Addict ... without substances. Preventing relapse through recognizing, coping ... 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 ...
... mindful of the following tips: 5,7 Don't take more than the recommended dose of acetaminophen or other non-prescription ... recommended dose for an extended period of time. Follow your doctor's prescribing instructions ... continue reading -
Risk of Counterfeit and Laced Drugs
Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that approximately 27 million people aged 12 and older were current illicit drug users. This figure amounts to 1 in every 10 people having used illegal drugs in the past month. With ...
... individuals to buy drugs after filling out questionnaires. Any time you take a drug in the absence of a ... . Please give us a call today free at to learn more about available recovery options and resources. We can help you ... continue reading -
Quantifying the Insane Alcohol Consumption of the U.S.
In the United States, more than half of adults over the age of 18 are regular drinkers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Also, more than 13% of people over 18 identify themselves as infrequent drinkers. In 2010, almost ...
... You can contact an admissions navigator with American Addiction Centers (AAC) free at at any time, day or night, to learn more about alcohol addiction treatment options and rehab programs. You can also check your health ... 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 ...
... can trigger hallucinations, the inability to track time, and an altered sense of reality. They ... Loved One With Drug Misuse or Addiction Identifying and learning more about the substances that a loved one is misusing can ... 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” ...
... William S. Burroughs Most famous for his book titled Junkie, Burroughs was a heroin and opioid addict . He even ... kill him. Charles Dickens Writer of the most famous Christmas novel of all time, Dickens wasn't so much food, ... continue reading -
The 10 Most Insane Drug Addict Movie Characters
Insanity is a hard thing to define, but there are a number of characters in films who are definitely nuts in some way. Here's a quick rundown: 1. Francis Begbie Francis Begbie from Trainspotting was played by Robert Carlyle. A violent, intimidating ...
... of drugs Of course, who better to play an addict than Robert Downey Jr.? The character of Rip (James ... handler. The movie is very messed up—but what's even more messed up is that it's based on the author's life ... continue reading -
How to Help an Opiate Addict
Help for Opiate Addicts Opiates are some of the most abused drugs in America, with prescription opiates accounting for up to 5.1 million cases of addiction. Around 210 million doses of opiates, including morphine , OxyContin , and Vicodin , were ...
... offer loving support and concern for the addicted individual. Avoid including people who cannot contain ... through additional recovery efforts. Many people relapse several times before successfully getting sober. You can ... 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 ...
... can make people do crazy things. Here's a look at seven of the most outrageous methods ever used to fund a drug addiction: Law Breakers Addicts in Baltimore took recycling to a whole new level by cutting down city light ... 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 ...
... consider what type of program will fit your needs. Before choosing a program, you may want to meet with ... with cravings and prevent relapse . After initial treatment, many recovering ecstasy addicts find benefit from ... 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 ...
... to accept the help they need. Sometimes, addicts are unwilling to take even this initial ... times leading to relapse and sometimes overdose. Supervised detoxification helps prevent relapse and makes withdrawal symptoms more ... continue reading -
Am I Addicted to Prescription Drugs? How Can I Quit Safely?
If you've been using prescription drugs in a way that was not intended by your doctor, then it is possible that you are dependent on them, and dependency often leads to addiction. While addiction can be frightening, the good news is there's plenty ...
... addicted to drugs may neglect important responsibilities in order to spend more time using. For example, those addicted to drugs are more ... help you overcome your addiction and avoid relapsing . You may go to an inpatient ... continue reading -
How to Stay Healthy When Someone You Love Is Addicted to Drugs or Alcohol
“Self-care is essential to finding ways to limit the unwanted influence of substance use in your life.” When someone you love is abusing substances like alcohol and/or other drugs, you are likely to focus solely on the damage the addiction is ...
... and attention. Changes in weight from overeating or eating too little. Having an addicted loved one is an enormous stressor. The more time and energy you put towards your loved one, the fewer resources you have left ... 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 ...
... get the treatment they deserve. How to Approach an Addict Suspecting that someone you love has an issue with drug ... learn about substance abuse and techniques to prevent relapse . Family therapy . Including family in the ... continue reading -
How to Help a Tussionex Addict
Tussionex is a combination of hydrocodone, an opioid painkiller and cough suppressant, and chlorpheniramine, an antihistamine which eases allergy symptoms 1 . As a cough medicine, Tussionex is frequently prescribed to both children and adults. It is ...
... someone doesn't have to reach rock bottom before making a commitment to change and seeking treatment. ... approach. This has been shown to be more effective, as many addicted people will walk away from a harsh confrontation ... continue reading -
How to Help a Percocet Addict
Help for Percocet Addicts If you're battling an addiction to Percocet (the combination of acetaminophen and oxycodone - an opiate-derived pain reliever ), you're not alone. According to the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately ...
... You might find yourself thinking about Percocet several times per day or wondering where you're going to get more when you run out. You may be addicted to Percocet if one or more of the following statements apply to you ... continue reading -
How to Help a Bath Salts Addict
Are Bath Salts Addictive? Bath salts are addictive. The drugs are notoriously known for producing serious side effects that may be damaging from the first hit. They are a synthetic type of cathinone—found in nature in the khat plant. Cathinones ...
... you are thinking of approaching a bath salts addict, prepare ahead of time and consider enlisting the help of a professional ... They may be used to help prevent the chance of relapse as a person gets back on his or her feet ... 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 ...
... you love is addicted to Vicodin , it may be time to consider approaching them about getting help before it's too late ... push those attempting to detox into an opioid relapse . Because of this, professional treatment is ... 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 ...
... medications as prescribed, especially when more painkillers are consumed over time to combat increasing tolerance to ... detoxification process is often intense enough to trigger relapse. For this reason, there are a ... continue reading -
Quitting Smoking In Addiction Recovery
Among patients in treatment programs for drug abuse and addiction (also known as substance use disorder, or SUD), as many as 97% also use tobacco 1 . Although the health dangers of cigarette smoking are well known, most smokers who enter drug ...
... in recovery than other drugs. Trying to quit smoking and other drugs at the same time will be too difficult and will hurt patients' chances of successfully getting sober. More recently, studies into the links between ... continue reading -
How to Help an Oxycontin Addict
OxyContin is a dangerous drug when not used properly, and it's easy to fall into the trap of addiction. Fortunately, there is help out there for anyone who is addicted to the substance, and it's never been easier to get help. How to Approach an ...
... successfully helped family and friends influence their loved one to enter a treatment program. OxyContin Addiction Treatment Many ... addiction or you have attempted to quit in the past and relapsed, you may prefer to attend ... continue reading -
How to Help an Ativan Addict
If you struggle with an addiction to a drug like Ativan, it is important to remember that you don't have to fight your battle alone . Finding a rehab facility that offers Ativan addiction help is not difficult. In fact, it's as easy as calling a ...
... quit using drugs. However, with treatment, some of these neurological changes can be reversed and your loved one can successfully ... period. Learn more about the effects of Ativan use . Am I Addicted to Ativan? Addictions ... continue reading -
How to Help Someone Addicted to Oxycodone
While oxycodone is a prescription medication, it is also an opioid that can be misused. 1 In 2020, over 2.5 million people in the U.S. aged 12 and older reported having an opioid use disorder (OUD). 2 It is never too late to get help for oxycodone ...
... also be difficult to know how to help someone addicted to oxycodone. This page will discuss how you ... least one year after completing rehab to help prevent relapse. 11 This would involve attending a counseling session once ... continue reading -
How to Help a Klonopin Addict
Klonopin (clonazepam) is a sedative hypnotic drug of the benzodiazepine class. While it is effective for short-term treatment of anxiety, insomnia, and seizures, it has a strong potential for addiction and is widely abused. If you find that you or a ...
... free at for more information on types of treatment programs available. How to Approach an Addicted Loved One It ... of time. You want to quit and have tried to quit several times unsuccessfully. A great deal of time is ... continue reading -
Am I Addicted to Painkillers? How Can I Quit Safely?
If you've been taking painkillers for an extended time, particularly after the pain that originally prompted their use has subsided, you might well wonder whether you're addicted to painkillers. Though many people take painkillers following a ...
... First you need to determine whether you're addicted to your painkillers. Ask yourself a few questions ... time you take it until your body no longer needs it. This can take weeks or months, but many patients can successfully ... continue reading -
How to Help a Lorazepam Addict
Lorazepam addiction can be extremely dangerous. Fortunately, a multitude of programs exist for those suffering to find help. How to Approach a Lorazepam-Addicted Loved One Few things are more difficult than watching a friend or family member suffer ...
... -Addicted Loved One Few things are more ... addicts continue using lorazepam despite negative physical, mental, and social consequences. A structured addiction treatment program can promote successful recovery and relapse ... continue reading -
Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms and Quitting Adderall Use
What Is Adderall Used For? Adderall—a branded formulation of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine —is a stimulant that doctors prescribe for the management of: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Narcolepsy. As a prescription ...
... supervised facility can help eliminate the danger of relapsing during this period of intense drug craving. ... at high doses—or for long periods of time—can produce even more dangerous effects, like strokes, heart attacks, ... continue reading -
How to Help Someone Addicted to Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid with a high potential for misuse, addiction, and overdose. 1 Far more powerful than other opioids like heroin or morphine, fentanyl can cause an overdose can be life-threatening, in addition to the high potential for ...
... understanding the complexities of addiction and recovery is crucial before having the conversation. 2 At the end of ... you are more helpful to your loved one if your own needs are met. Signs Someone May Be Addicted to ... 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 ...
... and leave you particularly at risk of relapse . Most facilities will encourage you to stay in ... alprazolam? Do you use alprazolam when you first wake up or before you go to bed? Do you avoid people because they don' ... continue reading -
How to Help a Demerol Addict
If you suspect that a loved one is abusing Demerol or you know someone who is trying to quit using the substance, there are ways that you can help. How to Approach an Addict It is important to understand how to address the situation in a supportive ...
... trying to quit using the substance, there are ways that you can help. How to Approach an Addict It is ... make a confidential call to our treatment support specialists at any time, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Take your ... continue reading -
Effects of Smoking Marijuana While Pregnant and How to Quit Weed Smoking Weed
Effects of Marijuana on a Developing Fetus Although marijuana is one of the most widely used illicit drugs, there is limited data on the prevalence of marijuana use among pregnant women. One report estimated marijuana use during pregnancy to be ...
... up, and, due to legalization of the drug in many areas, more people are using it than ever. 2 When a ... develop a treatment plan that will fit your needs. Quitting marijuana use while you are pregnant requires a combination ... continue reading -
Advice and Tips for Parents of Addicted Children
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that nearly 1 out of every 4 18-20-year-olds abused an illicit substance in the past month. Furthermore, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association (SAMHSA) found that more than 20 ...
... your needs a priority and is a valuable tool for parents of addicted children. As you attempt to care for your child's needs ... to be a long-term condition marked by periods of relapse and recovery . In this way, it is not ... continue reading -
How to Help a Clonazepam Addict
Help for Clonazepam Addicts Clonazepam (brand name: Klonopin ) is a prescription tranquilizer used to treat seizures and panic disorders. It falls within the class of drugs known as benzodiazepines , which are known for their sedating effects. ...
... non-medically, their brain will eventually begin to need more and more of the drug to achieve the same “feel-good ... your addiction. Learn proactive ways to prevent relapse . Practice coping skills to help you effectively ... continue reading -
How to Help a Dextroamphetamine Addict
How to Approach an Addict If someone in your life is struggling with an addiction to dextroamphetamine, you may be experiencing a lot of emotions, such as fear, concern, anger, and frustration. You may be willing to try anything to get them into ...
... contingency management . Addiction doesn't just affect the addicted. It also impacts their families and loved ones, who ... trigger relapse . Many prefer to get clean in a supervised detoxification program before beginning ... continue reading -
How to Help a Meth Addict
Methamphetamine (“meth”) is a substance that has very limited medical use. The drug is only available legally under the name Desoxyn , which is a medication with limited therapeutic application for the treatment of obesity and ADHD. As a ...
... , it may be time to consider talking to ... many different interventions for recovery and also makes plans for a comprehensive aftercare program will allow the recovering addict to learn the skills needed to prevent relapse ... continue reading -
How to Help an Ambien Addict
Ambien is a brand name for zolpidem , a medication prescribed for the management of insomnia . A few other formulations of the same medication with differing delivery methods are marketed under the names: Edluar and Intermezzo —Sublingual zolpidem ...
... . Tolerance With Ambien, you will need more of the substance as time goes on to achieve the same sleep ... use, enter a period of recovery, and avoid future relapse . Sleep hygiene training. Since poor sleep is a motivating ... continue reading -
How to Help a Methadone Addict
Help for Methadone Addicts Methadone is an opioid drug; however, it is beneficial in the treatment of heroin dependence and other forms of opiate abuse. While it is regularly used in the management of opioid dependence, methadone itself is ...
... read more here . Methadone Addiction Treatment Because methadone is so addictive, it can be hard to quit using ... high doses in an attempt to get high. Am I Addicted to Methadone? If you keep taking the drug regardless of ... continue reading -
How to Help a Tramadol Addict
Help for Tramadol Addiction If you have been struggling with an addiction to tramadol, or you know someone who has, finding the proper treatment program is essential. Treatment for addiction can restore your quality of life. Regardless of how long ...
... to Approach a Tramadol Addict If your loved one ... more flexible. Since you don't live at the rehab center, you have time to work a full-time job and take care of your family responsibilities; however, the risk of relapse ... continue reading -
How to Help a Crystal Meth Addict
What Is Crystal Methamphetamine? Crystal methamphetamine—also known as crystal meth—is a highly addictive white, crystalline drug that can be taken by snorting, smoking, or injecting into the body. The drug also has some common street names, ...
... If at all possible, try to catch them at a sober time (ideally, when motivation to get better is high) to ... failed. Recovery is a lifelong process and most often, multiple relapses are a normal part of the process. ... continue reading -
Am I Addicted to Klonopin? How Can I Quit Safely?
Klonopin is a brand name for the drug clonazepam . It's a benzodiazepine that affects the way chemicals in the brain work. It helps reduce anxiety , can treat seizure disorders, and may be used to treat panic disorders. Those taking it sometimes ...
... ve tried stopping the drug unsuccessfully, you might be addicted to Klonopin . Be sure to discuss how to ... you to cut down on your dosage by 10% at a time at most. You should reduce the dosage every 7 to 14 days, depending ... continue reading -
What Drugs Cause the Most Insane Behavior?
Many substances that are addictive cause mental changes or unusual behavior. Even if a substance does not inherently have mind-altering properties, people who are addicted to it may display strange behavior if they need the drug are unable to obtain ...
Many substances that are addictive cause mental changes or unusual behavior. Even if a substance does not inherently have mind-altering properties, people who are addicted to it may display strange behavior if they need ... continue reading -
How to Help a Steroid Addict
Help for Steroid Addicts People who are addicted to steroids may need professional help to stop taking the drugs. While the dependency that develops as a result of their use may be different from that of other, more commonly abused substances, ...
... If you begin taking drugs more often or not as prescribed, you may be addicted . Steroid Addiction Treatment If ... cope with any triggers that could potentially result in relapse . In addition, adjunct therapy, such as ... 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 ...
... stigmatizing, so negative communication can push the addict further away. You will likely see better ... Is there a bed available immediately? The more you ask ahead of time, the more comfortable you'll feel about the program ... continue reading -
How to Help Someone Addicted to Cocaine
Knowing how to help a friend, family member, peer, or coworker with an addiction to cocaine is difficult. Addiction can take a serious toll on relationships, making a conversation about addiction treatment even more challenging. While this type of ...
... one is either on coke or addicted to cocaine, some of the more common signs and symptoms include: 2 ... other disease. Addiction is widely recognized as a chronic, relapsing disease of the brain. 3 While it may have been ... continue reading -
How to Help an Inhalant Addict
What Is Inhalant Abuse? Inhalant abuse can be defined as the intentional inhalation of vapors through sniffing or huffing from chemical products to become intoxicated, or achieve a high. These chemical products are commonly found in everyday ...
... rag into a bag, allowing the gases to become more concentrated before inhaling. Nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) is commonly ... skills needed to cope with these triggers, prevent relapse , and live a healthy life of sobriety ... continue reading -
Can You Get Addicted to Crystal Meth After the First Use?
What Is Crystal Meth? Crystal meth is a powerful, synthetically made stimulant. It can be ingested orally, injected intravenously , snorted , or smoked. Crystal meth is notorious for its high addictive potential, and many people suggest that taking ...
... addictive potential, and many people suggest that taking just one hit will get you addicted. Just how powerful ... oral ingestion might take closer to 15-20 minutes before the full effects are realized. The crystal meth high ... continue reading -
How to Help a PCP Addict
What Is PCP? PCP, or phencyclidine—commonly called “angel dust” —was developed in the 1950s as an intravenously administered anesthetic. PCP is no longer approved for medical use, and it is now only found on the illicit market. Most ...
... use, and it is now only found on the illicit market. Most commonly, the street drug form of PCP is a white, ... ideation. Am I Addicted to PCP? If you're worried about your use of PCP, it's likely time to seek treatment. ... 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 ...
... potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. The FDA approves this powerful painkiller for 1 , 2 : Use before surgery as an adjunct to anesthesia, and in some cases, during postoperative recovery. Treating ... continue reading -
Can You Get Addicted to Cocaine After the First Use?
How Addictive Is Cocaine? Drugs like cocaine have reputations for being extremely addictive, but still many people will want to try them “just once.” It's easy to wonder, “just how addictive is cocaine (really)?” Cocaine is a very addictive ...
... can you really get addicted to cocaine after trying it one time? The Center for Substance ... Considering Trying Cocaine Are you considering using cocaine? Answer these questions before you do. What do I have to lose? What do ... continue reading -
How to Help a Hash Addict
How to Approach a Hash Addict It is extremely difficult to watch loved ones or close friends with any type of addiction continue to engage in potentially destructive behaviors. Many struggle with whether to confront their loved one and how to go ...
... the addicted individual and someone who is extremely concerned about him. It can also be a more classic ... skills, engaging in a proactive form of relapse prevention, and addressing any other issues of importance ... continue reading -
How to Help a Hydrocodone Addict
How to Approach a Hydrocodone Addict The abuse of hydrocodone can lead to serious health and social consequences, making the support of family and friends a priority. Loved ones can play an important role in helping an addicted individual seek ...
... in helping an addicted individual seek professional help. There are many different views and opinions ... people who use hydrocodone for an extended amount of time to develop a chemical dependency to the medication, ... continue reading -
Can You Get Addicted to Heroin After the First Use?
Heroin has the reputation of being one of the most addictive illicit drugs. Many government and academic institutions report that heroin is either very addictive or highly addictive . Adding to the risk associated with the substance is the number of ...
... restore your health and wellbeing. How Do You Get Addicted to Heroin? The path to addiction is different for ... still contemplate using heroin for the first time. Before making such a potentially life-altering decision, ... continue reading
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