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What Does Ecstasy Look Like

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  • Ecstasy Facts, History, and Statistics

    Ecstasy is the popular name for the illicit recreational drug 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, or MDMA. It is known by many other terms, including “Molly,” “E,” and “X.” History of Ecstasy Anton Kollisch, a chemist at the ...

    ... in which legal pharmaceuticals are manufactured, and the purity and quantity of MDMA found in ecstasy tablets can vary considerably . The slang term “Molly” (short for “molecule”) is used to refer to supposedly pure ... 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 ...

    ... or liquid form. 2 Learn more about MDMA in our article, Ecstasy History and Statistics . The Dangers of “Molly” The following video from UMass Medical school describes why Molly isn't the safe alternative to other drugs ... 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. 1 Although ecstasy initially became popular for use at raves or ...

    ... , or MDMA. 2 It's also known by various street names, such as molly, XTC, E, X, beans, and adams. 3 Ecstasy is known ... signs of addiction with drugs like ecstasy, including continued ecstasy use despite the negative mental ... continue reading
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  • 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 ...

    ... will self-administer MDMA, which is an indicator of the drug's addictive potential. Ecstasy can be addicting ... many recovering ecstasy addicts find benefit from joining a recovery group, such as a 12-step program like NA. ... continue reading
  • Related results

  • Risk of Counterfeit and Laced Drugs

    Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that approximately 27 million people aged 12 and older were current illicit drug users. This figure amounts to 1 in every 10 people having used illegal drugs in the past month. With ...

    ... cut or laced with other substances. When one study looked at hair samples of nightclub/festival-attending young adults in New York City who reported lifetime Molly/MDMA/ecstasy use, they found that only half of the hair ... 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 ...

    ... for use in treating narcolepsy. It is an amphetamine-like stimulant and is available as an extended-release oral ... Ecstasy and MDMA? Ecstasy is the street name for the drug 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, or MDMA. MDMA ... 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. 1 To many, the influence of these drugs represents experiences of new and even expanded consciousness and, ...

    ... synthesized. When made in a laboratory, DMT looks like a white, crystalline powder and is most ... in conjunction with cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine, or MDMA (ecstasy). 20 Users will take ketamine repeatedly in a ... 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 ...

    ... recently, many sellers have relabeled these products as “ molly ” or “ flakka ,” so many users don't even realize they're taking bath salts. 5 What Do Bath Salts Look Like? Bath salts usually take the form of a white ... continue reading
  • Are These 7 Things Really as Addictive as Drugs?

    When you think about the disease of addiction, images of illicit drugs or empty whisky bottles likely come to mind. But addiction isn't limited to these substances. In fact, experts have determined that humans can become addicted to anything that ...

    ... emotions brought on by love - the flip-flop between ecstasy and desperation or the longing and damaging actions taken in the ... with having a “perfect” body or looking like a certain celebrity take things to another ... continue reading
  • Drugs in the News

    In a world grappling with issues of substance use and abuse, drugs are bound to see their days in the spotlight of our 24-hour news cycle. Maybe it's because of another tragic celebrity overdose, forcing us to confront the fact that even our heroes ...

    ... the right side. We looked at six types of ... ecstasy and ecstasy's purer form, MDMA. The reports range from the silly (like Madonna's spat with Deadmau5 over her, “Has anyone here seen Molly?” comment), to the tragic (like ... continue reading
  • Instagram, Drugs, and Rock ‘n’ Roll

    The Growth of Concerts and Music Festivals One of the most notable trends in music today is the growth of the music festival. As artists look to supplant revenue lost from declining sales of recorded music, music festival appearances serve as a way ...

    ... in the study , with 31,149 mentions. Coming next was MDMA, or Molly, with 25,605 posts, followed by marijuana with 9,705, and ... to various intoxicating substances like “Alcohol,” “Marijuana,” “Ecstasy,” and many others, ... continue reading
  • Common Street Names for Drugs

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

    ... called “ecstasy,” but may be also be referred to as: Adam Beans Clarity Disco Biscuit E Eve Molly Lover' ... Methadone : Amidone Fizzies Wafer Methadone mixed with MDMA: Chocolate Chip Cookies Morphine Morphine : Dreamer ... 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 ...

    ... illicit substances - including heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, MDMA, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and methamphetamine. Drug ... scenes where alcohol is prevalent. Held up next to cities like Las Vegas, New Orleans, and New York City, ... continue reading
  • Penalties and Sentencing for Drug Abuse, Selling, and Smuggling in the USA

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

    ... . Heroin . LSD . Marijuana . Peyote . MDMA/ ecstasy . Schedule II: Drugs that have approved medical ... and intent to sell, law enforcement officers will look for evidence like large amounts of cash, scales, or small plastic ... continue reading
  • Over-The-Counter Drugs of Abuse

    It is a common misconception that only illegal drugs are dangerous. There are many different over-the-counter (OTC) drugs with psychoactive, or mind-altering properties that may lead to a number of serious medical and mental health consequences if ...

    ... as alcohol and MDMA —according to the Center for Substance Abuse Research (CESAR). Teenagers and those looking for a ... settings may use ephedrine as a substitute for ecstasy. Negative side effects of ephedrine use include ... continue reading
  • How Alcohol and Drug Addiction Affects Relationships

    Addiction and Relationships Many discussions surrounding addiction tend to focus on the physical and psychological effects of substance use. The effects of drug addiction, however, extend beyond these issues and also encompass a person's social ...

    ... support network or other forms of support and safety, like your local police station or a domestic violence hotline. ... for change and forms of manipulation. Remember to look out for yourself first and do what will benefit ... 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, ...

    ... slightly older age group also saw a definite surge in ecstasy use over this period , as well as increased marijuana ... a decade of government data, we constructed a broad look at drug use and preferences over the past to ... continue reading
  • Robert Downey Jr.'s Incredible Comeback From Addiction

    A great Hollywood comeback story, Robert Downey Jr. is now one of the most bankable and highly paid actors in show business, starring in blockbuster comic book films like Iron Man and The Avengers as Iron Man—a role he continued in 2019's ...

    ... in show business, starring in blockbuster comic book films like Iron Man and The Avengers as Iron Man—a role ... John Hughes' Weird Science , and he co-starred opposite Molly Ringwald in The Pick-Up Artist in 1987. That same ... 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 ...

    ... Addiction researchers study rates of abuse by demographics like age, gender, geography, drug of abuse, ... increase), and hydrocodone products (124.5% increase). Only ecstasy saw a similar rate of increase in ER visits over ... 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 ...

    ... sold as tablets. Its effects are similar to those of MDMA . Users may feel peaceful, calm, and/or more empathetic ... meth (or any drug) increases the risk of diseases like HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Long-term ... continue reading
  • Ways of Helping Someone With Drug or Alcohol Addiction

    Seeking Drug Addiction Help If you have a loved one who is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, it can be difficult to watch them. You may be wondering how to help them with their substance abuse issues. They might be ready to quit and ...

    ... You Need Help There are signs and symptoms to look for that could indicate your loved one needs help ... addiction focuses on management of the disorder, much like the process of managing other chronic diseases, including ... continue reading
  • 7 Shocking Facts About Meth in the Gay Community

    As one of the most popular drugs in the gay community, users mistakenly believe that crystal meth leads to fun and enhances their life experiences. Due to that train of thought, this drug has become somewhat of an epidemic among the gay ...

    ... chairperson on Florida's No More Meth Task Force. “If you look at the actual arrests by sector [in Florida], they are ... meth include Special K, Poppers, Viagra, GHB and Ecstasy. One of the most concerning trends in the gay ... continue reading
  • How to Help an Oxycontin Addict

    OxyContin is a dangerous drug when not used properly, and it's easy to fall into the trap of addiction. Fortunately, there is help out there for anyone who is addicted to the substance, and it's never been easier to get help. How to Approach an ...

    ... process can be uncomfortable and can cause flu-like symptoms. Even though the symptoms of withdrawal ... an inpatient or outpatient program—just the fact that you're looking at this is a step in the right direction. How to ... continue reading
  • How to Help Someone With Alcohol Addiction

    In the United States, alcohol use is highly prevalent. According to the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, around 138 million people, or 50% of those people aged 12 and older, reported prior month use of alcohol. 1 You may be concerned ...

    ... for yourself to cope with the stress and look into attending groups like Al-Anon, which provides support meetings for loved ... Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine Marijuana ... continue reading
  • Is There a Cure for Addiction?

    Drug addiction, also known as a substance use disorder (SUD), is a national crisis in the United States. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): 1,2,3 Approximately 53 million people aged 12 and older (nearly 1 in 5 Americans) used ...

    ... illicit substance (marijuana, cocaine, heroine, LSD, PCP, ecstasy, inhalants, and methamphetamine) in 2018. (Over 23 ... especially in the cases of addiction to substances like opioids and alcohol. Therapy Styles There are a ... continue reading
  • Drugs and Devotion

    Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Why do some people seem compelled to experiment and others live their entire lives without ever taking a single puff, snort, sniff, or dose of an illicit substance? Thanks to decades of social studies, we now know ...

    ... comparison to the substances at the other end of the chart, like LSD, which was used by 1.2% of the nonreligious group ... the two substances that they do try earlier, LSD and ecstasy, only show small differences (0.1 to 0.2 ... continue reading
  • Teenagers and Drugs: 11 Real Reasons Why Teenagers Experiment

    There is a common misconception that teenagers who experiment with drugs and alcohol are inherently “bad kids.” Many parents assume that teenagers experiment because they are rebellious and want to lash out. That may be the reason a small ...

    ... and often family put pressure on teenagers to act and look a certain way, and they lose confidence in themselves if ... when they feel like they can't do something on their own and need a little help. Ecstasy can be used ... 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 ...

    ... cannot be saved and must be extracted. So, let's look at a few commonly abused drugs and what they can potentially ... Drugs: These include your basic “club drugs” like speed or ecstasy . They cause severe tooth decay, jaw- ... continue reading
  • How to Help a Codeine Addict

    Helping someone overcome an addiction is sometimes an arduous process, and recovery won't happen overnight. Addiction treatment takes time and often imposes stresses on both the abuser and the people they love. While it may prove difficult, ...

    ... Codeine Addicts Need More Than Hospital A recent study looked at opioid user death rates for those who only went ... Bath Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Marijuana Meth Methoxetamine ... continue reading
  • Snorting Molly (MDMA) Side Effects, Risks, and Addiction Treatment

    What Is Molly (MDMA)? Molly, commonly referred to as MDMA or 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, is a synthetic drug with both amphetamine and stimulant properties and mild hallucinogenic effects. It is the primary psychoactive agent found in many ...

    ... up into a powder for snorting. Snorting ecstasy can cause the effects to peak sooner for the user, but it may also increase the risks associated with MDMA use. How Is Molly Taken? Molly can be taken in different ways and ... continue reading
  • Using MDMA (Ecstasy) While Breastfeeding

    Ecstasy, or MDMA, is a widely used drug popular among young adults. It is a synthetic, psychoactive drug with chemical structural similarities to both methamphetamine and mescaline—capable of producing both stimulant and hallucinogenic effects in ...

    Ecstasy, or MDMA, is a widely used drug popular among young adults. It is a synthetic, psychoactive drug with chemical structural similarities to both methamphetamine and mescaline—capable of producing both stimulant and ... continue reading
  • What Is Molly? 5 Things You Didn’t Know About MDMA

    Molly is a street name for MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine), a popular rave drug used at nightclubs and music festivals to alter mood and perception. 1 People may see Molly as a drug that helps them let loose, connect to others, and dance ...

    ... ” and nightclub scene. 2,3 You Never Know How Pure MDMA Is Many use the term Molly to refer to a supposedly pure form of MDMA , reserving the term ecstasy for tablets thought more likely to be cut with other synthetic ... 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 ...

    ... it's called “bumping.” Ecstasy capsules sometimes have cartoons like Batmans, hearts, butterflies ... Ecstasy and alcohol, see the following articles: MDMA (Ecstasy or Molly) Ecstasy Overdose Symptoms How to Help an Ecstasy ... continue reading
  • MDMA (Ecstasy) Abuse While Pregnant

    Ecstasy is an illicit drug that is frequently abused among young adults. This drug, whose chemical name is 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, or MDMA for short, is structurally similar to amphetamine and has both stimulant and hallucinogenic ...

    ... and abstaining from harmful substances like ecstasy, it goes a long way to ensure the safety of the baby both in utero and after birth. Effects on the Baby After Birth Using MDMA while pregnant may have a negative ... continue reading
  • Let’s Talk Truth: Exactly How Long Do Drugs Stay in Your System?

    If you throw back a beer on Friday night, it's out of your system by Monday morning. But, what about other drugs? Most drugs linger a bit longer than alcohol. In fact, some of them stick around for a long time. This slower processing can surprise ...

    ... off work, she's assured it will be long gone by the time she starts her next shift. Wrong. Ecstasy, or MDMA, (a.k.a. Molly) stays with you for up to 72 hours. Drug Spike Julia had a full college scholarship, thanks to ... continue reading
  • Curing Alcoholism: We’re Finally Putting MDMA to the Test

    It seems ironic that one of the first drugs I used on the way to full-blown addiction is now being used in a study to cure alcoholism. Last week, UK researchers from Imperial College of London broke the news that they were about to begin the world's ...

    ... world's first clinical trial using MDMA (the active ingredient in party drug ecstasy) to test the theory that ... is drastically different from traditional treatment modalities like the 12 Steps. Once the patient goes ... continue reading
  • What Does Ecstasy do to Your Mind and Body?

    The night started off exactly like the last few Saturdays…Chloe entered the club with her girlfriends. Soon after, each of them took a bundle of ecstasy. Not long after washing down her dose with water, Chloe felt the familiar effects of the drug. ...

    ... Chloe felt the familiar effects of the drug. Like other stimulants , ecstasy speeds up the nervous system. If we could ... problems . While use of ecstasy, real name MDMA (short for methylenedioxymethamphetamine), often ... 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 ...

    ... as many as 48 hours depending on the amount used. Like its chemical cousin ketamine , PCP is a dissociative sedative ... the drug. Some people—intent on purchasing ecstasy or MDMA —are deceived and given pills that combine ... continue reading
  • Substance Use at Live Music Events

    If you're gearing up for a music festival, there are some things you probably want to ensure you have with you. Most veterans will recommend not leaving the house without comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a bottle of water. Unfortunately, something ...

    ... who each used hallucinogens or MDMA (commonly referred to as Molly or ecstasy). More Than Music Electronic ... . In fact, the misuse of certain substances, like MDMA or ketamine, has even lead to fatalities. Specifically ... 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 ...

    ... Self-Assessment Quiz is designed to help evaluate whether you may have a dependence on ecstasy, also known as MDMA or molly, an illicit stimulant with hallucinogenic properties that is often used as a “club drug.” While ... continue reading
  • The Scary Facts About Designer Drugs and Legal Highs

    Read Time: 30 minutes Introduction What Are Designer Drugs and Legal Highs? The terms “designer drugs” and “legal highs” are used to refer to substances such as synthetic marijuana and “bath salts” that are engineered in laboratories to ...

    ... such as methamphetamine , cocaine , and ecstasy. Like synthetic cannabinoids and other common legal highs, ... people—a key characteristic of an addictive drug—while MDMA does not. 31 Finally, although many cases of ... continue reading
  • Risks of Substance Abuse While Pregnant & Treatment Options

    Drinking alcohol or using drugs while pregnant can cause a number of negative health outcomes for both mother and child. It can affect a growing fetus because substances travel easily from the placenta, creating great potential for harm. 4 While not ...

    ... 4 Heroin and Pregnancy Using an illicit drug like heroin also significantly increases your baby's risk ... body weight at birth. MDMA (Ecstasy) and Pregnancy Studies suggest that fetal MDMA exposure during the first ... 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 ...

    ... Among these substances are: Heroin . Cocaine . MDMA (ecstasy) . Inhalants . Alcohol . Tobacco. Painkillers . ... kidney complications in acute and chronic users. Much like heroin, rhabdomyolysis is commonly seen in those who ... 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 ...

    ... can be just as dangerous if not more so than drugs like heroin, cocaine , and marijuana . Designer drugs are drugs created ... and death. The active ingredient in ecstasy is a compound called MDMA. Because it is one of the ... continue reading
  • Catastrophic Thinking: Alcohol Isn’t Your Great Escape

    Cassie's heart began to race. “Am I dying?” she thought. “What if I'm having a heart attack?” Jeff's wife was running late. He worried there had been a terrible car accident. Jeff pictured his wife lying all alone in a ditch somewhere, ...

    ... was over. Does this sound familiar? Does your brain go down similar disastrous paths? Cassie, Jeff, and Molly are catastrophic thinkers . If your thought patterns are similar, you might be, too. And this means that ... continue reading
  • Effects of Bath Salts Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment

    Are Bath Salts Harmful? The term “bath salts” refers to a family of designer recreational drugs that contain one or more synthetic chemicals related to cathinone —a stimulant found in the khat plant with effects similar to those of amphetamine ...

    ... have been called a variant of cocaine , methamphetamine, or ecstasy (MDMA)—as their stimulant features are quite similar in nature. Additionally, like cocaine, bath salts are frequently crystalline in appearance and can ... 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 ...

    ... methamphetamine, as well its chemical cousin MDMA (“ ecstasy ”), can have neurological consequences similar ... Percocet , and oxycodone —as well as illicit drugs like heroin . Research suggests that long-term heroin use ... 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 ...

    ... contained in fever reducers and painkillers like Percocet and Vicodin ). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory ... drugs: Heroin . 13 Inhalants . 14 Cocaine . 15 MDMA or Ecstasy . 16 Methamphetamine . 17 Symptoms of Liver Damage If ... continue reading
  • PCP Facts, History, and Statistics

    What Is PCP Used For? “Angel Dust,” “Animal Trank,” and “Rocket Fuel”—these are only some of the street names used to reference the drug PCP (Phencyclidine) , an infamous hallucinogenic (more specifically a dissociative drug ) often ...

    ... PCP mixed with other substances . These include tobacco, marijuana , and various synthetic drugs including MDMA (Ecstasy) . PCP has even been reported as being sold disguised as entirely different substances altogether ... 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 - ...

    ... believed that opioids (like Vicodin, OxyContin, and Ultram) and tranquilizers (like Valium, Klonopin, and ... each option, PCP, LSD, heroin, crack cocaine, and MDMA are thought to be among the most difficult to obtain. ... 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 ...

    ... . Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) poses risks associated with cancer that mirror issues associated with methamphetamine. During the manufacturing process, substances like safrole may be used. 17 This substance has ... continue reading
  • Drug Abuse and Cardiovascular Health Risks: How Do Drugs Affect the Heart?

    What Are the Dangers of Drug Use? Both illicit and prescription drugs present many risks to individuals who misuse them. Drug abuse affects the brain in many ways that may lead to unpredictable, dangerous behaviors, social and emotional problems, ...

    ... more dangerous. Synthetic Cathinones Synthetic cathinones are mostly used as substitutes for stimulants like cocaine and MDMA . Synthetic cathinones have cardiovascular effects similar to those of these drugs, although ... 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 ...

    ... cut with other powder substances such as cocaine , MDMA , or amphetamine for snorting and may be added ... place as soon as possible or try to make sure someone is looking out for you. If you do not remember what happened the ... 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 ...

    ... fetuses. 4 How Long Do Peyote Effects Last? Peyote, like many other hallucinogens, is a relatively long-acting drug. ... , peyote, mescaline, psilocybin mushrooms, and MDMA . 7 The following 2014 statistics associated with ... continue reading
  • An Uncomfortable Truth: Drug Abuse Raises STD Rates

    A new study claims that swingers play a major role in the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) but, in addition to the sex, it's their drug abuse that is ultimately contributing to this increase. Linking Drugs and STDs Researchers at the ...

    ... the equation. The recreational substances commonly used by the group of swingers included marijuana , cocaine , MDMA and alkyl nitrates (poppers). The scientists also discovered high rates of risky and unprotected sexual ... continue reading
  • Did the DEA Really Abandon Its Plan to Ban Kratom?

    Several years ago, when I was living with my ex-boyfriend, I stumbled upon a package he received. The receipt said it was a bottle of kratom - a word I had never heard of before. A cursory Google search didn't pull up much either, beside the fact it ...

    ... to classify the plant as a Schedule I substance - the most restrictive drug category, alongside drugs like heroin, ecstasy and LSD. The DEA initially proposed this category because kratom has a “high potential for abuse ... 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 no accepted use in the medical field. Have strong addiction potential. Examples include heroin and ecstasy . Schedule II drugs: Have strong potential for misuse and dependency. Examples include OxyContin , methadone ... continue reading
  • How to Help an Opiate Addict

    Help for Opiate Addicts Opiates are some of the most abused drugs in America, with prescription opiates accounting for up to 5.1 million cases of addiction. Around 210 million doses of opiates, including morphine , OxyContin , and Vicodin , were ...

    ... , you may be switched to an alternative opioid like methadone or buprenorphine; alternatively, you might simply be ... Bath Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine Marijuana Meth ... continue reading
  • How to Help a Tramadol Addict

    Help for Tramadol Addiction If you have been struggling with an addiction to tramadol, or you know someone who has, finding the proper treatment program is essential. Treatment for addiction can restore your quality of life. Regardless of how long ...

    ... Tramadol? If you're addicted to tramadol, you probably feel like your body can't get anything done without the medication. It ... Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine Marijuana ... continue reading
  • How to Help Someone With Valium Addiction

    How to Help Someone Addicted to Valium If you are addicted to Valium—a sedative-hypnotic drug—you don't have to fight your addiction alone. Treatment programs give people with addictions all the support they need to recover. Regardless of how ...

    ... one is older in age, an addiction to a benzodiazepine like Valium may pose an even greater risk, given that the drug ... Bath Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine Marijuana Meth ... continue reading
  • How to Help a Vicodin Addict

    Help for Vicodin Addiction Vicodin is one of the many brand names for the combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone . Hydrocodone is an opioid used to treat moderate and severe pain , as well as being a treatment for coughs. The acetaminophen is ...

    ... Someone With Alcohol or Illicit Drug Addiction Alcohol Bath Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine Marijuana Meth Methoxetamine (MXE) Mushrooms PCP Peyote Steroids Stimulants ... 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 ...

    ... allows them to focus exclusively on recovery. If you're looking for treatment for yourself or a loved one, have a ... Bath Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine Marijuana Meth ... continue reading
  • Cocaine Addiction Side Effects, Symptoms, Withdrawal, and Treatment

    Cocaine is a powerfully addictive stimulant drug that comes in the form of a white powder which is commonly snorted, smoked, or injected. 1 Its popularity as a recreational substance is in part due to its perceived positive effects on mood, ...

    ... symptoms. 10 Since withdrawal from stimulants like cocaine usually does not involve intense ... polysubstance use. Mixing cocaine with another stimulant—such as ecstasy —can lead to heart attacks, brain injuries, liver ... continue reading
  • How to Help an Alprazolam Addict

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

    ... staggering. According to SAMHSA's 2011 DAWN Report , benzodiazepines like Xanax were the reason for about half of all visits ... Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine Marijuana ... continue reading
  • Alcohol Misuse and Addiction: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment

    What Is Alcohol Misuse? According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), alcohol is the most commonly used and misused substance in the United States. 1 Those who misuse alcohol are not necessarily addicted or ...

    ... of developing alcohol use disorder. Certain long-term behaviors like heavy use or binge drinking will increase someone's risk ... Bath Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth Ecstasy Heroin Inhalant Ketamine Marijuana Meth PCP ... continue reading
  • How to Help Someone With Concerta Addiction

    When you love someone with an addiction, it can be hard to understand why he or she can't just stop using overnight. Addiction can take over an individual's life and produce an all-consuming desire to continue use, despite the user wanting or ...

    ... dependence . Concerta is commonly abused for the cocaine-like effects it can produce, such as: Euphoria. Increased ... Bath Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine Marijuana Meth ... continue reading
  • Hydrocodone Facts, History and Statistics

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

    ... frequently prescribed opioid painkiller in the US. Like all opiates, hydrocodone is derived from the poppy ... to that of some illicit substances such as ecstasy. Is Hydrocodone Illegal? Hydrocodone is a legal substance ... continue reading
  • How to Help a Tussionex Addict

    Tussionex is a combination of hydrocodone, an opioid painkiller and cough suppressant, and chlorpheniramine, an antihistamine which eases allergy symptoms 1 . As a cough medicine, Tussionex is frequently prescribed to both children and adults. It is ...

    ... Someone with Alcohol or Illicit Drug Addiction Alcohol Bath Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine Marijuana Meth Methoxetamine (MXE) Mushrooms PCP Peyote Steroids Stimulants ... continue reading
  • How to Help an Opana Addict

    How to Approach an Opana Addict Opana is the brand name for oxymorphone, a semi-synthetic opioid painkiller . Over the past decade, increased availability of painkillers has fueled an epidemic of opioid abuse around the world. In the US, an ...

    ... a last resort in these cases. However, interventions like those you see on TV — emotional pressure applied by ... . What are the Signs of Addiction? Addiction looks different in every individual. Sometimes the signs are ... continue reading
  • Concurrent Alcohol and Ultram Abuse

    The Problem of Alcohol and Ultram Abuse When used together, Ultram and alcohol can amplify one another's effects, leading to increased risk of serious side effects. The prescription drug Ultram (generic name: tramadol) is a pain reliever with ...

    ... Ultram (generic name: tramadol) is a pain reliever with opiate-like effects . It is used to treat moderate-to-severe long-term ... , including alcohol, marijuana, and ecstasy. Ultram has multiple different effects on ... continue reading
  • How to Help an Amphetamine Addict

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

    ... amphetamine class of drugs encompasses varying substances, such as: Prescription medication like Adderall. Illicit drugs like methamphetamine and ecstasy , which are highly addictive. Amphetamines act by ramping up the ... continue reading
  • The Use and Abuse of Date Rape Drugs

    Although Bill Cosby has been making headlines for his alleged use of date rape drugs, sexual assault cases involving these substances have been a problem in the U.S. for decades and continue to be a growing trend. What's more, many young adults and ...

    ... the drugs are generally added while the intended victim has looked away or stepped out of the room. The good news ... Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid: (Street names: GHB, liquid ecstasy, blue nitro, cherry meth, easy lay) GHB ... continue reading
  • A Closer Look at the History and Use of Cocaine

    Cocaine is a popular CNS (central nervous system) stimulant that is naturally derived from the cocoa plant, which is most commonly grown in South America's Andean region. Though its proper chemical name is benzoylmethyl ecgonine (C17H21NO4), users ...

    ... mucosa in the nose, which can ultimately create a hole in the nasal septum. People who inject cocaine , like all IV drug users, are at risk of developing dangerous infections directly related to the use of dirty needles ... continue reading
  • A Look at the Physical Anatomy of an Overdose

    A drug overdose occurs when the body has been overloaded with either prescription medication or an illicit substance. Under normal circumstances, our body's metabolism would be able to detoxify the substance in order to avoid its potentially harmful ...

    ... a life. With that in mind, let's take a look at what happens to your body during an overdose situation when ... , such as heroin, and prescription pain pills like Vicodin, are psychoactive drugs that directly affect the ... continue reading
  • Social Drug Use is Like Kryptonite to Healthy Relationships

    Heather always feels awkward at parties. She's quiet and shy. She never knows what to say and finds it hard to interact with people in these intimidating settings. To help her “loosen up,” she tries smoking pot before going to a party. Once ...

    ... its users in slightly different ways. Let's take a look at some commonly abused drugs and how they impact us ... ” demeanor lowers inhibitions and sends otherwise shy people like Heather onto the table tops. Not What You ... continue reading
  • What It’s Like to Be an Alcoholic Woman

    Before the turn of the century, alcoholism was generally thought of as a “man's” problem. Things have changed a great deal since then. For years, researchers have warned that more and more women are drinking. And it's not just a spike in the ...

    Before the turn of the century, alcoholism was generally thought of as a “man's” problem. Things have changed a great deal since then. For years, researchers have warned that more and more women are drinking. And it's ... 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 ...

    ... our bodies of zinc. What happens when we experience zinc deficiency? Hair loss. Too much alcohol and you may look like grandpa long before your time. Where to Get Help for Alcohol Misuse If you or a loved one thinks they ... continue reading
  • Alcohol Poisoning: You Can Save a Life in Less Than 10 Steps

    Last night Kerry got drunk… and then kept drinking. By the end of the night, he couldn't even stand up on his own. His friends carried him to the car, drove him home and put him to bed on his couch. They thought he'd just sleep it off and have a ...

    ... life-threatening situation, you need to know what alcohol poisoning looks like. Here's a look at the signs you'll want to look for: Very slow breathing Unusual breathing rhythm Confusion Unresponsiveness (stupor ... 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 ...

    ... , now you know the signs and effects of combining these substances, as well as what addiction looks like, so you know what to look for. Talk to your teen if you have any suspicions and bring them to a treatment facility ... continue reading
  • Who's Smoking Weed These Days? You Asked, the CDC Answered

    Close your eyes. Picture someone smoking pot. What do they look like? Most importantly, how old are they? Did you drum up an image of a teen experimenting with drugs? A college student? If so, your image needs some updating. The Centers for Disease ...

    Close your eyes. Picture someone smoking pot. What do they look like? Most importantly, how old are they? Did you drum up an image of a teen experimenting with drugs? A college student? If so, your image needs some ... 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 ...

    ... January to October of 2014, there were 3,480 police incidents involving drugs in Boston. By year's end, that figure looks like it'll be a bit higher than the total from 2013, which was 3,875. It's unlikely to reach 4 ... continue reading
  • From Snort to Synapse: We Map Out Cocaine's Trip in Your Brain

    The powder is perfectly lined on the table. With no straw handy, you roll up a Washington and seconds later, the snow is gone. Inhaled into your nostril, this stimulant drug has started a trip that will change your brain… forever. What does this ...

    ... into your nostril, this stimulant drug has started a trip that will change your brain… forever. What does this trip look like? Let's join the coke as it makes its way through your system. The Cocaine Trip Working its way ... continue reading
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Substance Use Disorders

    Cognitive behavioral therapy(CBT) is a type of behavioral therapy used to treat various mental health and substance use disorders. 1 Therapy can be a helpful tool in managing mental health symptoms and navigating difficult life transitions, such as ...

    ... assume that someone is judging you or reacting negatively to you without any evidence for this thought. 7 This might look like waving to your neighbor as they walk by and when they do not wave back, thinking this must be ... continue reading
  • Depression and Substance Abuse: Symptoms, Statistics, and Treatment Programs

    Depression and addiction often go hand in hand. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) found that, in 2020, an estimated 17 million American adults experienced both substance use conditions and mental health concerns. 1 Having more than one ...

    ... might impact one another, what the symptoms may look like, and what treatment is available. What Is ... provider. You can talk with them about which program—like inpatient or outpatient therapy —will be best considering your ... continue reading
  • Methadone Maintenance Clinics: Everything You Need to Know

    If you're addicted to opiates, a methadone clinic can provide ongoing medication maintenance to help you quit them. Committing to a methadone maintenance program for at least 1 year will likely change your life for the better and help you commit to ...

    ... violate your treatment contract and lead to a discontinuation of services. What Does Methadone Maintenance Treatment Look Like? You'll probably receive your first treatment on the day of your initial assessment, as long ... continue reading
  • 7 “Rock-Bottom” Myths and the Truth Behind Them

    Of all the popular addiction catchphrases, one has completely saturated the fabric of society and taken on a life of its own. That phrase is “rock-bottom.” When addiction professionals talk about chemical dependency, they often use the phrase ...

    ... personal rock-bottom moment will be or how it will feel. The important thing is not what rock-bottom looks like , but what it represents . Simply put, rock-bottom moments have the power to make someone feel so incredibly ... continue reading
  • Fentanyl Overdose

    The U.S. opioid epidemic is a national public health emergency. 1 Between January 31, 2020, and January 31, 2021, overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids, primarily illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF), increased by nearly 56%. 2 Every day, ...

    ... , methamphetamine ) for a more potent high and is sometimes pressed into counterfeit pills designed to look like prescription opioids (e.g., oxycodone ). With no regulation to their production, these counterfeit pills ... continue reading
  • The Rise of Drug Deaths in America

    This year, drug overdose deaths surpassed firearm deaths for the first time, making the issue of addiction and drug abuse an even greater concern for Americans . The public is aware of the numbers associated with overdose deaths; however, big ...

    ... help. Heroin on a Dangerous Path If overdose deaths continue on a similar trajectory, what will the future look like? Heroin would end up claiming more yearly deaths than Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, or pneumonia by 2024 . ... continue reading
  • How Edie Falco Portrays Addiction and Lives Recovery

    Edie Falco has tackled a wide variety of roles on the stage and screen since beginning her career in the late '80s. But she is arguably best known for her breakthrough performance as mafia wife Carmela Soprano in HBO's drama, The Sopranos . Falco ...

    ... told NY Magazine . “This cast in particular, they really love to hang out and party,” she said. “They make it look like fun. And it was fun for me! They spend a lot more time without me than with me… I'm always invited ... continue reading
  • What Is Ativan? Is Ativan Addictive? Dangers of Ativan Abuse

    Ativan is one of the top 10 psychiatric drugs used in America. Many have taken it; many have abused it. What do you know about it? If you're like most people, your knowledge of Ativan is limited. Even those who use it are often unaware of its ...

    ... account suffering as you try to pay for large amounts of Ativan? What Does Treatment for Ativan Addiction Look Like? If you or a loved one is struggling with Ativan addiction, help is available. To begin treatment, you ... continue reading
  • The Addiction Recovery Journey in 9 Steps

    The specifics of every person's addiction journey are different, but for most people, the path to recovery follows a similar trajectory: a “bottom” followed by the decision to take action; the initial, often traumatic physical and mental ...

    ... a bad experience: maybe a terrible night out or losing your job or a relationship. Whatever your bad experience looks like, remember that although being at a low point feels miserable, there's nowhere to go but up. It's ... continue reading
  • Marijuana Use and Abuse: Side Effects, Withdrawal Symptoms, and Treatment

    What Is Marijuana? Marijuana refers to the leaves, flowers, and extracts of the plant Cannabis sativa and several closely related species—commonly known as hemp. Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States and is known by ...

    ... teen is abusing marijuana, but you may not be sure what it looks or smells like. Marijuana buds can come in a variety of colors. It mostly looks like a shredded plant—similar to tobacco—but is most often green in color ... continue reading
  • Drug and Alcohol Abuse Across Generations

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

    ... it often seems that illicit substances are as much of a trend as anything else. So what do those trends look like for each generation of Americans? Since the 1970s, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) has ... 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 ...

    ... research chemical” and is abused for its desirable opioid-like effects . The substance is encountered on the streets ... it is sold in bags with logos that make it look like heroin. To date, a limited number of studies have ... continue reading
  • How to Find Government- or State-Funded Drug and Alcohol Rehab Centers Near Me

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

    ... throughout the U.S. Use the confidential form below to determine what paying for addiction treatment would look like for you or a loved one. American Addiction Centers (AAC) is a leading provider of addiction treatment ... continue reading
  • Weed Gets a “Fancy” New Name: Craft Cannabis

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

    ... goes into our food products. While many want organic foods, others want gluten-free meals and non-GMO practices. It looks like this trend has expanded to include drug use. The latest trend in marijuana is “craft cannabis ... continue reading
  • Trading Dependencies: There’s Nothing “Mild” About a Kratom Addiction

    Mitragyna Speciosa, also known as Kratom, is a large tree in the Rubiaceae family native to Southeast Asia. It is said that Kratom affects the human brain similarly to an opiate , although there is no conclusive clinical data proving how the ...

    ... , dry mouth, skin darkening, weight loss, anorexia, frequent urination, and constipation. What does Kratom withdrawal look like? Around 2012, U.S. emergency room staff began seeing patients who were suffering from Kratom ... continue reading
  • Methadone Withdrawal Symptoms, Detox, Timeline, and Treatment

    Methadone is a medication that is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD). It is also sometimes used to manage chronic pain. 1 An OUD is a chronic brain disease characterized by a ...

    ... will vary from one person to another. 9 As methadone is a long-acting opioid, the timeline for withdrawal may look like this: 1, 3 Onset of symptoms : The first symptoms are likely to begin within 36 hours after the last ... continue reading
  • Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome or PAWS—Symptoms and Treatment

    What Is Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome or PAWS? Post-acute withdrawal syndrome is a collection of symptoms experienced by some individuals struggling with alcohol and drug addiction after a prolonged period of withdrawal. 1 The syndrome is also ...

    ... a common symptom of post-acute withdrawal syndrome. Symptoms of protracted benzo withdrawal can look like symptoms of other disorders such as schizophrenia, depression, panic disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder ... continue reading
  • Before & After: Physical Effects of Drugs

    Drug abuse is a national issue continuing to plague Americans of all walks of life. An estimated 19.7 million Americans age 12 and older struggled with a substance use disorder in 2017. Research also shows that many people who suffer from untreated ...

    ... one has experienced addiction or is in recovery. Just like other types of chronic diseases, all types of drug ... are extreme cases right? Most substance users will never look like this. A: These are extreme cases, and while ... continue reading
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