Prescription Anxiety Medications

The 7 Most Addictive Prescription Medications

Prescription drugs are commonly given to people suffering from with injuries or illnesses. They're legal when you've been prescribed the medication by a legitimate medical provider. However, these drugs still can be addictive when taken as ...

Prescription drugs are commonly given to people suffering from with injuries or illnesses. They're legal when you've been prescribed the medication ... , anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and depression can make this medication a ... 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 ...

... helps calm anxiety. The state of wellbeing that results quickly creates loyal fans of its users—for many, this is where the trouble can begin. Most people understand that they should take a prescription medication as ... continue reading

Xanax Turned My Life Upside Down

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

... the Xanax prescription, he either didn't believe her or didn't care. At this point, Kelly admits she didn't know what to do. She didn't want to experience the anxiety she had been feeling before the medication, but was ... continue reading

Xanax Overdose Risk Factors and Addiction Treatment

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

... the short-term management of panic and anxiety. 1 That said, like many other psychoactive medications, when use becomes chronic, more frequent, or otherwise exceeds prescription recommendations, Xanax can become highly ... continue reading

Can You Stay Calm… and Trash the Benzos?

After suffering an embarrassing panic attack at the mall, Kara visited a psychiatrist. He prescribed medication to help Kara with her symptoms—within a couple of months, this “solution” turned into an addiction. Now Kara has anxiety issues as ...

... anxiety. With the proper, natural nutrition, your brain and body will function well and you can avoid unnatural prescription ... . But, isn't a life freed from anxiety (and medication) well worth the effort? How to Find Help ... 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 ...

... as prescribed can help to relieve anxiety and insomnia, abusing these medications can actually cause these symptoms. ... “Doctor shopping” to obtain multiple prescriptions Hostility or violence Chewing, crushing or ... continue reading

What Every Parent Needs to Know About Adderall Addiction

Adderall is most commonly prescribed as part of a treatment plan for adolescents and teenagers with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). But more teens-turned-young adults have discovered a new use for the “smart drug”—a term used ...

... effects seen with Adderall abuse include anxiety, dizziness, headaches and restlessness. In ... adults with prescriptions for ADHD medications tripled. In 2007, there were 5.6 million monthly ADHD prescriptions for people ... continue reading

A Look at the Physical Anatomy of an Overdose

A drug overdose occurs when the body has been overloaded with either prescription medication or an illicit substance. Under normal circumstances, our body's metabolism would be able to detoxify the substance in order to avoid its potentially harmful ...

... the body has been overloaded with either prescription medication or an illicit substance. Under normal circumstances ... used to treat symptoms of insomnia and anxiety. Focusing on the central nervous system, sedatives ... continue reading

The Other Side of Suboxone

It's become a commonly prescribed medical treatment for opioid addiction . In some cases, doctors prescribe Suboxone with the intention of stabilize those struggling with continued, compulsive abuse of illicit or prescription opioids to then, one ...

... weaker effects than commonly-abused drugs like heroin and prescription painkillers like oxycodone. 2,3 In other words ... to withdrawal. If a person has been taking this medication for a long period of time and they no longer ... continue reading

5 Psychological Side Effects of Percocet

Percocet is a combination of acetaminophen and oxycodone, landing this medication in a family of drugs known as opioids . They're commonly prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain and work by blocking the pain signals sent to your brain. Percocet ...

... Percocet is among the millions of painkiller prescriptions written each year by physicians. Used properly ... of sleep worsens other symptoms like depression and anxiety, resulting in a downward spiral. Hallucinations: These ... continue reading

What Is Ativan? Is Ativan Addictive? Dangers of Ativan Abuse

Ativan is one of the top 10 psychiatric drugs used in America. Many have taken it; many have abused it. What do you know about it? If you're like most people, your knowledge of Ativan is limited. Even those who use it are often unaware of its ...

... What Is Ativan? Ativan is a brand name for the prescription drug lorazepam. It falls under a class of drugs ... follow the prescribed instructions. Since it's a legal medication, many people don't realize they're abusing ... 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 ...

... The Chicago Tribune reported that all of the participants in this study reported a deep dissatisfaction with prescription medications. Bruce said, “One of the most compelling things to come out of this is that people are ... 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 ...

... the criteria for substance use disorder in 2014. Of these, 1.9 million were addicted to prescription opiate pain medications and 586,000 were addicted to heroin. 1 With massive increases in opiate-related overdose deaths ... continue reading

Are We Creating a Generation of Addicts With ADHD Medication?

During his freshman year, Jack's grades started slipping. He found it hard to keep up. He knew several classmates who used uppers for extra boosts when they needed them. In hopes of finding an endless supply of energy (and improving his grades), ...

... . Can we expect anything but disaster? Risks vs. Results With the trending increase in prescriptions, emergency room visits due to ADHD medications have soared 400% in the past seven years. A study of FDA data discovered ... 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 ...

... aches and cramps Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea Anxiety, profuse sweating, and restlessness Blurry vision High ... pannexin-1 called, Probenecid. It's an anti-gout medication that's fairly cheap and has few side effects. The ... continue reading

Warning: This Medication May Cause…Uncontrollable Urges?

Jim gained ten pounds in two weeks, though he'd been slim and fit his whole life. Gary lost $20K at the casino in Friday night - he'd never bought a lottery ticket up to that point. Linda had sex with three different people in one week, even though ...

... to reduce dosage or stop the medication altogether if these symptoms occur. What About the People Taking Abilify? In 2015, about 1.6 million people received prescriptions for aripiprazole. The compulsive side effects ... continue reading

Yes, Suboxone is Sober & The Truth About Suboxone

In 2014, almost 2 million Americans abused or were dependent on prescription pain medication. During that same time, as many as one in four people who received opioids for treatment of long-term pain in primary care settings struggled with an opioid ...

In 2014, almost 2 million Americans abused or were dependent on prescription pain medication. During that same time, as many as one in four people who received opioids for treatment of long-term pain in primary care ... continue reading

Am I Addicted to Painkillers? How Can I Quit Safely?

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

... . If you have determined you have a problem, there are a few ways to get off a prescription pain medication: Contact a medical provider to discuss your options for inpatient or outpatient therapy for drug abuse or misuse ... continue reading

Shocking Threats Swirl Around Tramadol Abuse

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

... among developing and developed countries alike. The Spread of Tramadol and Violence Tramadol is a prescription opiate medication, but it's regularly sold as an alternative narcotic on the black market. Simply put ... continue reading

Is There Ever a Good Time to Use Benzos?

Carol had a severe panic disorder. It started when she was assaulted at age 34. She'd tried many medications, but only Xanax helped. She worked closely with her doctor and never abused them, but over time she felt the negative cognitive effects of ...

... alcohol, used meditation and exercise to calm her anxiety, and decreased her Xanax dosage on a taper ... too difficult to manage. But as she came off the medication, she gradually felt her brain coming back. She was sharper ... continue reading

Pop Quiz: Let’s Test Your Benzo Knowledge

In 2013, 13.5 million adults filled a benzodiazepine prescription in the US. These drugs are used to treat anxiety, depression, insomnia and seizures. They are also highly addictive and frequently abused. How much do you know about this class of ...

In 2013, 13.5 million adults filled a benzodiazepine prescription in the US. These drugs are used to treat anxiety, depression, insomnia and seizures. They are also highly addictive and frequently abused. How much do you ... continue reading

Big Pharma: Are They Advertising Addiction?

Pharmacological companies do not have a good rap. They've been known to bury bad news, which has had an effect on people's health, and therefore their lives. Whether it's not testing drugs properly, as with the case of thalidomide (caused defects in ...

... , the pain must be controlled, and there aren't medications that can do this effectively. Ah, you might say ... pay if you don't have insurance. Recommended Prescription Drug Rehab-Related Articles Whether you're looking for ... continue reading

Are Benzos Overprescribed?

We are an anxious nation. A whopping 40 million American adults are affected by anxiety disorders; that's 18% of the adult population! With such astronomical numbers, it shouldn't be surprising to learn anxiety disorders are the most commonly ...

... mental illnesses in the U.S. With these anxiety-related stats in mind, it is much less surprising to discover that 1 in 20 adults received a prescription for benzodiazepines in 2008. What Are Benzos? Benzodiazepines ... continue reading

Opiate Alternatives: Doctor’s Got a Brand New Bag

We have seen a staggering increase in both opiate painkiller and heroin abuse over the last decade. As people become dependent on opiates - physically and psychologically - a vicious cycle of misuse and abuse develops. We've got millions struggling ...

... methods of pain relief range from other non-opioid medications to non-medicinal therapies. Though you may not ... best care possible may be necessary. And taking a prescription opioid may not be the best option. Through close ... 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 ...

... Halcion, are used to treat conditions like anxiety, insomnia, alcohol withdrawal, and seizures. My ... ever heard him say that. So he called in a new prescription, I took some pills, and my withdrawal symptoms stopped. But ... continue reading

Yay or Nay: Is the Opioid Epidemic a Conspiracy?

'Epidemic': Affecting a disproportionately large number of individuals within a population. Opioid Epidemic Statistics Each day, 2.1 million people in the U.S. abuse opioids. The CDC reports that 165,000 Americans died from prescription ...

... in New Mexico was created to limit the initial prescription of opioids for acute pain to seven days, ... who are living a better life who are on the medications long-term.” Of course, there are conflicting research results ... continue reading

6 Things About Benzo Withdrawal You Might Not Know

What Are Benzos? Benzodiazepines (benzos) are an anxiolytic class of drugs that belong to a larger group of substances that can be categorized as central nervous system (CNS) depressants. 1 Benzodiazepines work by increasing inhibitory ...

... negative health impact, but symptoms like agitation, anxiety, and panic can become overwhelming when you try ... smaller amounts of the drug over time or changing prescriptions to a longer-acting sedative. For example, if ... continue reading

7 Things to Know About Quitting Opioids

Opioids are used by millions of Americans. It seems that every day a news article is being shared on television or the Internet about opioid misuse, addiction, and, unfortunately, overdose. With new information emerging each year from research and ...

... of co-occurring disorders such as major depressive disorder, anxiety, and other mental illnesses may also be part of your treatment. Ideally, when you are offered medication as part of your treatment plan, you will also ... continue reading

Newsflash: Tramadol Really is an Opiate

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

... including diarrhea, pain, tremors, nausea, anxiety, sweating and insomnia. Due to its ... within a six-month period after the prescription is written. At this point, a new prescription is needed. Moving Forward The truth ... continue reading

7 Signs You May Be Addicted to Tramadol

Tramadol is an opiate analgesic prescribed for the treatment of moderate to moderately severe pain. The drug works by changing the way your brain and nervous system respond to pain. Because Tramadol is a milder form of opiate medication, people ...

... end of office hours. Repeated “loss” of prescriptions. Refusal to undergo examination, testing, or referral. Reluctance to provide medical records. Tampering with medications. #7. Physical symptoms. Using Tramadol even ... continue reading

Here’s What You Need to Know About the Probuphine Implant

Probuphine is the very first breakthrough buprenorphine implant. What is buprenorphine, you ask? It's a common prescription for opioid addiction treatment and it prevents withdrawal symptoms. Buprenorphine is an ingredient found in Suboxone and ...

... , you ask? It's a common prescription for opioid addiction treatment and it prevents ... an injection every day. There's no risk of forgetting to take your medication. You also can't lose it and it can't be stolen. Since ... continue reading

Methadone Maintenance Clinics: Everything You Need to Know

If you're addicted to opiates, a methadone clinic can provide ongoing medication maintenance to help you quit them. Committing to a methadone maintenance program for at least 1 year will likely change your life for the better and help you commit to ...

... , including mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression and psychosis. Risk assessment , ... . Other opiates . Prescribed medications , such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and sleep medications (e.g. Ambien). ... continue reading

Spotlight on ADHD Meds and Their Frightening Meth Connection

The opioid crisis has been making headlines for years, but there's another drug epidemic that has been flying under the radar: abuse of ADHD drugs. ADHD drugs, such as Adderall and Ritalin , increase levels of the brain chemical dopamine and provide ...

... conditions are causing the problems. Interestingly enough, ADHD prescriptions have risen 29.2% from 2010 to 2015 and ... is that, when people are hooked on ADHD medications and the supply runs out, they're rapidly turning ... 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 ...

... as a result of respiratory arrest brought on by prescription opioid overdose. The opioids depress your breathing, bring ... that taking sleeping pills on top of opioid medications can kill you. Watching the Brain Channel ... continue reading

The Vicious Attack Against Suboxone Continues

Buprenorphine, the generic name for Suboxone, is a medication used to treat opiate dependence - it helps minimize withdrawal symptoms. It's often an essential part of a person's recovery plan, mainly due to its accessibility. Users can attain it ...

... due to its accessibility. Users can attain it through a prescription from a certified doctor, rather than having to hoof it to a medication-assisted treatment program multiple times per month, like methadone requires ... continue reading

Xanax Passes Marijuana as Second-Leading Cause of DUI

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

... can be easily measured with a breathalyzer, it's harder to determine with Xanax or other prescription medications. Prosecutors have to rely on field sobriety tests and identifying physiological symptoms, including pupil ... 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 ...

... . One of his stated policies involves increasing 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 ... continue reading

7 Really Smart Ways to Save Money on Suboxone

A couple of weeks ago, I saw a Facebook post from an acquaintance of mine lamenting about the exorbitant price of Suboxone. I'd known her to have a problem with opiates in the past, but it seemed like she was doing all the right things to get her ...

... having to shell out a large chunk of money for the entire prescription. Clinical Trials and Studies: This can be a source of both free medication and free medical care, although you will be subject to whatever conditions ... continue reading

Methadone and Suboxone: What’s the Difference Anyway?

An estimated 1.9 million people in the U.S. are addicted to prescription opioid drugs. Although there is no magical drug to treat opiate addiction, as part of a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) approach, there are a handful of treatment ...

... , methadone is also bought and sold on the black market. Over the years, prescriptions for methadone as a pain medication have increased and, perhaps unsurprisingly, so have deaths from overdose. Because methadone is ... 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 ...

... that there are some serious misconceptions about medication-assisted detox , the most pressing being that you can get clean by substituting OxyContin for heroin. After all, prescription painkillers can't be as dangerous ... continue reading

I’m Having Opiate Withdrawals – Am I Addicted?

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

... the hospital, so her doctor wrote her an oxycodone prescription to manage any pain during those first few days home ... . Behavioral signs can include: Taking more medication than prescribed Taking opiates even when not ... continue reading

Don’t Be Fooled: Tramadol Abuse Poses Very Real Dangers

Ultram. Conzip. Rybix ODT. These name brands of tramadol have recently flooded the marketplace with their painkilling properties. Since its approval in 1995, tramadol has become a household name. In 2013 alone, over 43 million tramadol prescriptions ...

... a household name. In 2013 alone, over 43 million tramadol prescriptions were written in the U.S. For years, this ... to day life. This psychological dependence results in anxiety if the drug cannot be obtained. General side ... continue reading

Benzo Epidemic: A Killer Hiding in the Shadow of Opioids

In recent years, opioid abuse has received a lot of attention—and for good reason. In 2014, 19,000 people died from overdoses involving prescription opioids ; that's up 16% from 2013. But notice the wording; it's important: “Overdoses involving ...

... , benzo overdoses increased more than 500%. Xanax is the number one prescribed psychiatric medication in the country, with over 50 million prescriptions written each year. Improper use of Xanax results in over 125,000 ER ... continue reading

Suboxone Debate: What Is the Big Problem with Buprenorphine?

When it comes to this nation's chemical dependence, few drugs have achieved the notoriety and reputation of opioid drugs. In fact, things have spiraled so far out of control that opiate addiction is now considered an epidemic. Despite leaving a ...

... known as Suboxone. Suboxone is the brand name for the combination medication buprenorphine and naloxone. It was the first prescription medication to target opiate addiction and works by virtually stopping the withdrawal ... 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 ...

... Generation X use are psychotherapeutic drugs (medications used to treat mental disorders such ... that Millennials have a strong preference for painkillers. Prescription painkiller abuse is more common among Millennials than ... continue reading

Don’t Open Wide: Pulling Dentists Off the Doctor Shopping List

Imagine you're getting your wisdom teeth removed and at the end of the procedure, your dentist hands you a prescription for a pain reliever - maybe Vicodin or Percocet . For many people, this wouldn't pose a problem. For thousands of others, ...

Imagine you're getting your wisdom teeth removed and at the end of the procedure, your dentist hands you a prescription for a pain reliever - maybe Vicodin or Percocet . For many people, this wouldn't pose a problem. For ... continue reading

Ryan Haight Act Stands in the Way of Buprenorphine Telehealth

It's against state and federal law to use telehealth (remote medical services) to obtain buprenorphine for the first time. Buprenorphine is a medication used to treat opioid use disorder, often known by its brand names—Suboxone and Subutex. This ...

... for the first time. Buprenorphine is a medication used to treat opioid use disorder, often ... overdoses . Nance attributes this startling number to prescription painkillers being a starting point for opioid dependency ... 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 ...

... shift the relationship with potent drugs from necessary medication to using the mind and body as a personal ... to increased harms related to non-medical use of prescription drugs.” Another danger of the drug forums is they ... continue reading

Making Sense Out of the Confusing World of Ritalin

Sharon is at another meeting with her son's teacher. Aiden's teacher says he's unfocused and disruptive in class. Sharon knows her son behaves the same way at home. Last night's battle over homework fresh in her mind - and she doesn't know what to ...

... then you might be asking the same questions. Here's a look at what you need to know about stimulant medications. Cut to the Chase: What is Ritalin? Ritalin, or methylphenidate, is a nervous-system stimulant. Yes, a drug ... 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 ...

... cheaper option. In fact, a 2014 survey revealed that 94% of people in rehab turned to heroin because prescription pills were “far more expensive and harder to obtain.” #5 Side Effects of Using Heroin Heroin drastically ... continue reading

Trading Dependencies: There’s Nothing “Mild” About a Kratom Addiction

Mitragyna Speciosa, also known as Kratom, is a large tree in the Rubiaceae family native to Southeast Asia. It is said that Kratom affects the human brain similarly to an opiate , although there is no conclusive clinical data proving how the ...

... . Symptoms of withdrawal are similar to those of opiates and can include: Craving Depression Anxiety Restlessness Nausea Sweating Muscle aches Irritability/Hostility Diarrhea Runny nose Tremors Hallucinations Mood swings ... continue reading

5 Reasons Driving on Benzos Is Just a Bad Idea

Quick reflexes and sharp thinking—these are two of the most important qualities of a safe driver. If someone is sharing the road with you or if you're a passenger in their car, you want them to possess these traits, right? Well, if they're taking ...

... 't be surprising to anyone considering how benzos affect the body. Under the influence of these anti-anxiety drugs, drivers are simply unable to make the quick, safe driving decisions necessary to navigate the great ... continue reading

Fentanyl: The Newest Lethal Injection Ingredient

Fifty times stronger than heroin , the synthetic opioid fentanyl is flooding the drug market - and heightening the danger of overdose. In search of cheaper mixes and stronger highs, dealers now lace heroin and cocaine with this potent drug. We've ...

... , valium and a muscle relaxant, cisatracurium. The valium and cisatracurium relax the body and reduce anxiety, while the fentanyl delivers the lethal effects. Barring legal complications or appeals, this new combination ... continue reading

How to Get Off Suboxone: 3 Steps to Take When Quitting

Approved by the FDA in 2002, buprenorphine—brand name Suboxone and Zubsolv—is now the “go-to” drug for medication-assisted treatment with opiate addiction. Unlike methadone treatment, it can be prescribed by physicians in the comfort of ...

... want to quit taking Suboxone? Booting the Buprenorphine If you've been using Suboxone as part of a medication-assisted treatment plan for opioid use , your body has probably become physically dependent on the drug. Here ... continue reading

Ambien: Sweet Dreams or Total Nightmare?

Kate bolted out of bed at the sound of her doorbell. It was 3am; she couldn't imagine who would be at the door. She rushed to the foyer to find her best friend, Nicole, standing on her porch, dressed in her PJs. In a crazed, trance-like state, ...

... . Dreaming of Better Sleep… Despite these dangerous side effects, Ambien has remained one of the top-prescribed medications in the country. In fact, 5 million Americans take zolpidem each year, and many patients report ... continue reading

Drugs vs. Supplements: What's the Difference?

Your regular doctor suggests taking a supplement to improve your overall health. And then your specialist recommends a completely different combination of drugs and supplements. It's so easy to get overwhelmed. Which one's right for you? Navigating ...

... Drugs are tested by the FDA. They're defined as substances intended to diagnose, treat or prevent disease. Medications must pass clinical trials before being released to the public and the tests need to prove each drug ... continue reading

Let’s Talk Truth: Exactly How Long Do Drugs Stay in Your System?

If you throw back a beer on Friday night, it's out of your system by Monday morning. But, what about other drugs? Most drugs linger a bit longer than alcohol. In fact, some of them stick around for a long time. This slower processing can surprise ...

... can be detected in urine up to seven days (or up to 6 weeks with chronic use). Without a legal prescription, Kate knew she was in deep trouble and possibly out of a job. No Cleats Needed With Meth After the football ... 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 ...

... . Holly discovered Ibogaine has been effective in treating other addictions too, including alcohol, Suboxone, Methadone, prescription painkillers , and stimulants. She learned that it works by interrupting the pattern of ... 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 ...

... quick reaction. According to the CDC, over half of all overdose deaths are directly related to prescription opioids and the National Institute on Drug Abuse reports heroin-related deaths have increased five-fold over ... continue reading

Introducing the Drug That Can Kill With a Single Dose

Just when we'd thought we'd heard it all, an even more lethal drug concoction popped up on our radar. It's just the latest killer in the opioid epidemic ravaging our country. Dubbed “gray death” by authorities, this high-potency cocktail is ...

... Game Law enforcement officials believe that lower prices on the streets have steered users away from prescription painkillers and towards heroin, which is often cut with fentanyl and other fillers. Oftentimes, users don ... 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 ...

... 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 also helps decrease convulsions and nerve pain. It ... continue reading

4 Physical Signs You're Addicted to Ritalin

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

... alone. On top of that, the CDC estimates that as many as 10,000 toddlers are now taking stimulant ADHD medications. The question is, with thousands of Americans taking Ritalin, how do you know if you're addicted? Here's ... continue reading

Is This New Drug the Holy Grail of All Pain Relievers?

Millions of Americans suffer daily from chronic pain. Factor in all the people managing temporary pain after accidents or surgeries and you have a massive number of people on prescription painkillers. Abuse of morphine, an extremely powerful and ...

... managing temporary pain after accidents or surgeries and you have a massive number of people on prescription painkillers. Abuse of morphine, an extremely powerful and addictive opioid results in thousands of overdose ... continue reading

25 Harmful Effects of Morphine

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

... Brain How to Get Help for Morphine Misuse If you or a loved one is struggling with prescription drug misuse, help is available and recovery is possible. Professional treatment programs can give anyone battling addiction ... continue reading

Watch the Fahrenheit With Your Fentanyl

Fentanyl is an opiate (narcotic) pain reliever typically prescribed to people for severe, ongoing pain or after surgery. This medication is 50 times stronger than heroin and, needless to say, it can be very addictive. Fentanyl can be delivered in ...

... . Patients place one patch an area of the body and it's worn for a period of up to three days; the medication is absorbed by the skin at a slow, steady pace over those 72-hours. Too Hot to Handle Fentanyl's high potency ... continue reading

Good News: Dr. Reddy's Will Produce a Cheaper Generic Form of Suboxone

Suboxone—a medication used to treat opioid use disorder—is sadly inaccessible to a lot of people due to one simple factor: cost. But this is about to change. Last month, a supplier of generic drugs—Dr. Reddy's Laboratories—was allowed by a ...

... in hopes of fighting the current deadly opioid epidemic. According to Silverman, when a generic version of a medication becomes available, the cost of its brand name counterpart can decrease by 70-80% in just a few ... 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 ...

... much is taken. Myth #3 - Methadone Is Worse for You Than Heroin Methadone is a non-toxic medication, and studies have shown that people have used it as a treatment modality for decades without harm. However, methadone ... continue reading

Pregnant & Court-Ordered to Take Vivitrol: Is My Baby Safe?

It's a question many women might be asking themselves, as more and more females of childbearing age are ordered by drug courts to take Vivitrol - the injectable form of naltrexone. An opioid-antagonist, Vivitrol blocks the brain receptors that bind ...

... unborn baby.” What is known is that Vivitrol crosses the blood-placenta barrier, so women taking the medication will pass the drug along to the baby. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA ... continue reading

Shackled to a Methadone Clinic

She's been going to the same clinic for five years. Every day, she takes a bus, walks the last two blocks from the bus stop and gets in line for her dose of methadone. Five years ago, Kathy decided she needed help to break her Vicodin addiction. ...

... doesn't make it to the clinic for her daily methadone dose. Knowing she's firmly shackled to yet another medication, Kathy's asking herself a really tough question: Am I really better off now than I was five years ago ... continue reading

Vivitrol's New and Controversial Role in Prisons

When I was in prison, the majority of inmates struggled with substance abuse. And because the prison system did very little (if anything at all) to rehabilitate us, it wasn't unusual for those who were released to almost immediately overdose or ...

... Sides Despite the success of these programs, there are naysayers. Vivitrol is by far the most expensive medication treatment for opioid dependency. A single dose costs around $1,000, whereas methadone is roughly $350 per ... 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 ...

... Xanax doesn't smell. You can take it in the bathroom at work and never get caught. It's a legally prescribed medication, so it can't be bad… right ? What about when you're sweating in the middle of the night because you ... continue reading

Alternatives to Anxiety Medications

Anxiety disorders are some of the most commonly encountered mental health conditions. Approximately, 28.8% of adults will experience some type of anxiety in their lifetime (Kessler et al., 2005). Oftentimes, the first line of treatment for anxiety ...

... in their lifetime (Kessler et al., 2005). Oftentimes, the first line of treatment for anxiety is prescription medication. While medication can be extremely helpful, there are several reasons you may want to look at ... continue reading

Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs and Addiction Treatment Programs

For some time now, the abuse of illicit substances such as marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin has been a persistent national problem. In more recent years, however, our country has seen an alarming rise in prescription drug abuse . ...

... (Zolpidem) Lunesta (Eszopiclone) Prescription Anxiety Medication - As mentioned before, the GABA modifying effects of benzodiazepine medications work well as prescription anti-anxiety medications. Because of their habit ... continue reading

Why Are Prescription Stimulants So Addictive?

Prescription stimulants are very prevalent pharmaceutical agents. They are frequently used for the management of narcolepsy and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Drugs that fall in this category include: Dextroamphetamine and ...

... group, prescription stimulants are very popular drugs of abuse. Some people abuse these medications as so ... to stop taking the substance. Besides these anxieties and fears, previously positive activities—like hobbies ... 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 ...

... can have strong addiction potential if misused. These medications are prescribed for anxiety-related disorders and sleep disorders over short-term time periods. 8 Prescription drug addiction can worsen if 2 or more drugs ... continue reading

Snorting Ativan

Ativan (known generically as lorazepam) is a medication used to treat anxiety disorders , short-term anxiety symptoms, insomnia, and seizures. 1 It is a benzodiazepine, which means that it belongs to a highly addictive class of drugs that work to ...

... , which is characterized by unpleasant symptoms such as heightened anxiety, insomnia, nausea, and irritability or mood swings. 2 Because Ativan is a prescription medication and not an illicit drug, some doctors or drug ... 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 ...

... the specific type of depressant medication, the prescription pharmaceuticals in this broad class may ... neural overactivity. Many people misuse sedatives because they reduce anxiety, help them to relax, and, in some cases, ... continue reading

Barbiturate Abuse Side Effects, Symptoms, and Addiction Treatment

What Are Barbiturates Used For? Barbiturates are sedative-hypnotic drugs that were once commonly used as sedatives or anti-anxiety medications. A physician must prescribe barbiturates; otherwise, their use is considered illicit. Among their limited ...

... , they are prescribed for the treatment of headaches, anxiety, and insomnia. However, their use in most areas ... 50% of high school seniors admitted to abusing prescription medications , and about 5% of these admitted to ... continue reading

Addiction Self-Assessment Quizzes for Drugs and Alcohol

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

... quiz is designed to evaluate whether you may have an unhealthy dependence on the prescription anti-anxiety medication Valium, also known as diazepam, a potentially habit-forming benzodiazepine. While this assessment does ... 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 ...

... . What Is Percodan? Percodan is a prescription medication that combines aspirin and oxycodone—the latter ... is the archetypal benzodiazepine drug and is used to treat anxiety, seizures, and muscle spasms. It is also used ... continue reading

Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms and Addiction Treatment

Xanax is in a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. These frequently prescribed medications are used to treat a range of physical and mental health conditions. Specifically, Xanax (also known by its generic name alprazolam) is used in the treatment ...

... in the United States, with nearly 50 million Xanax prescriptions written every year . 1 Its high rates of ... If someone was using the medication to treat anxiety, these symptoms of anxiety will likely return without Xanax ... continue reading

Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms and Treatment

Many substances of abuse can lead to the development of physiological dependence—especially if they are taken in large amounts and for a long period of time. When a person becomes dependent on a substance and then decides to stop using it, they ...

... , and crack . Some prescription stimulant medications such as methylphenidate ( Ritalin ... during acute substance withdrawal. People may experience irritability, anxiety, depression, mood swings, low energy, insomnia, lack ... 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 ...

... overdose of prescription opioid medication between 1999 and 2014. The risk of overdose increases when medication is ... dose and frequency of the medication, withdrawal symptoms may include: Anxiety. Agitation. Sleep issues. ... continue reading

Desoxyn Abuse Signs, Symptoms, and Addiction Treatment

What Is Desoxyn Prescribed For? Desoxyn is a prescription stimulant medication that contains methamphetamine hydrochloride . It is available in 5 mg tablets that are intended for oral use. 1,2 Desoxyn is prescribed for the treatment of: 1 ...

... of Desoxyn Abuse When it comes to the use of prescription medications , it can sometimes be challenging to observe whether ... /quickened pulse. Breathing issues. Chest pain. Anxiety . Tremors. Some of these signs and ... continue reading

Adderall Overdose Symptoms and Treatment

What Does Adderall Do? Adderall—the pharmaceutical combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine—is a prescription stimulant medication primarily used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adults. 1 When ...

... prescription medications. If you have a prescription for Adderall, be careful of how you store your medication. Prescription ... of mental health conditions , including anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. Previous ... continue reading

Effects of Stimulant Drugs: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment

What Are Stimulants Used For? Stimulants are a class of substances that increase certain types of cell signaling and amplify various physiologic processes throughout the brain and body. In particular, many types of stimulant drugs are associated ...

... antidepressants to help the recovering user cope. 9 Anti-anxiety medications and antipsychotics are other prescription options to help with any anxiety or delusions experienced during withdrawal, should the symptoms be ... 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 ...

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 ... continue reading

Stimulant Drug Abuse: Side Effects and Addiction Treatment

Stimulants—both illicit and prescription—are known to increase energy and alertness. Prescription stimulants can offer therapeutic benefits when used as prescribed. However, both prescription and illicit stimulants have a high propensity for ...

... in this same age group reported misusing prescription stimulant medications within the last year, and nearly 2 ... to the development of mental health challenges such as anxiety or depression . 10, 12,15 Stimulant Addiction ... continue reading

Ambien Overdose Symptoms, Risk Factors, Prevention, and Treatment

What Is Ambien Used For? Ambien—also known by the generic name zolpidem—is a non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic medication frequently prescribed to people who suffer from insomnia. Ambien works by slowing certain brain activity, encouraging ...

... even when it is taken in accordance with a prescription. There have been a number of reports of ... same time. Individuals who consume alcohol , anti- anxiety medications , other sedatives, or painkillers while taking Ambien ... 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 ...

... 1 If you or someone you care about takes prescription opioid medication or uses illicit opioids such as heroin, you ... symptoms are not usually life-threatening and include anxiety or agitation, rapid heart rate, sweating, ... continue reading

Snorting Xanax (Alprazolam): Side Effects & Dangers

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

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

Vyvanse Overdose Symptoms and Treatment

What Is Vyvanse Used For? Vyvanse is a medication prescribed to manage ADHD and the compulsive behaviors associated with binge eating disorders. 1 However, as with any medication, taking too much Vyvanse can have serious side effects. Furthermore, ...

... -drug-use cases, the drugs were also other prescription drugs . The most common prescription drugs taken along with stimulants include anti-anxiety medications and narcotic painkillers. Overall, 19% of people reported ... continue reading

Klonopin Abuse Symptoms and Addiction Treatment

An Introduction to Klonopin Klonopin is a prescription sedative medication useful as an anti-anxiety and anti-convulsant drug. Doctors prescribe Klonopin to control or prevent seizures and reduce anxiety from panic attacks. Also known as clonazepam ...

... to Klonopin Klonopin is a prescription sedative medication useful as an anti-anxiety and anti-convulsant drug. Doctors prescribe Klonopin to control or prevent seizures and reduce anxiety from panic attacks. Also known ... 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 ...

... , which includes overdoses on heroin and prescription pain medications. Quitting opiates can be challenging—attempts ... 5 Watery eyes. Runny nose. Sweating. Running. Anxiety or irritability. Poor sleep. Muscle pain. These ... 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 ...

... VA reports more than half a million veterans are on prescription opioids. In fact, the number of VA scripts written ... while others double up on addictive anti-anxiety medications to ward off the crippling depression that ... 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 ...

... can occur first, and substances may be misused to manage the symptoms. Using medications inappropriately or misusing substances to mask symptoms of anxiety is known as self-medicating. 9,10 In others, the substance use ... continue reading

9 Things People Get Wrong About Anxiety. #6 Makes it Worse!

With more than 40 million Americans over the age of 18 currently struggling with some form of anxiety, there's a lot of misinformation floating around out there. From old wives tales to downright dangerous “cures,” if you're struggling with an ...

... absolutely a condition that can be managed. We now have effective treatments for all forms of anxiety , from multiple types of medication to therapy and exercise. If your mother was a “natural worry wart,” that does not ... continue reading

Want to Feel Better from Anxiety & Depression Fast? Try These 8 Techniques!

The stresses of everyday life can take their toll physically, emotionally and psychologically. However, ignoring these issues will not make them go away, nor make life easier to deal with. Addressing stress, anxiety or depression in a healthy ...

... these issues will not make them go away, nor make life easier to deal with. Addressing stress, anxiety or depression in a healthy fashion can greatly improve quality of life, and strengthen personal and professional ... continue reading

Am I Addicted to Prescription Drugs? How Can I Quit Safely?

If you've been using prescription drugs in a way that was not intended by your doctor, then it is possible that you are dependent on them, and dependency often leads to addiction. While addiction can be frightening, the good news is there's plenty ...

... Your doctor may be able to prescribed alternative medication or look into other methods of getting you pain relief. Getting Help Some people think that if you're addicted to a prescription drug you should be able to just ... continue reading

Free Prescription Drug Helpline Numbers

Prescription drug abuse is a serious concern that impacts the health and well-being of the people abusing the drugs, as well as their family and friends. Consistent abuse of prescription drugs like opioid painkillers (e.g. oxycodone), stimulants ...

... help you discover the best next steps. Consider calling a prescription drug hotline if: 4 You have been using increasing amounts of your prescribed medication without consulting your doctor. You have been buying, selling ... continue reading

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