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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 ...
... toxic workplace or a bad boss. 1 ... or Illicit Drug Addiction The following links provide substance-specific information on how to help a drug addict: Alcohol Bath Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin ... 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 ...
... substance. Heroin may be smoked, snorted, or injected. Regardless of the type of heroin used, the drug acts quickly in the body to elicit its dramatic results. In short, heroin is very harmful. The speed and intense ... continue reading -
Can You Get Addicted to Heroin After the First Use?
Heroin has the reputation of being one of the most addictive illicit drugs. Many government and academic institutions report that heroin is either very addictive or highly addictive . Adding to the risk associated with the substance is the number of ...
... take more, buy more potent drugs, or change the method of administration in an attempt to recreate that first high. Why Do People Use Heroin? Heroin's intense high and quick speed of onset are major attractions for users ... 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 ...
... in the same shoes. It can be helpful to join 12-step groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or Heroin Anonymous (HA), or non-12-step groups like SMART Recovery. 1,10,11 Peer recovery counseling . This involves working with ... continue reading -
Heroin Abuse Signs, Symptoms, Effects, Overdose, and Treatment
About Heroin Abuse What Is Heroin? Heroin is a substance that is both illegal and extremely addictive . The drug derives from opium from the poppy plant before it is refined to morphine, then further chemically modified to become heroin. Despite its ...
... brown powder, a black sticky substance (tar heroin), and solid black chunks . These different forms of heroin can be smoked, snorted, or injected under the skin, into muscle, or directly into the veins. Regardless of the ... continue reading -
Why Is Heroin So Addictive?
Despite its dangers and reputation for harm, use of heroin continues to escalate in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Rates of heroin use have increased across gender, socioeconomic status, age group, ...
... symptoms keeps many users running back to the drug even when they want to stop. Methods of Heroin Use and Effects Pure heroin can be smoked or snorted , but it is usually injected : Into a vein. Under the skin. Into a ... 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 ...
... powder, which is then commonly dissolved in liquid to be used intravenously . Heroin can also be smoked or snorted . Heroin can relieve pain, reduce anxiety, and create a sense of euphoria. The acute withdrawal syndrome ... 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 ...
... can easily cross the placental barrier. This means that when a woman injects , inhales , or smokes heroin, the drug is passed along to the baby, presenting numerous risks and the strong possibility that the baby will ... 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 ...
... sold illegally in the form of white or brown powder, or a sticky black substance known as “black tar heroin.” In its various forms, heroin is snorted or smoked, or it may be dissolved in water and injected intravenously ... 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 ...
... of an equivalent amount of morphine . The powerful, euphoric high abusers feel when snorting , smoking, or injecting heroin often leads to repeated and habitual use of the drug. However, the body rapidly adapts to the ... 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 ...
... or irritability. Fleeting euphoria. Unpredictable behavior. Doing repetitive, meaningless tasks. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. Tremors. Dry mouth, bad ... use of crystal meth more positively than that of heroin or crack cocaine ... continue reading -
7 Shocking Facts About Meth in the Gay Community
As one of the most popular drugs in the gay community, users mistakenly believe that crystal meth leads to fun and enhances their life experiences. Due to that train of thought, this drug has become somewhat of an epidemic among the gay ...
... meth and heroin are often combined, the most popular speedball cocktails in the gay community include meth and GHB or ... community who are already HIV positive, using crystal meth speeds up the damage to their bodies and ... 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, ...
... two decades, illicit methamphetamine - also known as crystal meth - has presented one of the largest and ... eat regularly, potentially going days without food. Because meth also speeds up the body's metabolism, this can lead ... 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 ...
... can happen to any user at any time and on any use of the drug . Whether it is their first use of heroin or the person has a long history with the substance, the next hit could be the last. There is no way for a person ... 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 ...
... suspect a batch of bad heroin was involved. Deadly Heroin Hits the Streets What made this heroin so particularly deadly? ... or euphoria. It is often used an as anesthetic and depresses, or slows, body systems down. Heroin ... continue reading -
Heroin Use Increasing Across New Demographics, Study Finds
The face of heroin in the US is changing. As the drug becomes more commonly abused among new racial, geographic and socioeconomic groups, the profile of those users is also evolving. The change is, in part, because heroin is becoming more ...
... Data In their latest research, Monnat and Rigg examined three groups of people who had reported using heroin and/or prescription opiates (via the 2010-2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health). These participants were ... continue reading -
DEA: Heroin ‘Probably’ More Dangerous Than Marijuana
With 23 states and Washington D.C. legalizing medical marijuana and four states legalizing it for recreational use, it's quite possible we'll see a day when marijuana is considered “legal” throughout the U.S. However, the Drug Enforcement ...
... a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical benefits. In other words, it's in the same category as heroin and crack cocaine . Even the staunchest anti-drug supporters have hard a time putting pot on equal footing ... 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 ...
... your habit. That's nearly $55,000 per year. Heroin abuse comes with a pretty hefty price tag, unfortunately ... 11,148 per person. At more than $50K per user, heroin's cost blows those two diseases out of the water. The U ... continue reading -
Prescription Opiates: As Addictive as Heroin?
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than 21.5 million Americans aged 12 and older met the criteria for substance use disorder in 2014. Of these, 1.9 million were addicted to prescription opiate pain medications and 586,000 ...
... uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop or decrease your intake of the drug . You ... to almost 207 million in 2013. 2 In the past decade, heroin use has more than doubled in young adults between the ages of ... continue reading -
Chicken vs. Egg: Which Came First, Heroin or OxyContin Addiction?
For centuries, people have debated one age old question: which came first, the chicken or the egg? While both sides of this argument have their valid points, the question itself has evolved, making its way into other areas of society, including the ...
... this debate. Argument #1: Heroin Addiction Comes First Believe it or not, heroin was considered a “safe and therapeutic ... Portland. “As bad as oxycodone is, heroin is worse,” Publicker said . “It's worse because here in ... 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 ...
... under various names, such as “China Girl” and “China White” 4 . NPF is often laced with heroin or cocaine without the buyer's knowledge. This phenomenon of adding chemical adulterants to street drugs contributes to the ... 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. ...
... of time is also referred to as “the nod,” or being “out of it.” When users enter this state of ... perspiration can last 8 to 15 hours after the last heroin use and may get worse over the course of a couple days. Within 16 ... 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 ...
... Pills Really Be as Addictive as Heroin? Why does addiction to or abuse of painkillers lead to heroin use in so many cases? ... painkillers. The pill mill epidemic was particularly bad in Florida, where in 2011, there were ... continue reading -
Heroin Facts—Because Knowing Is Half the Battle
“Smack” - “Junk” - “H” Heroin is a drug that goes by many names but, no matter what you call it, it's still the same potent, potentially deadly drug. While its name really isn't that important, knowing some basic facts about heroin can ...
... often manifest as the first visible indicators of drug use. How to Find Help for Heroin Misuse If you or a loved one is struggling with substance misuse, help is available and recovery is possible. Professional ... 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 ...
... and eventually succumb to that desire by taking an excess amount. Statistics on Alcohol and Heroin For reasons of price or availability , heroin use has been climbing in the US over the past several years. A 2011 survey ... 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 ...
... abuse and overdose rates, the biggest jump by far was in Queens. Believe it or not, 81 residents of Queens died at the hands of heroin last year - that's 28 more deaths than Queens saw in 2012. Affluent areas of the ... 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 ...
... later when she got the call. Alex had been arrested for heroin possession . She sat up late with her husband, the ... in years. Every few months, she'd hear he was in or out of jail. He'd been through more than seven rehabs ... continue reading -
Russian Roulette: The Hidden Dangers of Cutting Agents in Cocaine and Heroin
In the United States, more than 47,000 people die from drug overdoses every year . To make matters worse, drug deaths have recently surpassed both automobile and firearm accidents as the leading cause of accidental death in the country. There's no ...
... drug overdoses every year . To make matters worse, drug deaths have recently surpassed both automobile and ... the retail or street level. Heroin:Average Purity by Purchase Weight Similar patterns hold true for heroin. On ... 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 ...
... known as opioids, which act upon particular receptors in the brain and body to produce their effects. Heroin and prescription opioids may seem like very different drugs, but they are actually remarkably similar in both ... 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” ...
... of the world or speed or LSD to “inspire” them, the bohemian yet lonely world of the writer or poet is a ... addiction to alcohol didn't help him. Hubert Selby Heroin and other painkillers were the demons of Requiem for a ... 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 ...
... crystal meth addict here. What Is Darvocet? Darvocet is a combination of acetaminophen and propoxyphene. It is used to treat pain and reduce fevers. In large doses it can be harmful or ... . What Is Heroin? Heroin is an ... 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 ...
... g. snorting , smoking, or injection ), leading to an intense and addictive high. Common heroin street names include: Brown Sugar ... Fire Glass Go Fast Ice Meth Methlies Quick Shards Speed Stove Top Tina Trash Tweak Whiz ... 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, ...
... the danger rises. The speed of onset. Intensity. Duration of effects. Speed of onset. Snorting fentanyl ... is frequently laced with other drugs, such as cocaine or heroin. In these situations, the user is unprepared for ... continue reading -
Amphetamine Addiction Signs, Symptoms, Effects, and Treatment
Amphetamines are prescription medications or illegal substances that are also known as stimulants, as they speed up your metabolism and increase your alertness. When legally prescribed, they are typically used to treat attention-deficit ...
... help you better understand what they are and if you or a loved one needs help for amphetamine misuse . In ... to as base, crystal, d-meth, fast, glass, ice, meth, speed, whiz, pure, or wax. Methamphetamine , which, when in ... 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 ...
... or Adderall, accelerate your heart rate. They send your nervous system into overdrive. Guess what else it speeds ... in permanent loss of physical and mental abilities, coma, or death. Heart valve disease: As the heart ages, ... 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, ...
... 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 enters the bloodstream. In the ... continue reading -
What Recreational Drugs Cause Liver Damage? Drugs and Liver Disease
The Function of the Liver The liver plays an extremely important role in the body. It ensures the removal of toxins and has numerous other functions, including: Fat metabolism: Liver cells—or hepatocytes—are able to process dietary and stored ...
... while others are classified as enzyme inhibitors, which reduce the speed at which a drug is broken down. In many cases ... and illicit drugs: Heroin . 13 Inhalants . 14 Cocaine . 15 MDMA or Ecstasy . 16 Methamphetamine ... 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 ...
... heroin. Signs of overdose from speedballs include: Bluish skin or fingernails. Extreme stomach pain. Coma or ... an individual's risk of addiction and the speed at which addiction develops. Secondly, particular combinations ... 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 ...
... get rid of this hangover? Nope. No matter how cold or hot, the shower doesn't affect the level of alcohol ... the refreshing water may wake you up, but it doesn't speed up the process. But you will smell nicer. Take two and ... continue reading -
Health Effects of Drug Misuse and Addiction
Substance misuse and addiction can have serious short- and long-term effects. 1 The physical effects of drugs and alcohol vary according to the type of substance, duration of use, and method of administration. 1 Recovering from addiction can be a ...
... chronic alcohol misuse. 6 The Effects of Heroin on the Body Heroin's effects on the body commonly include flushed ... 12 Commonly misused substances may speed or slow down heart rate, increase or decrease blood pressure, and ... continue reading -
The 5 Most Dangerous Painkiller Myths
While painkiller use is widespread, there is a vast amount of false information surrounding them. Unfortunately, many people begin using opioid painkillers knowing little about them. Given few details about these drugs - how they work, when to take ...
... mechanism of action is similar to that of heroin . Examples of opioid pain medications include: ... lack of oxygen to the brain due to slowed breathing or respiratory arrest. This condition, called hypoxia , can lead ... continue reading -
Drug Abuse: The Oral Health Kryptonite
It's February and we've all celebrated Groundhog Day, Valentine's Day and even President's day. So, that's basically it for February, right? Well…actually it isn't. February is also National Dental Health Month, making this a great time to promote ...
... is tooth decay. Drugs are a Mouth's Worst Nightmare Unfortunately, drugs have terrible effects on the ... drugs” like speed or ecstasy . They cause severe tooth decay, jaw-clenching and dry mouth. Heroin: Heroin belongs to ... 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 ...
... the manufacture of meth and other illicit ... 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 ... 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. ... -term opioid abuse, data suggests that chronic heroin or painkiller use alters the function and structure of ... continue reading -
Taking Action: How to Intervene During an Overdose
Drug overdoses are now the leading cause of accident death in the United States. According to the Centers of Disease Control (CDC), 43,982 drug overdose deaths occurred in 2013 across the nation. That's two times the amount of overdose deaths a ...
... or rigid spasms Irregular or slow breathing Clammy, pale, or bluish skin Stimulant Overdose While overdosing on stimulants ( cocaine , speed ... Institute on Drug Abuse reports heroin-related deaths have increased five-fold ... continue reading -
Effects of Ketamine Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, and Side Effects
Is Ketamine Dangerous? “It's easy to get ketamine abuse wrong because of its potency; it's more powerful than speed or coke weight for weight, so it's easy to accidentally overdose.” Like its sister drug CP, ketamine is a dissociative ...
... wrong because of its potency; it's more powerful than speed or coke weight for weight, so it's easy to accidentally ... profound. Short-term ketamine side effects include bad hallucinations. As with all psychotropic drugs, ... 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 ...
... eventually, the brain at different rates—affecting the speed of onset and peak intensity of the high. ... to bring about a euphoric high is similar to that of heroin, which helps to explain why it can be so addictive. The ... 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 ...
... any problem. However, if Vyvanse is misused or abused, it can speed up the development of tolerance, have a negative ... to help people taper off of drugs such as heroin , there are no medications approved by the Food ... continue reading -
Side Effects of Librium Use, Withdrawal and Addiction Treatment
What Is Librium Used For? Librium—which is a brand name formulation of chlordiazepoxide—belongs to a class of sedative medications known as benzodiazepines. Librium has been widely used as a treatment for anxiety and for managing the symptoms of ...
... , more frequently, or for a longer period of time than directed by a doctor, it can speed up the onset of ... alcohol . 1,2 Mixing alcohol or opioids —such as heroin or prescription painkillers—with Librium can increase ... 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 ...
... opiates like heroin and prescription ... or alcohol/opiate combinations, the combination of alcohol and stimulants counteracts each substance's effects to an extent. In other words, stimulants ( cocaine , speed , meth ... 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 ...
... worse symptoms, and experience worse outcomes. 10,11 Both marijuana and stimulants cause the heart rate to speed ... at at any time for helpful advice, information, or admissions. Begin your path to recovery today by ... 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 ...
... job and get accepted into a workplace. It becomes even worse when you're a person recovering from some form of ... addiction, getting back to work can often actually help speed up your recovery; working gives you a sense of ... 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 ...
... on performing repetitive actions. Effects of Meth Abuse Crystal meth use can lead to many detrimental ... on Drug Abuse also reports that methamphetamine use may speed up the progression of HIV/AIDS and worsen symptoms ... 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 ...
... and concentrating, general intelligence and psychomotor speed. 7 What Are the Side Effects ... duration of your treatment, often recommending 30 days , 60 days or 90 days . During your stay, your days focus on your recovery ... 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 ...
... known by many names, including: 1,2 X. XTC. Lover's Speed. Adam. Eve. Peace. Clarity. The drug was developed by a ... a logo. It may also be found in capsule, powder, or liquid form. 2 Learn more about MDMA in our article, ... 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 ...
... term effects of clonazepam are: Relaxation of the mind and reduction of anxiety. People with sped-up or racing thoughts will report slowed thinking and increased feelings of calm. Worries that were previously problematic ... 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 ...
... very similar properties, but they vary in their speed of onset and the duration of their effects. ... than usual. Having difficulty concentrating and/or remembering facts or events. Inability to curtail compulsive use of ... 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 ...
... . These ingredients work to stimulate and speed up the body. Doctors use this drug ... of the following warning signs in someone who takes Adderall with or without a doctor's prescription , it might indicate that the ... 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 ... when a dependent user stops taking a drug suddenly or attempts to significantly reduce their dose. Like with ... continue reading -
Snorting Adderall: Side Effects and Addiction Treatment
What Does Adderall Do? Adderall is a prescription stimulant used and abused for its ability to increase energy and mental focus, as well as for its potential to elicit pleasurable feelings at high enough doses. 1 It is prescribed for the treatment ...
... names, including “black beauties,” “uppers,” and “speed.” 1 Adderall is classified as a schedule II ... can occur when a person consumes more of a drug than his or her body can handle. In some cases, an Adderall overdose may ... 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 ...
... is approximately: 3 5 ounces of liquor. OR 5 ounces of wine. OR 12 ounces of beer. Women who are ... known as “pumping and dumping.” This practice does not speed the removal of alcohol from the breast milk. Rather, ... continue reading -
Meth Overdose Symptoms, Signs, Risk Factors, Prevention, and Treatment
What Is Methamphetamine? Methamphetamine—most commonly known as “meth,” “crystal,” “speed,” and “ice”—is an addictive stimulant that causes users to experience an intense, euphoric rush. 1 Meth can be smoked, snorted, injected, ...
... our hotline at any time, day or night for advice, information, or admissions. Please contact a caring AAC representative free at . Meth Addiction Treatment Levels of Care Recommended Crystal Meth Rehab-Related Articles 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 ...
... high, since in some cases snorting drugs can speed up and intensify their effects. However, it is ... challenging, since someone who's in active addiction may hide or minimize their drug use. Signs that a person is addicted ... 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 ...
... not provide a high quite as rapidly or intensely as smoking the drug or injecting it directly into the bloodstream , ... it by oral routes because of the intensely rewarding speed of onset and strength of effects. Generally, ... 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 ...
... levels of dextroamphetamine available in the body whether the substance was snorted or taken orally. 3 In reality, snorting Vyvanse does not speed up or intensify effects . This is likely due to the chemical formation of ... 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 ...
... substances, there is a direct relationship between the speed of onset and the strength of the drug ... amount of time. The act of amplifying the absorption of or release of a drug into the system to maximize the concentration ... continue reading -
History and Statistics of “Study Drugs”
What Are “Study Drugs?” The colloquial term “study drugs” typically refers to prescription stimulant medications (such as Ritalin and Concerta) that are used to enhance aspects of a user's mental functioning, such as: Memory. Concentration. ...
... be up to 1 year in prison, a $1000 fine, or both, with escalating penalties for subsequent offenses. The penalty for ... of people who have become addicted to “speed” since the 1930s. Additionally, the performance benefits ... 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 ...
... drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, we speed toward wrinkles. Reducing our alcohol consumption can ... your time. Where to Get Help for Alcohol Misuse If you or a loved one thinks they may have a problem with drinking, ... 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 ...
... relies on an internal pacemaker to keep it pumping at the right speed. Alcohol interferes with this pacemaker, causing the heart to beat too quickly or irregularly. This is called an arrhythmia. It can cause blood clots ... 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 ...
... a joint and eating an edible are reflected in the speed of onset of effects, the duration until peak effects ... How to Get Help for Marijuana Misuse If you think you or a loved one may have a problem with marijuana misuse, ... 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 ...
... that have the worst effects on the heart's functions. Both long-term drinking and binge drinking negatively affect heart rate, disrupting its rhythm by causing it to speed up or beat irregularly. Worse, it can lead ... 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 ...
... of use. Whether the mice received 30 days of 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 ... 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 ...
... blend of opioid substances (such as heroin , fentanyl , and U-47700, or “Pink” ). Combinations vary between samples ... , but it might not even be the worst. Manufacturers are constantly producing new substances to evade ... continue reading -
The 9 Most Expensive Drugs in America
Each year, Americans spend nearly $100 billion on illegal drugs such as cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. These figures do not even account for the billions of dollars that are spent on prescription drugs each year—about $374 billion according ...
... price is that of a person's life—heroin poses a serious risk of overdose and the spreading of deadly diseases such as HIV/AIDS or hepatitis. #7 Methamphetamine Crystal meth users spend over $17 billion per year in ... continue reading -
Overdosed
The United States is experiencing an epidemic of drug overdose deaths: every year, nearly 44,000 lives are tragically lost, with more than half of the fatalities caused by prescription drugs. We've analyzed the latest government data to find out why ...
... happen at home, but opioid analgesic overdoses are more likely to occur at home than those involving heroin or cocaine. This is a worrisome finding. The chance of surviving a drug overdose decreases with every passing ... continue reading -
Seized
In 2015, Border Patrol prevented more than 1.5 million pounds of marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and meth from entering the United States. 1 In the same year, the Coast Guard intercepted 72 vessels and more than 150,000 pounds of drugs. 2 These ...
... being lower than 2016's total, or it could just be that the problem has become so bad that the media are burnt out reporting ... 2017 or 2018. If they do, heroin busts will be 30 percent lower in 2016 than 2015 and meth ... 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, ...
... of methadone 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 ... 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 ...
... to keep using the drug. 20 Heroin Heroin is a very addictive opioid drug. Heroin can cause euphoria, altered sensation ... as a powder or pill. Crystal meth is a type of meth that can resemble glass or shiny, bluish-white ... continue reading -
If Old Drug Ads Told the Truth
Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Through the late 19th century and mid-20th century, many of today's illicit drugs of abuse were available legally in the United States. Products containing cocaine, heroin, or amphetamine were readily available for ...
... 's illicit drugs of abuse were available legally in the United States. Products containing cocaine, heroin, or amphetamine were readily available for over-the-counter purchase - no prescription required. We collected 10 ... continue reading -
The Effects of Opiates on the Body
Share on Twitter Share on Facebook They're potent, they're dangerous - and they could be in your medicine cabinet. In 2012, 259 million prescriptions for painkillers, such as Vicodin , OxyContin , and Opana, were written in the U.S. When used ...
... painkillers. Abuse of opiates, whether prescription painkillers or heroin, can have a serious impact on your ... many opiate abusers do - makes an already risky situation worse, as it further decreases the liver's ability to ... 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 ...
... 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 over. Arrests are down since 2009 ... 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 ...
... they thought they were getting. Stronger, synthetic drugs are now entering the market, often disguised as heroin or other drugs. Cases involving carfentanil—a synthetic opioid with a potency 10,000 times that of morphine ... 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 ...
... seemed nothing could help. Would she always be addicted to heroin? Was there anything she hadn't tried? During her ... never had before. Afterwards, she felt no cravings or withdrawal symptoms. She was happy to feel free and ... 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 - ...
... average of 127 deaths every single day. You may not read or hear much about drug deaths, but they're occurring at an ... use rates are higher than those of cocaine, meth, heroin, MDMA, and PCP combined. The report notes ... 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 ...
... Painkillers . Heroin Heroin, which is an illicit opioid that can be injected , snorted , or smoked, can ... or low blood acidity. Tobacco Smoking tobacco is associated with a number of kidney complications, such as: 2 Sped-up ... 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 ...
... users had abused prescription opioids prior to using heroin. 4 What Happens if I Suddenly Stop Using Opioids? If you misuse opioid painkillers or have been taking them over a long period of time, then it's likely that ... 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 ...
... use does not lead to an arrest, a prison sentence, or a criminal record. Each State's Top Drug in Offenses ... that most meth that authorities seize originates in Mexico and enters via the southwest border. Heroin use has ... continue reading -
Facts About Krokodil (The “Zombie Drug”)
What Is Krokodil? Desomorphine (dihydrodesoxymorphine) or Krokodil, is an injectable opioid derivative of codeine. On the street and online, the drug is known as: Krokodil. Crocodile. Croc. Krok. Russian Magic. Poor Man's Heroin. The name ...
... , relatively easy to make or obtain, produces a high similar to that of heroin, and delivers potent sedative ... body—such as the limbs—are badly infected, doctors may need to amputate or perform surgery on an individual. ... continue reading -
IV Drug Use: Signs, Dangers, and Treatment
Injection is a method used by individuals who misuse drugs to obtain a quick and powerful effect. 1 Intravenous (IV) injection, or injection into a vein, is the practice referred to throughout this article as IV drug use. Injection into a vein or ...
... heroin tends to clog injection needles more often. 2 Methamphetamine comes in crystal or powdered form. People may inject meth ... one place too often, the vein may collapse or completely scar over. 4,8 Heart infection ( ... 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 ...
... 50,000 a year - exceeding the total number of lives claimed by either Parkinson's or pneumonia at this time. Two years later in 2022, heroin deaths would be less than 5,000 short of 100,000 deaths yearly and would claim ... 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 ...
... rates are much higher for parents using methadone than for heroin users in general. 32 (25%) of the 130 ... 3%) compared to those in shorter-term recovery (35.7%) or those still using drugs (44.8%). The Ultimate Victims The ... 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 ...
... 2014 alone, almost 2 million people were dependent on or addicted to prescription opioids . 5 Signs and Symptoms of ... addiction is a major contributing factor to eventual heroin dependence . In fact, the National Institute ... 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 ...
... more potent than morphine and much more potent than even heroin. Fentanyl has been linked with numerous fatalities in the ... 20 years, surpassing deaths caused by either heroin or cocaine (NIDA, 2014). The Department of ... continue reading -
Drugs on Mars and Venus
Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus is one of the most iconic books of the '90s, having sold more than 50 million copies. Its core theory is that men and women often think and act in dramatically different ways because of fundamental differences ...
... difficult they thought it would be for them to get their hands on marijuana, cocaine , crack, LSD, or heroin, the story flipped in the other direction. For all those drugs except marijuana, a higher proportion of women ... 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 ...
... studies have 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 ... 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 ...
... . Yoko Ono Musician Yoko Ono has openly admitted to heroin addiction. She has even claimed that she and John ... 22. Aaron Carter Aaron Carter was pulled over for speeding and possession of two ounces of marijuana in 2008. ... 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 ...
... Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA/NIH) Heroin Heroin is one of the most addictive ... or under the skin. Anorexia. Dental problems. There are a variety of treatment options available in helping someone addicted to crystal meth ... 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, ...
... report in the Daily Mail states that Hitler abused crystal meth before a 1943 meeting with Mussolini, where he ... s death in February of 2014. He died from a heroin overdose , despite being in recovery for more than two ... 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 ...
... Bad”- ... or someone you know — is struggling with drug abuse , seek help by calling today . Methodology For this project we scraped the internet for news articles containing the terms “Marijuana,” “Cocaine,” “Heroin,” Meth ... 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 ...
... Health estimates there are 11,000 people addicted to heroin in San Francisco. It is estimated that thousands ... That means people can't feel the effects of opioid drugs or overdose if they do happen to relapse. The mayor's ... continue reading
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