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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 ...
... Why Do People Use Heroin? Heroin's intense high and quick speed of onset are major ... heroin is a central nervous system depressant , its use is associated with a slowing of normal bodily functions. Someone on heroin ... 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 ...
... cocaine and other stimulant drugs—elicit a physiologic response that somewhat opposes the effects of heroin . Because cocaine, for example, is a stimulant and heroin is a depressant, they create counteracting effects in ... continue reading -
Heroin Addiction Treatment Centers and Rehab Programs
Heroin addiction can negatively impact certain aspects of your life and have dangerous health repercussions. Here, we will help you understand heroin addiction, how addiction is treated, and what you should know about heroin rehab centers, including ...
... health or addiction clinics, and sober living homes. 1 How to Pay for Heroin Rehab You may be concerned about how to pay for a heroin rehab program, but you should know that there are several options available. Your ... continue reading -
Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms, Detox, and Addiction Treatment
What Helps With Heroin Withdrawal? Heroin is an illicitly manufactured opioid drug and morphine derivative. Both the pain-relieving and the pleasurable properties of heroin are initiated through the drug's interaction with opioid receptors in the ...
... drug use and build the skills needed to live in recovery. Why Should I Enter a Heroin Detox Program? The risks of continuing heroin use are significant and every hit puts you in danger. Treatment can help you clear ... continue reading -
Heroin’s Effects on Pregnancy
Heroin is an illegal and highly addictive substance that may be injected, smoked, or snorted. This powerful opiate drug can easily harm any user, and it can cause numerous problems for a pregnant mother and her developing baby. Unfortunately, heroin ...
... risks and the strong possibility that the baby will become dependent on the drug. Taking drugs such as heroin can lead to a number of health issues related to pregnancy, including but not limited to: 6 Problems with the ... continue reading -
Heroin Facts, History, and Statistics
History of Heroin Heroin is a powerful opiate narcotic that has no legal medical use in the U.S. Outside of the U.S., pharmaceutical grade heroin is still produced for limited therapeutic use. It is occasionally prescribed for severe pain in ...
... become physically ill if he or she stops taking the drug suddenly. Who's Abusing Heroin? Currently available statistics on heroin abuse show a steady increase since the early 2000s in: The number of people using it. The ... 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 ...
... isn't fully understood, the drug acts as a CNS depressant and can result in profoundly intoxicated states when misused ... about the effects of hash use . What Is Heroin? Heroin is an illicit drug known to induce feelings ... 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 ...
... release of dopamine—ultimately resulting in a sense of intense well-being. While these effects may feel stimulating, opioids are actually depressants. In cases of opioid/heroin overdose , the systems responsible for ... continue reading -
Why Is Heroin So Deadly Today?
For more than a century, heroin has been a dangerous drug of abuse. For years, people have been attracted to the substance's ability to produce a relatively inexpensive, rapid-onset, and intensely euphoric high. 1,2 While the drug's high holds a ...
... normal heroin. Using a large amount of heroin or using it combined with a stronger substance increases the high, but also the potential to experience dangerous physical heroin side effects . Opioids and other depressants ... continue reading -
Opiate Alternatives: Doctor’s Got a Brand New Bag
We have seen a staggering increase in both opiate painkiller and heroin abuse over the last decade. As people become dependent on opiates - physically and psychologically - a vicious cycle of misuse and abuse develops. We've got millions struggling ...
... with painkiller addiction and millions more have turned to heroin as a “more affordable” alternative once buying pills on ... anti-depressants are appropriate for treating nerve, muscular and skeletal pain. Anti-depressants ... continue reading -
The Price Tag of Heroin in America: $51 Billion
If you're hooked on heroin, you'll spend an average of $150 a day to support your habit. That's nearly $55,000 per year. Heroin abuse comes with a pretty hefty price tag, unfortunately personal financial burden isn't the only cash-flow issue left in ...
... well as thousands of lives). However, the cost per patient doesn't come close to heroin abuse . COPD costs $2,567 dollars per person, for a total of $38.5 billion for all 15 million patients. The total cost for diabetes ... continue reading -
Heroin Relapse Warning Signs, Prevention, and Addiction Treatment
Heroin Relapse Is Common Heroin addiction is very powerful, and heroin's interaction with opioid receptors and its reinforcing influence on your brain's reward centers result in such profound feelings of euphoria and pleasure that it sometimes feels ...
... that relapse is often considered part of the recovery process. What Is a Relapse? Heroin relapse is defined as the resumption of heroin use after a period of abstinence . It frequently occurs in connection with strong ... continue reading -
Free Heroin Addiction Hotline Numbers
Call American Addiction Centers (AAC) now at What Is a Heroin Hotline Number? Heroin addiction is a very hard challenge to overcome alone. This is why doctors, mental health professionals, and support group members advocate seeking help if you ...
... one in rehab? Regain control of your life today and call us at . Why Should I Call a Heroin Helpline Number? Calling a heroin helpline does not mean you must commit to anything. All it means is that you are ready to ... continue reading -
Snorting Heroin Side Effects, Dangers, and Addiction Treatment
Heroin is a highly addictive Schedule I controlled drug. Heroin has a long history—it was first synthesized (as diacetylmorphine) in 1874 from morphine. Paradoxically, heroin was originally marketed as a safer and non-addictive form of morphine. ...
... as food and sex—in fact, some users describe the euphoric rush of heroin as several times stronger than a sexual orgasm. 6 Users who snort heroin report a rush or surge of euphoria within 10 to 15 minutes after taking it ... continue reading -
Record-Breaking Number of Overdoses Traced Back to Bad Heroin
A dangerous batch of heroin circulating throughout the city of Chicago has caused a record-breaking 74 overdoses in the span of just three days. When the numbers began to climb at such an astonishing rate, medical professionals began to suspect a ...
... the brain. Combined, these two drugs prompt body systems to not only slow down, but grind to a halt. The heroin/fentanyl combo is also one that sets in quickly. Effects are felt almost instantly and collapse occurs in ... continue reading -
A Sister’s Honest Talk About Her Brother’s Heroin Addiction
Alex didn't answer the phone. He missed their father's birthday party and still wasn't answering. But Allison kept dialing. It didn't seem right, but then again, things hadn't seemed “right” for a long time. Alex had all but stopped showing up ...
... he able to resist the pull? When Did Everything Go Wrong? It was just a few months later when she got the call. Alex had been arrested for heroin possession . She sat up late with her husband, the window was open as the ... continue reading -
Heroin's Death Toll Hits an All-Time High in New York
New York City has a serious heroin problem on their hands and new data released by the city's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene reveals just how deep the issue goes. In fact, more people died from unintentional heroin overdoses in New York ...
... Affluent areas of the north Bronx and eastern Queens have also become hot spots for heroin, a result of heavy opioid pill and heroin use in the surrounding suburbs in Westchester County and on Long Island. Looking to the ... 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 ...
... 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 ... continue reading -
Is Fentanyl Abuse More Deadly Than Heroin?
Fentanyl, a drug previously unheard of by many, has become notorious in recent years due to the spike in overdose deaths from heroin laced with the potent prescription narcotic. It gained even more notoriety when the April 2016 death of iconic ...
... of NPF is reported to sell for roughly $1.3 million dollars, whereas a kilo of heroin will sell for a relatively mere $271,000 3 . There has been a spike in the number of fentanyl drug seizures in the past 2 years. In ... 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” ...
... realize they're pretty warped. Dick took a lot of speed and other substances throughout his writing career to ... famous for his book titled Junkie, Burroughs was a heroin and opioid addict . He even accidentally shot his ... continue reading -
Common Street Names for Drugs
People actively misusing legal or illicit substances use slang terms for many reasons—ranging from avoiding detection by law enforcement to ensuring privacy in written and verbal communication. If you suspect that someone you love is misusing ...
... Scoop Street Names for Heroin Heroin —This substance, which is essentially a modified form of the ... Adam Beans Clarity Disco Biscuit E Eve Molly Lover's Speed Peace STP X XTC Uppers Street Names for Mescaline Mescaline ... continue reading -
Snorting Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a pain-relieving substance with two main uses 1 : Treating significant acute, post-operative pain following surgery. Treating chronic or breakthrough pain in people that no longer respond to other narcotic medications. Like morphine, ...
... a substance is consumed in ways other than prescribed , the danger rises. The speed of onset. Intensity. Duration of effects. Speed ... (CNS) depressants (e.g., benzodiazepines or another opioid like heroin)—poses extreme ... continue reading -
New Study: Amphetamine Abuse and This Old Heart
It's called speed for a reason. Amphetamines, like Ritalin or Adderall, accelerate your heart rate. They send your nervous system into overdrive. Guess what else it speeds up? The aging process. That's right. Pumping your system full of amphetamine ...
... speed for a reason. Amphetamines, like Ritalin or Adderall, accelerate your heart rate. They send your nervous system into overdrive. Guess what else it speeds ... to the brain is interrupted, a stroke may occur. This can ... continue reading -
Snorting Tramadol
Tramadol is a medication prescribed to treat moderate to moderately severe pain in adults and, in its extended release forms, to manage certain chronic pain conditions. Similar to other pain medications like oxycodone, morphine, and hydrocodone, ...
... High? Altering the way a substance is delivered into the body can significantly change its impact in regards to the speed, intensity, or duration of the effects. The speed of the high depends on how quickly the substance ... continue reading -
4 Hangover “Cures” You Need to Ignore
The lights are too bright. The noises are too loud. Your head's spinning. Your stomach's in turmoil. No, it's not the flu. You have a hangover. You had a few too many yesterday, and now you're paying for it. Beware the Miracle Remedy So, what can ...
... centuries. When you feel terrible, you want to speed up the process of recovery. You want to feel better - now. Unfortunately, scientists tell us there is really only one cure for a hangover : time. Image Source: iStock continue reading -
Common Neurological Risks of Drug Abuse
Brain Damage From Drugs While substance misuse may cause a user to feel short-lived euphoria or impart a sense of temporary wellbeing, the adverse effects of drugs can be dangerous and, in some instances, may lead to permanent brain damage. Chronic ...
... CNS) stimulants , such as cocaine and methamphetamine, speed up brain activity, blood pressure, and heart rate ... as well as illicit drugs like heroin . Research suggests that long-term heroin use can cause the white matter ... continue reading -
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 ...
... smoked in the form of “ice.” They speed up the body systems, which can cause a host of health risks from a spike in blood pressure to seizure risk. A fast-acting opiate, heroin can be injected, sniffed/snorted, or smoked ... continue reading -
Effects of Ketamine Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
Is Ketamine Harmful? “It's easy to get ketamine abuse wrong because of its potency; it's more powerful than speed or coke weight for weight, so it's easy to accidentally overdose.” Like its sister drug CP, ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic, ...
... wrong because of its potency; it's more powerful than speed or coke weight for weight, so it's easy to accidentally overdose.” Like its sister drug CP, ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic, and it's popular on the party ... continue reading -
Vyvanse Side Effects, Short-Term and Long-Term Effects, and Treatment
What Is Vyvanse Used For? Vyvanse is a brand name for the medication lisdexamfetamine that is prescribed to treat Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and binge-eating disorders. 1,2 Vyvanse belongs to a class of medicines known as ...
... is misused or abused, it can speed up the development of tolerance, have a negative impact on both mental and physical ... to help people taper off of drugs such as heroin , there are no medications approved by the Food ... continue reading -
Snorting Percocet
Percocet is a prescription opioid containing both oxycodone and acetaminophen. While it is an effective pain reliever, as a Schedule II controlled drug it has a high potential for abuse due to the oxycodone in it. Oxycodone is a semisynthetic opioid ...
... Effects Percocet's ability to bring about a euphoric high is similar to that of heroin, which helps to explain why it can ... user. In fact, when a person uses opioids with other depressant substances such as alcohol, ... continue reading -
3 Devastatingly Dangerous Alcohol-Drug Combos
According to statistics compiled by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), roughly 25% of substance-related emergency room admissions involve a combination of both drugs and alcohol. Poly-Drug Abuse Although heavily ...
... Much like benzodiazepines, illegal opiates like heroin and prescription opioids (OxyContin, Vicodin, ... to an extent. In other words, stimulants ( cocaine , speed , meth , Ritalin , Adderall ) mask the depressive effects ... continue reading -
Anxiety and Substance Abuse: Treating Mental Health Issues and Addiction
It can be difficult to manage an anxiety disorder or a substance use disorder, and it can be even more difficult to manage both disorders when they co-occur together. When a mental health disorder—such as an anxiety disorder—and a substance use ...
... and stimulants cause the heart rate to speed up, which can mimic physical symptoms of ... to visit the doctor with your loved one, since they can provide a more objective point of view. 26 It's also important for you to ... continue reading -
Your Brain on Drugs: Studying Cocaine's Effect on Blood Flow
Stimulant drugs like cocaine can cause serious blood flow problems within the brain. When there is an insufficient flow of rich, oxygenated blood to the brain, it can result in aneurysm-like bleeding and strokes. Researchers have developed a new ...
... chronic cocaine use or 2 repeated injections of the drug, Pan and his team noted a dramatic drop in blood flow speed. For the very first time, researchers were also able to identify cocaine-induced microischemia brought ... 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 ...
... edibles. 6,7 Biggest Takeaways Some of the more pronounced differences between smoking a joint and eating an edible are reflected in the speed of onset of effects, the duration until peak effects are experienced, and the ... continue reading -
Effects of Clonazepam Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
What Is Clonazepam Used For? Clonazepam, commonly known by its brand name Klonopin , is a prescription medication commonly used for its anti-anxiety and anti-convulsant benefits. This medication is part of a larger group of substances called ...
... differences being speed of action and the total time that the positive effects last. Some of these effects can affect the user for up to 24 hours. All benzodiazepines have depressant effects that result in a net slowing ... continue reading -
Clonazepam Abuse Symptoms and Addiction Treatment
Introduction to Clonazepam Abuse What Is Clonazepam Used For? Clonazepam is a prescription drug that belongs to a group of medications called benzodiazepines . Clonazepam is known also by the brand name Klonopin . It is the third most commonly ...
... have very similar properties, but they vary in their speed of onset and the duration of their effects. Primarily, ... the combined depressant effects of doing so can slow the body to dangerous levels. A clonazepam overdose ... continue reading -
Mirror, Mirror: Aging Early Courtesy of Alcohol
$2.1 billion. That's how much we spent on anti-aging skin care products in 2013. And that's just in the United States. Guess how much Americans spent on cosmetic surgery that year? $12 billion. Clearly, we want to look young and beautiful. Who ...
... them all? According to research, it's not those who consume a lot of alcohol . In fact, limiting our alcohol intake could ... drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, we speed toward wrinkles. Reducing our alcohol consumption ... continue reading -
Unchain My Heart: The Real Impact of Booze
Anyone who has experienced alcohol abuse firsthand knows how heartbreaking it can be. The emotional and relational damage left in its wake is devastating. Did you know this “heartache” is more than figurative? Believe it or not, the abuse of ...
... as it should to pump blood throughout your body. As a result, your other organs don't get the blood they ... internal pacemaker to keep it pumping at the right speed. Alcohol interferes with this pacemaker, causing the heart ... 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 ...
... the brain. 5 In most cases, snorting a drug will not provide a high quite as rapidly or intensely as smoking ... it by oral routes because of the intensely rewarding speed of onset and strength of effects. Generally, ... continue reading -
Alcohol and Breastfeeding
Some women are curious about whether they can drink alcohol while they are breastfeeding. While women are strongly advised to avoid drinking any alcohol during pregnancy, the recommendations on whether a woman can drink while breastfeeding are less ...
... known as “pumping and dumping.” This practice does not speed the removal of alcohol from the breast milk. Rather, ... clear out of your system. For example: If you are a 145-pound woman and you consumed 3 drinks in 1 hour ... continue reading -
Snorting Vyvanse: Effects and Addiction Treatment
What Is Vyvanse Used For? Vyvanse is the brand name of a medication prescribed to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and binge-eating disorder (BED). 1 This substance is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that interacts with ...
... stimulants such as Adderall and Ritalin . 2,3 Vyvanse is a prodrug stimulant , which means it is inactive until it ... taken orally. 3 In reality, snorting Vyvanse does not speed up or intensify effects . This is likely due ... continue reading -
Snorting Hydrocodone
Hydrocodone is an opioid substance used in many prescription medications to treat cough and pain. Hydrocodone is available in formulations of pure hydrocodone (Hysingla, Zohydro) or in combination with other pain relievers like ibuprofen ...
... route of administration, the effects of the substance are modified. With many substances, there is a direct relationship between the speed of onset and the strength of the drug effects. Effects that are slower to develop ... continue reading -
Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms and Quitting Adderall Use
What Is Adderall Used For? Adderall—a branded formulation of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine —is a stimulant that doctors prescribe for the management of: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Narcolepsy. As a prescription ...
... “beans,” “black beauties,” “dexies,” “pep pills,” “speed,” and “uppers.” 1 This drug is abused recreationally because ... need. To find your state government's website, do a web search for your state name and '.gov.' Once ... continue reading -
The Side Effects of Xanax: Pill Use and Short-Term and Long-Term Effects
What Is Xanax Used For? Xanax (generic name: alprazolam) is a powerful benzodiazepine drug that is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain. 1,2 The medication comes in the form of a pill that quickly ...
... how Xanax works, it causes a depression of the central nervous system (CNS). 4 CNS depressants cause calming and drowsy effects. ... and concentrating, general intelligence and psychomotor speed. 7 What Are the Side Effects ... continue reading -
Snorting Valium—Effects, Overdose, and Addiction Treatment
Valium is a prescription sedative medication that falls into the class of drugs known as benzodiazepines. 1 Also available as generic diazepam, Valium is prescribed in pill form to treat anxiety and panic symptoms. 1,2 When Valium is taken as ...
... will result in a faster and better high, since in some cases snorting drugs can speed up and intensify ... it is combined with alcohol or other depressants. 8 Signs of a Valium overdose may include: 9 Bluish fingernails ... 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 ...
... causing it to speed up or beat irregularly. Worse, it can lead to a condition called ... so desirable—and dangerous. Though we often hear that alcohol is a depressant, and it is, alcohol increases the release of dopamine in ... continue reading -
How to Stay Productive at Work While Still in Recovery
We live in a very competitive society when it comes to finding a job and keeping it. Even for a person that's never tasted a drop of alcohol, it's still a challenge to find a good job and get accepted into a workplace. It becomes even worse when ...
... work can often actually help speed up your recovery; working gives you a sense of purpose and keeps ... inside of you, and don't push yourself too far too soon. A bit of pressure might help you be more productive at work, but ... continue reading -
Gray Death: The New Killer on the Street
While heroin adulterated with fentanyl has been in the news in recent years and the risks are well-known, there is a new danger on the streets, and it's even deadlier. It is a frighteningly powerful combination of heroin and synthetic opioids known ...
... began showing up in certain regions at the end of 2016 and early 2017. It contains a blend of opioid substances (such as heroin , fentanyl , and U-47700, or “Pink” ). Combinations vary between samples and are typically ... 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, ...
... are long-lasting, working for up to 24 hours per dose. It is used for heroin detoxification or as part of a maintenance program. 11 OxyContin: Developed by Purdue Pharma in 1995, OxyContin addiction has since become ... continue reading -
Trafficking Statistics
Drug abuse is a major problem in the United States, and individuals seeking to abuse drugs generally have little trouble finding those substances. Abuse of prescription and nonprescription opioids continues to be the public health crisis of our ...
... fentanyl are often used by opioid-dependent individuals as a substitute for heroin, or they are added to heroin products to add bulk or enhance effects. A major threat to public health safety comes from the neighboring ... continue reading -
Prescription Painkiller FAQ
What Are Prescription Painkillers? Prescription painkillers are opioid medications used to manage relatively severe pain (such as pain associated with surgical procedures or more chronic issues like cancer-related pain). 1, 2 They can be safe and ...
... , or alcohol). Again, because these drugs are respiratory depressants, overdose can result in slowed or even stopped breathing ... research has revealed a connection between prescription painkiller abuse and heroin use. 4 ... 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 - ...
... than 28,000 people died from opioid overdoses (prescription opioid pain relievers and heroin). Six percent of respondents said they themselves had a substance abuse problem . Given that 2.7 percent of Americans report an ... continue reading -
Sentencing by State 2
have led to overcrowded facilities, skyrocketing prison costs, and major social, economic, and political impacts. Currently, nearly half of all inmates in federal prisons are serving sentences for drug offenses. Many are fathers and mothers who miss ...
... drug overdose deaths in the nation - particularly prescription drugs and heroin. In Appalachia, one of the poorest areas of the country, heroin abuse in particular fuels a steep rise in hepatitis C. Next for drug crime ... 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 ...
... . 13 Alcohol Though legal, alcohol acts as a CNS depressant, meaning it relaxes, reduces anxiety, and impairs ... drive a person to keep using the drug. 20 Heroin Heroin is a very addictive opioid drug. Heroin can cause ... continue reading -
The Rise of Drug Deaths in America
This year, drug overdose deaths surpassed firearm deaths for the first time, making the issue of addiction and drug abuse an even greater concern for Americans . The public is aware of the numbers associated with overdose deaths; however, big ...
... or pneumonia by 2024 . It would only take until 2020 for the yearly deaths associated with heroin to rise above 50,000 a year - exceeding the total number of lives claimed by either Parkinson's or pneumonia at this time ... continue reading -
Drug Arrests Across America
The Current Drug Landscape An estimated 24.6 million Americans aged 12 or over used an illicit drug in 2013. That's 9.4% of the population. 1 The number was similar in 2012 (9.2%), and in that year the FBI reports that there were 1.5 million drug ...
... alongside meth availability. About one third of people who reported using meth also stated they had used heroin—a substantial increase since 2005. Marijuana use is common following its legalization for people aged 21 or ... continue reading -
30 Famous Musicians Who Have Battled Drug Addiction and Alcoholism
1. Ozzy Osbourne Rockstar Ozzy Osbourne has long struggled with addiction. In fact, his heavy alcohol and drug abuse led to him being fired from Black Sabbath in 1978. 2. Kurt Cobain Kurt Cobain got to know his wife Courtney Love while they used ...
... of the most moving songs about heroin ever written. Despite having avoided a reputation for drug use, he has ... 22. Aaron Carter Aaron Carter was pulled over for speeding and possession of two ounces of marijuana in 2008. ... continue reading -
Effect of Drugs on the Kidneys: How Do Drugs Damage the Kidneys?
Chronic drug and alcohol misuse can lead to severe kidney damage or failure. The damage is not always direct; some substances may indirectly cause harm to the kidneys via biologic events triggered outside of the renal system itself. These secondary ...
... users who have not overdosed or experienced a coma. Intravenous heroin users are more likely to contract bacterial ... is associated with a number of kidney complications, such as: 2 Sped-up progression of kidney disease ... continue reading -
Harm Reduction
The concept of 'harm reduction' refers to a set of policies, programs, and practices that aim to reduce the health, social, and economic consequences of drug and alcohol abuse. 1,2 Strategies might include providing a safe environment for heroin use ...
... social, and economic consequences of drug and alcohol abuse. 1,2 Strategies might include providing a safe environment for heroin use that minimizes the risk of overdose or the contraction of HIV. The precise strategies ... continue reading -
How Does Ibogaine Treat Opiate Addiction?
Holly started using heroin when she was 18 - at 26, she was at the end of the line. Her whole life revolved around getting high. In the past, she had tried 12-step programs, counseling, in-patient rehab, and even drug-assisted therapy…it seemed ...
... Ibogaine . She already knew that it's a psychoactive substance which comes from a West African plant. She knew it affects the brain in some way to help with heroin addiction. Holly discovered Ibogaine has been effective ... 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 ...
... shown that when taken either in pill form or injected, oxycodone produced a “high” similar to that of heroin 5 . Additionally, heroin-dependent participants in another study described oxycodone as the “Rolls Royce” of ... 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 ...
... vein. If you see needle marks on someone's arms, it is a sign of possible heroin abuse. The needles can be inserted anywhere that a vein is located, but the arms are the most common location. Physical and mental effects ... 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 ...
... , but the drug was mentioned in these articles that detailed past struggles with addiction. Heroin Heroin is a drug with severe addictive potential and tragic consequences. Its wide-reaching destructive influence is ... continue reading -
San Francisco Mayor Proposes Drug Distribution to Homeless
For San Francisco, the statistics related to opioid abuse are staggering: The Department of Public Health estimates there are 11,000 people addicted to heroin in San Francisco. It is estimated that thousands of these individuals are homeless. The ...
... started on the drug in 2016 are still working on staying clean today . Considering more than three-fourths of heroin users typically relapse after starting treatment, that's a pretty good percentage. Image Source: iStock continue reading -
Fentanyl: The Newest Lethal Injection Ingredient
Fifty times stronger than heroin , the synthetic opioid fentanyl is flooding the drug market - and heightening the danger of overdose. In search of cheaper mixes and stronger highs, dealers now lace heroin and cocaine with this potent drug. We've ...
... of fentanyl and nearly 50 pounds of fentanyl-laced heroin out of circulation. Seized from an apartment in ... , along with neighboring Pennsylvania. Let that sink in for a minute. Beyond the Death Chamber When we look at its ... continue reading -
Can You Overdose on Painkillers?
Some of the most predominantly prescribed pain management medications are opioid analgesics (painkillers). These prescription drugs interact with opioid receptors throughout the brain, initiating a chain of events that ultimately brings pain relief ...
... the resultant surge of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which creates a feeling of euphoria and well-being. These effects, which are similar to those of heroin (another opioid), reinforce patterns of abuse and can quickly ... continue reading -
Roxy Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment
What Is Roxicodone Used For? Roxicodone (often called “roxies,” “roxy,” or “blues”) is one of the brand names for oxycodone —a powerful opioid prescription painkiller. Roxicodone is prescribed to alleviate pain that cannot be managed ...
... report . 3 This is especially worrying because opioid dependence and addiction is a major contributing factor to eventual heroin dependence . In fact, the National Institute on Drug Abuse states that almost 80% of people ... continue reading -
Famous Drug Abusers
Drug and Alcohol Addiction: A Disease that Touches Everyone According to data from the latest National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 22.7 million Americans need treatment for a drug or alcohol problem. And though it may sound cliché, ...
... office hits, fans were stunned to learn of Hoffman's death in February of 2014. He died from a heroin overdose , despite being in recovery for more than two decades. Reports indicated that Hoffman had slipped back into ... continue reading -
Methadone Programs: A Bad Treatment Plan for Addicted Parents?
When it comes to the negative effects of substance abuse, addiction casts a wide net. Addicted parents, in particular, are faced with a unique set of challenges, as an opiate dependency ultimately affects the whole family. For thousands of parents ...
... the 10-year follow-up interview. This compares to a 7.5% mortality rate in the general population of Washington State, and a 14.8% mortality rate among heroin users in the Seattle area. Mental Health Problems Mental ... continue reading -
Addiction Self-Assessment Quizzes for Drugs and Alcohol
Use the following self-assessment quizzes to better understand common signs, symptoms, and behavioral changes related to substance misuse and addiction. The questions used in the following self-assessments are based on the diagnostic criteria ...
... designed to help evaluate whether you may be misusing heroin, an opioid drug derived from morphine. While this assessment does not replace a clinical diagnosis from a professional, it can be helpful in recognizing signs ... continue reading -
First Responders Worry About Accidental Fentanyl Exposure
Fentanyl. It's known to be 50 times more potent than heroin, and a speck the size of a few grains of salt can kill. By now, you've probably heard of this beast and the toll it's taken on so many lives around the country. A whopping 5554 people ...
Fentanyl. It's known to be 50 times more potent than heroin, and a speck the size of a few grains of salt can kill. By now, you've probably heard of this beast and the toll it's taken on so many lives around the country. ... continue reading -
Why Don’t We Have Addiction Vaccines?
After three decades of research, people with addiction still have few medication options. While there are a handful of modestly effective FDA-approved drugs to treat alcohol, nicotine and opioid-use disorders, there are none at all for cocaine, ...
... the study, says. “It is hard to get good levels of antibodies.” 16 Heroin : An effective vaccine would be a big boost for people with heroin use disorder, who have the lowest rate of recovery. (This is why methadone and ... continue reading -
Effects of Alcohol and Drugs on the Male and Female Reproductive Systems
How Do Drugs Affect the Reproductive System? Substance misuse can negatively impact the reproductive health of both sexes in several ways. It may contribute to serious health problems, such as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), infertility, and ...
... reduce inhibitions. However, alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, meaning that it slows the body ... alcohol and other drugs while pregnant , including heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana, risk harming ... continue reading -
Which Side of the Naloxone Debate Are You On?
With the opioid epidemic claiming nearly 78 lives each and every day, President-elect Trump has his work cut out for him in the drug arena. One of his stated policies involves increasing access to naloxone, a medication used to reverse overdose from ...
... drug arena. One of his stated policies involves increasing access to naloxone, a medication used to reverse overdose from opioids like heroin and prescription painkillers. But there are people on both sides of the fence ... continue reading -
Who Manufacturers All these Crazy Semi-Legal Designer Drugs?
Designer drugs have been subject of much media attention of late, as the Internet has made obtaining them easier than in the past. In many cases, it's simpler to order designer drugs online than to try to obtain street drugs. Designer drugs can be ...
... drugs can be just as dangerous if not more so than drugs like heroin, cocaine , and marijuana . Designer drugs are drugs created in a lab to mimic popular drugs. Because they are chemically different, though similar ... 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 ...
... and synthetic opioid use —mainly fentanyl . 5 As mentioned previously, using other substances like heroin or alcohol can increase a person's risk of overdose. 2 Additionally, drinking alcohol can increase an individual's ... continue reading -
The Effects of Vicodin Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
What Is Vicodin Used For? Vicodin is an prescription painkiller medication that is comprised of two substances: Hydrocodone . Acetaminophen . Hydrocodone is an opiate drug that works as a pain reliever and is useful in managing multiple levels of ...
... each exert central nervous system depressant actions , the user is ... heroin. If you're worried about your use, please call for free at to find help today. It's never too late to start a new life. Physical Vicodin Effects A ... 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 ...
... use. The Centers for Disease Control Director, Tom Friedan, M.D., M.P.H. indicated in a 2015 press release that most current heroin users in the U.S. progressed to the drug from prescription opioid use. Help for opiate ... 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, ...
... in our culture or not even exist. Charles Romley Alder Wright - The Forefather of Heroin Dr. Charles Wright, born in 1844, was a physics and chemistry researcher in London. Well respected, he helped found the Royal ... 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 ...
... many people can understand all the lyrics to Smells Like Teen Spirit? His use of heroin worried people, though, and in 1994, he joined the 27 club: a litany of stars who have died at the age of 27 due to suicide, alcohol ... continue reading -
Ruthless Drug Dealer Ordered to Pay for His Client’s Funeral
Opioid abuse is killing thousands of Americans each year. Every day, nearly 100 lives are lost to the opioid epidemic. Many of these fatalities are caused by a deadly drug that's secretly added to baggies of heroin (or cocaine) as a cheap way for ...
... are lost to the opioid epidemic. Many of these fatalities are caused by a deadly drug that's secretly added to baggies of heroin (or cocaine) as a cheap way for dealers to add weight to their product. You've probably ... continue reading -
Ibogaine: Miracle Cure or Dangerous Botanical?
We all know healthcare providers and researchers are desperate to find solutions to the opioid crisis, but are they overlooking a possible cure? The answer, according to a recent article , appears to be yes. The article, which was published by The ...
... symptoms and temporarily eliminate cravings, its use remains illegal in the U.S. A Story of Using Ibogaine to Overcome Heroin Addiction One ibogaine advocate highlighted in The Guardian article says he discovered the ... continue reading -
Introducing the Drug That Can Kill With a Single Dose
Just when we'd thought we'd heard it all, an even more lethal drug concoction popped up on our radar. It's just the latest killer in the opioid epidemic ravaging our country. Dubbed “gray death” by authorities, this high-potency cocktail is ...
... , which is often cut with fentanyl and other fillers. Oftentimes, users don't have a way of telling if the heroin they've purchased is pure or if it's laced with something else before using it. That's how gray death ... continue reading -
Pregnant & Court-Ordered to Take Vivitrol: Is My Baby Safe?
It's a question many women might be asking themselves, as more and more females of childbearing age are ordered by drug courts to take Vivitrol - the injectable form of naltrexone. An opioid-antagonist, Vivitrol blocks the brain receptors that bind ...
... heroin, OxyContin, and Vicodin. In its injectable form, Vivitrol lasts for about a month. Quite a few ... pregnant,” she says. “I wouldn't want to be faced with a decision if I did discover I was pregnant and didn't know ... continue reading -
Watch the Fahrenheit With Your Fentanyl
Fentanyl is an opiate (narcotic) pain reliever typically prescribed to people for severe, ongoing pain or after surgery. This medication is 50 times stronger than heroin and, needless to say, it can be very addictive. Fentanyl can be delivered in ...
... after surgery. This medication is 50 times stronger than heroin and, needless to say, it can be very addictive ... with fans and loose clothing. And if you're wearing a fentanyl patch, it's definitely not the time for ... continue reading -
What You Need to Know About ‘Zombie Drug’ Krokodil
Krokodil (Crocodil) is a homemade version of a synthetic drug called desomorphine. As the name deso-morphine suggests, the chemical is in the opiate family and closely mimics the effects of heroin and morphine. Pure desomorphine is a very addictive ...
... , the chemical is in the opiate family and closely mimics the effects of heroin and morphine. Pure desomorphine is a very addictive substance with a high potential for abuse . The opiate epidemic of the last decade has ... continue reading -
Effects of Opioid Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
What Are Opioids Used For? Opioids are a class of drugs that includes prescription painkillers such as oxycodone (Oxycontin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), codeine , and morphine ; synthetic opioids including fentanyl ; and the illegal drug heroin . 1,2 ...
... a class of drugs that includes prescription painkillers such as oxycodone (Oxycontin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), codeine , and morphine ; synthetic opioids including fentanyl ; and the illegal drug heroin ... can have a dark ... continue reading -
Let's Talk About the Elephant Tranquilizer in the Room
It's 10,000 times more potent than morphine. It's 100 times more powerful than fentanyl . What is it? Carfentanil. Designed as a tranquilizer for elephants, this deadly substance has made its way into our nation's illegal drug market. It's often ...
... constantly seek more powerful drugs to get high. But this isn't your typical street heroin . Carfentanil's extreme potency doesn't mean it gives a “better” high; it means it will kill you. It's dangerous to even come in ... continue reading -
Risks of Substance Abuse While Pregnant & Treatment Options
Drinking alcohol or using drugs while pregnant can cause a number of negative health outcomes for both mother and child. It can affect a growing fetus because substances travel easily from the placenta, creating great potential for harm. 4 While not ...
... death. Learn more about the effects of using heroin while pregnant . Marijuana and Pregnancy Contrary to popular ... severity of your addiction , you can detox in one of a variety of settings, which are described below. 5,6,7 ... continue reading -
A Decade of American Drug Use
In the nation's ongoing drug crisis, grim statistics abound. Each day, approximately 115 Americans die of opioid overdoses. Methamphetamine use is on the rise, reviving a scourge public health officials once thought to be improving. Simultaneously, ...
... especially as users transition from abusing prescription medicines to illicit alternatives, such as heroin. Recognizing a lucrative opportunity, powerful Mexican cartels have shifted their business models to supply this ... 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” ...
... affect the brain the same way morphine and heroin do. They attach to opioid receptors found ... is especially true with other central nervous system (CNS) depressants such as alcohol and benzodiazepines . Learn more about the ... continue reading -
Facing Reality: 8 Shocking Drug and Alcohol Abuse Statistics
It's no secret that drugs and alcohol can have detrimental consequences on your mind, body, and life. They are indiscriminate in who they affect; anyone who abuses alcohol or drugs is at risk for developing an addiction. Although they are sometimes ...
... who abuse prescription opioids are 40% more likely to use heroin than those who don't. 1 Opioid painkillers and heroin share a very similar chemical structure and produce virtually identical effects. Painkillers are ... continue reading -
Suboxone Debate: What Is the Big Problem with Buprenorphine?
When it comes to this nation's chemical dependence, few drugs have achieved the notoriety and reputation of opioid drugs. In fact, things have spiraled so far out of control that opiate addiction is now considered an epidemic. Despite leaving a ...
... nothing short of a looming disaster speeding toward the addiction community. Let's take a look at both ... if you spend the whole day injecting heroin and suddenly decide to pop a Suboxone film under your tongue, you can ... continue reading -
Understanding Naloxone and Narcan
Naloxone—also known by brand names such as Narcan and Kloxxado—can be a lifesaving medication when used promptly in cases of opioid overdose. 1 If you or someone you care about takes prescription opioid medication or uses illicit opioids such as ...
... prescription opioid medication or uses illicit opioids such as heroin, you may wish to learn more about naloxone, ... , morphine ), heroin , and illicitly manufactured fentanyl. Naloxone has no effect on a person who does ... continue reading -
What Does It Mean to Be Dope Sick?
Bill found John curled up on the couch; he looked miserable. Bill asked, “What's wrong with you?” “I'm sick, man. You got any?” was John's weak response. As Bill suspected, John was in withdrawal. An active heroin user, John was low on cash ...
... . As Bill suspected, John was in withdrawal. An active heroin user, John was low on cash and hadn't been ... help you get better, but not that way.” It would be a long few days, but Bill was committed to helping his friend ... continue reading -
Effects of Roxicodone Addiction
Roxicodone (“Roxy”) is one available brand version of oxycodone—a powerful semi-synthetic opioid painkiller. 1,2 The medicinal effect of opioids like oxycodone is brought on by a change in the way the brain and body respond to pain. Rather ...
... 3 When abused, oxycodone's effects are essentially indistinguishable from those of heroin (another full opioid agonist), making it a sought after drug of abuse. Prescription rates for opioid painkillers skyrocketed over ... continue reading -
OxyContin Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment
What Is OxyContin Used For? OxyContin is a branded formulation of the powerful opioid painkiller oxycodone . It is prescribed to manage cases of moderate-to-severe pain. When taken as directed, it is a safe and effective medication, and it has ...
... , many people abuse OxyContin in order to get high—a practice that can prove dangerous and even fatal. Misuse ... painkillers are at risk for concurrent or eventual heroin use due to the similar effects of the two ... 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 ...
... and cocaine. Around 21.8 percent of city addicts say heroin is their drug of choice (vs. 3.1 percent in the country), while 11.9 percent claim cocaine as a drug of choice (vs. 5.6 percent rural). Demographics Differences ... continue reading -
Penalties and Sentencing for Drug Abuse, Selling, and Smuggling in the USA
Problematic substance use has the potential to negatively impact every area of your life. As dependence and addiction to alcohol or other drugs develop, these substances may begin to influence your physical and mental health, significantly affecting ...
... and examples of drugs in those schedules. 5-7 Schedule I : Substances with a strong potential for abuse and no medically recognized purpose. Heroin . LSD . Marijuana . Peyote . MDMA/ ecstasy . Schedule II: Drugs that ... continue reading -
AmeRxica’s Most Medicated
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, over 54 million people have used prescription medication non-medically - effectively more than 20 percent of the population aged 12 and older. When our doctor puts pen to paper and hands us a ...
... .S., rates of heroin usage have nearly doubled since 2007. Hydrocodone, another opioid pain medication, had almost 33 million grams prescribed, and GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate) - a central nervous depressant used to treat ... continue reading
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