Is Lidocaine Addictive

Dangerous Additives: What's Really in Your Cocaine?

Cocaine is one of the most lethal illegal substances. This can be explained by the extraordinary psychoactive and biological effects of the drug. Cocaine is the single most powerful central nervous system stimulant. At high doses, it can stop the ...

... lead to potentially deadly diseases. Anesthetics: Benzocaine, Lidocaine, and Procaine Cocaine has a long history as an ... traditional cocaine. Crack cocaine is particularly addictive because the mesolimbic “reward” system ... 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

Alcohol Is Addictive… But Is It Also Contagious?

A quick choice to consume alcohol doesn't just affect you—it may also affect those around you, particularly in social situations. New research suggests that, whether or not they are aware of it, people in groups are influenced by each other's ...

A quick choice to consume alcohol doesn't just affect you—it may also affect those around you, particularly in social situations. New research suggests that, whether or not they are aware of it, people in groups are ... continue reading

Risk of Counterfeit and Laced Drugs

Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that approximately 27 million people aged 12 and older were current illicit drug users. This figure amounts to 1 in every 10 people having used illegal drugs in the past month. With ...

... Below are some of the more commonly encountered cutting agents found in popularly abused drugs. Cocaine may contain: Lidocaine : a local anesthetic with numbing qualities similar to those of cocaine, but with none of its ... 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

A Closer Look at the History and Use of Cocaine

Cocaine is a popular CNS (central nervous system) stimulant that is naturally derived from the cocoa plant, which is most commonly grown in South America's Andean region. Though its proper chemical name is benzoylmethyl ecgonine (C17H21NO4), users ...

... kidney failure, seizure, stroke, and heart attack can also occur. Additional concerns include cocaine's highly addictive qualities. Although it is not believed to cause physical dependence, many people find cocaine to be ... 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, ...

... cocaine addiction for more than 40 years. Methamphetamines Known as “meth,” this drug is an extremely addictive stimulant. According to the NSDUH study , over 12 million people have tried methamphetamine at least once ... continue reading

Smoking Can be a Serious Pain…in the Back

If you have chronic back pain and are a long-time smoker, the latter may be causing the former, according to a study released by the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University. A New Worry for Smokers The study, which was published in ...

... increases risk of transitioning to chronic back pain, an effect mediated by corticostriatal circuitry involved in addictive behavior and motivated learning,” they said. Turns out back pain is only one of 14 million ... continue reading

Common Street Names for Drugs

People actively misusing legal or illicit substances use slang terms for many reasons—ranging from avoiding detection by law enforcement to ensuring privacy in written and verbal communication. If you suspect that someone you love is misusing ...

... , can be consumed numerous ways (e.g. snorting , smoking, or injection ), leading to an intense and addictive high. Common heroin street names include: Brown Sugar China White Chiva Dope H Hell Dust Horse Junk Negra Skag ... 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? ...

... development of a debilitating addiction. 3 Cocaine is addictive because of its significant effects on the brain. ... and antihistamines. Prescription drugs , such as lidocaine, a local anesthetic, and antibiotics. Cocaine ... 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. Although ecstasy initially became popular for use at raves or parties, ...

... 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

Alternatives to Painkillers

The 2012 National Health Interview Survey estimated that 126.1 million adults reported some pain in the previous 3 months, 25.3 million adults reported suffering from daily (chronic) pain, and 23.4 million reported experiencing a lot of it overall ...

... diclofenac may help acute soft tissue injuries or chronic joint-related conditions if used regularly. Topical lidocaine may help mitigate symptoms of neuropathy. Other pain-relieving gels include Biofreeze and Tiger Balm ... 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. ...

... the drug was banned in the United States as part of the Harrison Narcotics Act due to new understanding of its addictive potential. 1 Depending on how it is made, heroin can be a white or brown powder or a black, sticky ... continue reading

How to Help a Percocet Addict

Help for Percocet Addicts If you're battling an addiction to Percocet (the combination of acetaminophen and oxycodone - an opiate-derived pain reliever ), you're not alone. According to the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately ...

... your brain and nervous system respond to pain. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, Percocet is addictive when the medication is taken in high doses and used for an extended period of time. Anyone who is ... 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. 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

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

Is Meth Harmful? Meth—the abbreviated colloquialism for methamphetamine—is a wildly addictive and dangerous substance. Users can rapidly become dependent on its effects, which present a number of health risks. The illegal production and ...

... the creation of the drug, and this has resulted in a number of people's deaths and injuries. Meth is more addictive and harmful than amphetamine, from which it is derived. The main drug of this form that is used on the ... 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

Crystal Meth Abuse Side Effects, Symptoms, and Addiction Treatment

What Is Crystal Meth? 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 is ...

... 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

... action to drugs like heroin, even opioids that are prescribed by a doctor have the potential to be highly addictive. Though opioids can be as safe and effective as painkillers when used as prescribed for short periods of ... continue reading

Codeine Addiction: Effects, Dangers, and Treatment

Codeine is a prescription opioids painkiller that, while generally safe when taken as prescribed, has a high potential for misuse and addiction. 1,2 Misusing codeine to experience a euphoric “high,” 3 increases the potential risks of developing ...

... by pharmacists without a prescription. 7 It is important to note that not all cough medicines are the same. Is Codeine Addictive? Codeine has a high potential for misuse, dependence and addiction. 5 Because of its ... 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

Getting Help for Xanax Addiction: Xanax Addiction Treatment

What Is Xanax Used For? Xanax—also known by its generic name alprazolam —is a benzodiazepine that comes in either tablet or capsule form. It's used to manage anxiety and panic disorders. Sometimes called “purple footballs,” “bars,” or ...

... Xanax addiction the support they need to find and maintain recovery. Is Xanax Addictive? According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, Xanax is addictive if it is used over a prolonged period of time. Anyone who ... 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 Side Effects, Symptoms, Withdrawal, and Treatment

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

... many people after only one use, since cocaine affects the brain's reward pathway immediately. 1 How Addictive is Cocaine? Dopamine is associated with 'euphoric' emotions, the regulation of movement, and the processing of ... continue reading

Soma Abuse Signs, Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment

What Is Soma Used For? Soma is the trade name for carisoprodol , a muscle relaxant that is prescribed for the treatment of muscle pain and spasms . Soma is often abused for its sedating effects on the user, and the addictive properties of this drug ...

... muscle pain and spasms . Soma is often abused for its sedating effects on the user, and the addictive properties of this drug have recently been recognized by many in the medical profession as more significant than was ... 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

How to Help an Oxycontin Addict

OxyContin is a dangerous drug when not used properly, and it's easy to fall into the trap of addiction. Fortunately, there is help out there for anyone who is addicted to the substance, and it's never been easier to get help. How to Approach an ...

... by many to be a key element in maintaining sobriety. How Addictive Is OxyContin? Like all opiates , OxyContin is potentially addictive. OxyContin attaches itself to the opioid receptors in the brain, preventing ... continue reading

How to Help Someone With Marijuana Addiction

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

... of their use may help them see the need for treatment . Is Marijuana Addictive? Despite reports to the contrary, marijuana can be addictive . The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports: 1 in 11 (0.90%) adults ... continue reading

How to Help a Vicodin Addict

Help for Vicodin Addiction Vicodin is one of the many brand names for the combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone . Hydrocodone is an opioid used to treat moderate and severe pain , as well as being a treatment for coughs. The acetaminophen is ...

... . Help them make a list of possible questions to ask treatment centers. How Addictive Is Vicodin? Vicodin is potentially addictive. The hydrocodone in Vicodin is a powerful prescription opioid drug that can produce the ... 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 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

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

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

Snorting Ritalin Side Effects, Dangers, and Addiction Help

What Does Ritalin Do? Ritalin is sold as both an immediate-release and an extended-release medication. 2 Extended-release Ritalin is designed to gradually release methylphenidate into the bloodstream throughout the day, rather than all at once. ...

... so to amplify the drug's effects in the brain, which may in turn increase Ritalin's addictive potential. In the brain, chemicals called neurotransmitters influence the way people feel. Stimulants like Ritalin affect two ... continue reading

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

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

... 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

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

Ultram Abuse Symptoms and Addiction Treatment

What Is Ultram Used For? Ultram—the trade name for tramadol —is a synthetic opiate pain reliever prescribed for moderate-to-severe pain. It can be habit-forming and can produce unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ultram's potential for abuse has ...

... the drug. Its withdrawal symptoms commonly contradict the general belief among many that is not as addictive as other opiates . Withdrawal symptoms for someone getting off Ultram can include: Difficulty sleeping. Pain ... continue reading

How to Help a Methadone Addict

Help for Methadone Addicts Methadone is an opioid drug; however, it is beneficial in the treatment of heroin dependence and other forms of opiate abuse. While it is regularly used in the management of opioid dependence, methadone itself is ...

... resources on how to start the conversation, read more here . Methadone Addiction Treatment Because methadone is so addictive, it can be hard to quit using on your own. As a result, addiction treatment recognizes that you ... continue reading

How to Help a Meth Addict

Methamphetamine (“meth”) is a substance that has very limited medical use. The drug is only available legally under the name Desoxyn , which is a medication with limited therapeutic application for the treatment of obesity and ADHD. As a ...

... to have the conversation early. You may just save the life of someone you love. Is Methamphetamine Addictive? With its powerful and quickly delivered high, methamphetamine is considered to be one of the most highly ... continue reading

Vicodin Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment

What Is Vicodin Used For? Physicians often prescribe Vicodin—a combination of hydrocodone (an opiate) and acetaminophen—for the relief of moderate-to-severe pain. It works by blocking pain receptors in the brain, but it also induces a sense of ...

... receptors in the brain, but it also induces a sense of euphoria, making it extremely effective but also highly addictive . Signs and Symptoms of Vicodin Abuse People who take Vicodin tend to feel a rush of euphoria and ... 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

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 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

Understanding Addiction: A Guide for Families

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

... the brain and behavior. While it's not yet completely understood, researchers believe that almost all addictive substances directly or indirectly increase activity in the brain's dopaminergic reward system. 2 Dopamine is ... 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

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

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

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

Concurrent Alcohol and Bath Salts Abuse

Bath Salts: A Dangerous Synthetic Drug Even though few people mention “bath salts” when they discuss addictive drugs, this new drug has grown astronomically in popularity over the past several years. “Bath salts” are far from the salts you ...

... , they often are inevitably combined with alcohol by teens who want a new thrill. As with almost any addictive drug, bath salts have an exponentially more powerful effect when combined with alcohol. Teens have been drawn ... continue reading

Dilaudid: Addiction and Treatment Programs

Dilaudid is a prescription opioid that is sometimes misused. 1 When Dilaudid is used in ways other than prescribed, and even when it is used as prescribed, there can be a risk of dangerous side effects and addiction. 1 Read on to learn about ...

... an effect on other body systems as well. 2 Despite its usefulness for pain management, Dilaudid can be addictive and is dangerous when misused, even at prescribed doses. 1 Like other opioids, it can slow down breathing ... continue reading

Concurrent Alcohol and Subutex Abuse

Subutex (buprenorphine) is used to treat an addiction to opiates. However, Subutex itself is addictive. Its addictive ingredient is buprenorphine hydrochloride, which reduces symptoms of dependence on opiates . Subutex contains only buprenorphine ...

... drugs such as Subutex is becoming more common in the medical industry (Yokell et al., 2011). Subutex can be addictive as an opiate substitute, so there are risks to taking the drug. Most doctors try to slowly wean their ... continue reading

How to Help a Steroid Addict

Help for Steroid Addicts People who are addicted to steroids may need professional help to stop taking the drugs. While the dependency that develops as a result of their use may be different from that of other, more commonly abused substances, ...

... their use may be different from that of other, more commonly abused substances, anabolic steroids can indeed be addictive—meaning that the body and mind may crave the drugs, even when a person wants to stop taking them ... continue reading

How to Help a Bath Salts Addict

Are Bath Salts Addictive? Bath salts are addictive. The drugs are notoriously known for producing serious side effects that may be damaging from the first hit. They are a synthetic type of cathinone—found in nature in the khat plant. Cathinones ...

... are similar to amphetamines, which is why the amphetamine and bath salts addiction processes are similar. The addictive properties of bath salts can lead to users losing touch with reality and losing their self-control ... continue reading

How to Help a Tramadol Addict

Help for Tramadol Addiction If you have been struggling with an addiction to tramadol, or you know someone who has, finding the proper treatment program is essential. Treatment for addiction can restore your quality of life. Regardless of how long ...

... they take the medication consistently for a long period of time. Tramadol can have numerous detrimental and addictive effects when misused. In fact, when taken in high doses, tramadol can produce effects similar to the ... continue reading

How to Help Someone With Valium Addiction

How to Help Someone Addicted to Valium If you are addicted to Valium—a sedative-hypnotic drug—you don't have to fight your addiction alone. Treatment programs give people with addictions all the support they need to recover. Regardless of how ...

... to control agitation caused by alcohol withdrawal . According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, Valium is addictive if you: Take it in large doses . Use it consistently for an extended period of time. Even people ... continue reading

Klonopin Abuse Symptoms and Addiction Treatment

An Introduction to Klonopin Klonopin is a prescription sedative medication useful as an anti-anxiety and anti-convulsant drug. Doctors prescribe Klonopin to control or prevent seizures and reduce anxiety from panic attacks. Also known as clonazepam ...

... panic attacks. Also known as clonazepam , this drug is a benzodiazepine —a class of drugs that is highly addictive . This substance works by slowing down certain functions of the body. As an oral medication, the drug is ... 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

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

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 ...

... 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 taken a devastating ... continue reading

How to Treat Diazepam Addiction

Diazepam is the generic name for the anxiolytic medication, Valium. Diazepam is a member of a large class of substances called benzodiazepines and, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), it is the fourth most popular benzodiazepine ...

... their environment, family therapy will include significant supports to address communication and overall family functioning. Is Diazepam Addictive? Yes. Even when Valium is used as prescribed, it has the potential to be ... 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 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

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

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

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

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

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

Snorting Fentanyl: Long-Term Effects & Dangers

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, ...

... opioid-tolerant patients 3,4 . Fentanyl is up to 100 times more powerful than morphine , an opiate that is addictive in its own right 1,3 . In recent years, fentanyl has become a major health concern, as its popularity ... 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

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

Concurrent Alcohol and Alprazolam Abuse

Alprazolam, more commonly known by the brand name Xanax , is an anti-anxiety and panic disorder medication. Alprazolam is part of a class of drug called benzodiazepines , which have the potential to be addictive. Benzodiazepine medication is ...

... . Learn more about teen alcohol and drug misuse . Resources, Articles, and More Information Why Is Xanax So Addictive? Xanax Withdrawal Xanax Overdose How to Help a Painkiller Addict Call us for free at if you or a ... 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

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

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

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

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

How to Help an Opana Addict

How to Approach an Opana Addict Opana is the brand name for oxymorphone, a semi-synthetic opioid painkiller . Over the past decade, increased availability of painkillers has fueled an epidemic of opioid abuse around the world. In the US, an ...

... sought by those with serious occupational or familial restraints and relatively less severe addictions. Is Opana Addictive? Opana is a semi-synthetic opioid analgesic with roughly 5 times the potency of morphine. It ... 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 Valium Abuse

There are several facts about alcohol and Valium use that everyone should know. Like alcohol, Valium is a central nervous system depressant. Valium is typically used to treat anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia and seizures. Although Valium can be used ...

... be used to get positive results in medical settings, it is also a prescription drug which can be addictive and has the potential to be abused. Abuse of Valium can cause individuals to feel intense feelings of euphoria ... 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

Methadone for Addiction Treatment

Methadone is a highly effective treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) when taken correctly and under the supervision of a medical practitioner. 1 Methadone can reduce or eliminate withdrawal symptoms and cravings to use opioids, and studies show ...

... not produce the same effects as heroin, it has strong pain-relieving and sedating effects, which can be addictive. 3 The signs and symptoms of methadone addiction are like those of other opioid addictions. 6 Those who ... continue reading

Meth Abuse Signs, Symptoms, Effects, and Treatment

Methamphetamine is a psychostimulant often abused for the euphoric “high” it provides. Some signs of meth abuse include frequent paranoia, agitation, sweating, insomnia, skin changes, weight loss, and more. Abusing this powerfully addictive drug ...

... paranoia, agitation, sweating, insomnia, skin changes, weight loss, and more. Abusing this powerfully addictive drug can have deadly consequences. Stimulant dependencies rank amongst the most difficult to overcome ... continue reading

How to Help an Opiate Addict

Help for Opiate Addicts Opiates are some of the most abused drugs in America, with prescription opiates accounting for up to 5.1 million cases of addiction. Around 210 million doses of opiates, including morphine , OxyContin , and Vicodin , were ...

... , such as post-operative pain, back pain, etc. They can also produce euphoria, which makes them potentially addictive if they're used over longer periods of time. Opiate overdoses accounted for more deaths in 2014 than ... continue reading

How to Get Help for Ketamine Addiction

About Ketamine Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic—a chemical cousin of PCP. Its use as a recreational drug can increase a person's risk of developing addiction and hasten the emergence of long-term psychological effects, including: Memory ...

... also detected during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on 21 test subjects in a 2013 study. Is Ketamine Addictive? Ketamine's capacity to elicit euphoria, dissociation from pain, and detachment from one's environment are ... continue reading

How to Help a Lorazepam Addict

Lorazepam addiction can be extremely dangerous. Fortunately, a multitude of programs exist for those suffering to find help. How to Approach a Lorazepam-Addicted Loved One Few things are more difficult than watching a friend or family member suffer ...

... you. To find out more about how to begin the process of recovery, call for free at now. Is Lorazepam Addictive? Lorazepam is the generic name for a drug also sold under the brand name Ativan . Used in the treatment of ... continue reading

Get Sober Today

Related results