Get help today 877-654-9040 or sign up for 24/7 text support.
American Addiction Centers National Rehabs Directory

Slang For Heroin

Get Sober Today

AAC is one of the largest substance abuse treatment providers in the US with facilities coast to coast. We have helped thousands get sober and lead a life free from addiction.

We are available 24/7 to help you or your loved one

Helpline Information
  • Effects of Heroin Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment

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

    ... elicit its dramatic results. In short, heroin is very harmful. The speed and intense effects of the substance ... risk of death from overdose is a concern for people using heroin in the short and long term because dosing is ... continue reading
  • Can You Get Addicted to Heroin After the First Use?

    Heroin has the reputation of being one of the most addictive illicit drugs. Many government and academic institutions report that heroin is either very addictive or highly addictive . Adding to the risk associated with the substance is the number of ...

    ... in an attempt to recreate that first high. Why Do People Use Heroin? Heroin's intense high and quick speed of onset are major attractions for users. Curiosity about the drug is also a reason that people begin ... continue reading
  • Heroin Abuse Signs, Symptoms, Effects, Overdose, and Treatment

    About Heroin Abuse What Is Heroin? Heroin is a substance that is both illegal and extremely addictive . The drug derives from opium from the poppy plant before it is refined to morphine, then further chemically modified to become heroin. Despite its ...

    ... to gauge from batch to batch, the potential to overdose on heroin is always a distinct possibility. Why Do People Use Heroin? Heroin is abused for the immediate pleasurable feelings it can elicit, including: A surge of ... continue reading
  • You Are Not Alone.

    DrugAbuse.com is a subsidiary of American Addiction Centers (AAC). We are here to help you understand your addiction treatment options

    Helpline Information
  • Heroin Overdose Symptoms, Signs, Risk Factors, Prevention, and Treatment

    How Is Heroin Consumed? Heroin is one of the most common, addictive, and lethal drugs in the world. A morphine derivative, heroin is sold illegally in the form of white or brown powder, or a sticky black substance known as “black tar heroin.” In ...

    ... used. Any other substances consumed. The person's age and weight. Risk Factors for Heroin Overdose Overdosing on heroin can be the result of a number of factors, working independently or in concert. One inherent risk ... continue reading
  • Heroin Addiction Treatment Centers and Rehab Programs

    Heroin addiction can negatively impact certain aspects of your life and have dangerous health repercussions. Here, we will help you understand heroin addiction, how addiction is treated, and what you should know about heroin rehab centers, including ...

    ... —the symptoms of each disorder could influence the treatment outcomes of the other. 1 When choosing treatment for heroin addiction, you may also want to consider other factors, such as: Average length of the program. The ... continue reading
  • How to Help a Heroin Addict

    More than 590,000 people had a heroin use disorder in the U.S. in 2015, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. If you or someone you love is addicted to heroin, you're not alone, and there is help available. Approaching Someone About ...

    ... with stress. Contingency management therapy , which uses a points system that rewards recovering heroin users for remaining drug free. Behavioral therapy can take place in a one-on-one setting or in a group setting ... continue reading
  • Why Is Heroin So Addictive?

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

    ... stimulation—releasing diminishing amounts of dopamine with repeated use. With a perceived physiologic need for more heroin, drug-seeking behavior and compulsive drug use often begin. More time, effort, and energy ... continue reading
  • Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms, Detox, and Addiction Treatment

    What Helps With Heroin Withdrawal? Heroin is an illicitly manufactured opioid drug and morphine derivative. Both the pain-relieving and the pleasurable properties of heroin are initiated through the drug's interaction with opioid receptors in the ...

    ... . However, patients can choose to not receive medication. Intake and Initial Evaluation The first step for anyone entering a heroin detox program will be intake. This is where you'll be given a medical evaluation that ... continue reading
  • Heroin’s Effects on Pregnancy

    Heroin is an illegal and highly addictive substance that may be injected, smoked, or snorted. This powerful opiate drug can easily harm any user, and it can cause numerous problems for a pregnant mother and her developing baby. Unfortunately, heroin ...

    ... powerful opiate drug can easily harm any user, and it can cause numerous problems for a pregnant mother and her developing baby. Unfortunately, heroin use is all too prevalent; the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and ... continue reading
  • Heroin Facts, History, and Statistics

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

    ... the Monitoring the Future National Survey include the following: Nearly 170,000 people over the age of 12 tried heroin for the first time in 2013—this number has not changed much over the last decade. More than 680,000 ... continue reading
  • Related results

  • 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 ...

    ... Slang terms for GHB include: G Georgia Home Boy Goop Grievous Bodily Harm Liquid Ecstasy Liquid X Soap Scoop Street Names for Heroin Heroin ... Molly Lover's Speed Peace STP X XTC Uppers Street Names for Mescaline Mescaline — ... continue reading
  • Drugs A-Z

    What Is Acamprosate? Acamprosate is thought to help recovering alcoholics stay sober by balancing inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmission. Acamprosate may be combined with behavioral therapy to decrease a person's chances of relapse and ...

    ... Find out more about heroin overdose , help for heroin dependence , and the side effects of heroin use . What Is ... effects of Soma use . What Is Speed? Speed is a slang term applied to illicit amphetamine and ... continue reading
  • From Bath Salts to Flakka: Searching for Designer Drugs

    The new and unfamiliar often elicits fear of the unknown. But when the new and unfamiliar is a drug - and when this drug is attributed to episodes of extreme paranoia, acts of superhuman strength, and reports of “zombie-cannibalism” - it can ...

    ... -PVP, more commonly known as flakka - Spanish slang for skinny woman (“la flaca”). Bath Salts' ... airports have historically made it a popular entryway for cocaine, heroin, and marijuana; authorities have now added flakka ... 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 ...

    ... more frightening, both rural and metropolitan areas of the country are currently being flooded by heroin. For example, heroin in Charlotte, NC has become so easy to get that dealers are actually delivering their products ... continue reading
  • Snorting Heroin Side Effects, Dangers, and Addiction Treatment

    Heroin is a highly addictive Schedule I controlled drug. Heroin has a long history—it was first synthesized (as diacetylmorphine) in 1874 from morphine. Paradoxically, heroin was originally marketed as a safer and non-addictive form of morphine. ...

    ... give you the resources needed to ensure that you do not relapse . Getting Help for Heroin Addiction Heroin addiction can be devastating for both the user and their friends/family, but fortunately there are evidence-based ... continue reading
  • Why Is Heroin So Deadly Today?

    For more than a century, heroin has been a dangerous drug of abuse. For years, people have been attracted to the substance's ability to produce a relatively inexpensive, rapid-onset, and intensely euphoric high. 1,2 While the drug's high holds a ...

    ... rapid-onset, and intensely euphoric high. 1,2 While the drug's high holds a strong appeal for its users, chronic heroin abuse is almost certain to have several physical or mental health repercussions in those who become ... 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 ...

    ... already staggering numbers. The Illinois Department of Health reported rises in statewide heroin overdose deaths for the past four years. Heroin overdose resulted in 633 Illinois deaths in 2014 alone. Efforts continue on ... continue reading
  • Heroin Use Increasing Across New Demographics, Study Finds

    The face of heroin in the US is changing. As the drug becomes more commonly abused among new racial, geographic and socioeconomic groups, the profile of those users is also evolving. The change is, in part, because heroin is becoming more ...

    ... and establishing drug-monitoring programs. But for many Americans, these restrictions came too late, going into effect long after they were hooked on opiates . As a result, heroin is now impacting a completely different ... continue reading
  • DEA: Heroin ‘Probably’ More Dangerous Than Marijuana

    With 23 states and Washington D.C. legalizing medical marijuana and four states legalizing it for recreational use, it's quite possible we'll see a day when marijuana is considered “legal” throughout the U.S. However, the Drug Enforcement ...

    ... as a Schedule I drug, meaning it has a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical benefits. In other words, it's in the same category as heroin and crack cocaine . Even the staunchest anti-drug supporters have ... 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 ...

    ... say it's the deadliest drug worldwide. Stats from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention support these claims. They report heroin-related overdose death s have more than quadrupled since 2010. Between 2014 and ... 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 ...

    ... opioid painkillers. 4 Although prescription opiates may arguably be as addictive as heroin, heroin still poses more significant risks for users, including greater risk of overdose and other negative consequences (e.g ... continue reading
  • Heroin Relapse Warning Signs, Prevention, and Addiction Treatment

    Heroin Relapse Is Common Heroin addiction is very powerful, and heroin's interaction with opioid receptors and its reinforcing influence on your brain's reward centers result in such profound feelings of euphoria and pleasure that it sometimes feels ...

    ... too strong to resist. Relapse Warning Signs Some common warning signs of heroin relapse include: 6,7 Experiencing a distressing event. Denying a need for help. Leaning on other compulsive behaviors, such as overeating or ... continue reading
  • Free Heroin Addiction Hotline Numbers

    Call American Addiction Centers (AAC) now at What Is a Heroin Hotline Number? Heroin addiction is a very hard challenge to overcome alone. This is why doctors, mental health professionals, and support group members advocate seeking help if you ...

    ... want to give you the information and resources you need to decide for yourself. While heroin help hotline operators want what is best for you, they will never make you feel uncomfortable. General Substance Abuse Hotlines ... continue reading
  • Is Fentanyl Abuse More Deadly Than Heroin?

    Fentanyl, a drug previously unheard of by many, has become notorious in recent years due to the spike in overdose deaths from heroin laced with the potent prescription narcotic. It gained even more notoriety when the April 2016 death of iconic ...

    ... Prevention (CDC), in 2015, 55% of people who died from an overdose of fentanyl additionally tested positive for heroin or cocaine, compared to 42% between 2013 and 2014—a concerning uptick that may reflect an increase in ... continue reading
  • Are Prescription Painkillers as Addictive as Heroin?

    The Link Between Painkillers and Heroin According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), in 2011, 4.2 million Americans aged 12 or over had used heroin at least once in their lives. Of these users, an estimated 23% will go on to become ...

    ... use. There are a few hypothesized reasons that painkiller addicts eventually transition to heroin abuse. For one, heroin may be easier to obtain than a prescription, Secondly, it's relatively inexpensively priced on ... 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 ...

    ... . Drastic changes in personality often manifest as the first visible indicators of drug use. How to Find Help for Heroin Misuse If you or a loved one is struggling with substance misuse, help is available and recovery is ... continue reading
  • Concurrent Alcohol and Heroin Abuse

    Dangers of Abusing Alcohol and Heroin The dangerous combination of alcohol and heroin gets widespread publicity every year from tragedies that remind the public how alcohol amplifies the already powerful effects of heroin on the central nervous ...

    ... and eventually succumb to that desire by taking an excess amount. Statistics on Alcohol and Heroin For reasons of price or availability , heroin use has been climbing in the US over the past several years. A 2011 survey ... continue reading
  • Heroin's Death Toll Hits an All-Time High in New York

    New York City has a serious heroin problem on their hands and new data released by the city's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene reveals just how deep the issue goes. In fact, more people died from unintentional heroin overdoses in New York ...

    ... . Affluent areas of the north Bronx and eastern Queens have also become hot spots for heroin, a result of heavy opioid pill and heroin use in the surrounding suburbs in Westchester County and on Long Island. Looking to ... 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 ...

    ... Did Everything Go Wrong? It was just a few months later when she got the call. Alex had been arrested for heroin possession . She sat up late with her husband, the window was open as the North Carolina air blew in. How ... continue reading
  • Russian Roulette: The Hidden Dangers of Cutting Agents in Cocaine and Heroin

    In the United States, more than 47,000 people die from drug overdoses every year . To make matters worse, drug deaths have recently surpassed both automobile and firearm accidents as the leading cause of accidental death in the country. There's no ...

    ... time (from 1980 to 2014). We then analyzed a University of Lausanne study of cutting agents for cocaine and heroin which was conducted over nine years. We used this information to uncover the dangers of ingesting these ... continue reading
  • How Similar are Heroin and Prescription Opioids?

    Heroin is an illicit street drug that produces a drowsy, euphoric high. Prescription opioids are legal medications prescribed by doctors to treat pain. Both heroin and prescription painkillers belong to the family of drugs known as opioids, which ...

    ... known as opioids, which act upon particular receptors in the brain and body to produce their effects. Heroin and prescription opioids may seem like very different drugs, but they are actually remarkably similar in both ... continue reading
  • 25 Great Writers Who Battled Drug Addiction and Alcoholism

    Drug and Alcohol Addiction Can Affect Anyone Some people are more susceptible to addiction than others, and writers are notorious for having some sort of addiction. Whether it's alcohol to numb the noise of the world or speed or LSD to “inspire” ...

    ... they're pretty warped. Dick took a lot of speed and other substances throughout his writing career to enhance his ... t help him. Hubert Selby Heroin and other painkillers were the demons of Requiem for a Dream, and they also ... continue reading
  • Snorting Fentanyl

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

    ... , the danger rises. The speed of onset. Intensity. Duration of effects. Speed of onset. Snorting fentanyl allows ... , such as cocaine or heroin. In these situations, the user is unprepared for the effects which may occur ... continue reading
  • Amphetamine Addiction Signs, Symptoms, Effects, and Treatment

    Amphetamines are prescription medications or illegal substances that are also known as stimulants, as they speed up your metabolism and increase your alertness. When legally prescribed, they are typically used to treat attention-deficit ...

    ... uppers, or whiz. Dextroamphetamine , which is a prescribed ADHD medication that is taken for unintended purposes. It can be referred to as dexies, kiddie-speed, pep pills, uppers, or black beauty when it is combined with ... continue reading
  • New Study: Amphetamine Abuse and This Old Heart

    It's called speed for a reason. Amphetamines, like Ritalin or Adderall, accelerate your heart rate. They send your nervous system into overdrive. Guess what else it speeds up? The aging process. That's right. Pumping your system full of amphetamine ...

    ... speed for a reason. Amphetamines, like Ritalin or Adderall, accelerate your heart rate. They send your nervous system into overdrive. Guess what else it speeds ... 're also at high risk for the common consequences of these ... continue reading
  • Snorting Tramadol

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

    ... In the case of tramadol, snorting will increase the speed at which the substance's effects are felt compared to ... the desire to snort tramadol may become as strong as the urge for food, water, sex, and love 5,6,7 . Sinus ... continue reading
  • What Recreational Drugs Cause Liver Damage? Drugs and Liver Disease

    The Function of the Liver The liver plays an extremely important role in the body. It ensures the removal of toxins and has numerous other functions, including: Fat metabolism: Liver cells—or hepatocytes—are able to process dietary and stored ...

    ... while others are classified as enzyme inhibitors, which reduce the speed at which a drug is broken down. In many cases, ... . Anabolic steroids. Recreational and illicit drugs: Heroin . 13 Inhalants . 14 Cocaine . 15 ... continue reading
  • Lethal Drug Combinations to Avoid

    What Are the Deadliest Drug Combos? Combining drugs (“polysubstance abuse”) is both common and potentially dangerous. There are various reasons why individuals use substances in combination. For some, the activity is done haphazardly, without ...

    ... if they have used cocaine with heroin, but this deception is a mere smokescreen. The reason for many of the deaths as a ... an individual's risk of addiction and the speed at which addiction develops. Secondly, particular ... continue reading
  • 4 Hangover “Cures” You Need to Ignore

    The lights are too bright. The noises are too loud. Your head's spinning. Your stomach's in turmoil. No, it's not the flu. You have a hangover. You had a few too many yesterday, and now you're paying for it. Beware the Miracle Remedy So, what can ...

    ... has to process it. It does so at roughly one drink per hour. Coffee doesn't speed up this detoxification, it just makes you wide awake for the process. Wash it off: Surely a brisk shower will send a shock to your system ... 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 ...

    ... may speed or slow down heart rate, increase or decrease blood pressure, and increase the risk for life ... inflamed, other sites on the body may be used. 21 Heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine are some of the most commonly ... 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 ...

    ... and their mechanism of action is similar to that of heroin . Examples of opioid pain medications include: Hydrocodone ( ... the brain and body. They can reduce the speed of your breathing and heartbeat and produce other ... 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 ...

    ... and even President's day. So, that's basically it for February, right? Well…actually it isn't. February is ... ” like speed or ecstasy . They cause severe tooth decay, jaw-clenching and dry mouth. Heroin: Heroin belongs to ... continue reading
  • What Could Illicit Drug Synthesis Expose You To?

    For the 44 million Americans aged 12 and older who used illicit drugs in 2014, the associated health risks are grave. But there's another risk that accompanies illegally manufactured substances - the exposure to hazardous chemicals. Clandestine drug ...

    ... , or even smoked in the form of “ice.” They speed up the body systems, which can cause a host of ... been the driving force behind this unfortunate upward trend. Heroin deaths have also skyrocketed. Tragically, in around 8 ... continue reading
  • Common Neurological Risks of Drug Abuse

    Brain Damage From Drugs While substance misuse may cause a user to feel short-lived euphoria or impart a sense of temporary wellbeing, the adverse effects of drugs can be dangerous and, in some instances, may lead to permanent brain damage. Chronic ...

    ... (CNS) stimulants , such as cocaine and methamphetamine, speed up brain activity, blood pressure, and heart rate ... as well as illicit drugs like heroin . Research suggests that long-term heroin use can cause the white matter ... 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 ...

    ... the National Institute on Drug Abuse reports heroin-related deaths have increased five-fold over the ... in and call 911 to request assistance. How to Find Help for Substance Misuse If you or a loved one is struggling with ... continue reading
  • Effects of Ketamine Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, and Side Effects

    Is Ketamine Dangerous? “It's easy to get ketamine abuse wrong because of its potency; it's more powerful than speed or coke weight for weight, so it's easy to accidentally overdose.” Like its sister drug CP, ketamine is a dissociative ...

    ... . However, it's easy to get ketamine abuse wrong because of its potency; it's more powerful than speed or coke weight for weight, so it's easy to accidentally overdose . Ketamine is typically injected or snorted , but it ... continue reading
  • Snorting Percocet

    Percocet is a prescription opioid containing both oxycodone and acetaminophen. While it is an effective pain reliever, as a Schedule II controlled drug it has a high potential for abuse due to the oxycodone in it. Oxycodone is a semisynthetic opioid ...

    ... to acute liver failure, which could result in the need for a liver transplant, or even death 1,2 . Recreational ... bring about a euphoric high is similar to that of heroin, which helps to explain why it can be so addictive ... continue reading
  • Vyvanse Side Effects, Short-Term and Long-Term Effects, and Treatment

    What Is Vyvanse Used For? Vyvanse is a brand name for the medication lisdexamfetamine that is prescribed to treat Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and binge-eating disorders. 1,2 Vyvanse belongs to a class of medicines known as ...

    ... Vyvanse for extended periods of time without any problem. However, if Vyvanse is misused or abused, it can speed up ... to help people taper off of drugs such as heroin , there are no medications approved by the Food ... continue reading
  • Side Effects of Librium Use, Withdrawal and Addiction Treatment

    What Is Librium Used For? Librium—which is a brand name formulation of chlordiazepoxide—belongs to a class of sedative medications known as benzodiazepines. Librium has been widely used as a treatment for anxiety and for managing the symptoms of ...

    ... , more frequently, or for a longer period of time than directed by a doctor, it can speed up the onset of ... . 1,2 Mixing alcohol or opioids —such as heroin or prescription painkillers—with Librium can increase the risk of ... 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 ...

    ... an extent. In other words, stimulants ( cocaine , speed , meth , Ritalin , Adderall ) mask the depressive ... pull the trigger on these three combinations. Get Help for Alcohol or Drug Addiction If you think you might have ... 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 ...

    ... marijuana and stimulants cause the heart rate to speed up, which can mimic physical symptoms of ... them more aware of what you see. 25 It can be helpful for you to offer to visit the doctor with your loved one, since ... continue reading
  • How to Stay Productive at Work While Still in Recovery

    We live in a very competitive society when it comes to finding a job and keeping it. Even for a person that's never tasted a drop of alcohol, it's still a challenge to find a good job and get accepted into a workplace. It becomes even worse when ...

    ... addiction, getting back to work can often actually help speed up your recovery; working gives you a sense of ... obvious productivity killer. If you don't need your phone for work purposes, try turning it off while you're at ... continue reading
  • Meth Abuse Signs, Symptoms, Effects, and Treatment

    Methamphetamine is a psychostimulant often abused for the euphoric “high” it provides. Some signs of meth abuse include frequent paranoia, agitation, sweating, insomnia, skin changes, weight loss, and more. Abusing this powerfully addictive drug ...

    ... on Drug Abuse also reports that methamphetamine use may speed up the progression of HIV/AIDS and worsen ... past year. These rates declined to 0.8% and 1.0% for 10 th and 12 th graders in 2014. This steep decline in teen ... continue reading
  • The Side Effects of Xanax: Pill Use and Short-Term and Long-Term Effects

    What Is Xanax Used For? Xanax (generic name: alprazolam) is a powerful benzodiazepine drug that is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain. 1,2 The medication comes in the form of a pill that quickly ...

    ... use should not be underestimated. You don't have to use it for a long time to begin experiencing some of the negative effects of ... and concentrating, general intelligence and psychomotor speed. 7 What Are the Side Effects ... continue reading
  • Long-Term Effects of Molly, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment

    MDMA Drug Information Ecstasy is the more common street name for 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine—a highly addictive, illicit drug also known as MDMA , or “Molly.” This drug shares chemical structural similarities with both amphetamine and ...

    ... by many names, including: 1,2 X. XTC. Lover's Speed. Adam. Eve. Peace. Clarity. The drug was developed by ... and more of it to achieve the same level of effects. For example, a new user of ecstasy may take a single tablet, ... continue reading
  • Effects of Clonazepam Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment

    What Is Clonazepam Used For? Clonazepam, commonly known by its brand name Klonopin , is a prescription medication commonly used for its anti-anxiety and anti-convulsant benefits. This medication is part of a larger group of substances called ...

    ... effects last. Some of these effects can affect the user for up to 24 hours. All benzodiazepines have depressant effects ... mind and reduction of anxiety. People with sped-up or racing thoughts will report slowed thinking ... continue reading
  • Clonazepam Abuse Symptoms and Addiction Treatment

    Introduction to Clonazepam Abuse What Is Clonazepam Used For? Clonazepam is a prescription drug that belongs to a group of medications called benzodiazepines . Clonazepam is known also by the brand name Klonopin . It is the third most commonly ...

    ... very similar properties, but they vary in their speed of onset and the duration of their effects. ... Like in the case of other drugs that carry the potential for abuse, Klonopin use can cause unwanted side effects . Taking ... continue reading
  • How to Help Someone With Adderall Addiction

    Help for Adderall Addicts Adderall is the brand name for a drug that contains two active ingredients: amphetamine and dextroamphetamine . These ingredients work to stimulate and speed up the body. Doctors use this drug in the treatment of ...

    ... Addicts Adderall is the brand name for a drug that contains two active ingredients: amphetamine and dextroamphetamine . These ingredients work to stimulate and speed up the body. Doctors use this drug in the treatment ... continue reading
  • Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms and Quitting Adderall Use

    What Is Adderall Used For? Adderall—a branded formulation of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine —is a stimulant that doctors prescribe for the management of: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Narcolepsy. As a prescription ...

    ... ,” “black beauties,” “dexies,” “pep pills,” “speed,” and “uppers.” 1 This drug is abused recreationally ... find your state government's website, do a web search for your state name and '.gov.' Once your state website is ... continue reading
  • Snorting Adderall: Side Effects and Addiction Treatment

    What Does Adderall Do? Adderall is a prescription stimulant used and abused for its ability to increase energy and mental focus, as well as for its potential to elicit pleasurable feelings at high enough doses. 1 It is prescribed for the treatment ...

    ... names, including “black beauties,” “uppers,” and “speed.” 1 Adderall is classified as a schedule II ... extended-release (XR) pill forms. Adderall IR's effects last for 4 to 6 hours, while Adderall XR's effects may last ... continue reading
  • Alcohol and Breastfeeding

    Some women are curious about whether they can drink alcohol while they are breastfeeding. While women are strongly advised to avoid drinking any alcohol during pregnancy, the recommendations on whether a woman can drink while breastfeeding are less ...

    ... known as “pumping and dumping.” This practice does not speed the removal of alcohol from the breast milk. Rather, ... drinks in 1 hour , it will take roughly 7 hours for your breast milk to be completely alcohol-free. If you ... continue reading
  • Meth Overdose Symptoms, Signs, Risk Factors, Prevention, and Treatment

    What Is Methamphetamine? Methamphetamine—most commonly known as “meth,” “crystal,” “speed,” and “ice”—is an addictive stimulant that causes users to experience an intense, euphoric rush. 1 Meth can be smoked, snorted, injected, ...

    ... most commonly known as “meth,” “crystal,” “speed,” and “ice”—is an addictive stimulant that causes ... permanent. Psychotic symptoms like hallucinations and paranoia may persist for up to one year. 5 Also, permanent physical ... 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 ...

    ... high, since in some cases snorting drugs can speed up and intensify their effects. However, it is ... cope with stress and adjust to living a sober life. For those seeking support in recovery, self-help groups—such as 12 ... continue reading
  • Snorting Vicodin: Side Effects, Dangers, and Addiction Treatment

    Vicodin is the brand name for a prescription medication that is frequently used for the treatment of moderate to moderately severe pain. Vicodin is comprised of two active pain relievers: 1 Hydrocodone —an opioid pain reliever. Hydrocodone it is a ...

    ... abusing it by oral routes because of the intensely rewarding speed of onset and strength of effects. Generally, addiction is ... health problems . Other signs to watch out for if you worry that someone you love is using ... continue reading
  • Snorting Vyvanse: Effects and Addiction Treatment

    What Is Vyvanse Used For? Vyvanse is the brand name of a medication prescribed to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and binge-eating disorder (BED). 1 This substance is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that interacts with ...

    ... taken orally. 3 In reality, snorting Vyvanse does not speed up or intensify effects . This is likely due to ... It is the compulsive use of a substance without regard for the dangers that such use could bring. Someone who ... continue reading
  • Snorting Hydrocodone

    Hydrocodone is an opioid substance used in many prescription medications to treat cough and pain. Hydrocodone is available in formulations of pure hydrocodone (Hysingla, Zohydro) or in combination with other pain relievers like ibuprofen ...

    ... substances, there is a direct relationship between the speed of onset and the strength of the drug ... come on strong, but in many cases, they will last for a shorter amount of time. The act of amplifying the absorption ... continue reading
  • History and Statistics of “Study Drugs”

    What Are “Study Drugs?” The colloquial term “study drugs” typically refers to prescription stimulant medications (such as Ritalin and Concerta) that are used to enhance aspects of a user's mental functioning, such as: Memory. Concentration. ...

    ... generations of people who have become addicted to “speed” since the 1930s. Additionally, the performance benefits that are so often associated with these drugs are, for the most part, illusory. Individuals with ADHD are ... continue reading
  • Mirror, Mirror: Aging Early Courtesy of Alcohol

    $2.1 billion. That's how much we spent on anti-aging skin care products in 2013. And that's just in the United States. Guess how much Americans spent on cosmetic surgery that year? $12 billion. Clearly, we want to look young and beautiful. Who ...

    ... could be one of those secrets we've been searching for. How? Alcohol accelerates the aging process. When drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, we speed toward wrinkles. Reducing our alcohol consumption can help us avoid ... continue reading
  • Unchain My Heart: The Real Impact of Booze

    Anyone who has experienced alcohol abuse firsthand knows how heartbreaking it can be. The emotional and relational damage left in its wake is devastating. Did you know this “heartache” is more than figurative? Believe it or not, the abuse of ...

    ... organs don't get the blood they need for healthy functioning and suffer severe damage too. Cardiomyopathy ... internal pacemaker to keep it pumping at the right speed. Alcohol interferes with this pacemaker, causing the ... continue reading
  • Joints vs. Edibles: How Marijuana Affects the Body

    The primary psychoactive component of marijuana (cannabis)—what deliver the “high,” in other words—is the substance tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). 1 THC's powerful, mind-altering effects derive from its interaction with and activation of the ...

    ... and eating an edible are reflected in the speed of onset of effects, the duration until peak ... elicit peak effects more slowly, and the effects may be felt for many hours. 8 The most important factor to remember, however, ... continue reading
  • The Effects of Alcohol on the Body

    Drinking alcohol puts you in a league with 70% of Americans who also do. And though nights spent with a beer, a glass of your favorite wine, or a mixed drink might seem like harmless fun, do you really know how it's affecting your body? Like all ...

    ... rate, disrupting its rhythm by causing it to speed up or beat irregularly. Worse, it can lead ... to battle bacteria or other foreign pathogens, making it easier for you to get sick. Effects of Alcohol on the Brain It ... continue reading
  • Your Brain on Drugs: Studying Cocaine's Effect on Blood Flow

    Stimulant drugs like cocaine can cause serious blood flow problems within the brain. When there is an insufficient flow of rich, oxygenated blood to the brain, it can result in aneurysm-like bleeding and strokes. Researchers have developed a new ...

    ... 2 repeated injections of the drug, Pan and his team noted a dramatic drop in blood flow speed. For the very first time, researchers were also able to identify cocaine-induced microischemia brought on by decreased blood ... continue reading
  • Seized

    In 2015, Border Patrol prevented more than 1.5 million pounds of marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and meth from entering the United States. 1 In the same year, the Coast Guard intercepted 72 vessels and more than 150,000 pounds of drugs. 2 These ...

    ... totals. They are also at least a year or two old, with the most recent complete figures for the “big four” - marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and meth 5 - being from 2014. 6 A lot has happened since then. Seven states have ... continue reading
  • Gray Death: The New Killer on the Street

    While heroin adulterated with fentanyl has been in the news in recent years and the risks are well-known, there is a new danger on the streets, and it's even deadlier. It is a frighteningly powerful combination of heroin and synthetic opioids known ...

    ... opioids known as “gray death.” America's battle with addiction is ever-growing and ever-changing. For many years, heroin has been one of the world's most notorious substances—from suggestions that you can become addicted ... continue reading
  • The 9 Most Expensive Drugs in America

    Each year, Americans spend nearly $100 billion on illegal drugs such as cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. These figures do not even account for the billions of dollars that are spent on prescription drugs each year—about $374 billion according ...

    ... year, Americans spend nearly $100 billion on illegal drugs such as cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. These figures do not even account for the billions of dollars that are spent on prescription drugs each year—about ... continue reading
  • Overdosed

    The United States is experiencing an epidemic of drug overdose deaths: every year, nearly 44,000 lives are tragically lost, with more than half of the fatalities caused by prescription drugs. We've analyzed the latest government data to find out why ...

    ... adult in the U.S. to have a bottle of pills. 7 We searched CDC's data for records that showed heroin and an opioid analgesic in decedents' systems at the time of their death and found the following dramatic increase ... continue reading
  • How Concerned Should We Be About Opiates?

    Opiates are a group of drugs that manage pain by depressing the central nervous system (CNS). There are two different kinds of opiates: natural and synthetic. Natural opiates come from the dried “milk” of the poppy plant and include opium, ...

    ... . Natural opiates come from the dried “milk” of the poppy plant and include opium, morphine, and codeine. Heroin, for example, is made from the sap-like opium of poppy plants. Once cultivated, the opium resin is refined ... continue reading
  • 12 of the Most Addictive Drugs

    Addiction affects millions of lives in the U.S. It is a chronic disease that frequently includes cycles of relapse and remission, and it is progressive without treatment or participation in recovery work. It is characterized by being unable to ...

    ... keep using the drug. 20 Heroin Heroin is a very addictive opioid drug. Heroin can cause euphoria, altered ... coverage levels, how to get your insurance company to pay for drug and alcohol rehab and also how to pay if ... continue reading
  • America’s Drug Awareness

    For the first time in a decade , the CDC reported that death rates in the United States have increased. While news outlets trumpet the increased violence rampant in many areas of the country, the public is largely unaware of a silent contributor - ...

    ... that the country has seen a decrease in availability - however, fatality rates for cocaine remain high in some areas. Availability of heroin remains high, and rates of both usage and overdose deaths have increased. The ... continue reading
  • If Old Drug Ads Told the Truth

    Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Through the late 19th century and mid-20th century, many of today's illicit drugs of abuse were available legally in the United States. Products containing cocaine, heroin, or amphetamine were readily available for ...

    ... - should have been promoted casually to unsuspecting consumers. The marketing of a pharmaceutical heroin product for children, for one, seems shocking, but highlights an industry naïve to the long-term consequences of ... continue reading
  • The Effects of Opiates on the Body

    Share on Twitter Share on Facebook They're potent, they're dangerous - and they could be in your medicine cabinet. In 2012, 259 million prescriptions for painkillers, such as Vicodin , OxyContin , and Opana, were written in the U.S. When used ...

    ... on your health. In addition to the hazards of overusing opioid painkillers, sharing needles for the injection of heroin or injecting crushed pills poses its own dangers. These substances and practices can affect almost ... continue reading
  • Drug Arrests Across America

    The Current Drug Landscape An estimated 24.6 million Americans aged 12 or over used an illicit drug in 2013. That's 9.4% of the population. 1 The number was similar in 2012 (9.2%), and in that year the FBI reports that there were 1.5 million drug ...

    ... 14 police incidents on average per day involving marijuana in Baltimore, compared to 3.3 for cocaine and 3 for heroin. Despite the variation in dot number across each of the maps above, their neighborhood distribution ... continue reading
  • The Rise of Drug Deaths in America

    This year, drug overdose deaths surpassed firearm deaths for the first time, making the issue of addiction and drug abuse an even greater concern for Americans . The public is aware of the numbers associated with overdose deaths; however, big ...

    ... deaths than Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, or pneumonia by 2024 . It would only take until 2020 for the yearly deaths associated with heroin to rise above 50,000 a year - exceeding the total number of lives claimed by either ... continue reading
  • Trafficking Statistics

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

    ... S. Fentanyl and acetyl fentanyl are often used by opioid-dependent individuals as a substitute for heroin, or they are added to heroin products to add bulk or enhance effects. A major threat to public health safety comes ... 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 ...

    ... brain. Someone explained it to her like this: The heroin interacts with receptors in your brain. Your continued use of heroin has made those receptors hungry for more. Ibogaine takes the hunger away by taking receptors ... continue reading
  • Effect of Drugs on the Kidneys: How Do Drugs Damage the Kidneys?

    Chronic drug and alcohol misuse can lead to severe kidney damage or failure. The damage is not always direct; some substances may indirectly cause harm to the kidneys via biologic events triggered outside of the renal system itself. These secondary ...

    ... renal damage in a few different ways: Coma due to heroin overdose can lead to rhabdomyolysis, 2 a condition characterized by ... of kidney complications, such as: 2 Sped-up progression of kidney disease in people with high ... continue reading
  • Prescription Painkiller FAQ

    What Are Prescription Painkillers? Prescription painkillers are opioid medications used to manage relatively severe pain (such as pain associated with surgical procedures or more chronic issues like cancer-related pain). 1, 2 They can be safe and ...

    ... dangerous drugs of abuse, such as heroin. 4 Like heroin, painkillers can produce profound respiratory ... free to join and have helped many sustain lasting sobriety. For help finding a program to end your addiction to opioid ... continue reading
  • Sentencing by State 2

    have led to overcrowded facilities, skyrocketing prison costs, and major social, economic, and political impacts. Currently, nearly half of all inmates in federal prisons are serving sentences for drug offenses. Many are fathers and mothers who miss ...

    ... prevalence in some states - including Connecticut, Maine, D.C., and Vermont. States that stood out for heroin offenses include Ohio, Vermont, and Delaware. Officials in Vermont (where crack cocaine comprised 29% of drug ... continue reading
  • Facts About Krokodil (The “Zombie Drug”)

    What Is Krokodil? Desomorphine (dihydrodesoxymorphine) or Krokodil, is an injectable opioid derivative of codeine. On the street and online, the drug is known as: Krokodil. Crocodile. Croc. Krok. Russian Magic. Poor Man's Heroin. The name ...

    ... States, meaning it has high abuse potential and no accepted medicinal use. Desomorphine: A Cheap Substitute for Heroin Krokodil use has spread rapidly across Russia, with at least 100,000 people having injected the drug ... 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 ...

    ... first method tried, but as a person develops a need for more frequent or fast-acting results, they may try injection. ... is largely limited to 3 main drug types: heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine. 2 However, nearly any ... continue reading
  • Methadone Programs: A Bad Treatment Plan for Addicted Parents?

    When it comes to the negative effects of substance abuse, addiction casts a wide net. Addicted parents, in particular, are faced with a unique set of challenges, as an opiate dependency ultimately affects the whole family. For thousands of parents ...

    ... rate of arrests in the United States. Overdose and Death Mortality rates are much higher for parents using methadone than for heroin users in general. 32 (25%) of the 130 families in the study experienced the death ... continue reading
  • Roxy Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment

    What Is Roxicodone Used For? Roxicodone (often called “roxies,” “roxy,” or “blues”) is one of the brand names for oxycodone —a powerful opioid prescription painkiller. Roxicodone is prescribed to alleviate pain that cannot be managed ...

    ... for oxycodone—was abused by 3.7% of high school seniors , according to a 2015 report . 3 This is especially worrying because opioid dependence and addiction is a major contributing factor to eventual heroin dependence ... continue reading
  • Can You Overdose on Painkillers?

    Some of the most predominantly prescribed pain management medications are opioid analgesics (painkillers). These prescription drugs interact with opioid receptors throughout the brain, initiating a chain of events that ultimately brings pain relief ...

    ... Scientists believe there are a number of reasons for the rise in the popularity of opioid ... more potent than morphine and much more potent than even heroin. Fentanyl has been linked with numerous fatalities in the ... continue reading
  • Drugs on Mars and Venus

    Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus is one of the most iconic books of the '90s, having sold more than 50 million copies. Its core theory is that men and women often think and act in dramatically different ways because of fundamental differences ...

    ... “fairly easy” or “very easy” to acquire them. The biggest gap was for heroin (which, as we've already seen, women on average try for the first time four years, four months before men). The percentage difference between ... continue reading
  • Is Tramadol the New OxyContin?

    The epidemic of painkiller addiction is well known, and OxyContin (oxycodone) has arguably been the most notorious prescription opioid at the center of this public health emergency. Drugs like OxyContin have filled the news in recent years due to ...

    ... quite often. In fact, the transition of opioid-dependent individuals from pills to heroin has been largely blamed for the dramatic increase in heroin use in the last decade 7 . Tramadol: The Emerging Concern Concern is ... continue reading
  • 30 Famous Musicians Who Have Battled Drug Addiction and Alcoholism

    1. Ozzy Osbourne Rockstar Ozzy Osbourne has long struggled with addiction. In fact, his heavy alcohol and drug abuse led to him being fired from Black Sabbath in 1978. 2. Kurt Cobain Kurt Cobain got to know his wife Courtney Love while they used ...

    ... Carter Aaron Carter was pulled over for speeding and possession of two ounces of marijuana in 2008. 23. Ray Charles The legendary Ray Charles was arrested multiple times for heroin possession but managed to avoid jail ... continue reading
  • Signs and Symptoms of Commonly Abused Drugs

    When you suspect that you or a loved one is struggling with a substance abuse problem, it's important to know some of the signs and symptoms of addiction to that drug. You can find a brief overview of the major drugs of abuse below. For a full list ...

    ... overview of the major drugs of abuse below. For a full list of substances. Alcohol Alcohol is one ... . Credit: National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA/NIH) Heroin Heroin is one of the most addictive and dangerous drugs a ... 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, ...

    ... stunned to learn of Hoffman's death in February of 2014. He died from a heroin overdose , despite being in recovery for more than two decades. Reports indicated that Hoffman had slipped back into prescription opioids and ... continue reading
  • Drugs in the News

    In a world grappling with issues of substance use and abuse, drugs are bound to see their days in the spotlight of our 24-hour news cycle. Maybe it's because of another tragic celebrity overdose, forcing us to confront the fact that even our heroes ...

    ... , seek help by calling today . Methodology For this project we scraped the internet for news articles containing the terms “Marijuana,” “Cocaine,” “Heroin,” Meth,” “MDMA,” “Ecstasy,” “OxyContin,” and “Xanax,” from 16 ... 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 ...

    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 ... , and the recipe of waiting for addicts to come into a clinic ... continue reading
Show More Results