Is Benadryl Addictive

Over-The-Counter Drugs of Abuse

It is a common misconception that only illegal drugs are dangerous. There are many different over-the-counter (OTC) drugs with psychoactive, or mind-altering properties that may lead to a number of serious medical and mental health consequences if ...

... 're sold at the pharmacy as medication, they must be safe. Contrary to popular belief, OTC drugs can be addictive and life-threatening when misused or abused. Below are some of the most common OTC drugs that people abuse ... continue reading

My Mind’s Playing Tricks on Me: How to Stop Addictive Thinking Patterns

In prison, many of the women I met struggled with substance abuse issues. Although alcohol and drugs were no longer in endless supply in there, many of them carried on with the same addictive thoughts and behaviors. Manipulation, isolation, instant ...

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

Are These 7 Things Really as Addictive as Drugs?

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

... . The primary problem is sugar, which the US National Library of Medicine says “can not only substitute to addictive drugs, like cocaine, but can even be more rewarding and attractive.” 1 2. Love Addiction Love is a ... continue reading

12 of the Most Addictive Drugs

Addiction affects millions of lives in the U.S. It is a chronic disease that frequently includes cycles of relapse and remission, and it is progressive without treatment or participation in recovery work. It is characterized by being unable to ...

... cravings—all of which can drive a person to keep using the drug. 20 Heroin Heroin is a very addictive opioid drug. Heroin can cause euphoria, altered sensation of pain, nausea/vomiting, itching, dry mouth, skin flushing ... continue reading

The 7 Most Addictive Prescription Medications

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

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

Why Is Meth So Addictive?

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

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

Are Prescription Painkillers as Addictive as Heroin?

The Link Between Painkillers and Heroin According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), in 2011, 4.2 million Americans aged 12 or over had used heroin at least once in their lives. Of these users, an estimated 23% will go on to become ...

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

Why Are Prescription Opiates So Addictive?

Prescription opiates—such as Vicodin , Percocet , and OxyContin —are narcotic medications used for pain management. These drugs are often referred to as “opioids,” which are synthetic and semi-synthetic derivatives of the active “opiate” ...

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

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

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

... use is associated with several adverse effects and potential health risks. Though the question of whether ecstasy is addictive or not has yet to be fully answered, ecstasy use can be quite problematic for some. Substance ... continue reading

Prescription Opiates: As Addictive as Heroin?

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than 21.5 million Americans aged 12 and older met the criteria for substance use disorder in 2014. Of these, 1.9 million were addicted to prescription opiate pain medications and 586,000 ...

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

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

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

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

Is Tramadol the New OxyContin?

The epidemic of painkiller addiction is well known, and OxyContin (oxycodone) has arguably been the most notorious prescription opioid at the center of this public health emergency. Drugs like OxyContin have filled the news in recent years due to ...

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

5 Alarming Facts About Benzo Addiction

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

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

Are You Really Addicted to Marijuana? Is Anyone?

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

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

Can You Get Addicted to Heroin After the First Use?

Heroin has the reputation of being one of the most addictive illicit drugs. Many government and academic institutions report that heroin is either very addictive or highly addictive . Adding to the risk associated with the substance is the number of ...

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

Can You Get Addicted to Cocaine After the First Use?

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

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

How Concerned Should We Be About Opiates?

Opiates are a group of drugs that manage pain by depressing the central nervous system (CNS). There are two different kinds of opiates: natural and synthetic. Natural opiates come from the dried “milk” of the poppy plant and include opium, ...

... convulsions, dizziness, drowsiness, low blood pressure, and slow heartbeat. Heroin: Made from morphine, heroin is an extremely addictive opiate drug. Its abuse is a serious and growing problem in the U.S. The drug can be ... continue reading

5 Things About Kratom You Need to Know

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

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

Xanax Overdose Risk Factors and Addiction Treatment

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

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

Big Pharma: Are They Advertising Addiction?

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

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

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 ...

... -like substance elicits a rapid-onset, intense high and is considered an even more addictive form of an already addictive substance. Crack cocaine's effects include psychological effects like intense feelings of euphoria ... continue reading

What Drugs Cause the Most Insane Behavior?

Many substances that are addictive cause mental changes or unusual behavior. Even if a substance does not inherently have mind-altering properties, people who are addicted to it may display strange behavior if they need the drug are unable to obtain ...

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

Ritalin Abuse Signs, Symptoms, and Addiction Treatment

What Is Ritalin Used For? Ritalin is the trade name for methylphenidate, a stimulant of the central nervous system used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Is Ritalin Addictive? Ritalin can be very ...

... . For this reason, it's extremely important to talk to your teen about the fact that Ritalin can be addictive and prescription drugs can be as dangerous as street drugs. How to Find Help for Ritalin Misuse or Addiction ... continue reading

Fentanyl Abuse Symptoms, Effects, and Addiction Treatment

What Is Fentanyl Used For? Fentanyl is a synthetic opiate pain reliever. It's typically prescribed to patients for severe pain or injury , or after they have undergone surgery. It works quickly to eliminate any pain in the body. However, it can also ...

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

Drug Use | Myths

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

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

Morphine Abuse Signs, Symptoms, Effects, and Treatment

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

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

Side Effects of Tussionex Abuse

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

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

Codeine Abuse Symptoms and Addiction Treatment

Overview of Codeine Abuse “Codeine addiction is a widespread, far-reaching problem that spans across ages, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds.” Codeine is an opiate drug often found in prescription-strength cough syrups, or in a ...

... as pleasant, and the user may become addicted to these effects and, in turn, the drug. The addictive nature of codeine, and the accompanying physical dependency that may develop over time, can lead to difficult and ... 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 ...

... has gained wide appeal as a sort of “fun” drug that is central to party culture. However, it can become addictive and deplete a brain's supply of serotonin. A drug that can produce such a rush that the person using it ... continue reading

Crystal Meth Abuse Side Effects, Symptoms, and Addiction Treatment

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

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

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 ...

... , nearly 5 million people in the U.S. reported having tried heroin at least once. Heroin is an extremely addictive opiate due to how rapidly it enters the brain. It has both short-term and long-term effects. Short-term ... continue reading

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

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

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

Cocaine Addiction Treatment and Rehab Programs

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

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

A Straight Story on the Real Dangers of Xanax

“Yeah, I was feeling uptight before he was about to pick me up for our date, so I popped a Xanax,” said my friend. I cringed. It seemed like everyone I knew was using benzos to calm down, chill out, get through a first date, or ace a ...

... Look, I get it. It's so easy to get hooked; it's so easy to fly under the radar. But Xanax is addictive and it's dangerous, especially when mixed with alcohol . If you're hooked on benzos, here's my advice: Talk to your ... continue reading

Pop Quiz: Let’s Test Your Benzo Knowledge

In 2013, 13.5 million adults filled a benzodiazepine prescription in the US. These drugs are used to treat anxiety, depression, insomnia and seizures. They are also highly addictive and frequently abused. How much do you know about this class of ...

... in the US. These drugs are used to treat anxiety, depression, insomnia and seizures. They are also highly addictive and frequently abused. How much do you know about this class of drugs? Take the following quiz to find ... continue reading

Watch the Fahrenheit With Your Fentanyl

Fentanyl is an opiate (narcotic) pain reliever typically prescribed to people for severe, ongoing pain or after surgery. This medication is 50 times stronger than heroin and, needless to say, it can be very addictive. Fentanyl can be delivered in ...

... surgery. This medication is 50 times stronger than heroin and, needless to say, it can be very addictive. Fentanyl can be delivered in many different ways - including IV, intranasal, lozenge, pill and transdermal patch ... continue reading

Is This New Drug the Holy Grail of All Pain Relievers?

Millions of Americans suffer daily from chronic pain. Factor in all the people managing temporary pain after accidents or surgeries and you have a massive number of people on prescription painkillers. Abuse of morphine, an extremely powerful and ...

... at Louisiana Veterans Health Care System have developed a new drug that delivers the same pain relief without the addictive qualities and other lethal effects of morphine. A Drug That Doesn't Take Your Breath Away One of ... continue reading

Snorting Vicodin: Side Effects, Dangers, and Addiction Treatment

Vicodin is the brand name for a prescription medication that is frequently used for the treatment of moderate to moderately severe pain. Vicodin is comprised of two active pain relievers: 1 Hydrocodone —an opioid pain reliever. Hydrocodone it is a ...

... opioid painkiller. 3 Acetaminophen —a common over-the-counter pain reliever. Vicodin has the potential to be addictive. The drug triggers a temporary elevation in the dopamine activity in certain regions of the brain ... continue reading

How to Get Help for Dexedrine Abuse

How to Approach an Addict If someone close to you is struggling with an addiction to Dexedrine ( dextroamphetamine ), you may be feeling very worried about their health and well-being. It is common to feel unsure of how to express your concern when ...

... they begin to misuse the drug (for example, by taking more than prescribed). Dexedrine can absolutely be addictive whether you have obtained it legally or illegally, and it has been abused for numerous reasons, including ... continue reading

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

Ultram (trade name: tramadol ) is an opiate analgesic typically prescribed for pain that is moderate to moderately severe. When introduced, it was regarded as having a very low potential for addiction; however, its incidence of abuse and dependency ...

... in possession of Ultram without a prescription. In essence, Ultram has been found to be far more addictive and dangerous than previously thought. Short-Term Effects of Ultram Use Ultram produces a number of effects in ... continue reading

Lortab Abuse Symptoms and Addiction Treatment

What Is Lortab Used For? Lortab is a brand name for the drug hydrocodone. Lortab is a semi-synthetic opiate that, in large does, produces similar effects to those of OxyContin. Taken repeatedly, it can result in dependence and addiction. Initially, ...

... Monitor your teen's Internet activity. Explain to your teen that prescription drugs can be just as dangerous and addictive as illegal drugs. If you suspect that your teen is using Lortab or other drugs, keep your eye out ... continue reading

How to Help a Crystal Meth Addict

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

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

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

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 ...

... talk about: What cocaine is and how it is used. Cocaine's effects on the brain and why it is so addictive. Short- and long-term effects of cocaine use. How the way it is ingested can impact the side effects of cocaine ... continue reading

Crystal Meth Addiction: Stages, Dependence, Symptoms, and Treatment

What Is Crystal Meth? Crystal meth is a form of methamphetamine —a substance that is widely abused throughout the country. Its widespread illicit production dwarfs that of its pharmaceutical counterpart—marketed as Desoxyn —a stimulant ...

... : Feelings of euphoria. Increased energy. Increased focus. Diminished need for sleep. Like with other addictive substances, the negative effects quickly begin to outweigh the positives. The unwanted effects of crystal ... 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 ...

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

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 ... continue reading

The Effects of Alprazolam Use—Short-Term, Long-Term and Side Effects

Is Alprazolam Harmful? Alprazolam (trade name: Xanax ) is a sedative drug in the benzodiazepine class, indicated for the management of some forms of anxiety and panic disorders. The substance—like all benzodiazepines—has central nervous system ...

... with benefits that outweigh the associated risks. However, because of the“high” it can create, the drug can be addictive , even when it is taken as prescribed —and it is potentially dangerous when misused. Data from SDI ... continue reading

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

What Is Adderall Used For? Adderall is a form of amphetamine prescribed for the treatment of: 1 Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Narcolepsy. It is available in 2 forms : immediate release and extended release. 1 Both forms are ...

... only the instant release form is approved for use in the treatment of narcolepsy. 2 Adderall can be addictive and dangerous to those who abuse it. 3 Adderall Short-Term Effects When used for short periods as prescribed ... continue reading

Planning an Intervention? 5 Things You Need to Know

Watching a loved one suffer from addiction can be a difficult and painful experience. You want to offer your help and support, but you may not be sure where to start. If you're considering planning an intervention for your loved one's addiction, ...

... enabling behaviors and limit access to finances, housing, or any other support you provide that enables addictive behaviors to continue. #5. Why Do Interventions Sometimes Fail? While some interventions do fail, most of ... continue reading

7 Signs You May Be Addicted to Tramadol

Tramadol is an opiate analgesic prescribed for the treatment of moderate to moderately severe pain. The drug works by changing the way your brain and nervous system respond to pain. Because Tramadol is a milder form of opiate medication, people ...

... to pain. Because Tramadol is a milder form of opiate medication, people falsely believe the drug is not addictive. Tramadol dependence can develop after continued use and this can lead to addiction. For this reason, it's ... continue reading

Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment and Rehab Programs

Many prescription medications have the potential to become drugs of abuse if they are misused. Misuse of prescription drugs means taking them other than as prescribed. This includes taking a larger dose, using them more frequently, or taking them ...

... (hydromorphone) , and Demerol , among others. Even with a doctor's prescription, these drugs are highly addictive. About 80% of people using heroin used prescription opioids first. 3 Opioid abuse is also highly dangerous ... continue reading

Ice Bugs: Don’t Scratch That Phantom Itch!

Methamphetamine is an extremely addictive stimulant that causes irreversible harm to the body. Manufactured from a toxic concoction of chemicals, it damages blood vessels in the brain, destroys teeth and causes severe impairment in memory, judgment ...

... using the drug, or if they've been on a drug binge, finally gotten some sleep. However, meth is addictive and has powerful withdrawal symptoms. Once it wears off, which takes anywhere from a couple of hours to a couple ... 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 ...

... , as well as differences in individual propensities to develop substance abuse problems, it's difficult to say definitively how addictive meth is. What is clear, though, is that any use of meth has the ability to cause 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 ...

... diminish and dosing will need to increase to achieve the same effects. Withdrawal Another signal of Ambien's addictive quality manifests in how the regular user may feel the first few nights without the substance. They ... continue reading

How to Treat Librium Addiction

Librium—the trade name for the benzodiazepine chlordiazepoxide—is a tranquilizer that, when misused, may become addictive and cause increasing negative effects as a result of usage, which only worsen with time. Going through benzodiazepine ...

... is often recommended, as this helps to forge a strong sober support network. Why Is Librium Addictive? Librium may be addictive, especially if it is taken for longer than prescribed, more often than prescribed, and/or at ... 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 ...

... of use—smoking, snorting , and shooting up —deliver heroin extremely quickly to the brain to provide powerfully addictive effects. 1 In the brain, heroin is converted back into morphine and binds to opioid receptors. 1 ... continue reading

Dextromethorphan (DXM) Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment

What Is Dextromethorphan Used For? What Is DXM? Dextromethorphan (DXM or DM) is a cough suppressant and opioid derivative used in more than 100 over-the-counter medicines. Dextromethorphan is safe for ingestion and not habit-forming when taken as ...

... . Reinforce to your teen that the fact that a drug is prescription does not mean is not dangerous or addictive. Set clear rules that your child must not take medicine without your knowledge. Keep medicines away from the ... 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 ...

... illness that involves continued drug use despite significant problems in a person's life. Drugs like MXE can be addictive because of the drug's impact on the structure and functioning of the brain . 5 Studies show that ... 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 ...

... of thriving when all the individuals making up that support system take care of themselves. 3 Is LSD Addictive? Addiction is the recurrent use of a substance despite the negative consequences that such use brings. While ... continue reading

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

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

... that these drugs don't have a high potential for physical dependence. Although hallucinogens aren't classically addictive, individuals can still suffer from problematic use that impairs their daily lives. Because of the ... continue reading

Finding Help for Benzodiazepine Addiction

Many people become addicted to benzodiazepines, or “benzos,” as they are often called. Common types of benzos include: Xanax . Valium . Klonopin . These anti-anxiety and anti-convulsant sedatives are effective at managing the conditions for ...

... rewarding feelings in the brain. This reinforcement of the reward centers of the brain causes benzos to be addictive. When someone abuses them over time, the rewarding feeling in the brain caused by these drugs surpasses ... 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 ...

... discovered that both substances have an impact on dopaminergic brain processes—making the combined effect more addictive than that of using each drug separately (Leri, Bruneau, & Stewart, 2003). The rewarding euphoric ... continue reading

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

Soma (generic name: carisoprodol ) is prescribed for short-term relief of acute musculoskeletal pain . It is intended only to be used for short time periods (generally up to 3 weeks). Is Soma Dangerous? The therapeutic effect of Soma is effectively ...

... safe. For this reason, it has not yet made it onto the DEA's controlled substances list. However, it can be addictive . In fact, some states have listed Soma as a scheduled substance. Soma is metabolized in the body to a ... continue reading

How to Help Someone With Concerta Addiction

When you love someone with an addiction, it can be hard to understand why he or she can't just stop using overnight. Addiction can take over an individual's life and produce an all-consuming desire to continue use, despite the user wanting or ...

... be very effective in the treatment of attention-deficit disorder. However, as with many stimulant drugs, it can be addictive. In fact, it is a Schedule II drug , meaning it has a high potential for abuse which may lead ... continue reading

Cocaine Addiction Side Effects, Symptoms, Withdrawal, and Treatment

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

... only one use, since cocaine affects the brain's reward pathway immediately. 1 Why Is Cocaine So Addictive? Dopamine is associated with 'euphoric' emotions, the regulation of movement, and the processing of reward cues. 1 ... 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. ...

... rock formation in varying sizes and shapes, while cocaine is a white or off-white powder. 5,6 Due to its addictive nature, nearly 800,000 Americans aged 12 and over had used crack in 2019, and 1 million Americans aged 12 ... continue reading

The Forefathers of Modern Illicit Drugs

While illicit drugs are a major concern in today's society, many of them didn't start off as recreational. On the contrary, many started off with medicinal and anesthetic purposes. Here's a look at some of the forefathers of modern illicit drugs, ...

... was marketed as an analgesic and a cough sedative in 1888. It wasn't until 1913 that its addictive qualities were officially discovered and it was swiftly taken off the market. John Pemberton - The Forefather of Cocaine ... continue reading

Naltrexone Side Effects, Use in Addiction Treatment, and Rehab Programs

For those struggling with alcohol or opioid addiction, what's commonly referred to as MAT—short for medication-assisted treatment or medication for addiction treatment—can help people quit drinking and using drugs to maintain long-term sobriety. ...

... are just substituting one substance for another. To clarify, naltrexone is not an opioid, nor is it addictive or habit-forming. Naltrexone dependence will not develop with continued use, so there is no risk of withdrawal ... continue reading

The Science Behind Addiction

Throughout human evolution, activities that brought a release of dopamine were the ones that also kept us alive or contributed to reproduction, but now addictive drugs have the power to hijack the brain's natural dopamine balance. Take a look at how ...

... brought a release of dopamine were the ones that also kept us alive or contributed to reproduction, but now addictive drugs have the power to hijack the brain's natural dopamine balance. Take a look at how synapses in ... 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 ...

... and dysfunctional behaviors associated with other substance use disorders. Thus, the answer to the question “Is hash addictive?” is that the odds favor a “yes.” The clinical term previously used for substance abuse and ... continue reading

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

Is Ativan Harmful? Ativan (generic name: lorazepam) is classified as a benzodiazepine medication used primarily for the short-term treatment of anxiety and seizure activity. It is sometimes used to manage intractable insomnia, and as a sedative for ...

... them down the path towards addiction . Ativan Dependency Ativan is a relatively fast-acting and highly addictive benzodiazepine. Extended use of the drug or use in high dosages can lead to both psychological and ... continue reading

Snorting Cocaine Side Effects, Signs, Dangers, and Addiction Treatment

Cocaine is a stimulant drug with highly addictive properties that is derived from the coca plant. 1 Also known as “coke,” “snow,” and “blow,” cocaine is a white, crystal-like powder that provides a euphoric high. How Is Cocaine Taken? ...

... -term pleasure, repeated abuse can lead to the development of a debilitating addiction. 3 Cocaine is addictive because of its significant effects on the brain. 2 When a person uses cocaine, dopamine—the neurotransmitter ... continue reading

Diazepam Abuse Side Effects, Overdose, and Addiction Treatment

Diazepam is the generic name for Valium . It is one of many benzodiazepine substances that affect the central nervous system (CNS) by amplifying the depressant effects of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, to subsequently decrease brain activity. ...

... Articles, and More Information To learn more, see the following articles: Well-Known Mechanism Underlies Benzodiazepines' Addictive Properties How to Help a Valium Addict To talk to others or share your story, visit our ... continue reading

What Could Illicit Drug Synthesis Expose You To?

For the 44 million Americans aged 12 and older who used illicit drugs in 2014, the associated health risks are grave. But there's another risk that accompanies illegally manufactured substances - the exposure to hazardous chemicals. Clandestine drug ...

... seizure risk. A fast-acting opiate, heroin can be injected, sniffed/snorted, or smoked. It is extremely addictive, and to keep achieving the same results, people who use it must continually increase their dose, putting ... continue reading

Stimulant Drug Abuse: Side Effects and Addiction Treatment

Stimulants—both illicit and prescription—are known to increase energy and alertness. Prescription stimulants can offer therapeutic benefits when used as prescribed. However, both prescription and illicit stimulants have a high propensity for ...

... prescription stimulants are prone to misuse and are highly addictive, due in part to the rush of euphoria and ... Hostility. Violent behavior. Stimulants are also highly addictive because of how they affect brain chemistry. ... continue reading

Dealing with Roxicodone Addiction

The risk of addiction is not limited to the use of illicit substances like heroin or cocaine. Legal drugs have the potential to cause devastating addiction, as well, even if they were initially legitimately prescribed. The Substance Abuse and Mental ...

... samples, and engaging in healthy community activities. Is Roxicodone Addictive? Yes. Like other opioid substances, Roxicodone can be very addictive. Once consumed, the substance triggers the release of a neurotransmitter ... continue reading

DMT Drug Abuse Effects, Symptoms, and Treatment Programs

What Is DMT? DMT (dimethyltryptamine) is a hallucinogen capable of inducing a psychedelic “trip,” which typically ranges from 30 to 45 minutes in duration. 1 DMT is a Schedule 1 drug under the Controlled Substance Act and has no recognized ...

... a Schedule 1 drug for which possession can lead to incarceration, fines, and other legal consequences. 2 Is DMT Addictive? The risk of addiction to DMT is still not known and more research needs to be conducted to fully ... continue reading

How to Help a Codeine Addict

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

... has noted abuse potential . The drug is typically prescribed for cough and pain relief. The drug itself is addictive—that is, repeated use can lead to dependency and withdrawal . When it is used in doses and frequencies ... continue reading

How to Help a Morphine Addict

With approximately 52 million people in the U.S. having used prescription drugs nonmedically in their lifetime, widespread addiction to drugs like morphine is increasingly becoming a problem. When someone begins to engage in abuse morphine, it's ...

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

Norco Abuse Symptoms and Addiction Treatment

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

... Abuse Hydrocodone is generally seen as the bad guy in the Norco cocktail, being the narcotic with addictive properties, but the seemingly innocent acetaminophen can be equally deadly in high doses. It can wreak havoc ... continue reading

Phenobarbital Abuse Side Effects, Symptoms, and Addiction Treatment

What Is Phenobarbital Used For? Phenobarbital is a barbiturate that depresses the central nervous system . It is used as a sedative-hypnotic often prescribed for the treatment of seizures. Additional uses for this drug include the treatment of ...

... safe for use and will not cause significant negative side effects because it is prescribed. Phenobarbital is potentially addictive and a person can easily cross the line between a safe therapeutic dose and a fatal dose ... continue reading

Signs and Symptoms of Commonly Abused Drugs

When you suspect that you or a loved one is struggling with a substance abuse problem, it's important to know some of the signs and symptoms of addiction to that drug. You can find a brief overview of the major drugs of abuse below. For a full list ...

... to help a loved one so contact us at now. Credit: National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA/NIH) Heroin Heroin is one of the most addictive and dangerous drugs a person can abuse. It is a powerful narcotic that many find ... continue reading

Concurrent Alcohol and Fentanyl Abuse

Alcohol and Fentanyl Abuse Alcohol and fentanyl are drugs of dependence that are dangerous and highly addictive. Frequent or long-term use can result in many negative consequences, including death. Concurrent substance use disorders involving ...

... a necessity for those who've found themselves dependent on one or both of these very potent and addictive substances. Treatment is made up of a number of facets, typically starting with detox and withdrawal. Assessment ... continue reading

Concurrent Alcohol and DXM Abuse

Alcohol and DXM are both potentially addictive substances. Problematic use of each can lead to a range of negative health effects. When taken together, their effects are heightened and the dangers of each are potentiated. The Problem of Alcohol and ...

... risk of overdose by abusing these drugs simultaneously. While there is debate about the physically addictive potential of DXM, psychological addiction can occur in the form of cravings for the substance. Additionally ... continue reading

Concurrent Alcohol and Oxycodone Abuse

If you are concerned about yourself or someone else who has been combining alcohol and oxycodone, it is no surprise. These two substances should never be combined, as doing so heightens the dangers inherent to the use of each individual substance. ...

... 000 adolescents (12-17 years old) had an alcohol use disorder in 2013. Concurrent Use Among Teens Oxycodone is highly addictive and is abused frequently by teens between the ages of 12 and 18. This is a scary fact, since ... continue reading

Are Benzos Overprescribed?

We are an anxious nation. A whopping 40 million American adults are affected by anxiety disorders; that's 18% of the adult population! With such astronomical numbers, it shouldn't be surprising to learn anxiety disorders are the most commonly ...

... Valium (diazepam) Klonopin (clonazepam) Spotlight on Benzo-Related Dangers Benzodiazepines are very potent and highly addictive . While they can relieve symptoms temporarily, they also come with some drastic side effects ... continue reading

Wellbutrin Side Effects, Symptoms of Abuse, and Addiction Treatment

What Is Wellbutrin Used For? Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Aplenzin, Zyban) is a drug that is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat depression and seasonal affective disorder, as well as to help people stop smoking. 1 Doctors ...

... stopped taking the drug, such as irritability and depressed mood. 2 Like with any other potentially addictive drug, abusers may begin prioritizing obtaining and using this substance over other important aspects of their ... 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 ...

... using cocaine, you may be struggling with a cocaine addiction (cocaine use disorder). A component of many addictive processes is what's known as physiologic dependence . Those who develop a cocaine dependence may feel ... continue reading

The Effects of Meth on Your Body

During the past two decades, illicit methamphetamine - also known as crystal meth - has presented one of the largest and most dangerous drug epidemics in America. This extremely powerful stimulant, which can be smoked, injected, snorted, or eaten, ...

... 1997, peaking at nearly 5,000 kg seized in 2013 and remaining at almost 3,000 kg in 2014. This highly addictive drug also poses a heavy risk of damaging one's health in a variety of ways. The effects of meth can impact ... continue reading

Concurrent Alcohol and Heroin Abuse

Dangers of Abusing Alcohol and Heroin The dangerous combination of alcohol and heroin gets widespread publicity every year from tragedies that remind the public how alcohol amplifies the already powerful effects of heroin on the central nervous ...

... Centers (AAC) for free at . Treatment for Co-occurring Alcohol and Heroin Addiction Because heroin is so addictive and breaking free from the grip of alcohol and heroin addiction can be so difficult, getting help in a ... 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 ...

... . Outstanding rehab programs have been created to help users kick alcohol and crack addiction. Crack can be so addictive that a person is unable to quit it alone; professional help is called for in almost all cases ... 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 ...

... stimulant drug produced from the coca plant. 2 Also known as coke, blow, and snow, cocaine is a highly addictive drug that looks like fine, white powder. Cocaine is usually snorted , injected , or smoked. 2 Cocaine can ... 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 ...

... Historical Background of Drug Abuse The Continuing Spread of Addictive Substances Opium eventually made it to China, where ... Of course, heroin did turn out to be very addictive, causing more people to abuse the drug. Thanks ... 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 ...

... OxyContin , methadone , and Ritalin . Schedule III drugs: Have moderate potential for dependency. Have less addictive potential than Schedule I or II drugs. Examples include Suboxone , ketamine , and anabolic steroids . ... continue reading

Drug Abuse Centers

Treatment can be provided on an outpatient, intensive inpatient or residential basis, depending on the type of center. Drug abuse centers are places where health, confidence, and optimism can be restored to people who have lost these positive ...

... of addiction treatment professionals, who help to identify the specific and individual triggers that support the addictive behavior patterns. Drug abuse centers have better program efficacy when the client has input into ... 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 ...

... an effective tool to discourage continued drug abuse. The drug has no potential for abuse and is not addictive. As you begin your treatment, you may participate in: Group therapy sessions. Individual therapy sessions . ... continue reading

Hydrocodone Abuse Signs, Symptoms, Effects, and Treatment

What Is Hydrocodone Used For? Hydrocodone is an opioid analgesic (painkiller) drug included in the formulation of many narcotic prescription painkillers that are most often prescribed to control moderate-to-severe pain. As an opiate drug, it is in ...

... because doctors direct millions of patients to take them each year. Teens may not fully appreciate the addictive and dangerous properties of these pills, especially when they are taken without the benefit of a doctor ... continue reading

How to Help Someone With Adderall Addiction

Help for Adderall Addicts Adderall is the brand name for a drug that contains two active ingredients: amphetamine and dextroamphetamine . These ingredients work to stimulate and speed up the body. Doctors use this drug in the treatment of ...

... admitted to using Adderall. However, treatment for addiction to Adderall is available. Is Adderall Addictive? Adderall is addictive. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, misusing or abusing the medication ... continue reading

7 Warning Signs Your Friends Are Making Your Addiction Worse

Maybe taking that first step toward sobriety/recovery is actually the best thing you can do, for yourself and your friends. If your group of friends is really into yoga or eating sushi, then there's a pretty good chance you know the difference ...

... the problem worse for each other. Are your friends keeping you company, or enabling your substance abuse and addictive behaviors? Do they say that your efforts are pointless because rehab never worked for them? Do they ... continue reading

Getting Sober: 17 Ways You Probably Didn’t Know About (#8 is Controversial)

The 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous are so dominant in addiction recovery culture that it can be easy to forget there are other ways to get sober. If AA or NA works for you, that's wonderful. If not, there are plenty of alternative tools and ...

... . Rational Recovery Rational Recovery is an abstinence-based program based on a method called AVRT—the Addictive Voice Recognition Technique. There are no groups or support centers; the organization holds that these are ... continue reading

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