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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 ...
... afterward. The duration of all effects will be dependent on the purity, dose, and route of administration—e.g ... risk of death from overdose is a concern for people using heroin in the short and long term because dosing is ... 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 ...
... will ultimately be less intense. On their first use of heroin, a person will experience a high, sometimes called ... first high. Why Do People Use Heroin? Heroin's intense high and quick speed of onset are major attractions ... 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 ...
... or she stops taking the drug suddenly. Who's Abusing Heroin? Currently available statistics on heroin abuse show a steady increase since the early 2000s in: The number of people using it. The amount of money being spent ... 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 ...
... heroin withdrawal syndrome can be sufficiently intense to trigger relapse, even in the most well-intentioned person ... with an addiction to heroin. Treatment can start anyone battling a substance use problem on the path to a ... 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 ...
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. ... 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 ...
... is hard 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 ... 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 ...
... Signs and symptoms may vary depending on: 5 The amount and purity of the heroin used. Any other substances consumed. The person's age and weight. Risk Factors for Heroin Overdose Overdosing on heroin can be the result of ... 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 ...
... use is all too prevalent; the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health report showed that 329,000 people in the U.S. reported using heroin in the past month. 1 This includes women of childbearing age. The survey ... 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, ...
... of people who use it also use other substances. Heroin-related deaths have nearly tripled since 2002. Heroin is ... . Into a muscle. The effects of heroin will vary depending on the quality, quantity, and method of delivery ... continue reading -
Heroin Addiction Treatment Centers and Rehab Programs
Heroin addiction can negatively impact certain aspects of your life and have dangerous health repercussions. Here, we will help you understand heroin addiction, how addiction is treated, and what you should know about heroin rehab centers, including ...
... access to some form of medical care for people withdrawing from heroin due to humanitarian and safety concerns. 6 As ... may work with a counselor on a one-on-one basis to work on underlying issues that can impact addiction ... 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 ...
... Statistics show theft is common, as is borrowing money, prostitution and burglary. Personality Changes People who are hooked on heroin can often be aggressive and anxious. They tend to isolate themselves or seek out the ... 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 ...
... a total of 782 drug overdoses in 2013. Out of all 782 cases, 420 people fatally overdosed on heroin . The death toll from heroin has more than doubled over the last three years, presenting a growing challenge for city ... 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. ...
... making the user feel really good. When a person takes heroin, it binds to opioid receptors in the brain ... effects of both drugs. Another danger is that heroin sold on the street is very often cut with adulterants , ... continue reading -
Which Side of the Naloxone Debate Are You On?
With the opioid epidemic claiming nearly 78 lives each and every day, President-elect Trump has his work cut out for him in the drug arena. One of his stated policies involves increasing access to naloxone, a medication used to reverse overdose from ...
... access to naloxone, a medication used to reverse overdose from opioids like heroin and prescription painkillers. But there are people on both sides of the fence regarding this medication's prevalence, which has ... continue reading -
The Price Tag of Heroin in America: $51 Billion
If you're hooked on heroin, you'll spend an average of $150 a day to support your habit. That's nearly $55,000 per year. Heroin abuse comes with a pretty hefty price tag, unfortunately personal financial burden isn't the only cash-flow issue left in ...
... decided to look at the financial impact heroin has on our society. They developed a cost- ... 2015 saw a total of nearly 13,000 people die from heroin abuse. And, heroin use and abuse is spreading. Previously confined ... continue reading -
Prescription Opiates: As Addictive as Heroin?
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than 21.5 million Americans aged 12 and older met the criteria for substance use disorder in 2014. Of these, 1.9 million were addicted to prescription opiate pain medications and 586,000 ...
... those who are not. 4 While prescription opiate abuse may be common among heroin users, it doesn't necessarily lead a person toward heroin. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health also reported that less than 4% of ... continue reading -
Heroin Relapse Warning Signs, Prevention, and Addiction Treatment
Heroin Relapse Is Common Heroin addiction is very powerful, and heroin's interaction with opioid receptors and its reinforcing influence on your brain's reward centers result in such profound feelings of euphoria and pleasure that it sometimes feels ...
... to remain abstinent, a strong aftercare program is an essential component of recovery. Why Do People Relapse on Heroin? Substance abuse expert Terence Gorski believes that relapse is a progressive issue resulting from a ... 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 ...
... Heroin Over Time Although cocaine and heroin have been in circulation since the 1800s, the drugs look and impact people ... level. Heroin:Average Purity by Purchase Weight Similar patterns hold true for heroin. On average, ... 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 ...
... indicates that a full 23% of those who try heroin get hooked on it. The drug is a major problem, particularly among middle- and upper-class teens and people who had previously used prescription painkillers to get high ... 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 ...
... you may know if you've ever used it as a disinfectant on a cut. When you take an initial sip of alcohol, the ... conditions. Some are more susceptible than others. A person who drinks as little as 20g or more than 200g ... 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 ... , such as: 2 Sped-up progression of kidney disease in people with high blood pressure and ... 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 ...
... the drug is now kept on-hand. (Chicago leads the nation in heroin-related emergency room visits.) Unfortunately, ... it's taking double and triple doses to bring people back from the brink. Similar events occurred several ... continue reading -
A Sister’s Honest Talk About Her Brother’s Heroin Addiction
Alex didn't answer the phone. He missed their father's birthday party and still wasn't answering. But Allison kept dialing. It didn't seem right, but then again, things hadn't seemed “right” for a long time. Alex had all but stopped showing up ...
... she got the call. Alex had been arrested for heroin possession . She sat up late with her husband, ... or dead. Allison lived with the fear that all families of people who use illegal drugs feel. When is the call going to ... continue reading -
Heroin Use Increasing Across New Demographics, Study Finds
The face of heroin in the US is changing. As the drug becomes more commonly abused among new racial, geographic and socioeconomic groups, the profile of those users is also evolving. The change is, in part, because heroin is becoming more ...
... latest research, Monnat and Rigg examined three groups of people who had reported using heroin and/or prescription opiates (via the 2010-2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health). These participants were broken down ... continue reading -
Chicken vs. Egg: Which Came First, Heroin or OxyContin Addiction?
For centuries, people have debated one age old question: which came first, the chicken or the egg? While both sides of this argument have their valid points, the question itself has evolved, making its way into other areas of society, including the ...
... afford to buy pills off the streets, they often transition to heroin. On the flip side of that argument, a lot of people who are addicted to heroin believe that switching to OxyContin will ultimately make it easier to ... 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 ...
... 23% will go on to become heroin addicts, making heroin one of the most addictive drugs on the planet . Recent ... abuse and addiction is dangerously high. Many people get addicted without realizing there's a problem ... continue reading -
Free Heroin Addiction Hotline Numbers
Call American Addiction Centers (AAC) now at What Is a Heroin Hotline Number? Heroin addiction is a very hard challenge to overcome alone. This is why doctors, mental health professionals, and support group members advocate seeking help if you ...
... addiction to heroin. To connect more people with the help ... heroin addiction. The specialist you speak with will know all about the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to provide you with accurate information on ... 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 ...
... friend. Essentially, if you believe someone has overdosed on opioids, you'll need to take some basic ... heroin or cocaine (NIDA, 2014). The Department of Health and Human Services found that in 2014 alone, 28,000 people ... continue reading -
Gray Death: The New Killer on the Street
While heroin adulterated with fentanyl has been in the news in recent years and the risks are well-known, there is a new danger on the streets, and it's even deadlier. It is a frighteningly powerful combination of heroin and synthetic opioids known ...
... . These people may intend to purchase heroin but unintentionally consume gray death. 6 Heroin use has ... family members or first responders may not have this amount on hand. Gray death is arguably one of the most concerning ... 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 ...
... opioid drugs can present some of the same risks as illicit heroin sold on the street. While 467,000 people in the U.S. struggled with heroin addiction in 2012, over 2 million were estimated to abuse opioid painkillers ... 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 ...
... twice as many men said they'd tried it. Heroin, although it has one of the lowest overall lifetime ... most places. Therefore, the four main ways for a person to get their hands on some is to be given it for free, illegally ... 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 ...
... on a seedy Tokyo drug dealer named Oscar. Following several unsettling hallucinogenic visions, depicted from a first-person ... takes its name from a popular hangout for heroin users on Manhattan's Upper West Side, where much ... continue reading -
Why Don’t We Have Addiction Vaccines?
After three decades of research, people with addiction still have few medication options. While there are a handful of modestly effective FDA-approved drugs to treat alcohol, nicotine and opioid-use disorders, there are none at all for cocaine, ...
... overly successful,” Kampman, a co-author on the study, says. “It is hard to get good levels of antibodies.” 16 Heroin : An effective vaccine would be a big boost for people with heroin use disorder, who have the lowest ... continue reading -
12 of the Most Addictive Drugs
Addiction affects millions of lives in the U.S. It is a chronic disease that frequently includes cycles of relapse and remission, and it is progressive without treatment or participation in recovery work. It is characterized by being unable to ...
... of the heart valves/lining, and more. Overdosing on heroin can be fatal. 21 The route of administration may impact heroin dependence. A study found that people who inject heroin have more severe dependence than those who ... continue reading -
Harm Reduction
The concept of 'harm reduction' refers to a set of policies, programs, and practices that aim to reduce the health, social, and economic consequences of drug and alcohol abuse. 1,2 Strategies might include providing a safe environment for heroin use ...
... rates. Methadone maintenance is effective at reducing heroin use, crime, and risk behaviors for HIV ... . The health of drug users improved, and the number of people on methadone treatment went from 12% in 1996 to 54.5% ... 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 ...
... of the name. Expanded forms of the name. The people who commonly use the drug. Below is a list ... Morf Morpho Unkie White Stuff Oxycodone Oxycodone : Hillbilly Heroin Kicker O.C Oxycet Oxycotton Oxy Percs Roxy Oxymorphone ... continue reading -
Alcohol Effects on Teeth: Alcohol Can Wreck Your Smile
People who consume alcohol excessively and regularly are at great risk of developing tooth decay and periodontal disease. Even having a few drinks regularly can begin to break down the enamel on teeth. Alcohol and Tooth Decay The process goes like ...
People who consume alcohol excessively and regularly are at great risk of developing tooth decay and periodontal disease. Even having a few drinks regularly can begin to break down the enamel on ... decay speeds up without ... continue reading -
The Effects of Meth on Your Body
During the past two decades, illicit methamphetamine - also known as crystal meth - has presented one of the largest and most dangerous drug epidemics in America. This extremely powerful stimulant, which can be smoked, injected, snorted, or eaten, ...
... can have a permanent impact on a person's health, even after quitting. Read on to see how different parts ... regularly, potentially going days without food. Because meth also speeds up the body's metabolism, this can lead to ... continue reading -
Meth on the Mind: It’s a Mental Downhill Slide for Users
Kim felt dizzy; she was confused and her speech was severely slurred. Her sister thought she'd had a stroke. Kim couldn't focus, had no energy and seemed very sleepy. It's no surprise her sister was worried, but Kim certainly wasn't suffering from a ...
... tiny fraction of the estimated 1.2 million people likely to suffer similar damaging effects from meth this ... fact, meth causes more damage to your brain than heroin or cocaine. The permanent damage caused by meth weakens ... 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 ...
... street drugs are known to be dangerous, such as heroin and crystal meth, prescription drugs are often viewed in ... It is important to note that just because a person is dependent on a drug does not necessarily mean they are ... 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 ...
... affect the brain can help shed some light on how a person develops an addiction. This article will discuss how ... Well-known illicit and prescription opioids include: Heroin . Morphine . Oxycodone ( OxyContin ). Percocet ... continue reading -
Take My Breath Away: A Deadly Warning About Opiates
You've just taken an opioid painkiller . The medication travels to your brain, making the pain sensations stop. The same opiates also make you feel much calmer, offering up a bonus anti-depressing effect. And that's the good news. The bad news is ...
... , suffering from undiagnosed sleep apnea or heroin abuse, thousands die each year from opioid ... even know they're experiencing a breathing problem. Many people on prescription painkillers are not as careful as they should ... 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 ...
... has a long-term fentanyl problem, that person will likely experience several adverse effects of fentanyl ... times more likely to abuse or become dependent on heroin. Teen Fentanyl Abuse Teens are rarely prescribed fentanyl ... continue reading -
How to Help Someone With Concerta Addiction
When you love someone with an addiction, it can be hard to understand why he or she can't just stop using overnight. Addiction can take over an individual's life and produce an all-consuming desire to continue use, despite the user wanting or ...
... dictate the “best” type of addiction treatment . Some people, on their own, are able to cut back their excessive ... Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine Marijuana Meth Methoxetamine ... 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 ...
... in the country's history, killing more people than heroin and crack cocaine.” Time to Make Some ... an appointment with the VA's chiropractor in Minneapolis are placed on a waiting list for up to two months. Why the long ... continue reading -
Countering the Myths About Methadone: Is it Right for You?
Methadone maintenance has been around for years as an effective treatment for opioid dependency. However, its use remains controversial, and there's seemingly no end to the myths and false information aimed at discouraging anyone from using it as a ...
... addiction treatment . Abstinence-based and non-medical treatments, on the other hand, carry a long-term success ... for You Than Heroin Methadone is a non-toxic medication, and studies have shown that people have used it ... continue reading -
Opiate Addiction Withdrawal Symptoms and Treatment
Opiates—sometimes interchangeably referred to as opioids and narcotics—are a broad class of drugs. They are widely used legally and abused illicitly, and include many substances that are synthesized from a handful of opiate precursors found in ...
... with them. According to the CDC, more than 28,000 people died in 2014 as a result of opioid or opiate overdose , which includes overdoses on heroin and prescription pain medications. Quitting opiates can be challenging ... 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 ...
... drugs are highly addictive. About 80% of people using heroin used prescription opioids first. 3 Opioid abuse is ... times per week for only 2-3 hours at a time. Depending on your needs, you may want to find an IOP with hours ... continue reading -
Fentanyl Overdose
The U.S. opioid epidemic is a national public health emergency. 1 Between January 31, 2020, and January 31, 2021, overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids, primarily illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF), increased by nearly 56%. 2 Every day, ...
... added to other illicit drugs (e.g., cocaine , heroin , methamphetamine ) for a more potent high and is ... amounts of the drug can be deadly depending on a person's size, tolerance, and usage. 2 Unfortunately, other ... 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 ...
... opioids (e.g. oxycodone/Oxycontin , hydrocodone , fentanyl , morphine ), heroin , and illicitly manufactured fentanyl. Naloxone has no effect on a person who does not have opioids in their system, and it is not a ... 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 ...
... to the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health , 9.5 million people misused opioids in the past year; 9.3 million of those people misused prescription pain relievers, and 902,000 people used heroin. 3 In addition, an ... continue reading -
Opioid Epidemic Coming for the Elderly
How Common is Opioid Abuse in the Elderly? Close your eyes and imagine an opioid addict. Who do you see? Would you think of a young, poor male injecting heroin and obsessing over how they will need to score their next hit to satisfy their compulsive ...
... see? Would you think of a young, poor male injecting heroin and obsessing over how they will need to score their ... the interactions of multiple medications. 2 An elderly person on opioids may suffer from a lengthy list of ... continue reading -
DEA: Heroin ‘Probably’ More Dangerous Than Marijuana
With 23 states and Washington D.C. legalizing medical marijuana and four states legalizing it for recreational use, it's quite possible we'll see a day when marijuana is considered “legal” throughout the U.S. However, the Drug Enforcement ...
... and crack cocaine . Even the staunchest anti-drug supporters have hard a time putting pot on equal footing with heroin. In fact, federal judge Kimberly Mueller declined to change its status last April. However, recent ... continue reading -
How Similar are Heroin and Prescription Opioids?
Heroin is an illicit street drug that produces a drowsy, euphoric high. Prescription opioids are legal medications prescribed by doctors to treat pain. Both heroin and prescription painkillers belong to the family of drugs known as opioids, which ...
... known as opioids, which act upon particular receptors in the brain and body to produce their effects. Heroin and prescription opioids may seem like very different drugs, but they are actually remarkably similar in both ... continue reading -
25 Great Writers Who Battled Drug Addiction and Alcoholism
Drug and Alcohol Addiction Can Affect Anyone Some people are more susceptible to addiction than others, and writers are notorious for having some sort of addiction. Whether it's alcohol to numb the noise of the world or speed or LSD to “inspire” ...
... 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 ... . Hubert Selby Heroin and other painkillers ... 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 ...
... of these patches increases a person's risk of injury and drug ... Heroin addiction takes a heavy toll on the user's life. Find out more about heroin overdose , help for heroin dependence , and the side effects of heroin ... 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 overdoses related to fentanyl-laced heroin have reached alarming heights. On the street, fentanyl is increasingly sought ... respiratory depression . The dangers rise if the person has a low tolerance to opioids 6 . ... 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 ...
... to as base, crystal, d-meth, fast, glass, ice, meth, speed, whiz, pure, or wax. Methamphetamine , which, when in liquid form, ... withdrawal occurs when a person who is dependent on amphetamines suddenly stops or reduces ... continue reading -
New Study: Amphetamine Abuse and This Old Heart
It's called speed for a reason. Amphetamines, like Ritalin or Adderall, accelerate your heart rate. They send your nervous system into overdrive. Guess what else it speeds up? The aging process. That's right. Pumping your system full of amphetamine ...
... your nervous system into overdrive. Guess what else it speeds up? The aging process. That's right. Pumping ... conditions greatly impact your overall health. While many people experience a few of these symptoms with normal ... 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, ...
... to the speed, intensity, or duration of the effects. The speed of the high depends on how quickly ... abuser. One study found that slightly more than 50% of people that abuse tramadol will experience a seizure at some point ... continue reading -
What Recreational Drugs Cause Liver Damage? Drugs and Liver Disease
The Function of the Liver The liver plays an extremely important role in the body. It ensures the removal of toxins and has numerous other functions, including: Fat metabolism: Liver cells—or hepatocytes—are able to process dietary and stored ...
... while others are classified as enzyme inhibitors, which reduce the speed at which a drug is broken down. In many ... co-occurs with cirrhosis 10 and is most often seen in people between the ages of 40- and 60-years-old. 11 ... continue reading -
4 Hangover “Cures” You Need to Ignore
The lights are too bright. The noises are too loud. Your head's spinning. Your stomach's in turmoil. No, it's not the flu. You have a hangover. You had a few too many yesterday, and now you're paying for it. Beware the Miracle Remedy So, what can ...
... better? You've probably heard of hangover cures that some people swear by. The truth is, they don't work. The ... the refreshing water may wake you up, but it doesn't speed up the process. But you will smell nicer. Take two ... 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 ...
... result of this combination of drugs is that people feel less vulnerable to heroin overdose because of their cocaine intake. In ... individual's risk of addiction and the speed at which addiction develops. Secondly, particular ... 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 ...
... effects. 12 Commonly misused substances may speed or slow down heart rate, ... on the inner arm where people usually start injecting. 21 If the arms get too scarred or inflamed, other sites on the body may be used. 21 Heroin ... continue reading -
The 5 Most Dangerous Painkiller Myths
While painkiller use is widespread, there is a vast amount of false information surrounding them. Unfortunately, many people begin using opioid painkillers knowing little about them. Given few details about these drugs - how they work, when to take ...
... in 2014, more than 2 million people in the US abused opiates . ... heroin . According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, about half of young injection heroin users abused painkiller medications prior to using heroin ... continue reading -
Drug Abuse: The Oral Health Kryptonite
It's February and we've all celebrated Groundhog Day, Valentine's Day and even President's day. So, that's basically it for February, right? Well…actually it isn't. February is also National Dental Health Month, making this a great time to promote ...
... on the human body …including your teeth and surrounding oral tissues. Generally speaking, people who ... drugs” like speed or ecstasy . They cause severe tooth decay, jaw-clenching and dry mouth. Heroin: Heroin belongs to ... continue reading -
Common Neurological Risks of Drug Abuse
Brain Damage From Drugs While substance misuse may cause a user to feel short-lived euphoria or impart a sense of temporary wellbeing, the adverse effects of drugs can be dangerous and, in some instances, may lead to permanent brain damage. Chronic ...
... , soybeans, and nuts. As many as 80% of people who are addicted to alcohol do not get enough thiamine in ... —as well as illicit drugs like heroin . Research suggests that long-term heroin use can cause the white matter in ... 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 ...
... injected, or even smoked in the form of “ice.” They speed up the body systems, which can cause a host of health ... trend. Heroin deaths have also skyrocketed. Tragically, in around 8 out of 10 cases, a person who dies ... continue reading -
Taking Action: How to Intervene During an Overdose
Drug overdoses are now the leading cause of accident death in the United States. According to the Centers of Disease Control (CDC), 43,982 drug overdose deaths occurred in 2013 across the nation. That's two times the amount of overdose deaths a ...
... opioids and the National Institute on Drug Abuse reports heroin-related deaths have increased five-fold ... Intervention Too often, drug overdose deaths occur because a person is hesitant to call an ambulance due to a ... 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 ...
... abuse wrong because of its potency; it's more powerful than speed or coke weight for weight, so it's easy to accidentally ... . The effects are similar to those described by people who have had near-death experiences, and it' ... continue reading -
Snorting Percocet: Dangers & Risks
Percocet is a prescription opioid containing both oxycodone and acetaminophen. While it is an effective pain reliever, as a Schedule II controlled drug it has a high potential for abuse due to the oxycodone in it. Oxycodone is a semisynthetic opioid ...
... bring about a euphoric high is similar to that of heroin, which helps to explain why it can be so ... person takes too much Percocet they can overdose on the drug. A Percocet overdose poses serious risks, depending on ... continue reading -
3 Devastatingly Dangerous Alcohol-Drug Combos
According to statistics compiled by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), roughly 25% of substance-related emergency room admissions involve a combination of both drugs and alcohol. Poly-Drug Abuse Although heavily ...
... ( cocaine , speed , meth , Ritalin ... s tolerance, the human body cannot handle the powerful effects of certain combinations. Although mixing any alcohol and drug combination is dangerous, no one should pull the trigger on ... continue reading -
Anxiety and Substance Abuse: Treating Mental Health Issues and Addiction
It can be difficult to manage an anxiety disorder or a substance use disorder, and it can be even more difficult to manage both disorders when they co-occur together. When a mental health disorder—such as an anxiety disorder—and a substance use ...
... closed-in areas, or being out of the house alone. People with agoraphobia commonly worry about panicking in these situations and not ... and stimulants cause the heart rate to speed up, which can mimic physical symptoms of ... continue reading -
How to Stay Productive at Work While Still in Recovery
We live in a very competitive society when it comes to finding a job and keeping it. Even for a person that's never tasted a drop of alcohol, it's still a challenge to find a good job and get accepted into a workplace. It becomes even worse when ...
... it comes to finding a job and keeping it. Even for a person that's never tasted a drop of alcohol, it's still a ... addiction, getting back to work can often actually help speed up your recovery; working gives you a sense of ... 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 ...
... , it is possible for someone to become physically dependent on the drug both when it is used unprescribed and when ... use disorder , though it does not indicate that a person has a substance use disorder in and of itself. ... 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 ...
... by many names, including: 1,2 X. XTC. Lover's Speed. Adam. Eve. Peace. Clarity. The drug was developed by ... effects can last up to 8 hours. It's common for people to take another dose when the effects of the first begin to ... 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 ...
... of the mind and reduction of anxiety. People with sped-up or racing thoughts will report slowed thinking ... . Although users may not intend to get high on this medication, the sensation can be extremely pleasurable ... 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 ...
... becomes greater. This risk is compounded if the person consumes clonazepam with alcohol or other drugs, as the ... from 28 or 30 days to 90 days , depending on the severity of the addiction and the patient's physical and ... continue reading -
How to Help Someone With Adderall Addiction
Help for Adderall Addicts Adderall is the brand name for a drug that contains two active ingredients: amphetamine and dextroamphetamine . These ingredients work to stimulate and speed up the body. Doctors use this drug in the treatment of ...
... . These ingredients work to stimulate and speed up the body. Doctors use this drug ... of Adderall Addiction? The signs of addiction vary from person to person. If you notice any of the following warning signs in ... continue reading -
Mirror, Mirror: Aging Early Courtesy of Alcohol
$2.1 billion. That's how much we spent on anti-aging skin care products in 2013. And that's just in the United States. Guess how much Americans spent on cosmetic surgery that year? $12 billion. Clearly, we want to look young and beautiful. Who ...
... s just in the United States. Guess how much Americans spent on cosmetic surgery that year? $12 billion. Clearly, we want ... drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, we speed toward wrinkles. Reducing our alcohol consumption ... continue reading -
Unchain My Heart: The Real Impact of Booze
Anyone who has experienced alcohol abuse firsthand knows how heartbreaking it can be. The emotional and relational damage left in its wake is devastating. Did you know this “heartache” is more than figurative? Believe it or not, the abuse of ...
... , and it can even lead to heart failure. Arrhythmia: Your heart relies on an internal pacemaker to keep it pumping at the right speed. Alcohol interferes with this pacemaker, causing the heart to beat too quickly or ... 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 ...
... adversely affect short-term memory and coordination and can bring on anxiety and paranoia. 3,5,7 In general, some ... joint and eating an edible are reflected in the speed of onset of effects, the duration until peak ... continue reading -
Snorting Valium—Effects, Overdose, and Addiction Treatment
Valium is a prescription sedative medication that falls into the class of drugs known as benzodiazepines. 1 Also available as generic diazepam, Valium is prescribed in pill form to treat anxiety and panic symptoms. 1,2 When Valium is taken as ...
... better high, since in some cases snorting drugs can speed up and intensify their effects. However, it is ... on changing negative thinking patterns that lead to negative behaviors like drug use. 2 CBT also teaches people how ... 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 ...
... additional set of side effects. As a result, people that snort drugs such as Vicodin continue to put ... it by oral routes because of the intensely rewarding speed of onset and strength of effects. Generally, addiction ... 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 ...
... be active. 3 This process can take some time, and people looking for an immediate onset of effects may attempt to bypass ... 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 effects ... , and/or behaviors of the person in recovery. Therapy can focus on past issues contributing to substance abuse ... 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 ...
... sold on the black market under many different names, including “beans,” “black beauties,” “dexies,” “pep pills,” “speed,” ... vary in number and intensity for different people but, on the whole, they are typically less ... 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 ... recovering from overdoses will depend on how much of the drug was used and how quickly the person was treated. 5 If you ... continue reading -
History and Statistics of “Study Drugs”
What Are “Study Drugs?” The colloquial term “study drugs” typically refers to prescription stimulant medications (such as Ritalin and Concerta) that are used to enhance aspects of a user's mental functioning, such as: Memory. Concentration. ...
... amphetamine and 2% for MPH in 2013 . The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) estimates that nearly 6.5 million ... the experience of generations of people who have become addicted to “speed” since the 1930s. ... 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 ...
... high. The National Institute on Drug Abuse also reports that methamphetamine use may speed up the progression of ... these groups can be very effective in helping people maintain long-term abstinence from drugs. Find Meth ... 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 ...
... end, the new brain mapping technology allowed researchers to capture a much wider range of blood flow speeds. Cocaine on the Brain Doctors and researchers are always searching for better ways to understand drugs such as ... continue reading -
The 9 Most Expensive Drugs in America
Each year, Americans spend nearly $100 billion on illegal drugs such as cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. These figures do not even account for the billions of dollars that are spent on prescription drugs each year—about $374 billion according ...
... 's life—heroin poses a serious risk of overdose and the spreading of deadly diseases such as HIV/AIDS or hepatitis. #7 Methamphetamine Crystal meth users spend over $17 billion per year in the United States on the drug ... 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 ...
... relievers, largely because they both have similar effects on users and extremely high abuse potentials. Now more than ever, people are switching between heroin and prescription opioids to keep up their addictions. This ... continue reading -
How Concerned Should We Be About Opiates?
Opiates are a group of drugs that manage pain by depressing the central nervous system (CNS). There are two different kinds of opiates: natural and synthetic. Natural opiates come from the dried “milk” of the poppy plant and include opium, ...
... , before being transformed into different forms of heroin. Synthetic opiates, on the other hand, are man-made in ... so before the age of 15. About 7 million people aged 12 and older used a prescription drug non-medically ... 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 ...
... criminal history. 3 The DEA puts much of its focus on trafficking from Mexican drug cartels because not only do they ... 50% increase in the number of people sentenced for crimes related to heroin trafficking in the U.S. 1 ... 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 ...
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 ... 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 - ...
... save his or her life. Some may wonder why people can't just quit on their own - but drugs have a powerful hold ... use rates are higher than those of cocaine, meth, heroin, MDMA, and PCP combined. The report notes that the ... 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 ...
... offenses most often. 88% of the people arrested or cited for marijuana-related charges were male, as were 85% and 84% of heroin and cocaine offenders respectively. The next city on our list is pretty similar to Baltimore ... continue reading -
How Does Ibogaine Treat Opiate Addiction?
Holly started using heroin when she was 18 - at 26, she was at the end of the line. Her whole life revolved around getting high. In the past, she had tried 12-step programs, counseling, in-patient rehab, and even drug-assisted therapy…it seemed ...
... , in-patient rehab, and even drug-assisted therapy…it seemed nothing could help. Would she always be addicted to heroin? Was there anything she hadn't tried? During her most recent rehab stay, one of the other patients ... 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 ...
... for Heroin Krokodil use has spread rapidly across Russia, with at least 100,000 people having ... badly infected, doctors may need to amputate or perform surgery on an individual. Because krokodil is a homemade opioid , the ... continue reading
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