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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 ...
... , so the effects of heroin are felt more quickly and more strongly than those of an equivalent amount of morphine . The powerful, euphoric high abusers feel when snorting , smoking, or injecting heroin often leads to ... continue reading -
Heroin Abuse Signs, Symptoms, Effects, Overdose, and Treatment
About Heroin Abuse What Is Heroin? Heroin is a substance that is both illegal and extremely addictive . The drug derives from opium from the poppy plant before it is refined to morphine, then further chemically modified to become heroin. Despite its ...
... sticky substance (tar heroin), and solid black chunks . These different forms of heroin can be smoked, snorted, or ... and enduring withdrawal effects. Opiate Overdose Perhaps the most serious effect of heroin use is the ... 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 ...
... plant. Heroin users may abuse the substance by: Smoking it. ... smoked, snorted, or injected, heroin acts quickly in the body —with each method's effects influenced by how soon it can reach the brain. Consider the speeds ... continue reading -
Effects of Heroin Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
Is Heroin Harmful? Heroin is the name for a modified version of morphine that is a very addictive and illegal opioid drug . The drug is available on the illicit market in a number of different varieties, with purer product tending to occur in white ...
... . Heroin may be smoked, snorted, or injected. Regardless of the type of heroin used, the drug acts quickly in the body to elicit its dramatic results. In short, heroin is very harmful. The speed and intense effects of ... 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 ...
... in liquid to be used intravenously . Heroin can also be smoked or snorted . Heroin can relieve pain, reduce anxiety, and ... discourage heroin misuse. When administered properly, the individual will experience the effects of ... 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 ...
... is very addictive. Its use is associated with a rewarding rush and pleasurable euphoria. Such heroin effects can strongly reinforce continued use of the drug. 4 Over time and with repeated administration, you can develop ... 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 ...
... a potentially deadly drug. In 2012, over 3,600 deaths in the U.S. were connected to heroin usage . If you're suffering the effects of heroin use and need help, don't wait to find treatment. Is a Loved One Struggling to ... 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. ...
... tar heroin.” There are a number of ways a person can use heroin, including by: 2 Injecting . Smoking. ... Effects of Snorting Heroin People can become addicted to heroin's analgesic (painkilling) and euphoric effects. Heroin ... 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 ...
... , heart infections, skin infections, and overdose. 20 Smoking Smoking both legal and illegal substances can cause dangerous long-term health effects. 19 Substances can be smoked by rolling cigarettes or cigars from the ... 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 ...
... more powerful than speed or coke weight for weight, so it's easy to accidentally overdose . Ketamine is typically injected or snorted , but it can be smoked or taken in pill form. The effects of smoking it or swallowing ... 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 ...
... not provide a high quite as rapidly or intensely as smoking the drug or injecting it directly into the bloodstream , ... because of the intensely rewarding speed of onset and strength of effects. Generally, addiction is seen ... 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 ...
... psychological effects the same as heroin's? Prescription painkillers and heroin are indeed very similar. While heroin ... making the initial transition to heroin typically do so by way of smoking or snorting. However, people ... 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 ...
... It can be swallowed, snorted , injected , or smoked. Symptoms and Signs of Methamphetamine Use Like other stimulant ... on Drug Abuse also reports that methamphetamine use may speed up the progression of HIV/AIDS and worsen ... continue reading -
Effects of Crystal Meth Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, & Side Effects
What Is Methamphetamine Used For? Methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant that can have long-lasting effects on the body. This is a man-made substance that—with the advent of other more efficacious prescription stimulants—now has limited ...
... smoked in a glass pipe . Less frequently, the drug is crushed up to be snorted or injected . Smoking speeds ... may be present. Methamphetamine assessment Test Long-Term Effects of Crystal Meth Use When taken over a long ... continue reading -
Crystal Meth Abuse Side Effects, Symptoms, and Addiction Treatment
What Is Crystal Meth? Crystal methamphetamine (crystal meth) is a powerful central nervous stimulant with highly addictive properties . Crystal meth is the illicit, crystalline form of methamphetamine. Legally manufactured methamphetamine is ...
... it is injected , smoked, or inhaled—an individual will experience a rapid onset of effects. When under the ... use of crystal meth more positively than that of heroin or crack cocaine. Drug education regarding the dangers ... continue reading -
Cocaine Addiction Side Effects, Symptoms, Withdrawal, and Treatment
Cocaine is a powerfully addictive stimulant drug that comes in the form of a white powder which is commonly snorted, smoked, or injected. 1 Its popularity as a recreational substance is in part due to its perceived positive effects on mood, ...
... use cocaine with other substances such as alcohol, heroin , and marijuana . These combinations can be ... another drug and the user is not aware). 11 Dangerous effects can occur due to polysubstance use. Mixing cocaine with ... 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 ...
... . The Heart of the Debate The problem is that prescription opioids like OxyContin mimic the effects of heroin in both the body and mind. The two drugs are virtually interchangeable, leading many addicts to jump from ... 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 ...
... with a stronger substance increases the high, but also the potential to experience dangerous physical heroin side effects . Opioids and other depressants severely impact breathing and in the case of overdose, breathing ... 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 ...
... -term euphoric effect, binding to opioid receptors in the brain and depressing the central nervous system. After the initial euphoria, heroin produces a drowsy state. Since heroin's an opioid, it produces effects similar ... 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 ...
... prompt body systems to not only slow down, but grind to a halt. The heroin/fentanyl combo is also one that sets in quickly. Effects are felt almost instantly and collapse occurs in a matter of seconds. Simply put; most ... 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 ...
... 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 segment of the nation - white ... 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 ...
... 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 hard a time putting pot on equal footing ... 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 ...
... your habit. That's nearly $55,000 per year. Heroin abuse comes with a pretty hefty price tag, unfortunately ... 11,148 per person. At more than $50K per user, heroin's cost blows those two diseases out of the water. The U ... 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 ...
... , injected), they enter the bloodstream rapidly, producing a stronger effect and posing significantly more dangers and risks. 2,3 The Link between Heroin and Prescription Opioid Abuse Because prescription opiates act on ... 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 ...
... tools you need to stay sober. A well-thought-out plan can help you identify and manage the signs of heroin relapse before things get worse. You can implement some of the elements of a relapse prevention plan on your own ... 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 ...
... one in rehab? Regain control of your life today and call us at . Why Should I Call a Heroin Helpline Number? Calling a heroin helpline does not mean you must commit to anything. All it means is that you are ready to get ... 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 ...
... -size devices that inject naloxone. Known as the opiate antidote, naloxone saves lives by reversing the effects of heroin. Learn more about the dangers of heroin abuse and addiction . Image Source: flickr/Cristian C 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 -
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 ...
... drugs 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 ... 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” ...
... it's alcohol to numb the noise of the world or speed or LSD to “inspire” them, the bohemian yet lonely world ... addiction to alcohol didn't help him. Hubert Selby Heroin and other painkillers were the demons of Requiem for ... 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 ...
... , and opioid withdrawal symptoms , as well as smoking cessation. Clonidine is available as both an immediate- ... potent psychoactive effects when smoked. Learn about the effects of hash use . What Is Heroin? Heroin is an ... 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, ...
... and the numbers of overdoses related to fentanyl-laced heroin have reached alarming heights. On the street, ... , the danger rises. The speed of onset. Intensity. Duration of effects. Speed of onset. Snorting fentanyl allows ... 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 ...
... 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 makes you get older ... continue reading -
Snorting Tramadol
Tramadol is a medication prescribed to treat moderate to moderately severe pain in adults and, in its extended release forms, to manage certain chronic pain conditions. Similar to other pain medications like oxycodone, morphine, and hydrocodone, ...
... /to get high. Does Snorting Tramadol Cause a Faster High? Altering the way a substance is delivered into the body can significantly change its impact in regards to the speed, intensity, or duration of the effects. The ... 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 ...
... the level of alcohol in your system. Just like coffee, the refreshing water may wake you up, but it doesn't speed up the process. But you will smell nicer. Take two and call me in the morning: Popping a couple of aspirin ... 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 ...
... Mouth's Worst Nightmare Unfortunately, drugs have terrible effects on the human body …including your teeth ... ” like speed or ecstasy . They cause severe tooth decay, jaw-clenching and dry mouth. Heroin: Heroin belongs to ... 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 ...
... related deaths have increased five-fold over the last 10 years. Since both of these opiates have a depressant effect ... a life-saving drug that reverses the depressing effects of opiates on the central nervous system. ... 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 ...
... or she may require increased doses to feel the desired effects of the drug. Over time, tolerance can facilitate ... designed 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 ...
... a doctor, it can speed up the onset of tolerance, give rise to number of damaging health effects, and ultimately lead ... who do not misuse the drug and is a normal effect of continued use of any drug, it can be a ... 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 ...
... the sedative effects of the other. Much like benzodiazepines, illegal opiates like heroin and prescription ... counteracts each substance's effects to an extent. In other words, stimulants ( cocaine , speed , meth , Ritalin ... 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 ...
... when abused. Side Effects Percocet's ability to bring about a euphoric high is similar to that of heroin, which helps to ... opioids, it can create an additive depressant effect and subject the user to serious respiratory ... 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 ...
... symptoms, and experience worse outcomes. 10,11 Both marijuana and stimulants cause the heart rate to speed up, which can mimic physical symptoms of anxiety and potentially exacerbate anxious thoughts. 12,13 Stimulants ... 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 ...
... be a good idea if you're really struggling with your addiction, getting back to work can often actually help speed up your recovery; working gives you a sense of purpose and keeps your mind off of unhealthy thoughts. By ... 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 ...
... speed up and intensify their effects. However, it is unclear whether snorting Valium actually intensifies its effects ... Valium to experience the same effects or experiencing less of an effect with the same amount. ... 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 ...
... body whether the substance was snorted or taken orally. 3 In reality, snorting Vyvanse does not speed up or intensify effects . This is likely due to the chemical formation of Vyvanse, which requires the substance to be ... 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 ...
... relationship between the speed of onset and the strength of the drug effects. Effects that are ... same dose, their body could be unprepared for the strong effects and experience an overdose 4 . Signs of hydrocodone overdose ... 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 ...
... speed. 7 What Are the Side Effects of Xanax Use? All medications have potential side effects, ... an increased frequency of use to achieve the same or similar effect that the substance had on you when you began taking it. ... 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 ...
... and certain hallucinogens, and it elicits both stimulant and sensory altering effects. 1 MDMA is known by many names, including: 1,2 X. XTC. Lover's Speed. Adam. Eve. Peace. Clarity. The drug was developed by a German ... 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 ...
... -term effects of clonazepam are: Relaxation of the mind and reduction of anxiety. People with sped-up or ... stops taking clonazepam, they will experience a rebound effect. This means that the problems which the medication ... 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 ...
... , but they vary in their speed of onset and the duration of their effects. Primarily, clonazepam is used to ... amounts of clonazepam in order to achieve the same effect. The development of tolerance may trigger the onset of ... 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 ...
... obtained through snorting Adderall, swallowing the pills, or smoking Adderall. In a 2009 study published by the ... and symptoms that range from short-term side effects to long-term consequences. Common signs of Adderall ... 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 ...
... the aging process. When drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, we speed toward wrinkles. Reducing our alcohol consumption can help us avoid the following alcohol aging effects . Wrinkled Skin Most of us know that alcohol ... 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 ...
... its systems . The following list details the possible effects of alcoholism. Cardiomyopathy (a Broken Heart): Myopathy ... pacemaker to keep it pumping at the right speed. Alcohol interferes with this pacemaker, causing the ... 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 ...
... better ways to understand drugs such as cocaine and their effects on the brain. With these new imaging methods, ... and his team noted a dramatic drop in blood flow speed. For the very first time, researchers were also able ... 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 ...
... of THC concentration or potency, swiftness of effect onset, and longevity of these symptoms depending ... speed of onset of effects, the duration until peak effects are experienced, and the longevity of the effects. Smoking ... 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. ...
... mirror images of each other, and nearly all of the effects of methylphenidate come from D-TMP, while L-TMP ... is needed compared to Ritalin to get the same effect . Dexmethylphenidate was first introduced in 2002, and ... 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 ...
... in minuscule doses or with minimal contact, the effects of the drug are serious and can include immediate ... what's in the batch), someone trying to take the amount of heroin they are used to taking can die in minutes. 5,7 ... 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 ...
... . Seven states have passed new marijuana laws, and a heroin epidemic continues to claim more lives each year than ever ... not neighboring Mexico, Idaho still suffers the effects of Mexican meth trafficking, being named as ... continue reading -
The 9 Most Expensive Drugs in America
Each year, Americans spend nearly $100 billion on illegal drugs such as cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. These figures do not even account for the billions of dollars that are spent on prescription drugs each year—about $374 billion according ...
... , and Vicodin, illegally. What's most disturbing is that these drugs produce effects similar to heroin, putting users on a dangerous path to heroin use. Each year, health insurance companies spend up to $72.5 billion ... 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, ...
... scientists synthesized methadone for military troops. Although chemically unlike morphine or heroin, methadone is able to produce many of the same effects. The effects of methadone are long-lasting, working for up to 24 ... 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 ...
... is that crack is usually smoked. Crack is more potent than powder cocaine, and smoking crack causes the high to be ... or heroin. Buprenorphine also has a “ceiling effect” where, starting at moderate doses, the effects of ... 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 ...
... the total number of lives claimed by either Parkinson's or pneumonia at this time. Two years later in 2022, heroin deaths would be less than 5,000 short of 100,000 deaths yearly and would claim almost 20,000 more deaths ... 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 ...
... with painkiller misuse can be similar to that of an illicit drug like heroin. People who repeatedly attempt to elicit such rewarding, euphoric effects may find themselves falling quickly into a cycle of compulsive misuse ... 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 ...
... it seemed nothing could help. Would she always be addicted to heroin? Was there anything she hadn't tried? During her most ... in the U.S.) Ibogaine can cause severe side effects , including: Ataxia (loss of control of body ... 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 ...
... produce a euphoric high similar to oxycodone and heroin. Despite having similar effects to these drugs, tramadol is also up ... not well understood, the risk of this side effect is higher in individuals with a history of ... 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 ...
... Yoko Ono Musician Yoko Ono has openly admitted to heroin addiction. She has even claimed that she and John ... , but has since come clean. His reflections on the ill effects of drug use in his music are touching. 16. Elton ... 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 ...
... . The Snowball Effect of Methadone While opiate addiction clearly has far-reaching negative effects, a core ... rates are much higher for parents using methadone than for heroin users in general. 32 (25%) of the 130 families ... 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 ...
... Health estimates there are 11,000 people addicted to heroin in San Francisco. It is estimated that thousands ... opioid cravings. That means people can't feel the effects of opioid drugs or overdose if they do happen to ... 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 ...
... anxiety, while the fentanyl delivers the lethal effects. Barring legal complications or appeals, this ... pounds of fentanyl and nearly 50 pounds of fentanyl-laced heroin out of circulation. Seized from an apartment in Queens ... continue reading -
5 Movies That Will Make You Never Want to Do Drugs Again
Hollywood has a knack for glamorizing controversial subjects and drug use is certainly one of them. Yet for every Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas or Trainspotting , there are also those films that will make you never want to touch drugs again. Here ...
... . Needle Park takes its name from a popular hangout for heroin users on Manhattan's Upper West Side, where much of ... in your mind. Learn more about the symptoms and side effects of drug use . How to Find Help for Drug or ... 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 ...
... a dissociative anesthetic that may have hallucinogenic effects. While this assessment does not replace a ... . This class of drug encompasses both illicit heroin as well as morphine and prescription opioid painkillers ... 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 ...
... used to reverse overdose from opioids like heroin and prescription painkillers. But there are people ... , and that the nation's death toll from heroin and prescription opioids would be significantly higher without it ... continue reading -
First Responders Worry About Accidental Fentanyl Exposure
Fentanyl. It's known to be 50 times more potent than heroin, and a speck the size of a few grains of salt can kill. By now, you've probably heard of this beast and the toll it's taken on so many lives around the country. A whopping 5554 people ...
... continue to surge into 2017 as street drugs like heroin and cocaine are unknowingly laced with fentanyl. Proceed With ... with fentanyl , the onset of adverse health effects is rapid and profound. Symptoms, such as ... continue reading -
Why Don’t We Have Addiction Vaccines?
After three decades of research, people with addiction still have few medication options. While there are a handful of modestly effective FDA-approved drugs to treat alcohol, nicotine and opioid-use disorders, there are none at all for cocaine, ...
... an opioid receptor antagonist, can block the intoxicating effects of alcohol and opioids—but again, only for ... as reduced cravings. 14 In 2013, a similar anti-smoking vaccine, Niccine, failed in Phase II trials. 15 Cocaine ... continue reading -
Injecting Drugs: 9 Hidden Dangers
Did you know that injecting drugs into your body can increase your risk for a number of health problems? Additionally, did you know that injection-related injuries not only include bruising, scarring, and venous injury, but also infectious diseases ...
... , the back of the hands become puffy, except for the fingers. It has been noted that a contaminant of heroin, called quinine, may cause puffy hand syndrome. Sooting Tattoos PWIDs will sometimes use a match to flame a ... continue reading -
Percocet Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment
Since the mid-1990s, rates of prescription drug abuse have skyrocketed. Today, the widespread abuse of prescription medication—whether this involves opioid painkillers, sedatives, or stimulants—is being recognized as a serious national health ...
... analgesic—or narcotic painkiller—with similar effects to heroin and morphine . Acetaminophen, the ... these drugs. Credit: Consumer Reports Long-Term Side Effects of Percocet Abuse Percocet abuse can lead to dependence ... continue reading -
The Effects of Vicodin Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
What Is Vicodin Used For? Vicodin is an prescription painkiller medication that is comprised of two substances: Hydrocodone . Acetaminophen . Hydrocodone is an opiate drug that works as a pain reliever and is useful in managing multiple levels of ...
... that are similar to those of other opiates , such as morphine and heroin. Opiate effects are achieved when the substance enters the body and connects to opioid receptors . These receptors are located throughout the ... continue reading -
Who Manufacturers All these Crazy Semi-Legal Designer Drugs?
Designer drugs have been subject of much media attention of late, as the Internet has made obtaining them easier than in the past. In many cases, it's simpler to order designer drugs online than to try to obtain street drugs. Designer drugs can be ...
... just as dangerous if not more so than drugs like heroin, cocaine , and marijuana . Designer drugs are drugs created ... these preparations are similar does not mean that the effects of taking drugs are known. Even a very ... continue reading -
How to Help a Morphine Addict
With approximately 52 million people in the U.S. having used prescription drugs nonmedically in their lifetime, widespread addiction to drugs like morphine is increasingly becoming a problem. When someone begins to engage in abuse morphine, it's ...
... own inherent dangers and, alarmingly, can often progresses to heroin use. The Centers for Disease Control Director, Tom Friedan, ... grips of an addiction to morphine. Side effects that may indicate a problem include: Nausea ... continue reading -
The Forefathers of Modern Illicit Drugs
While illicit drugs are a major concern in today's society, many of them didn't start off as recreational. On the contrary, many started off with medicinal and anesthetic purposes. Here's a look at some of the forefathers of modern illicit drugs, ...
... of the forefathers of modern illicit drugs, without whom heroin, cocaine, LSD, meth, and morphine would either be ... decided to re-examine it and discovered LSD's effects upon absorbing a tiny bit through his fingertips. He ... continue reading -
20 Genius Minds and the Drugs They Were Addicted To
Intelligence doesn't preclude people taking drugs any more than fame does. When those who are under stress need to relax, some turn to drugs or drink as an escape from reality. Others do it because they believe it enhances their creativity or allows ...
... started partying hard, eventually being arrested multiple times between 1996 and 2001. He admitted to smoking crack , trying heroin, and pretty much doing every single drug under the sun. Still, he eventually managed to ... continue reading -
Let's Talk About the Elephant Tranquilizer in the Room
It's 10,000 times more potent than morphine. It's 100 times more powerful than fentanyl . What is it? Carfentanil. Designed as a tranquilizer for elephants, this deadly substance has made its way into our nation's illegal drug market. It's often ...
... spread, thanks to users' who constantly seek more powerful drugs to get high. But this isn't your typical street heroin . Carfentanil's extreme potency doesn't mean it gives a “better” high; it means it will kill you. It ... 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 ...
... after surgery. This medication is 50 times stronger than heroin and, needless to say, it can be very addictive ... increases. Adjustments to your medication need to be made to avoid serious side effects. Image Source: iStock continue reading -
Facing Reality: 8 Shocking Drug and Alcohol Abuse Statistics
It's no secret that drugs and alcohol can have detrimental consequences on your mind, body, and life. They are indiscriminate in who they affect; anyone who abuses alcohol or drugs is at risk for developing an addiction. Although they are sometimes ...
... who don't. 1 Opioid painkillers and heroin share a very similar chemical structure and produce virtually identical effects. Painkillers are often more expensive than heroin and thus, many individuals addicted to opioids ... 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 ...
... , its overall effects are less than those of full agonist opiates like heroin and methadone. ... just no data to indicate the efficacy of Suboxone is hampered by smoking cigarettes. You Can't Get High on Suboxone Not true. ... 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 ...
... , gray death can be injected, snorted, swallowed, or smoked. So, why in the world would anyone want to ... Oftentimes, users don't have a way of telling if the heroin they've purchased is pure or if it's laced with something ... 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 ...
... making it impossible to get high off of drugs like heroin, OxyContin, and Vicodin. In its injectable form, Vivitrol lasts ... however, is that little is known about the effects of Vivitrol on pregnant women or fetuses. In a ... continue reading -
Ruthless Drug Dealer Ordered to Pay for His Client’s Funeral
Opioid abuse is killing thousands of Americans each year. Every day, nearly 100 lives are lost to the opioid epidemic. Many of these fatalities are caused by a deadly drug that's secretly added to baggies of heroin (or cocaine) as a cheap way for ...
... the opioid epidemic. Many of these fatalities are caused by a deadly drug that's secretly added to baggies of heroin (or cocaine) as a cheap way for dealers to add weight to their product. You've probably heard of this ... continue reading -
Ibogaine: Miracle Cure or Dangerous Botanical?
We all know healthcare providers and researchers are desperate to find solutions to the opioid crisis, but are they overlooking a possible cure? The answer, according to a recent article , appears to be yes. The article, which was published by The ...
... with sugar tastes horrible.” Ten months later, the former heroin user hasn't experienced a relapse and once again ... He is, however, dealing with one unexpected side effect: a congenital heart problem. This is an issue he ... continue reading -
Fentanyl Abuse Symptoms, Effects, and Addiction Treatment
What Is Fentanyl Used For? Fentanyl is a synthetic opiate pain reliever. It's typically prescribed to patients for severe pain or injury , or after they have undergone surgery. It works quickly to eliminate any pain in the body. However, it can also ...
... out for illicit purposes due to its powerful pain-relieving and relaxing effects. Fentanyl is sometimes mixed with heroin or cocaine to heighten the effects of the two. Combining these drugs is extremely dangerous , as ... continue reading -
Opioids: Side Effects, Signs of Abuse, and Addiction Treatment
Opioids are substances that are known for their pain-relieving effects. They include both legal and some illegal substances that may have the potential for misuse, which can potentially lead to dependence and/or addiction. 1 If you or someone you ...
... , can create a rewarding sense of euphoria. This effect can make a person want to repeat the experience ... or death due to a lack of oxygen. Long-term effects of opioid use can include: 14 An increased risk of addiction ... continue reading -
Effects of Opioid Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
What Are Opioids Used For? Opioids are a class of drugs that includes prescription painkillers such as oxycodone (Oxycontin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), codeine , and morphine ; synthetic opioids including fentanyl ; and the illegal drug heroin . 1,2 ...
... opioids including fentanyl ; and the illegal drug heroin . 1,2 Prescription opioids are prescribed to ... , and very addictive—a dangerous combination. Opioid Side Effects The biggest advantage to opioids is that they're ... continue reading -
Oxycodone Abuse Signs, Symptoms, Effects, and Treatment
What Is Oxycodone Used For? “Those addicted to prescription opiates like oxycodone are 40 times more likely to develop a heroin abuse problem.” Oxycodone is a pain-relieving drug that is prescribed frequently to address moderate-to-severe pain. ...
... are 40 times more likely to develop a heroin abuse problem.” Oxycodone is a pain-relieving drug ... experience the effects of oxycodone, it begins to adjust so that the same amount will have a decreased effect . This ... continue reading -
What You Need to Know About ‘Zombie Drug’ Krokodil
Krokodil (Crocodil) is a homemade version of a synthetic drug called desomorphine. As the name deso-morphine suggests, the chemical is in the opiate family and closely mimics the effects of heroin and morphine. Pure desomorphine is a very addictive ...
... . As the name deso-morphine suggests, the chemical is in the opiate family and closely mimics the effects of heroin and morphine. Pure desomorphine is a very addictive substance with a high potential for abuse . The ... 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 ...
... prescription opioid medication or uses illicit opioids such as heroin, you may wish to learn more about naloxone, ... Any Side Effects of Naloxone? Naloxone is a safe medicine and side effects are rare. It has no effect on ... continue reading -
What Does It Mean to Be Dope Sick?
Bill found John curled up on the couch; he looked miserable. Bill asked, “What's wrong with you?” “I'm sick, man. You got any?” was John's weak response. As Bill suspected, John was in withdrawal. An active heroin user, John was low on cash ...
... response. As Bill suspected, John was in withdrawal. An active heroin user, John was low on cash and hadn't been able ... best option, since dope sickness can cause serious dangerous effects on the body and mind. You may be ... continue reading -
6 Facts You Need to Know About Opiate Withdrawal
The United States has the highest rate of opioid use per capita in the world. As a nation, we consume 80% of the world's opioid supply. 1 In 2014, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that 1.9 million people aged 12 or older had a ...
... is a short-term syndrome that can have long lasting effects. Due to the prevalence of opioids, the incidence ... 24 hours of birth for short half-life drugs such as heroin, or be delayed for 7 days or longer for long half ... 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 ...
... or juice prior to being taken. Buprenorphine is a synthetic opioid that produces weaker euphoric effects than say, heroin or methadone. Like methadone, it helps you during withdrawal because it reduces or eliminates your ... continue reading -
AmeRxica’s Most Medicated
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, over 54 million people have used prescription medication non-medically - effectively more than 20 percent of the population aged 12 and older. When our doctor puts pen to paper and hands us a ...
... with alcohol , it can take over seven hours for the effects of GHB to fully wear off. In total, over 220 ... , which has also resulted in an increase in heroin-related deaths. Other states like Arkansas, West Virginia, and ... continue reading -
Effects of Roxicodone Addiction
Roxicodone (“Roxy”) is one available brand version of oxycodone—a powerful semi-synthetic opioid painkiller. 1,2 The medicinal effect of opioids like oxycodone is brought on by a change in the way the brain and body respond to pain. Rather ...
... , oxycodone's effects are essentially indistinguishable from those of heroin (another full opioid ... program today. Oxy's Short-Term Effects The primary short-term effect of Roxicodone, like other prescription opioids, ... continue reading
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