Popular Street Drugs

Drug Abuse and Cardiovascular Health Risks: How Do Drugs Affect the Heart?

What Are the Dangers of Drug Use? Both illicit and prescription drugs present many risks to individuals who misuse them. Drug abuse affects the brain in many ways that may lead to unpredictable, dangerous behaviors, social and emotional problems, ...

... rate. Slowed breathing. Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), which can also occur with stimulant use. Marijuana The most popular street drug in the U.S., many users consider marijuana (cannabis, weed, pot) to be a safe and ... continue reading

Risk of Counterfeit and Laced Drugs

Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that approximately 27 million people aged 12 and older were current illicit drug users. This figure amounts to 1 in every 10 people having used illegal drugs in the past month. With ...

... overdose . The popular party drug “Molly” is marketed to consumers as pure ecstasy (MDMA) . However, drugs such as ... Who's at Risk? Individuals purchasing drugs on the street—whether prescription or illicit—are at serious ... 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 ...

... terms for many of the more commonly misused substances are included below. Popular Slang Terms by Drugs Slang, jargon, and street terms are constantly evolving. What is used today may become obsolete tomorrow. Constant ... 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 ...

... hydrocodone , oxycodone , and morphine flood the streets, driving up addiction rates and fatal opiate overdoses ... key. Over the past two decades, deaths from drug overdoses have become the leading cause of injury death ... continue reading

Drug and Alcohol Addiction Relapse: Stages, Prevention, and Treatment

Addiction is a brain disease that causes a person to compulsively use substances. They may continue to use even while knowing that doing so will have dire consequences. 1 While addiction is a chronic disease (similar to high blood pressure or ...

... back into treatment to help avoid a potentially fatal overdose that can occur after a period of abstinence from the drugs. 2 If you are concerned about a loved one who has relapsed, there are steps that you can take. For ... continue reading

Couples’ Drug and Alcohol Rehab for Addiction Treatment

Substance misuse is a serious issue when it affects just one member of the family, but it can be even more problematic when it affects two people who are in a relationship, live together, or are married. Drug and alcohol rehab for couples is crucial ...

... meet obligations at work, home, or school because of substance use. Giving up activities you once enjoyed to use drugs or drink alcohol. Using substances in situations where it's unsafe to do so (such as while driving or ... continue reading

Drug and Alcohol Misuse and Cancer Risk

What Causes Cancer? Despite declines in the death rate over the last 20 years, cancer continues to be one of the most prevalent public health issues in the U.S. According to the National Cancer Institute: 1 About 1,806,590 new cases of cancer would ...

... The risk of cancer may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the perils of drug use. However, it is a major risk factor when it comes to several substances of abuse. To learn about treatment options ... continue reading

Social Drug Use is Like Kryptonite to Healthy Relationships

Heather always feels awkward at parties. She's quiet and shy. She never knows what to say and finds it hard to interact with people in these intimidating settings. To help her “loosen up,” she tries smoking pot before going to a party. Once ...

... and sends otherwise shy people like Heather onto the table tops. Not What You Bargained For The rationale behind using drugs is that it “helps” you meet people and interact more. The problem, however, is that it's a ... 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 ...

... what's the bottom line? Well, if you want to show off your healthy and bright smile…don't do drugs! Let's face it; no one likes rotten teeth! Additional Reading: Tooth and Consequences: Alcohol Can Wreck Your Smile Image ... continue reading

Mother of Newborn Arrested After Failing Drug Test

There has been an enormous amount of debate and passion as of late - all of it spurred on by one question: what should happen to mothers who give birth to addicted children. Alabama came up with its own solution that involves jail time and bringing ...

... is either harmed or becomes addicted to the drug . The bill passed through both houses of ... send a signal to other women who are pregnant and have a drug problem to seek help,” said Bill Bivens, Sheriff of Monroe County. ... continue reading

An Uncomfortable Truth: Drug Abuse Raises STD Rates

A new study claims that swingers play a major role in the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) but, in addition to the sex, it's their drug abuse that is ultimately contributing to this increase. Linking Drugs and STDs Researchers at the ...

... or group sex, and/or visit sex clubs for couples.” The researchers found that 48% of the swingers used recreational drugs while engaging in sex acts. And that number jumped up to 79% if alcohol and erectile dysfunction ... continue reading

What Is Addiction? Drug Abuse Information and Treatment Help

Addiction is defined as a chronic, yet treatable medical disease that is characterized by the repeated, uncontrollable use of substances. When a person has an addiction, they continue using alcohol, medications, or illicit drugs regardless of the ...

... dependence). It's only by using the substance again that the person feels relief. As this cycle continues, drug-seeking could become compulsive and may be challenging to stop without professional help. 4 Long-term use of ... 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 ...

... . 18 Research from the University of Utah found that meth users were 3 times more likely than non-illicit drug users to develop Parkinson's disease, and that the risk may be higher for women. 4 Furthermore, research has ... continue reading

Everything You Need to Know About Alcohol and Drug Rehab

Entering into treatment for substance abuse can seem like a daunting endeavor. You may not be sure how effective it will be or what it actually entails, and then there's the issue of paying for it! With all these unknowns, rehab can feel ...

... your treatment plan. You'll be asked questions about your health, how long you've been using, what drugs you use, and anything that will help decide what treatment will be most effective. Remember, honesty is important ... continue reading

San Francisco Mayor Proposes Drug Distribution to Homeless

For San Francisco, the statistics related to opioid abuse are staggering: The Department of Public Health estimates there are 11,000 people addicted to heroin in San Francisco. It is estimated that thousands of these individuals are homeless. The ...

... . He explained in an interview: “The consequences of standing still on this issue are unacceptable. Drug abuse is rampant on our streets, and the recipe of waiting for addicts to come into a clinic voluntarily is not ... 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 ...

... exchanges—if you are an injection user. Of course, the best way to lower your risk is to end all drug use. If you need help, please call American Addiction Centers (AAC) free today at and we can discuss options for ... continue reading

Six Colossal Drug Abuse Meltdowns and How to Spot the Warning Signs

It's no mystery that celebrities, as well as the everyday Joe, can have problems with drugs. Because celebrities are in the limelight, though, we often see the drug abuse meltdown of famous people more prominently. The following six meltdowns were ...

... ex-husband Kevin Federline for the rights to her two sons. While Spears may have shaved her head to prevent drug testing , there are plenty of other ways to test a person for illegal substances. Later in 2008, this stint ... continue reading

Study: Drug Forums Aren’t Very Helpful if You Want to Get Clean

Libraries. Encyclopedias. Professors. Doctors. Pre-Internet, these were our top sources of information. If we wanted answers, this is where we looked. Fast-forward to modern times. With access to pretty much everything now at our fingertips, we've ...

... 's no harm in that. Not so fast… A Funny Thing Happened on My Way to the Forum Specifically speaking, drug forums might not be the helpful bastions of information they're billed to be. Though the forums are used to share ... 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 ...

... both short- and long-term effects. 1 Using drugs or alcohol long-term can increase the risk of addiction ... areas are involved with can be adversely affected by drug-related changes, over time. 2 Thus motivation, memory ... continue reading

Facing Reality: 8 Shocking Drug and Alcohol Abuse Statistics

It's no secret that drugs and alcohol can have detrimental consequences on your mind, body, and life. They are indiscriminate in who they affect; anyone who abuses alcohol or drugs is at risk for developing an addiction. Although they are sometimes ...

... . 3 3. Nearly 17 million adults in the United States suffer from alcoholism. 4 Many people forget that alcohol is a drug because of how pervasive it is in our society, but it is one of the most dangerous and addictive ... 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 ...

... people with addictions can now find the help they need to lead healthy lives. While early 20th-century society saw drug addiction as a moral flaw, it is now regarded by many as a disease or a chronic issue that requires ... continue reading

New Drug Testing Technology Makes Urine Samples a Thing of the Past

Breathe on this. Spit on that. Provide a urine sample. You know the drill. The methods of drug testing are relatively common and well-known. From breathalyzers to blood tests, most people are familiar with the process… but all that's about to ...

... . What Are the Advantages? “This is a real breakthrough in our work to bring a real time, non-invasive drug-testing method to the market that will provide a definitive result in a matter of minutes—we are already working ... 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” ...

... and he wasn't well at the time. Of course, the drug mentioned in The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde involved ... he wrote this. He became a lifelong psychedelic drug advocate. John Cheever A Pulitzer Prize-winning ... continue reading

What's Your Generation’s Drug of Choice? Let’s Find Out…

Every generation has its trends. From hairstyles, to music, and yes, even drugs. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) has been studying the drug habits of Americans for decades. Their survey results reveal patterns of drug use among ...

... used each substance over the past year. The NSDUH results give us a glimpse into each generation's overall drug preferences, as well as the age at which each generation used various substances the most (their peak). And ... continue reading

Gabapentin: New Drug of Abuse for People in Treatment? Risk vs. Reward

According to the Census in 2015, the United States had a total population of 321 million people. In that same year, 57 million prescriptions for gabapentin were written. Gabapentin—or its brand name Neurontin —is an anti-seizure medication which ...

... because: The demand is so high It's easy to obtain in large quantities It doesn't show up in a drug screen With all this in mind, debate should be had as to whether there should be additional restrictions on gabapentin ... continue reading

Workplace Drug Abuse

The Problem of Workplace Drug Abuse Of all drug users, 68.9% are employed and active in the workplace, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) . Additionally, 1/3 of all employees are aware of illegal sale of drugs ...

... the job. In fact, 10-20% of American workers who die at work have a positive result when tested for drugs or alcohol. A study by OSHA states that the most dangerous occupations, such as mining and construction, also have ... continue reading

Long-Term Alcohol and Drug Addiction Effects

The longer an addiction to drugs or alcohol lasts, the more stress and strain it places on an individual. There is an overwhelming number of long-term physical and emotional effects that drug abuse and addiction can have on a person. The following ...

... insurance. Recommended Drug and Alcohol Rehab-Related Articles Whether you're looking for a specific type of rehab treatment, substance-related information, or additional guides, some of our most popular and recommended ... continue reading

IV Drug Use: Signs, Dangers, and Treatment

Injection is a method used by individuals who misuse drugs to obtain a quick and powerful effect. 1 Intravenous (IV) injection, or injection into a vein, is the practice referred to throughout this article as IV drug use. Injection into a vein or ...

... use include: Skin and soft tissue infections. Non-sterile needles and drugs, contaminants in substances obtained on the street, and injection into soft tissue instead of a vein can lead to abscesses, wound botulism, or ... continue reading

Drug Abuse Policies in the United States

What Are Drug Policies in the U.S.? In America, drug policy involves the laws that control the distribution and use of both prescription and illicit drugs. From the classification of drugs according to their potential for abuse to the legalization ...

... . You can use SAMHSA's Find Treatment tool to search for facilities. Many state government websites will provide local drug and alcohol resources to those in need. To find your state government's website, do a web search ... continue reading

7 Things You Don’t Realize About Teenage Drug Abuse

It's difficult to convince adolescents of the harmful and potentially deadly effects of drug abuse. After all, teens have an exaggerated sense of invulnerability: “Nothing bad will ever happen to me, regardless of what anyone says, thinks they ...

... . Chemical Imbalances We may not have cared much as teenagers, but it's been a well-known fact that drugs affect delicate chemical balances in our brains. Because the human brain doesn't reach full maturity until the mid ... 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 ...

... ” is hazardous, the combination of the two can be a recipe for disaster. In short, combining drugs and alcohol either masks effects, which increases the risk of consuming too much, or the combination causes a “double ... 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, ...

... back in 1989. He was even arrested for possession of the drug in 1998 after running naked through New York City's Plaza Hotel ... like LSD, mushrooms and other drugs, psychedelics were extremely popular in the '60s. Several ... continue reading

10 Ways Drug Abuse Hurts You and Those Around You

Most of us have heard countless times that drug abuse isn't beneficial—the word “abuse” is in the name, after all. But a lot of people don't realize just how dangerous it can be, both to the person using and the people that person loves and ...

... that you can better understand the nature of the problem and share that information with people around you. Dangers of Drug Abuse: Knowing Is Half the Battle To make it easier, we've outlined some of the most common ways ... continue reading

Penalties and Sentencing for Drug Abuse, Selling, and Smuggling in the USA

Problematic substance use has the potential to negatively impact every area of your life. As dependence and addiction to alcohol or other drugs develop, these substances may begin to influence your physical and mental health, significantly affecting ...

... terms that can increase by 5 years from standard sentences. 6 A person employing someone aged 17 or younger to deliver drugs faces a Class F felony , and the law doesn't allow for a defense based on not knowing the minor ... continue reading

Guess What’s in Your Marijuana

Cannabis, or marijuana , is a complex plant that has psychoactive and medicinal elements. It contains more than 480 naturally occurring ingredients, including at least 65 unique chemical structures called cannabinoids found in the actual plant. What ...

... Cannabidiol, or CBD, is the second most popular and well-known ingredient in cannabis. Prevalent in ... is available and recovery is possible. Professional drug treatment programs can offer anyone suffering with addiction ... continue reading

6 Common-Sense Tips to Avoid Alcoholism

Our society is soaked in alcohol. So many activities are drenched with it. This can make it tough to cut back and easy to overdo it. The good news is that you can take several steps to keep your alcohol consumption in check. Try out the following 6 ...

... night for helpful advice, information, or admissions. You can also check your health insurance benefits using the form below. Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment Levels of Care Recommended Alcohol Rehab-Related Articles continue reading

Mouth, Throat Cancer: Two More Reasons to Stop Drinking Today

What would you do if you knew that moderately drinking alcohol over the course of your lifetime would double your risk of getting cancer? Would you stop drinking right now or try to moderate how much you drank each day? Researchers from the Cancer ...

... to take your call at any time, day or night. Additional Reading: 7 Tips to Boost Liver Health After Quitting Alcohol Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment Levels of Care Recommended Substance Abuse Rehab-Related Articles continue reading

This Is Your Brain… When You Blackout on Alcohol

If you've ever found yourself in a situation where you wake up the next morning without a clue as to how you got home, you might have experienced a blackout. This is right about when you start to wonder, what the heck happened last night? But have ...

... near you that suit your individual requirements. You can also check your health insurance coverage using the form below. Levels of Care in Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment Recommended Alcohol Rehab-Related Articles continue reading

Is Alcohol Wreaking Havoc on Your Sexual Performance?

Alcohol is often viewed as an aphrodisiac, but this label is far from the truth. While drinking may lower social inhibitions and increase the likelihood of poor impulse control, alcohol actually inhibits sexual performance. Believe it or not, a ...

... near you. You can also check your health insurance benefits using the form below or contact free drug and alcohol hotline numbers . Alcohol Addiction Treatment Levels of Care Recommended Alcohol Rehab-Related Articles continue reading

You Might Want to Cut Back on the Energy Drinks. Here’s Why…

Years ago, I spent an entire summer behind a small desk in an upstairs room at my dad's house, studying for the Bar Exam. Cramming 18 different legal subjects into my head over the span of two months was no easy feat, and I quickly realized I needed ...

... its consumers a kick, but they've recently been found to act as a bit of a gateway drug. Researchers at the University of Maryland discovered young adults who regularly drank highly caffeinated energy beverages - and ... 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 ...

... more than $50K per user, heroin's cost blows those two diseases out of the water. The U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime reported in 2016 that heroin use has reached the highest level in 20 years. They say it's the deadliest ... continue reading

Everything You Need to Know About Alcohol Withdrawal

Two men in their early 30s enter an emergency room. One is suffering from heroin withdrawal and the other from alcohol withdrawal. One of the men is given some medication to reduce the painful effects of his symptoms and released within 2 hours of ...

... to the hospital due to the greater risk of his circumstances? Hint: Alcohol withdrawal can be fatal . With drug problems so prevalent in the press, it is sometimes easy to forget that alcohol use disorders and their ... continue reading

This Is How Alcohol Affects Your Brain (Simple Animation)

We pop the champagne to celebrate a momentous occasion. We sip whiskey to soothe the pain of a disappointing loss. We order a glass of wine to ease the awkwardness of a first date. And we cheers tequila shots while catching up with an old friend ...

... that makes us feel a certain way? AsapSCIENCE tackles this hot topic in their short animation, Your Brain on Drugs: Alcohol . They ask: “how could the ingestion of one simple substance so drastically change not only your ... continue reading

5 Smart Ways to Prepare for Your Friend’s Intervention

Krista is worried about Becca. They've been friends for years, so Krista can tell when something is “off” with her friend. And lately, something seems off. Krista has noticed Becca being a lot less social. She spends more time at home alone. ...

... you work through your own issues, you become better equipped to help your friend. How to Find Help for Drug or Alcohol Misuse If you or a loved one is struggling with substance misuse, help is available and recovery is ... continue reading

3 Thank-Yous I Owe to My Old Addiction

Life doesn't always go as planned. Especially when you find yourself in a maximum-security state prison on your first ever offense. When Life Takes an Unexpected Detour At 27 years old, I seemed to have everything in front of me: a promising future ...

... , I doubt I would have ever gotten this important change in perspective . How to Find Help for Alcohol or Drug Misuse If you or a loved one is struggling with substance misuse, help is available and recovery is possible ... continue reading

He Drinks Every Day. Is My Husband an Alcoholic?

Janette isn't sure what to make of her husband's behavior. Does he simply like the taste of barley and hops… or is he addicted to alcohol? Here's her story. Drinking Patterns Our fridge is always well-stocked with beer. I guess that's not ...

... . You can contact us free at at any time, day or night. You can also check your insurance coverage using the form below. Levels of Care in Drug and Alcohol Treatment Programs Recommended Alcohol Rehab-Related Articles continue reading

Quit Alcohol: 3 Life-Changing Reasons

Alcohol, like food, is a staple of celebration and social gathering in many people's lives. It is also a means to cope with life's stresses. We may turn to a drink to celebrate a birth or mourn a death, to applaud our achievements or drown our ...

... options. You can also check your health insurance coverage using the form below or contact free alcohol hotline numbers . Alcohol and Drug Addiction Treatment Levels of Care Recommended Alcohol Rehab-Related Articles continue reading

Dealing with Troubled Teens: A 7-Step Guide for Parents

When we first become parents, we hear so much about the “terrible twos,” defined by some as “a period in a child's early social development that is associated with defiant or unruly behavior.” While two-year-olds may indeed be a handful, ...

... Don't try to do it all by yourself. It's okay to ask for help . How to Find Help for Drug or Alcohol Misuse If you or someone you love is struggling with substance misuse, rest assured that help is available and recovery ... continue reading

In the Rooms: 11 Benefits of Seeking Online Support in Recovery

For the longest time, support for people in recovery was limited to in-person meetings or telephone conversations. Attending 12-Step meetings, 12-Step alternative meetings, or chatting over the phone with your sponsor or other people in recovery ...

... costs, feeling obligated to make a cash donation, or any other money-related issue. How to Find Help for Drug or Alcohol Misuse If you or a loved one is struggling with substance misuse, help is available and recovery is ... continue reading

7 Shocking Ways Drugs are Smuggled into Prisons

A Cincinnati woman and her incarcerated boyfriend are now facing criminal charges after she reportedly tried to smuggle a Bible laced with heroin into the prison. Tehani Teepe, 39, and Timothy King, 28, were charged with illegal conveyance of ...

... on the charge. Smugglers Get Creative…and Busted But while a Bible may seem like an extreme way to smuggle drugs into a jail, prisoners desperate to get a fix will try to get contraband in by any means necessary. Here ... continue reading

Is There a Cure for Alcoholism?

We're often asked whether there's a cure for alcoholism. Often this is by a concerned partner or friend, and sometimes it's by someone who suffers from the disease. Like many diseases, however, the answer lies between yes and no. The problem with ...

... You can also check your health insurance benefits using the form below or contact free drug and alcohol hotline numbers . Levels of Care in Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment Recommended Alcohol Rehab-Related Articles continue reading

A Living Nightmare: 5 Things Doctors Don’t Tell You About Benzos

Written by Dean Dauphinais It's no secret that prescription drugs can work miracles when obtained legally and taken as directed. But do you know that some prescription meds can also make your life a living hell. Such is the case with ...

... life a living hell. Such is the case with benzodiazepines, or “benzos” for short. These drugs, which include popular brands like Klonopin, Xanax, Ativan, Valium, and Halcion, are used to treat conditions like anxiety ... continue reading

Who's Smoking Weed These Days? You Asked, the CDC Answered

Close your eyes. Picture someone smoking pot. What do they look like? Most importantly, how old are they? Did you drum up an image of a teen experimenting with drugs? A college student? If so, your image needs some updating. The Centers for Disease ...

... like? Most importantly, how old are they? Did you drum up an image of a teen experimenting with drugs? A college student? If so, your image needs some updating. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently released ... continue reading

Asking Yourself: Am I Addicted to Benzos?

If you think you might be addicted to benzodiazepines, you're certainly not alone. In 2011, an estimated 61,000 Americans sought treatment for benzo addiction. That number has been climbing at an alarming rate ever since. The Benzo Specifics ...

... ever since. The Benzo Specifics Benzodiazepines (benzos) are a member of the anxiolytic family—a class of drug commonly used to help relieve anxiety disorders. The most commonly prescribed benzo medications are Xanax and ... continue reading

My Mind’s Playing Tricks on Me: How to Stop Addictive Thinking Patterns

In prison, many of the women I met struggled with substance abuse issues. Although alcohol and drugs were no longer in endless supply in there, many of them carried on with the same addictive thoughts and behaviors. Manipulation, isolation, instant ...

... operating on the same wavelength they did on the street. In fact, being sober appeared to have made no ... addictive thinking is present, the harmful consequences of drug or alcohol use don't outweigh their euphoric effects ... continue reading

Researcher Gets $431,700 to Study the Effects of Meth on Wounds

It's widely known that meth use can lead to a multitude of health problems: rotten teeth, memory loss, a weakened immune system. Nobody knows this better than Luis Martinez, microbiologist and associate professor of biomedical sciences at the New ...

... role in wound healing. Using images of cells in wounds from meth-injected mice, they will also study the drug's effect on the production of a particular protein gene called IL-6. Those results will be compared with mice ... continue reading

First Responders Worry About Accidental Fentanyl Exposure

Fentanyl. It's known to be 50 times more potent than heroin, and a speck the size of a few grains of salt can kill. By now, you've probably heard of this beast and the toll it's taken on so many lives around the country. A whopping 5554 people ...

... and deaths continue to surge into 2017 as street drugs like heroin and cocaine are unknowingly laced with ... , they're advised to bring the evidence directly to a drug lab without stopping to field-test it. “A majority of ... 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 ...

... didn't know if he was alive or dead. Allison lived with the fear that all families of people who use illegal drugs feel. When is the call going to come? When is he not going to make it out alive? The phone continued to ... 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 ...

... anymore, you take two. It's a vicious cycle. An Acceptable Coping Mechanism? Benzos like Xanax are “socially acceptable” drugs. You can go to work on Xanax. You could never get away with that on alcohol—or at least not ... continue reading

Should People Who Abuse Alcohol Qualify for Liver Transplants?

Three years ago, one of my uncles—a long-time alcoholic—was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver. He was told he didn't qualify for a new one, so he continued to drink—all the way until his death a few short months later. Alcoholism and Liver ...

... or someone you love is struggling with a drinking problem, help is available and recovery is possible. Drug and alcohol abuse treatment programs can start those battling addiction on the path to happy and healthy lives ... continue reading

6 Effective Ways to Communicate Through Addiction

As humans, we crave social interaction with one another. Communication skills pave the way for meaningful conversations, telling funny jokes or relaying our heartaches. Despite its importance, our ability to communicate is one of the first skills we ...

... separate the two, it makes an impact. The person you love is still in there; she's just being stifled by drugs. It's okay to be angry with the addiction—you can even hate the addiction—but don't let those feelings rob ... continue reading

Wait… Marijuana Can Increase My Risk of Alzheimer's??

Meet Bill. Bill smokes marijuana every day - a lot of it. From blunts and bowls to bongs and wax, there's barely a waking moment Bill isn't high. Meet Bill's Brain As we travel through Bill's cranium, we see the blood flow (in nearly all areas of ...

... demonstrates that marijuana can have significant negative effects on brain function. The media has given the general impression that marijuana is a safe recreational drug, this research directly challenges that notion.” continue reading

SPIKED DRINKS

How to Find Help For Alcohol or Drug Misuse If you or a loved one is struggling with substance misuse, help is available and recovery is possible. To learn more about treatment options, contact an admissions navigator with American Addiction Centers ...

How to Find Help For Alcohol or Drug Misuse If you or a loved one is struggling with substance misuse, help is available and recovery is possible. To learn more about treatment options, contact an admissions navigator ... continue reading

Over 1 in 10 Americans admit they have had a drinking problem at one stage of their life

Based on a survey of 2,560 Americans (aged 21+; Google surveys August 2020). State % Alabama 4 Alaska 29 Arizona 17 Arkansas 12 California 19 Colorado 23 Connecticut 10 Delaware 15 Florida 18 Georgia 10 Hawaii 14 Idaho 25 Illinois 14 Indiana 11 Iowa ...

... to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as alcohol or illicit drug use, in an attempt to numb these feelings. ... working from home. DrugAbuse.com, a provider of drug and alcohol treatment resources and programs, conducted a ... continue reading

Study Indicates Pot Really Can Lower Your IQ

This is your brain on pot: A new study has found that regular marijuana use is linked to both lower IQ scores and impaired decision making skills. It's All in Your Mind The findings from the University of California Davis Centre for Neuroscience ...

... 2002 to 9.5 percent in 2003, millions of pre-teens and teenagers are still using the drug. These studies show that what many view as “harmless” recreational marijuana use could have permanent cognitive implications ... continue reading

Overdosing on Sleep Medication Is a Big Problem

According to a recent survey , 69 percent of primary care patients complain of insomnia and other sleep issues. To solve the problem, doctors often prescribe sleeping pills or hypnotic medications. However, many people end up using these drugs for ...

... solve the problem, doctors often prescribe sleeping pills or hypnotic medications. However, many people end up using these drugs for long stretches of time, unaware that the medications are only for short-term use. This ... continue reading

Can’t Sleep? Try Putting Down the Marijuana (Seriously)

For as long as she could remember, people told Sue that marijuana helped you sleep. So once she started having problems catching zs, she decided to give weed a try. Sue smoked pot every night for nearly three months, but for some reason, the ...

... anxiety, which in turn may have exacerbated the severity of insomnia.” As of 2014, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) found 22.2 million Americans used marijuana in the previous month. A study from the British ... continue reading

An Ultimate Guide to Understanding the Dangers of Spice

“It's not bad for you, dude. It's all natural. It's just plant materials, so it can't hurt you,” a friend whispered in Dave's ear. Unfortunately for Dave, he believed his friend and they spent the next hour smoking Spice. The seizure Dave ...

... Spice, also known as K2 and hundreds of other street names, can cause damage to every single system in ... and its unregulated manufacturing, one batch of this drug usually contains very different ingredients from the next. ... continue reading

Hitting the Grass Ceiling: 6 Surprising Ways Weed is Sexist

Estrogen, testosterone and THC: What do these three things have in common? Apparently, not much. Studies reveal that THC (the active chemical in marijuana) interacts differently with these three hormones. What's the result? Men and women experience ...

... show that females develop a tolerance to weed more quickly. This means, over time, women have to use more of the drug to get the same high. Men, on the other hand, don't develop a tolerance as quickly. Sex Drive: THC's ... continue reading

Marijuana Mouth: Worse Than Meth Mouth?

Kim is 38-years-old; she had been smoking weed since college. Her dentist could tell. Kim had a bad case of gingivitis. Her gums were swollen and red. Her long-term use of marijuana had wrecked her dental hygiene. If nothing changes, Kim's mouth ...

... in. Is it Really Worth the Rot? Gum disease. Missing teeth. Painful gums. Clearly, meth isn't the only drug that can ruin your mouth. Still, most marijuana users aren't thinking about their dental hygiene 15 or 20 years ... 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 ...

... bad heroin was involved. Deadly Heroin Hits the Streets What made this heroin so particularly deadly? ... central nervous system, including the brain. Combined, these two drugs prompt body systems to not only slow down, but ... continue reading

Women Are More Likely to Get Hooked on Cocaine—But Why?

Women are generally more vulnerable to cocaine addiction than men, according to a recent study published in the journal Nature Communications. They're also more likely to use cocaine at an earlier age, take drugs in larger quantities, and have ...

... in the journal Nature Communications. They're also more likely to use cocaine at an earlier age, take drugs in larger quantities, and have greater difficulty staying sober, and they are at increased risk of relapse . ... continue reading

Addiction and Your Hormones: Pointing the Finger at Estrogen

Could a hormone imbalance be to blame for your chemical dependency ? The answer might surprise you. If you're a woman, chances are you're familiar with the effects of a fluctuating estrogen level. Symptoms such as fatigue, anxiety, and depression ...

... . So, when a woman is in the high-estrogen phase of her menstrual cycle and she takes a certain drug - think meth or cocaine - she feels more enjoyment. Those increased feelings of pleasure often lead women to associate ... continue reading

5 Alarming Facts About Benzo Addiction

People tend to use benzodiazepines because they work, plain and simple. A group of prescription sedatives, benzodiazepines are classified as Schedule IV in the Controlled Substances Act and are most commonly prescribed to treat anxiety, namely under ...

... 6 months or longer . The researchers of the study concluded that “unwarranted long-term use of these drugs should be considered as a public health concern.” 8 5. Dying Early Is a Tragic Possibility Not only must people ... continue reading

Are These 7 Things Really as Addictive as Drugs?

When you think about the disease of addiction, images of illicit drugs or empty whisky bottles likely come to mind. But addiction isn't limited to these substances. In fact, experts have determined that humans can become addicted to anything that ...

... exercise is one of the best ways to signal your brain's release of endorphins—the same neurochemicals triggered by drugs and alcohol. The resulting endorphin boost makes you feel like you're on top of the world. Why else ... 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 ...

... Looking to the Future It's important to note that most overdose deaths don't just involve one single type of drug . As the N.Y. Health Department notes, 94 percent of the city's overdoses involved more than one substance ... continue reading

Busting 6 Alcohol Myths: Fact or Fiction?

Our beliefs guide our actions. We base our decisions on what we know to be true. But what if the 'facts' we believe aren't true after all? Get Your Facts Straight Some people can enjoy a drink without any problems; others aren't so lucky. Binge ...

... you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol misuse, help is available and recovery is possible. A professional drug or alcohol rehab program can start anyone battling a substance problem on the path to a life free ... 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 ...

... back in July. Its use has spread, thanks to users' who constantly seek more powerful drugs to get high. But this isn't your typical street heroin . Carfentanil's extreme potency doesn't mean it gives a “better” high; it ... continue reading

From Snort to Synapse: We Map Out Cocaine's Trip in Your Brain

The powder is perfectly lined on the table. With no straw handy, you roll up a Washington and seconds later, the snow is gone. Inhaled into your nostril, this stimulant drug has started a trip that will change your brain… forever. What does this ...

... handy, you roll up a Washington and seconds later, the snow is gone. Inhaled into your nostril, this stimulant drug has started a trip that will change your brain… forever. What does this trip look like? Let's join the ... continue reading

Ice Bugs: Don’t Scratch That Phantom Itch!

Methamphetamine is an extremely addictive stimulant that causes irreversible harm to the body. Manufactured from a toxic concoction of chemicals, it damages blood vessels in the brain, destroys teeth and causes severe impairment in memory, judgment ...

... of days, the cravings are more intense and drive the user to do whatever it takes to get more of the drug. This is why it's so important to seek outside help. Only treatment provides a medically supervised detox and ... continue reading

You’re Fired: Police Departments Weaning K9’s Off Marijuana

Jobs change with technology, and work tasks evolve with those advancements. New policies and developments often put people out of work. It turns out, people aren't the only ones affected by those changes. Due to new marijuana guidelines , ...

... the amount present. They simply alert their handlers when drugs are on the scene. Since possessing a little bit ... a paper map. Officer Daren Kendrick notes , “Drug-detection dogs will probably never go away. But who knows ... 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 ...

... body, including the brain and spinal cord. After identifying the cause of these symptoms, the team tested a drug already proven to block the effects of pannexin-1 called, Probenecid. It's an anti-gout medication that's ... continue reading

Heartbroken Parents Use Obituaries to Raise Addiction Awareness

When a loved one passes away, you want to remember them at their best. You want others to remember them at their best. You carefully select the words for their obituary to reflect their life's contributions and all the love and affection you feel ...

... they passed peacefully? This is a common struggle for thousands of families across the nation as overdose from drug abuse claims the lives of more than 140 people every day. Trying to Find Meaning For many parents ... continue reading

Catastrophic Thinking: Alcohol Isn’t Your Great Escape

Cassie's heart began to race. “Am I dying?” she thought. “What if I'm having a heart attack?” Jeff's wife was running late. He worried there had been a terrible car accident. Jeff pictured his wife lying all alone in a ditch somewhere, ...

... treatment programs that suit your requirements. You can also check your health insurance coverage using the form below. Levels of Care in Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment Recommended Alcohol Rehab-Related Articles continue reading

Do I Have to Hit Rock Bottom Before I Get Help?

No! Hitting rock bottom is not a prerequisite to seeking help for substance abuse; help is available whenever you are ready for it. Unfortunately, statistics show that many people who are struggling with substance abuse will not seek help until they ...

... are struggling with substance abuse will not seek help until they do hit rock bottom. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported that of almost 23 million people who needed substance abuse services in 2013, only ... continue reading

Are You Helping Or Enabling? 7 Ways to Spot the Difference

There's no doubt that loving an addict is hard. It's natural for you to want your loved ones to succeed rather than suffer. While reaching out to help a loved one in need is certainly not a bad thing, there's a fine line between helping and ...

... it can be hard to see a loved one's electricity get shut off because he or she spent the money on drugs, paying the bill is enabling and diminishes the ramifications of the person's actions. Rather than pay an addict's ... continue reading

Getting Sober: 17 Ways You Probably Didn’t Know About (#8 is Controversial)

The 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous are so dominant in addiction recovery culture that it can be easy to forget there are other ways to get sober. If AA or NA works for you, that's wonderful. If not, there are plenty of alternative tools and ...

... addiction is to change the way the sufferer thinks—and NLP claims to do just that. How to Find Help for Drug or Alcohol Misuse If you or a loved one is struggling with substance misuse, help is available and recovery is ... continue reading

Addiction in the Medical Field: Balancing Healing and Hiding

Medical professionals work hard to heal the sick, but underneath those white lab coats and cartoon scrubs, many are secretly struggling with the disease of addiction. Working in the healthcare field can feel like a pressure cooker at times. The ...

... them to seek out some kind of escape … an escape that often comes in the form of prescription drugs. With easy access to narcotics, overwhelming mental stress, frequent exposure to terminal illness and a pressing need to ... 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 ...

... . As a matter of fact, two separate studies have shown that people with higher IQs are far more likely to use drugs than people with average IQs. Here's a look at five men who not only transformed the course of history ... continue reading

Does Methadone Treatment Suppress Testosterone in Opioid Addicts?

A new study out of McMaster University in Canada has found that common treatments for opioid addiction reduce the level of testosterone in men, but not in women. The research project, published in the journal Scientific Reports , collected data from ...

... , and erectile dysfunction. At Hamilton's John Street Clinic, officials said that about 20% of men ... those using street heroin. Learn more about the symptoms and signs of drug abuse . How to Find Help for Drug or Alcohol ... continue reading

.08: Why Is This the “Magic” Number?

Bill weighs 170 pounds. After drinking 5 beers in 2 hours, his blood alcohol content (BAC) will be over .08%. His wife Tammy weighs 120. Her BAC will reach .08 during this same time period after just 3 beers. According to laws across all 50 states, ...

... in many other parts of the world. How to Get Help for Alcohol or Drug Misuse If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol or drug addiction, help is available and recovery is possible. Treatment can start anyone ... continue reading

Cocaine Could Mess With Your Brain's Ability to Recognize Sadness and Fear

Cocaine is a stimulant drug with a reputation for making people more social but, in reality, it tends to make users paranoid and insufferable. And according to a new study , this may be in part because people who use cocaine are less capable of ...

... cues, even when they are no longer under the influence. “We know that cocaine is a powerful and addictive drug and an important question remains: does cocaine mess up this process so that when cocaine users are off the ... continue reading

The Dangerous (and Deadly) Effects of Spice

Natural ingredients, legal use, lower cost…it must be healthy, right? The deadly misconception above has led to a growing number of fatalities brought on by synthetic or “designer” drugs. Use of synthetic marijuana - sold under names like ...

... part, to its low price, costing buyers much less than marijuana. Claims that Spice is harder to detect on drug screens have also fueled its popularity. What are the Dangers of Spice? The claim that Spice is “natural and ... continue reading

Study: Medical Marijuana Cuts Use of Prescription Drugs

A recent study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine revealed that medical marijuana users take fewer other medicines—such as opiates. Researchers monitored the use of prescription medications among participants ...

... in products and ingestion methods and dosing, it is all kind of a Wild West.” How to Find Help for Drug Misuse If you or a loved one is struggling with substance misuse, help is available and recovery is possible. Rehab ... continue reading

The Thief, Pt. II: 7 Things Addiction Steals From Our Loved Ones

Addiction is often referred to as a family disease—and for good reason. Contagious in its misery and destruction, the disease of addiction has the ability to sabotage anything we hold near and dear to our hearts. When friends and family are ...

... time we used to spend with our children, our spouse or our friends is quickly replaced by spending time on our drug of choice—either using, trying to use or thinking about using. Whether it's a week or a decade, the time ... continue reading

5 Scary Side Effects of Ambien Sleeping Pills

We've all been there—you can't sleep, and you're left tossing and turning in your bed. You know that getting a good night's sleep is one of the best ways to take care of yourself, but you can't seem to shut your eyes. It's debatable what's leading ...

... help you get through the night. Enter Ambien One popular sleep aid is Ambien (zolpidem) —a sedative-hypnotic ... are disturbing reports of Ambien being used as a date rape drug. It carries a risk for abuse : If you have to ... continue reading

Kicking Drugs (and Cravings) to the Curb

If you're reading this, chances are you or your loved one is on the road to recovery, so congratulations! Thinking about ways to combat cravings and prevent relapse are among the most important steps you can take to maintain a sober lifestyle. It ...

... of tactics that anyone can use to better prepare against relapse. Read this article to learn how you can kick drugs and cravings to the curb for once and for all. Avoid Triggering and Tempting Situations A great way to ... continue reading

Teenagers and Drugs: 11 Real Reasons Why Teenagers Experiment

There is a common misconception that teenagers who experiment with drugs and alcohol are inherently “bad kids.” Many parents assume that teenagers experiment because they are rebellious and want to lash out. That may be the reason a small ...

... to slim down and attract the attention of popular boys. These young ladies may also be ... is a “now or never” situation. They have to try drugs now, before they become adults and have responsibilities. They feel like ... continue reading

Ibogaine: Miracle Cure or Dangerous Botanical?

We all know healthcare providers and researchers are desperate to find solutions to the opioid crisis, but are they overlooking a possible cure? The answer, according to a recent article , appears to be yes. The article, which was published by The ...

... s, Howard Lotsof pioneered the use of ibogaine in opioid addiction treatment. He swore to the effectiveness of the drug after personally using it two decades earlier to get clean. Today, you can find stories all over the ... continue reading

Study: Your Genes Could Make You a Compulsive Drinker

Jessica has tried time and again to limit her drinking. “I'll just have one glass of wine tonight!” she tells herself, night after night. But one leads to two leads to a whole bottle, followed by shots at a bar, and she wakes up the next day ...

... use disorder, we will be better able to develop targeted treatment and prevention strategies.” The Cause of Compulsive Drug and Alcohol Use? In the study, researchers were able to return the mice to moderate drinking by ... continue reading

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