How To Do A Family Intervention

Drug Abuse Intervention

Addiction and Drug Abuse Drug abuse is one of the most serious health risks in the United States. People of all ages can fall into a destructive habit of using illicit or prescription drugs. Over time, the human body builds up a tolerance to the ...

... help, the person would likely never change and therefore need outside persuasion. A drug intervention allows a small group of friends and family to approach the person. It is intended to convince the drug abuser that ... 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 ...

... loved one, you may wish to utilize one of the following: An intervention. Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT). Intervention A planned and proper intervention consists of one or more close friends and/or ... 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 ...

... use and seek treatment, CRAFT teaches that person's family and loved ones to: 7 Adjust their own behaviors, ... to carry out an intervention, a professional interventionist can help you create a structured and well-planned ... 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, ...

... address the problem. CRAFT teaches family and friends how to engage a substance abuser in a productive and helpful way that will ... —using diverse modalities of treatment intervention and multiple types of therapeutic ... 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 ...

... . Meetings are led by members rather than a professional. Family education and therapy . Substance abuse and addiction ... A treatment program that utilizes many different interventions for recovery and also makes plans for a ... 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 ...

... families dealing with substance abuse. 14. National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information (NCADI) : Distributes publications and other research about drug abuse intervention ... . Partnership for a Drug-Free America ... continue reading

Treatment for LSD Abuse: How to Treat LSD Addiction

Psychoactive substances, by definition, change the way people think and feel. Hallucinogens do this in a unique way, by altering the way that humans sense and perceive the world—making false visual, auditory, and tactile sensations seem real. One ...

... them to accept help. Should I Use an Intervention? In cases where a person steadfastly refuses to cut back or quit ... in substance abuse treatment by properly engaging family and community members. People who comprise the ... continue reading

How to Get Help for Barbiturate Addiction

How to Approach a Barbiturate Addict Knowing how to approach a loved one who you believe is addicted to barbiturates can be a difficult and daunting task if you do not fully understand addiction. Fortunately, there are professionals who can help you ...

... with addiction include interventions and Community Reinforcement and Family Training, or CRAFT. Interventions A formally and properly staged intervention is led by a professional—typically, a substance abuse therapist ... continue reading

Treatment for Psilocybin Mushroom Addiction

How to Approach a Psilocybin Addict It can be difficult to watch someone you care about struggle with a psilocybin or “magic mushrooms” addiction. Your loved one may engage in self-destructive behaviors and isolate themselves from others. ...

... with the person or the formation of a team to perform an intervention. Performing an intervention : In this context, an intervention occurs when a group of close friends or family members of an addict approaches an ... 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” ...

... did pretty much everything that was possible with a pen and a typewriter, including chopping up amphetamine . Ken Kesey ... pages of work year after year. His family staged an intervention and showed him how his habits were ... continue reading

Xanax Addiction Treatment

Xanax Addiction is widespread! The more common a drug becomes the greater chance it has at becoming abused by the general public. Xanax is a commonly prescribed short-term drug used to treat severe anxiety and panic disorders, though due to its now ...

... drug, often requiring immediate medical intervention to prevent any severe or long ... that you love most - your family, friends and happiness. Let Recovery Connection find you a xanax addiction treatment center that is ... continue reading

Bath Salts Abuse Side Effects, Symptoms, and Addiction Treatment

What Are Bath Salts Used For? The drugs widely sold as bath salts and under other similar names are alleged to produce dramatic effects in their users. Perhaps one of the most famous incidents of apparent bath salts abuse involved a spate of ...

... . High levels of family conflict. For more information and to learn how to help a bath salts addict , ... love. In some cases, you may be able to arrange an intervention in order to encourage your loved one to get help. In ... continue reading

Effects of Acid (LSD): Short-Term, Long-Term, and Side Effects

What Is LSD (Acid)? D-lysergic acid diethylamide, better known as LSD or “acid,” is a hallucinogenic drug made from lysergic acid, a natural chemical found in a fungus that grows on rye called Claviceps purpurea . LSD was first created in 1938 ...

... a larger dose than expected increases a person's risk of having a bad trip. 2,6 LSD abusers with personal or family ... from some sort of substance abuse treatment intervention. LSD Withdrawal Treatment Even in individuals ... 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 ...

... The next step calls for a closer inspection of the victim and potential intervention: First, check for breathing ... are no longer available through the friends or family members for whom they were prescribed, illicit users ... 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 ...

... people, though, and in 1994, he joined the 27 club: a litany of stars who have died at the age of 27 due ... get him through the day. His family eventually staged an intervention, dumping all the evidence of his addiction ... continue reading

How to Treat MXE Drug Addiction

What Is MXE? Methoxetamine—also known as MXE, M-ket, or Mexxy—is a synthetic drug with effects similar to those of the dissociative anesthetic ketamine . It can be inhaled through the nose , injected , or taken orally. 1 It is, in fact, so ...

... to recovery. How to Approach an Addict Family and friends of those struggling with addictions to ... a more confrontational approach—such as by staging a properly arranged intervention —there are ways to make the experience a ... 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 ...

... behavioral therapy , motivational interventions , contingency management , and ... a person's sleep in healthy ways. Family education and therapy. Often, addiction is a family-wide problem. With the friends and family ... continue reading

Why Are Prescription Stimulants So Addictive?

Prescription stimulants are very prevalent pharmaceutical agents. They are frequently used for the management of narcolepsy and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Drugs that fall in this category include: Dextroamphetamine and ...

... simple, everyday responsibilities such as work or family obligations without using a drug. They may also suffer from intense ... Contingency Management Interventions —Contingency management interventions use tangible ... continue reading

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

What Is Methamphetamine? Methamphetamine—most commonly known as “meth,” “crystal,” “speed,” and “ice”—is an addictive stimulant that causes users to experience an intense, euphoric rush. 1 Meth can be smoked, snorted, injected, ...

... prevention, individual and family therapy, and drug testing. The therapist takes a coaching role and provides ... incentives or rewards for positive change with interventions aimed at increasing motivation for recovery. ... continue reading

Risks of Using Cocaine While Breastfeeding

Cocaine is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant that is easily absorbed into the bloodstream. It has a high milk-to-plasma ratio, meaning a significant amount of the drug may pass from a mother's blood into her breast milk. 1 Cocaine is the ...

... programs may offer complementary therapeutic interventions and other health and wellness activities ... school, and family—while visiting the center a few times a week for treatment. Group therapy is a major part of ... continue reading

How to Help Someone With Marijuana Addiction

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

... ending the use of marijuana completely have a number of effective treatment options. These include: Patient education. Talk therapy interventions . Motivational incentives . Family education. 12-step supports . There are ... 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, ...

... , but it is usually injected : Into a vein. Under the skin. Into a muscle. The effects of heroin will vary ... interventions . Motivational and communicative interviewing . Contingency management/conditioning . Family-based ... continue reading

Why Is Methamphetamine So Addictive?

Methamphetamine is a highly addictive chemically compounded stimulant. Similar in chemical structure to amphetamine, meth is widely and illicitly manufactured using a variety of production methods. Methamphetamine is a white, odorless, ...

... begin to neglect daily responsibilities including work, family obligations, and activities they once enjoyed. ... behavioral interventions , applied in either a residential treatment or outpatient setting. For a number ... continue reading

Opioid Use: Signs of Misuse, Adverse Effects, and Treatment

Opioids are substances that are known for their pain-relieving effects. They include both legal and some illegal substances that may have the potential for misuse, which can potentially lead to dependence and/or addiction. 1 If you or someone you ...

... loved ones might recognize in their friends or family. The physical effects of opioid addiction can ... It involves a set of interventions designed to help a person safely and comfortably withdraw from a substance and ... continue reading

Teenage Addiction Guide for Parents

The possibility that your teen may be struggling with addiction or a substance use disorder (SUD) can feel confusing and devastating. You may be overwhelmed with questions, such as: How can I be sure what's going on before talking to my child? How ...

... who struggle with substance misuse, early intervention is important. 2 Substance use disorders are ... at least 1 parent or guardian meet with a therapist during family-based therapy to discover and address any factors ... 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 ...

... re-administered every 4 weeks. As part of a medication-assisted treatment regimen, Vivitrol is prescribed in conjunction with behavioral health interventions for patients recovering from drug or alcohol addiction. What ... 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 ...

... attempts to decrease or eliminate use. Inability to maintain daily life expectations such as a job or family obligations. Using PCP in situations that are hazardous, like while driving. Development of tolerance ... continue reading

Understanding Addiction: A Guide for Families

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

... . You may want to help, but you may feel that you don't know how. The challenges of supporting a family member with addiction can feel overwhelming at times, but you're not alone. Many people struggle with addiction each ... 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 ...

... quickly travels into the bloodstream, through the lungs, and on to the brain. This process is completed within a few minutes, but the high can last for several hours. Though you might think THC affects everyone the same ... 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 ...

... time, unaware that the medications are only for short-term use. This destructive cycle has created a sleeping pill epidemic, with overdose numbers skyrocketing. There are several sleep-inducing medications on the market ... 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 ...

... about the signs and symptoms of cocaine abuse . How to Get Help for Cocaine Misuse If you or a loved one is struggling with cocaine misuse, help is available and recovery is possible. Cocaine addiction treatment can help ... 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 ...

... study, is if you smoke and have no back pain, quit before you develop a chronic condition. What Smokers Need to Know If you are a smoker who's been relieving chronic back pain with opiate medications, it's not ... continue reading

How Kids Get Hooked on Drugs at Such a Young Age

It's every parent's fear: their kids doing drugs. In general, most kids will try something before the age of twenty, and it's a fairly natural part of experimenting with the world around them. However, some kids will have an addiction problem before ...

... the way to go. In general, one or two kids are generally the leaders, and the others are followers. It sounds a little Lord of the Flies, but that's how most cultures around the world, including our own, are set up. You ... 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 ...

... productive way. It has been shown to work in 7 out of 10 cases, and it involves a lot of dedication on the part of the family. 2 To be clear, offering support to your loved one does not mean enabling their addiction to ... continue reading

I’m a Millionaire and I Need to Go to Rehab. Where Do I Go?

You've realized you have an issue, whether it's a heroin or coke addiction or a sex addiction, so you need to find somewhere nice to attend rehab. Naturally, you want somewhere that's a little more exclusive to avoid running into someone who might ...

... what you're going through. You will be allowed a lot more freedom than with other treatment centers, and ... offers a number of programs for addicted patients, and its $32,000 cost covers therapy for the whole family as ... 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 ...

... know is addicted to bath salts , it is likely that they are dealing with a number of physical, emotional, and mental issues. Family, friends, neighbors, and even coworkers can provide support and love during the addicted ... continue reading

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Treatment Programs

When one is struggling with a psychiatric disorders—such as PTSD, bipolar disorder, and depression— and a substance use disorder at the same time, these conditions are known as co-occurring mental health disorders. One who struggles with mental ...

... and any other concerns. Depending on the substance you abuse, you might start with detox , which is a set of interventions designed to help your body cleanse itself from substances and address symptoms of drug or alcohol ... continue reading

Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms, Dangers, Detox, and Addiction Treatment

Cocaine is a stimulant drug derived from leaves of the coca plant, grown primarily in South America. 1 It is an addictive substance that produces euphoric effects and has a high potential for misuse. 1 Someone who chronically uses cocaine can build ...

... and decision-making, inconsistent sleep patterns, and a strong craving for stimulants. 8 Cocaine Detox Detox is a set of interventions to help manage symptoms while a substance is eliminated from the body (acute ... continue reading

PCP Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment

What Is PCP? PCP is phencyclidine. Similar to ketamine, it is a dissociative anesthetic that causes: Hallucinations. Out-of-body experiences. Delusions. Irrationality. The DEA has PCP listed as a Schedule II drug, which means it has a high potential ...

... interventionists are used. If your loved one has been abusing PCP for a long time, it is usually worth hiring a professional to organize the intervention , as it can be planned and timed for maximum effect. Find ... 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. ...

... As marijuana use has declined, the perceived risk of harm in using marijuana has also decreased, which could signal a future spike in usage. Among high school seniors, only 36.1 percent say that regular use puts the user ... continue reading

Alternatives to Anxiety Medications

Anxiety disorders are some of the most commonly encountered mental health conditions. Approximately, 28.8% of adults will experience some type of anxiety in their lifetime (Kessler et al., 2005). Oftentimes, the first line of treatment for anxiety ...

... of techniques that will assist you in the self-management of your symptoms. Some of the interventions that may be a part of your therapy or that you can explore on your own include the following: Cognitive Behavioral ... continue reading

Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers for Drug and Alcohol Abuse and Health Issues

A significant amount of people suffering with substance abuse and addiction meet the criteria for having additional psychiatric disorders, as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The phenomenon of ...

... treatment will employ a variety of pharmaceutical and therapeutic interventions that will ... it alone. Please call us free at to get help finding a treatment center that specializes in dual diagnosis recovery. You can ... continue reading

Long-Term Side Effects of Zolpidem Abuse

What Is Zolpidem Used For? Zolpidem is a hypnotic, or sleep-promoting substance found in some prescription insomnia medications, including the sleeping pill Ambien. 1 As a sedative-hypnotic substance, zolpidem use can impart a sense of euphoria and ...

... on and eventually addicted to the drug. 3,4 A user has become physically dependent on zolpidem when they must ... by providing appropriate medical and mental health interventions should adverse events arise over the course ... continue reading

Concurrent Alcohol and Norco Abuse

Norco, which is the brand name for hydrocodone , is a narcotic pain reliever. If you are misusing Norco, your body may be dependent on the drug, ultimately resulting in addiction. Concurrent alcohol and Norco abuse occurs when someone is using both ...

... may include (The American Psychiatric Association, 2013): A higher tolerance, which requires more use of the ... choosing to combine these substances anyway. Avoiding family or friends while using them or hiding the ... continue reading

Long-Term Effects of Molly, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment

MDMA Drug Information Ecstasy is the more common street name for 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine—a highly addictive, illicit drug also known as MDMA , or “Molly.” This drug shares chemical structural similarities with both amphetamine and ...

... spite of possible repercussions. 10 Molly Addiction Treatment Types Ending a period of ecstasy use—one that has occurred at high ... cognitive behavioral interventions . These types of therapies are designed to help a person ... continue reading

Carisoprodol Abuse

Carisoprodol, also known by the brand name Soma, is a prescription medication used to treat muscle spasms and severe muscle pain . However, due to its psychoactive (sedative and anxolytic/anti-anxiety/relaxant) effects, its abuse is becoming a more ...

... suffering from it. It was once considered to have a low addiction rating, but more evidence is emerging proving ... demeanor. If you recognize these signs in yourself or a loved one, call to learn more about recovery and ... continue reading

Harmful Effects of Smoking During Pregnancy and How to Stop

In the U.S., there are an estimated 42 million people (nearly 18% of the total population) who currently smoke. 1 Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable disease, disability, and death in the U.S. In fact, smoking accounts for nearly 1 in ...

... its use. 30 Gynecologists may recommend nicotine replacement therapy only after a woman has tried behavioral therapy interventions and they have failed. 31 A doctor should first discuss the risks and benefits of nicotine ... continue reading

Magic Mushroom Abuse Side Effects, Symptoms, and Addiction Treatment

What Is Psilocybin/Magic Mushrooms? Psilocybin is a psychoactive substance contained in over 100 species of mushrooms. A number of these mushroom species produce other psychoactive substances, which act as hallucinogens in a similar manner to ...

... . These drugs are typically used for the vivid perceptual effects they produce, such as hallucinations, changes to a person's perception of time, and other sensory and perceptual effects. 1 Psilocybin use dates back many ... 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 ...

... to cringe. Some addicts have gone so far as to dog-nap a family's pooch, wait for a reward to be offered, then bring the dog back and nab the cash. In a real pinch, addicts have been known to take money out of the ... continue reading

Arkansas Woman Drowns after Huffing Duster

Duster, also known as canned or compressed air, is used to clean pieces of electronic equipment or other sensitive devices. Unfortunately, duster is also a product commonly abused. Known as “ huffing ,” users inhale the chemical-laden compressed ...

... old Patricia Sprouse was found dead in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Her body was discovered on July 2, lying face down in a creek - three empty cans of duster were discovered on the ground next to her body. Officials from the ... continue reading

Concurrent Alcohol and Methadone Abuse

It's important to know the facts about drinking and using methadone. Alcohol and methadone can both cause a range of profound effects, and both substances have the potential to lead to addiction. Combining these two substances can be even more ...

... will provide local drug and alcohol resources to those in need. To find your state government's website, do a web search for your state name and '.gov.' Once your state website is located, substance use resources shouldn ... continue reading

Concurrent Alcohol and PCP Abuse

The National Institute on Drug Abuse describes PCP as a serious and illegal hallucinogen that started as a clinical sedative and anesthetic, but was discontinued and made illegal upon discovery of its extremely negative and unpredictable effects. In ...

... PCP has been in illegal use since the 1960s. It has an immediate to 5-minute onset when smoked or injected . It has a 30-minute onset when it is snorted or swallowed. The high lasts for between 4 to 6 hours, but can last ... continue reading

Concurrent Alcohol and Painkiller Abuse

Opioids are some of the most commonly abused prescription drugs. They include oxycodone , hydrocodone , meperidine (Demerol) , and many others. The demographics of those who abuse painkillers transcend the stereotypes of typical drug addicts. Opioid ...

... cites teens and young adults as being more susceptible to painkiller addiction. Most teenagers do not believe painkillers are a serious danger. This may be due to the fact that they are prescribed by doctors and they are ... continue reading

Concurrent Alcohol and Crack Abuse

Concurrent Alcohol and Crack Abuse In the mid 1980s, crack cocaine use exploded across the United States. In 1974, 5 million people had tried cocaine. By 1985, more than 22 million people had tried cocaine, with more than half of them reporting ...

... 1980s, crack cocaine still plagues many cities, families and individuals because of its highly addictive properties ... to enhance the “high,” but this combination can induce a range of side effects and may even be fatal ( ... 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 ...

... ). Rural addiction treatment admissions were also less likely to enter treatment voluntarily or upon the referral of a family member or friend (22.8 percent versus 38.7 percent). Urban addicts were more likely to enter ... 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 ...

... we explore two of the more common methods. Smoking a Joint Historically, smoking has been one of the most ... quickly carries the chemical to the brain. 8 By smoking a joint, an individual is able to feel the effects of ... continue reading

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

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

... mescaline and LSD. 1-4 Psilocybin is classified as a hallucinogenic or psychedelic drug. 3,4 While the effects ... as seeing sound or hearing colors. Changes to a person's perception of time. Impaired judgment and potential ... continue reading

The 20 Countries With the Harshest Drug Laws in the World

United States drug laws are often considered harsh, but the penalties for carrying or trafficking drugs in other countries, particularly those in Central America, South America, and Southeast Asia, can be much more severe. Here are 20 countries in ...

... , because you could find yourself sentenced to an extremely lengthy stay in a prison camp. You will have no contact with your friends or family, and it may be very difficult for the United States government to intervene ... 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 ...

... pain-relieving effects in the user. Krokodil's effects have a very fast onset of about 2-3 minutes and last for ... Rehab programs are located throughout the U.S. and offer a variety of treatment types. You can use SAMHSA's ... continue reading

The Effects of Opiates on the Body

Share on Twitter Share on Facebook They're potent, they're dangerous - and they could be in your medicine cabinet. In 2012, 259 million prescriptions for painkillers, such as Vicodin , OxyContin , and Opana, were written in the U.S. When used ...

... human body reacts to abuse of opiates and heroin. A multitude of health consequences can accompany long-term opiate ... When doing so, please attribute the authors by providing a link back to this page, so your readers can ... continue reading

Concurrent Alcohol and Codeine Abuse

Codeine phosphate is an opioid analgesic drug —otherwise known as a painkiller or narcotic. It is a relatively mild narcotic but, when used in large amounts, it can still be quite dangerous. Typically, codeine is prescribed to treat mild to ...

... The difference between the two types of programs is that inpatient programs require patients to stay at a facility overnight for a period of between 30 days and 90 days. Each type of program generally lasts for about the ... continue reading

Concurrent Alcohol and Steroid Abuse

Anabolic steroids are synthetic drugs that mimic some of the hormonal effects that testosterone has on the body. They are sometimes used to prevent the loss of healthy body mass seen with chronic, 'wasting' conditions such as AIDS and some forms of ...

... abuse: Steroid Abuse by School Age Children Anabolic Steroids and the Depression Connection Steroid Overdose If you or a loved one needs help with alcohol and steroid abuse , call us free at for help working through how ... continue reading

Concurrent Alcohol and Klonopin Abuse

Each day, millions of people in the US use alcohol . Additional multitudes of people in the U.S. use Klonopin —the brand name for the benzodiazepine clonazepam . Both substances are relatively safe when used in moderation (or as prescribed, in the ...

... contributors that motivate substance use. Engage family members in actively participating in treatment ... on the drug in as little as 2 to 4 weeks. A focus on prevention in the home, school, and community correlates with ... continue reading

Concurrent Alcohol and Inhalant Abuse

Alcohol and inhalants are two of the most commonly abused substances, especially among a younger population. The Centers for Disease Control logs more than 4,300 deaths per year from underage drinking and abuse. According to the Foundation for a ...

... from underage drinking and abuse. According to the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, 1 in 5 students has tried ... be somewhere between 14 and 15. They cite family problems and peer pressure as the first contributors to ... continue reading

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

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

... help. Detox doesn't have to result in withdrawal symptoms . If you find that you're in trouble with the law as a result of using ketamine and don't want to give it up, you may well have an addiction . You might find that ... 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 ...

... 2 For example, doctors in the emergency room will attempt to restore blood flow to the heart in case of a heart attack, stop a seizure, or restore oxygen-rich blood to the affected side of the brain in case of stroke. 2 ... continue reading

Drug Abuse Program

A drug abuse program is normally located within a drug treatment center. These centers are licensed and approved facilities that are staffed by experienced physicians, trained therapists, qualified nursing staffs and numerous other support staff. ...

... central concern. Many aftercare programs provide group and individual sessions. Sometimes a drug abuse program will include family counseling and if it does not you should be looking for another drug abuse program. While ... continue reading

Drugs in the News

In a world grappling with issues of substance use and abuse, drugs are bound to see their days in the spotlight of our 24-hour news cycle. Maybe it's because of another tragic celebrity overdose, forcing us to confront the fact that even our heroes ...

... We looked at six types of drugs , analyzing how often they popped up in the news media. Any time we saw a surge in coverage, we checked it out to see what caused that particular spike. Here's what we found. Marijuana Not ... continue reading

Concurrent Oxycontin and Alcohol Abuse

OxyContin is the brand name for the prescription opioid oxycodone , used for the relief of pain that cannot be effectively managed by other, less potent medications, including over-the-counter pain relievers. OxyContin is available as an ...

... , which may include: Single-interest groups—For example, a center may offer LGBTQ+ groups or groups for people with a history of physical or sexual abuse. Family therapy or couples' counseling groups—These groups are ... continue reading

Inhalant Overdose Symptoms, Risk Factors, Prevention, and Treatment

Can You Overdose on Inhalants? Inhalants are a group of chemicals that users inhale to create a mind-altering experience. Many of these substances are household items—easily obtained from the local hardware store, if not your garage or kitchen ...

... your teenager about seeking addiction treatment . Many effective treatments for adolescents use a family therapy approach that allows the family to work as a team to confront the problem, rather than only focusing on the ... continue reading

Concurrent Alcohol and Ecstasy Abuse

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

... to its users. Ecstasy is known to researchers as MDMA, short for 3, 4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine . It's a synthetic drug that is also psychoactive, meaning that it passes the blood barrier in the brain and can cause ... 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. ...

... 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. Dock Ellis Known for keeping the San Diego Padres hitless one 1970 ... 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 ...

... addicted to Klonopin, consider these questions: 1. Do I have a prescription for this drug? 2. Am I taking this drug as ... the drug, so you might need to start a detoxification program under your doctor's supervision. Once ... 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 ...

... take painkillers even when you aren't in pain, this is a psychological (in most cases) response to the fact that your ... need to be tapered, or you may need to take a secondary drug to phase out your side effects. If you ... continue reading

Party Culture and Substance Use

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

... and up - or 9.4 percent of the United States population - had used an illicit substance in the past month, a figure that is up from 8.3 percent 11 years prior. While it's not clear from our social media analysis, America ... continue reading

Effects of Marijuana on Breast Milk and Smoking Weed While Breastfeeding

Cannabis (also called marijuana or 'weed') is the most commonly used drug during pregnancy. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 78,000 pregnant women reported past-month marijuana use. 1 While many feel that smoking weed ...

... fats, etc.) to support healthy growth, as well as antibodies to protect against infections. In addition, breastfeeding helps a mother and her baby to bond. 2 However, if the mother is using drugs, her breastmilk may pass ... continue reading

Lethal Drug Combinations to Avoid

What Are the Deadliest Drug Combos? Combining drugs (“polysubstance abuse”) is both common and potentially dangerous. There are various reasons why individuals use substances in combination. For some, the activity is done haphazardly, without ...

... should be one of the easiest, but it is oftentimes the hardest: talking to someone. Whether it is a friend, family member, or doctor, reaching out to someone can be the engine that drives your treatment, sobriety, and ... continue reading

The Rise of Tramadol: Exploring the Dangers and Conversations Around This Opioid

Tramadol, also known as Ultram, is a prescription opioid medication used for the treatment of postoperative pain, cancer-associated pain, and chronic pain conditions. While Tramadol is similar to other prescription opioid pain relievers such as ...

... of Tramadol in higher doses can be associated with a greater risk of seizures as well as stopped ... pills from an Ohio home in 2016. Several members of a New Zealand rugby team were also found to have recreationally taken ... continue reading

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

Is Heroin Harmful? Heroin is the name for a modified version of morphine that is a very addictive and illegal opioid drug . The drug is available on the illicit market in a number of different varieties, with purer product tending to occur in white ...

... , and death. Long-Term Effects of Heroin Use There is a wide range of effects caused by long-term heroin use . People ... within 1 or 2 days, but they may persist for up to a week or more . Am I Addicted to Heroin? If you're ... continue reading

Kratom Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment

What Is Kratom? Kratom ( Mitragyna speciosa ) is a tree-like plant from Southeast Asia that belongs to the same family of plants as coffee and gardenias. Kratom has been used as an herbal remedy in Thailand and neighboring countries for hundreds of ...

What Is Kratom? Kratom ( Mitragyna speciosa ) is a tree-like plant from Southeast Asia that belongs to the same family of plants as coffee and gardenias. Kratom has been used as an herbal remedy in Thailand and ... 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 ...

... that something is not right. Again, it's important to talk about the issues facing you as a family. Seeking Help Outside the Family If you cannot get through or your parent is violent, you need to seek extra help. You ... continue reading

The Effects of Alcohol on the Body

Drinking alcohol puts you in a league with 70% of Americans who also do. And though nights spent with a beer, a glass of your favorite wine, or a mixed drink might seem like harmless fun, do you really know how it's affecting your body? Like all ...

... you may know if you've ever used it as a disinfectant on a cut. When you take an initial sip of alcohol, ... move toward sobriety. Effects of Alcohol on the Heart On a short-term basis, as alcohol passes through the heart, ... continue reading

Effects of Cocaine Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, & Side Effects

Cocaine is a Schedule II illegal stimulant drug that is highly addictive. It is often used recreationally, and there is a range of dangers associated with the use of cocaine. This page will talk about: What cocaine is and how it is used. Cocaine's ...

... any treatment decisions in order to ensure that they will be the best choices for you. You can locate a nearby rehab center here . Treatment should ideally be tailored to meet your needs and may include multiple settings ... continue reading

Methamphetamine Detox and Withdrawal Symptoms

Methamphetamine (meth) is a powerful central nervous system stimulant with highly addictive properties. It can be smoked, nasally inhaled, injected, and even eaten. No matter how it is used, the effects have a rapid onset, followed by a high that ...

... during treatment. Outpatient treatment may be suitable for someone whose pattern of use is less problematic or who has a strong system of support at home. It may also be right for someone who simply cannot take time away ... 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 ...

... pass Prohibition laws long before the establishment of the 18th Amendment. Dr. John Stith Pemberton , the owner of a coca wine called Pemberton's French Wine Coca, lived in one of these counties. He stayed in business by ... continue reading

Holiday Highs and Lows

For many Americans, the end of the year brings images of happy families gathered around a Christmas tree, big dinners of turkey and stuffing, holiday music, and cozy fires. For others, the holidays can be a much darker and more difficult time - a ...

... higher levels of depression . The most common reasons for seasonal sadness were finances, strained family relationships, missing a family member who passed away, and being alone . The effects of depression can be ... continue reading

Drug Abuse Statistics

Statisticians analyze numerical information on subjects as varied as medicine, politics and even commercial retail sales - allowing researchers to investigate trends and test new ideas. As the phenomenon of substance abuse stubbornly continues to ...

... issues that affect individuals, families, and communities. Economic ... of Americans aged 12 or older had used an illicit drug or abused a psychotherapeutic medication in the past month. By 2012, that number had increased ... continue reading

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

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

... step or act as a step-down level of care for those exiting inpatient programs. Outpatient rehab offers group, individual, and/or family therapy each week. Clients are able to live on their own and have fewer restrictions ... continue reading

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

Are Bath Salts Harmful? The term “bath salts” refers to a family of designer recreational drugs that contain one or more synthetic chemicals related to cathinone —a stimulant found in the khat plant with effects similar to those of amphetamine ...

... Bath Salts Harmful? The term “bath salts” refers to a family of designer recreational drugs that contain one or more synthetic chemicals related to cathinone —a stimulant found in the khat plant with effects similar to ... 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 ...

... problem by using? Drug use may help you suppress or ignore a problem, but it won't make it go away. Consider ... risk, reach out for support—from a friend or family member, a therapist, or a support group. If you have any ... 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 ...

... vs. 78.6%) said it was given to them by a friend, while more men got it from a stranger and more women got it from a relative or family member. Staying with family members, more than twice as many women as men said they ... continue reading

Peyote Drug Addiction Symptoms, Side Effects, and Treatment Types

What Is Peyote Used For? Peyote (“buttons,” “mesc,” “cactus”) is a cactus plant consumed for its hallucinogenic properties and ability to alter a user's thoughts, feelings, and perceptions. 1 The top of the cactus plant that protrudes ...

... feel better or cope with negative feelings. 8 A 2014 national survey found that teens who had ... and other hobbies, and who have supportive relationships with family and friends, may naturally have less interest in using ... continue reading

What Is Crack Cocaine? Side Effects, Crack Withdrawal, and Addiction Treatment

What Is Crack Cocaine? Crack cocaine is an addictive stimulant drug that is the rock crystal form of powdered cocaine. 1,2,5 Crack cocaine is a more potent form of cocaine that is processed so that it can be smoked, which provides an immediate high. ...

... sobriety more appealing than abusing drugs or alcohol by using tangible rewards and a variety of reinforcements, including family and social relationships, work, and hobbies. 9,12 Treatment involves several individual ... continue reading

Crystal Meth and Pregnancy | Effects of Smoking Meth While Pregnant

As methamphetamine use continues to rise, so do treatment and hospital admissions. In 2012, meth ranked first in drug-related treatment admissions in Hawaii and San Diego. 4 Females have also been found to start using meth at a younger age and in ...

... have underlying issues driving it. CBT can help you to address these issues in a healthy and productive way. Family involvement . Family is important to the recovery process. No matter what your situation is, involving ... continue reading

America’s Pill Mills

For the past 20 years, the U.S. has been in the midst of an invisible and deadly battle. Prescription opioids. Once thought to be a safe treatment for chronic pain with little to no risk of addiction , they've now caused more than 47,000 overdose ...

... , 67 percent have had a family member or friend offer a prescription painkiller that was not prescribed to them. And 44 percent have given a family member or friend a prescription painkiller. A possible reason why drug ... continue reading

Symptoms of Date Rape Drugs: Effects & Signs of Being Roofied

Rape is a serious criminal act, with the potential for severe and lasting repercussions on the victim's life. Rape involves sexually taking advantage of another person without their consent, and this includes having sex with a person who is ...

... easily in liquid. It is colorless, odorless, and has a slight salty taste that can be masked easily by strong ... a hospital or rape crisis center. If you can, have a trusted friend or family member drive you and bring a ... continue reading

Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs and Addiction Treatment Programs

For some time now, the abuse of illicit substances such as marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin has been a persistent national problem. In more recent years, however, our country has seen an alarming rise in prescription drug abuse . ...

... medications can be quite high. The price for society as a whole, however, is also great, as more and more ... more to get the same effect) , as well as a marked withdrawal syndrome should they be stopped. Both of these ... continue reading

America’s Drug Awareness

For the first time in a decade , the CDC reported that death rates in the United States have increased. While news outlets trumpet the increased violence rampant in many areas of the country, the public is largely unaware of a silent contributor - ...

... people, it's second nature to bring a warm, comforting meal to a family that has experienced a birth, serious illness, or death. However, a common lament for many grieving families is that no one delivers casseroles - ... 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 ...

... . Most support groups are maintained and led by group members rather than a professional. Al-Anon is a type of support group designed for family members of addicts that is grounded in the 12-Step philosophy of Alcoholics ... continue reading

How Similar are Heroin and Prescription Opioids?

Heroin is an illicit street drug that produces a drowsy, euphoric high. Prescription opioids are legal medications prescribed by doctors to treat pain. Both heroin and prescription painkillers belong to the family of drugs known as opioids, which ...

... illicit street drug that produces a drowsy, euphoric high. Prescription opioids are legal medications prescribed by doctors to treat pain. Both heroin and prescription painkillers belong to the family of drugs known as ... continue reading

Get Sober Today

Other matching results