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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 ...
... the Internet. Synthetic versions of mescaline and anabolic steroids have become available. Mephedrone may be ... sold as bath salts. While the label says they are not meant to be consumed, this is only to avoid laws against ... continue reading -
Concurrent Alcohol and Steroid Abuse
Anabolic steroids are synthetic drugs that mimic some of the hormonal effects that testosterone has on the body. They are sometimes used to prevent the loss of healthy body mass seen with chronic, 'wasting' conditions such as AIDS and some forms of ...
... before resuming use. Cycling is also practiced to avoid some of the adverse effects caused by anabolic steroid use. Anabolic steroids can have detrimental effects on the mind and body when abused in isolation, and their ... continue reading -
What Drugs Cause the Most Insane Behavior?
Many substances that are addictive cause mental changes or unusual behavior. Even if a substance does not inherently have mind-altering properties, people who are addicted to it may display strange behavior if they need the drug are unable to obtain ...
... in inner-city environments; it is characterized by a crystal or rock-like appearance. Anabolic Steroids Anabolic steroids were originally developed to treat health conditions that caused patients to be dangerously ... 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 ...
... physiological effects, such as increased heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing. What Are Steroids? Androgenic/anabolic steroids are a class of drugs used medically for conditions such as hypogonadism and to stimulate ... continue reading -
Snorting Ketamine
Ketamine is a drug used in human and animal surgery to induce numbness and sedation without compromising breathing and blood pressure 1 . It is a dissociative anesthetic, and it has been increasingly used as a party drug due to the detached, ...
... and heroin, it may not be associated with as high a risk for addiction development, but that does not mean that someone can't get addicted to it. Ketamine users may find themselves escalating their doses to get the same ... continue reading -
How to Help a Crystal Meth Addict
What Is Crystal Methamphetamine? Crystal methamphetamine—also known as crystal meth—is a highly addictive white, crystalline drug that can be taken by snorting, smoking, or injecting into the body. The drug also has some common street names, ...
... out of your life is a very big challenge to take on and sometimes people can slip, but it does not mean that they have failed. Recovery is a lifelong process and most often, multiple relapses are a normal part of the ... continue reading -
How Kids Get Hooked on Drugs at Such a Young Age
It's every parent's fear: their kids doing drugs. In general, most kids will try something before the age of twenty, and it's a fairly natural part of experimenting with the world around them. However, some kids will have an addiction problem before ...
... important to how your kid deals with drugs. What we mean by this is that if you regularly drink to excess, ... . You need to model sensibility and moderation. This means not drinking during the day and only keeping a small ... 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 ...
... and reclaim your life. Remember, not every person who becomes dependent on a substance is addicted to it. Dependence just means that your body has become used to the drug and expects it. If you don't take it, you may ... continue reading -
Concurrent Alcohol and Ecstasy Abuse
Ecstasy may make its users feel ecstatic for a time but, when abused with alcohol, it can cause seriously negative effects on your health and even kill you. Even as the name for this drug changes to the more friendly “Molly,” this does not mean ...
... and even kill you. Even as the name for this drug changes to the more friendly “Molly,” this does not mean that the substance has become less injurious to its users. Ecstasy is known to researchers as MDMA, short for 3 ... continue reading -
How to Get Help for Ketamine Addiction
About Ketamine Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic—a chemical cousin of PCP. Its use as a recreational drug can increase a person's risk of developing addiction and hasten the emergence of long-term psychological effects, including: Memory ...
... because you felt indifferent to pain while on ketamine? Have you stolen ketamine or procured it through other illegal means? Do you find that you live in a world of invincibility while on ketamine, oblivious to the real ... continue reading -
How to Help Someone With Marijuana Addiction
Marijuana continues to be the most widely abused illicit drug. The increased state-level legality of marijuana may be promoting perceptions of lower risks and higher benefits among high school students. In recent surveying, one third of 10 th ...
... anxiety , initially. Many users will seek to replicate these feelings. Eventually, the user may develop tolerance—meaning that higher qualities or quantities of the substance need to be ingested to produce the same high ... continue reading -
15 Warning Signs That Your Kid May Be Using Drugs
Kids are a source of worry for every parent. You look after them for years, and you hope that they end up turning our alright. While there are hundreds of books and articles on how to raise your kids, few really work that well, and it's all down to ...
... , they could also be related to medical issues or even bullying. Items or money going missing around your house might mean that your kid is stealing to fund a habit. Keep an open mind, however, as it's just as likely ... 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 ...
... , some go nuts and cut off their ear in a drunken rage. Just because you are a genius doesn't mean you're sensible. 1. Aleister Crowley Aleister Crowley was one of the preeminent magicians of the early twentieth century ... continue reading -
Get the Facts on Substance Abuse
Substance abuse is a major issue in the United States. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 40.3 million people aged 12 or older had a substance use disorder (SUD) in 2020—with 28.3 million struggling with an ...
... drug gradually. It is important to note that just because a person is dependent on a drug does not necessarily mean they are addicted. 5 Even when the effects of drugs are damaging to a person's health and harms their ... continue reading -
Treatment for LSD Abuse: How to Treat LSD Addiction
Psychoactive substances, by definition, change the way people think and feel. Hallucinogens do this in a unique way, by altering the way that humans sense and perceive the world—making false visual, auditory, and tactile sensations seem real. One ...
... Treatment There are currently no known government-approved medications to specifically treat LSD dependence. 1 This does not mean, however, that there is no way to attend to or help someone who has an LSD use problem ... continue reading -
Barbiturates Side Effects: Short-Term, Long-Term, and Addiction Treatment
What Are Barbiturates Used For? Barbiturates are members of a broad class of drugs called sedatives that have historically been prescribed for the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. However, prolonged use at increasing doses may have ...
... first step of recovery. Continued addiction treatment in the form of inpatient or outpatient rehab can mean greater chances of successful recovery from substance abuse. Learn more about how to get help for barbiturate ... continue reading -
Meth Overdose Symptoms, Signs, Risk Factors, Prevention, and Treatment
What Is Methamphetamine? Methamphetamine—most commonly known as “meth,” “crystal,” “speed,” and “ice”—is an addictive stimulant that causes users to experience an intense, euphoric rush. 1 Meth can be smoked, snorted, injected, ...
... fatal. Seeking treatment for meth addiction can help to prevent the onset of lasting health consequences and can mean the beginning of a new life. American Addiction Centers (AAC) is a leading treatment provider and has ... continue reading -
How to Help a Heroin Addict
More than 590,000 people had a heroin use disorder in the U.S. in 2015, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. If you or someone you love is addicted to heroin, you're not alone, and there is help available. Approaching Someone About ...
... dedication on the part of the family. 2 To be clear, offering support to your loved one does not mean enabling their addiction to continue. Remember, you can set your boundaries while continuing to offer the support they ... continue reading -
How to Help Someone Addicted to Cocaine
Knowing how to help a friend, family member, peer, or coworker with an addiction to cocaine is difficult. Addiction can take a serious toll on relationships, making a conversation about addiction treatment even more challenging. While this type of ...
... prepares you to face the outside world without using drugs. Post-Treatment Options The end of rehab doesn't mean the end of treatment. You can transition from rehab to an outpatient program or sober living facility where ... continue reading -
Drug Arrests Across America
The Current Drug Landscape An estimated 24.6 million Americans aged 12 or over used an illicit drug in 2013. That's 9.4% of the population. 1 The number was similar in 2012 (9.2%), and in that year the FBI reports that there were 1.5 million drug ...
... Market, Arlington and Broadway East. Unless you're quite familiar with Baltimore's geography, those names won't mean much to you, but the main clusters of drug arrests once again overlap the areas of most extreme poverty ... continue reading -
How to Help an Ambien Addict
Ambien is a brand name for zolpidem , a medication prescribed for the management of insomnia . A few other formulations of the same medication with differing delivery methods are marketed under the names: Edluar and Intermezzo —Sublingual zolpidem ...
... to strengthen recovery. Find Ambien Rehab Centers Near Me Ambien is a prescription drug, but this does not mean that its use is without risk. If you are struggling with Ambien misuse, you should seek addiction treatment ... continue reading -
MDMA/Ecstasy Dangers of Use, Addictive Potential, and Treatment Options
Ecstasy is an illicitly manufactured, synthetic drug used by many people for different reasons, such as to increase feelings of well-being or feel emotional closeness to others. Although ecstasy initially became popular for use at raves or parties, ...
... that of dopamine. 1 Is MDMA Addictive? MDMA is categorized as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act, which means that it has no accepted medical use in the U.S., and it has a high potential for misuse. 3 ... continue reading -
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Treatment Programs
When one is struggling with a psychiatric disorders—such as PTSD, bipolar disorder, and depression— and a substance use disorder at the same time, these conditions are known as co-occurring mental health disorders. One who struggles with mental ...
... Occurring Mental Health and Drug Abuse? The term co-occurring disorder, also referred to as a dual diagnosis, means that a person has a mental health disorder and an addiction at the same time. 3 Mental health conditions ... continue reading -
Cocaine Overdose Symptoms, Signs, Prevention, and Addiction Treatment
Cocaine overdose can be a serious concern for anyone who uses cocaine. This article will help you understand what a cocaine overdose is, cocaine overdose effects, and potential risk factors for cocaine overdose. We will also discuss what you can do ...
... time you use it? Yes, people can experience an overdose the first time they use cocaine. 2 This means that an individual can risk experiencing serious and potentially lethal effects even after just one use. Overdose can ... continue reading -
5 Lies All Addicts Tell Themselves
As an addict, life is a game of survival. Day after day is dedicated to avoiding withdrawals and hiding the outward signs of chemical dependency. On top of that, feeding an addiction means developing an arsenal of psychological defense mechanisms. ...
... out there who's much worse off than they are, it's easy to feel a little superior. All this comparison really means is that the addict hasn't fallen to a deeper level of destruction. If they don't get help, however, it's ... continue reading -
Understanding the Effects of Long Term Drug Abuse on the Brain
Drug addiction is a chronic brain disease, and it can cause you to compulsively seek out drugs even though you're aware of the harmful results taking them can cause. Initially, your choice to take drugs is voluntary. So, if someone offers you drugs, ...
... respond with euphoria. Second, drugs are able to overstimulate the part of the brain that feels it was rewarded; this means that when you take the drug, you'll feel good about it. If you always feel good about taking it ... continue reading -
Concurrent Alcohol and Adderall Abuse
Anyone at risk for alcohol or Adderall abuse should know several facts about both drugs. Both drugs are fairly common, and both can be lethal if used in conjunction or in large amounts separately. Adderall is an amphetamine, which means it is a ...
... the body, which may result in heart failure or seizures. Alcohol acts as a central nervous system depressant, meaning that the drug is slowing down the heartbeat. When the drugs are used in conjunction, the signals going ... continue reading -
What Are Bath Salts and Why Are They So Dangerous?
No, we're not talking about actual bath salts. That would be unfortunate and rather painful. If you've ever accidentally got a fizzy drink up your nose (we would mention one of the leading brands of cola products, but that could be confusing,) ...
... shove electrons into the center of the molecule so that it binds more strongly in the brain. This also means you get some nasty side effects, particularly as the drug breaks down. The first danger of bath salts involve ... continue reading -
Crystal Meth Abuse Side Effects, Symptoms, and Addiction Treatment
What Is Crystal Meth? Crystal methamphetamine (crystal meth) is a powerful central nervous stimulant with highly addictive properties . Crystal meth is the illicit, crystalline form of methamphetamine. Legally manufactured methamphetamine is ...
... . Legally manufactured methamphetamine is classified as a Schedule II drug by the United States Controlled Substances Act, meaning: It has a high potential for abuse. It has a currently accepted medical use. Abuse of it ... 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 ...
... relatively short, but it takes the body time to metabolize the drug and clear it out of the system. 5 This means that long after a mother stops feeling the effects of cocaine , it may still be in her breast milk and may ... continue reading -
K2 Knowledge
For the last few years, the use of synthetic cannabinoids - also known as K2, Spice, Fake Weed, and over 500 other street names - has been on the rise. In a single three-day period in 2016, at least 130 people in New York overdosed on K2 . In 2015, ...
... combinations, K2 can be anywhere from twice as potent at THC to 100 times as potent -a fact that means accidental overdoses are easy to come by and hard to avoid. As for detoxing, most survey respondents were unsure ... continue reading -
Concurrent Alcohol and PCP Abuse
The National Institute on Drug Abuse describes PCP as a serious and illegal hallucinogen that started as a clinical sedative and anesthetic, but was discontinued and made illegal upon discovery of its extremely negative and unpredictable effects. In ...
... Addictions 12-Step education , group therapy , cognitive behavioral therapy and recreational therapy are effective means of dealing with many drug addictions, including addictions to alcohol and PCP. However, the NIDA ... 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 ...
... snorting it. You no longer have a prescription for opiates, but you continue getting them through other means, while taking them with alcohol. You begin associating pleasurable sensations with opiate and alcohol use. You ... 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 ...
... rise in a prescription drug epidemic combined with a decrease in perceived harm of certain classes of drugs means deaths from drug overdose have been rising steadily and are now the leading cause of injury death in the ... continue reading -
What Are Hallucinogens? Short- and Long-Term Side Effects and Treatment
Hallucinogens are drugs that alter the user's thinking processes and perception in a manner that leads to significant distortions of reality. To many, the influence of these drugs represents experiences of new and even expanded consciousness and, ...
... hallucinogens are classified by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as Schedule I controlled substances, meaning they have no known medicinal uses and have a high potential for abuse and physical or ... 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 ...
... some form, and five of those permit recreational use. Several other states have decriminalized small amounts , which means first-time possession of a small amount of marijuana for personal use does not lead to an arrest ... continue reading -
I’m a Millionaire and I Need to Go to Rehab. Where Do I Go?
You've realized you have an issue, whether it's a heroin or coke addiction or a sex addiction, so you need to find somewhere nice to attend rehab. Naturally, you want somewhere that's a little more exclusive to avoid running into someone who might ...
... can relax. The center also notes that a large proportion of its staff members are in recovery as well, which means they'll understand what you're going through. You will be allowed a lot more freedom than with other ... continue reading -
Risks of Smoking While Breastfeeding
The numerous health hazards associated with smoking tobacco are well researched and documented. There is no safe time to smoke , but in some situations, the potential for harm is more unequivocal than usual. One such situation is smoking before and ...
... cigarettes per day. The 14 mg and 7 mg patches will transfer a smaller amount of nicotine proportional to their dose. This means that use of a 7 mg patch would be equal to smoking 5 or 6 cigarettes daily 6 . There is a ... continue reading -
Overdosing on Sleep Medication Is a Big Problem
According to a recent survey , 69 percent of primary care patients complain of insomnia and other sleep issues. To solve the problem, doctors often prescribe sleeping pills or hypnotic medications. However, many people end up using these drugs for ...
... medication, zolpidem, is in its own category. The Dangers of Zolpidem Zolpidem is an FDA-approved medication meant to treat short-term bouts of insomnia. Brand names include Ambien , Ambien CR, Edular, Intermezzo, and ... continue reading -
Snorting Oxycodone: Long-Term Effects & Dangers
Oxycodone is an opioid prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain. 2 It is available in immediate-release forms as well as extended-release formulations (known by brand names like OxyContin). 2 Misuse of oxycodone, particularly at high doses, can ...
... for misuse, which can increase the risks of addiction and opioid overdose. 2 3 Snorting oxycodone, which means crushing the pills and inhaling the powder, is a common method of misuse, as it can increase euphoria ... continue reading -
Cocaine Use During Pregnancy
Cocaine use during pregnancy has the potential to harm both mother and baby, and the effects may be long-lasting. 1 Research estimates that there are about 750,000 pregnancies that are exposed to cocaine every year. 1 This means that a mother may ...
... . 1 Research estimates that there are about 750,000 pregnancies that are exposed to cocaine every year. 1 This means that a mother may use the drug before she even knows she is pregnant—placing the fetus at risk of ... continue reading -
Effects of PCP Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
What Is PCP? PCP is an abbreviation for the powerful dissociative sedative drug phencyclidine. PCP is sold on the street in many forms, including as: White powder. Crystal. Capsules. Tablets. Liquid. PCP tablets can be found in multiple colors. Like ...
... chemical cousin ketamine , PCP is a dissociative sedative -anesthetic drug. It has hallucinogenic properties, however—meaning it is known to produce visual and auditory distortions, as well as perceptual changes. PCP's ... continue reading -
How to Help an Ecstasy Addict
Help for Ecstasy Addicts The full name for ecstasy is 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, or MDMA. It is a synthetic drug that has psychoactive effects on users. It is produced and available in many forms. It is similar chemically to the hallucinogen ...
... and the stimulant methamphetamine . Ecstasy is a central nervous system stimulant with mild hallucinogenic effects. This means that it can produce a sped up effect on the body while changing the user's perceptions ... continue reading -
Long-Term Effects of Molly, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment
MDMA Drug Information Ecstasy is the more common street name for 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine—a highly addictive, illicit drug also known as MDMA , or “Molly.” This drug shares chemical structural similarities with both amphetamine and ...
... (DEA) placed an emergency ban on the substance. It was placed on the list of Schedule I drugs, meaning it carries high potential for abuse and has no accepted medical uses. 2 The drug is often encountered as a ... continue reading -
Drug Abuse Intervention
Addiction and Drug Abuse Drug abuse is one of the most serious health risks in the United States. People of all ages can fall into a destructive habit of using illicit or prescription drugs. Over time, the human body builds up a tolerance to the ...
... feelings of guilt, or putting the person on the defensive. Professional Interventionists Even the most well-meaning friends and relatives may not be able to conduct an intervention with the necessary detachment. All ... continue reading -
What Is Crack Cocaine? Side Effects, Crack Withdrawal, and Addiction Treatment
What Is Crack Cocaine? Crack cocaine is an addictive stimulant drug that is the rock crystal form of powdered cocaine. 1,2,5 Crack cocaine is a more potent form of cocaine that is processed so that it can be smoked, which provides an immediate high. ...
... an individual uses larger amounts of a drug to produce the same high, they are becoming tolerant to it, meaning that their brain and body have become desensitized to the drug of abuse. 7,8,9 Tolerance is different from ... continue reading -
Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers for Drug and Alcohol Abuse and Health Issues
A significant amount of people suffering with substance abuse and addiction meet the criteria for having additional psychiatric disorders, as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The phenomenon of ...
... aspects of these anxious, depressed, or psychotic conditions and begin using alcohol or drugs as a means to modify the undesirable symptoms they experience. The use of substances to address psychiatric symptoms is known ... continue reading -
Crystal Meth Addiction: Stages, Dependence, Symptoms, and Treatment
What Is Crystal Meth? Crystal meth is a form of methamphetamine —a substance that is widely abused throughout the country. Its widespread illicit production dwarfs that of its pharmaceutical counterpart—marketed as Desoxyn —a stimulant ...
... drugs of abuse, in the case of crystal meth, addiction is highly interconnected with physical dependence . Dependence means that the body becomes used to the drug—so much so that it functions or is perceived to function ... continue reading -
Mind Over Matter: The Psychological Grip of Addiction
For most people addicted to drugs or alcohol, the compulsive desire to use is complex. That urge is often triggered by certain environments, thoughts or past experiences. And while addiction is classically thought of as a physical dependence, the ...
... so they continually pursue them—despite the heavy cost. Addicts can easily lose everything that once held meaning in their lives including work, friends and relationships. Attacking the Problem Because detox doesn't cure ... continue reading -
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 ...
... keep increasing your dosage to treat the pain, you should speak with a medical provider. The increase in medication means you're developing a tolerance. This can make it harder to stop the drug use in the future. Another ... continue reading -
Bath Salts Overdose Signs, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Prevention, and Treatment
What Are Bath Salts? Synthetic cathinones —commonly referred to as “bath salts”—belong to a group of drugs health officials call “new psychoactive substances.” These are psychoactive drugs that mimic the effects of existing illegal drugs ...
... salts overdose. Scientists do know, however, that dose and purity are largely unknown to the user, 7 meaning that any consumption of bath salts can potentially lead to overdose . Case studies examining the short- and ... 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 ...
... depress respiratory functioning . Over time, someone can develop a tolerance to both alcohol and fentanyl. This means that larger quantities of the substances must be consumed in order to achieve the same desired effect ... continue reading -
Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms, Dangers, Detox, and Addiction Treatment
Cocaine is a stimulant drug derived from leaves of the coca plant, grown primarily in South America. 1 It is an addictive substance that produces euphoric effects and has a high potential for misuse. 1 Someone who chronically uses cocaine can build ...
... effects and has a high potential for misuse. 1 Someone who chronically uses cocaine can build a tolerance, meaning that they may need more cocaine to achieve the desired effect or they do not experience the desired ... continue reading -
Party Culture and Substance Use
Three out of five college students actively drink alcohol, and more than half of them practice binge drinking - or drinking enough to significantly raise blood alcohol content (BAC) levels in a short span of time. Typically, this means four drinks ...
... drinking enough to significantly raise blood alcohol content (BAC) levels in a short span of time. Typically, this means four drinks for women and five drinks for men in about two hours. Nearly six percent of fatalities ... continue reading -
Snorting Heroin Side Effects, Dangers, and Addiction Treatment
Heroin is a highly addictive Schedule I controlled drug. Heroin has a long history—it was first synthesized (as diacetylmorphine) in 1874 from morphine. Paradoxically, heroin was originally marketed as a safer and non-addictive form of morphine. ...
... carry over to other drugs such as morphine, oxycodone, and hydrocodone. Because heroin can vary in strength and contents (meaning the drug may be laced with another substance like fentanyl ), the user is at high risk of ... continue reading -
How to Help a DMT Addict
N, N-Dimethyltryptamine is the chemical name for the drug commonly known as DMT. This potent hallucinogen , sometimes called “Dmitri,” can be synthesized in labs, but it also occurs naturally in several types of South American plants. The ...
... or who have dual diagnosis disorders . Others may be able to maintain treatment on an outpatient basis, meaning that they will be able to live at home while attending treatment. Outpatient treatment options include: 1,8 ... 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 ...
... consequences. As zolpidem users continue to take the substance, their brains become accustomed to the drug's presence. This means that the user may need to take the drug in higher or more frequent doses in order to get ... continue reading -
Heroin’s Effects on Pregnancy
Heroin is an illegal and highly addictive substance that may be injected, smoked, or snorted. This powerful opiate drug can easily harm any user, and it can cause numerous problems for a pregnant mother and her developing baby. Unfortunately, heroin ...
... violence. Criminal activity. Effects of Heroin on a Developing Fetus Heroin can easily cross the placental barrier. This means that when a woman injects , inhales , or smokes heroin, the drug is passed along to the baby ... 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 ...
... . 8 This happens because taking heroin regularly results in the development of tolerance to the drug, meaning that more of it is required to achieve previous effects. Individuals who abstain from use for some amount ... continue reading -
Barbiturate Abuse Side Effects, Symptoms, and Addiction Treatment
What Are Barbiturates Used For? Barbiturates are sedative-hypnotic drugs that were once commonly used as sedatives or anti-anxiety medications. A physician must prescribe barbiturates; otherwise, their use is considered illicit. Among their limited ...
... Seconal (secobarbital). Butisol (butabarbital). Fiorinal (butalbital). Phenobarbital has a relatively narrow therapeutic range, which means that the dose needs to be just right for it to be safe and effective. Those who ... 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 ...
... map that does tell the story of prescription drug deaths at the level of individual counties; in many cases, this means individual communities. West Virginia plays a big part in the story; 10 of the 30 counties (and 6 of ... continue reading -
Symptoms of Date Rape Drugs: Effects & Signs of Being Roofied
Rape is a serious criminal act, with the potential for severe and lasting repercussions on the victim's life. Rape involves sexually taking advantage of another person without their consent, and this includes having sex with a person who is ...
... compound one another when taken together. Signs of being roofied include extreme drowsiness and even amnesia , meaning the person will not remember what happened during the time they were under the influence, depending ... 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 chemical that forms in the liver when these drugs are mixed. Cocaethylene is cardiotoxic, meaning that it puts significant stress on the cardiovascular system , which includes the heart and lungs. Because ... 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 comments and find common terms and their frequency within these comments. Please note that this page is not meant to provide any diagnosis or medical advice. If you have a question about your Tramadol use, or that of ... continue reading -
Facts About Krokodil (The “Zombie Drug”)
What Is Krokodil? Desomorphine (dihydrodesoxymorphine) or Krokodil, is an injectable opioid derivative of codeine. On the street and online, the drug is known as: Krokodil. Crocodile. Croc. Krok. Russian Magic. Poor Man's Heroin. The name ...
... chemical precursor used in desomorphine production). Krokodil is a Schedule I substance in the United States, meaning it has high abuse potential and no accepted medicinal use. Desomorphine: A Cheap Substitute for Heroin ... continue reading -
Weed the People
Since the We the People petitioning system was launched on Whitehouse.gov in September 2011, more than half a million people have contributed their signatures in support of the legalization or rescheduling of marijuana in the United States. We've ...
... the federal level and who feel inclined to use the We the People petitioning system to show it. This means that as well as their feelings on current federal laws regarding marijuana, a person's political affiliation and ... continue reading -
The Effects of Alcohol on the Body
Drinking alcohol puts you in a league with 70% of Americans who also do. And though nights spent with a beer, a glass of your favorite wine, or a mixed drink might seem like harmless fun, do you really know how it's affecting your body? Like all ...
... might seem like harmless fun, do you really know how it's affecting your body? Like all things, alcohol is meant to be enjoyed in moderation. Drinking heavily can take a heavy toll on your body. Effects of Alcohol on the ... continue reading -
Concurrent Oxycontin and Alcohol Abuse
OxyContin is the brand name for the prescription opioid oxycodone , used for the relief of pain that cannot be effectively managed by other, less potent medications, including over-the-counter pain relievers. OxyContin is available as an ...
... . In fact, it is listed as a Schedule II controlled drug by the Drug Enforcement Administration, which means that it has a strong potential for abuse and dependence. Signs of Concurrent Alcohol and Oxycontin Abuse Both ... continue reading -
Concurrent Alcohol and Norco Abuse
Norco, which is the brand name for hydrocodone , is a narcotic pain reliever. If you are misusing Norco, your body may be dependent on the drug, ultimately resulting in addiction. Concurrent alcohol and Norco abuse occurs when someone is using both ...
... -term and long-term side effects. Alcohol affects the metabolism (breaking down) of Norco and other opioids , which means that the effects of the drug can be much more potent when it is used with alcohol (McCance-Katz et ... 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 ...
... The National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that the average age of opiate addicts was 21, meaning that many individuals with opiate addictions began using in their early or late teens. Morphine's long-term effects ... continue reading -
Concurrent Alcohol and Marijuana Abuse
Marijuana is the most popular illicit drug to use simultaneously with alcohol . It is a dried, leafy plant that has small, glistening hairs. Most often smoked, marijuana can also be consumed orally when baked into foods such as brownies or cookies. ...
... marijuana use with children by the time they are in middle school. It stresses open communication as a means to understand the reasons behind marijuana use. Peer pressure is an immense and profound motivator for many ... continue reading -
Concurrent Alcohol and Cocaine Abuse
Concurrent Alcohol and Cocaine Abuse Cocaine is a profoundly addictive stimulant drug that produces euphoria, increased energy, and talkativeness. It is most often snorted or dissolved in water and injected into a vein. Due to the short duration of ...
... the bloodstream or leave the teen unaware of his or her ability to function at that time. This, of course, means that many teens who take cocaine and alcohol at the same time will try to drink and drive, since cocaine ... continue reading -
Concurrent Alcohol and Ambien Abuse
Ambien is the brand name for the sedative-hypnotic (i.e. sleep aid) drug, zolpidem. It is a central nervous system depressant, meaning that it slows down brain activity. Ambien is available in both immediate and extended release formulations. Drugs ...
... the sedative-hypnotic (i.e. sleep aid) drug, zolpidem. It is a central nervous system depressant, meaning that it slows down brain activity. Ambien is available in both immediate and extended release formulations. Drugs ... continue reading -
MXE Drug Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment
What Is MXE? Methoxetamine—also known as MXE—is a drug similar to ketamine and known for its hallucinogenic and dissociative properties. 1 MXE (sometimes called “Mexxy,” “M-ket,” “Special M,” or “legal ketamine”) is commonly sold ...
... sometimes fatal symptoms. Teen MXE Abuse The lack of federal restrictions on the sale of MXE in the United States means that it is easily accessible by teens and may even be purchased over the internet. 3 Abuse of drugs ... continue reading -
Effects of Peyote Abuse: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
What Is Peyote Used For? Peyote (or mescaline) belongs to a class of drugs known as hallucinogens. Mescaline is the active hallucinogenic ingredient in peyote, which is a small, spineless cactus. 1 The top, or crown, of the peyote cactus has ...
... States, peyote and mescaline are listed by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as Schedule I drugs, meaning they have no currently accepted medical use, a high potential for abuse, and are considered unsafe for ... continue reading -
Zolpidem Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Treatment Programs
What Is Zolpidem? Zolpidem tartrate is a sedative-hypnotic agent found in many prescription sleep aid drugs used to treat insomnia. 1 The most widely known brand name formulation of zolpidem in the U.S. is Ambien. The pharmacological effects of ...
... person begins abusing it, they may become tolerant to and dependent on the medication. 6,7 Tolerance means that the initial dose fails to provide the desired effects and increasing doses are needed over time. Dependence ... continue reading -
Harmful Effects of Smoking During Pregnancy and How to Stop
In the U.S., there are an estimated 42 million people (nearly 18% of the total population) who currently smoke. 1 Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable disease, disability, and death in the U.S. In fact, smoking accounts for nearly 1 in ...
... from another person's smoking. Just like immediately inhaled cigarette smoke, SHS is a human carcinogen—which means it contains chemicals that cause cancer. 17 SHS can cause a number of negative health problems in ... continue reading -
Inhalant Overdose Symptoms, Risk Factors, Prevention, and Treatment
Can You Overdose on Inhalants? Inhalants are a group of chemicals that users inhale to create a mind-altering experience. Many of these substances are household items—easily obtained from the local hardware store, if not your garage or kitchen ...
... that includes: 6 Decontamination . The inhalants may have contacted the skin and clothes of the user. This means that unintentional inhalation could be ongoing and add to the danger of the overdose. Clothes will need to ... continue reading -
Effects of Acid (LSD): Short-Term, Long-Term, and Side Effects
What Is LSD (Acid)? D-lysergic acid diethylamide, better known as LSD or “acid,” is a hallucinogenic drug made from lysergic acid, a natural chemical found in a fungus that grows on rye called Claviceps purpurea . LSD was first created in 1938 ...
... not produce dependence and is not addictive. However, tolerance to the effects of LSD develops very quickly, meaning that frequent use of the drug will result in diminished effects over time. Essentially, the same dose ... continue reading -
Hash Side Effects, Symptoms of Abuse, and Addiction Treatment
What Is Hashish? Hashish is a product extracted from the trichomes (fine hair-like outgrowths) of the cannabis plant, as well as from the flowers and fragments of leaves and stems. Hashish is typically sold in blocks of solid resinous preparations, ...
... the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) still considers cannabis a Schedule I controlled substance , meaning that it is considered to have no medicinal use and a high potential for abuse. Hash Addiction ... continue reading -
Sedative Withdrawal Symptoms, Detoxification, and Addiction Treatment
What Is a Sedative Drug? Sedatives are a class of drugs that depress, or slow down the central nervous system. This substance class encompasses a wide variety of drugs, the most common of which include: Benzodiazepines (treat anxiety and seizures). ...
... to detox from sedative drugs. During medically assisted detoxification, medical staff will generally do a taper, which means they will gradually decrease the amount of the sedative a person is taking over a set period of ... continue reading -
Concurrent Alcohol and Vicodin Abuse
Alcohol and Vicodin can both be harmful to your health but, when the two are used together, the negative effects of each can compound those of the other. Vicodin, which contains hydrocodone and acetaminophen, is a prescription opioid used to manage ...
... some to problematic patterns of use and subsequent addiction. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, which means that it slows down brain activity, as well as heart and respiratory rates. Vicodin abuse alone can ... continue reading -
Concurrent Alcohol and Lorazepam Abuse
Although lorazepam and alcohol can both be safe when consumed appropriately, concurrent abuse can quickly lead to the need for immediate medical treatment. Facts about drinking and using lorazepam clearly indicate that it is never safe to mix these ...
... medical, addictive use of benzodiazepines continues to increase in individuals between the ages of 18-25. This means that teenagers are abusing these medications and may become addicted very quickly, taking high doses of ... continue reading -
Concurrent Alcohol and Crack Abuse
Concurrent Alcohol and Crack Abuse In the mid 1980s, crack cocaine use exploded across the United States. In 1974, 5 million people had tried cocaine. By 1985, more than 22 million people had tried cocaine, with more than half of them reporting ...
... & Harford, 1990). Signs and Symptoms of Crack and Alcohol Abuse Crack speeds up the body's metabolism, which means that it sends the signals alcohol produces more quickly to the brain when the two substances are used ... continue reading -
Ketamine Abuse Signs, Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment
What Is Ketamine? Ketamine (often called “K,” “Special K,” or “Vitamin K”) is a potent dissociative anesthetic , meaning it provides feelings of detachment from one's body. Commonly used in veterinary medicine , this drug has become ...
... Is Ketamine? Ketamine (often called “K,” “Special K,” or “Vitamin K”) is a potent dissociative anesthetic , meaning it provides feelings of detachment from one's body. Commonly used in veterinary medicine , this drug has ... continue reading -
Inhalant Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment
What Are Inhalants? Inhalants are substances that people inhale to try and get intoxicated. Just one use can be very dangerous and can present severe health problems. 1 Substances like solvents and aerosols can be volatile. It's more common for ...
... use. The person demonstrates more risk-taking behaviors related to inhalant use. Tolerance to inhalants arises, meaning more is needed to achieve the same effect. Other signs that a person may be misusing inhalants ... continue reading -
How to Help a Meth Addict
Methamphetamine (“meth”) is a substance that has very limited medical use. The drug is only available legally under the name Desoxyn , which is a medication with limited therapeutic application for the treatment of obesity and ADHD. As a ...
... of the most highly addictive of street drugs. It acts as a stimulant within the body, which means that it: Speeds up various processes in the body. Increases energy. Increases alertness. Decreases sleep behavior. Many ... continue reading -
PCP Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment
What Is PCP? PCP is phencyclidine. Similar to ketamine, it is a dissociative anesthetic that causes: Hallucinations. Out-of-body experiences. Delusions. Irrationality. The DEA has PCP listed as a Schedule II drug, which means it has a high potential ...
... . Out-of-body experiences. Delusions. Irrationality. The DEA has PCP listed as a Schedule II drug, which means it has a high potential for abuse and may lead to severe dependence (psychological or physical) . PCP is ... continue reading -
Effects of Inhalant Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
What Are Inhalants? There is a huge number of inhalants available for abuse, and they're fairly easy to obtain. It's unsurprising that teens in particular are susceptible to inhalant abuse, simply because these compounds can be acquired at any ...
... you've tried to quit using inhalants but suffer with serious withdrawal symptoms, you likely are experiencing dependence. This means that you need to seek help as soon as you realize you cannot manage your life without ... continue reading -
Effects of Meth Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
Is Meth Harmful? Meth—the abbreviated colloquialism for methamphetamine—is a wildly addictive and dangerous substance. Users can rapidly become dependent on its effects, which present a number of health risks. The illegal production and ...
... meth addiction , and the cumulative health toll can ultimately result in death. While this is no means an exhaustive list, some of the potential long-term effects of methamphetamine use can include: Prolonged appetite ... continue reading -
What Are the Effects of Ambien Use?
What Is Zolpidem/Ambien Used For? Ambien is the brand name for zolpidem tartrate, a sedative-hypnotic. When you take Ambien correctly, it can make you feel relaxed, comfortable, and sleepy. The United States Drug Enforcement Agency classifies the ...
... . The United States Drug Enforcement Agency classifies the prescription drug Ambien as a Schedule IV drug; 1 this means that you cannot possess or use Ambien without a prescription from a doctor. The reason that the Drug ... continue reading -
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Assessment Test
Drug abuse is a serious problem that can lead to legal problems , financial problems , and health problems . Long-term drug abuse destroys your relationships and your body . Sadly, many people don't realize they are abusing drugs because they only ...
... be able to find the help you need to get off drugs. Drug rehab is usually an inpatient program , which means that you live at the treatment center. Rehab can last for anywhere from 30 days to one year. Commonly, alcohol ... continue reading -
How to Help a Steroid Addict
Help for Steroid Addicts People who are addicted to steroids may need professional help to stop taking the drugs. While the dependency that develops as a result of their use may be different from that of other, more commonly abused substances, ...
... a result of their use may be different from that of other, more commonly abused substances, anabolic steroids can indeed be addictive—meaning that the body and mind may crave the drugs, even when a person wants to stop ... continue reading -
Steroid Abuse Side Effects, Signs, and Addiction Treatment
What Is a Steroid? Steroids are lifesavers in many situations. For example, corticosteroids open up the lungs to allow for increased breathing during asthma attacks. However, there are different types of steroids. Some steroids can be incredibly ...
... can be incredibly damaging to one's health , and these are anabolic steroids. Anabolic steroids mimic testosterone in the body, which means that they encourage the body to lay down protein, increasing muscle mass ... 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 ...
... of metabolism. 1 The majority of drugs are fat-soluble, meaning that they are difficult to pass in urine. The enzymes ... . Naproxen. Diclofenac. Birth control pills. Anabolic steroids . These drugs, among others, can ... 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 ...
... affect sperm movement and lead to infertility. Anabolic steroids also pose a danger to male fertility ... . However, alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, meaning that it slows the body and brain, and it may ... continue reading -
Effects of Steroid Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
Are Steroids Harmful? Some steroids can be incredibly harmful to those who take them. Conversely, some types of steroids are used to help people with inflammatory conditions like chronic bronchitis, but these are categorized as corticosteroids . ...
... in the brain can lead to changes in the mood and behavior of a person. In the long-term, anabolic steroid abuse can cause: Anger and aggression (“roid rage”). Paranoia. Delusions. Heart attack. Stroke. Kidney failure . ... continue reading -
Steroid Overdose Symptoms and Treatment
In general, there are two kinds of steroid drugs: Corticosteroids, which are used for medical issues. Anabolic steroids , which may also have indications for medical use, but are often misused to improve strength, appearance, and athletic ...
... receives medical help, the better their chances of survival are. If the person is slowly overdosing on anabolic steroids , professional substance abuse treatment is the best option for their health and survival. Chronic ... continue reading -
Drug and Alcohol Misuse and Cancer Risk
What Causes Cancer? Despite declines in the death rate over the last 20 years, cancer continues to be one of the most prevalent public health issues in the U.S. According to the National Cancer Institute: 1 About 1,806,590 new cases of cancer would ...
... germ cell tumor. 8 Studies indicate that marijuana smoke may contain a testicular carcinogen. 8 Anabolic Steroids Anabolic steroids are a class of substances with androgenic, or testosterone-like effects, frequently used ... continue reading -
Drug Abuse Policies in the United States
What Are Drug Policies in the U.S.? In America, drug policy involves the laws that control the distribution and use of both prescription and illicit drugs. From the classification of drugs according to their potential for abuse to the legalization ...
... . Have less addictive potential than Schedule I or II drugs. Examples include Suboxone , ketamine , and anabolic steroids . Schedule IV drugs: Have less potential for misuse and a lower risk of dependency. Examples ... continue reading
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