-
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 ...
... the method of administration in an attempt to recreate that first high. Why Do People Use Heroin? Heroin's intense high and quick speed of onset are major attractions for users. Curiosity about the drug is also a reason ... 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 ...
... Addiction is diagnosed as a substance use disorder (SUD), with heroin addiction being categorized as a heroin use disorder or opioid use disorder (OUD). 3 Heroin is very addictive. Its use is associated with a rewarding ... 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 ...
... heroin and other forms of opioid abuse. Signs of Heroin Withdrawal When your body has become dependent on heroin ... that will help to quantify your level of heroin use and outline an appropriate plan for detox and addiction ... continue reading -
Why Is Heroin So Addictive?
Despite its dangers and reputation for harm, use of heroin continues to escalate in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Rates of heroin use have increased across gender, socioeconomic status, age group, ...
... withdrawal symptoms keeps many users running back to the drug even when they want to stop. Methods of Heroin Use and Effects Pure heroin can be smoked or snorted , but it is usually injected : Into a vein. Under the skin ... 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 ...
... loved one might be abusing heroin , look for the following signs: Drowsiness Heroin produces a state of drowsiness ... often manifest as the first visible indicators of drug use. How to Find Help for Heroin Misuse If you or a ... continue reading -
IV Drug Use: Signs, Dangers, and Treatment
Injection is a method used by individuals who misuse drugs to obtain a quick and powerful effect. 1 Intravenous (IV) injection, or injection into a vein, is the practice referred to throughout this article as IV drug use. Injection into a vein or ...
... . 4 This is because there are often large, visible veins that are easily covered if injection results in bruises ... an acidic solution. 4,7 Signs Someone Is Shooting Up When a person uses drugs that require needles, their ... continue reading -
Dangers of IV Drug Use: What You Need to Know About Track Marks
Certain drugs can be injected into the muscle, under the skin, or directly into a vein. The later is the most popular method, as the intense effects of the drug occurs very quickly. Those that use this method will begin to show marks on their body ...
... not treated , permanently damaged veins can never be healed. The appearance of track marks are not only a sign of drug use ; they also carry a social stigma due to the health risks that are associated with this drug sub ... 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 ...
... blows those two diseases out of the water. The U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime reported in 2016 that heroin use has reached the highest level in 20 years. They say it's the deadliest drug worldwide. Stats from the Centers ... 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 ...
... removal from the market. According to data from the 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), about 669,000 Americans reported using heroin in the past year , a number that has steadily risen since 2007. Those ... continue reading -
Concurrent Alcohol and Heroin Abuse
Dangers of Abusing Alcohol and Heroin The dangerous combination of alcohol and heroin gets widespread publicity every year from tragedies that remind the public how alcohol amplifies the already powerful effects of heroin on the central nervous ...
... abusing alcohol and heroin , look for these signs of concurrent alcohol and heroin abuse: Drowsiness. ... articles: Why Is Heroin So Addictive? Heroin History and Statistics Heroin Use Increasing Across New Demographics ... 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 ...
... is so much stronger than normal heroin. Using a large amount of heroin or using it combined with a stronger substance ... or stopped completely . 1 Other signs and symptoms of heroin overdose include: 11 Dry mouth. Tiny ... 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 ...
... of the most addictive drugs on the planet . Recent years have witnessed an alarming surge in teenage heroin use and overdose, per the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Scientists have attributed this rise to the rampant ... continue reading -
Prescription Opiates: As Addictive as Heroin?
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than 21.5 million Americans aged 12 and older met the criteria for substance use disorder in 2014. Of these, 1.9 million were addicted to prescription opiate pain medications and 586,000 ...
... opioid pain medications be monitored closely for signs of addictive behavior. Statistics 259 million ... almost 207 million in 2013. 2 In the past decade, heroin use has more than doubled in young adults between the ages of ... 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 ...
... estimated 5.1 million Americans are currently abusing pain pills, as compared to 0.3 million Americans who use heroin, according to data from the National Institute on Drug Abuse. But experts are quick to point out that ... 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 ...
... medical marijuana and four states legalizing it for recreational use, it's quite possible we'll see a day ... In other words, it's in the same category as heroin and crack cocaine . Even the staunchest anti-drug supporters ... 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 ...
... fronts - law enforcement, medical, and social services, to increase awareness of the dangers of heroin use. Meanwhile, the Chicago emergency medical services division reported their first responders will now carry extra ... 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 ...
... she got the call. Alex had been arrested for heroin possession . She sat up late with her husband, ... Allison lived with the fear that all families of people who use illegal drugs feel. When is the call going to come? ... continue reading -
Heroin's Death Toll Hits an All-Time High in New York
New York City has a serious heroin problem on their hands and new data released by the city's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene reveals just how deep the issue goes. In fact, more people died from unintentional heroin overdoses in New York ...
... Affluent areas of the north Bronx and eastern Queens have also become hot spots for heroin, a result of heavy opioid pill and heroin use in the surrounding suburbs in Westchester County and on Long Island. Looking to the ... 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 ...
... analyzed a University of Lausanne study of cutting agents for cocaine and heroin which was conducted over nine years. We used this information to uncover the dangers of ingesting these secondary substances. Additionally ... 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 ...
... Find out more about heroin overdose , help for heroin dependence , and the side effects of heroin use . What Is Hycodan? ... this powerful CNS stimulant are also referred to as speed, ice, crank, meth, and crystal. What Is ... 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 ...
... speed up your metabolism and increase your alertness. When legally prescribed, they are typically used to ... you have other mental health disorders . 7 Signs of Amphetamine Addiction Identifying addiction isn't always easy ... 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 ...
... your nervous system into overdrive. Guess what else it speeds up? The aging process. That's right. ... isn't able to pump blood as well as it used to. Since amphetamine affects the entire cardiovascular system, arteries ... continue reading -
What Recreational Drugs Cause Liver Damage? Drugs and Liver Disease
The Function of the Liver The liver plays an extremely important role in the body. It ensures the removal of toxins and has numerous other functions, including: Fat metabolism: Liver cells—or hepatocytes—are able to process dietary and stored ...
... while others are classified as enzyme inhibitors, which reduce the speed at which a drug is broken down. In many ... injury, it is vital that you are aware of the signs and symptoms of liver damage so that you can seek ... 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 ...
... a user may feel less drowsy if they have used cocaine with heroin, but this deception is a mere smokescreen. The ... they do at a faster rate than those of heroin. Signs of overdose from speedballs include: Bluish skin or ... 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 -
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 ...
... widespread effects. 12 Commonly misused substances may speed or slow down heart rate, increase or ... or inflamed, other sites on the body may be used. 21 Heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine are some of the most commonly ... continue reading -
The 5 Most Dangerous Painkiller Myths
While painkiller use is widespread, there is a vast amount of false information surrounding them. Unfortunately, many people begin using opioid painkillers knowing little about them. Given few details about these drugs - how they work, when to take ...
... the brain and body. They can reduce the speed of your breathing and heartbeat and produce other ... about half of young injection heroin users abused painkiller medications prior to using heroin. Taking More of Them Will ... 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 ...
... are more prone to oral health issues. The use of both prescription and illegal drugs can cause - ... drugs” like speed or ecstasy . They cause severe tooth decay, jaw-clenching and dry mouth. Heroin: Heroin belongs to the ... continue reading -
Common Neurological Risks of Drug Abuse
Brain Damage From Drugs While substance misuse may cause a user to feel short-lived euphoria or impart a sense of temporary wellbeing, the adverse effects of drugs can be dangerous and, in some instances, may lead to permanent brain damage. Chronic ...
... (CNS) stimulants , such as cocaine and methamphetamine, speed up brain activity, blood pressure, and heart rate ... well as illicit drugs like heroin . Research suggests that long-term heroin use can cause the white matter ... continue reading -
Taking Action: How to Intervene During an Overdose
Drug overdoses are now the leading cause of accident death in the United States. According to the Centers of Disease Control (CDC), 43,982 drug overdose deaths occurred in 2013 across the nation. That's two times the amount of overdose deaths a ...
... the amount of foreign substances in your body. Although signs and symptoms vary depending on the type of drug abused ... the National Institute on Drug Abuse reports heroin-related deaths have increased five-fold over the ... continue reading -
Effects of Ketamine Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
Is Ketamine Harmful? “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 anesthetic, ...
... wrong because of its potency; it's more powerful than speed or coke weight for weight, so it's easy to ... find that you're in trouble with the law as a result of using ketamine and don't want to give it up, you may well ... continue reading -
3 Devastatingly Dangerous Alcohol-Drug Combos
According to statistics compiled by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), roughly 25% of substance-related emergency room admissions involve a combination of both drugs and alcohol. Poly-Drug Abuse Although heavily ...
... an extent. In other words, stimulants ( cocaine , speed , meth , Ritalin , Adderall ) mask the depressive ... night. You can also check your health insurance coverage using the form below or contact free drug and alcohol ... 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 ...
... 32% of American adults have both a mental illness and a substance use disorder (SUD) at some point in their lives. 2 In 2020 ... marijuana and stimulants cause the heart rate to speed up, which can mimic physical symptoms of ... 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 -
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 ...
... ingredients work to stimulate and speed up the body. Doctors use this drug in the treatment ... to the substance. Signs That May Indicate Adderall Abuse Adderall use and abuse can cause a range of signs and symptoms that ... 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 ...
... . Whether the mice received 30 days of chronic cocaine use or 2 repeated injections of the drug, Pan and his team noted a dramatic drop in blood flow speed. For the very first time, researchers were also able to identify ... 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 ...
... joint and eating an edible are reflected in the speed of onset of effects, the duration until peak ... qualities and potentially adverse consequences no matter how it is used. How to Get Help for Marijuana Misuse If you think ... 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. ...
... for soldiers in World War II. Today, amphetamine is used as a treatment for ADHD and narcolepsy . The Adderall ... of people who have become addicted to “speed” since the 1930s. Additionally, the performance benefits ... 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 ...
... mind and reduction of anxiety. People with sped-up or racing thoughts will report slowed thinking and ... recommended. There are a number of side effects of clonazepam use , especially if you take it for a long period of ... 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 ...
... in their speed of onset and the duration of their effects. Primarily, clonazepam is used to treat a ... the effects of benzodiazepine use . Signs and Symptoms of Clonazepam Addiction Tolerance One sign of clonazepam abuse or ... 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 ...
... When drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, we speed toward wrinkles. Reducing our alcohol consumption can ... . You can also check your health insurance coverage using the form below or contact free drug and alcohol hotline ... 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 ...
... an internal pacemaker to keep it pumping at the right speed. Alcohol interferes with this pacemaker, causing the heart ... need. You can also check your health insurance coverage using the form below. Levels of Care in Drug ... 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 ...
... on the street today. Because a dose that isn't even visible to the eye can kill you (depending on what's in the batch), someone trying to take the amount of heroin they are used to taking can die in minutes. 5,7 Cases of ... 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 ...
... 100,000 people in 2014. “Drug poisoning deaths” is a parent category used by the CDC, and it includes illegal drugs like cocaine and heroin, and legal drugs, such as prescription and OTC medications. Prescription opioid ... 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 ...
... , 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 on prescription ... 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 ...
... it as a morphine substitute between 1898 and 1910. It was used as both a pain reliever and a cure for coughs, asthma, and pneumonia. The name of the product - Glyco-Heroin (Smith) - comes from its mixture of glycerin and ... 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, ...
... . The effects of methadone are long-lasting, working for up to 24 hours per dose. It is used for heroin detoxification or as part of a maintenance program. 11 OxyContin: Developed by Purdue Pharma in 1995, OxyContin ... 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 ...
... Vicodin , OxyContin , and Opana, were written in the U.S. When used improperly, these legal opioid drugs can present some of the same risks as illicit heroin sold on the street. While 467,000 people in the U.S. struggled ... 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 ...
... research has revealed a connection between prescription painkiller abuse and heroin use. 4 People who abuse opioid painkillers will sometimes transition to using heroin due to its cheaper price and accessibility. In fact ... continue reading -
America’s Drug Awareness
For the first time in a decade , the CDC reported that death rates in the United States have increased. While news outlets trumpet the increased violence rampant in many areas of the country, the public is largely unaware of a silent contributor - ...
... . Indeed, according to the 2015 Drug Threat Assessment released by the DEA, prescription drug use rates are higher than those of cocaine, meth, heroin, MDMA, and PCP combined. The report notes that the U.S. markets for ... continue reading -
Sentencing by State 2
have led to overcrowded facilities, skyrocketing prison costs, and major social, economic, and political impacts. Currently, nearly half of all inmates in federal prisons are serving sentences for drug offenses. Many are fathers and mothers who miss ...
... in Mexico and enters via the southwest border. Heroin use has skyrocketed over the past decade. Two areas ... -American people imprisoned for crack use, and in 2010 President Obama signed the Fair Sentencing Act in ... 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 ...
... , and strong cravings—all of which can drive a person to keep using the drug. 20 Heroin Heroin is a very addictive opioid drug. Heroin can cause euphoria, altered sensation of pain, nausea/vomiting, itching, dry mouth ... 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 ...
... his wife Courtney Love while they used drugs together. His 1994 heroin and alcohol overdose was reportedly the ... cocaine and marijuana use. 22. Aaron Carter Aaron Carter was pulled over for speeding and possession of two ... continue reading -
Effect of Drugs on the Kidneys: How Do Drugs Damage the Kidneys?
Chronic drug and alcohol misuse can lead to severe kidney damage or failure. The damage is not always direct; some substances may indirectly cause harm to the kidneys via biologic events triggered outside of the renal system itself. These secondary ...
... renal damage in a few different ways: Coma due to heroin overdose can lead to rhabdomyolysis, 2 a condition characterized by ... of kidney complications, such as: 2 Sped-up progression of kidney disease in people with high ... continue reading -
Facts About Krokodil (The “Zombie Drug”)
What Is Krokodil? Desomorphine (dihydrodesoxymorphine) is an injectable opioid derivative of codeine. On the street and online, the drug is known as: Krokodil. Crocodile. Croc. Krok. Russian Magic. Poor Man's Heroin. The name “krokodil” is ...
... United States, meaning it has high abuse potential and no accepted medicinal use. Desomorphine: A Cheap Substitute for Heroin Krokodil use has spread rapidly across Russia, with at least 100,000 people having injected ... 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 ...
... might expect men to try before women. For example, men on average first use marijuana one year before women (18.9 versus 19.9), but women try heroin four years, four months earlier than men (26.9 versus 31), despite the ... continue reading -
Signs and Symptoms of Commonly Abused Drugs
When you suspect that you or a loved one is struggling with a substance abuse problem, it's important to know some of the signs and symptoms of addiction to that drug. You can find a brief overview of the major drugs of abuse below. For a full list ...
... marks on someone's arms, it is a sign of possible heroin abuse. The needles can be inserted anywhere that ... those needing to stay awake long hours for work may use them to get a rush of energy. The National Institute ... 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 ...
... often. In fact, the transition of opioid-dependent individuals from pills to heroin has been largely blamed for the dramatic increase in heroin use in the last decade 7 . Tramadol: The Emerging Concern Concern is growing ... 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 ... advantages over methadone, the drug most frequently used to treat opioid addiction. Buprenorphine causes fewer ... 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 ...
... not more so. It doesn't require the cocktail being used by prison officials to kill. In fact, that combination is ... of fentanyl and nearly 50 pounds of fentanyl-laced heroin out of circulation. Seized from an apartment in ... continue reading -
Can You Overdose on Painkillers?
Some of the most predominantly prescribed pain management medications are opioid analgesics (painkillers). These prescription drugs interact with opioid receptors throughout the brain, initiating a chain of events that ultimately brings pain relief ...
... for opioid overdose, which can be fatal. Signs and Symptoms The World Health Organization describes ... potent than morphine and much more potent than even heroin. Fentanyl has been linked with numerous fatalities in the ... 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 ...
... story from diaries he kept between the ages of 12 and 16. Needless to say, any depiction of juvenile heroin use is unlikely to be pretty. But this tale of addiction, robbery, prostitution and death makes for one of the ... continue reading -
Methadone Programs: A Bad Treatment Plan for Addicted Parents?
When it comes to the negative effects of substance abuse, addiction casts a wide net. Addicted parents, in particular, are faced with a unique set of challenges, as an opiate dependency ultimately affects the whole family. For thousands of parents ...
... rate of arrests in the United States. Overdose and Death Mortality rates are much higher for parents using methadone than for heroin users in general. 32 (25%) of the 130 families in the study experienced the death of an ... continue reading -
Addiction Self-Assessment Quizzes for Drugs and Alcohol
Use the following self-assessment quizzes to better understand common signs, symptoms, and behavioral changes related to substance misuse and addiction. The questions used in the following self-assessments are based on the diagnostic criteria ...
... quiz is designed to help evaluate if your Adderall use is problematic. While this assessment does not replace ... can be helpful in recognizing signs and symptoms of potential heroin misuse. Ambien Addiction Self-Assessment ... 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 ...
... overdosed on the synthetic opioid in 2014, and deaths continue to surge into 2017 as street drugs like heroin and cocaine are unknowingly laced with fentanyl. Proceed With Caution But users aren't the only ones urged ... 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 ...
... , using a blunt needle can injury and damage the veins as well. Black Tar Heroin Black tar heroin is a dark, tarry form of heroin. One study found that people who reported injecting black tar heroin had visible wounds ... 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, ...
... the study, says. “It is hard to get good levels of antibodies.” 16 Heroin : An effective vaccine would be a big boost for people with heroin use disorder, who have the lowest rate of recovery. (This is why methadone and ... continue reading -
Effects of Alcohol and Drugs on the Male and Female Reproductive Systems
How Do Drugs Affect the Reproductive System? Substance misuse can negatively impact the reproductive health of both sexes in several ways. It may contribute to serious health problems, such as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), infertility, and ...
... on infants during pregnancy include: Heroin —Women who use heroin and other opioid drugs while pregnant ... showing signs of increased irritability, hyperactivity, and tremors. Methamphetamine —Women who use methamphetamine ... 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 ...
... drug arena. One of his stated policies involves increasing access to naloxone, a medication used to reverse overdose from opioids like heroin and prescription painkillers. But there are people on both sides of the fence ... 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 ...
... be just as dangerous if not more so than drugs like heroin, cocaine , and marijuana . Designer drugs are drugs created ... of illegal substances. In 2012, President Obama signed into law an act that made synthetic drugs ... 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 ... his addiction to morphine, which he had been using as a painkiller . After experimenting with coca and ... 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 ...
... grunge scene. Let's be honest: how many people can understand all the lyrics to Smells Like Teen Spirit? His use of heroin worried people, though, and in 1994, he joined the 27 club: a litany of stars who have died at ... 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 ...
... by a deadly drug that's secretly added to baggies of heroin (or cocaine) as a cheap way for dealers to add ... S. More than 20,000 people in 2016 died from using these substances. In New York City, fentanyl-laced cocaine ... 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 ...
... reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms and temporarily eliminate cravings, its use remains illegal in the U.S. A Story of Using Ibogaine to Overcome Heroin Addiction One ibogaine advocate highlighted in The Guardian article ... 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 ...
... other fillers. Oftentimes, users don't have a way of telling if the heroin they've purchased is pure or if it's laced with something else before using it. That's how gray death has inadvertently made its way into some ... 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 ...
... it impossible to get high off of drugs like heroin, OxyContin, and Vicodin. In its injectable form, Vivitrol ... surrounding this very issue and Vivitrol. Are they using those who are court-ordered or addicted to determine ... 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 ...
... surgery. This medication is 50 times stronger than heroin and, needless to say, it can be very ... be fatal. The added heat can skyrocket the dosage released. Using a heating pad on other parts of your body (especially if ... 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 ...
... it is hard to accurately diagnose someone who also abuses heroin because of the similar symptoms. In the U.S. there ... Instead, it was likely a bad staph infection or use of unsanitary needles. The reports of Krokodil in ... continue reading -
A Decade of American Drug Use
In the nation's ongoing drug crisis, grim statistics abound. Each day, approximately 115 Americans die of opioid overdoses. Methamphetamine use is on the rise, reviving a scourge public health officials once thought to be improving. Simultaneously, ...
... warning signs we recognize only in hindsight. In this project, we studied trends in American drug use between ... at contradictory conclusions. The uptick in heroin use has clearer origins : As prescribing limitations ... continue reading -
Why Are Prescription Opiates So Addictive?
Prescription opiates—such as Vicodin , Percocet , and OxyContin —are narcotic medications used for pain management. These drugs are often referred to as “opioids,” which are synthetic and semi-synthetic derivatives of the active “opiate” ...
... affect the brain the same way morphine and heroin do. They attach to opioid receptors found ... ) lists criteria for an opioid use disorder , and one of the main signs is continued use despite negative impacts on physical and ... 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 ...
... fentanyl use can also lead to unconsciousness, coma, or even death. If you recognize the signs and ... times more likely to abuse or become dependent on heroin. Teen Fentanyl Abuse Teens are rarely prescribed fentanyl; ... 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 '.gov.' Once your state website is located, substance use resources shouldn't be hard to find, and they should ... 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 ...
... level - it's not meant for human use.” What we do know is that drug dealers are adding this potent substance to heroin . The hope is to bulk up their batches of heroin for greater profit. So far, carfentanil has been ... 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 ...
... care about takes prescription opioid medication or uses illicit opioids such as heroin, you may wish to learn more ... other nonopioid drugs . 12,14 If someone displays signs of opioid overdose but it's not clear whether ... 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 ...
... meaning of dope sickness is. Over time, John's repeated use of heroin has affected his body, causing it to become dependent on ... the amount of drugs used on a regular basis. However, common signs of dope sickness include: ... continue reading -
How to Help a Fentanyl Addict
Fentanyl is an opiate narcotic used to relieve severe pain, such as breakthrough cancer pain. It is extremely potent - 50-100 times more potent than morphine and 30-50 times more potent than heroin . Fentanyl is often mixed with heroin or cocaine ...
... used to relieve severe pain, such as breakthrough cancer pain. It is extremely potent - 50-100 times more potent than morphine and 30-50 times more potent than heroin ... are the Signs of Addiction? The signs of fentanyl ... 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 ...
... effects are essentially indistinguishable from those of heroin (another full opioid agonist), making it ... include coma and permanent brain damage . 7 Long-term opioid use may also decrease the brain's white matter 7 (found ... continue reading -
12-Step Recovery Programs and Support Groups for Addiction
12-Step recovery programs have become an integral aspect of maintaining sobriety post-addiction. 1 They usually operate on the basis of abstinence while creating a community of people who are living sober lives. 1 A 12-Step program helps establish ...
... 9 This means that people who aren't struggling with substance use are able to attend and observe the meeting process. 9 ... Meth Anonymous Co-Anon Co-Dependents Anonymous Heroin Anonymous Marijuana Anonymous Nar-Anon Pills ... continue reading -
Concurrent Alcohol and Fentanyl Abuse
Alcohol and Fentanyl Abuse Alcohol and fentanyl are drugs of dependence that are dangerous and highly addictive. Frequent or long-term use can result in many negative consequences, including death. Concurrent substance use disorders involving ...
... effects of fentanyl use will be similar to those of illicit substances like heroin and medications like morphine ... action when something seems off. Paying attention for signs and symptoms of alcohol or fentanyl abuse (see ... continue reading -
OxyContin Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment
What Is OxyContin Used For? OxyContin is a branded formulation of the powerful opioid painkiller oxycodone . It is prescribed to manage cases of moderate-to-severe pain. When taken as directed, it is a safe and effective medication, and it has ...
... painkillers are at risk for concurrent or eventual heroin use due to the similar effects of the two ... . If you suspect teen drug abuse , check for the signs and symptoms listed above and get help immediately if a problem ... 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 ...
... Substances of Abuse Around 21.8 percent of city addicts say heroin is their drug of choice (vs. 3.1 percent in ... of choice (vs. 5.6 percent rural). Rural addicts began using drugs at a younger age (between 15 and 17 years) ... continue reading -
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, ...
... drug of abuse, while 32 were admitted for heroin as their primary addiction. 1 In larger Passaic County ... health disorder can put you at risk of returning to substance use to cope with the symptoms of that disorder. It's ... continue reading -
The Other Side of Suboxone
It's become a commonly prescribed medical treatment for opioid addiction . In some cases, doctors prescribe Suboxone with the intention of stabilize those struggling with continued, compulsive abuse of illicit or prescription opioids to then, one ...
... elicits relatively weaker effects than commonly-abused drugs like heroin and prescription painkillers like oxycodone. 2,3 In ... has been an ongoing debate concerning the use of Suboxone for addiction treatment. The truth ... continue reading -
You’re Fired: Police Departments Weaning K9’s Off Marijuana
Jobs change with technology, and work tasks evolve with those advancements. New policies and developments often put people out of work. It turns out, people aren't the only ones affected by those changes. Due to new marijuana guidelines , ...
... detect the scent of marijuana . Now that it's legal to use cannabis in some cases, the K9 unit no longer needs them to ... their dogs to search for harder drugs, like heroin, meth and cocaine. Retraining Traditionally, law ... continue reading -
Yes, Suboxone is Sober & The Truth About Suboxone
In 2014, almost 2 million Americans abused or were dependent on prescription pain medication. During that same time, as many as one in four people who received opioids for treatment of long-term pain in primary care settings struggled with an opioid ...
... of long-term pain in primary care settings struggled with an opioid use disorder. When you factor in that heroin use has also been on the rise and heroin overdose death rates have increased by 20.6 percent from 2014 to ... continue reading -
True or False: Ready to Put Your Fentanyl Knowledge to the Test?
Fentanyl. This potent opiate has added a whole new level of danger to the opioid crisis, causing a staggering number of overdoses and deaths. Part of its overall threat is the lack of public knowledge and awareness. So, how much do you know about ...
... out… True or False: Fentanyl is 50 times stronger than heroin. True or False: Fentanyl can't be absorbed through your ... True or False: As long as I have some Narcan nearby, I'll be safe using fentanyl. Image Source: iStock continue reading -
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 ...
... a fairly new combo making national headlines. The deadly mixture is made of a variety of opioids, including heroin , fentanyl , carfentanil , and a lesser-known synthetic opiate known as U-47700 . It resembles concrete ... continue reading -
Opioid Addiction: Treatment and Rehab
If you or a loved one abuses opioids, you should know that opioid addiction treatment can be a beneficial and potentially life-saving intervention. 1 It can be challenging and uncomfortable to stop using opioids on your own. 2 Opioid rehab can help ...
... in the past year; 9.3 million of those people misused prescription pain relievers, and 902,000 people used heroin. 3 In addition, an estimated 21-29% of people who receive prescription opioids for chronic pain misuse ... continue reading -
Is Your Friend High? Here’s How to Tell…
Your friend seems a little “off.” Is he simply having a bad day? Did he not sleep well? Is he sick? Or is he high? To the untrained observer, it can be hard to tell. But it's important to discern. Depending on the circumstances, it could affect ...
... sunglasses indoors to hide bloodshot eyes, can all be signs of drug use. (U)nusual Actions: Being high can cause people ... jaw clenching/grinding, excessive talking, and paranoia. Heroin, on the other hand, can cause extreme ... continue reading
DrugAbuse.com is a subsidiary of American Addiction Centers (AAC). We are here to help you understand your addiction treatment options
