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Morphine and Xanax

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  • Morphine Abuse Signs, Symptoms, Effects, and Treatment

    What Is Morphine Used For? Morphine is the primary chemical component of opium. It is an opioid analgesic drug that is used to treat severe pain, and it is regarded as the gold standard of pain relievers. Morphine use can create a high that includes ...

    ... Please contact us free at to learn about treatment options with AAC. Key Statistics The problem of morphine abuse and addiction is a significant one. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC): The rate of opioid ... continue reading
  • The Effects of Morphine Use

    Morphine, an opiate narcotic painkiller , is a Schedule II controlled substance, which means it has a high potential for abuse. It can be a great option for patients in pain; however, when used recreationally or in inappropriately high doses, ...

    ... develop a hold on the user that can be difficult to escape. Is Using Morphine Bad for You? You are more prone to morphine addiction and the associated dangers when: You have a history of substance abuse. You suffer from ... continue reading
  • How to Help a Morphine Addict

    With approximately 52 million people in the U.S. having used prescription drugs nonmedically in their lifetime, widespread addiction to drugs like morphine is increasingly becoming a problem. When someone begins to engage in abuse morphine, it's ...

    ... Outpatient treatment centers. It's important to consider that withdrawal from morphine and other opiates can be intense and impose stress on both the body and the psyche, so detoxing in a safe clinical environment, such ... continue reading
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  • Addiction Self-Assessment Quizzes for Drugs and Alcohol

    Use the following self-assessment quizzes to better understand common signs, symptoms, and behavioral changes related to substance misuse and addiction. The questions used in the following self-assessments are based on the diagnostic criteria ...

    ... a prescription anti-anxiety drug also sold as Xanax or Xanax ER. While this assessment does not replace ... as morphine and prescription opioid painkillers such as OxyContin, Vicodin, Opana, Dilauded, fentanyl, and others. ... continue reading
  • 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 . ...

    ... as alprazolam ( Xanax ),—and, lastly, stimulants such as dextroamphetamine ( Adderall ) and methylphenidate ( Ritalin ... ( Lortab , Norco , Vicodin ) Methadone Morphine Oxycodone ( OxyContin , Percocet ) Oxymorphone (Opana ... continue reading
  • Prescription Opioid Addiction: Pain Medication Side Effects and Treatment

    What Are Prescription Painkillers? Prescription painkillers are medications used to treat moderate-to-severe pain after surgery or injury and specific medical conditions like cancer. 1 Prescription opioids have also become increasingly accepted as ...

    ... pain. They include familiar names such as oxycodone and morphine . 3,23 Some opioids are naturally derived from ... of prescription opioids and alcohol or benzodiazepines such as Valium (diazepam) or Xanax (alprazolam). This ... continue reading
  • Oxycontin Addiction Signs, Symptoms and Addiction Treatment

    OxyContin addiction occurs from abusing an OxyCodone prescription for pain relief. Drugs are commonly used in the medical field to treat chronic pain and other ailments of patients. Unfortunately, as is human nature, substance abuse becomes ever ...

    ... an alternative to morphine in the treatment of cancer pain. OxyContin addiction is becoming more and more prevalent as ... person's particular drug addiction. OxyContin and alcohol, Xanax, Ambien or Seroquel are among the ... 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 ...

    ... anesthetic, but he also claimed it cured a friend's morphine addiction —one that was demonstrated not to be true ... two drugs, King used cocaine, Xanax , Valium , NyQuil, beer, tobacco, and marijuana to get him through the ... 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 ...

    ... alcohol use disorder . 8 According to the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, of the 138.5 million people who had used alcohol in the past ... Lortab Methadone Methylphenidate Morphine Norco Opiate Oxycodone ... 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 ...

    ... and certain seizure disorders. 4, 8 Some examples of benzodiazepines include: 3, 4, 8, 11 Alprazolam (Xanax) ... well as prescription painkillers like morphine , hydrocodone (Vicodin), and oxycodone (Percocet, OxyContin). 4 ... continue reading
  • 25 Harmful Effects of Morphine

    Morphine is an effective pain reliever. It's administered frequently by healthcare professionals. It's prescribed to manage moderate to severe pain after an accident, post-surgery, or for a chronic condition. It's accepted for common use throughout ...

    ... move food through our body in a healthy way. Effects on Our General Health Vision Problems —Morphine can impair our vision and change our ability to see colors. Painful Urination —As it affects our entire digestive tract ... 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 ...

    ... several months or years. These mentors can help newly sober individuals learn to live without alcohol and morphine and talk through difficult situations that otherwise could lead to relapse . Treatment for abuse of any ... 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 ...

    ... other effects . Learn about morphine overdose and the dangers of snorting morphine . What Are Mushrooms? Mushrooms ... recovering from drug or alcohol addiction. What Is Xanax? Xanax is the name brand of the generic drug ... continue reading
  • Heroin Facts, History, and Statistics

    History of Heroin Heroin is a powerful opiate narcotic that has no legal medical use in the U.S. Outside of the U.S., pharmaceutical grade heroin is still produced for limited therapeutic use. It is occasionally prescribed for severe pain in ...

    ... another narcotic analgesic— codeine . This new drug was found to be up to twice as potent as morphine , and Bayer gave the powerful new substance the trade name “Heroin” after “ heroisch ,” a German word meaning heroic ... 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, ...

    ... . Here's a look at some of the forefathers of modern illicit drugs, without whom heroin, cocaine, LSD, meth, and morphine would either be less popular in our culture or not even exist. Charles Romley Alder Wright - The ... 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” ...

    ... feel-good” chemicals. “Endorphin” is a word adapted from the concept of “endogenous morphine” and, essentially, is the body's natural morphine. Over time, opiates desensitize the brain's natural opioid system , making it ... 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 tolerance to heroin, it can carry over to other drugs such as morphine, oxycodone, and hydrocodone. Because heroin can vary in strength and contents (meaning the drug may be laced with another substance like fentanyl ... continue reading
  • Let's Talk About the Elephant Tranquilizer in the Room

    It's 10,000 times more potent than morphine. It's 100 times more powerful than fentanyl . What is it? Carfentanil. Designed as a tranquilizer for elephants, this deadly substance has made its way into our nation's illegal drug market. It's often ...

    It's 10,000 times more potent than morphine. It's 100 times more powerful than fentanyl . What is it? ... s illegal drug market. It's often disguised as heroin and can kill on contact. Just two milligrams is enough to ... continue reading
  • Ibogaine: Can it Cure My Addiction?

    What does it take to quit using heroin or other opioids? This is a question that is very much on the minds of millions of Americans. The scientific community continues to look for the best way to quit using drugs and everyone wants to know what will ...

    ... fix” of the drug whenever they wanted. Then the researchers gave the rats ibogaine and guess what? The rats actually stopped taking morphine . The researchers noticed a reduction in drug self-administration within 1 hour ... 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 ...

    ... Wars. Cocaine was isolated in 1884 and quickly became yet another widespread drug of abuse. Heroin and other opiates were synthesized and marketed as nonaddictive alternatives to morphine . Of course, heroin did turn ... 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 ...

    ... Sleep aids, narcotics , and other effective drugs often prescribed are addictive, despite researchers' best attempts to come up with nonaddictive alternatives. When a patient is prescribed morphine, that patient runs the ... continue reading
  • Why Is Heroin So Addictive?

    Despite its dangers and reputation for harm, use of heroin continues to escalate in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Rates of heroin use have increased across gender, socioeconomic status, age group, ...

    ... throughout the body, including at the brain stem, on the spinal cord, and along the digestive track. When docked with these receptors, morphine initiates a chain of events, eventually triggering the release of dopamine . ... continue reading
  • Closing Candy Land: Our Vets are Stuck in the VA’s Revolving Door

    Across our nation, the brave men and women who defended its freedoms are suffering. The burden they bear isn't regret, loss, emotional trauma or illness…even though all of these things may be present. No, the cargo many of them carry is the weight ...

    ... psychiatrist David Houlihan, a.k.a. the “Candy Man,” prescribed, an average of 25,000 mg of morphine to each and every patient he saw in 2012. Meanwhile, public awareness of the addictive qualities of opioids was rising ... continue reading
  • Rise of the Study Drug

    In the United States, a Schedule II drug is one that has some accepted medical use, but at the same time a high potential for abuse that may lead to severe psychological and physical dependence. Cocaine, morphine and methadone are all Schedule II ...

    ... at the same time a high potential for abuse that may lead to severe psychological and physical dependence. Cocaine, morphine and methadone are all Schedule II substances. Imagine, then, opening Twitter one morning to be ... continue reading
  • Famous Drug Abusers

    Drug and Alcohol Addiction: A Disease that Touches Everyone According to data from the latest National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 22.7 million Americans need treatment for a drug or alcohol problem. And though it may sound cliché, ...

    ... Dr. Halsted was the first surgeon to perform a mastectomy. He was also a morphine addict. Carl Sagan : The preeminent astrophysicist and cosmologist of modern history, Carl Sagan smoked marijuana regularly. He went on to ... continue reading
  • Here’s What You Need to Know About Pink

    After a simple search online, Ryan Ainsworth and Grant Seaver ordered a bag of U-47700, a.ka. “ pink .” The powder arrived from Shanghai at their friend's house, as planned. What happened next was not planned. The two 13-year-old best friends ...

    ... at the Upjohn Company as part of research efforts to create new and improved painkillers. It is derived from morphine —but about eight times stronger—and the Food and Drug Administration never approved it for human use ... continue reading
  • How to Treat Actiq (Fentanyl) Addiction

    Actiq is the brand name for an analgesic lozenge (on a stick like a lollipop) that contains the opioid drug fentanyl —a powerful synthetic opioid which, when rapidly absorbed through the oral mucosa (along with being slowly absorbed through the GI ...

    ... . Fentanyl has a strong addiction potential because it is 50-100 times more potent than morphine, has a quick onset of action, and has a short duration of effects (so continued effect requires repeated doses). 2,4 Like ... continue reading
  • AmeRxica’s Most Medicated

    According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, over 54 million people have used prescription medication non-medically - effectively more than 20 percent of the population aged 12 and older. When our doctor puts pen to paper and hands us a ...

    ... deaths in the same year. With almost 136 million grams of various medications (including oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, and others) prescribed in 2015, over 16,200 people died from misuse of these substances . Some of ... continue reading
  • Heroin Facts—Because Knowing Is Half the Battle

    “Smack” - “Junk” - “H” Heroin is a drug that goes by many names but, no matter what you call it, it's still the same potent, potentially deadly drug. While its name really isn't that important, knowing some basic facts about heroin can ...

    ... deliver it to a broker who then takes the opium to a morphine refinery. Heroin is 2 to 3 times stronger than morphine , it is classified as a Schedule I Drug and it has no medical use. #2 Identifying the Forms of Heroin ... continue reading
  • Trafficking Statistics

    Drug abuse is a major problem in the United States, and individuals seeking to abuse drugs generally have little trouble finding those substances. Abuse of prescription and nonprescription opioids continues to be the public health crisis of our ...

    ... U.S. 1 Fentanyl is up to 40 times more potent than heroin and roughly 100 times more potent than morphine. 1 Acetyl fentanyl is closely related to fentanyl and has been linked to a number of overdose deaths in the U.S ... continue reading
  • Snorting Fentanyl

    Fentanyl is a pain-relieving substance with two main uses 1 : Treating significant acute, post-operative pain following surgery. Treating chronic or breakthrough pain in people that no longer respond to other narcotic medications. Like morphine, ...

    ... of pain by acting on opioid receptors in the brain and body 2 . Fentanyl is one of the most potent opioid ... 3,4 . Fentanyl is up to 100 times more powerful than morphine , an opiate that is addictive in its own right 1,3 ... continue reading
  • How to Help a Fentanyl Addict

    Fentanyl is an opiate narcotic used to relieve severe pain, such as breakthrough cancer pain. It is extremely potent - 50-100 times more potent than morphine and 30-50 times more potent than heroin . Fentanyl is often mixed with heroin or cocaine ...

    ... aler t in 2015 regarding its dangers . Fentanyl acts similarly to more commonly well-known drugs like heroin and morphine , both of which can rapidly lead to addiction. Like other opiates, it interacts with the body's ... continue reading
  • The Effects of Vicodin Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment

    What Is Vicodin Used For? Vicodin is an prescription painkiller medication that is comprised of two substances: Hydrocodone . Acetaminophen . Hydrocodone is an opiate drug that works as a pain reliever and is useful in managing multiple levels of ...

    ... that are similar to those of other opiates , such as morphine and heroin. Opiate effects are achieved when the substance enters the body and connects to opioid receptors . These receptors are located throughout the ... continue reading
  • Could This Inexpensive Medication Reduce Your Withdrawal Symptoms?

    Withdrawal. It's a huge hurdle on the path to recovery. Those struggling to leave opioids behind know they'll eventually have to face the intimidating mental and physical effects of withdrawal. It's a powerful and frightening thought. Some of the ...

    ... its' possible causes. The study involved rats which had been given two potent opioids, morphine and fentanyl . The team identified the glycoprotein, pannexin-1, as the source of withdrawal symptoms in rodents. Pannexin ... continue reading
  • Buprenorphine for Addiction Treatment

    Opioid addiction can be very difficult to overcome, especially due to severe withdrawal symptoms and cravings that can occur during the recovery process. Buprenorphine is a prescription medication that is used to treat opioid withdrawal symptoms, ...

    ... less of a high than other opioids such as morphine, as well as causing less potent opioid withdrawal side ... 15 Naloxone can be obtained through a pharmacy in most states and you do not need a prescription. 15 Where Can I ... continue reading
  • Understanding Naloxone and Narcan

    Naloxone—also known by brand names such as Narcan and Kloxxado—can be a lifesaving medication when used promptly in cases of opioid overdose. 1 If you or someone you care about takes prescription opioid medication or uses illicit opioids such as ...

    ... , hydrocodone , fentanyl , morphine ), heroin , and illicitly manufactured fentanyl. Naloxone has ... they don't wake up, you can administer another dose, and then continue to administer doses every 2-3 minutes until the ... continue reading
  • Opioid Addiction: Treatment and Rehab

    If you or a loved one abuses opioids, you should know that opioid addiction treatment can be a beneficial and potentially life-saving intervention. 1 It can be challenging and uncomfortable to stop using opioids on your own. 2 Opioid rehab can help ...

    ... This medication is a full opioid agonist that works on the same opioid receptors in the brain as heroin, morphine, and other opioid pain medications. It does so more slowly than other opioids, in a way that doesn't make ... 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 ...

    ... people aged 12 or older abused these medications at least once in 2017. 3 Opioids—including morphine, OxyContin (oxycodone), and Vicodin (hydrocodone)—killed almost 50,000 Americans as a result of an overdose in 2019. 4 ... continue reading
  • Injecting Drugs: 9 Hidden Dangers

    Did you know that injecting drugs into your body can increase your risk for a number of health problems? Additionally, did you know that injection-related injuries not only include bruising, scarring, and venous injury, but also infectious diseases ...

    ... in the user when compared to standard intravenous (IV) injection by 5 times. Stronger drugs such as morphine and fentanyl are commonly injected using the skin popping method. Puffy Hand Syndrome Some PWIDs may experience ... continue reading
  • 4 Physical Signs You're Addicted to Ritalin

    Ritalin is a stimulant drug used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and narcolepsy. It's classified by the Drug Enforcement Administration as a Schedule II narcotic—meaning it's in the same ...

    ... by the Drug Enforcement Administration as a Schedule II narcotic—meaning it's in the same class as cocaine, morphine and amphetamines. By some accounts, the number of 26- to 34-year-olds taking drugs like Ritalin rose ... continue reading
  • 9 Mind-Blowing Facts About W-18

    Just when we thought things couldn't get any worse than fentanyl … The street-drug market has a new player - and it's even deadlier than previous killers. W-18 won't deliver a great high; it will, however, deliver death. Introducing W-18 Here are ...

    ... than fentanyl. Fentanyl is 100 times stronger than morphine . This makes W-18 10,000 times stronger ... cut with cocaine or other drugs in unknown amounts. Pills and powders containing W-18 are created in homemade labs, so ... continue reading
  • Shocking Threats Swirl Around Tramadol Abuse

    Though Tramadol hasn't yet achieved the publicity other opioids have in the states, it sure is making waves abroad. Earlier this month, it was revealed that tramadol, an addictive synthetic painkiller believed to be as powerful as morphine , is ...

    ... synthetic painkiller believed to be as powerful as morphine , is claiming more lives in Northern Ireland than any other drug - including heroin and cocaine. And shockingly, it remains unregulated…on the recommendation of ... 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 ...

    ... you may naturally develop some level of tolerance to the medication and require a higher dose in order to alleviate pain. 4 ... Some common prescription painkillers include: 4 Morphine . Codeine . OxyContin (oxycodone). ... 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 ...

    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 ... continue reading
  • Over-The-Counter Drugs of Abuse

    It is a common misconception that only illegal drugs are dangerous. There are many different over-the-counter (OTC) drugs with psychoactive, or mind-altering properties that may lead to a number of serious medical and mental health consequences if ...

    ... cause life-threatening effects, such as respiratory depression and extreme sedation—similar to that of DXM and alcohol. Codeine is an opioid —like heroin and morphine—and, when codeine is taken in excess, especially with ... continue reading
  • Free, National, and 24-Hour Narcotics Hotline Numbers and Resources

    Call American Addiction Centers (AAC) free at What Are Narcotics? Narcotics, commonly referred to as opioid pain relievers, are only used for severe pain if other pain relievers do not help. 1 The drugs not only help relieve severe pain but also ...

    ... epidemic involving narcotics abuse in the United States. Pain-relieving, euphoria-inducing opioids such as morphine, oxycodone, heroin, and others are misused every day. The result is a spike in the number of overdoses ... continue reading
  • Mixing Alcohol With Drugs

    Mixing alcohol with prescription drugs or illicit drugs (known as polysubstance use), can have dangerous health effects that many people may not realize. Since alcohol is such a commonly used substance, it's even more important to understand how it ...

    ... hydrocodone , or morphine , are combined with alcohol, some of the amplified and potentially dangerous health effects ... manage anxiety—such as Ativan , Valium , or Xanax —can result in over-sedation similar to that which ... continue reading
  • I’m Having Opiate Withdrawals – Am I Addicted?

    Shelly's knee surgery went great. The doctor said she'd be running again in no time. Before she'd be ready for her next 5K, she'd have to endure some fairly intense pain and a lot of physical therapy. While in the hospital, Shelly received regular ...

    ... . She figured, why not? They gave her a boost of energy and mentally made her feel like a champ, so why let them go ... take opiates (like oxycodone , tramadol , fentanyl or morphine ) every day for more than four weeks, ... continue reading
  • Newsflash: Tramadol Really is an Opiate

    For years, tramadol was thought of as a safe alternative to opiates . It was viewed as less habit-forming and easier to tolerate than its “stronger” counterparts like oxycodone. Doctors handed out free samples of Ultram (tramadol's brand name), ...

    ... has a high risk of abuse . Potential Dangers Structurally similar to other opiates like codeine and morphine , tramadol is dangerous. People have experienced severe side effects while taking tramadol. These side effects ... continue reading
  • Record-Breaking Number of Overdoses Traced Back to Bad Heroin

    A dangerous batch of heroin circulating throughout the city of Chicago has caused a record-breaking 74 overdoses in the span of just three days. When the numbers began to climb at such an astonishing rate, medical professionals began to suspect a ...

    ... situations; it's 50 times more powerful than morphine. Combined with heroin, it's a concoction that ... one that sets in quickly. Effects are felt almost instantly and collapse occurs in a matter of seconds. Simply put; ... continue reading
  • Opana: The New Opiate of Choice Among Addicts?

    In 1995, the Food and Drug Administration approved the opioid OxyContin for treating chronic pain. The drug netted a quick $45 million in sales its first year on the market. Ten years later, sales of OxyContin ballooned to $3.1 billion and the ...

    ... later, sales of OxyContin ballooned to $3.1 billion and the incredibly powerful drug accounted for a whopping 30 ... with the brain's opiate receptors, much like morphine or heroin , Opana, otherwise known as oxymorphone, ... continue reading
  • 5 Genius Minds Who Dabbled in Drugs

    For hundreds and thousands of years, human beings have experimented with drugs. Some people used illicit substances to celebrate the gods; some used drugs to “communicate” with the other side. As time went on, people began using drugs for a ...

    ... (cocaine) will win its place in therapeutics by the side of morphine … I take very small doses of it regularly against depression and against indigestion and with the most brilliant of success.” Carl Sagan Carl Sagan is ... continue reading
  • Effects of Drugs on the Brain: Impact of Drugs on Neurotransmitters

    For many people, addiction can be difficult to understand. Understanding how drugs affect the brain can help shed some light on how a person develops an addiction. This article will discuss how various drugs affect the chemistry of the brain and ...

    ... known as opiates or narcotics and are used as painkillers, cough suppressants, and anti-diarrhea medications. Well-known illicit and prescription opioids include: Heroin . Morphine . Oxycodone ( OxyContin ). Percocet ... 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 ...

    ... with NAS may be treated with small amounts of methadone or morphine in order to gradually wean them off the drugs. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality National reports that a baby is born with NAS every ... 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 ...

    ... alcohol can put the user in a coma, cause brain damage and even lead to death. Heroin, which is synthesized from morphine that is extracted from the opium poppy plant, comes either in white or brown powder form or as a ... 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, ...

    ... result from it. 3 Work, family, home, and/or school obligations can become negatively impacted due to the ... is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. 13 If individuals use cocaine laced ... continue reading
  • Am I Addicted to Painkillers? How Can I Quit Safely?

    If you've been taking painkillers for an extended time, particularly after the pain that originally prompted their use has subsided, you might well wonder whether you're addicted to painkillers. Though many people take painkillers following a ...

    ... drugs as recommended, you can build up a dependency, and this can be physical or psychological. With a psychological ... to opioid-based painkillers such as Vicodin , morphine , or OxyContin . Opioids, which come from ... continue reading
  • Actiq (Fentanyl) Lollipop Abuse

    Actiq is a brand name for the opioid drug fentanyl. 3 Actiq comes as a lozenge on a handle (like a lollipop) and the fentanyl is quickly absorbed through the oral mucosa (along with fentanyl that is swallowed being slowly absorbed through the ...

    ... opioid pain medication, fentanyl's potency is between 50 and 100 times more than that of morphine. 2 Fentanyl is prescribed in a number of forms and brands, including sublingual tablets (e.g., Abstral), patches placed ... continue reading
  • Snorting Tramadol

    Tramadol is a medication prescribed to treat moderate to moderately severe pain in adults and, in its extended release forms, to manage certain chronic pain conditions. Similar to other pain medications like oxycodone, morphine, and hydrocodone, ...

    ... certain chronic pain conditions. Similar to other pain medications like oxycodone, morphine, and hydrocodone, tramadol is an opioid and primarily produces its pain-relieving effects by interacting with opioid receptors ... 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 ...

    ... ) or acetaminophen (Vicodin, Lortab, Norco) 1,2 . Hydrocodone produces effects similar to other opioids, including oxycodone and morphine 3. It is the most frequently prescribed opioid pain reliever in the US. Of the 207 ... 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 ...

    ... Fentanyl is much more potent than many other opioids—between 50 and 100 stronger than morphine—so ACTIQ must be administered carefully. When people abuse it and/or try to increase doses on their own, they results may be ... 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) ...

    ... . The analgesic (painkilling) effects will last for about 5 hours , and the drug has a potency that is several times greater than morphine 2 . While the opioid effects will be similar, substances containing hydromorphone ... continue reading
  • Effects of Hydromorphone Abuse: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment

    What Is Hydromorphone Used For? Hydromorphone (brand names: Dilaudid, Exalgo) is a powerful semi-synthetic opioid painkiller used in both hospital settings and as part of a long-term treatment regimen for significant pain in opioid-tolerant ...

    ... behind the short-term physiological effects of hydromorphone is similar to that of many other opioids (such as morphine and heroin ). 3 When the substance enters the system, it interacts with opioid receptors to not only ... 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 ...

    ... no food or water by mouth) and be given intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and different types of medicines to treat your symptoms. Additionally, doctors may prescribe opioids —such as morphine —to relieve pain. Effects of ... 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 ...

    ... been the recent appearance of fentanyl on the streets—an opioid analgesic 80-100 times more potent than morphine and much more potent than even heroin. Fentanyl has been linked with numerous fatalities in the northeast ... 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 ...

    ... and deadly . What Happens the First Time You Use Heroin? Heroin is an illegal substance that is derived from morphine ... vein , the opioid high will be most intense and will be felt almost immediately. The full effects will ... continue reading
  • Fentanyl Abuse Symptoms, Effects, and Addiction Treatment

    What Is Fentanyl Used For? Fentanyl is a synthetic opiate pain reliever. It's typically prescribed to patients for severe pain or injury , or after they have undergone surgery. It works quickly to eliminate any pain in the body. However, it can also ...

    ... body. However, it can also be very addictive. Fentanyl is much more potent than heroin and 100x more potent than morphine . Fentanyl was originally synthesized by Paul Janssen of Janssen Pharmaceuticals in 1960. It works ... continue reading
  • The Effects of Fentanyl Use

    Is Fentanyl Dangerous? Fentanyl may be administered through: Patches. Oral or nasal spray. Lollipops (a 'troche' or lozenge with a stick handle). Injection. Fentanyl is a potent, synthetic opioid analgesic - excellent for controlling serious pain, ...

    ... potential. It is 80 to 500 times stronger than morphine. Fentanyl is a drug that can be severely harmful, ... -term Fentanyl use will require an individual to take more and more Fentanyl to achieve the same high . This can ... continue reading
  • Oxycodone Facts, History and Statistics

    Oxycodone is an opioid analgesic, or 'painkiller' drug that is most often prescribed to control moderate to severe pain that cannot be treated with other medications. It is a semi-synthetic opiate that was first created in 1916 from thebaine, a ...

    ... that was first created in 1916 from thebaine, a chemical found in poppy plants and related to other narcotic drugs, such as morphine and heroin. History Oxycodone was first developed as part of an effort to find non ... continue reading
  • The Effects of Hydrocodone Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment

    About Hydrocodone Hydrocodone is a prescription medication sold under multiple brand names, such as: Vicodin. Norco. Lortab. The aforementioned trade names are combinations of hydrocodone and acetaminophen. Other trade formulations also exist that ...

    ... term effects of hydrocodone use. Hydrocodone is an opiate, or narcotic, similar to codeine, heroin , and morphine. These kinds of substances are particularly risky because you can become addicted even when you are taking ... continue reading
  • Hydrocodone Abuse Signs, Symptoms, Effects, and Treatment

    What Is Hydrocodone Used For? Hydrocodone is an opioid analgesic (painkiller) drug included in the formulation of many narcotic prescription painkillers that are most often prescribed to control moderate-to-severe pain. As an opiate drug, it is in ...

    ... that are most often prescribed to control moderate-to-severe pain. As an opiate drug, it is in the same family as morphine and oxycodone; like many other opioid substances, it has a high potential to lead to dependency ... continue reading
  • Effects of Heroin Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment

    Is Heroin Harmful? Heroin is the name for a modified version of morphine that is a very addictive and illegal opioid drug . The drug is available on the illicit market in a number of different varieties, with purer product tending to occur in white ...

    ... name for a modified version of morphine that is a very addictive and illegal opioid drug . The drug ... overdose is a concern for people using heroin in the short and long term because dosing is impossible to measure due to ... 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 ...

    ... 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 ... continue reading
  • Ways of Helping Someone With Drug or Alcohol Addiction

    Seeking Drug Addiction Help If you have a loved one who is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, it can be difficult to watch them. You may be wondering how to help them with their substance abuse issues. They might be ready to quit and ...

    ... and Illicit Drug Abuse Alcohol Bath Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth Dextromethorphan DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine Marijuana Meth Methylphenidate Methoxetamine (MXE) Morphine ... Vicodin Xanax Zolpidem continue reading
  • Legalizing Marijuana Decreases Fatal Opiate Overdoses, Study Shows

    According to the American Academy of Pain Medicine, more than 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain. In an effort to relieve that constant pain, the number of opiate prescriptions has nearly doubled over the last decade. Today, opiates like ...

    ... . Today, opiates like hydrocodone , oxycodone , and morphine flood the streets, driving up addiction rates and fatal opiate overdoses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has officially labeled the problem an ... continue reading
  • Concurrent Alcohol and Xanax Abuse

    Facts on Alcohol and Xanax Alprazolam (brand name Xanax) is an anxiolytic prescription medication. Xanax is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It belongs to the benzodiazepine class of drugs and is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. ...

    ... reach out to one of our admissions navigators free at to get the help that you need today. Teen Drinking and Xanax Abuse Nearly 1 in 5 high school students reports alcohol use in the past month, with 14% of them binge ... continue reading
  • Getting Help for Xanax Addiction: Xanax Addiction Treatment

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

    ... called “purple footballs,” “bars,” or “Z-bars,” this drug can cause a high that includes feelings of intense relaxation and drowsiness. If you or someone you care about is struggling with an addiction to Xanax, you don't ... continue reading
  • A Straight Story on the Real Dangers of Xanax

    “Yeah, I was feeling uptight before he was about to pick me up for our date, so I popped a Xanax,” said my friend. I cringed. It seemed like everyone I knew was using benzos to calm down, chill out, get through a first date, or ace a ...

    ... seems doctors just give them out like candy on Halloween. I should know—I was on a cycle of alcohol at night and Xanax all day for about a year. I'm lucky to be alive right now. The appeal is natural, especially to those ... continue reading
  • The Effects of Alprazolam Use—Short-Term, Long-Term and Side Effects

    Is Alprazolam Harmful? Alprazolam (trade name: Xanax ) is a sedative drug in the benzodiazepine class, indicated for the management of some forms of anxiety and panic disorders. The substance—like all benzodiazepines—has central nervous system ...

    ... becomes compounded when the substance is used with other drugs or alcohol. For example, combining alcohol and Xanax can result in serious health conditions like coma or death, because they each act as a depressant ... continue reading
  • Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Symptoms, Medications, and Addiction Treatment

    What Are Benzodiazepines? Benzodiazepines, or “benzos,” are central nervous system depressants commonly prescribed to manage a variety of conditions, including anxiety, panic disorders, muscle spasms, seizures, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, and ...

    ... drugs is also a major risk factor for potentially fatal benzodiazepine overdose . Between 2003 and 2009, the number of deaths due to use of Xanax , a popular benzodiazepine, increased by 233.8%. 5 It is clear that benzos ... continue reading
  • Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment and Rehab Programs

    Many prescription medications have the potential to become drugs of abuse if they are misused. Misuse of prescription drugs means taking them other than as prescribed. This includes taking a larger dose, using them more frequently, or taking them ...

    ... chronic pain in order to reduce addiction risk for pain patients. 7 Valium and Xanax are in the class of benzodiazepines and can have strong addiction potential if misused. These medications are prescribed for anxiety ... continue reading
  • Concurrent Alcohol and Ativan Abuse

    Ativan is a sedative anxiolytic, or anti-anxiety medication , with effects similar to those of other drugs in its class, such as Valium and Xanax. Ativan is the trade name for lorazepam, which is part of a class of drug called “benzodiazepines” ...

    ... , or anti-anxiety medication , with effects similar to those of other drugs in its class, such as Valium and Xanax. Ativan is the trade name for lorazepam, which is part of a class of drug called “benzodiazepines” (also ... continue reading
  • Xanax Addiction Side Effects, Withdrawal and Treatment

    Xanax is a commonly prescribed medication used to treat specific anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder. Alprazolam is the generic name for Xanax, and this specific prescription medication belongs to the class of drugs called benzodiazepines, or ...

    ... potential. 2 Common street names for Xanax and other benzodiazepines include: 4 Xans. Xannies. Bricks. Bars. Z-bars. Planks. Blues. Benzos. How Does Xanax Work? Xanax—like other benzodiazepines—is a central nervous ... continue reading
  • A Dangerous Trio: Skipping Dinner, Binge Drinking and Overeating

    In today's culture, binge drinking is becoming more and more prevalent. This is especially true on college campuses, where a lot of partying takes place and many students spend their nights at clubs and bars, rather than in the dorm studying. Today, ...

    ... is especially true on college campuses, where a lot of partying takes place and many students spend their nights at clubs and bars, rather than in the dorm studying. Today, however, the phenomenon of foregoing dinner ... continue reading
  • Released From Prison… and Still Addicted to Substances

    There are over 2.3 million people in American prisons and jails, making the U.S. the most heavily incarcerated country in the world. More than 65% of this segment meet medical criteria for substance addiction, but they are provided with few ...

    ... criteria for substance addiction, but they are provided with few treatment options while behind bars. As a result, these men and women are released back into society without the tools needed to avoid returning to drugs ... continue reading
  • Pay Attention: 7 Red Flags of a Xanax Overdose

    Shannon was feeling even more anxious than usual, so she picked up her Xanax bottle and popped an extra pill. The doctor said to take it only as prescribed, but she figured an extra one wouldn't hurt. Feeling calmer, she decided to drive over to her ...

    ... stop your breathing entirely. Stay Alert, Save a Life The threat of overdose is more common than you think. Xanax and other benzodiazepines were involved in 31 percent of all overdose deaths in 2013. If someone you know ... continue reading
  • Xanax Turned My Life Upside Down

    “It's the worst mistake I've ever made. I wish I had never gotten that prescription filled.” That's the regret Kelly says sums up her experience with Xanax . At the age of 20, Kelly says she didn't realize what she was getting into when her ...

    ... once she didn't have that bottle of “little helpers.” Kelly made an appointment at the clinic and asked her doctor for more Xanax. When he wouldn't refill the pills, she simply went to a different physician. He wrote her ... continue reading
  • Xanax Passes Marijuana as Second-Leading Cause of DUI

    When it comes to driving under the influence of substances that aren't alcohol, marijuana is the biggest concern for many Americans. Colorado has spent millions of dollars on a series of “ Drive High, Get a DUI ” commercials, while Washington ...

    ... the main substances plaguing drivers on the state's highways and byways. Believe it or not, Xanax now far surpasses marijuana as a leading cause of DUI. Benzos and Driving are a Bad Combo Data compiled by the Department ... continue reading
  • Xanax Addiction Treatment

    Xanax Addiction is widespread! The more common a drug becomes the greater chance it has at becoming abused by the general public. Xanax is a commonly prescribed short-term drug used to treat severe anxiety and panic disorders, though due to its now ...

    ... Addiction can take away the things in life that you love most - your family, friends and happiness. Let Recovery Connection find you a xanax addiction treatment center that is right for you. Call us now at . Don't Wait ... continue reading
  • Why Is Xanax So Addictive?

    Xanax—also known by its generic name alprazolam—belongs to a class of prescription drugs called benzodiazepines. For some people, Xanax can be an effective treatment for anxiety and panic disorders. However, Xanax users are at high risk for ...

    ... this happens, the user is at high risk of respiratory arrest, impaired oxygen exchange, coma and even death. If you are prescribed Xanax, it is extremely important to tell your doctor about any other drugs you are taking ... continue reading
  • Alprazolam Abuse Symptoms, Signs and Addiction Treatment

    What Is Alprazolam Used For? Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine substance better known by its brand name, Xanax. All benzodiazepines are depressant medications that slow down a user's body and mind, resulting in reduced anxiety and increased relaxation. ...

    ... in 2010. Alprazolam accounted for more than one-third of these ER visits. Learn more at our Xanax History and Statistics page. Teen Alprazolam Abuse Prevention is recommended in order to stop use before it can begin ... continue reading
  • Snorting Xanax (Alprazolam): Side Effects & Dangers

    What Does Snorting Xanax Do? Xanax (generic name: alprazolam) is a prescription sedative medication that falls into the class of drugs known as benzodiazepines, which are commonly prescribed for the management of anxiety. 1,2 While taking Xanax as ...

    ... in the body rather than all at once. Some who abuse the drug crush it up and snort Xanax in an attempt to heighten its effects. Abusing Xanax, for example by snorting it, is dangerous because of the drug's effects on the ... continue reading
  • Xanax Overdose Risk Factors and Addiction Treatment

    What Is Xanax? Xanax (generic name alprazolam) is a fast-acting benzodiazepine drug and central nervous system depressant—a grouping that includes several other sedative, hypnotic, and anxiolytic drugs. 1,2 When taken as prescribed, Xanax can be ...

    ... the U.S. They can be highly effective when it comes to recovery, relapse prevention , and helping you maintain a Xanax-free life. One final thing to keep in mind: though outlets of community support are a great option ... continue reading
  • Xanax Overdose Symptoms, Signs & Treatment

    What Is Xanax Used For? Xanax, also known generically as alprazolam, is a benzodiazepine medication commonly prescribed for the treatment of anxiety and panic disorders. 1 More infrequent, off-label uses for Xanax include managing agoraphobia (fear ...

    ... onset of any of these symptoms. If you experience any of these symptoms, do not take any more Xanax and do not consume any other drugs or alcohol. If the symptoms worsen, seek medical attention immediately. Some people ... 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 ...

    ... works, it causes a depression of the central nervous system (CNS). 4 CNS depressants cause calming and drowsy effects. 2 The dangers of Xanax use should not be underestimated. You don't have to use it for a long time 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 ...

    ... name Klonopin . It is the third most commonly prescribed benzodiazepine in the US, behind alprazolam (Xanax) and lorazepam (Ativan). These medications have very similar properties, but they vary in their speed of onset ... 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 ...

    ... benzodiazepine in the United States—behind Xanax and Ativan . Consider these statistics from ... stress to your teen the dangers of prescription drug abuse and that the legal status of a prescription drug does not make ... 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 ...

    ... This group includes drugs like: Alprazolam (Xanax). Lorazepam (Ativan). Diazepam (Valium). Temazepam ... that it adapts to the presence of clonazepam in its system and the patient's usual dose of clonazepam ceases to be as ... continue reading
  • The Use and Abuse of Date Rape Drugs

    Although Bill Cosby has been making headlines for his alleged use of date rape drugs, sexual assault cases involving these substances have been a problem in the U.S. for decades and continue to be a growing trend. What's more, many young adults and ...

    ... lay) GHB is a narcotic sedative that comes in liquid, powder and pill forms. It is currently abused by teens and young adults at bars, parties, clubs and raves. Date rape victims become incapacitated due to the sedative ... continue reading
  • Should We Offer Suboxone in Jails and Prisons?

    Of the hundreds of thousands of people entering our country's jails and prisons each year, an estimated 15% are addicted to opiates, according to a 2009 study. However, a majority of these facilities don't provide a single medication or moment of ...

    ... This moral crossroads happens to many people behind bars. Women often enter the system suffering from ... which could ultimately cut addiction rates, reduce crime, and limit the spread of infectious diseases. How to Find ... continue reading
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