States That Have Kaiser Permanente

Three Lethal Drug Combinations That Can Kill You

We all know that certain drugs can cause dangerous interactions when taken together, but some people either don't take the threat seriously or they're simply uninformed when it comes to specific chemicals and substances. Most Dangerous Drug ...

States Move to Ban Synthetic Urine

More and more states are moving to ban an increasingly popular mechanism used to defeat drug tests. Synthetic urine, otherwise known as fake pee, has come under fire with lawmakers , who say the liquid gives drug users a way to sidestep screening ...

The State of Alcohol in America

These days, picking your poison can get pretty complicated. Americans are drinking more frequently and intensely than ever before and selecting from an ever-expanding array of options. The craft beer explosion continues—there are more than 5,200 ...

How to Find Government- or State-Funded Drug and Alcohol Rehab Centers Near Me

Many individuals struggling with drug abuse and alcohol addiction do not seek treatment because of the cost. However, even for addicts and alcoholics in need who have no health insurance or who cannot pay for the overall costs of rehab, there are ...

5 Controversial Thoughts We Have About Addiction

Addiction is a highly controversial word that tends to stir up debate: ask 10 people their opinion on the matter and you'll wind up with 10 contrasting answers. But despite differing opinions, people are finally talking about addiction instead of ...

Commonly Abused Drugs | Examples of Drugs That Are Abused

Find Drug or Alcohol Addiction Treatment Programs If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, help is available and recovery is possible. Treatment can start anyone battling a substance use problem on the path to a healthier and happier ...

Ice Bugs: Don’t Scratch That Phantom Itch!

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

Underage Drinking Across the United States

Using alcohol in ways that are illegal and irresponsible is both risky and dangerous to those who partake in such behavior, but especially so when those individuals are underage. Dependency, particularly when it involves alcohol, can take years off ...

Public Restrooms Have Become Ground Zero in Opioid Epidemic

The opioid epidemic has impacted countless families, but according to a recent article on NPR.org , people aren't the only ones affected. Public restrooms have become the newest casualty in the midst of the drug epidemic sweeping across our country. ...

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 ...

Drug Abuse Policies in the United States

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

I’m Having Opiate Withdrawals – Am I Addicted?

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

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 ...

30 Famous Athletes Who Have Battled Drug Addiction and Alcoholism

1. Michael Phelps Eight-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer Michael Phelps has not only plunged into the water, but also into drugs. In 2009, he lost his endorsement contract with Kellogg's after a photo emerged of him taking a hit of marijuana . 2. ...

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

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

15 Warning Signs That Your Kid May Be Using Drugs

Kids are a source of worry for every parent. You look after them for years, and you hope that they end up turning our alright. While there are hundreds of books and articles on how to raise your kids, few really work that well, and it's all down to ...

30 Famous Celebrities Who Have Done Drugs and Battled Addiction and Alcoholism

1. Drew Barrymore Former child star Drew Barrymore's drug abuse in her teenage years found her controversial fame, including two trips to rehab that motivated her to get back on track with her career. 2. Mary-Kate Olsen “Full House” actress ...

10 Ways Drug Abuse Hurts You and Those Around You

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

7 Not-So-Subtle Signs That a Friend Is Struggling With Alcoholism

I have a girlfriend I'm worried about—let's call her Candace. She chugs cocktails, can't hold down a job, and causes drunken scenes like it's nobody's business. She wears the pain on her face and you can feel anger wafting off of her from across ...

Has Kombucha Gotten a Bad Rap?

Often touted as a miracle elixir, Kombucha offers a plethora of health benefits. For those who don't know, Kombucha is a fermented beverage made from tea, sugar, bacteria, and yeast. It's available in most health food stores in a variety of flavored ...

Cocaine Addiction: Have Scientists Finally Found a Cure?

The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that an estimated 1.5 million Americans use cocaine. In 2015, our nation saw more than 6,700 cocaine-related deaths. Research indicates that around 40% of drug-related emergency department visits involve ...

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, ...

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

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

State Sentencing: How Drug Sentencing Varies Across the U.S.

Rise of the Study Drug

In the United States, a Schedule II drug is one that has some accepted medical use, but at the same time a high potential for abuse that may lead to severe psychological and physical dependence. Cocaine, morphine and methadone are all Schedule II ...

Voices From Both Sides of the Medical Marijuana Debate

About eight months ago, I moved to California from Texas - two states that have very different viewpoints when it comes to legalizing medical marijuana . The drug seems to be everywhere here, smoked by people walking across the street or consumed in ...

Hash Side Effects, Symptoms of Abuse, and Addiction Treatment

What Is Hashish? Hashish is a product extracted from the trichomes (fine hair-like outgrowths) of the cannabis plant, as well as from the flowers and fragments of leaves and stems. Hashish is typically sold in blocks of solid resinous preparations, ...

When Does Medical Marijuana Use Morph into Full-Blown Addiction?

In more US states, marijuana is becoming legalized and socially accepted as treatment for a range of illnesses. But, like many medicines, it can lead to misuse and dependence. So, how do you know where to draw the line? Relief Turns to Habit Joseph, ...

Weed Gets a “Fancy” New Name: Craft Cannabis

We've become a country consumed with what goes into our food products. While many want organic foods, others want gluten-free meals and non-GMO practices. It looks like this trend has expanded to include drug use. The latest trend in marijuana is ...

The Effects of Dextroamphetamine Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment

What Is Dextroamphetamine? Dextroamphetamine is a prescription stimulant used in the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Dextroamphetamine is commonly found under the brand names Dexedrine and ProCentra, as ...

The Thief: 7 Things Addiction Steals From Us

Addiction is much more than a psychological or physical reliance on substances or behaviors; it's a physical, emotional and spiritual issue that puts blinders on our perspective, corrodes our value systems, and compromises our ability to prioritize ...

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 ...

The 10 Most Insane Drug Addict Movie Characters

Insanity is a hard thing to define, but there are a number of characters in films who are definitely nuts in some way. Here's a quick rundown: 1. Francis Begbie Francis Begbie from Trainspotting was played by Robert Carlyle. A violent, intimidating ...

Side Effects of Tussionex Abuse

Tussionex, a prescription cough medicine, contains a mixture of hydrocodone (an opioid pain reliever) and chlorpheniramine (an antihistamine). In 2008, the FDA issued an alert regarding the dangers of misusing Tussionex, stating that abusing it can ...

Released From Prison… and Still Addicted to Substances

There are over 2.3 million people in American prisons and jails, making the U.S. the most heavily incarcerated country in the world. More than 65% of this segment meet medical criteria for substance addiction, but they are provided with few ...

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a method of psychotherapy first developed by Marsha Linehan that has since proven effective in treating a variety of mental health disorders. 1 In this article, you will get an in-depth look at DBT therapy ...

Xanax Addiction Treatment

Xanax Addiction is widespread! The more common a drug becomes the greater chance it has at becoming abused by the general public. Xanax is a commonly prescribed short-term drug used to treat severe anxiety and panic disorders, though due to its now ...

Party Culture and Substance Use

Three out of five college students actively drink alcohol, and more than half of them practice binge drinking - or drinking enough to significantly raise blood alcohol content (BAC) levels in a short span of time. Typically, this means four drinks ...

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 ...

Opioid Overdose Symptoms and Treatment

Opioids are a class of substances that includes many synthetic and semi-synthetic drugs manufactured from opiate alkaloid precursors found in the opium poppy. Some of the most commonly prescribed opioid medications— Vicodin , OxyContin , and ...

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

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

Methadone Overdose Symptoms, Prevention, and Addiction Treatment

Methadone is a long-acting opioid agonist that works by reducing the effects of other opioids. 1 It is FDA-approved for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD), and it can be used on a short-term or long-term basis to help reduce opioid-related ...

Find a Substance Abuse Rehab Center or Resource in Hawthorne, NJ

In 2016, 27 Hawthorne residents were admitted to treatment for alcohol as their primary drug of abuse, while 32 were admitted for heroin as their primary addiction. 1 In larger Passaic County, nearly 2,000 people sought rehab for alcohol addiction, ...

Countering the Myths About Methadone: Is it Right for You?

Methadone maintenance has been around for years as an effective treatment for opioid dependency. However, its use remains controversial, and there's seemingly no end to the myths and false information aimed at discouraging anyone from using it as a ...

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 ...

The Vicious Attack Against Suboxone Continues

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

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 ...

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, ...

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 ...

Drug and Alcohol Misuse and Cancer Risk

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

Dextroamphetamine Abuse Symptoms, Effects, and Treatment

What Is Dextroamphetamine Used For? Dextroamphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant prescribed for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. This substance is also known by specific brand names such as ...

Flexeril Overdose Signs, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Prevention, and Treatment

What Is Flexeril? Flexeril, a branded form of cyclobenzaprine, is a muscle relaxant that can treat musculoskeletal pain and stiffness, such as that which is associated with muscle spasms. This drug works by decreasing somatic motor activity , 1 ...

Dangers of Drinking Alcohol During Pregnancy

When a woman uses drugs during pregnancy, it can result in negative health effects for both her and her baby-and alcohol is no exception. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can lead to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) and several other birth ...

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 ...

Drug Abuse Careers

Many careers exist in the field of drug abuse treatment and prevention . The drug abuse treatment field is a rewarding career choice for many people, as it makes a difference in the lives of millions of people annually. Those who work in this field ...

Should We Offer Suboxone in Jails and Prisons?

Of the hundreds of thousands of people entering our country's jails and prisons each year, an estimated 15% are addicted to opiates, according to a 2009 study. However, a majority of these facilities don't provide a single medication or moment of ...

Get the Facts on Substance Abuse

Substance abuse is a major issue in the United States. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 40.3 million people aged 12 or older had a substance use disorder (SUD) in 2020—with 28.3 million struggling with an ...

Clinking to Covid? Americans consumed an average of 17 drinks per week in 2020

Clinking to Covid? Americans consumed an average of 17 drinks per week during lockdown, reveals survey • 1 in 4 drinkers admit they drank more during lockdown due to it being cheaper than going out to drink. • 1 in 3 employees admitted to ...

Busting 6 Alcohol Myths: Fact or Fiction?

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

.08: Why Is This the “Magic” Number?

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

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

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

History of Drug Abuse and Addiction in the U.S. and Throughout the World

What Is the History of Substance Abuse Rehabilitation? As drugs have been abused for hundreds of years all over the world, their effects have been felt for just as long. For as long as drugs have been used, there have been those who have abused ...

5 Things About Kratom You Need to Know

Recently, a drug called kratom, has come into the center of national controversy.Also referred to as 'ketum' or 'kakuam', taking kratom produces opiate-like effects. Kratom is legal in the U.S. and many people begin taking the drug to help with ...

Political Parties on Drug Use

A recent Pew Research Center survey indicated that 86 percent of Americans believe the country is more politically divided than ever before. Polarized viewpoints surrounding topics like immigration and foreign trade are broadcasted daily on ...

I’m a Millionaire and I Need to Go to Rehab. Where Do I Go?

You've realized you have an issue, whether it's a heroin or coke addiction or a sex addiction, so you need to find somewhere nice to attend rehab. Naturally, you want somewhere that's a little more exclusive to avoid running into someone who might ...

Buzzkill: Mary Jane’s Not as Relaxing as You Think

Mellow. This is the word many people associate with marijuana. Take a few tokes and you'll feel relaxed. As it takes effect, your stress just melts away. Mary Jane is smooth and easygoing. Right? Not so fast… It's a common claim, but a recent ...

How to Help an Ecstasy Addict

Help for Ecstasy Addicts The full name for ecstasy is 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, or MDMA. It is a synthetic drug that has psychoactive effects on users. It is produced and available in many forms. It is similar chemically to the hallucinogen ...

What Drugs Cause the Most Insane Behavior?

Many substances that are addictive cause mental changes or unusual behavior. Even if a substance does not inherently have mind-altering properties, people who are addicted to it may display strange behavior if they need the drug are unable to obtain ...

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 ...

Christian Rehab Centers for Drug and Alcohol Addiction

Deciding to get help for drug or alcohol addiction can be one of the most impactful and important decisions you ever make. There are many factors to consider when choosing a suitable treatment facility. These may include the location of the ...

Shackled to a Methadone Clinic

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

Are You Really Addicted to Marijuana? Is Anyone?

More Americans are becoming aware that drug addiction is a disease and not a character flaw, but many continue to find it difficult to believe that marijuana addiction is real. This could be because they experimented with weed at one point and ...

Side Effects of Hydrocodone Misuse & Addiction

Hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic opioid that has a similar effect to morphine and is prescribed as a cough suppressant or to manage specific types of pain. 1 The most commonly known brands of hydrocodone are Vicodin and Lortab. 1 In this article, you ...

How to Help an Alprazolam Addict

Help for Alprazolam Addicts Alprazolam—marketed under the brand name Xanax —is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety and panic disorders . Similar to the effects of alcohol, alprazolam works by depressing brain functions . Abuse of this drug ...

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 ...

Dexedrine Abuse Signs, Symptoms, and Addiction Treatment

What Is Dextroamphetamine Used For? Dexedrine is the brand name for an extended-release formulation of dextroamphetamine , a central nervous system stimulant prescribed to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. ...

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 ...

Ryan Haight Act Stands in the Way of Buprenorphine Telehealth

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

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 ...

7 Famous Stoners Who Got Sober

Throughout the years, tons of famous names have been connected with marijuana use. And while a number of celebs continue abusing weed, plenty of them have chosen to leave the drug behind. For some, having children and growing older served as ...

How to Help a Hydrocodone Addict

How to Approach a Hydrocodone Addict The abuse of hydrocodone can lead to serious health and social consequences, making the support of family and friends a priority. Loved ones can play an important role in helping an addicted individual seek ...

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 ...

Effects of Alcohol Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment

While alcohol is widely used in the United States, it can have an array of harmful effects. A 2019 survey reported that 85.6% of Americans aged 18 and over had consumed alcohol at some time in their life, nearly 70% of people had consumed alcohol ...

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 ...

Snorting Percocet: Dangers & Risks

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

DMT Drug Abuse Effects, Symptoms, and Treatment Programs

What Is DMT? DMT (dimethyltryptamine) is a hallucinogen capable of inducing a psychedelic “trip,” which typically ranges from 30 to 45 minutes in duration. 1 DMT is a Schedule 1 drug under the Controlled Substance Act and has no recognized ...