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

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

    ... patient to face fewer side effects . How to Help Someone With Painkiller Misuse If you or a loved one is struggling with prescription painkiller misuse, help is available and recovery is possible. Professional addiction ... continue reading
  • The 7 Most Addictive Prescription Medications

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

    Prescription drugs are commonly given to people suffering from with injuries or illnesses. They ... the pain from serious injuries or major surgeries. This painkiller also includes acetaminophen, which can damage the liver in ... continue reading
  • 5 Naloxone Myths Debunked

    Naloxone History Lesson Naloxone is not a new medication. In fact, emergency responders have used naloxone since the 1960s. Today, worried parents keep naloxone on hand, law enforcement officers carry the medication in case of life-threatening ...

    ... than 10,000 overdose reversals with naloxone by non-medical bystanders. Despite the recent push, however, ... will pay for this medication. Even without prescription coverage, naloxone is a relatively inexpensive drug ... continue reading
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  • Big Pharma: Are They Advertising Addiction?

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

    ... pay for drug and alcohol rehab and also how to pay if you don't have insurance. Recommended Prescription Drug Rehab-Related Articles Whether you're looking for a specific type of rehab treatment, substance-related info ... continue reading
  • Related results

  • Side Effects of Prescription Painkiller Abuse

    If you use or misuse prescription painkillers, you should understand the potential for painkiller side effects that may occur with use, misuse, and addiction. Learning more about the short- and long-term side effects of painkiller medications, ...

    ... potential painkiller side effects, which can drive people to use prescription opioids for non-medical reasons ... recover from the effects of the opioid. Cravings, or strong desires or urges to use opioids. Failing to fulfill ... continue reading
  • Prescription Opioid Addiction: Signs, Effects, and Treatment

    What Are Prescription Painkillers? Prescription painkillers are medications used to treat moderate-to-severe pain after injury or surgery and for specific medical conditions like cancer. 1 Prescription opioids have become increasingly accepted as ...

    ... 2-5,7,9 Health Effects of Prescription Painkiller Misuse Prescription painkiller abuse can produce other short- and ... Cravings, or a strong desire or urge to use prescription opioids. Repeated prescription opioid use that ... continue reading
  • Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment and Rehab Programs

    Many prescription medications have the potential to become drugs of abuse if they are misused. Misuse of prescription drugs means taking them other than as prescribed. This includes taking a larger dose, using them more frequently, or taking them ...

    ... The main factor separating outpatient treatment from inpatient is that outpatient rehabs are non-residential. If you participate in an outpatient prescription drug rehab program, you can live at home and attend treatment ... continue reading
  • Demerol Abuse Symptoms and Addiction Treatment

    What Is Demerol Used For? Demerol, also known by the street name “demmies” and the generic name meperidine , is a prescription opioid painkiller. Demerol is used to treat relatively severe pain and is available in liquid or tablet form. As a ...

    ... use. Nearly 14% of those who used prescription drugs non-medically meet criteria for abuse or dependence on using the drugs. Overdoses from opiate painkillers quadrupled between 1999 and 2007. Teen Demerol Abuse ... continue reading
  • Snorting Tramadol: Dangers, Health Risks, & Treatment

    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, ...

    ... receptors 5 . As with many of the opioid painkillers, tramadol interacts with a specific subtype of opioid receptors ... . Snorting prescription opioids has been found to be a risk factor contributing to non-fatal overdose 11 ... continue reading
  • Valium History and Statistics

    History of Valium Use Diazepam—better known by the trade name Valium—is a prescription medication that belongs to a group of chemically similar sedative and anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) drugs called benzodiazepines (sometimes abbreviated as 'BZDs' ...

    ... to non-medical users provides a strong incentive for legitimate patients to sell their prescriptions . ... sedating substances—such as alcohol , prescription sleeping pills or painkillers—are at significant risk of overdose ... continue reading
  • Common Street Names for Drugs

    People actively misusing legal or illicit substances use slang terms for many reasons—ranging from avoiding detection by law enforcement to ensuring privacy in written and verbal communication. If you suspect that someone you love is misusing ...

    ... natural substances found in khat. They can produce a strong sense of euphoria, as well as dangerous and erratic ... Sky White Lightning Street Names for Prescription Opioids (Painkillers) This segment covers a large amount ... continue reading
  • Oxycodone Facts, History and Statistics

    Oxycodone is an opioid analgesic, or 'painkiller' drug that is most often prescribed to control moderate to severe pain that cannot be treated with other medications. It is a semi-synthetic opiate that was first created in 1916 from thebaine, a ...

    ... first developed as part of an effort to find non-addictive alternatives to these drugs, which were commonly used ... high markup creates a strong incentive for patients with legal oxycodone prescriptions, and even doctors and ... continue reading
  • Treating Zolpidem Dependence

    It can be difficult to figure out whether someone you care about is struggling with an addiction and, if so, how you can best help them. If your loved one has a prescription for zolpidem, it can be even more difficult to identify whether there's a ...

    ... how you can best help them. If your loved one has a prescription for zolpidem, it can be even more difficult to identify whether there ... CNS depressants such as alcohol , opioid painkillers, or muscle relaxers. 1 Many users ... continue reading
  • Side Effects of ACTIQ Abuse

    ACTIQ is a brand name for fentanyl, an extremely powerful opioid painkiller that is used only for severe pain such as breakthrough cancer pain 1 . Fentanyl is available in a number of formulations and delivery methods, including 2,3,4 : Tablets and ...

    ... potent than many other opioids—between 50 and 100 stronger than morphine—so ACTIQ must be administered carefully. When ... supervised detoxification 9 . For someone with a prescription for ACTIQ, they may be given another ... continue reading
  • How to Help a Percocet Addict

    Help for Percocet Addicts If you're battling an addiction to Percocet (the combination of acetaminophen and oxycodone - an opiate-derived pain reliever ), you're not alone. According to the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately ...

    ... age 12 years or older were current non-medical users of prescription drugs - a category that includes oxycodone ... in their path to a drug-free life. Opioid painkillers like Percocet can be extremely habit-forming, and it ... continue reading
  • Snorting Fentanyl: Long-Term Effects & Dangers

    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, ...

    ... Non-pharmaceutical fentanyl is commonly found in powdered form, which makes snorting it a common option 1 . Even with a prescription ... those attempting to end fentanyl use. Painkiller detox often occurs in an inpatient or ... 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 ...

    ... prescription narcotic. It gained even more notoriety when the April 2016 death of iconic singer, Prince, was attributed to an accidental fentanyl overdose. As an extremely strong painkiller ... , non-pharmaceutical fentanyl ... continue reading
  • Roxicodone: Effects, Addiction and Treatment

    Roxicodone, one of the brand names for oxycodone, is a powerful prescription opioid painkiller that may be prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain. 1 2 Despite its legitimate medical uses, it has a high potential for misuse and addiction. 1, 2 ...

    ... brand names for oxycodone, is a powerful prescription opioid painkiller that may be prescribed to treat moderate ... , use, or recover from opioids. Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use opioids. Failing to fulfill major ... 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 ...

    ... as likely for those who had (illicitly) abused prescription painkillers compared to those who hadn't (Robertson, 2010). ... throughout your stay. Outpatient or non-residential therapy includes similar access to substance ... 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 ...

    ... symptoms may be somewhat delayed. 9 How Do I Quit Abusing Prescription Painkillers Safely? If you suffer from an addiction to prescription painkillers, help is available to you. Quitting opioids cold turkey and the ... continue reading
  • Using Prescription Painkillers When Pregnant

    Opioid medications, when prescribed, can be helpful to relieve pain and physical discomfort. Even when prescribed by a physician, however, opioid medication can be problematic for several reasons, including the potential for misuse, addiction, and ...

    ... 2 Tramadol . 1 Buprenorphine . 1 The use of opioid painkillers is generally safe when prescribed by a doctor and taken for a ... is true of over-the-counter medications , prescription medications, and any tobacco, alcohol , ... continue reading
  • Painkiller Detox and Withdrawal

    Prescription opioid misuse is a prevalent problem in the United States. In 2021, a survey of Americans aged 12 and older found that about 8.7 million people had misused prescription painkiller drugs in the previous year. 1 In this article, we will ...

    ... , may be used to alleviate some of the symptoms associated with withdrawal from prescription opioid painkillers. 3,4 Various non-opioid drugs, including clonidine as well as anti-diarrheal and anti-emetic medications may ... continue reading
  • Concurrent Alcohol and Painkiller Abuse

    Opioids are some of the most commonly abused prescription drugs. They include oxycodone , hydrocodone , meperidine (Demerol) , and many others. The demographics of those who abuse painkillers transcend the stereotypes of typical drug addicts. Opioid ...

    ... of accidentally taking more than prescribed or simply not taking them in the line with indicated use. Prescription painkillers and heroin share a similar chemical make-up and, as a result, their effects are similar. They ... 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 ...

    ... 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 act upon particular receptors in the brain and ... continue reading
  • Am I Addicted to Prescription Drugs? How Can I Quit Safely?

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

    ... you were prescribed or for reasons other than why the doctor prescribed it, you may be addicted. A strong indicator that you are addicted to prescription drugs is if you go from doctor to doctor in an effort to get more ... continue reading
  • Tramadol Withdrawal and Detox

    Tramadol is a somewhat atypical prescription painkiller, with both opioid and monoamine reuptake inhibiting pharmacological properties. 1 In the U.S., tramadol is approved for use in managing moderately severe pain and has historically been marketed ...

    ... other prescription painkillers. Tramadol Misuse and Addiction Like other prescription painkillers including ... is often marked by f lu-like symptoms and strong cravings for more tramadol. 1 While opioid withdrawal ... continue reading
  • Barbiturate Overdose Symptoms, Risk Factors, Prevention, and Treatment

    What Are Barbiturates? Barbiturates —sedative medications that include phenobarbital , pentobarbital, secobarbital, and butalbital—have historically been used as hypnotic (sleep-inducing) agents and sedating anesthetics. Though less commonly ...

    ... barbiturates non-medically are at particular risk for overdose, especially if combining the substance with other central nervous system depressants like alcohol or opioids (heroin, prescription painkillers). Barbiturate ... 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 ...

    ... a new set of guidelines for physicians across the country that recommend reducing opioid prescriptions in favor of non-opioid painkillers, as well as increasing physical therapy and urine tests to ensure that patients ... 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 ...

    ... in this capacity has been somewhat supplanted by non-benzodiazepine hypnotic drugs such as Ambien. What Is Hash ... What Is Percocet? Percocet is a prescription painkiller combination of acetaminophen and oxycodone. This ... continue reading
  • Tussionex Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Treatment

    What Is Tussionex? Tussionex is a prescription medication that includes a combination of chlorpheniramine—an antihistamine 1 —and the opioid painkiller hydrocodone . It is prescribed to treat respiratory symptoms—such as coughs—related to ...

    ... abuse like heroin , as well as various prescription painkillers . Hydrocodone can produce euphoria or feelings of ... from its effects, or obtaining more. Experiencing strong cravings to use the drug. Failing to fulfill ... continue reading
  • Adderall Overdose Symptoms and Treatment

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

    ... drug for non-medical purposes. Non-medical use includes: Taking the drug without a prescription or using it ... your path toward recovery today. AAC maintains a strong partnership with a large group of insurance companies at ... continue reading
  • America’s Pill Mills

    For the past 20 years, the U.S. has been in the midst of an invisible and deadly battle. Prescription opioids. Once thought to be a safe treatment for chronic pain with little to no risk of addiction , they've now caused more than 47,000 overdose ...

    ... This number is only expected to increase in the coming years . More shocking is that 259 million prescriptions for painkillers were written in 2012 - enough to give every American adult their own bottle. If that doesn't ... continue reading
  • How to Help a Demerol Addict

    If you suspect that a loved one is abusing Demerol or you know someone who is trying to quit using the substance, there are ways that you can help. How to Approach an Addict It is important to understand how to address the situation in a supportive ...

    ... and/or friends confront the individual in a non-adversarial way, expressing their feelings about how the ... drug-free lives. How Addictive Is Demerol? Prescription painkillers such as Demerol are some of the fastest ... 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 ...

    ... 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 improperly, these ... continue reading
  • Long-Term Side Effects of Zolpidem Abuse

    What Is Zolpidem Used For? Zolpidem is a hypnotic, or sleep-promoting substance found in some prescription insomnia medications, including the sleeping pill Ambien. 1 As a sedative-hypnotic substance, zolpidem use can impart a sense of euphoria and ...

    ... pleasurable effects are the reason many people use zolpidem non-medically—in essence, the “ Ambien high” can feel ... depressants like alcohol , benzodiazepines , or prescription painkillers . 2 Can You Overdose on Sleeping ... 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 ...

    ... often contained in fever reducers and painkillers like Percocet and Vicodin ). ... more than the recommended dose of acetaminophen or other non-prescription medications. Don't take the maximum recommended dose for ... continue reading
  • Country vs. City Addictions: Are They Different?

    Urban and rural addicts don't seem to have a whole lot in common, according to a report published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). In gathering data for this particular study, researchers looked at addiction ...

    ... more likely to seek out treatment for prescription painkillers and stimulants. Urban addicts, however, ... percent of the patients in rural facilities were of non-Hispanic and white origins. They also possessed more education ... continue reading
  • How to Find 3-Day, 5-Day, 7-Day, and 10-Day Detox Programs Near Me

    Often, drug and alcohol rehab programs combine detox with therapy and other services to support people through addiction recovery. This is important because it gives people time to understand more about their substance use and set a solid foundation ...

    ... or alcohol. A medical detox —as opposed to a non-medical detox—uses a program of medication to help you cope ... process for some drugs, such as opioids like prescription painkillers , can involve the use of medications to ... continue reading
  • Crystal Meth and Pregnancy | Effects of Smoking Meth While Pregnant

    As methamphetamine use continues to rise, so do treatment and hospital admissions. In 2012, meth ranked first in drug-related treatment admissions in Hawaii and San Diego. 4 Females have also been found to start using meth at a younger age and in ...

    ... in combination with other substances, such as prescription painkillers , marijuana , cigarettes, and alcohol ... structures were likely to be smaller than those of the non-exposed fetuses. 8 It is important to note, however, ... 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 ...

    ... medication. Termed “social” detox , this non-pharmacologic approach is available at some inpatient or residential ... Withdrawal Treatment and Rehab Detoxification from prescription painkillers can occur in an inpatient or ... continue reading
  • Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms and Treatment

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

    ... illicit drugs such as heroin, as well as prescription painkillers like morphine , hydrocodone (Vicodin), and oxycodone ( ... or slower than usual. Aching muscles. Strong cravings for the substance. Marijuana Withdrawal ... continue reading
  • 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 ...

    ... eventual heroin dependence. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that those addicted to prescription painkillers are 40x more likely to be addicted to heroin and that 45% of people addicted to heroin ... continue reading
  • Drug and Alcohol Abuse Across Generations

    Substance abuse—both of alcohol and/or illicit drugs—has always maintained a consistent presence in American culture. As new drugs have been developed over the decades, their popular use has gone hand in hand with sweeping societal changes. From ...

    ... prominence as the most popular among Millennials? For this generation, the trend is especially clear: prescription painkiller abuse is more common among Millennials than any generation before . At their peaks, fewer than ... continue reading
  • Side Effects of Diazepam Abuse—Short-Term and Long-Term Effects

    Diazepam is a benzodiazepine commonly prescribed under the brand name Valium. This substance depresses the central nervous system (CNS) to manage: 1,2 Anxiety. Muscle spasms. Seizures. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Is Diazepam Harmful? Despite ...

    ... any time diazepam is combined with other drugs, such as: 3 Alcohol or alcoholic beverages . Prescription painkillers . Barbiturates . Certain cold or cough medications, like dextromethorphan (DXM) . Long-Term Effects of ... continue reading
  • Concurrent Alcohol and Opiate Abuse

    Prescription opiates are effective in the treatment of pain, but they have the potential to be addictive and, in fact, many people are struggling with opiate painkiller addictions. According to the National Institutes of Health, opioids account for ...

    ... of Addiction Medicine's 2016 Facts & Figures shows that nearly 2 million people in the nation are suffering from an addiction to prescription painkillers. The study also reports that 4 of 5 new heroin users first abused ... continue reading
  • How to Help an Amphetamine Addict

    Amphetamine addiction is a serious issue; stimulants have the potential to adversely affect the personality and behavior of individuals abusing these drugs. Some methods of amphetamine abuse may also be related to increased risks of bloodborne ...

    ... are required to achieve the desired effects . Statistics on overdoses related to the illegal or non-prescription use of amphetamines are limited. However, data from the National Poison Data System indicated that there ... continue reading
  • State Sentencing: How Drug Sentencing Varies Across the U.S.

    The United States has 5% of the world's population - and 25% of its prisoners. The average cost to house a minimum-security prisoner for one year is $21,006. By comparison, the average cost of putting a K-12 student through school for one year is ...

    ... Faced with the highest drug overdose death rate in the nation, West Virginia has cracked down on deadly prescription painkillers and heroin . When looking at other states that round out the top 10, the New England region ... 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 ...

    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 ... 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 ...

    ... headlines across the country due to its tendency to kill users within just minutes of administration. A prescription painkiller that's normally used to treat cancer patients, fentanyl is 30 to 50 times more powerful than ... continue reading
  • What Is Addiction? Drug Abuse Information and Treatment Help

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

    ... a substance, using it, and recovering from use. Cravings or strong urges to use a substance. Inability to fulfill one's roles ... substances as they are prescribed—such as opioid painkillers —and aren't always the result of ... continue reading
  • Signs & Symptoms of Hydromorphone Abuse

    Hydromorphone is a prescription medication used for the long-term treatment of moderate to severe pain that cannot be managed by other pain medicines or non-pharmacologic options. Hydromorphone is an opioid pain medication that is available as a(n) ...

    ... million people in the U.S. admitted using painkillers non-medically. In a 2011 survey, 1 million people ... use hydromorphone and other opioid painkiller medications nonmedically. These prescription drugs are desirable to ... 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 ...

    ... 60% of all painkiller prescriptions are for hydrocodone 4 . High prescription rates like these ... the same dose, their body could be unprepared for the strong effects and experience an overdose 4 . Signs of hydrocodone ... continue reading
  • Benzodiazepine Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment

    Benzodiazepines (benzos) are commonly prescribed medications in the United States. In 2017, there were over 120 million benzodiazepine prescriptions dispensed throughout the country. Benzos belong to a larger group of medications known as ...

    ... the effects of benzodiazepines. Cravings, or strong desires or urges to use benzodiazepines. Recurrent ... abuse alcohol also abuse benzodiazepines. People who have a prescription for both benzos and opioids are at 15-times ... continue reading
  • Understanding Addiction: A Guide for Families

    If your family member is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, you may feel a range of emotions, such as anger, frustration, and sadness. You may want to help, but you may feel that you don't know how. The challenges of supporting a family ...

    ... person lives at a hospital, medical, or non-hospital rehab facility for the duration of their ... to us for assistance. American Addiction Centers maintains a strong partnership with a large group of insurance companies at ... continue reading
  • Side Effects of Demerol Use: Short-Term Effects, Long-Term Effects and Treatment

    What Is Demerol Used For? Demerol is a prescription opioid painkiller with effects similar to those of the illicit opiate drug heroin, including the production of a pleasant, euphoric state among those who use it. Demerol is a branded formulation of ...

    ... heroin and, in a similar manner, to that of prescription opioid painkillers . When severe, it can result in inadequate delivery ... mental health disorders and problem drug use than non-opiate users (Sullivan et. al, 2006). ... 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 ...

    ... was widely marketed by the company as a non-addictive alternative to morphine and codeine. It soon ... prescriptions for opiate painkillers written by doctors since the 1990s. Individuals who become addicted to prescription ... continue reading
  • Tramadol Addiction Symptoms, Side Effects, and Treatment

    If you or a loved one are misusing the opioid medication tramadol, this article will help you understand: What tramadol is. Signs of tramadol abuse. Symptoms of tramadol withdrawal and overdose. Treatment for tramadol addiction. What Is Tramadol? ...

    ... moderately severe pain. 1 Like other prescription opioid painkillers, tramadol can be easily abused, which ... when managing opioid use disorders, as non-pharmacologic withdrawal management can lead to unnecessary discomfort ... continue reading
  • Benzodiazepine Overdose Symptoms and Addiction Treatment

    Benzodiazepines, or “benzos,” are prescription medications used to treat anxiety, panic attacks, muscle spasms, alcohol withdrawal, and seizures. 1,2 Benzos were once prescribed for the short-term management of insomnia, but they are rarely used ...

    ... CNS depressants , such as alcohol, barbiturates, and opioid painkillers . 6 In 2010, there were more than 400 ... an increasing concern as the number of non-medical prescription drug users increases. Taking action to prevent ... continue reading
  • Snorting Ambien Side Effects, Dangers, Overdose, and Addiction Treatment

    What Is Ambien Used For? The sleep aid Ambien (generic name: zolpidem ) is a prescription medication used in the treatment of insomnia in adults. 1 It works by slowing down brain activity to help users fall and stay asleep. Zolpidem is similar in ...

    ... . 5 The user will experience an effect that is stronger and quicker acting than that which is felt when taking ... the path to recovery. There are also free prescription drug helpline numbers you can call. Ambien Addiction ... continue reading
  • Hydrocodone Facts, History and Statistics

    What Is Hydrocodone? Hydrocodone is a powerful opiate drug that serves dual purposes when used as directed. It is both an effective cough suppressant and a pain reliever for moderate to severe pain. Studies show that hydrocodone is: More beneficial ...

    ... is the most frequently prescribed opioid painkiller in the US. Like all ... non-medical reasons can obtain it from a number of sources including: Prescriptions intended for them. Some will obtain multiple prescriptions ... 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 ...

    ... than as prescribed. Seeking out multiple doctors for prescriptions. Buying the drug illegally. Some users may ... time getting, using, or recovering from Valium. Strong urges (cravings) to use. Failure to fulfill ... continue reading
  • The Cost of Drugs in the NFL

    Athletes playing in professional sports leagues often seek every available opportunity to gain a competitive edge. With so much pressure placed on winning, performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) such as steroids present a tempting shortcut to elevate ...

    ... shortcut to elevate performance; prescription drugs such as painkillers enable endurance through painful ... , impacting finances and ending careers of players and non-players alike. While suspensions and fines in the NFL ... continue reading
  • Methamphetamine Facts, History, and Statistics

    What Is Methamphetamine? Methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant drug, originally synthesized for therapeutic use, but now found predominantly as a recreational drug of abuse. Though it is a drug that is FDA-approved and prescribed for ...

    ... —now has a lower abuse rate. There is not a strong relationship between purity and rates of consumption —with Japan and ... who receive one of the 16,000 yearly prescriptions for methamphetamine can use it legally. The ... continue reading
  • Alternative Addiction Treatments and Therapies

    Taking the first step toward getting help for your addiction can be scary and perhaps overwhelming considering the multitude of treatment options available to you. Ideally, any kind of therapy, including addiction treatment, is best when it is ...

    ... you can invest in. American Addiction Centers maintains a strong partnership with a large group of insurance companies at ... all or part of the cost of a non-traditional rehab program and associated therapies. Help Finding ... continue reading
  • Adderall Abuse Signs, Symptoms, and Addiction Treatment

    What Is Adderall Used For? Adderall is a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine that is used primarily to treat the symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) . It has benefits for sleep disorders and reported off-label ...

    ... It's especially important to emphasize the dangers of prescription drugs . Many teens feel that these drugs ... school full time. 7% of college students reported non-medical use of Adderall in 2015, the highest prevalence ... continue reading
  • Religious and Faith-Based Rehab

    If you're ready to take the first step toward sobriety, there is a lot to consider. Having a belief in a higher power can draw you towards the decision to stop using drugs or alcohol. For many people in recovery from drug or alcohol addiction, ...

    ... recovery from drug or alcohol addiction, having a strong connection to their faith can be an asset. ... treatment that are consistent among most religious and non-religious rehab programs. Both program types should address ... continue reading
  • Concurrent Alcohol and Phenobarbital Abuse

    The Problem of Alcohol and Phenobarbital Abuse Phenobarbital (trade name: Luminal) is a prescription barbiturate that is used primarily as an anticonvulsant to treat patients with seizures. Phenobarbital has been used to treat many different types ...

    ... by the fact that by combining Luminal and alcohol, strong effects can be felt. Additionally, the user can ... talk to your teen about the risks of abusing prescription drugs and combining any drug with alcohol. Learn more ... continue reading
  • Xanax Facts, History and Statistics | Dangers and Legality

    Xanax is the well-known brand name for alprazolam . This medication belongs to a class of sedative and anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) drugs called benzodiazepines . History of Xanax Use Xanax is most commonly prescribed to treat: Anxiety. Panic ...

    ... off and the number of people reporting recent non-medical use of Xanax or related drugs has declined ... narcotic painkiller hydrocodone . Because alprazolam is available as a generic tablet, costs for legal prescriptions are ... continue reading
  • Crystal Meth Addiction Treatment Centers and Rehab Programs

    Methamphetamine in all forms, including crystal meth, is a frequently abused drug throughout the United States. In fact, the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) reported that an estimated 2.5 million people aged 12 and older had used ...

    ... successfully completed inpatient treatment or who already have a strong support network at home. Outpatient programs offer the ... (CMA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), or non-12-step programs like Smart Recovery into their long- ... continue reading
  • The Rise of Tramadol: Exploring the Dangers and Conversations Around This Opioid

    Tramadol, also known as Ultram, is a prescription opioid medication used for the treatment of postoperative pain, cancer-associated pain, and chronic pain conditions. While Tramadol is similar to other prescription opioid pain relievers such as ...

    ... the potential dangers that can be associated with this medication. Yearly Prescriptions Issued for Tramadol In comparison to many other opioid painkillers, the development of Tramadol is relatively recent. At the same ... 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 ...

    ... that you are using a substance without a prescription, using it in an unintended way, or ... have less severe addictions. You live at home with a strong support system and commute to a treatment facility multiple days a ... continue reading
  • Effects of Amphetamine Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment

    What Are Amphetamines Used For? While amphetamines have clinical use, their potential for abuse and dependency is high. Legitimate use may turn into addiction. Amphetamines such as Adderall and non-amphetamine stimulants like Ritalin are gaining in ...

    ... may crush and snort or inject amphetamines to produce strong effects rapidly. By doing so and/or taking ... rampant misuse. Where do these people acquire these prescription medications ? According to a survey conducted by ... 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. ...

    ... ; therefore, it has a stronger effect on dopamine levels. Dexmethylphenidate ... 12 have used methylphenidate for non-medical uses in their lifetimes. There were 21 million stimulant prescriptions in 2011 for patients aged ... continue reading
  • 5 NFL Players Who Tackled Their Addictions

    Drugs and alcohol have become a major part of NFL culture. From March 2013 to March 2014, NFL players were arrested 27 times on drug charges, and several players have also received lengthy suspensions for positive drug tests, including Cleveland ...

    ... prescription drugs used to treat frequent injuries. Just recently, NFL team doctors were raided by the DEA on suspicion of over-prescribing painkillers ... body and how much stronger I can get, how much stronger I can be and ... continue reading
  • 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 ...

    ... dextroamphetamine abuse and is characterized by a stronger-than-normal reaction to cold. During an “attack ... reported the non-medical use of prescription stimulants like Adderall. Regular use of prescription stimulants is ... continue reading
  • Morphine Addiction and Treatment

    Morphine is considered one of the most effective opioid pain relievers for cancer and post-operative pain. 1 Morphine and other opioids are highly regulated due to pharmacological properties that include inducing euphoria and reinforcing of ...

    ... non-medical use into illicit channels of distribution. It can also be misused by a person with a legitimate prescription. ... of opioids like morphine. Feeling cravings, or strong desires to use opioids. Failing to fulfill ... 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 ...

    ... drugs can be dissolved and injected too. 21 Non-sterile needle drug use puts a person at greater risk ... tobacco, marijuana , methamphetamine, cocaine, and many prescription drugs. 19 Chronic cough, asthma, COPD, lung ... 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 ...

    ... respiratory depression , especially when mixed with a strong concentration of alcohol. Any dose given to an ... Still, some of the same mistakes are being made. Prescriptions continue to be written for medicines - many 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 ...

    ... and 39.2% for women - and then pain relievers and sedatives. So the non-medical psychotherapeutic drugs (which are mind-altering prescription medications used in ways not intended by doctors) have the smallest gaps - the ... 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 ...

    ... arise. Heroin withdrawal symptoms can include strong cravings and physical symptoms like severe ... Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or Heroin Anonymous (HA), or non-12-step groups like SMART Recovery. 1,10,11 Peer recovery ... 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 ...

    ... prescription pain medications like hydrocodone, oxycodone, and tramadol. Opioids , including heroin and painkillers ... increase dramatically. In general, combining strong central nervous system depressants is very dangerous ... 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 ...

    ... that nearly half of all heroin users have abused opioid painkillers . Effects of Using Heroin Heroin will provide a “rush ... . Access to drugs. Previous abuse of prescription opioids . Socioeconomic status of the community. ... 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, ...

    ... on stage and he soon became addicted to the painkillers. Philip Seymour Hoffman : Acting in multiple box office ... indicated that Hoffman had slipped back into prescription opioids and, ultimately, relapsed with heroin ... 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 ...

    ... six drug categories, using the Alchemy Sentiment API to assign each article a score. Prescription drugs, such as Xanax and opioid painkillers were the media's chief villain. This may have been caused by the large number ... continue reading
  • Concurrent Alcohol and Morphine Abuse

    It is never safe to mix alcohol with other medications. Morphine—an opiate—can be particularly dangerous when mixed with alcohol, given its ability to intensify the effects of alcohol intoxication. Alcohol and morphine facts and information ...

    ... narcotic analgesic, making it a strong medication that is only available by prescription. It is available in pill ... Statistics for Alcohol and Morphine Use The growing non-medical use of opiate drugs such as morphine ... continue reading
  • Drug Abuse Statistics

    Statisticians analyze numerical information on subjects as varied as medicine, politics and even commercial retail sales - allowing researchers to investigate trends and test new ideas. As the phenomenon of substance abuse stubbornly continues to ...

    ... under the influence in 2002, compared to 11.2% in 2012). 3 Prescription Drug Abuse Statistics Non-medical use and abuse of prescription drugs is a growing health problem in the United States. Annually, more people ... continue reading
  • Snorting Morphine

    Morphine is a prescription opioid medication used to treat relatively severe pain 1 . Morphine is prescribed in a variety of forms, including liquid solution, tablets, and capsules, and is only intended to be used under the supervision of a medical ...

    ... . This may involve: Acquiring the drug without a prescription. Using more than prescribed. Tampering with the drug ... support network, and SMART Recovery, a non-12-step approach that emphasizes self-empowerment and teaching ... continue reading
  • Klonopin History and Statistics

    History of Klonopin Use Klonopin (generic name: clonazepam) is a benzodiazepine drug prescribed for the management of: Seizures. Panic disorders. Certain movement disorders. Until the 1950s, barbiturates were the main prescription option for ...

    ... Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), approximately 2.0 million people aged 12 or older tried prescription psychotherapeutic drugs non-medically for the first time within a year before completing the survey. This averages 5,500 ... continue reading
  • Concurrent Alcohol and Concerta Abuse

    Simultaneous abuse of Concerta—a central nervous system stimulant—and alcohol—a depressant substance—can have numerous effects on the body. Unbeknownst to many users, each substance can effectively increase the dangers of the other. ...

    ... from researchers: “Methylphenidate Hydrochloride (Concerta) has been reported to be the most common prescription stimulant used for non-medical purposes in a national survey.” (Kroutil et al. 2006) “Concerta abuse seems ... 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 ...

    ... by laypeople who witness an overdose. 7 People who take prescription opioids or use illicit opioids, as well as their friends ... 6 They advise people who use opioid painkillers to discuss the availability of naloxone with ... continue reading
  • Concurrent Alcohol and Codeine Abuse

    Codeine phosphate is an opioid analgesic drug —otherwise known as a painkiller or narcotic. It is a relatively mild narcotic but, when used in large amounts, it can still be quite dangerous. Typically, codeine is prescribed to treat mild to ...

    ... and Codeine Abuse Rates of teenage drinking and prescription drug use continue to be high in the ... going it alone—the rehab program you select will provide a strong support system. All you need is a bit of motivation and ... continue reading
  • Effects of Hydromorphone Abuse: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment

    What Is Hydromorphone Used For? Hydromorphone (brand names: Dilaudid, Exalgo) is a powerful semi-synthetic opioid painkiller used in both hospital settings and as part of a long-term treatment regimen for significant pain in opioid-tolerant ...

    ... in their lifetimes. 2 Hydromorphone, like other opioid painkillers , has a high prevalence of abuse. This is ... other than pain relief. It is used without a prescription. It is combined with other substances like alcohol . ... 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 ...

    ... who consume it. This substance is similar to other prescription stimulants such as Adderall and Ritalin . 2,3 ... drugs—such as Adderall (another stimulant) and painkillers like OxyContin —might result in a significant ... continue reading
  • Dealing with Roxicodone Addiction

    The risk of addiction is not limited to the use of illicit substances like heroin or cocaine. Legal drugs have the potential to cause devastating addiction, as well, even if they were initially legitimately prescribed. The Substance Abuse and Mental ...

    ... of the survey. Of these 6.5 million, 4.3 million people were abusing prescription pain medications like Roxicodone. Painkillers are the second most abused type of substance. Only marijuana is abused more frequently. One ... continue reading
  • Vyvanse Abuse Symptoms and Addiction Treatment

    What Is Vyvanse Used For? Vyvanse, also known in its generic form as lisdexamfetamine, is a medication used for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adults. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also ...

    ... In 2014, an estimated 1.6 million people aged 12 or older (0.6% of the population) used prescription stimulants for non-medical reasons. About 406,000 people (1.2% of the population) between the ages of 18 and 25 abused ... continue reading
  • Concurrent Alcohol and Ritalin Abuse

    Over the years, there has been an increase in the misuse of alcohol and certain prescription drugs, such as Ritalin. Ritalin—which is the trade name for methylphenidate—is a stimulant often used as a treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity ...

    ... prevalent among adolescents and adults. The abuse of prescription and illicit drugs is also a common problem among ... for ADHD for many years, but the non-medical use of Ritalin has recently increased, particularly among ... continue reading
  • Lortab Abuse Symptoms and Addiction Treatment

    What Is Lortab Used For? Lortab is a brand name for the drug hydrocodone. Lortab is a semi-synthetic opiate that, in large does, produces similar effects to those of OxyContin. Taken repeatedly, it can result in dependence and addiction. Initially, ...

    ... University of Michigan study , 1 in 8 high school seniors reported non-medical use of prescription opiates such as Lortab. You can prevent non-medical use of Lortab and other opiates by communicating with your teen about ... continue reading
  • Cocaine History and Statistics

    The History of Cocaine Cocaine is a drug derived from the South American coca plant ( Erythoxylon coca ). It is a powerful stimulant and popular recreational drug . However, there are legitimate medical uses for cocaine as a topical anesthetic used ...

    ... listed in Schedule II include: Morphine . Codeine . Prescription amphetamines . The DEA sets annual “production quotas” to ... essentially prohibited in the U.S. for any non-medical uses , and legal sources of the drug were ... continue reading
  • Study Indicates Pot Really Can Lower Your IQ

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

    ... part of memory and reasoning circuits. Heavy pot users also fared worse on memory tests that non-users and non-using schizophrenics. “We see that adolescents are at a very vulnerable stage neuro-developmentally,” said ... continue reading
  • Risks of Using Cocaine While Breastfeeding

    Cocaine is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant that is easily absorbed into the bloodstream. It has a high milk-to-plasma ratio, meaning a significant amount of the drug may pass from a mother's blood into her breast milk. 1 Cocaine is the ...

    ... are more likely to not breastfeed compared to non-using mothers. 5 In addition, long-term cocaine use ... Cocaine Benefits Your Baby You will feel healthier and stronger. By quitting your cocaine use, you are prioritizing ... continue reading
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