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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 ...
... snorted, or injected. Regardless of the type of heroin used, the drug acts quickly in the body to elicit its dramatic results. In short, heroin is very harmful. The speed and intense effects of the substance are the main ... 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 -
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 ...
... as a result of this combination of drugs is that people feel less vulnerable to heroin overdose because of their cocaine intake. ... , combining drugs can increase an individual's risk of addiction and the speed at which ... 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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 ...
... the US. As the abuse of prescription painkillers is targeted by many agencies, those who used such drugs often turn to heroin. A 2012 study in the New England Journal of Medicine confirmed this troubling trend. Signs and ... 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 -
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 ...
... for coping with stress. Contingency management therapy , which uses a points system that rewards recovering heroin users for remaining drug free. Behavioral therapy can take place in a one-on-one setting or in a group ... 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 ...
... , as well as a lack of information regarding what is mixed into the drug, dosing is difficult to measure. Effects of heroin overdose include: Dangerously slowed breathing rate. Depressed heart rate. Loss of consciousness ... 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 -
5 Movies That Will Make You Never Want to Do Drugs Again
Hollywood has a knack for glamorizing controversial subjects and drug use is certainly one of them. Yet for every Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas or Trainspotting , there are also those films that will make you never want to touch drugs again. Here ...
... young Leonardo DiCaprio, The Basketball Diaries features a particularly memorable recreation of heroin withdrawal . Requiem for a Dream As far as bleak drug movies go, Requiem for a Dream is probably the most popular of ... 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 -
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 ...
... level. Both distributors and dealers are cutting their supply, with the result being a drug that's only actually 30% heroin in the end. Drug dependence can be a frightening, lonely condition. And it's made all the more ... 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 -
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 -
Facts About Krokodil (The “Zombie Drug”)
What Is Krokodil? Desomorphine (dihydrodesoxymorphine) or Krokodil, is an injectable opioid derivative of codeine. On the street and online, the drug is known as: Krokodil. Crocodile. Croc. Krok. Russian Magic. Poor Man's Heroin. The name ...
... is relatively difficult to obtain, people have turned to alternatives such as krokodil as a heroin substitute. Krokodil Drug Effects Krokodil is attractive to those seeking a euphoric high because it is cheap, relatively ... 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 -
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 -
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 -
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 Celebrities Who Have Done Drugs and Battled Addiction and Alcoholism
1. Drew Barrymore Former child star Drew Barrymore's drug abuse in her teenage years found her controversial fame, including two trips to rehab that motivated her to get back on track with her career. 2. Mary-Kate Olsen “Full House” actress ...
... world when his 1993 death exposed him as a heroin addict . 9. David Hasselhoff “Baywatch” boy David ... 1996 that he faced his first drug-related arrest. After a troubling period with drug abuse , Downey Jr. has achieved ... continue reading -
Drug Use | Myths
There are many myths associated with drug use and abuse. Debunking these myths is the first step in understanding how drug use affects society and how we can tackle the problems associated with it head-on. Below are just a few of the myths that need ...
... and creates a calm, relaxed state of mind that the drug's users hope to achieve time and time again. When smoked, heroin is not addictive . If you have ever heard this drug use myth, please don't believe it. Any form of ... continue reading -
Drug Addiction Quiz
The drug addiction quiz is designed to provide you an idea of whether a drug addiction or drug abuse problem exists. The drug addiction quiz is not perfect and the drug addiction quiz should only be seen as a guide. Take the drug addiction quiz ...
... mistakes or poor work performance due to drug use? Yes No Has your drug use caused problems or gotten you into trouble ... the level of your cocaine dependence and abuse. Heroin Test A short test we've created to help ... continue reading -
Six Colossal Drug Abuse Meltdowns and How to Spot the Warning Signs
It's no mystery that celebrities, as well as the everyday Joe, can have problems with drugs. Because celebrities are in the limelight, though, we often see the drug abuse meltdown of famous people more prominently. The following six meltdowns were ...
... than most. She dated singer Kurt Cobain and has always been around the drug scene. She is known to abuse heroin , cocaine , and prescription drugs , likely accounting for her 1995 crash intro into a music awards show ... continue reading -
Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs and Addiction Treatment Programs
For some time now, the abuse of illicit substances such as marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin has been a persistent national problem. In more recent years, however, our country has seen an alarming rise in prescription drug abuse . ...
... such as marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin has been a persistent national problem. In more ... a day and 7 days a week when you call our drug abuse helpline free at . Our friendly staff can counsel you ... continue reading -
7 Crazy Ways Addicts Fund Their Drug Habits
It's no secret that drug addiction can drive people to do things that are completely out of character. When addiction takes hold, scoring drugs to avoid withdrawals is a 24/7 job. And there's no glamour in that kind of career path. Little girls ...
... to pursue a life of crime as a way to fund his heroin habit . While it's common to hear of addicts turning to ... burglary, and car theft as a way to earn drug money, thousands find alternate funding routes. Some of these ... continue reading -
DMT Drug Abuse Effects, Symptoms, and Treatment Programs
What Is DMT? DMT (dimethyltryptamine) is a hallucinogen capable of inducing a psychedelic “trip,” which typically ranges from 30 to 45 minutes in duration. 1 DMT is a Schedule 1 drug under the Controlled Substance Act and has no recognized ...
... injecting the substance. It does not take much of the drug to exert its psychedelic effects, since DMT is fully hallucinogenic at ... DMT may not be addictive in the way that heroin or cocaine is, it can still have a ... continue reading -
Drug Abuse Signs
Some drug abuse signs are obvious and others are subtle. Drug abuse takes a toll on the body both physically and psychologically. Physical drug abuse signs may be exhibited in an array of physical symptoms including an increase in blood pressure and ...
... , insomnia, depressions, fatigue, nausea, muscle pain, anger, exaggerated cravings and increased irritability. Drug abuse signs for heroin are somewhat similar but are usually accompanied by dilated pupils, watery eyes ... continue reading -
Drug Abuse Help
Drug abuse help is available for everyone. Whether it is for yourself or someone close to you, there is a drug abuse help center with a program to suit you. Our website provides confidential help, free of charge and provides you with a team of ...
... and peyote has more of an emphasis on the psychological addiction pattern; whereas, drug abuse help to stop injecting heroin or using crack cocaine places a much greater importance on the physical addiction, initially ... continue reading -
State Sentencing: How Drug Sentencing Varies Across the U.S.
The United States has 5% of the world's population - and 25% of its prisoners. The average cost to house a minimum-security prisoner for one year is $21,006. By comparison, the average cost of putting a K-12 student through school for one year is ...
... Virginia comes in first here. Faced with the highest drug overdose death rate in the nation, West Virginia has cracked down on deadly prescription painkillers and heroin . When looking at other states that round out the ... continue reading -
The 20 Countries With the Harshest Drug Laws in the World
United States drug laws are often considered harsh, but the penalties for carrying or trafficking drugs in other countries, particularly those in Central America, South America, and Southeast Asia, can be much more severe. Here are 20 countries in ...
... you are arrested with more than 1.3 pounds of heroin , you will automatically be executed. Iran Iran is not known to be tolerant of criminal offenses in general, and drug offenses are no different. The use of opium is a ... continue reading -
Ill Inventory: Drug Theft and Loss in the United States
Every year, countless people become reliant on pharmaceuticals. And every year, drugs go missing. Despite extensive efforts to curb addiction and abuse, America's war on drugs is far from over. Guidelines for improving opioid prescribing practices ...
... Missouri with 17.6. It's possible that Arizona's heroin and opioid epidemic is to blame. Even though 348 million ... , and 2014 reports are readily available. For our drug-related arrest data, we used the FBI's uniform crime ... 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 ...
... in the United States, providing a solid statistical description of drug use across a spectrum of substances, including alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, and heroin. Credit: TEDx Talks Costs of Substance Abuse The abuse of ... continue reading -
Popular Drugs By Demographic
Drug use is a growing problem in America and a concern that affects various demographics. In fact, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, in 2011, about 8.7 percent of Americans 12 years and older—22.5 million ...
... nearly quadrupled as it rose from 2.9 to 11.4 percent, while heroin abuse grew from 7.2 to 16 percent, more than doubling. Prescription drug abuse among older Americans has increased from 0.7 to 3.5 percent. However ... continue reading -
Get the Facts on Substance Abuse
Substance abuse is a major issue in the United States. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 40.3 million people aged 12 or older had a substance use disorder (SUD) in 2020—with 28.3 million struggling with an ...
... light, since they are prescribed by a physician. Though many believe these drugs are safer, they can be as addictive as heroin. Prescription drugs are often misused in the United States. About 18 million people aged 12 ... continue reading -
Snorting Fentanyl: Long-Term Effects & Dangers
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, ...
... rises. Some dangers of snorting fentanyl include: Speed of onset. Snorting fentanyl allows the opioid to ... fentanyl is frequently laced with other drugs, such as cocaine or heroin. In these situations, the user is ... 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 ...
... increased risk because of engaging in unsafe sex while high. The National Institute on Drug Abuse also reports that methamphetamine use may speed up the progression of HIV/AIDS and worsen symptoms of the disease. In some ... 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 ...
... 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 -
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 ...
... , OxyContin , and Opana, were written in the U.S. When used improperly, these legal opioid drugs can present some of the same risks as illicit heroin sold on the street. While 467,000 people in the U.S. struggled with ... 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 -
Help, I’ve Been Arrested for DUI – What Can I Do to Stay Out of Jail?
If you've been arrested for a DUI, you might be in a lot of trouble. One factor that will affect whether or not you stay out of jail will be how much you had to drink at the time of your arrest. Complying with instructions and requests from the ...
... to allow for community service. Likewise, high speeds or endangering the lives of others could lead ... but some people, usually those with no history of violence, drug use, or other legal problems, should be able to go to ... 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, ...
... —most commonly known as “meth,” “crystal,” “speed,” and “ice”—is an addictive stimulant that causes ... those recovering from overdoses will depend on how much of the drug was used and how quickly the person was treated. 5 If ... continue reading -
Concurrent Alcohol and Crack Abuse
Concurrent Alcohol and Crack Abuse In the mid 1980s, crack cocaine use exploded across the United States. In 1974, 5 million people had tried cocaine. By 1985, more than 22 million people had tried cocaine, with more than half of them reporting ...
... as “freebasing” ). This produces a form of the drug that creates a more intense but shorter “high” for ... ). Signs and Symptoms of Crack and Alcohol Abuse Crack speeds up the body's metabolism, which means that it sends ... 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 ...
... altering effects. 1 MDMA is known by many names, including: 1,2 X. XTC. Lover's Speed. Adam. Eve. Peace. Clarity. The drug was developed by a German pharmaceutical company, Merck KGaA, in 1912. 3 By the 1980s, ecstasy ... continue reading -
Emergency Room Injuries
Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Accidental injuries are an unavoidable and unfortunate part of life. Try as we may to avoid it, there comes a time in everyone's life where a simple mistake or unforeseeable event turns into a bump, bruise, or ...
... quite serious. Major injuries have resulted from loss of self-control under the influence of drugs such as cocaine, heroin , and alcohol. One such report involves a female accidentally breaking off a hypodermic needle ... continue reading -
The Effects of Meth on Your Body
During the past two decades, illicit methamphetamine - also known as crystal meth - has presented one of the largest and most dangerous drug epidemics in America. This extremely powerful stimulant, which can be smoked, injected, snorted, or eaten, ...
... remaining at almost 3,000 kg in 2014. This highly addictive drug also poses a heavy risk of damaging one's health in ... potentially going days without food. Because meth also speeds up the body's metabolism, this can lead ... continue reading -
Snorting Ketamine
Ketamine is a drug used in human and animal surgery to induce numbness and sedation without compromising breathing and blood pressure 1 . It is a dissociative anesthetic, and it has been increasingly used as a party drug due to the detached, ...
... swallowing it. Different methods of ingestion have different speeds at which they reach the brain to exert ... requires help . Relative to some other abused drugs, such as cocaine and heroin, it may not be associated with as ... continue reading -
Concurrent Alcohol and Vicodin Abuse
Alcohol and Vicodin can both be harmful to your health but, when the two are used together, the negative effects of each can compound those of the other. Vicodin, which contains hydrocodone and acetaminophen, is a prescription opioid used to manage ...
... , & Hall, 2015). According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), more than 2 million people in the U ... those who were addicted to opioid painkillers also used heroin , per NIDA. The Substance Abuse and Mental ... continue reading -
Treatment for LSD Abuse: How to Treat LSD Addiction
Psychoactive substances, by definition, change the way people think and feel. Hallucinogens do this in a unique way, by altering the way that humans sense and perceive the world—making false visual, auditory, and tactile sensations seem real. One ...
... . Changes in sense of time. While LSD won't induce powerful physical cravings in the same way that drugs like heroin and cocaine will, the effects can become so desirable for the user that they continue to use it despite ... continue reading -
5 NFL Players Who Tackled Their Addictions
Drugs and alcohol have become a major part of NFL culture. From March 2013 to March 2014, NFL players were arrested 27 times on drug charges, and several players have also received lengthy suspensions for positive drug tests, including Cleveland ...
... use. Ainge was addicted to painkillers by his senior year of college, but heroin, cocaine and alcohol were his primary drugs of choice. He overdosed several times and had to be rushed to the hospital. “I used a lot of ... 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 -
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 ...
... the following dramatic increase between 1999 and 2014. In 1999, only 557 people who died from a drug overdose had both heroin and an opioid analgesic in their systems. This figure dropped for the next few years and then ... continue reading -
Concurrent Alcohol and Methadone Abuse
It's important to know the facts about drinking and using methadone. Alcohol and methadone can both cause a range of profound effects, and both substances have the potential to lead to addiction. Combining these two substances can be even more ...
... the body and brain, especially to memory and liver function . Methadone is a prescription drug used to assist individuals with heroin withdrawal . It is not a recreational substance and should not be used unless you have ... 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 ...
... , 14 which as we've already seen has been on the rise in recent years. Another drug experiencing an alarming increase in availability and use is heroin, which now kills more people in the U.S. per year than at any other ... continue reading -
Crystal Meth Addiction: Stages, Dependence, Symptoms, and Treatment
What Is Crystal Meth? Crystal meth is a form of methamphetamine —a substance that is widely abused throughout the country. Its widespread illicit production dwarfs that of its pharmaceutical counterpart—marketed as Desoxyn —a stimulant ...
... Use Because crystal meth is a stimulant , it speeds up various processes throughout the body and brain . ... to toxins). Signs and Symptoms of Meth Addiction Once the drug is used, traces of crystal meth can stay in the ... continue reading -
Infographic: Top 5 Deadliest Drugs
The top 5 deadliest drugs may not be the first that come to your mind. In fact, several of them are legal and commonly used! View our infographic below to learn ...
The top 5 deadliest drugs may not be the first that come to your mind. In fact, several of them are legal and commonly used! View our infographic below to learn more. continue reading -
5 Genius Minds Who Dabbled in Drugs
For hundreds and thousands of years, human beings have experimented with drugs. Some people used illicit substances to celebrate the gods; some used drugs to “communicate” with the other side. As time went on, people began using drugs for a ...
... . As a matter of fact, two separate studies have shown that people with higher IQs are far more likely to use drugs than people with average IQs. Here's a look at five men who not only transformed the course of history ... continue reading -
Commonly Abused Drugs | Examples of Drugs That Are Abused
Find Drug or Alcohol Addiction Treatment Programs If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, help is available and recovery is possible. Treatment can start anyone battling a substance use problem on the path to a healthier and happier ...
... . You can use SAMHSA's Find Treatment tool to search for facilities. Many state government websites will provide local drug and alcohol resources to those in need. To find your state government's website, do a web search ... continue reading -
Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers for Drug and Alcohol Abuse and Health Issues
A significant amount of people suffering with substance abuse and addiction meet the criteria for having additional psychiatric disorders, as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The phenomenon of ...
... a treatment center that specializes in dual diagnosis recovery. You can start your new life today. Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment Levels of Care Recommended Substance Abuse and Mental Health Rehab-Related Articles continue reading -
What Drugs Cause the Most Insane Behavior?
Many substances that are addictive cause mental changes or unusual behavior. Even if a substance does not inherently have mind-altering properties, people who are addicted to it may display strange behavior if they need the drug are unable to obtain ...
... ate parts of another man's face in a brutal attack has drawn media attention to the drug. Cocaine Cocaine is an illegal, addictive drug that has stimulant properties. It is derived from the coca leaf, and it was used in ... continue reading -
How Alcohol and Drug Addiction Affects Relationships
Addiction and Relationships Many discussions surrounding addiction tend to focus on the physical and psychological effects of substance use. The effects of drug addiction, however, extend beyond these issues and also encompass a person's social ...
... excuses. A classic example of enabling is providing money on a consistent basis so that the user is able to retrieve drugs. He or she may ask for money for gas or groceries, and while their loved one may suspect it is ... continue reading -
An Uncomfortable Truth: Drug Abuse Raises STD Rates
A new study claims that swingers play a major role in the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) but, in addition to the sex, it's their drug abuse that is ultimately contributing to this increase. Linking Drugs and STDs Researchers at the ...
... or group sex, and/or visit sex clubs for couples.” The researchers found that 48% of the swingers used recreational drugs while engaging in sex acts. And that number jumped up to 79% if alcohol and erectile dysfunction ... continue reading -
Instagram, Drugs, and Rock ‘n’ Roll
The Growth of Concerts and Music Festivals One of the most notable trends in music today is the growth of the music festival. As artists look to supplant revenue lost from declining sales of recorded music, music festival appearances serve as a way ...
... -global-expansion/ http://www.forbes.com/sites/jacobsullum/2014/12/30/ignoring-drug-use-at-musical-events-only-makes-it-more-dangerous/ http://www.ultramusicfestival.com/worldwide http://www.insomniac.com/festivals http ... continue reading -
What Can I Do if My Mother or Father Is an Alcoholic or Drug Abuser?
One of the most common issues we hear about is that a parent has become an addict and the children don't know what to do about it. Sometimes, they're scared of being taken away from the parent if the authorities find out. Sometimes they want the ...
... reach the conclusion that he or she is in a mess and needs help. Ask questions like: When did you first start using [drug]? How much do you reckon you get through in a day? Where do you get it from? How do you feel when ... continue reading -
Symptoms of Date Rape Drugs: Effects & Signs of Being Roofied
Rape is a serious criminal act, with the potential for severe and lasting repercussions on the victim's life. Rape involves sexually taking advantage of another person without their consent, and this includes having sex with a person who is ...
... out for one another is the best way to foster a network of safety. What to Do if You Think You've Been Drugged First take a moment to remind yourself that no matter what happened, it is not your fault. If you are out on ... continue reading -
The 10 Most Insane Drug Addict Movie Characters
Insanity is a hard thing to define, but there are a number of characters in films who are definitely nuts in some way. Here's a quick rundown: 1. Francis Begbie Francis Begbie from Trainspotting was played by Robert Carlyle. A violent, intimidating ...
... a coked-up Tony Montana who gets the insane label. Played by Al Pacino, he rises to the top of the Florida drug trade by treating human life as valueless as long as he isn't able to use the people around him. He murders ... continue reading -
Drug Abuse Intervention
Addiction and Drug Abuse Drug abuse is one of the most serious health risks in the United States. People of all ages can fall into a destructive habit of using illicit or prescription drugs. Over time, the human body builds up a tolerance to the ...
... needs more of it to get the same high. In many cases, people become physically and mentally dependent on drugs to function, and their whole lives begin to revolve around getting their next fix. This is addiction, and it ... continue reading -
Drug Abuse Program
A drug abuse program is normally located within a drug treatment center. These centers are licensed and approved facilities that are staffed by experienced physicians, trained therapists, qualified nursing staffs and numerous other support staff. ...
... Abuse Program Options For severe cases, long-term inpatient care is the best solution. The range of this drug abuse program averages from 2 to 12 months. The treatment facility is a safe, residential environment with a ... continue reading -
Drug Abuse Centers
Treatment can be provided on an outpatient, intensive inpatient or residential basis, depending on the type of center. Drug abuse centers are places where health, confidence, and optimism can be restored to people who have lost these positive ...
... would be a program that follows a philosophy of holistic rehabilitation philosophy. For help finding a the best drug abuse center for your needs, call us at . Outpatient Treatment Some people in need of recovery — after ... continue reading -
Understanding the Effects of Long Term Drug Abuse on the Brain
Drug addiction is a chronic brain disease, and it can cause you to compulsively seek out drugs even though you're aware of the harmful results taking them can cause. Initially, your choice to take drugs is voluntary. So, if someone offers you drugs, ...
... are able to overstimulate the part of the brain that feels it was rewarded; this means that when you take the drug, you'll feel good about it. If you always feel good about taking it, you're more likely to want to do ... continue reading -
30 Famous Athletes Who Have Battled Drug Addiction and Alcoholism
1. Michael Phelps Eight-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer Michael Phelps has not only plunged into the water, but also into drugs. In 2009, he lost his endorsement contract with Kellogg's after a photo emerged of him taking a hit of marijuana . 2. ...
... Phelps Eight-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer Michael Phelps has not only plunged into the water, but also into drugs. In 2009, he lost his endorsement contract with Kellogg's after a photo emerged of him taking a hit ... continue reading -
How Kids Get Hooked on Drugs at Such a Young Age
It's every parent's fear: their kids doing drugs. In general, most kids will try something before the age of twenty, and it's a fairly natural part of experimenting with the world around them. However, some kids will have an addiction problem before ...
... are the most likely reason that your kid will enter into addiction . If your kid understands the risks of taking drugs (especially glue-the average age of a solvent addict is 12), he or she is likely to have the power to ... continue reading -
Drug and Alcohol Abuse Across Generations
Substance abuse—both of alcohol and/or illicit drugs—has always maintained a consistent presence in American culture. As new drugs have been developed over the decades, their popular use has gone hand in hand with sweeping societal changes. From ...
... and anxiety, and survey data show that almost 10% of Boomers abused sedatives at the peak . 4 However, these drugs 5 were later phased out in favor of the safer, more effective class of anti-anxiety medications known as ... continue reading -
Acid Drug Abuse Side Effects, Symptoms, and Addiction Treatment
What Is LSD or Acid? D-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD, acid, blotter) belongs to a group of drugs known as hallucinogens. Like other hallucinogens such as peyote (mescaline) and psilocybin (magic mushrooms) , LSD produces images, sounds, and other ...
... named Albert Hoffmann first created LSD in 1938, and from 1947 to 1966, it was sold as an experimental drug for psychiatry under the brand name Delysid. Possession and use of LSD was outlawed in 1970 under the Controlled ... continue reading -
15 Warning Signs That Your Kid May Be Using Drugs
Kids are a source of worry for every parent. You look after them for years, and you hope that they end up turning our alright. While there are hundreds of books and articles on how to raise your kids, few really work that well, and it's all down to ...
... If it smells of something else, ask your kid about it. Rapidly changing grades are one of the common consequences of drug addiction or use. If you kid goes from being a straight-A student to getting F's or D's, something ... continue reading -
Drug Recovery | Programs
Understanding Drug Recovery Programs Drug recovery is an ongoing process of denial and acceptance. The body is denied its cravings for drugs, and the mind begins to accept the reasons why drug abuse occurred in the first place. Drug recovery ...
... a day, seven days a week, to help you take the steps to a successful recovery. Drug Recovery Program Options Drug recovery is extremely difficult to achieve alone. It generally takes a group effort supported by medical ... continue reading -
Drug Abuse Recovery Program
No one expects to become addicted to drugs. Drug abuse isn't planned. It does occur however, and finding a drug abuse recovery program becomes an absolute necessity. When recreational or prescription drug use turns into uncontrollable drug abuse ...
... and become more aware of their feelings. Some drug abuse recovery programs incorporate holistic approaches and exercise ... technique will help minimize the need for drug use. These drug abuse recovery tools will help you ... continue reading -
The 25 Best Sources for Drug Addiction Research
1. Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) : Aims to bring effective substance abuse prevention to every community; works to improve accessibility to and quality of substance abuse prevention services. 2. Center for Substance Abuse Treatment ...
... : An information source of professionals working to reduce substance abuse and help people live drug-free. 21. RAND Drug Policy Research Center (DPRC) : Provides firm research on substance abuse to help public officials ... continue reading -
How to Treat MXE Drug Addiction
What Is MXE? Methoxetamine—also known as MXE, M-ket, or Mexxy—is a synthetic drug with effects similar to those of the dissociative anesthetic ketamine . It can be inhaled through the nose , injected , or taken orally. 1 It is, in fact, so ...
... to 90 minutes to begin and can last for as long as 5 to 7 hours. 1 According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), in 2011, 21.6 million people over the age of 12 were in need of addiction treatment, but only 2 ... continue reading -
MXE Drug Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment
What Is MXE? Methoxetamine—also known as MXE—is a drug similar to ketamine and known for its hallucinogenic and dissociative properties. 1 MXE (sometimes called “Mexxy,” “M-ket,” “Special M,” or “legal ketamine”) is commonly sold ...
... States means that it is easily accessible by teens and may even be purchased over the internet. 3 Abuse of drugs like MXE in adolescents and teens can have a negative impact on brain functioning and the ability to learn ... continue reading -
Peyote Drug Addiction Symptoms, Side Effects, and Treatment Types
What Is Peyote Used For? Peyote (“buttons,” “mesc,” “cactus”) is a cactus plant consumed for its hallucinogenic properties and ability to alter a user's thoughts, feelings, and perceptions. 1 The top of the cactus plant that protrudes ...
... Use In some cases, users may increase the amount or frequency of their peyote use. Over time, abuse of the drug may negatively impact a person's life. Professionals refer to a set of 11 symptoms—which they describe as a ... continue reading -
Am I Addicted to Prescription Drugs? How Can I Quit Safely?
If you've been using prescription drugs in a way that was not intended by your doctor, then it is possible that you are dependent on them, and dependency often leads to addiction. While addiction can be frightening, the good news is there's plenty ...
... into other methods of getting you pain relief. Getting Help Some people think that if you're addicted to a prescription drug you should be able to just stop and not take it anymore, but that isn't true. It can be very ... continue reading -
The Five Most Famous Drug Cartels
It should come as little surprise that the five most famous drug cartels are centered in Mexico. After all, Miguel Angel Felix Gallardo, known as “The Godfather” for controlling all drug trafficking in Mexico as well as that along the country's ...
... Gallardo, Ernesto Fonseca Carrillo and Rafael Caro Quintero, the Guadalajara Cartel is one of the five most famous drug cartels in history as it was among the first to work with and significantly prosper from the cocaine ... continue reading -
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Assessment Test
Drug abuse is a serious problem that can lead to legal problems , financial problems , and health problems . Long-term drug abuse destroys your relationships and your body . Sadly, many people don't realize they are abusing drugs because they only ...
... they are a good starting point to help you determine whether you might have a problem. If you think you are abusing drugs, the best thing to do is to talk to your doctor. Don't be embarrassed to ask your doctor for help ... 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 -
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 -
I’m a Millionaire and I Need to Go to Rehab. Where Do I Go?
You've realized you have an issue, whether it's a heroin or coke addiction or a sex addiction, so you need to find somewhere nice to attend rehab. Naturally, you want somewhere that's a little more exclusive to avoid running into someone who might ...
You've realized you have an issue, whether it's a heroin or coke addiction or a sex addiction, so you need to find somewhere nice to attend rehab. Naturally, you want somewhere that's a little more exclusive to avoid ... continue reading -
3 Things You Should Never Say to an Addict
If someone you love is addicted to drugs or alcohol, then you're no stranger to heartache and worry. In addition to those feelings, bitterness and disappointment are probably unfortunate staples of your home. Life kind of becomes a pressure cooker; ...
... 't understand why he refuses to listen; you may even believe that - if he really loved you- he'd stop taking drugs. Whether your loved one is an active addict, in early recovery, or in the middle of a treatment program , ... continue reading -
Arkansas Woman Drowns after Huffing Duster
Duster, also known as canned or compressed air, is used to clean pieces of electronic equipment or other sensitive devices. Unfortunately, duster is also a product commonly abused. Known as “ huffing ,” users inhale the chemical-laden compressed ...
... 17 abuse duster. One in four students has abused duster before eighth grade. Inhalants are often the first drug abused by children. Inhalants are the fourth most-abused substance after alcohol, tobacco and marijuana. The ... continue reading -
Alternatives to Anxiety Medications
Anxiety disorders are some of the most commonly encountered mental health conditions. Approximately, 28.8% of adults will experience some type of anxiety in their lifetime (Kessler et al., 2005). Oftentimes, the first line of treatment for anxiety ...
... worked well for you or has resulted in too many side effects. You have a history of substance or drug abuse and addiction and are worried about taking medications with a potential for abuse and dependence. You feel that ... continue reading -
Risks of Smoking While Breastfeeding
The numerous health hazards associated with smoking tobacco are well researched and documented. There is no safe time to smoke , but in some situations, the potential for harm is more unequivocal than usual. One such situation is smoking before and ...
... to smoke while doing it, there are some risks to consider. Does Nicotine Transfer to Breast Milk? Yes. The active drug in tobacco smoke is nicotine, and it has been shown to get passed from a smoking mother to her baby ... continue reading -
Study Indicates Pot Really Can Lower Your IQ
This is your brain on pot: A new study has found that regular marijuana use is linked to both lower IQ scores and impaired decision making skills. It's All in Your Mind The findings from the University of California Davis Centre for Neuroscience ...
... 2002 to 9.5 percent in 2003, millions of pre-teens and teenagers are still using the drug. These studies show that what many view as “harmless” recreational marijuana use could have permanent cognitive implications ... continue reading -
How Edie Falco Portrays Addiction and Lives Recovery
Edie Falco has tackled a wide variety of roles on the stage and screen since beginning her career in the late '80s. But she is arguably best known for her breakthrough performance as mafia wife Carmela Soprano in HBO's drama, The Sopranos . Falco ...
... in HBO's drama, The Sopranos . Falco has also won multiple awards for her portrayal of a nurse hiding her drug addiction on the Showtime black comedy Nurse Jackie . For the latter role, the 51-year-old actress has her ... continue reading -
Overdosing on Sleep Medication Is a Big Problem
According to a recent survey , 69 percent of primary care patients complain of insomnia and other sleep issues. To solve the problem, doctors often prescribe sleeping pills or hypnotic medications. However, many people end up using these drugs for ...
... solve the problem, doctors often prescribe sleeping pills or hypnotic medications. However, many people end up using these drugs for long stretches of time, unaware that the medications are only for short-term use. This ... continue reading
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