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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 ...
... heart problems, coma, and death. Long-Term Effects of Heroin Use There is a wide range of effects caused by long-term heroin use . People who use heroin for long periods of time may experience: Deteriorated dental health ... 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 ...
... 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. Curiosity about the drug is also a reason that people begin ... 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 ...
... rates at prenatal visits. 8 Prenatal care is vital for any expectant mother, and it may be even more essential for women using heroin due to the high risk for pregnancy complications , such as: 3,4,5 Antepartum ... 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 ...
... being consumed, i.e. injecting an unknown amount. Another major risk factor for heroin overdose is polysubstance use . 4 Heroin belongs to a class of drug called opiates , which are central nervous system depressants ... continue reading -
How to Help a Heroin Addict
More than 590,000 people had a heroin use disorder in the U.S. in 2015, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. If you or someone you love is addicted to heroin, you're not alone, and there is help available. Approaching Someone About ...
... , but one of the most effective treatments available to help people quit heroin use is methadone. Once the patient has undergone tests for HIV, cardiovascular infections, and hepatitis B and C, they will start detox ... 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 ...
... to gauge from batch to batch, the potential to overdose on heroin is always a distinct possibility. Why Do People Use Heroin? Heroin is abused for the immediate pleasurable feelings it can elicit, including: A surge of ... 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 ...
... 'll be given a medical evaluation that will help to quantify your level of heroin use and outline an appropriate plan for detox and addiction treatment . Your evaluation will often include questions such as the following ... 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, ...
... is a key component of its highly addictive nature. Addictive Properties of Heroin Throughout the history of its use , heroin has been known for its highly addictive nature. All opioid addictions stem from the mechanism ... 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 ...
... in the United States, meaning it has high abuse potential and no accepted medicinal use. Desomorphine: A Cheap Substitute for Heroin Krokodil use has spread rapidly across Russia, with at least 100,000 people having ... 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. ...
... Vomiting. Severe itching. Impaired breathing. Chronic heroin use puts users at risk for: 8 Gastrointestinal cramping. Heart disease. Pneumonia. Liver disease . Heroin users may use other drugs such as alcohol or cocaine ... 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 -
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 ...
... drugs on the planet . Recent years have witnessed an alarming surge in teenage heroin use and overdose, per the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Scientists have attributed this rise to the rampant abuse of prescription ... continue reading -
Heroin's Death Toll Hits an All-Time High in New York
New York City has a serious heroin problem on their hands and new data released by the city's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene reveals just how deep the issue goes. In fact, more people died from unintentional heroin overdoses in New York ...
... Affluent areas of the north Bronx and eastern Queens have also become hot spots for heroin, a result of heavy opioid pill and heroin use in the surrounding suburbs in Westchester County and on Long Island. Looking to the ... continue reading -
How Similar are Heroin and Prescription Opioids?
Heroin is an illicit street drug that produces a drowsy, euphoric high. Prescription opioids are legal medications prescribed by doctors to treat pain. Both heroin and prescription painkillers belong to the family of drugs known as opioids, which ...
... 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 -
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 ...
... is a synthetic opioid that is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. The FDA approves this powerful painkiller for 1 , 2 : Use before surgery as an adjunct to anesthesia, and in some ... 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 ...
... 2014). We then analyzed a University of Lausanne study of cutting agents for cocaine and heroin which was conducted over nine years. We used this information to uncover the dangers of ingesting these secondary substances ... 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” ...
... they're pretty warped. Dick took a lot of speed and other substances throughout his writing career to enhance his ... t help him. Hubert Selby Heroin and other painkillers were the demons of Requiem for a Dream, and they also ... 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 ...
... Find out more about heroin overdose , help for heroin dependence , and the side effects of heroin use . What Is Hycodan ... for the treatment of ADHD. Illicit forms of this powerful CNS stimulant are also referred to as speed ... 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 ...
... used as a date rape drug . Slang terms for GHB include: G Georgia Home Boy Goop Grievous Bodily Harm Liquid Ecstasy Liquid X Soap Scoop Street Names for Heroin Heroin ... Speed Peace STP X XTC Uppers Street Names for ... continue reading -
Snorting Fentanyl: Long-Term Effects & Dangers
Fentanyl is a pain-relieving substance with two main uses 1 : Treating significant acute, post-operative pain following surgery. Treating chronic or breakthrough pain in people that no longer respond to other narcotic medications. Like morphine, ...
... opioid medications, which is why it frequently reserved only for use in opioid-tolerant patients 3,4 . Fentanyl is up ... numbers of overdoses related to fentanyl-laced heroin have reached alarming heights. On the street ... 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 ...
... addiction treatment. What Are Amphetamines Used For? Amphetamines are central nervous system ... to as base, crystal, d-meth, fast, glass, ice, meth, speed, whiz, pure, or wax. Methamphetamine , which, when in liquid form, ... continue reading -
Snorting Tramadol: Dangers, Health Risks, & Treatment
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, ...
... than recommended. Taking the substance for reasons other than prescribed. Using tramadol in ways other than ... In the case of tramadol, snorting will increase the speed at which the substance's effects are felt compared to ... 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 ...
... hepatic system—for example, when drugs are taken in excess, when the frequency of drug use is daily ... of a substance, such as a drug, nutritional supplement, medicinal herb, or plant, causes direct damage to the liver. ... 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 ...
... less drowsy if they have used cocaine with heroin, but this deception is a mere smokescreen. The reason for many of the deaths ... use. Firstly, combining drugs can increase an individual's risk of addiction and the speed ... 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 ...
... Institute on Drug Abuse also reports that methamphetamine use may speed up the progression of HIV/AIDS and worsen ... inpatient treatment centers offer, but patients attend sessions for only a few hours a day while continuing ... 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 ...
... Heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine are some of the most commonly injected drugs, but other drugs can be dissolved and injected too. 21 Non-sterile needle drug use puts a person at greater risk for HIV/AIDS, hepatitis ... 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 ...
... the brain and body. They can reduce the speed of your breathing and heartbeat and produce other ... about half of young injection heroin users abused painkiller medications prior to using heroin. Taking More of Them Will ... 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 ...
... any other year from 2002 to 2013. What's fueling the increase? Two issues: marijuana use and the nonmedical use of prescription pain relievers. Heroin use has also increased. As a result of this increase in illicit drug ... 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 ... well as illicit drugs like heroin . Research suggests that long-term heroin use can cause the white matter ... 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 ...
... of its potency; it's more powerful than speed or coke weight for weight, so it's easy to accidentally overdose ... that you're in trouble with the law as a result of using ketamine and don't want to give it up, you may well ... 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 ...
... , indicating that it has known medical use, but also carries a high potential for abuse and dependence . 3 Schedule II ... 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 ...
... used in higher doses, more frequently, or for a longer period of time than directed by a doctor, it can speed ... 1,2 Mixing alcohol or opioids —such as heroin or prescription painkillers—with Librium can increase the risk ... 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 ...
... joint and eating an edible are reflected in the speed of onset of effects, the duration until peak effects ... adverse consequences no matter how it is used. How to Get Help for Marijuana Misuse If you think you or ... 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 ...
... speed of onset and strength of effects. Generally, addiction is seen as the repeated use and abuse of a substance, even when such use ... 7-day detox programs . Treatment for Vicodin addiction may include medications to ... 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 ...
... appear to be the case for Vyvanse. In actuality, comparisons of Vyvanse use by oral consumption and intranasal ... taken orally. 3 In reality, snorting Vyvanse does not speed up or intensify effects . This is likely due ... continue reading -
Snorting Hydrocodone
Hydrocodone is an opioid substance used in many prescription medications to treat cough and pain. Hydrocodone is available in formulations of pure hydrocodone (Hysingla, Zohydro) or in combination with other pain relievers like ibuprofen ...
... substances, there is a direct relationship between the speed of onset and the strength of the drug ... overdoses 5 . An overdose is rarely a risk for people that use the medication as prescribed, but the risk increases when ... continue reading -
Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms and Quitting Adderall Use
What Is Adderall Used For? Adderall—a branded formulation of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine —is a stimulant that doctors prescribe for the management of: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Narcolepsy. As a prescription ...
... “beans,” “black beauties,” “dexies,” “pep pills,” “speed,” and “uppers.” 1 This drug is abused recreationally because ... those used for addictions to other stimulants. Three common behavioral interventions used for ... 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 ...
... many names, including: 1,2 X. XTC. Lover's Speed. Adam. Eve. Peace. Clarity. The drug was developed by ... drugs, meaning it carries high potential for abuse and has no accepted medical uses. 2 The drug is often encountered ... 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 ...
... 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 ... 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 ...
... . 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 identify ... 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 ... high they felt when they first began using it. 2 Snorting Adderall is dangerous for a number of reasons. In addition to ... 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 ...
... practice does not speed the removal of alcohol from the breast milk. Rather, it may be used to get rid ... 3 drinks in 1 hour , it will take roughly 7 hours for your breast milk to be completely alcohol-free. If you are a ... 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, ...
... —most commonly known as “meth,” “crystal,” “speed,” and “ice”—is an addictive stimulant that causes ... long-term prognosis for those recovering from overdoses will depend on how much of the drug was used and how quickly ... 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 ...
... affect heart rate, disrupting its rhythm by causing it to speed up or beat irregularly. Worse, it can lead to a ... You can also check your health insurance coverage for rehab using the form below. Levels of Care in Alcohol ... 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 ...
... . 2 The dangers of Xanax use should not be underestimated. You don't have to use it for a long time to begin experiencing ... intelligence and psychomotor speed. 7 What Are the Side Effects of Xanax Use? All medications have ... 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 ...
... mind and reduction of anxiety. People with sped-up or racing thoughts will report slowed thinking and ... Long-Term Effects of Clonazepam Use Clonazepam is not generally recommended for long-term use because it is known to ... 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 ...
... in their speed of onset and the duration of their effects. Primarily, clonazepam is used to treat ... the case of other drugs that carry the potential for abuse, Klonopin use can cause unwanted side effects . Taking too ... 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 ...
... far fewer people kill themselves using heroin than prescription drugs, the proportional shift has been similar for both categories: 40% fewer suicides for heroin, and 44.9% fewer for prescription drugs. This parallel is ... 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 ...
... (which we used in our analysis) to stories of the harms heroin causes to Delaware residents and the resulting difficulties they've faced in receiving treatment for their addiction to the drug. A report by DelwareOnline ... 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 ...
... 259 million prescriptions for painkillers, such as Vicodin , OxyContin , and Opana, were written in the U.S. When used improperly, these legal opioid drugs can present some of the same risks as illicit heroin sold on the ... 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 ...
... was used as both a pain reliever and a cure for coughs, asthma, and pneumonia. The name of the product - Glyco-Heroin ... better judgment. Despite some of the legitimate medicinal applications that many of these drugs had, ... 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 - ...
... Threat Assessment released by the DEA, prescription drug use rates are higher than those of cocaine, meth, heroin, MDMA, and PCP combined. The report notes that the U.S. markets for MDMA and PCP are relatively small. As ... 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 ...
... some form, and five of those permit recreational use. Several other states have decriminalized small amounts , ... D.C., and Vermont. States that stood out for heroin offenses include Ohio, Vermont, and Delaware. Officials ... 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 ...
... . About one third of people who reported using meth also stated they had used heroin—a substantial increase since 2005. Marijuana use is common following its legalization for people aged 21 or over. Arrests are ... continue reading -
Opioid Use: Signs of Misuse, Adverse Effects, and Treatment
Opioids are substances that are known for their pain-relieving effects. They include both legal and some illegal substances that may have the potential for misuse, which can potentially lead to dependence and/or addiction. 1 If you or someone you ...
... addiction. Opioid addiction solutions. Options for opioid addiction treatment. What Are Opioids Used For? Opioids are a class of drugs that includes illegal substances like heroin and prescription drugs like oxycodone ... 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 ...
... inherently safer than illicit drugs due to their legality and medicinal properties, but that isn't always the case. At ... and heroin use. 4 People who abuse opioid painkillers will sometimes transition to using heroin due ... 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 ...
... and marijuana use. 22. Aaron Carter Aaron Carter was pulled over for speeding and possession of two ounces of marijuana in 2008. 23. Ray Charles The legendary Ray Charles was arrested multiple times for heroin possession ... 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 ...
... abuse is largely limited to 3 main drug types: heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine. 2 However, nearly any ... depression ). Harm Reduction Methods for Intravenous Drug Use Intravenous drug use is always dangerous, but there ... 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 ...
... .com for drugs, made headlines in 2013. Also notable were stories covering the emergence of a “flesh-eating” Russian synthetic heroin known as krokodil, as well as those documenting an alarming uptick in to heroin use in ... 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 ...
... renal damage in a few different ways: Coma due to heroin overdose can lead to rhabdomyolysis, 2 a condition characterized by ... of kidney complications, such as: 2 Sped-up progression of kidney disease in people with high ... 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 ...
... narcotic that many find addictive upon the first use. Most often, heroin is administered through injection into a vein. If ... or those needing to stay awake long hours for work may use them to get a rush of energy. The ... 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 ...
... differences, 1.7 times more men than women said they had used cocaine at least once before, and for crack cocaine, twice as many men said they'd tried it. Heroin, although it has one of the lowest overall lifetime usage ... continue reading -
5 Movies That Will Make You Never Want to Do Drugs Again
Hollywood has a knack for glamorizing controversial subjects and drug use is certainly one of them. Yet for every Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas or Trainspotting , there are also those films that will make you never want to touch drugs again. Here ...
... of the most chilling portrayals of drug use in any movie. Starring a young Leonardo DiCaprio, The Basketball Diaries features a particularly memorable recreation of heroin withdrawal . Requiem for a Dream As far as bleak ... 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, ...
... He went on to become a strong advocate for its use in enhancing intellectual pursuits. Drugs of Choice With ... of 2014. He died from a heroin overdose , despite being in recovery for more than two decades. Reports indicated ... 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 ...
... accepting of the use of prescription medications for various ailments. Aggressive ... more potent than morphine and much more potent than even heroin. Fentanyl has been linked with numerous fatalities in the northeast ... continue reading -
Cocaine Overdose Symptoms, Signs, Prevention, and Addiction Treatment
Cocaine overdose can be a serious concern for anyone who uses cocaine. This article will help you understand what a cocaine overdose is, cocaine overdose effects, and potential risk factors for cocaine overdose. We will also discuss what you can do ...
... be affected by different factors. For example, the risk of overdose can substantially increase if you use cocaine in combination with other substances, such as alcohol or heroin . 2 Cocaine Overdose Statistics Cocaine ... continue reading -
Who Manufacturers All these Crazy Semi-Legal Designer Drugs?
Designer drugs have been subject of much media attention of late, as the Internet has made obtaining them easier than in the past. In many cases, it's simpler to order designer drugs online than to try to obtain street drugs. Designer drugs can be ...
... just as dangerous if not more so than drugs like heroin, cocaine , and marijuana . Designer drugs are drugs ... to circumvent the law by claiming that the chemicals were for research purposes only and were not meant to be ... 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 ...
... users begin their drug abuse with another opiate like Vicodin before moving to heroin. If you're worried about your use, please call for free at to find help today. It's never too late to start a new life. Physical ... 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 ...
... ability to function in the world. 1 It is crucial for both men and women to understand the effects of drugs ... effects on infants during pregnancy include: Heroin —Women who use heroin and other opioid drugs while pregnant ... 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, ...
... as recreational. On the contrary, many started off with medicinal and anesthetic purposes. Here's a look at some of ... pharmacist, searched for a cure to counteract his addiction to morphine, which he had been using as a ... continue reading -
20 Genius Minds and the Drugs They Were Addicted To
Intelligence doesn't preclude people taking drugs any more than fame does. When those who are under stress need to relax, some turn to drugs or drink as an escape from reality. Others do it because they believe it enhances their creativity or allows ...
... his unintelligible style of singing as for his influence on the grunge scene. Let's be honest: how many people can understand all the lyrics to Smells Like Teen Spirit? His use of heroin worried people, though, and in ... 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 ...
... a drug called Krokodil which mimics the effects of heroin for a quarter of the price. Krokodil's Scary ... did not test positive for desomorphine. Instead, it was likely a bad staph infection or use of unsanitary needles. ... continue reading -
Cocaine Addiction Side Effects, Symptoms, Withdrawal, and Treatment
Cocaine is a powerfully addictive stimulant drug that comes in the form of a white powder which is commonly snorted, smoked, or injected. 1 Its popularity as a recreational substance is in part due to its perceived positive effects on mood, ...
... Drugs Sometimes people use cocaine with other substances such as alcohol, heroin , and marijuana ... cocaine addiction helpline ? What methods of funding can I use for treatment? Will insurance cover some or all of my ... continue reading -
Why Are Prescription Opiates So Addictive?
Prescription opiates—such as Vicodin , Percocet , and OxyContin —are narcotic medications used for pain management. These drugs are often referred to as “opioids,” which are synthetic and semi-synthetic derivatives of the active “opiate” ...
... affect the brain the same way morphine and heroin do. They attach to opioid receptors found ... on how long the person was using for and how much they were using. It is not unheard of for cravings and other mild forms of ... continue reading -
Country vs. City Addictions: Are They Different?
Urban and rural addicts don't seem to have a whole lot in common, according to a report published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). In gathering data for this particular study, researchers looked at addiction ...
... (vs. 5.6 percent rural). Rural addicts began using drugs at a younger age (between 15 and 17 years ... for prescription painkillers and stimulants. Urban addicts, however, primary abuse traditional street drugs like heroin ... continue reading -
Treatment for LSD Abuse: How to Treat LSD Addiction
Psychoactive substances, by definition, change the way people think and feel. Hallucinogens do this in a unique way, by altering the way that humans sense and perceive the world—making false visual, auditory, and tactile sensations seem real. One ...
... behavior like some other hallucinogens (e.g. PCP) or mind-altering substances (e.g. cocaine, heroin, alcohol) do. 1,5 The reason for this is that its use does not precipitate the chemical changes in the brain responsible ... continue reading -
Signs & Symptoms of Hydromorphone Abuse
Hydromorphone is a prescription medication used for the long-term treatment of moderate to severe pain that cannot be managed by other pain medicines or non-pharmacologic options. Hydromorphone is an opioid pain medication that is available as a(n) ...
... and snorting it). Using medication that was not prescribed for you. Taking the substance for the purpose of getting ... are typically labeled as more serious, such as heroin . These effects include 2 : Intense pleasure. ... continue reading -
Concurrent Alcohol and Fentanyl Abuse
Alcohol and Fentanyl Abuse Alcohol and fentanyl are drugs of dependence that are dangerous and highly addictive. Frequent or long-term use can result in many negative consequences, including death. Concurrent substance use disorders involving ...
... The effects of fentanyl use will be similar to those of illicit substances like heroin and medications like morphine ... you are interested in learning more about treatment, call for free at to talk to someone about the best ... continue reading -
Methadone for Addiction Treatment
Methadone is a highly effective treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) when taken correctly and under the supervision of a medical practitioner. 1 Methadone can reduce or eliminate withdrawal symptoms and cravings to use opioids, and studies show ...
... symptoms. 3 How Does Methadone Work? Methadone is among a few medications used as maintenance treatment for more dangerous opioids like heroin and fentanyl . 1 Other such medications are naltrexone and buprenorphine. 1 ... continue reading -
OxyContin Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment
What Is OxyContin Used For? OxyContin is a branded formulation of the powerful opioid painkiller oxycodone . It is prescribed to manage cases of moderate-to-severe pain. When taken as directed, it is a safe and effective medication, and it has ...
... of Addiction Medicine (ASAM). Furthermore, people who abuse prescription painkillers are at risk for concurrent or eventual heroin use due to the similar effects of the two. According to one study, people suffering ... continue reading -
Alcohol Misuse and Addiction: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment
What Is Alcohol Misuse? According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), alcohol is the most commonly used and misused substance in the United States. 1 Those who misuse alcohol are not necessarily addicted or ...
... should provide further phone contacts for your assistance. Receiving treatment for an alcohol use disorder can help you regain ... Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth Ecstasy Heroin Inhalant Ketamine Marijuana Meth PCP Steroid ... continue reading -
12-Step Recovery Programs and Support Groups for Addiction
12-Step recovery programs have become an integral aspect of maintaining sobriety post-addiction. 1 They usually operate on the basis of abstinence while creating a community of people who are living sober lives. 1 A 12-Step program helps establish ...
... utilize. 7 Members will use the 12 Steps for themselves, but there are also the 12 Traditions used in the group setting. ... Meth Anonymous Co-Anon Co-Dependents Anonymous Heroin Anonymous Marijuana Anonymous Nar-Anon Pills ... continue reading -
Find a Substance Abuse Rehab Center or Resource in Hawthorne, NJ
In 2016, 27 Hawthorne residents were admitted to treatment for alcohol as their primary drug of abuse, while 32 were admitted for heroin as their primary addiction. 1 In larger Passaic County, nearly 2,000 people sought rehab for alcohol addiction, ...
... for alcohol addiction, while almost 4,400 people sought treatment for heroin addiction. 1 Drug addiction treatment for ... can put you at risk of returning to substance use to cope with the symptoms of that disorder. It ... continue reading -
Get the Facts on Substance Abuse
Substance abuse is a major issue in the United States. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 40.3 million people aged 12 or older had a substance use disorder (SUD) in 2020—with 28.3 million struggling with an ...
... drugs are safer, they can be as addictive as heroin. Prescription drugs are often misused in the United States ... an Intervention Works Deciding to stop using drugs may be a difficult decision for a person to make. Even if ... continue reading -
I’m a Millionaire and I Need to Go to Rehab. Where Do I Go?
You've realized you have an issue, whether it's a heroin or coke addiction or a sex addiction, so you need to find somewhere nice to attend rehab. Naturally, you want somewhere that's a little more exclusive to avoid running into someone who might ...
... ve realized you have an issue, whether it's a heroin or coke addiction or a sex addiction, so you ... you only want the best treatment, and you can afford to pay for it. So where would you go? The first obvious place is the ... continue reading -
Robert Downey Jr.'s Incredible Comeback From Addiction
A great Hollywood comeback story, Robert Downey Jr. is now one of the most bankable and highly paid actors in show business, starring in blockbuster comic book films like Iron Man and The Avengers as Iron Man—a role he continued in 2019's ...
... cult filmmaker Robert Downey Sr. also had a substance use disorder and allowed his son to try marijuana at the ... trajectory until 1996, when he was arrested for possession of heroin and cocaine. As reported in a 2003 ... continue reading -
Side Effects of ACTIQ Abuse
ACTIQ is a brand name for fentanyl, an extremely powerful opioid painkiller that is used only for severe pain such as breakthrough cancer pain 1 . Fentanyl is available in a number of formulations and delivery methods, including 2,3,4 : Tablets and ...
... a handle. Because of the appearance and the method of use, ACTIQ is sometimes referred to as 3 : ACTIQ lollipop ... are people seeking out fentanyl for its potent high, but many heroin distributors are lacing their product ... 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 ...
... substance use, they still think of the use of crystal meth more positively than that of heroin or ... a drug. Currently, there is no widely accepted model for crystal meth abuse treatment . In the past, antidepressants ... 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 ...
... Whether you are seeking help for a problem with alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, heroin, crystal methamphetamine, or ... member or close friend who has struggled with a substance use disorder. 9 In fact, more than 1 in 10 ... 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 ...
... rum, and beer were proving problematic for colonists. While the use of opium for dulling pain was well known by ... became yet another widespread drug of abuse. Heroin and other opiates were synthesized and marketed as ... 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 ...
... valium/diazepam, and opioids like subutex and heroin . 3 Significantly severe signs of withdrawal are ... types is available. You can use SAMHSA's Find Treatment tool to search for facilities. Many state government websites ... continue reading -
Drug Use | Myths
There are many myths associated with drug use and abuse. Debunking these myths is the first step in understanding how drug use affects society and how we can tackle the problems associated with it head-on. Below are just a few of the myths that need ...
... , heroin is not addictive . If you have ever heard this drug use myth, please don't believe it. Any form of heroin is ... be at higher risk for drug use and abuse. School Risks for Drug Use Early detection of antisocial ... 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 ...
... as a result of your drug use? Yes No Have you ever looked for or received help for a drug problem? Yes No ... determine the level of your cocaine dependence and abuse. Heroin Test A short test we've created to help determine ... continue reading -
5 NFL Players Who Tackled Their Addictions
Drugs and alcohol have become a major part of NFL culture. From March 2013 to March 2014, NFL players were arrested 27 times on drug charges, and several players have also received lengthy suspensions for positive drug tests, including Cleveland ...
... .” Erik Ainge (New York Jets) Shortly before training camp began for the 2010 season, Ainge, 28, went on a two-week ... . “I used a lot of heroin. You talk about an expensive habit,” he said. “I remember I used to go to ... continue reading -
30 Famous Celebrities Who Have Done Drugs and Battled Addiction and Alcoholism
1. Drew Barrymore Former child star Drew Barrymore's drug abuse in her teenage years found her controversial fame, including two trips to rehab that motivated her to get back on track with her career. 2. Mary-Kate Olsen “Full House” actress ...
... O.C.” star Mischa Barton has gotten more press for drug use than for acting. Her DUI and marijuana possession have kept ... has struggled with numerous addictions , including heroin , cocaine , and marijuana, resulting in ... continue reading -
Snorting Cocaine Side Effects, Signs, Dangers, and Addiction Treatment
Cocaine is a stimulant drug with highly addictive properties that is derived from the coca plant. 1 Also known as “coke,” “snow,” and “blow,” cocaine is a white, crystal-like powder that provides a euphoric high. How Is Cocaine Taken? ...
... those who mix cocaine with other drugs (e.g. with heroin as a “speedball” or with alcohol ) are especially at risk for overdose. Side Effects of Snorting Cocaine Cocaine use can cause a range of short-term physical and ... 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, ...
... This is true for both illicit and prescription opioids , including drugs such as: Heroin . Codeine . Hydrocodone ... study of patients who visited an emergency department after using the popular bath salt mephedrone (4-MMC, ... 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 ...
... of Americans over the age of 12 have used prescription drugs for non-medical purposes at some point in their ... safer than illegal “hard” drugs, like the opiate heroin or cocaine. An article in the Journal of Adolescent ... 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 ...
... 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 ... continue reading -
Risk of Counterfeit and Laced Drugs
Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that approximately 27 million people aged 12 and older were current illicit drug users. This figure amounts to 1 in every 10 people having used illegal drugs in the past month. With ...
... and more readily available than other drugs. Heroin may contain: Phenobarbital : a barbiturate sedative ... potential harm is to get help to stop using . For information on treatment programs , please call American Addiction ... continue reading
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