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Can You Get Addicted to Heroin After the First Use?
Heroin has the reputation of being one of the most addictive illicit drugs. Many government and academic institutions report that heroin is either very addictive or highly addictive . Adding to the risk associated with the substance is the number of ...
... first high. Why Do People Use Heroin? Heroin's intense high and quick speed of onset are major attractions for users. Curiosity about the drug is also a reason that people begin heroin use. According to the NIDA, common ... continue reading -
Heroin Addiction Treatment Centers and Rehab Programs
Heroin addiction can negatively impact certain aspects of your life and have dangerous health repercussions. Here, we will help you understand heroin addiction, how addiction is treated, and what you should know about heroin rehab centers, including ...
... the resulting drive to avoid withdrawal, may additionally reinforce compulsive use of the drug. How Is Heroin Addiction Treated? Heroin use disorder is a chronic but treatable medical condition. In many cases, stopping ... continue reading -
Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms, Detox, and Addiction Treatment
What Helps With Heroin Withdrawal? Heroin is an illicitly manufactured opioid drug and morphine derivative. Both the pain-relieving and the pleasurable properties of heroin are initiated through the drug's interaction with opioid receptors in the ...
... . Your evaluation will often include questions such as the following: How long have you been using heroin? What, if any, other drugs are you taking? Do you drink alcohol and, if so, how often? Have you ever received ... 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 ...
... 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, presenting numerous risks and the strong possibility that the baby will ... 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 ...
... , i.e. injecting an unknown amount. Another major risk factor for heroin overdose is polysubstance use . 4 Heroin belongs to a class of drug called opiates , which are central nervous system depressants. Central nervous ... continue reading -
Heroin Facts, History, and Statistics
History of Heroin Heroin is a powerful opiate narcotic that has no legal medical use in the U.S. Outside of the U.S., pharmaceutical grade heroin is still produced for limited therapeutic use. It is occasionally prescribed for severe pain in ...
... by the Harrison Narcotic Tax Act of 1914 , which: Limited the permissible medical uses of heroin and other drugs. Required sellers of narcotics to get a license Outlawed the prescribing of narcotics to addicts. Though ... continue reading -
The Price Tag of Heroin in America: $51 Billion
If you're hooked on heroin, you'll spend an average of $150 a day to support your habit. That's nearly $55,000 per year. Heroin abuse comes with a pretty hefty price tag, unfortunately personal financial burden isn't the only cash-flow issue left in ...
... $11,148 per person. At more than $50K per user, heroin's cost blows those two diseases out of the water. The U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime reported in 2016 that heroin use has reached the highest level in 20 years. They ... continue reading -
Heroin Relapse Warning Signs, Prevention, and Addiction Treatment
Heroin Relapse Is Common Heroin addiction is very powerful, and heroin's interaction with opioid receptors and its reinforcing influence on your brain's reward centers result in such profound feelings of euphoria and pleasure that it sometimes feels ...
... cravings and thoughts about using. Sometimes, a rise in the intensity of these cravings and thoughts leads to a heroin relapse. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that 2.1% of adults aged 26 and older have used ... 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 ...
... on the streets as a powder in envelopes or plastic bags. It may be found alone or in combination with other drugs like heroin and fentanyl. 9 In some cases, it is sold in bags with logos that make it look like ... continue reading -
Free Heroin Addiction Hotline Numbers
Call American Addiction Centers (AAC) now at What Is a Heroin Hotline Number? Heroin addiction is a very hard challenge to overcome alone. This is why doctors, mental health professionals, and support group members advocate seeking help if you ...
... information to anyone seeking knowledge about addiction, drugs, and treatment. Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Additional Heroin Addiction Hotline Resources When you call a heroin hotline number, you will be connected with ... 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. ...
... -brain barrier, which helps to explain why users experience such a fast and intense high after taking the drug. Heroin is an opioid and it belongs to the same family as prescription opioids like hydrocodone and oxycodone ... continue reading -
Are Prescription Painkillers as Addictive as Heroin?
The Link Between Painkillers and Heroin According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), in 2011, 4.2 million Americans aged 12 or over had used heroin at least once in their lives. Of these users, an estimated 23% will go on to become ...
... at least once in their lives. Of these users, an estimated 23% will go on to become heroin addicts, making heroin one of the most addictive drugs on the planet . Recent years have witnessed an alarming surge in teenage ... continue reading -
Record-Breaking Number of Overdoses Traced Back to Bad Heroin
A dangerous batch of heroin circulating throughout the city of Chicago has caused a record-breaking 74 overdoses in the span of just three days. When the numbers began to climb at such an astonishing rate, medical professionals began to suspect a ...
... in the city are faced with enough opiate overdose cases that the drug is now kept on-hand. (Chicago leads the nation in heroin-related emergency room visits.) Unfortunately, the normal counter-action achieved by one dose ... continue reading -
A Sister’s Honest Talk About Her Brother’s Heroin Addiction
Alex didn't answer the phone. He missed their father's birthday party and still wasn't answering. But Allison kept dialing. It didn't seem right, but then again, things hadn't seemed “right” for a long time. Alex had all but stopped showing up ...
... when she got the call. Alex had been arrested for heroin possession . She sat up late with her husband, the ... with the fear that all families of people who use illegal drugs feel. When is the call going to come? When is ... continue reading -
Heroin's Death Toll Hits an All-Time High in New York
New York City has a serious heroin problem on their hands and new data released by the city's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene reveals just how deep the issue goes. In fact, more people died from unintentional heroin overdoses in New York ...
... among white residents. However, Hispanic residents have also developed problems with the drug. According to the N.Y. Department of Health, heroin overdose rates among Hispanic residents of New York have more than doubled ... continue reading -
How Similar are Heroin and Prescription Opioids?
Heroin is an illicit street drug that produces a drowsy, euphoric high. Prescription opioids are legal medications prescribed by doctors to treat pain. Both heroin and prescription painkillers belong to the family of drugs known as opioids, which ...
... act upon particular receptors in the brain and body to produce their effects. Heroin and prescription opioids may seem like very different drugs, but they are actually remarkably similar in both effects and dangers. continue reading -
Is Fentanyl Abuse More Deadly Than Heroin?
Fentanyl, a drug previously unheard of by many, has become notorious in recent years due to the spike in overdose deaths from heroin laced with the potent prescription narcotic. It gained even more notoriety when the April 2016 death of iconic ...
... or other opioid narcotics 1 . Those believing they are buying their normal drug of choice (e.g., heroin) may be getting a substance that is much stronger than their bodies can handle. Fentanyl can heighten the potency ... continue reading -
25 Great Writers Who Battled Drug Addiction and Alcoholism
Drug and Alcohol Addiction Can Affect Anyone Some people are more susceptible to addiction than others, and writers are notorious for having some sort of addiction. Whether it's alcohol to numb the noise of the world or speed or LSD to “inspire” ...
... it's alcohol to numb the noise of the world or speed or LSD to “inspire” them, the bohemian yet lonely world ... addiction to alcohol didn't help him. Hubert Selby Heroin and other painkillers were the demons of Requiem for ... continue reading -
Drugs A-Z
What Is Acamprosate? Acamprosate is thought to help recovering alcoholics stay sober by balancing inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmission. Acamprosate may be combined with behavioral therapy to decrease a person's chances of relapse and ...
... effects of hash use . What Is Heroin? Heroin is an illicit drug known to induce feelings of intense relaxation ... Is Speed? Speed is a slang term applied to illicit amphetamine and methamphetamine drug use. These drugs are ... 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 ...
... Beans Clarity Disco Biscuit E Eve Molly Lover's Speed Peace STP X XTC Uppers Street Names for Mescaline ... Drug Hows M M.S Miss Emma Mister Blue Monkey Morf Morpho Unkie White Stuff Oxycodone Oxycodone : Hillbilly Heroin ... continue reading -
Snorting Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a pain-relieving substance with two main uses 1 : Treating significant acute, post-operative pain following surgery. Treating chronic or breakthrough pain in people that no longer respond to other narcotic medications. Like morphine, ...
... the danger rises. The speed of onset. Intensity. Duration of effects. Speed of onset. Snorting fentanyl ... fentanyl is frequently laced with other drugs, such as cocaine or heroin. In these situations, the user is ... continue reading -
New Study: Amphetamine Abuse and This Old Heart
It's called speed for a reason. Amphetamines, like Ritalin or Adderall, accelerate your heart rate. They send your nervous system into overdrive. Guess what else it speeds up? The aging process. That's right. Pumping your system full of amphetamine ...
... Ritalin or Adderall, accelerate your heart rate. They send your nervous system into overdrive. Guess what else it speeds up? The aging process. That's right. Pumping your system full of amphetamine makes you get older ... continue reading -
Snorting Tramadol
Tramadol is a medication prescribed to treat moderate to moderately severe pain in adults and, in its extended release forms, to manage certain chronic pain conditions. Similar to other pain medications like oxycodone, morphine, and hydrocodone, ...
... in the fact that in 2008, tramadol was an unscheduled drug. Now, even with its noted dangers, it is prescribed ... In the case of tramadol, snorting will increase the speed at which the substance's effects are felt compared ... continue reading -
4 Hangover “Cures” You Need to Ignore
The lights are too bright. The noises are too loud. Your head's spinning. Your stomach's in turmoil. No, it's not the flu. You have a hangover. You had a few too many yesterday, and now you're paying for it. Beware the Miracle Remedy So, what can ...
... the level of alcohol in your system. Just like coffee, the refreshing water may wake you up, but it doesn't speed up the process. But you will smell nicer. Take two and call me in the morning: Popping a couple of aspirin ... continue reading -
Common Neurological Risks of Drug Abuse
Brain Damage From Drugs While substance misuse may cause a user to feel short-lived euphoria or impart a sense of temporary wellbeing, the adverse effects of drugs can be dangerous and, in some instances, may lead to permanent brain damage. Chronic ...
... (CNS) stimulants , such as cocaine and methamphetamine, speed up brain activity, blood pressure, and heart rate. ... —as well as illicit drugs like heroin . Research suggests that long-term heroin use can cause the white ... continue reading -
What Could Illicit Drug Synthesis Expose You To?
For the 44 million Americans aged 12 and older who used illicit drugs in 2014, the associated health risks are grave. But there's another risk that accompanies illegally manufactured substances - the exposure to hazardous chemicals. Clandestine drug ...
... Heroin use has also increased. As a result of this increase in illicit drug use, the number of drug ... injected, or even smoked in the form of “ice.” They speed up the body systems, which can cause a host of health ... continue reading -
Effects of Ketamine Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
Is Ketamine Harmful? “It's easy to get ketamine abuse wrong because of its potency; it's more powerful than speed or coke weight for weight, so it's easy to accidentally overdose.” Like its sister drug CP, ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic, ...
... abuse wrong because of its potency; it's more powerful than speed or coke weight for weight, so it's easy to accidentally overdose.” Like its sister drug CP, ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic, and it's popular on ... continue reading -
Vyvanse Side Effects, Short-Term and Long-Term Effects, and Treatment
What Is Vyvanse Used For? Vyvanse is a brand name for the medication lisdexamfetamine that is prescribed to treat Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and binge-eating disorders. 1,2 Vyvanse belongs to a class of medicines known as ...
... II is the highest cautionary classification given to prescription drugs, and these drugs are only to be used ... However, if Vyvanse is misused or abused, it can speed up the development of tolerance, have a negative impact ... continue reading -
Snorting Percocet
Percocet is a prescription opioid containing both oxycodone and acetaminophen. While it is an effective pain reliever, as a Schedule II controlled drug it has a high potential for abuse due to the oxycodone in it. Oxycodone is a semisynthetic opioid ...
... the drug reaches the bloodstream and, eventually, the brain at different rates—affecting the speed of ... illicit drug when abused. Side Effects Percocet's ability to bring about a euphoric high is similar to that of heroin, ... continue reading -
3 Devastatingly Dangerous Alcohol-Drug Combos
According to statistics compiled by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), roughly 25% of substance-related emergency room admissions involve a combination of both drugs and alcohol. Poly-Drug Abuse Although heavily ...
... Much like benzodiazepines, illegal opiates like heroin and prescription opioids (OxyContin, Vicodin, ... to an extent. In other words, stimulants ( cocaine , speed , meth , Ritalin , Adderall ) mask the depressive effects ... continue reading -
Anxiety and Substance Abuse: Treating Mental Health Issues and Addiction
It can be difficult to manage an anxiety disorder or a substance use disorder, and it can be even more difficult to manage both disorders when they co-occur together. When a mental health disorder—such as an anxiety disorder—and a substance use ...
... time worrying. Sweating. Tension or jumpiness. Tremors. Drug Abuse and Anxiety There is a relationship between anxiety ... marijuana and stimulants cause the heart rate to speed up, which can mimic physical symptoms of ... continue reading -
Your Brain on Drugs: Studying Cocaine's Effect on Blood Flow
Stimulant drugs like cocaine can cause serious blood flow problems within the brain. When there is an insufficient flow of rich, oxygenated blood to the brain, it can result in aneurysm-like bleeding and strokes. Researchers have developed a new ...
... received 30 days of chronic cocaine use or 2 repeated injections of the drug, Pan and his team noted a dramatic drop in blood flow speed. For the very first time, researchers were also able to identify cocaine-induced ... continue reading -
Joints vs. Edibles: How Marijuana Affects the Body
The primary psychoactive component of marijuana (cannabis)—what deliver the “high,” in other words—is the substance tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). 1 THC's powerful, mind-altering effects derive from its interaction with and activation of the ...
... Some of the more pronounced differences between smoking a joint and eating an edible are reflected in the speed of onset of effects, the duration until peak effects are experienced, and the longevity of the effects ... continue reading -
Effects of Clonazepam Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
What Is Clonazepam Used For? Clonazepam, commonly known by its brand name Klonopin , is a prescription medication commonly used for its anti-anxiety and anti-convulsant benefits. This medication is part of a larger group of substances called ...
... and reduction of anxiety. People with sped-up or racing thoughts will report slowed thinking ... also have to follow house rules and submit to random drug testing to prove they are clean. Find Clonazepam Treatment Programs ... continue reading -
Clonazepam Abuse Symptoms and Addiction Treatment
Introduction to Clonazepam Abuse What Is Clonazepam Used For? Clonazepam is a prescription drug that belongs to a group of medications called benzodiazepines . Clonazepam is known also by the brand name Klonopin . It is the third most commonly ...
... have very similar properties, but they vary in their speed of onset and the duration of their effects. Primarily, ... of benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms after ceasing use of the drug for a period of time. This is a sure ... continue reading -
Mirror, Mirror: Aging Early Courtesy of Alcohol
$2.1 billion. That's how much we spent on anti-aging skin care products in 2013. And that's just in the United States. Guess how much Americans spent on cosmetic surgery that year? $12 billion. Clearly, we want to look young and beautiful. Who ...
... When drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, we speed toward wrinkles. Reducing our alcohol consumption can ... drinking, help is available and recovery is possible. Drug and alcohol abuse treatment programs can help anyone ... continue reading -
Unchain My Heart: The Real Impact of Booze
Anyone who has experienced alcohol abuse firsthand knows how heartbreaking it can be. The emotional and relational damage left in its wake is devastating. Did you know this “heartache” is more than figurative? Believe it or not, the abuse of ...
... internal pacemaker to keep it pumping at the right speed. Alcohol interferes with this pacemaker, causing the ... using the form below. Levels of Care in Drug and Alcohol Abuse Treatment Recommended Alcohol Rehab-Related ... continue reading -
Snorting Vicodin: Side Effects, Dangers, and Addiction Treatment
Vicodin is the brand name for a prescription medication that is frequently used for the treatment of moderate to moderately severe pain. Vicodin is comprised of two active pain relievers: 1 Hydrocodone —an opioid pain reliever. Hydrocodone it is a ...
... visit our page on the Dangers of Snorting and Sniffing Drugs . Can Snorting Vicodin Cause an Overdose? When someone ... it by oral routes because of the intensely rewarding speed of onset and strength of effects. Generally, ... continue reading -
Alcohol and Breastfeeding
Some women are curious about whether they can drink alcohol while they are breastfeeding. While women are strongly advised to avoid drinking any alcohol during pregnancy, the recommendations on whether a woman can drink while breastfeeding are less ...
... it to get the alcohol out of the breast milk quickly—also known as “pumping and dumping.” This practice does not speed the removal of alcohol from the breast milk. Rather, it may be used to get rid of alcohol-laden milk ... continue reading -
Snorting Vyvanse: Effects and Addiction Treatment
What Is Vyvanse Used For? Vyvanse is the brand name of a medication prescribed to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and binge-eating disorder (BED). 1 This substance is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that interacts with ...
... dopamine—is related to the “high” produced when the drugs are abused. When a stimulant medication is used as ... taken orally. 3 In reality, snorting Vyvanse does not speed up or intensify effects . This is likely due to ... continue reading -
Snorting Hydrocodone
Hydrocodone is an opioid substance used in many prescription medications to treat cough and pain. Hydrocodone is available in formulations of pure hydrocodone (Hysingla, Zohydro) or in combination with other pain relievers like ibuprofen ...
... of the substance are modified. With many substances, there is a direct relationship between the speed of onset and the strength of the drug effects. Effects that are slower to develop will last longer but provide a less ... continue reading -
Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms and Quitting Adderall Use
What Is Adderall Used For? Adderall—a branded formulation of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine —is a stimulant that doctors prescribe for the management of: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Narcolepsy. As a prescription ...
... black market under many different names, including “beans,” “black beauties,” “dexies,” “pep pills,” “speed,” and “uppers.” 1 This drug is abused recreationally because high doses can produce a euphoric high similar to ... continue reading -
The Side Effects of Xanax: Pill Use and Short-Term and Long-Term Effects
What Is Xanax Used For? Xanax (generic name: alprazolam) is a powerful benzodiazepine drug that is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain. 1,2 The medication comes in the form of a pill that quickly ...
... and concentrating, general intelligence and psychomotor speed. 7 What Are the Side Effects of ... of time may build up a tolerance to some effects of the drugs. 5 When tolerance occurs, your body requires a larger dose ... continue reading -
Snorting Valium—Effects, Overdose, and Addiction Treatment
Valium is a prescription sedative medication that falls into the class of drugs known as benzodiazepines. 1 Also available as generic diazepam, Valium is prescribed in pill form to treat anxiety and panic symptoms. 1,2 When Valium is taken as ...
... will result in a faster and better high, since in some cases snorting drugs can speed up and intensify their effects. However, it is unclear whether snorting Valium actually intensifies its effects more than ingesting ... 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 ...
... long-term drinking and binge drinking negatively affect heart rate, disrupting its rhythm by causing it to speed up or beat irregularly. Worse, it can lead to a condition called alcoholic cardiomyopathy. This condition ... continue reading -
How to Stay Productive at Work While Still in Recovery
We live in a very competitive society when it comes to finding a job and keeping it. Even for a person that's never tasted a drop of alcohol, it's still a challenge to find a good job and get accepted into a workplace. It becomes even worse when ...
... be a good idea if you're really struggling with your addiction, getting back to work can often actually help speed up your recovery; working gives you a sense of purpose and keeps your mind off of unhealthy thoughts. By ... continue reading -
Gray Death: The New Killer on the Street
While heroin adulterated with fentanyl has been in the news in recent years and the risks are well-known, there is a new danger on the streets, and it's even deadlier. It is a frighteningly powerful combination of heroin and synthetic opioids known ...
... in the first half of 2017 show tremendous variation. 5 People testing and studying samples of this new heroin drug are often mystified by its contents and appearance and struggle to explain the substance's signature gray ... continue reading -
How Concerned Should We Be About Opiates?
Opiates are a group of drugs that manage pain by depressing the central nervous system (CNS). There are two different kinds of opiates: natural and synthetic. Natural opiates come from the dried “milk” of the poppy plant and include opium, ...
... include confusion, convulsions, dizziness, drowsiness, low blood pressure, and slow heartbeat. Heroin: Made from morphine, heroin is an extremely addictive opiate drug. Its abuse is a serious and growing problem in the U ... continue reading -
Trafficking Statistics
Drug abuse is a major problem in the United States, and individuals seeking to abuse drugs generally have little trouble finding those substances. Abuse of prescription and nonprescription opioids continues to be the public health crisis of our ...
... States and Mexico more than doubled. 1 The problem doesn't stop with heroin—according to the DEA, Mexican drug trafficking organizations are additionally the largest international suppliers of all cocaine, marijuana, and ... continue reading -
Prescription Painkiller FAQ
What Are Prescription Painkillers? Prescription painkillers are opioid medications used to manage relatively severe pain (such as pain associated with surgical procedures or more chronic issues like cancer-related pain). 1, 2 They can be safe and ...
... doses, the euphoria associated with painkiller misuse can be similar to that of an illicit drug like heroin. People who repeatedly attempt to elicit such rewarding, euphoric effects may find themselves falling quickly ... 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 - ...
... . The majority of our respondents are correct. According to the CDC, prescription opioid pain relievers and heroin fuel the drug overdose epidemic that's facing the country. In 2014, a total of 25,760 people died from ... 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 ...
... deal of high-grade marijuana grown in the West and shipped east, as well as certain types of drugs, including heroin, smuggled from Mexico via California . The roads intersect in Albuquerque, transforming the city into a ... 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 ...
... strong cravings—all of which can drive a person to keep using the drug. 20 Heroin Heroin is a very addictive opioid drug. Heroin can cause euphoria, altered sensation of pain, nausea/vomiting, itching, dry mouth, skin ... 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 ...
... 557 . It only took four years, from 1999 to 2002, for drug overdose deaths to eclipse the number suffered by the U.S. in ... pneumonia at this time. Two years later in 2022, heroin deaths would be less than 5,000 short of 100 ... 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 ...
... still prohibited in Denver to smoke marijuana in public places. If we map marijuana, cocaine, meth, and heroin drug incidents between January 2013 and October 2014, we can see that—despite there still being a relatively ... continue reading -
30 Famous Musicians Who Have Battled Drug Addiction and Alcoholism
1. Ozzy Osbourne Rockstar Ozzy Osbourne has long struggled with addiction. In fact, his heavy alcohol and drug abuse led to him being fired from Black Sabbath in 1978. 2. Kurt Cobain Kurt Cobain got to know his wife Courtney Love while they used ...
... his wife Courtney Love while they used drugs together. His 1994 heroin and alcohol overdose was reportedly the ... . Aaron Carter Aaron Carter was pulled over for speeding and possession of two ounces of marijuana in 2008 ... 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 ...
... to kidney failure if heroin abuse continues. 2 Cocaine Cocaine, a powerful stimulant drug that causes euphoria and ... number of kidney complications, such as: 2 Sped-up progression of kidney disease in people with high ... continue reading -
Harm Reduction
The concept of 'harm reduction' refers to a set of policies, programs, and practices that aim to reduce the health, social, and economic consequences of drug and alcohol abuse. 1,2 Strategies might include providing a safe environment for heroin use ...
... of MAT include: 6,9 Helping a person to stay healthy until they can achieve a drug-free life. Reducing the use of illicit opioids ( heroin ) and/or the non-medical use of prescription opioids . Reducing the dangers of ... continue reading -
How Does Ibogaine Treat Opiate Addiction?
Holly started using heroin when she was 18 - at 26, she was at the end of the line. Her whole life revolved around getting high. In the past, she had tried 12-step programs, counseling, in-patient rehab, and even drug-assisted therapy…it seemed ...
... had tried 12-step programs, counseling, in-patient rehab, and even drug-assisted therapy…it seemed nothing could help. Would she always be addicted to heroin? Was there anything she hadn't tried? During her most recent ... continue reading -
Is Tramadol the New OxyContin?
The epidemic of painkiller addiction is well known, and OxyContin (oxycodone) has arguably been the most notorious prescription opioid at the center of this public health emergency. Drugs like OxyContin have filled the news in recent years due to ...
... and humans have shown that it can produce a euphoric high similar to oxycodone and heroin. Despite having similar effects to these drugs, tramadol is also up to 20 times cheaper than oxycodone and easier to get from ... continue reading -
Signs and Symptoms of Commonly Abused Drugs
When you suspect that you or a loved one is struggling with a substance abuse problem, it's important to know some of the signs and symptoms of addiction to that drug. You can find a brief overview of the major drugs of abuse below. For a full list ...
... a loved one so contact us at now. Credit: National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA/NIH) Heroin Heroin is one of the most addictive and dangerous drugs a person can abuse. It is a powerful narcotic that many find addictive ... 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 ...
... of some of our heroes. Philip Seymour Hoffman and Cory Monteith's heroin overdoses shocked the nation and brought drug abuse into the national spotlight. Heroin doesn't only pop into the news when celebrities die. The ... continue reading -
San Francisco Mayor Proposes Drug Distribution to Homeless
For San Francisco, the statistics related to opioid abuse are staggering: The Department of Public Health estimates there are 11,000 people addicted to heroin in San Francisco. It is estimated that thousands of these individuals are homeless. The ...
... cravings and coaxing those who are addicted away from heroin, the drug stops cravings immediately and makes overdose virtually impossible. The drug offers another advantage that is highly relevant to this situation ... continue reading -
Fentanyl: The Newest Lethal Injection Ingredient
Fifty times stronger than heroin , the synthetic opioid fentanyl is flooding the drug market - and heightening the danger of overdose. In search of cheaper mixes and stronger highs, dealers now lace heroin and cocaine with this potent drug. We've ...
... heightening the danger of overdose. In search of cheaper mixes and stronger highs, dealers now lace heroin and cocaine with this potent drug. We've already talked about how potent fentanyl is, but the latest use of this ... continue reading -
Can You Overdose on Painkillers?
Some of the most predominantly prescribed pain management medications are opioid analgesics (painkillers). These prescription drugs interact with opioid receptors throughout the brain, initiating a chain of events that ultimately brings pain relief ...
... Taking opioids that are counterfeit or laced with other drugs. What to Do in Case of Overdose Opioid ... potent than morphine and much more potent than even heroin. Fentanyl has been linked with numerous fatalities in the ... continue reading -
Roxy Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment
What Is Roxicodone Used For? Roxicodone (often called “roxies,” “roxy,” or “blues”) is one of the brand names for oxycodone —a powerful opioid prescription painkiller. Roxicodone is prescribed to alleviate pain that cannot be managed ...
... worrying because opioid dependence and addiction is a major contributing factor to eventual heroin dependence . In fact, the National Institute on Drug Abuse states that almost 80% of people who become addicted to ... continue reading -
Famous Drug Abusers
Drug and Alcohol Addiction: A Disease that Touches Everyone According to data from the latest National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 22.7 million Americans need treatment for a drug or alcohol problem. And though it may sound cliché, ...
... , alprazolam and methadone. Cory Monteith : The Glee star died at age 31 from a mixed drug toxicity of heroin and alcohol. The young actor had entered rehab to address his addiction. After rehab, Monteith relapsed ... continue reading -
Methadone Programs: A Bad Treatment Plan for Addicted Parents?
When it comes to the negative effects of substance abuse, addiction casts a wide net. Addicted parents, in particular, are faced with a unique set of challenges, as an opiate dependency ultimately affects the whole family. For thousands of parents ...
... only 13.2% of parents (19 people) remained in recovery and drug-free 10 years later. Another 14 (9.7%) met the criteria for ... are much higher for parents using methadone than for heroin users in general. 32 (25%) of the 130 ... 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 ...
... addiction self-assessment quiz is designed to help evaluate whether you may be misusing heroin, an opioid drug derived from morphine. While this assessment does not replace a clinical diagnosis from a professional, it ... continue reading -
First Responders Worry About Accidental Fentanyl Exposure
Fentanyl. It's known to be 50 times more potent than heroin, and a speck the size of a few grains of salt can kill. By now, you've probably heard of this beast and the toll it's taken on so many lives around the country. A whopping 5554 people ...
... people overdosed on the synthetic opioid in 2014, and deaths continue to surge into 2017 as street drugs like heroin and cocaine are unknowingly laced with fentanyl. Proceed With Caution But users aren't the only ones ... continue reading -
Why Don’t We Have Addiction Vaccines?
After three decades of research, people with addiction still have few medication options. While there are a handful of modestly effective FDA-approved drugs to treat alcohol, nicotine and opioid-use disorders, there are none at all for cocaine, ...
... the Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development. [22] Drugs for medical conditions that affect large numbers ... ,” is the rationale — especially to illegal narcotics like heroin, cocaine and meth. 23 The good news is that ... 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 ...
... that may have negative effects on infants during pregnancy include: Heroin —Women who use heroin and other opioid drugs while pregnant put infants at risk of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), a condition where infants ... continue reading -
Which Side of the Naloxone Debate Are You On?
With the opioid epidemic claiming nearly 78 lives each and every day, President-elect Trump has his work cut out for him in the drug arena. One of his stated policies involves increasing access to naloxone, a medication used to reverse overdose from ...
... views: Spotlight on the Critics Critics say that it gives drug users a safety net, allowing them to take more risks and ... that the nation's death toll from heroin and prescription opioids would be significantly higher ... 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 ...
... not more so than drugs like heroin, cocaine , and marijuana . Designer drugs are drugs created in a lab to mimic popular drugs. Because they are chemically different, though similar, from drugs like heroin , crack , and ... 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 ...
... use statistics from the Results of the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health indicate that 1.9%—or 5.2 ... suicidal. 9 Unstable housing. 9 Injecting cocaine and/or heroin. 9 What to Do in Case of Cocaine Overdose If ... continue reading -
The Effects of Vicodin Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
What Is Vicodin Used For? Vicodin is an prescription painkiller medication that is comprised of two substances: Hydrocodone . Acetaminophen . Hydrocodone is an opiate drug that works as a pain reliever and is useful in managing multiple levels of ...
... substance, they may begin to seek other drugs of abuse, such as heroin . As many as half of heroin users begin their drug abuse with another opiate like Vicodin before moving to heroin. If you're worried about your use ... continue reading -
How to Help a Morphine Addict
With approximately 52 million people in the U.S. having used prescription drugs nonmedically in their lifetime, widespread addiction to drugs like morphine is increasingly becoming a problem. When someone begins to engage in abuse morphine, it's ...
... Tom Friedan, M.D., M.P.H. indicated in a 2015 press release that most current heroin users in the U.S. progressed to the drug from prescription opioid use. Help for opiate addiction typically comes in the form of one of ... continue reading -
The Forefathers of Modern Illicit Drugs
While illicit drugs are a major concern in today's society, many of them didn't start off as recreational. On the contrary, many started off with medicinal and anesthetic purposes. Here's a look at some of the forefathers of modern illicit drugs, ...
... off with medicinal and anesthetic purposes. Here's a look at some of the forefathers of modern illicit drugs, without whom heroin, cocaine, LSD, meth, and morphine would either be less popular in our culture or not even ... 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 ...
... being arrested multiple times between 1996 and 2001. He admitted to smoking crack , trying heroin, and pretty much doing every single drug under the sun. Still, he eventually managed to clean up his act, and we look ... continue reading -
Ruthless Drug Dealer Ordered to Pay for His Client’s Funeral
Opioid abuse is killing thousands of Americans each year. Every day, nearly 100 lives are lost to the opioid epidemic. Many of these fatalities are caused by a deadly drug that's secretly added to baggies of heroin (or cocaine) as a cheap way for ...
... think so… In November, Chandler was sentenced to nearly 17 years in prison after pleading guilty to drug possession and distribution of the heroin and fentanyl that lead to J.H.'s death. But the story doesn't end there ... continue reading -
Ibogaine: Miracle Cure or Dangerous Botanical?
We all know healthcare providers and researchers are desperate to find solutions to the opioid crisis, but are they overlooking a possible cure? The answer, according to a recent article , appears to be yes. The article, which was published by The ...
... movements) Hallucinations Tremors Ibogaine is classified as a Schedule I substance, which, like heroin , is described as a drug “with no currently accepted medicinal use and a high potential for abuse,” the potential ... continue reading -
Introducing the Drug That Can Kill With a Single Dose
Just when we'd thought we'd heard it all, an even more lethal drug concoction popped up on our radar. It's just the latest killer in the opioid epidemic ravaging our country. Dubbed “gray death” by authorities, this high-potency cocktail is ...
... Oftentimes, users don't have a way of telling if the heroin they've purchased is pure or if it's laced with ... s how gray death has inadvertently made its way into some drug users' lives. “You don't know what you're ... continue reading -
Pregnant & Court-Ordered to Take Vivitrol: Is My Baby Safe?
It's a question many women might be asking themselves, as more and more females of childbearing age are ordered by drug courts to take Vivitrol - the injectable form of naltrexone. An opioid-antagonist, Vivitrol blocks the brain receptors that bind ...
... , Vivitrol blocks the brain receptors that bind to opioids, making it impossible to get high off of drugs like heroin, OxyContin, and Vicodin. In its injectable form, Vivitrol lasts for about a month. Quite a few judges ... continue reading -
Watch the Fahrenheit With Your Fentanyl
Fentanyl is an opiate (narcotic) pain reliever typically prescribed to people for severe, ongoing pain or after surgery. This medication is 50 times stronger than heroin and, needless to say, it can be very addictive. Fentanyl can be delivered in ...
... or after surgery. This medication is 50 times stronger than heroin and, needless to say, it can be very addictive ... to your skin, which results in increased absorption of the drug. It's a process that can quickly be fatal. ... continue reading -
What You Need to Know About ‘Zombie Drug’ Krokodil
Krokodil (Crocodil) is a homemade version of a synthetic drug called desomorphine. As the name deso-morphine suggests, the chemical is in the opiate family and closely mimics the effects of heroin and morphine. Pure desomorphine is a very addictive ...
... phosphorus scraped off a match book - among other things. The resulting product is a drug called Krokodil which mimics the effects of heroin for a quarter of the price. Krokodil's Scary Side Effects The problem is that ... continue reading -
Effects of Opioid Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
What Are Opioids Used For? Opioids are a class of drugs that includes prescription painkillers such as oxycodone (Oxycontin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), codeine , and morphine ; synthetic opioids including fentanyl ; and the illegal drug heroin . 1,2 ...
... (Oxycontin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), codeine , and morphine ; synthetic opioids including fentanyl ; and the illegal drug heroin . 1,2 Prescription opioids are prescribed to treat moderate-to-severe pain and are often ... continue reading -
Let's Talk About the Elephant Tranquilizer in the Room
It's 10,000 times more potent than morphine. It's 100 times more powerful than fentanyl . What is it? Carfentanil. Designed as a tranquilizer for elephants, this deadly substance has made its way into our nation's illegal drug market. It's often ...
... a tranquilizer for elephants, this deadly substance has made its way into our nation's illegal drug market. It's often disguised as heroin and can kill on contact. Just two milligrams is enough to kill 100 people. This ... 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 ...
... can affect the mother's ability to carry her baby to term. 4 Heroin and Pregnancy Using an illicit drug like heroin also significantly increases your baby's risk of developing neonatal abstinence syndrome shortly after ... 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, ...
... although research evaluating these approaches is ongoing. Moving past drug use generally, which substances surged in popularity during the period studied? Heroin and marijuana use visibly increased between 2004 and 2016 ... continue reading -
Why Are Prescription Opiates So Addictive?
Prescription opiates—such as Vicodin , Percocet , and OxyContin —are narcotic medications used for pain management. These drugs are often referred to as “opioids,” which are synthetic and semi-synthetic derivatives of the active “opiate” ...
... the brain the same way morphine and heroin do. They attach to opioid receptors found ... to search for programs. Many state government websites will provide local drug and alcohol resources to those in need. To find your ... continue reading -
Facing Reality: 8 Shocking Drug and Alcohol Abuse Statistics
It's no secret that drugs and alcohol can have detrimental consequences on your mind, body, and life. They are indiscriminate in who they affect; anyone who abuses alcohol or drugs is at risk for developing an addiction. Although they are sometimes ...
... when combined with alcohol. Read on to learn 8 shocking statistics about drug and alcohol abuse . 1. Those who abuse prescription opioids are 40% more likely to use heroin than those who don't. 1 Opioid painkillers and ... continue reading -
Suboxone Debate: What Is the Big Problem with Buprenorphine?
When it comes to this nation's chemical dependence, few drugs have achieved the notoriety and reputation of opioid drugs. In fact, things have spiraled so far out of control that opiate addiction is now considered an epidemic. Despite leaving a ...
... . However, if you spend the whole day injecting heroin and suddenly decide to pop a Suboxone film under ... the form of precipitated withdrawal. How to Find Help for Drug Misuse If you or a loved one is struggling with ... continue reading -
Understanding Naloxone and Narcan
Naloxone—also known by brand names such as Narcan and Kloxxado—can be a lifesaving medication when used promptly in cases of opioid overdose. 1 If you or someone you care about takes prescription opioid medication or uses illicit opioids such as ...
... takes prescription opioid medication or uses illicit opioids such as heroin, you may wish to learn more about naloxone, as ... so it won't reverse overdose on other nonopioid drugs . 12,14 If someone displays signs of opioid ... continue reading -
What Does It Mean to Be Dope Sick?
Bill found John curled up on the couch; he looked miserable. Bill asked, “What's wrong with you?” “I'm sick, man. You got any?” was John's weak response. As Bill suspected, John was in withdrawal. An active heroin user, John was low on cash ...
... has affected his body, causing it to become dependent on the drug. Now, in its absence, his body is experiencing heroin withdrawal . This is commonly referred to as “dope sickness.” The user experiences many of the ... continue reading -
Effects of Roxicodone Addiction
Roxicodone (“Roxy”) is one available brand version of oxycodone—a powerful semi-synthetic opioid painkiller. 1,2 The medicinal effect of opioids like oxycodone is brought on by a change in the way the brain and body respond to pain. Rather ...
... indirect risks, namely the increasingly common transition to more potent and dangerous drugs like heroin . 4 Painkillers are expensive, and heroin is comparatively cheaper and more readily available on the street. 4,5 ... continue reading -
OxyContin Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment
What Is OxyContin Used For? OxyContin is a branded formulation of the powerful opioid painkiller oxycodone . It is prescribed to manage cases of moderate-to-severe pain. When taken as directed, it is a safe and effective medication, and it has ...
... painkillers are at risk for concurrent or eventual heroin use due to the similar effects of the two ... has abused OxyContin at some point. If you suspect teen drug abuse , check for the signs and symptoms listed above and ... continue reading -
Country vs. City Addictions: Are They Different?
Urban and rural addicts don't seem to have a whole lot in common, according to a report published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). In gathering data for this particular study, researchers looked at addiction ...
... voluntarily or under the pressure of family members. Substances of Abuse Around 21.8 percent of city addicts say heroin is their drug of choice (vs. 3.1 percent in the country), while 11.9 percent claim cocaine as a ... 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 ...
... In the Czech Republic, people are freely allowed to possess small amounts of marijuana and heroin for personal use. In Portugal, drug possession was decriminalized in 2001, so users do not serve jail time. Rather, they ... continue reading -
AmeRxica’s Most Medicated
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, over 54 million people have used prescription medication non-medically - effectively more than 20 percent of the population aged 12 and older. When our doctor puts pen to paper and hands us a ...
... the U.S. In 2015, more than 73 percent of all drug-related overdoses in the U.S. involved opioid use. That's an ... , which has also resulted in an increase in heroin-related deaths. Other states like Arkansas, West Virginia, ... continue reading -
6 Facts You Need to Know About Opiate Withdrawal
The United States has the highest rate of opioid use per capita in the world. As a nation, we consume 80% of the world's opioid supply. 1 In 2014, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that 1.9 million people aged 12 or older had a ...
... factors. Withdrawal will be affected by the half life of the drug, how heavily the individual abused the drug, and how long they used opioids. For drugs like heroin, which have a shorter half-life, and are shorter-acting ... continue reading
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