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Effects of Heroin Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
Is Heroin Harmful? Heroin is the name for a modified version of morphine that is a very addictive and illegal opioid drug . The drug is available on the illicit market in a number of different varieties, with purer product tending to occur in white ...
... to elicit its dramatic results. In short, heroin is very harmful. The speed and intense effects of the substance are the ... in overdose. Side Effects of Heroin Use As people use heroin over time, the pleasurable short-term ... continue reading -
Can You Get Addicted to Heroin After the First Use?
Heroin has the reputation of being one of the most addictive illicit drugs. Many government and academic institutions report that heroin is either very addictive or highly addictive . Adding to the risk associated with the substance is the number of ...
... be the most intense for someone using heroin. This is because as use continues, the body quickly develops a ... first high. Why Do People Use Heroin? Heroin's intense high and quick speed of onset are major attractions for ... 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 ...
... , diarrhea, and vomiting. 4 Medications and evidence-based behavioral therapies can be used to treat heroin addiction. 4 As part of an effective and comprehensive treatment approach, it may also be important to treat any ... 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 ...
... collapsed veins, bacterial infections, and arthritis, which is why it's so vital to get help as soon as possible. In fact, heroin is a potentially deadly drug. In 2012, over 3,600 deaths in the U.S. were connected ... continue reading -
Heroin Abuse Signs, Symptoms, Effects, Overdose, and Treatment
About Heroin Abuse What Is Heroin? Heroin is a substance that is both illegal and extremely addictive . The drug derives from opium from the poppy plant before it is refined to morphine, then further chemically modified to become heroin. Despite its ...
... . Some work by activating the same opioid receptors as heroin does, and others block the receptors so that heroin's effects are not felt. Find Heroin Abuse Treatment Programs Rehab facilities are located throughout the ... continue reading -
Why Is Heroin So Addictive?
Despite its dangers and reputation for harm, use of heroin continues to escalate in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Rates of heroin use have increased across gender, socioeconomic status, age group, ...
... , the high produced will be much less intense than that of heroin when it is taken appropriately and not abused. Buprenorphine —available as Suboxone or Subutex. When used properly, this partial opioid agonist helps ... 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 ...
... plan for detox and addiction treatment . 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 ... 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 ...
... numerous risks and the strong possibility that the baby will become dependent on the drug. Taking drugs such as heroin can lead to a number of health issues related to pregnancy, including but not limited to: 6 Problems ... 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 ...
... illegally in the form of white or brown powder, or a sticky black substance known as “black tar heroin.” In its various forms, heroin is snorted or smoked, or it may be dissolved in water and injected intravenously. All ... 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 ...
... rabbits, no practical use resulted from this discovery, and it was largely ignored by the scientific community. Heroin as a Medicine In August 1897, Felix Hoffmann , the German chemist who first created aspirin for the ... continue reading -
DEA: Heroin ‘Probably’ More Dangerous Than Marijuana
With 23 states and Washington D.C. legalizing medical marijuana and four states legalizing it for recreational use, it's quite possible we'll see a day when marijuana is considered “legal” throughout the U.S. However, the Drug Enforcement ...
... According to the DEA, weed is classified as a Schedule I drug, meaning it has a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical benefits. In other words, it's in the same category as heroin and crack cocaine . Even the ... continue reading -
Heroin Facts—Because Knowing Is Half the Battle
“Smack” - “Junk” - “H” Heroin is a drug that goes by many names but, no matter what you call it, it's still the same potent, potentially deadly drug. While its name really isn't that important, knowing some basic facts about heroin can ...
... sap and deliver it to a broker who then takes the opium to a morphine refinery. Heroin is 2 to 3 times stronger than morphine , it is classified as a Schedule I Drug and it has no medical use. #2 Identifying the Forms of ... 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 ...
... about the effects of hash use . What Is Heroin? Heroin is an illicit drug known to induce feelings of ... by depressing the central nervous system. Librium is classified as a benzodiazepine and, like other drugs in this ... 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 ...
... a stimulant, an addiction to this medication can be classified as a Stimulant Use Disorder , according to the DSM-5 ... designed to help people taper off of drugs such as heroin , there are no medications approved by the Food ... 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 ...
... which boost metabolism, while others are classified as enzyme inhibitors, which reduce the speed at which a drug is broken down. ... Anabolic steroids. Recreational and illicit drugs: Heroin . 13 Inhalants . 14 Cocaine . 15 ... 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 ...
... nothing could help. Would she always be addicted to heroin? Was there anything she hadn't tried? During her ... turn to Ibogaine in hopes for a cure. Since it's classified as a Schedule I drug in the U.S., making it illegal, ... continue reading -
Snorting Adderall: Side Effects and Addiction Treatment
What Does Adderall Do? Adderall is a prescription stimulant used and abused for its ability to increase energy and mental focus, as well as for its potential to elicit pleasurable feelings at high enough doses. 1 It is prescribed for the treatment ...
... is referred to by a variety of street names, including “black beauties,” “uppers,” and “speed.” 1 Adderall is classified as a schedule II controlled substance because of its high potential for abuse and dependence . 1,2 ... 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 ...
... addictive than other opiates, so it was classified as a non-scheduled drug . This meant that ... that problematic users are at high risk of progressing towards heroin abuse should they lose access to a steady supply of ... continue reading -
Oxycodone Facts, History and Statistics
Oxycodone is an opioid analgesic, or 'painkiller' drug that is most often prescribed to control moderate to severe pain that cannot be treated with other medications. It is a semi-synthetic opiate that was first created in 1916 from thebaine, a ...
... narcotic drugs, such as morphine and heroin. History Oxycodone was first developed as part of an ... not illegal. However, it's worth nothing that it was classified as a Schedule II drug by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA ... continue reading -
Oxycodone Side Effects: Short and Long-Term
Oxycodone is a prescription opioid analgesic that is used to manage moderate to severe pain by changing the way that the brain responds to pain. 1 It is commonly prescribed as a combination product with other drugs such as acetaminophen and aspirin, ...
... , Percocet, and Percodan. Street names for oxycodone include “oxy,” “kickers,” “blue,” and “hillybilly heroin.” 1 Oxycodone is classified as a Schedule II drug by the Controlled Substances Act, meaning that it has a ... 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 ...
... past month, 61.6 million were classified as binge drinkers and 17.7 million were classified as heavy drinkers. 7 In terms of ... Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth Ecstasy Heroin Inhalant Ketamine Marijuana Meth PCP Steroid ... 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 ...
... . You've probably heard of this drug by now: fentanyl. Classified as a synthetic opioid, fentanyl is flooding the illicit drug market. Fifty times stronger than heroin, fentanyl not only offers a cheap way for dealers to ... 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 ...
... with sugar tastes horrible.” Ten months later, the former heroin user hasn't experienced a relapse and once again feels ... Ibogaine is classified as a Schedule I substance, which, like heroin , is described as a drug ... continue reading -
Effects of Drugs on the Brain: Impact of Drugs on Neurotransmitters
For many people, addiction can be difficult to understand. Understanding how drugs affect the brain can help shed some light on how a person develops an addiction. This article will discuss how various drugs affect the chemistry of the brain and ...
... as painkillers, cough suppressants, and anti-diarrhea medications. Well-known illicit and prescription opioids include: Heroin ... of legal and illegal drugs are classified as central nervous system depressants. Dependent on ... continue reading -
Adderall Abuse Signs, Symptoms, and Addiction Treatment
What Is Adderall Used For? Adderall is a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine that is used primarily to treat the symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) . It has benefits for sleep disorders and reported off-label ...
... off-label utility in managing some forms of severe depression, as well. This drug is classified as a central nervous system stimulant , which means it speeds up and heightens certain bodily processes. Adderall is an oral ... continue reading -
Ibogaine: Can it Cure My Addiction?
What does it take to quit using heroin or other opioids? This is a question that is very much on the minds of millions of Americans. The scientific community continues to look for the best way to quit using drugs and everyone wants to know what will ...
What does it take to quit using heroin or other opioids? This is a question that is very much on the ... . 4 However, ibogaine is now illegal and is even classified as a Schedule I drug by the Food and Drug Administration. ... continue reading -
Crystal Meth Abuse Side Effects, Symptoms, and Addiction Treatment
What Is Crystal Meth? Crystal methamphetamine (crystal meth) is a powerful central nervous stimulant with highly addictive properties . Crystal meth is the illicit, crystalline form of methamphetamine. Legally manufactured methamphetamine is ...
... of methamphetamine. Legally manufactured methamphetamine is classified as a Schedule II drug by the ... use of crystal meth more positively than that of heroin or crack cocaine. Drug education regarding the dangers that ... continue reading -
Opana Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment
What Is Opana Used For? Opana is the trade name for the prescription medication oxymorphone—a semi-synthetic opioid painkiller . In various formulations, oxymorphone has been available on the U.S. pharmaceutical market since 1959. In 2006, the FDA ...
... to an overall decrease in pain. The drug is classified as a Schedule II substance, meaning it carries a high ... is extremely risky and puts them at risk for future heroin use. In fact, according to statistics from the CDC, ... 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 ...
... , including alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, and heroin. Credit: TEDx Talks Costs of Substance ... 6 Alcohol Abuse Statistics Although legal, alcohol is still classified as a drug with a high potential for abuse. Alcohol ... continue reading -
Side Effects of Morphine Misuse and Addiction
Morphine is an opioid painkiller that is prescribed for the management of severe pain (trauma, surgical and cancer related pain) where alternative treatment is not adequate to control pain. 1,2 Morphine can be used safely and effectively for pain ...
... Using Morphine Dangerous? Morphine has been classified as a Schedule II controlled substance as it can be a safe way to ... including seeking illegal substances such as heroin. Compromised impulse control. Obsessive ... continue reading -
Tussionex Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Treatment
What Is Tussionex? Tussionex is a prescription medication that includes a combination of chlorpheniramine—an antihistamine 1 —and the opioid painkiller hydrocodone . It is prescribed to treat respiratory symptoms—such as coughs—related to ...
... drugs known as opioids, 2 which includes serious drugs of abuse like heroin , as well as various prescription ... this combination drug, problematic Tussionex abuse can be classified as an opioid use disorder , which can be ... continue reading -
Political Parties on Drug Use
A recent Pew Research Center survey indicated that 86 percent of Americans believe the country is more politically divided than ever before. Polarized viewpoints surrounding topics like immigration and foreign trade are broadcasted daily on ...
... on the correct measures to solve the opioid and heroin crisis? We surveyed more than 2,000 people, including ... persist regardless of political party. Addiction is classified as a disease which makes willpower a very ... continue reading -
Effects of Ativan Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
Is Ativan Harmful? Ativan (generic name: lorazepam) is classified as a benzodiazepine medication used primarily for the short-term treatment of anxiety and seizure activity. It is sometimes used to manage intractable insomnia, and as a sedative for ...
... lorazepam) is classified as a benzodiazepine ... as in the case of mixing benzodiazepines with alcohol, illicit opiates or prescription opioids . For instance, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 15% of heroin ... continue reading -
Effects of Hydromorphone Abuse: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
What Is Hydromorphone Used For? Hydromorphone (brand names: Dilaudid, Exalgo) is a powerful semi-synthetic opioid painkiller used in both hospital settings and as part of a long-term treatment regimen for significant pain in opioid-tolerant ...
... of this drug are so pronounced that hydromorphone is classified as a schedule II controlled substance in the U.S. ... to that of many other opioids (such as morphine and heroin ). 3 When the substance enters the system ... continue reading -
Tramadol Facts, History, and Statistics
Tramadol (brand name: Ultram) is an oral, opioid pain-relieving drug that is marketed under a variety of of trade names - with Ultram and Ultracet being the most widely prescribed and recognized. Tramadol is most often prescribed to treat moderate ...
... categorized along with some other substances as “narcotics other than heroin.” The 2014 report indicates the ... DEA) began to monitor and restrict tramadol by classifying it as a schedule IV drug on the national level ... 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 ...
... ). 5 Fentanyl is sometimes sought after by people seeking an intense high, and it is sometimes sold in or as heroin to unsuspecting buyers. Either way, its presence on the street is unprecedented. From 2013 to 2014, the ... 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 ...
... is used in extreme situations; it's 50 times more powerful than morphine. Combined with heroin, it's a concoction that can be deadly. As an opiate, fentanyl produces a state of relaxation or euphoria. It is often used an ... continue reading -
Heroin Use Increasing Across New Demographics, Study Finds
The face of heroin in the US is changing. As the drug becomes more commonly abused among new racial, geographic and socioeconomic groups, the profile of those users is also evolving. The change is, in part, because heroin is becoming more ...
... , urban communities, poor people and minorities were most at risk, leading to the stereotype of “urban junkie.” As heroin use increases in small cities and rural areas, Monnat and Rigg note that it is important to keep ... 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 ...
... to treat. These common chronic illnesses claim billions of dollars each year (as well as thousands of lives). However, the cost per patient doesn't come close to heroin abuse . COPD costs $2,567 dollars per person, for a ... continue reading -
Prescription Opiates: As Addictive as Heroin?
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than 21.5 million Americans aged 12 and older met the criteria for substance use disorder in 2014. Of these, 1.9 million were addicted to prescription opiate pain medications and 586,000 ...
... the next 5 years after abusing opioid painkillers. 4 Although prescription opiates may arguably be as addictive as heroin, heroin still poses more significant risks for users, including greater risk of overdose and other ... continue reading -
Chicken vs. Egg: Which Came First, Heroin or OxyContin Addiction?
For centuries, people have debated one age old question: which came first, the chicken or the egg? While both sides of this argument have their valid points, the question itself has evolved, making its way into other areas of society, including the ...
... clear to Mark Publicker, who oversees a 24-bed detox ward at Mercy Hospital Recovery Center in Portland. “As bad as oxycodone is, heroin is worse,” Publicker said . “It's worse because here in Maine, it's injected. We're ... 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 ...
... depression. It may also compound the toxic influence of cocaine. Some buyers may hear of certain brands of heroin as being potent or a strong high and use it without realizing fentanyl has been added to it. This can ... 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. ...
... food and sex—in fact, some users describe the euphoric rush of heroin as several times stronger than a sexual orgasm. 6 Users who snort heroin report a rush or surge of euphoria within 10 to 15 minutes after taking it. 1 ... 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 ...
... to do to assist a painkiller addict . CNN Can Pills Really Be as Addictive as Heroin? Why does addiction to or abuse of painkillers lead to heroin use in so many cases? Are prescription painkillers just a pill-form of ... continue reading -
Concurrent Alcohol and Heroin Abuse
Dangers of Abusing Alcohol and Heroin The dangerous combination of alcohol and heroin gets widespread publicity every year from tragedies that remind the public how alcohol amplifies the already powerful effects of heroin on the central nervous ...
... on the central nervous system. The reason why this partnership is particularly lethal is that heroin is a depressant, as is alcohol. When the body takes on a double-depressant: One's heart rate can slow to a dangerously ... 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 ...
... the same time period, with 215 deaths recorded in 2013. Dangerous Trends As in previous years, the rate of heroin overdoses is highest among white residents. However, Hispanic residents have also developed problems ... 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 ...
... just a few months later when she got the call. Alex had been arrested for heroin possession . She sat up late with her husband, the window was open as the North Carolina air blew in. How could her baby brother be in jail ... continue reading -
Russian Roulette: The Hidden Dangers of Cutting Agents in Cocaine and Heroin
In the United States, more than 47,000 people die from drug overdoses every year . To make matters worse, drug deaths have recently surpassed both automobile and firearm accidents as the leading cause of accidental death in the country. There's no ...
... recently surpassed both automobile and firearm accidents as the leading cause of accidental death in ... 80% pure; today, its purity is closer to 52%. Likewise, heroin hit a purity high of 58% in 1993, but has since dropped ... continue reading -
How Similar are Heroin and Prescription Opioids?
Heroin is an illicit street drug that produces a drowsy, euphoric high. Prescription opioids are legal medications prescribed by doctors to treat pain. Both heroin and prescription painkillers belong to the family of drugs known as opioids, which ...
... opioids are legal medications prescribed by doctors to treat pain. Both heroin and prescription painkillers belong to the family of drugs known as opioids, which act upon particular receptors in the brain and body ... 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 -
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 ...
... also be referred to as: Adam Beans Clarity Disco Biscuit E Eve Molly Lover's Speed Peace STP X ... Morf Morpho Unkie White Stuff Oxycodone Oxycodone : Hillbilly Heroin Kicker O.C Oxycet Oxycotton Oxy Percs Roxy Oxymorphone ... 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 ... is frequently laced with other drugs, such as cocaine or heroin. In these situations, the user is unprepared ... continue reading -
Amphetamine Addiction Signs, Symptoms, Effects, and Treatment
Amphetamines are prescription medications or illegal substances that are also known as stimulants, as they speed up your metabolism and increase your alertness. When legally prescribed, they are typically used to treat attention-deficit ...
... is a prescribed ADHD medication that is taken for unintended purposes. It can be referred to as dexies, kiddie-speed, pep pills, uppers, or black beauty when it is combined with amphetamine. Methamphetamine , which, when ... 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 ...
... send your nervous system into overdrive. Guess what else it speeds up? The aging process. That's right. Pumping ... hearts simply aren't as strong. As the heart ages, it isn't able to pump blood as well as it used to. Since ... 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, ...
... Quickened heart rate and breathing. Agitation. Confusion. Finally, because snorting tramadol increases the speed of onset of effects as well as their intensity, this method of use is associated with an increased risk of ... continue reading -
Lethal Drug Combinations to Avoid
What Are the Deadliest Drug Combos? Combining drugs (“polysubstance abuse”) is both common and potentially dangerous. There are various reasons why individuals use substances in combination. For some, the activity is done haphazardly, without ...
... used cocaine with heroin, but this deception is a mere smokescreen. The reason for many of the deaths as a result of ... an individual's risk of addiction and the speed at which addiction develops. Secondly, particular ... 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 ...
... refreshing water may wake you up, but it doesn't speed up the process. But you will smell nicer. Take two ... back out is simply not true. It's just as effective as the practice from which the saying originated: An ancient ... continue reading -
Health Effects of Drug Misuse and Addiction
Substance misuse and addiction can have serious short- and long-term effects. 1 The physical effects of drugs and alcohol vary according to the type of substance, duration of use, and method of administration. 1 Recovering from addiction can be a ...
... have widespread effects. 12 Commonly misused substances may speed or slow down heart rate, increase or ... inflamed, other sites on the body may be used. 21 Heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine are some of the most commonly ... continue reading -
The 5 Most Dangerous Painkiller Myths
While painkiller use is widespread, there is a vast amount of false information surrounding them. Unfortunately, many people begin using opioid painkillers knowing little about them. Given few details about these drugs - how they work, when to take ...
... mechanism of action is similar to that of heroin . Examples of opioid pain medications include: ... good” chemical in the brain essential to feeling pleasure. As painkiller abuse continues over time, the brain may begin ... 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 ...
... and Your Teeth Love Drugs: These include your basic “club drugs” like speed or ecstasy . They cause severe tooth decay, jaw-clenching and dry mouth. Heroin: Heroin belongs to the opiate drug family and it has an indirect ... 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 ...
... nonmedical use of prescription pain relievers. Heroin use has also increased. As a result of this increase in ... , or even smoked in the form of “ice.” They speed up the body systems, which can cause a host of health ... 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 ...
... system (CNS) stimulants , such as cocaine and methamphetamine, speed up brain activity, blood pressure, ... as Vicodin , Percocet , and oxycodone —as well as illicit drugs like heroin . Research suggests that long-term heroin ... continue reading -
Taking Action: How to Intervene During an Overdose
Drug overdoses are now the leading cause of accident death in the United States. According to the Centers of Disease Control (CDC), 43,982 drug overdose deaths occurred in 2013 across the nation. That's two times the amount of overdose deaths a ...
... ( cocaine , speed, methamphetamine ) is not as deadly, statistically speaking, as overdosing on depressants, ... and the National Institute on Drug Abuse reports heroin-related deaths have increased five-fold over the last ... continue reading -
Effects of Ketamine Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, and Side Effects
Is Ketamine Dangerous? “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 ...
... wrong because of its potency; it's more powerful than speed or coke weight for weight, so it's easy to ... symptoms . If you find that you're in trouble with the law as a result of using ketamine and don't want to give it up ... 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 brain at different rates—affecting the speed of onset and peak intensity of the high ... as an illicit drug when abused. Side Effects Percocet's ability to bring about a euphoric high is similar to that of heroin ... continue reading -
Side Effects of Librium Use, Withdrawal and Addiction Treatment
What Is Librium Used For? Librium—which is a brand name formulation of chlordiazepoxide—belongs to a class of sedative medications known as benzodiazepines. Librium has been widely used as a treatment for anxiety and for managing the symptoms of ...
... period of time than directed by a doctor, it can speed up the onset of tolerance, give rise to number of damaging ... prescription drugs , as well as alcohol . 1,2 Mixing alcohol or opioids —such as heroin or prescription ... 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 ...
... . 1 Many situations can lead to feelings of anxiety, such as facing a difficult choice, having to speak in front of others ... marijuana and stimulants cause the heart rate to speed up, which can mimic physical symptoms of ... continue reading -
How to Stay Productive at Work While Still in Recovery
We live in a very competitive society when it comes to finding a job and keeping it. Even for a person that's never tasted a drop of alcohol, it's still a challenge to find a good job and get accepted into a workplace. It becomes even worse when ...
... addiction, getting back to work can often actually help speed up your recovery; working gives you a sense of ... of millions of other things that need to be done as well. Write out your tasks in detail, and prioritize ... continue reading -
Meth Abuse Signs, Symptoms, Effects, and Treatment
Methamphetamine is a psychostimulant often abused for the euphoric “high” it provides. Some signs of meth abuse include frequent paranoia, agitation, sweating, insomnia, skin changes, weight loss, and more. Abusing this powerfully addictive drug ...
... on Drug Abuse also reports that methamphetamine use may speed up the progression of HIV/AIDS and worsen ... during long nights at the front. Methamphetamine first appeared as a recreational drug in the 1960s, and its use ... 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 ... both when it is used unprescribed and when it is used as prescribed by a doctor. 3 You can experience withdrawal symptoms ... 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 ...
... by many names, including: 1,2 X. XTC. Lover's Speed. Adam. Eve. Peace. Clarity. The drug was developed by a ... to ask. It's always a good idea to be as prepared as possible before you choose a rehab. If you have questions ... 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 ...
... period of time or at higher than recommended doses, as well as for those who use the medication for reasons other than ... mind and reduction of anxiety. People with sped-up or racing thoughts will report slowed thinking and ... 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 ...
... very similar properties, but they vary in their speed of onset and the duration of their effects. Primarily ... enrolling in a professional substance abuse treatment program . As part of a treatment program, you're likely ... continue reading -
How to Help Someone With Adderall Addiction
Help for Adderall Addicts Adderall is the brand name for a drug that contains two active ingredients: amphetamine and dextroamphetamine . These ingredients work to stimulate and speed up the body. Doctors use this drug in the treatment of ...
... . These ingredients work to stimulate and speed up the body. Doctors use this drug ... for two reasons: The first is because students use the medication as a study aid without a prescription. The second is that the drug ... 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 ...
... beans,” “black beauties,” “dexies,” “pep pills,” “speed,” and “uppers.” 1 This drug is abused recreationally ... cocaine and methamphetamine . People also abuse Adderall as a performance-enhancing drug. It is often called ... 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 ...
... the breast milk quickly—also known as “pumping and dumping.” This practice does not speed the removal of alcohol from the ... you on your road to recovery. Groups such as Women For Sobriety and Alcoholics Anonymous are good ... continue reading -
Meth Overdose Symptoms, Signs, Risk Factors, Prevention, and Treatment
What Is Methamphetamine? Methamphetamine—most commonly known as “meth,” “crystal,” “speed,” and “ice”—is an addictive stimulant that causes users to experience an intense, euphoric rush. 1 Meth can be smoked, snorted, injected, ...
... Methamphetamine? Methamphetamine—most commonly known as “meth,” “crystal,” “speed,” and “ice”—is an addictive ... . The presence of pre-existing health conditions, such as hypertension. What to Do in Case of an Overdose ... 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 ...
... high, since in some cases snorting drugs can speed up and intensify their effects. However, it is ... feels; instead, it introduces a slew of dangers, such as overdose and the development of addiction . Side Effects of ... 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 ...
... addiction than those abusing it by oral routes because of the intensely rewarding speed of onset and strength of effects. Generally, addiction is seen as the repeated use and abuse of a substance, even when such use is ... 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 ...
... snort Vyvanse to produce a quicker and “better” high (as this method creates more rapid and intense effects in many ... taken orally. 3 In reality, snorting Vyvanse does not speed up or intensify effects . This is likely due ... 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 ...
... , there is a direct relationship between the speed of onset and the strength of the drug ... is rarely a risk for people that use the medication as prescribed, but the risk increases when people manipulate the substance ... continue reading -
History and Statistics of “Study Drugs”
What Are “Study Drugs?” The colloquial term “study drugs” typically refers to prescription stimulant medications (such as Ritalin and Concerta) that are used to enhance aspects of a user's mental functioning, such as: Memory. Concentration. ...
... Ritalin . An additional trade formulation is branded as Concerta —a longer-acting formulation that can be ... generations of people who have become addicted to “speed” since the 1930s. Additionally, the performance benefits ... 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 ...
... doesn't, right? This industry continues to grow every year as we seek the best-kept secrets to staying young. The Damage ... drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, we speed toward wrinkles. Reducing our alcohol consumption ... 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 ...
... means it can no longer contract as it should to pump blood throughout your body. As a result, your other organs ... pacemaker to keep it pumping at the right speed. Alcohol interferes with this pacemaker, causing the ... 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 ...
... much longer. 7,8 Consuming a drink brewed with marijuana, such as a tea, will result in a gradual onset of effects similar to ... and eating an edible are reflected in the speed of onset of effects, the duration until peak ... 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 ...
... ; it burns when it touches any bodily surface, as you may know if you've ever used it as a disinfectant on a cut. When you take an ... rate, disrupting its rhythm by causing it to speed up or beat irregularly. Worse, it can ... 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 ...
... an advanced version of an existing method known as Optical Coherence Doppler Tomography (ODT). Led by ... and his team noted a dramatic drop in blood flow speed. For the very first time, researchers were also able ... 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 ...
... up in certain regions at the end of 2016 and early 2017. It contains a blend of opioid substances (such as heroin , fentanyl , and U-47700, or “Pink” ). Combinations vary between samples and are typically so strong that ... continue reading -
The 9 Most Expensive Drugs in America
Each year, Americans spend nearly $100 billion on illegal drugs such as cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. These figures do not even account for the billions of dollars that are spent on prescription drugs each year—about $374 billion according ...
... related to prescription drug use are comparable to crime related to illicit drug use such as heroin and cocaine. #4 Cocaine Cocaine has a reputation as a “rich man's drug.” At approximately $60 per gram, it is one of the ... continue reading -
Overdosed
The United States is experiencing an epidemic of drug overdose deaths: every year, nearly 44,000 lives are tragically lost, with more than half of the fatalities caused by prescription drugs. We've analyzed the latest government data to find out why ...
... by the CDC, and it includes illegal drugs like cocaine and heroin, and legal drugs, such as prescription and OTC medications. Prescription opioid analgesics, such as hydrocodone (e.g., Vicodin, Lortab), oxycodone (e.g ... continue reading -
Seized
In 2015, Border Patrol prevented more than 1.5 million pounds of marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and meth from entering the United States. 1 In the same year, the Coast Guard intercepted 72 vessels and more than 150,000 pounds of drugs. 2 These ...
... descriptions allow us to map drug busts at county-level, as well as by state. The four maps above show the same patterns we saw in our state maps, with heroin busts concentrated in the Northeast, meth in the Midwest, and ... continue reading -
How Concerned Should We Be About Opiates?
Opiates are a group of drugs that manage pain by depressing the central nervous system (CNS). There are two different kinds of opiates: natural and synthetic. Natural opiates come from the dried “milk” of the poppy plant and include opium, ...
... of methadone are long-lasting, working for up to 24 hours per dose. It is used for heroin detoxification or as part of a maintenance program. 11 OxyContin: Developed by Purdue Pharma in 1995, OxyContin addiction has ... 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 ...
... withdrawal symptoms , reduce opioid cravings, and block the effects of heroin and other opioids. 9 Methadone is generally safe and effective if taken as prescribed. However, it can be addictive, so its medical use is ... continue reading -
If Old Drug Ads Told the Truth
Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Through the late 19th century and mid-20th century, many of today's illicit drugs of abuse were available legally in the United States. Products containing cocaine, heroin, or amphetamine were readily available for ...
... mixed with sugar or spices, sweetened the bitter taste of heroin and made it easier to swallow. Heroin is synthesized from morphine and shares its sedating properties. As an opioid, it dulls the perception of pain, which ... continue reading -
The Effects of Opiates on the Body
Share on Twitter Share on Facebook They're potent, they're dangerous - and they could be in your medicine cabinet. In 2012, 259 million prescriptions for painkillers, such as Vicodin , OxyContin , and Opana, were written in the U.S. When used ...
... the blood and reaching the lining of the heart, causing endocarditis, an inflammation of this lining. As street heroin can be cut with any number of impurities, these contaminating particles can travel through the body ... 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 ...
... most often. 88% of the people arrested or cited for marijuana-related charges were male, as were 85% and 84% of heroin and cocaine offenders respectively. The next city on our list is pretty similar to Baltimore, at ... 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 ...
... is the synthetic, designer drug U-47700, nicknamed “pink.” The effects of pink mimic other opioids such as heroin and, in 2016 it had caused 46 reported deaths and required an emergency temporary scheduling by the DEA ... 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 - ...
... is currently legal in some form in 25 states as well as Washington, D.C. Between 2007 and 2013, marijuana ... use rates are higher than those of cocaine, meth, heroin, MDMA, and PCP combined. The report notes that the ... continue reading -
Effect of Drugs on the Kidneys: How Do Drugs Damage the Kidneys?
Chronic drug and alcohol misuse can lead to severe kidney damage or failure. The damage is not always direct; some substances may indirectly cause harm to the kidneys via biologic events triggered outside of the renal system itself. These secondary ...
... renal damage in a few different ways: Coma due to heroin overdose can lead to rhabdomyolysis, 2 a condition characterized by ... a number of kidney complications, such as: 2 Sped-up progression of kidney disease in people ... continue reading
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