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Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs and Addiction Treatment Programs
For some time now, the abuse of illicit substances such as marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin has been a persistent national problem. In more recent years, however, our country has seen an alarming rise in prescription drug abuse . ...
... methamphetamine, and heroin has been a persistent national problem. In more recent years, however, our country has seen an ... Most prescribed pain medications have an opiate or opiate-derived (from the opium poppy) ... 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 ...
... an opioid analgesic—often considered the archetypal painkiller. Morphine is an opiate alkaloid ... is a slang term applied to illicit amphetamine and methamphetamine drug use. These drugs are central nervous system ... continue reading -
Effects of Alcohol and Drugs on the Male and Female Reproductive Systems
How Do Drugs Affect the Reproductive System? Substance misuse can negatively impact the reproductive health of both sexes in several ways. It may contribute to serious health problems, such as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), infertility, and ...
... maintain an erection, as well as problems with ejaculation. 7 Similarly, men who use methamphetamine may ... is common in infants exposed to heroin and other opiates, alcohol, benzodiazepines , barbiturates , and caffeine. ... 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 ...
... heroin addiction . Credit: New York Times Methamphetamines Methamphetamine, commonly shortened to “meth,” acts as a ... anxiety medication (such as benzodiazepines) and opiate painkillers (such as hydrocodone and oxycodone) ... 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 ...
... , glass, ice, meth, speed, whiz, pure, or wax. Methamphetamine , which, when in liquid form, is referred to as leopard's ... serious risk, but you can also suffer from an overdose after your first use. This can be especially ... 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 ...
... morphine , according to Time's The Civil War: An Illustrated History. A similar effect was observed in the ... abuse potential became available. LSD , methamphetamine , and synthetic opiates are all relatively recent drugs. ... continue reading -
Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms and Treatment
Many substances of abuse can lead to the development of physiological dependence—especially if they are taken in large amounts and for a long period of time. When a person becomes dependent on a substance and then decides to stop using it, they ...
... central nervous system stimulants include crystal methamphetamine , cocaine , and crack . Some ... , since they may return to drug use in order to put an end to the discomfort. Receive 24/7 text support at your convenience ... continue reading -
Ways of Helping Someone With Drug or Alcohol Addiction
It can be frustrating to see a loved one struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, especially if one feels as though they should be helping their loved one find treatment or recovery. Many may try to help their addicted loved ones by encouraging ...
... alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, heroin, crystal methamphetamine, or any other addiction, recovery is ... drugs. Offer to go with them to the doctor or to an appointment. DON'T: Judge or criticize. Neglect your own needs ... 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 ...
... and 12 th graders in 2014. This steep decline in teen meth use corresponded with an increase in how risky young people perceive methamphetamine use to be. In 1999, only 51.2% of high school seniors thought using crystal ... 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 ...
... —whether it is injected , smoked, or inhaled—an individual will experience a rapid onset of effects. When ... safe. Crystal Meth Abuse Treatment Treatment for methamphetamine abuse may take on multiple forms, depending on ... 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 ...
... periods of focus and energy . Am I Addicted to Methamphetamine? With methamphetamine being so powerful and intoxicating , addiction can begin quickly. Signs of an addiction to meth include: Devoting a lot of time, energy ... 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, ...
... to the cumulative, negative health effects of ongoing methamphetamine abuse . Both acute and chronic meth overdoses can have disastrous consequences. Common signs of an acute meth overdose include: 2,5 Enlarged pupils ... 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 ...
... Americans aged 12 and older showed that 1 million people had an addiction to cocaine in the last year. 5 The number of people with an addiction to methamphetamine in the last year increased to 1 million, while the number ... continue reading -
Crystal Meth and Pregnancy | Effects of Smoking Meth While Pregnant
As methamphetamine use continues to rise, so do treatment and hospital admissions. In 2012, meth ranked first in drug-related treatment admissions in Hawaii and San Diego. 4 Females have also been found to start using meth at a younger age and in ...
... compared to men. 5 With increasing numbers of methamphetamine users, meth abuse during pregnancy is a growing ... 's placental blood flow. This can cause fetal hypoxia—an insufficient amount of oxygen to the fetus. 12 Since ... 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 ...
... health toll can ultimately result in death. While this is no means an exhaustive list, some of the potential long-term effects of methamphetamine use can include: Prolonged appetite suppression. Rapid weight loss. Marked ... 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, ...
... the commonly used term for the synthetic drug 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine, or MDMA. 2 It's also known by various ... as a hallucinogen use disorder or, more specifically, an MDMA use disorder. 1,4 Teens and young ... continue reading -
Concurrent Alcohol and Meth Abuse
Methamphetamine is a potent stimulant that produces both an addictive high and a slew of negative effects. When it's combined with alcohol, the effects may be even more harmful. Meth is a fine, odorless, white powder that is typically smoked, ...
... in an attempt to alleviate the intense discomfort associated with this phase. As a central nervous system depressant, alcohol decreases the individual's heart and respiratory rate. When it is mixed with methamphetamine ... 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, ...
... less protected from contracting any number of diseases. Hope for Those Struggling With Meth Addiction Methamphetamine is an extremely addictive drug, and the compulsion for continued use can be tough to overcome alone ... 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 ...
... produce, yet potent final product. The majority of methamphetamine is manufactured and distributed illegally in the U. ... or kill others in the home immediately (e.g. an explosion) or over time (chronic exposure to toxins). ... continue reading -
Effects of Crystal Meth Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, & Side Effects
What Is Methamphetamine Used For? Methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant that can have long-lasting effects on the body. This is a man-made substance that—with the advent of other more efficacious prescription stimulants—now has limited ...
... or intensive outpatient drug treatment is an additional valuable option for addressing the mental, behavioral, and medical issues associated with crystal meth abuse. Find Methamphetamine Rehab Programs If you or a ... 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 ...
... news stories about major drug interdictions have involved methamphetamine . While this represents only a fraction of ... was seized from a single site in Humboldt, with an estimated street value of $26 million, along with 16 ... 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, ...
... your friend or family member feel alienated or unwanted. Be an open ear and avoid judging them; you may find that ... you too. Is Crystal Meth Addictive? Overall, methamphetamine is a very addictive substance because of its ... continue reading -
Effects of Desoxyn Abuse: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
What Is Desoxyn Used For? Desoxyn is a prescription drug that is indicated to treat two conditions: 1,2 Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children 6 and older. Exogenous obesity (obesity due to overeating) in individuals 12 years ...
... ) reports that nearly 12 million people have abused methamphetamine in their lifetimes. 2 In a 2014 survey, ... previously achieved at lower doses. 5 The phenomenon is an expected process that occurs when the body adjusts to ... 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 ...
... Methamphetamine (“meth”) can cause permanent damage to certain brain cells, particularly those involved with dopaminergic chemical signaling. 3 Dopamine is an important neurotransmitter involved in the reward ... 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, ...
... by an extremely stimulated imagination.” Shortly before his hundredth birthday and frustrated with LSD's prohibition, he dubbed it “medicine for the soul.” Nagai Nagayoshi - The Forefather of Methamphetamine Nagai ... 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 ...
... breathing. 7 Death by overdose is often due to an extreme slowing or cessation of breathing. 7 Chronic ... the body may be used. 21 Heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine are some of the most commonly injected drugs, but other ... 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 ...
... that produce marijuana, it is available as an oily substances or a hard resin. It may be called: Boom Dabs Gangster Hash Hemp Street Names for MDMA 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA) —This stimulant substance has ... continue reading -
Drug and Alcohol Misuse and Cancer Risk
What Causes Cancer? Despite declines in the death rate over the last 20 years, cancer continues to be one of the most prevalent public health issues in the U.S. According to the National Cancer Institute: 1 About 1,806,590 new cases of cancer would ...
... , lung, and colorectal cancer, and these accounted for an estimated 50% of all new cancer diagnoses. Risk factors ... are several examples of this, including: Methamphetamine/crystal meth . Many toxic chemicals are used ... 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, ...
... ,” Conaway claimed to have struggled with 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 ... 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 ...
... named Walter White from Alabama for distribution of methamphetamine . The other spike occurred when the “Breaking ... Africa's rise as a global meth hub and also an incident where actor Michael Douglas's son was arrested for ... continue reading -
Effects of Stimulant Drugs: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
What Are Stimulants Used For? Stimulants are a class of substances that increase certain types of cell signaling and amplify various physiologic processes throughout the brain and body. In particular, many types of stimulant drugs are associated ...
... than quadrupled, 3 and the number of visits involving methamphetamine in 2011 was more than 1.5 times the ... are some signs that a person may be struggling with an addiction to stimulants: They spend a majority of their time ... continue reading -
Effects of Bath Salts Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
Are Bath Salts Harmful? The term “bath salts” refers to a family of designer recreational drugs that contain one or more synthetic chemicals related to cathinone —a stimulant found in the khat plant with effects similar to those of amphetamine ...
... work similarly to other psychostimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine, which makes it likely that the effects of ... to addiction. Addiction is further characterized by an inability to deal with everyday life without a ... continue reading -
Drug Addiction Quiz
The drug addiction quiz is designed to provide you an idea of whether a drug addiction or drug abuse problem exists. The drug addiction quiz is not perfect and the drug addiction quiz should only be seen as a guide. Take the drug addiction quiz ...
... a guide. Take the drug addiction quiz honestly and with an open mind. Do you ever use drugs for something other than ... the level of your heroin dependence and abuse. Methamphetamine Test A short test we've created to help ... continue reading -
Bath Salts Overdose Signs, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Prevention, and Treatment
What Are Bath Salts? Synthetic cathinones —commonly referred to as “bath salts”—belong to a group of drugs health officials call “new psychoactive substances.” These are psychoactive drugs that mimic the effects of existing illegal drugs ...
... . 1 Signs and Symptoms of Bath Salts Overdose An article from the New England Journal of Medicine noted ... very dangerous. For example, using bath salts and methamphetamine could worsen many of the unwanted symptoms of ... continue reading -
Concerta Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment
What Is Concerta? Concerta is the brand name for an “extended-release” version of methylphenidate. Methylphenidate is also prescribed under the brand name Ritalin and is most often used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder , ...
... suspicion that you or someone you know may be facing an addiction to Concerta, you should be aware of what to ... negative effects on a person, similar to those of methamphetamine or cocaine , when it is not being used as ... continue reading -
Drug Use and the Pancreas: What Medications Affect the Pancreas?
The pancreas plays a major role in the body's digestive system. From blood sugar regulation to digestion, the pancreas is constantly hard at work. However, the pancreas can become inflamed and, over time, accumulate scarring and damage as a result ...
... involve marijuana are anecdotal (Howaizi, Chahine, Haydar, Jemaa, & Lapoile, 2012). People who abuse methamphetamine may be at an increased risk of experiencing health issues related to their pancreas. It has been noted ... 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 ...
... largely limited to 3 main drug types: heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine. 2 However, nearly any type of ... are the result of scars that appear in line with a vein on an arm. If a person injects in one place too often, the ... 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, ...
... are not typically major drugs of abuse, in 2014, an estimated 1.2 million individuals over the age of 12 ... 20 It is often used in conjunction with cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine, or MDMA (ecstasy). 20 Users will take ... continue reading -
Stimulant Detox, Withdrawal Symptoms, and Addiction Treatment
Stimulants are substances that increase the activity of several neurotransmitter systems throughout the brain and are capable of creating a state of heightened energy and alertness. Additionally, many stimulant drugs elevate physiological processes ...
... usually alleviate within a few hours, whereas methamphetamine users may experience depressive symptoms lasting much ... or get away? Some people find that taking an extended break from their hometowns provides them with the ... continue reading -
Concurrent Alcohol and Crystal Meth Abuse
Crystal meth is an illicit and powerful stimulant drug that is most commonly smoked, snorted, or injected. It is characterized by its ability to produce a powerful euphoria, increased energy, decreased appetite, and increased heart rate. It is ...
... knows precisely what each dose contains. Methamphetamine can contain a number of harmful ... Drug Abuse (NIDA). Per NIDA, in that same year, there were an estimated 133,000 new crystal meth users 12 years of age and older. ... 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 ...
... to that of illicit stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine . People also abuse Adderall as a performance- ... These psychological symptoms can make it very difficult for an abuser to resist the urge to resume taking the ... continue reading -
Effects of PCP Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
What Is PCP? PCP is an abbreviation for the powerful dissociative sedative drug phencyclidine. PCP is sold on the street in many forms, including as: White powder. Crystal. Capsules. Tablets. Liquid. PCP tablets can be found in multiple colors. Like ...
... . Long-Term Effects of PCP Use With excessive use over an extended period of time, the negative effects of PCP become ... substances, including ketamine, caffeine, and methamphetamine. PCP Dependence Like many drugs with ... continue reading -
Adderall Overdose Symptoms and Treatment
What Does Adderall Do? Adderall—the pharmaceutical combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine—is a prescription stimulant medication primarily used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adults. 1 When ...
... like Adderall or methamphetamine. 8 Being aware of the signs and symptoms of an Adderall overdose and ... , such as objects with sharp edges. Treating an Adderall overdose as quickly as possible increases the likelihood ... 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 ...
... to the hallucinogen mescaline and the stimulant methamphetamine . Ecstasy is a central nervous system ... using even though you notice that ecstasy use has taken an enormous toll on your life, you may be addicted. American ... 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 ...
... when the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) placed an emergency ban on the substance. It was placed on the ... pills are adulterated with other substances like methamphetamine, caffeine, or ketamine. MDMA users are ... continue reading -
Party Culture and Substance Use
Three out of five college students actively drink alcohol, and more than half of them practice binge drinking - or drinking enough to significantly raise blood alcohol content (BAC) levels in a short span of time. Typically, this means four drinks ...
... , ecstasy, MDMA, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and methamphetamine. Drug use is on the rise, according ... mentions per 10,000 people, the state of Rhode Island held an average 9.8% rate of alcohol dependence or abuse from 2010 ... 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. ...
... it over time to achieve the same effects. Spending an excessive amount of time obtaining and/or using the ... proven to be effective for cocaine and methamphetamine addiction are also effective for treating prescription ... continue reading -
Drug Abuse and Cardiovascular Health Risks: How Do Drugs Affect the Heart?
What Are the Dangers of Drug Use? Both illicit and prescription drugs present many risks to individuals who misuse them. Drug abuse affects the brain in many ways that may lead to unpredictable, dangerous behaviors, social and emotional problems, ...
... (prescription stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin ). Methamphetamine (meth, crystal, ice). The heart- ... tendency of the blood to clot, which further increases an individual's risk of blocked arteries that could lead to ... continue reading -
The Effects of Dextroamphetamine Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
What Is Dextroamphetamine? Dextroamphetamine is a prescription stimulant used in the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Dextroamphetamine is commonly found under the brand names Dexedrine and ProCentra, as ...
... to the 2014 National Survey on Drug use and Health, an estimated 1.6 million Americans over age 12 were misusing ... even using similar substances, such as methamphetamine, to avoid uncomfortable and unpleasant stimulant ... 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 ...
... immediately. 5 The symptoms usually dissipate once an individual stops taking the drug, although medical ... Inhalants . 14 Cocaine . 15 MDMA or Ecstasy . 16 Methamphetamine . 17 Symptoms of Liver Damage If you or someone you ... continue reading -
State Sentencing: How Drug Sentencing Varies Across the U.S.
The United States has 5% of the world's population - and 25% of its prisoners. The average cost to house a minimum-security prisoner for one year is $21,006. By comparison, the average cost of putting a K-12 student through school for one year is ...
... trafficked across the southern border. In fact, methamphetamine sentencing dominates throughout most of the western United ... for an offense (such as in a conspiracy case), each person sentenced counts as an individual ... continue reading -
Sentencing by State 2
have led to overcrowded facilities, skyrocketing prison costs, and major social, economic, and political impacts. Currently, nearly half of all inmates in federal prisons are serving sentences for drug offenses. Many are fathers and mothers who miss ...
... drug leading to a conviction in the United States: methamphetamine. Meth topped the list in 27 states, including ... for inflation). As of 2014, the average cost to house an inmate is $30,619.85 per year, which breaks down ... continue reading -
The “Hitting Rock Bottom” Myth
Misinformation and myths surrounding addiction are incredibly problematic in the world of substance misuse, addiction, and recovery. Misinformation and myths can result in missed opportunities for treatment, worsening conditions, and significant ...
... from person to person, and it may lack consistency for an individual. A person may have thought that they reached the ... Dental and skin deterioration (common among methamphetamine users). Respiratory depression (common to ... continue reading -
How Alcohol and Drug Addiction Affects Relationships
Addiction and Relationships Many discussions surrounding addiction tend to focus on the physical and psychological effects of substance use. The effects of drug addiction, however, extend beyond these issues and also encompass a person's social ...
... irritability, and violence include: 1 Alcohol. Cocaine . MDMA . Methamphetamine (crystal meth) . Ritalin and other prescription stimulants . Steroids . Living with an addict or alcoholic can put the loved one at greater ... continue reading -
The Explosion of Hash Oil
Much like any other area of our culture, the illicit drug market experiences trends in the rise and fall of new products, from crack cocaine to OxyContin to methamphetamine . Drug manufacturers and dealers are continually producing and selling the ...
... market experiences trends in the rise and fall of new products, from crack cocaine to OxyContin to methamphetamine . Drug manufacturers and dealers are continually producing and selling the next big thing to get people ... 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 ...
... researchers as MDMA, short for 3, 4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine . It's a synthetic drug that is also ... harmful effects of Ecstasy use and how to help an Ecstasy addict by calling our helpline. Contact American Addiction ... 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 ...
... by slowing down certain functions of the body. As an oral medication, the drug is widely prescribed in the US ... of heroin use and about 4 times the rate of methamphetamine use . To prevent abuse, it's essential to stress ... 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 ...
... are available for Adderall abuse. These follow a similar path as treatments for cocaine and methamphetamine addictions. Treatments may include: Contingency management . This therapy provides tangible rewards for clients ... 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 ...
... should be prescribed sparingly and only when absolutely necessary. Approaching a Loved One About Opiate Addiction Common losses that make an addicted person see the need for treatment include the destruction of important ... continue reading -
Concurrent Alcohol and Opiate Abuse
Prescription opiates are effective in the treatment of pain, but they have the potential to be addictive and, in fact, many people are struggling with opiate painkiller addictions. According to the National Institutes of Health, opioids account for ...
... and mood swings. Needing to increase your usage over time due to tolerance. Coma. Permanent brain damage. Find out how to help an opiate addict when you call our helpline free at . Treatment for Co-Occurring Alcohol and ... 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 ...
... prescription painkillers such as Lortab, Norco and Vicodin. Adding alcohol to the mix - as many opiate abusers do - makes an already risky situation worse, as it further decreases the liver's ability to process the toxic ... 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 ...
... the city's overdoses involved more than one substance. In an effort to fight back against heroin, 20,000 NYC ... size devices that inject naloxone. Known as the opiate antidote, naloxone saves lives by reversing the effects ... 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 ...
... How Addictive Is OxyContin? Like all opiates , OxyContin is potentially addictive. OxyContin ... it today . It won't matter whether you choose to pursue an inpatient or outpatient program—just the fact that you're looking at ... 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 ...
... to discover how to take that first step. How to Approach an Addicted Loved One Confronting addiction is emotionally and physically exhausting, and ... Librium Lorazepam Methadone Opana Opiate Oxycodone Oxycontin Painkiller ... continue reading -
How to Help an Alprazolam Addict
Help for Alprazolam Addicts Alprazolam—marketed under the brand name Xanax —is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety and panic disorders . Similar to the effects of alcohol, alprazolam works by depressing brain functions . Abuse of this drug ...
... home, you may face environmental triggers that you wouldn't face in an inpatient program. A strong supportive network at home will help to ... Librium Lorazepam Methadone Opana Opiate Oxycodone Oxycontin Painkiller Percocet ... continue reading -
Alcohol Poisoning Deaths Are Occurring at an Alarming Rate
The perception that it's the college crowd most given to binge drinking and alcohol poisoning has just been proven false, thanks to a study recently released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Cause of a Deadly Problem Of ...
... Alcohol poisoning deaths are most often due to binge drinking an excessive amount of alcohol in a short period of time ... are considered alcohol abusers, not alcoholics with an alcohol dependency. The Finer Details The New ... continue reading -
An Uncomfortable Truth: Drug Abuse Raises STD Rates
A new study claims that swingers play a major role in the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) but, in addition to the sex, it's their drug abuse that is ultimately contributing to this increase. Linking Drugs and STDs Researchers at the ...
... were diagnosed with STDs including chlamydia and gonorrhea. However, the researchers were only able to find an “independent association” between drug use and STIs among female swingers. “High rates of multiple drug use ... continue reading -
What Can I Do if My Mother or Father Is an Alcoholic or Drug Abuser?
One of the most common issues we hear about is that a parent has become an addict and the children don't know what to do about it. Sometimes, they're scared of being taken away from the parent if the authorities find out. Sometimes they want the ...
... parent to the doctor. The same goes for addiction, although it's not quite as simple to fix. How to Talk to an Addicted Parent The first thing that you need to do is sit down and talk with your parent when he or she is ... continue reading -
My Teen Son Is an Alcoholic. How Can I Help Him?
If you are living at home with a teen who has become an alcoholic, you have many options for helping your child. Until they are 18, you have guardianship powers and can make many medical decisions for your child, and hospitals will recognize your ...
... a lot of pressure from peers to drink, so a good influence can often make a big difference. Seek an alcohol intervention with a professional intervention service or the school your teen attends. If your teen is 18, they ... continue reading -
How to Help an Ativan Addict
If you struggle with an addiction to a drug like Ativan, it is important to remember that you don't have to fight your battle alone . Finding a rehab facility that offers Ativan addiction help is not difficult. In fact, it's as easy as calling a ...
... as easy as calling a helpline . How to Approach an Addict If your loved one is addicted to Ativan and ... of your family responsibilities. If you choose to complete an outpatient treatment program, it's important that you ... continue reading -
How to Help an Inhalant Addict
What Is Inhalant Abuse? Inhalant abuse can be defined as the intentional inhalation of vapors through sniffing or huffing from chemical products to become intoxicated, or achieve a high. These chemical products are commonly found in everyday ...
... can be directly inhaled through the nose, often through an open container, or they can be soaked into a ... the unsuspecting huffer. In fact, inhalant abuse can lead to an array of damaging short- and long-term effects . The ... 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 ...
... are marketed under the names: Edluar and Intermezzo —Sublingual zolpidem tablets that melt under the tongue. Zolpimist —An oral zolpidem spray delivered into the mouth to be absorbed on the tongue. As a sleep aid, Ambien ... continue reading -
3 Things You Should Never Say to an Addict
If someone you love is addicted to drugs or alcohol, then you're no stranger to heartache and worry. In addition to those feelings, bitterness and disappointment are probably unfortunate staples of your home. Life kind of becomes a pressure cooker; ...
... idly by while a loved one slowly destroys his life. You want to help , but you're not sure what to say to an addict. You don't understand why he refuses to listen; you may even believe that - if he really loved you- he'd ... continue reading -
Are You an Enabler? How to Stop Enabling an Addict
What Is an Enabler? Enabling is a term that can be thought of in a positive or negative light, but when we talk about enabling in terms of addiction and recovery, it usually has a negative connotation. When someone is struggling with addiction, an ...
... gets home from work perhaps isn't the best time. Maybe during a walk or over a meal would be an optimal time to begin an honest dialogue about what is going on. Here are some tips on how to best approach the conversation ... 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 ...
... symptoms. In the U.S. there was a major health scare last year after an Arizona man was hospitalized. He was an opiate addict who had injected himself with a homemade batch of Krokodil. Although there were numerous ... continue reading -
Side Effects of Demerol Use: Short-Term Effects, Long-Term Effects and Treatment
What Is Demerol Used For? Demerol is a prescription opioid painkiller with effects similar to those of the illicit opiate drug heroin, including the production of a pleasant, euphoric state among those who use it. Demerol is a branded formulation of ...
... to multi-organ failure and death . Short-Term Effects of Demerol Use As a broad class of drugs, opiates have an analgesic—or painkilling—effect on the body that can bring about a sense of relief, especially to people who ... continue reading -
5 Naloxone Myths Debunked
Naloxone History Lesson Naloxone is not a new medication. In fact, emergency responders have used naloxone since the 1960s. Today, worried parents keep naloxone on hand, law enforcement officers carry the medication in case of life-threatening ...
... practitioners, and physician assistants are generally allowed to prescribe naloxone to patients who are at risk of an opiate overdose . What's more, a variety of community outreach programs now provide access to naloxone ... 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 ...
... to fully recover . A better course of action is to speak with a professional about enrolling in an opiate rehab program that offers smoking cessation classes. Once there, you can work with your doctor to address the ... continue reading -
The Effects of Vicodin Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
What Is Vicodin Used For? Vicodin is an prescription painkiller medication that is comprised of two substances: Hydrocodone . Acetaminophen . Hydrocodone is an opiate drug that works as a pain reliever and is useful in managing multiple levels of ...
... painkiller medication that is comprised of two substances: Hydrocodone . Acetaminophen . Hydrocodone is an opiate drug that works as a pain reliever and is useful in managing multiple levels of pain, with similar ... continue reading -
The Effects of OxyContin Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
What Is OxyContin Used For? OxyContin is an opiate that is often prescribed for moderate-to-strong post-surgical pain or more chronic pain situations. Prescription rates are high in the United States. The drug contains oxycodone —a substance that ...
... of the substance in order for it to deliver the desired results. OxyContin Short-Term Effects OxyContin is an opiate painkiller . Drugs of this sort change the way a person perceives pain. They accomplish this by acting ... continue reading -
Concurrent Alcohol and Morphine Abuse
It is never safe to mix alcohol with other medications. Morphine—an opiate—can be particularly dangerous when mixed with alcohol, given its ability to intensify the effects of alcohol intoxication. Alcohol and morphine facts and information ...
It is never safe to mix alcohol with other medications. Morphine—an opiate—can be particularly dangerous when mixed with alcohol, given its ability to intensify the effects of alcohol intoxication. Alcohol and morphine ... 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 ...
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 ... 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 ...
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 ... 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, ...
... only for use in 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 ... continue reading -
Concurrent Suboxone and Alcohol Abuse
About Alcohol and Suboxone Alcohol Alcohol is the most commonly abused substance by both teenagers and adults in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). In fact, the CDC found that in any given month, 25% of high ...
... Suboxone is a a common medication used as part of MAT for opiate/opioid addiction and consists of: Buprenorphine —An opiate-derived substance that produces similar but weaker effects compared to prescription opioids and ... 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 ...
... name: Ultram) is prescribed by doctors to relieve moderate to moderately severe pain. The medication is considered an opiate agonist, which works by changing the way your brain and nervous system sense pain. It comes in ... 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 ...
... , Xanax, etc.). Cocaine + heroin. Alcohol + cocaine . Alcohol and Opioids Opioids are a class of drug that includes both heroin, an opiate derived from the opium poppy, and synthetic opioids, many of which derive from ... 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 ...
... 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 patients off ... 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 ...
... the flexibility to receive treatment while managing your daily responsibilities. How Addictive Is Methadone? Methadone is an opiate and, like many drugs in this class, its use carries significant, inherent risk for abuse ... 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 very popular TV show. Vicodin is an opiate-based painkiller that can cause euphoric effects when it ... so it's dangerous to take it in large doses over an extended period of time. Acetaminophen can even cause death if ... continue reading -
Quitting Smoking In Addiction Recovery
Among patients in treatment programs for drug abuse and addiction (also known as substance use disorder, or SUD), as many as 97% also use tobacco 1 . Although the health dangers of cigarette smoking are well known, most smokers who enter drug ...
... 33% were due to drugs or alcohol 6 . A 24-year study of more than 400 people in treatment for opiate addiction found that the death rate among those who smoked was greater than 4 times higher than those who did not 6 ... 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 ...
... that even heroin and cocaine combined cannot compete with. The CDC now touts opiate abuse as an epidemic . Since 1992, the recreational use of opiate drugs has tripled , and the United States is the world's most culpable ... 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 ...
... is an illegal and highly addictive substance that may be injected, smoked, or snorted. This powerful opiate drug ... : 6 Problems with the placenta: The placenta is an important part of pregnancy, since it provides a steady ... 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. ...
... a molecular modification of morphine, is more lipid soluble than its opiate precursor and, as such, has a more direct route to ... intense high after taking the drug. Heroin is an opioid and it belongs to the same family as ... continue reading -
Demerol Abuse Symptoms and Addiction Treatment
What Is Demerol Used For? Demerol, also known by the street name “demmies” and the generic name meperidine , is a prescription opioid painkiller. Demerol is used to treat relatively severe pain and is available in liquid or tablet form. As a ...
... They may falsely assume that prescription drugs are safer than illegal “hard” drugs, like the opiate heroin or cocaine. An article in the Journal of Adolescent Health lists factors that could put teens at higher risk of ... 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 ...
... A heavy, slowed feeling in the arms and legs. An increased sense of well-being and confidence. Symptoms and ... on the substance and enduring withdrawal effects. Opiate Overdose Perhaps the most serious effect of heroin ... 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 ...
... , more than 2 million people in the US abused opiates . Many of these individuals exhibit behaviors or have mental ... Use of painkillers (especially at high doses) triggers an abnormally high release of dopamine - a “feel ... continue reading -
The Strangest Hallucinogenic Substances on Earth
It's a funny old world as the saying goes, and nowhere is that saying more true than in the world of hallucinogenic substances. You've got a wide range of plants that produce hallucinogens, including fungi, cactuses, and weeds , but you've also got ...
... d need to eat half your bodyweight in parsley to feel an effect. Tobacco is cured before it is delivered-and for ... ibogaine, has been used in the treatment of opiate addiction , although clinical trials are still pending. ... continue reading -
Concurrent Alcohol and Tramadol Abuse
Tramadol is scientifically known as tramadol hydrochloride, and it works as an acting analgesic (painkiller) affecting the central nervous system. Tramadol is also known by the brand names: Ultram. Ultracet. Alcohol also acts as a central nervous ...
... with nearly 6.4% of American adults qualifying for an alcohol use disorder , according to the Center for ... visiting the following articles: The Effects of Opiate Use Tramadol Withdrawal Tramadol Overdose Join 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 ...
... They've been known to bury bad news, which has had an effect on people's health, and therefore their lives. Whether ... , that patient runs the risk of being addicted to the opiate . It's not much of a win-win situation for ... continue reading
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