When Was Ecstasy Discovered

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 ...

... imprinted with a logo. It may also be found in capsule, powder, or liquid form. 2 Learn more about MDMA in our article, Ecstasy History and Statistics . The Dangers of “Molly” The following video from UMass Medical ... continue reading

MDMA/Ecstasy Dangers of Use, Addictive Potential, and Treatment Options

Ecstasy is an illicitly manufactured, synthetic drug used by many people for different reasons, such as to increase feelings of well-being or feel emotional closeness to others. 1 Although ecstasy initially became popular for use at raves or ...

... Is Ecstasy/MDMA? Ecstasy is the commonly used term for the synthetic drug 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine, or MDMA. 2 It's also known by various street names, such as molly, XTC, E, X, beans, and adams. 3 Ecstasy is ... continue reading

How to Help an Ecstasy Addict

Help for Ecstasy Addicts The full name for ecstasy is 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, or MDMA. It is a synthetic drug that has psychoactive effects on users. It is produced and available in many forms. It is similar chemically to the hallucinogen ...

... notes that experiments on animals have found that animals will self-administer MDMA, which is an indicator of the drug's addictive potential. Ecstasy can be addicting because of the pleasurable feelings it induces and ... continue reading

Is There a Cure for Addiction?

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

... illicit substance (marijuana, cocaine, heroine, LSD, PCP, ecstasy, inhalants, and methamphetamine) in 2018. (Over 23 ... discover internal motivation and reasons for changing. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) : Addiction is ... continue reading

Snorting Molly (MDMA) Side Effects, Risks, and Addiction Treatment

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

... a powder for snorting. Snorting ecstasy can cause the effects to peak sooner for the user, but it may also increase the risks associated with MDMA use. How Is Molly Taken? Molly can be taken in different ways and how ... continue reading

Ecstasy and MDMA Overdose Symptoms, Prevention, and Addiction Treatment

Commonly used at bars and parties, club drugs are especially popular among teenagers and young adults. MDMA—a synthetic amphetamine drug also known as ecstasy and Molly—is a popular club drug. 1 With both stimulant and hallucinogenic effects , ...

... last 4-8 hours. 2 Classified as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act, ecstasy is MDMA taken in pill form, while Molly is more often encountered in powder or crystal form. In either case, and despite the ... continue reading

What Is Molly? 5 Things You Didn’t Know About MDMA

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

... scene. 2,3 You Never Know How Pure MDMA Is Many use the term Molly to refer to a supposedly pure form of MDMA , reserving the term ecstasy for tablets thought more likely to be cut with other synthetic substances. 1 In ... continue reading

MDMA (Ecstasy) Abuse While Pregnant

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

... substances . A person may think that they are taking pure MDMA when in reality they are ingesting a number of unknown chemicals. One study found that a single ecstasy tablet contained over 14 compounds other than ... continue reading

Let’s Talk Truth: Exactly How Long Do Drugs Stay in Your System?

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

... affect her. With the next day off work, she's assured it will be long gone by the time she starts her next shift. Wrong. Ecstasy, or MDMA, (a.k.a. Molly) stays with you for up to 72 hours. Drug Spike Julia had a full ... continue reading

Curing Alcoholism: We’re Finally Putting MDMA to the Test

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

... the world's first clinical trial using MDMA (the active ingredient in party drug ecstasy) to test the theory that it could be used—in conjunction with therapy—to cure alcoholism. I was a little mind-blown when I read ... 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 ...

... or hospital to relieve relatively severe pain. What Are Ecstasy and MDMA? Ecstasy is the street name for the drug 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, or MDMA. MDMA is a synthetic psychoactive drug that induces feelings of ... continue reading

What Does Ecstasy do to Your Mind and Body?

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

... ones. Meanwhile, their continued use will cause brain damage and they will likely develop severe memory problems . While use of ecstasy, real name MDMA (short for methylenedioxymethamphetamine), often produces ... continue reading

Effects of PCP Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment

What Is PCP? PCP is an abbreviation for the powerful dissociative sedative drug phencyclidine. PCP is sold on the street in many forms, including as: White powder. Crystal. Capsules. Tablets. Liquid. PCP tablets can be found in multiple colors. Like ...

... PCP to produce a more covert way of using the drug. Some people—intent on purchasing ecstasy or MDMA —are deceived and given pills that combine PCP and other substances, including ketamine, caffeine, and methamphetamine ... continue reading

Addiction Self-Assessment Quizzes for Drugs and Alcohol

Use the following self-assessment quizzes to better understand common signs, symptoms, and behavioral changes related to substance misuse and addiction. The questions used in the following self-assessments are based on the diagnostic criteria ...

... designed to help evaluate whether you may have a dependence on ecstasy, also known as MDMA or molly, an illicit stimulant with hallucinogenic properties that is often used as a “club drug.” While this assessment does not ... 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 ...

... failure, coma, and death. The active ingredient in ecstasy is a compound called MDMA. Because it is one of the more well-known synthetic drugs, it has been explicitly banned in many countries, including the United States ... continue reading

Catastrophic Thinking: Alcohol Isn’t Your Great Escape

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

... pictured his wife lying all alone in a ditch somewhere, broken and bleeding. Molly's daughter loved to play softball. It was less fun for Molly. Before every game, she imagined all the injuries her daughter could suffer ... continue reading

What Are Hallucinogens? Short- and Long-Term Side Effects and Treatment

Hallucinogens are drugs that alter the user's thinking processes and perception in a manner that leads to significant distortions of reality. 1 To many, the influence of these drugs represents experiences of new and even expanded consciousness and, ...

... , smoked, injected, or mixed into drinks. 20 It is often used in conjunction with cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine, or MDMA (ecstasy). 20 Users will take ketamine repeatedly in a short period of time to prevent ... continue reading

PCP Facts, History, and Statistics

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

... . These include tobacco, marijuana , and various synthetic drugs including MDMA (Ecstasy) . PCP has even been reported as being sold disguised as entirely different substances altogether —including the drugs LSD ... continue reading

Effects of Bath Salts Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment

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

... “Jewelry cleaner.” “Phone screen cleaner.” Bath salts have been called a variant of cocaine , methamphetamine, or ecstasy (MDMA)—as their stimulant features are quite similar in nature. Additionally, like cocaine, bath ... continue reading

Over-The-Counter Drugs of Abuse

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

... effects can be especially powerful when it is combined with other substances—such as alcohol and MDMA —according to ... settings may use ephedrine as a substitute for ecstasy. Negative side effects of ephedrine use include: ... continue reading

Bath Salts Overdose Signs, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Prevention, and Treatment

What Are Bath Salts? Synthetic cathinones —commonly referred to as “bath salts”—belong to a group of drugs health officials call “new psychoactive substances.” These are psychoactive drugs that mimic the effects of existing illegal drugs ...

... to have declined recently, many sellers have relabeled these products as “ molly ” or “ flakka ,” so many users don't even realize ... . Under the care of these centers, you will be able to: Detox safely and comfortably . ... continue reading

Robert Downey Jr.'s Incredible Comeback From Addiction

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

... : Endgame . Not so long ago, though, he was practically unhireable due to his drinking and drug misuse —not ... John Hughes' Weird Science , and he co-starred opposite Molly Ringwald in The Pick-Up Artist in 1987. That same ... 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 ...

... may cause withdrawal symptoms . 29 4-MTA 4-MTA is a synthetic derivative of amphetamine that is typically sold as tablets. Its effects are similar to those of MDMA . Users may feel peaceful, calm, and/or more empathetic ... continue reading

Effects of Peyote Abuse: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment

What Is Peyote Used For? Peyote (or mescaline) belongs to a class of drugs known as hallucinogens. Mescaline is the active hallucinogenic ingredient in peyote, which is a small, spineless cactus. 1 The top, or crown, of the peyote cactus has ...

... of hallucinogens includes LSD, PCP , peyote, mescaline, psilocybin mushrooms, and MDMA . 7 The following 2014 statistics associated with hallucinogen use were reported: 7 Approximately 1.2 million Americans aged 12 and ... 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 ...

... marijuana , cocaine , MDMA and alkyl nitrates (poppers). The scientists also discovered high rates of risky ... did not have any correlation with the increase. Women are equally prone to the STD issue. A separate research ... continue reading

Did the DEA Really Abandon Its Plan to Ban Kratom?

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

... restrictive drug category, alongside drugs like heroin, ecstasy and LSD. The DEA initially proposed this ... - just one month later. The DEA now says it will instead open an official public comment period to last until Dec ... continue reading

Ways of Helping Someone With Drug or Alcohol Addiction

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

... over the last 12 months, they may meet the criteria to be diagnosed with a substance use disorder: 2 The person takes more ... Crack Crystal Meth Dextromethorphan DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine Marijuana ... continue reading

Drug Abuse Policies in the United States

What Are Drug Policies in the U.S.? In America, drug policy involves the laws that control the distribution and use of both prescription and illicit drugs. From the classification of drugs according to their potential for abuse to the legalization ...

... strong addiction potential. Examples include heroin and ecstasy . Schedule II drugs: Have strong potential ... can occur in any group. However, certain groups are more likely to be at risk for drug misuse. For members of ... continue reading

Are These 7 Things Really as Addictive as Drugs?

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

... brought on by love - the flip-flop between ecstasy and desperation or the longing and damaging actions taken in ... re on top of the world. Why else would it be called a “runner's high?” Research from Brazil's Universidade ... continue reading

7 Shocking Facts About Meth in the Gay Community

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

... combined with meth include Special K, Poppers, Viagra, GHB and Ecstasy. One of the most concerning trends in the gay community is “speedballing.” When someone mixes sedatives and uppers—drugs with opposite effects ... continue reading

Teenagers and Drugs: 11 Real Reasons Why Teenagers Experiment

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

... us feel more confident or to bond with a social group that is known for using these substances. This isn't the same as ... on their own and need a little help. Ecstasy can be used for a lack of inhibition and enhanced sexual ... continue reading

Mixing Alcohol With Drugs

Mixing alcohol with prescription drugs or illicit drugs (known as polysubstance use), can have dangerous health effects that many people may not realize. Since alcohol is such a commonly used substance, it's even more important to understand how it ...

... ,11 Bath Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth Ecstasy Heroin Ketamine Marijuana Meth Steroids Getting Drug and Alcohol Rehab Treatment If you or a loved one is experiencing the adverse effects of compulsive polysubstance use ... continue reading

How to Help a Tussionex Addict

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

... a Tussionex Addict There are some things that you ... will assist you in your search for recovery options. How to Help Someone with Alcohol or Illicit Drug Addiction Alcohol Bath Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy ... continue reading

The Use and Abuse of Date Rape Drugs

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

... . Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid: (Street names: GHB, liquid ecstasy, blue nitro, cherry meth, easy lay) GHB is a narcotic sedative that comes in liquid, powder and pill forms. It is currently abused by teens and young adults ... 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 ...

... must be extracted. So, let's look at a few commonly abused drugs and what they can potentially do to ruin that gorgeous smile. Drugs and Your Teeth Love Drugs: These include your basic “club drugs” like speed or ecstasy ... continue reading

Concurrent Alcohol and Ultram Abuse

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

... number of different sensations in the user. When the two are taken together, users report: Extreme relaxation. A sense of ... substances, including alcohol, marijuana, and ecstasy. Ultram has multiple different effects on ... continue reading

How to Help an Amphetamine Addict

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

... Illicit drugs like methamphetamine and ecstasy , which are highly addictive. Amphetamines act by ... person may not work for another. For example, it may be vital to one person that their treatment occurs in an inpatient ... continue reading

How to Help an Oxycontin Addict

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

... in order to buy the drug. OxyContin addiction doesn't have to be a life sentence , and you can take the first step to stop ... Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine Marijuana ... continue reading

How to Help an Opiate Addict

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

... loved one, such as where they'll go to rehab, how much it will cost, health insurance coverage , and more. Your loved one may have many ... Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine ... continue reading

Drugs and Devotion

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

... counterparts. And the two substances that they do try earlier, LSD and ecstasy, only show small differences (0.1 to 0.2 years). The biggest difference is seen in crack cocaine and heroin: On, average, believers who try ... continue reading

How to Help a Tramadol Addict

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

... If your loved one needs help with their drug addiction, it can be hard to know how to best support them in their journey to ... Bath Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine Marijuana ... continue reading

How to Help Someone With Valium Addiction

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

... in the shoes of your loved one to understand what they may be facing. If your loved one has asked you for guidance or ... Bath Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine Marijuana ... continue reading

How to Help a Vicodin Addict

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

... drug? Do you feel uncomfortable and odd without the substance? This is a sign of dependence . Do you have muscle aches when you ... Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine Marijuana ... 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 ...

... the topic of treatment in an effective and productive way. It has been shown to work in 7 out of 10 cases, and it involves ... Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine Marijuana Meth ... 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 ...

... to a peak near 25% in 1997. Illicit drug use by youths is down from a peak of 34.1% in 1997 to 27.2% ... increase), and hydrocodone products (124.5% increase). Only ecstasy saw a similar rate of increase in ER visits over ... continue reading

Cocaine Addiction Side Effects, Symptoms, Withdrawal, and Treatment

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

... use. Mixing cocaine with another stimulant—such as ecstasy —can lead to heart attacks, brain injuries, liver damage , and strokes. 11 It has been observed that individuals who misuse cocaine often combine it ... continue reading

How to Help an Alprazolam Addict

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

... support at your convenience with American Addiction Centers. Our team is well prepared to advise on all things treatment and help you ... Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine ... continue reading

How to Help Someone With Alcohol Addiction

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

... Their Drinking When you approach your friend or family member, there are some tips to help make the process go more smoothly. Some ... Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine Marijuana ... continue reading

Alcohol Misuse and Addiction: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment

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

... and 4 or more drinks for a woman. Most people who are binge drinkers are not identified as alcohol dependent. One in 6 U.S. ... Bath Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth Ecstasy Heroin Inhalant Ketamine Marijuana Meth PCP ... continue reading

How to Help Someone With Concerta Addiction

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

... . However, as with many stimulant drugs, it can be addictive. In fact, it is a Schedule II drug , meaning it has a high ... Bath Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine Marijuana Meth ... continue reading

How to Help a Codeine Addict

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

... difficult, successfully navigating the period of recovery from codeine will be more than worth it to ensure a healthy and happy ... Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Marijuana Meth ... continue reading

Hydrocodone Facts, History and Statistics

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

... the $20 range - a price point similar to that of some illicit substances such as ecstasy. Is Hydrocodone Illegal? Hydrocodone is a legal substance when prescribed by a medical professional, handled, and taken as required ... continue reading

What Are Bath Salts and Why Are They So Dangerous?

No, we're not talking about actual bath salts. That would be unfortunate and rather painful. If you've ever accidentally got a fizzy drink up your nose (we would mention one of the leading brands of cola products, but that could be confusing,) ...

... it was sold ... are relatively simple to make (chemically speaking, anyway.) Structurally, it's similar to amphetamine. However, it remained relatively unknown until the beginning of this century. Chemists had discovered ... continue reading

Are We Creating a Generation of Addicts With ADHD Medication?

During his freshman year, Jack's grades started slipping. He found it hard to keep up. He knew several classmates who used uppers for extra boosts when they needed them. In hopes of finding an endless supply of energy (and improving his grades), ...

... parents home with a prescription for Ritalin . Now Aiden is docile, quiet and compliant. He doesn't eat much ... past seven years. A study of FDA data discovered 19,000 complications directly related to ADHD medications . ... continue reading

This Is Your Brain… When You Blackout on Alcohol

If you've ever found yourself in a situation where you wake up the next morning without a clue as to how you got home, you might have experienced a blackout. This is right about when you start to wonder, what the heck happened last night? But have ...

... got home, you might have experienced a blackout. This is right about when you start to wonder, what the heck ... drink to the point of memory loss. He discovered that blackouts are not caused so much by the amount of alcohol ... continue reading

He Drinks Every Day. Is My Husband an Alcoholic?

Janette isn't sure what to make of her husband's behavior. Does he simply like the taste of barley and hops… or is he addicted to alcohol? Here's her story. Drinking Patterns Our fridge is always well-stocked with beer. I guess that's not ...

... me I'm being paranoid. They don't know him as well as I do, though. They don't see him day in and day out. They don't see how much he seems to rely on drinking alcohol every day. I did some research and discovered a few ... continue reading

What Are the Current Substance Addiction Trends Among Teens Today?

Although you might think your home is drug-free, your teenager might know otherwise. Many of the current substance abuse and addiction trends among teens today are shocking simply because they involve household products that are readily available. ...

... speech, frostbite, and even brain damage. Dust Off is another dangerous household substance your teen might have discovered. This popular keyboard cleaner can be used for “dusting,” but not just your keyboard! “Dusting ... 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 ...

... pill of OxyContin contains a high dose of the drug that is intended for slow, controlled release over several hours. However, abusers quickly discovered that by snorting or injecting crushed OxyContin tablets, they could ... continue reading

Pregnant & Court-Ordered to Take Vivitrol: Is My Baby Safe?

It's a question many women might be asking themselves, as more and more females of childbearing age are ordered by drug courts to take Vivitrol - the injectable form of naltrexone. An opioid-antagonist, Vivitrol blocks the brain receptors that bind ...

... No one at my rehab ever told me that this drug might be dangerous if I get pregnant,” she says. “I wouldn't want to be faced with a decision if I did discover I was pregnant and didn't know if the Vivitrol that's already ... continue reading

Are Benzos Overprescribed?

We are an anxious nation. A whopping 40 million American adults are affected by anxiety disorders; that's 18% of the adult population! With such astronomical numbers, it shouldn't be surprising to learn anxiety disorders are the most commonly ...

... -related stats in mind, it is much less surprising to discover that 1 in 20 adults received a prescription for benzodiazepines in 2008. What Are Benzos? Benzodiazepines are depressants. They slow the central nervous ... 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 ...

... cop to show you a sample. Paraphernalia for drug taking include roll-ups and tin boxes. For other drugs, it could be syringes and burnt teaspoons. If you see a tin box, open it and take a sniff. If it smells like tobacco ... continue reading

Big Pharma: Are They Advertising Addiction?

Pharmacological companies do not have a good rap. They've been known to bury bad news, which has had an effect on people's health, and therefore their lives. Whether it's not testing drugs properly, as with the case of thalidomide (caused defects in ...

... profits, which make these sort of decisions unviable. Finally, it's likely that some of the shareholders will be on the drug the company manufactures, and this encourages a certain amount of responsibility. While no drug ... continue reading

.08: Why Is This the “Magic” Number?

Bill weighs 170 pounds. After drinking 5 beers in 2 hours, his blood alcohol content (BAC) will be over .08%. His wife Tammy weighs 120. Her BAC will reach .08 during this same time period after just 3 beers. According to laws across all 50 states, ...

... much and prevents us from driving safely. A Bit of BAC History… Back in the late 1990s, this BAC law was not uniform. Laws in some states stipulated a legal driving limit of .10. Others had the currently established .08 ... continue reading

Asking Yourself: Am I Addicted to Benzos?

If you think you might be addicted to benzodiazepines, you're certainly not alone. In 2011, an estimated 61,000 Americans sought treatment for benzo addiction. That number has been climbing at an alarming rate ever since. The Benzo Specifics ...

... Withdrawal Phase It's also a good idea to be prepared for an extended withdrawal process. In fact ... to lead healthy, happy and decidedly sober lives… and you can be one of them. How to Find Help for Benzodiazepine Misuse If ... continue reading

Is Alcohol Wreaking Havoc on Your Sexual Performance?

Alcohol is often viewed as an aphrodisiac, but this label is far from the truth. While drinking may lower social inhibitions and increase the likelihood of poor impulse control, alcohol actually inhibits sexual performance. Believe it or not, a ...

... associated with erectile dysfunction . Long-term alcohol abuse can cause damage to the nervous system, which is responsible for triggering the signals that cause an erection. Studies have also shown that prolonged abuse ... continue reading

What Is Ativan? Is Ativan Addictive? Dangers of Ativan Abuse

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

... unaware of its potential effects. To ensure you're informed, here's the scoop on Ativan. What Is Ativan? Ativan is a brand name for the prescription drug lorazepam. It falls under a class of drugs called benzodiazepines ... continue reading

What Does It Mean to Be Dope Sick?

Bill found John curled up on the couch; he looked miserable. Bill asked, “What's wrong with you?” “I'm sick, man. You got any?” was John's weak response. As Bill suspected, John was in withdrawal. An active heroin user, John was low on cash ...

... get better, but not that way.” It would be a long few days, but Bill was committed to helping his friend through this. “ ... . However, the only cure for this sickness is time and sobriety. Dope sickness typically hits after ... continue reading

Women Are More Likely to Get Hooked on Cocaine—But Why?

Women are generally more vulnerable to cocaine addiction than men, according to a recent study published in the journal Nature Communications. They're also more likely to use cocaine at an earlier age, take drugs in larger quantities, and have ...

... to use cocaine at an earlier age, take drugs in larger quantities, and have greater difficulty staying sober, and they are at increased risk of relapse . But why? Well, the reason seems to come down to biology. A Look at ... continue reading

What Is Crack Cocaine? Side Effects, Crack Withdrawal, and Addiction Treatment

What Is Crack Cocaine? Crack cocaine is an addictive stimulant drug that is the rock crystal form of powdered cocaine. 1,2,5 Crack cocaine is a more potent form of cocaine that is processed so that it can be smoked, which provides an immediate high. ...

... If you or a loved one has experienced 2 or more of the following in the past 12 months, it may be time to seek help: 8,11,12 Needing more crack cocaine to elicit the same high, otherwise known as tolerance. Experiencing ... continue reading

Is My Loved One an Alcoholic?

It isn't easy to detect when a loved one is neck deep in alcoholism until a tragedy strikes. They may not exhibit the overt signs of substance abuse such as staggering, slurring, and a decline in health. Instead, you may watch out for the following ...

... duties or fail to show up at the workplace or school some days. 2 They might show up late because they are drunk or nursing a hangover. 2 This behavior makes it difficult for the individual to keep a job. 2 The behavior ... continue reading

Countering the Myths About Methadone: Is it Right for You?

Methadone maintenance has been around for years as an effective treatment for opioid dependency. However, its use remains controversial, and there's seemingly no end to the myths and false information aimed at discouraging anyone from using it as a ...

... overdose, especially if you happen to relapse . This is a huge benefit to people who decide to get clean ... coupled with the determination to get and stay clean, are methadone treatment programs effective. How to Find Help ... continue reading

Addiction is an Emotional Disease With Far-Reaching Effects…

Spouses, family members, friends, and coworkers are often flooded with emotions as they watch someone they care deeply about struggle in the grip of addiction. But here's something you may not realize: many of the emotions a loved one feels are the ...

... . Because they feel powerless, it's not uncommon for them to simply accept their situation, no matter how dire it is…which is why you can't blame them. People fighting addiction may feel like they've failed to live up to ... continue reading

7 Shocking Ways Drugs are Smuggled into Prisons

A Cincinnati woman and her incarcerated boyfriend are now facing criminal charges after she reportedly tried to smuggle a Bible laced with heroin into the prison. Tehani Teepe, 39, and Timothy King, 28, were charged with illegal conveyance of ...

... A Baby A baby with a balloon isn't uncommon, but a baby with a balloon filled with 20 grams of pot is a totally different story. A woman attempted to use her infant to smuggle weed into a New Zealand prison in 2010, but ... continue reading

Alcohol Poisoning Deaths Are Occurring at an Alarming Rate

The perception that it's the college crowd most given to binge drinking and alcohol poisoning has just been proven false, thanks to a study recently released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Cause of a Deadly Problem Of ...

... most often due to binge drinking an excessive amount of alcohol in a short period of time. This form of drinking is defined as 4 or more drinks in one occasion and 5 or more for men. The massive quantity of alcohol used ... continue reading

What Are the Effects of Ambien Use?

What Is Zolpidem/Ambien Used For? Ambien is the brand name for zolpidem tartrate, a sedative-hypnotic. When you take Ambien correctly, it can make you feel relaxed, comfortable, and sleepy. The United States Drug Enforcement Agency classifies the ...

... unusual behavior while using the drug; some people drive a car, eat, or walk in a sleep state. 2 They are not aware of their movements, and they won't remember what happened—often, they don't find out until someone tells ... 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

I’m Having Opiate Withdrawals – Am I Addicted?

Shelly's knee surgery went great. The doctor said she'd be running again in no time. Before she'd be ready for her next 5K, she'd have to endure some fairly intense pain and a lot of physical therapy. While in the hospital, Shelly received regular ...

... oxycodone - a powerful narcotic painkiller. She was still experiencing a lot of discomfort when ... pain, so that wasn't a problem. The issue, however, was how Shelly felt . When she stopped taking the pills, these horrible ... continue reading

5 Reasons Driving on Benzos Is Just a Bad Idea

Quick reflexes and sharp thinking—these are two of the most important qualities of a safe driver. If someone is sharing the road with you or if you're a passenger in their car, you want them to possess these traits, right? Well, if they're taking ...

... most desired effects. However, a relaxing effect isn't so desirable behind the wheel. For safe driving, you must be able to turn the wheel quickly or slam on the brakes in an instant. Fractions of a second can literally ... continue reading

Cuffed and Stuffed: 7 Ways a DUI Will Haunt Your Life

It's common knowledge that a drinking and driving conviction can limit your freedom—whether it be jail, prison or probation. But the penalties seldom end there; the decision to get behind the wheel while you're intoxicated (or just buzzed) is one ...

... area of your day-to-day life for years to come. The Proof's in the Punishment Still think a drunk driving charge is no big deal? Well, let's take a good look at the very real consequences of a DUI arrest and see if they ... 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 ...

... Without giving too much away, the movie ends with each character in the fetal position. Like you probably will be after watching it. Enter the Void This experimental film by Gaspar Noe may not have rocked the box office ... continue reading

Alcohol Is Addictive… But Is It Also Contagious?

A quick choice to consume alcohol doesn't just affect you—it may also affect those around you, particularly in social situations. New research suggests that, whether or not they are aware of it, people in groups are influenced by each other's ...

... of the pair wasn't given any drinking instruction or clue about the counterpart's assignment. Menus were distributed to the group, listing both alcoholic and non-alcoholic choices. And as a distraction, all participants ... continue reading

Am I Addicted to Klonopin? How Can I Quit Safely?

Klonopin is a brand name for the drug clonazepam . It's a benzodiazepine that affects the way chemicals in the brain work. It helps reduce anxiety , can treat seizure disorders, and may be used to treat panic disorders. Those taking it sometimes ...

... able to do a tapering program at home under the guidance of a medical doctor. With a taper program, you will slowly be weaned off the drug. You should make sure to keep in contact with your doctor and advise if you have ... continue reading

Am I Addicted to Painkillers? How Can I Quit Safely?

If you've been taking painkillers for an extended time, particularly after the pain that originally prompted their use has subsided, you might well wonder whether you're addicted to painkillers. Though many people take painkillers following a ...

... . If you feel able to quit at home, a doctor might help you determine a tapering plan for the painkillers. This will require you to take less of the drug each time you take it until your body no longer needs it. This can ... continue reading

Is There a Cure for Alcoholism?

We're often asked whether there's a cure for alcoholism. Often this is by a concerned partner or friend, and sometimes it's by someone who suffers from the disease. Like many diseases, however, the answer lies between yes and no. The problem with ...

... to help us learn from our surroundings (don't go near the lake; little Jimmy fell in the other day and was eaten by a crocodile). A story helps us to imagine the situation and learn artificially from the other person's ... 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 ...

... who have died at the age of 27 due to suicide, alcohol, or drug use. In Cobain's case, it was suicide, presumably exacerbated by his heavy heroin habit . Nirvana split up soon after. 8. Marilyn Monroe By Corpus Christi ... 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 ...

... , not every person who becomes dependent on a substance is addicted to it. Dependence just means that your body ... you connect with a drug or alcohol treatment center that'll be a good fit. Call for free at when you're ... 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, ...

... at their disposal more tools than ever to treat opioid dependence,” the researchers write. “Yet these tools are not being used to their greatest potential in the United States or Canada.” 18 How to Find Help for Drug ... continue reading

Are You Really Addicted to Marijuana? Is Anyone?

More Americans are becoming aware that drug addiction is a disease and not a character flaw, but many continue to find it difficult to believe that marijuana addiction is real. This could be because they experimented with weed at one point and ...

... they typically last for 1-2 weeks. Sleeping problems can last for as long as 30 days and tend to be more severe in adults. 3,8 Marijuana Legalization & Public Opinion Despite some of the documented risks of marijuana use ... continue reading

Getting Sober: 17 Ways You Probably Didn’t Know About (#8 is Controversial)

The 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous are so dominant in addiction recovery culture that it can be easy to forget there are other ways to get sober. If AA or NA works for you, that's wonderful. If not, there are plenty of alternative tools and ...

... moderation didn't work for them. If you're worried but haven't yet reached your bottom, it could be worth checking them out. 2. Smart Recovery The SMART in SMART Recovery stands for Self Management and Recovery Training ... 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 ...

... combined with the drug, heroin really isn't just one drug anymore, and users cannot count on any one batch being the same as the last. So, a user who has developed an increased tolerance to the drug may think that they ... 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 ...

... in their lives. Of these users, an estimated 23% will go on to become heroin addicts, making heroin one of ... 80 on the street, while one balloon of heroin can be as cheap as $10. Because most painkiller addicts ingest ... continue reading

Closing Candy Land: Our Vets are Stuck in the VA’s Revolving Door

Across our nation, the brave men and women who defended its freedoms are suffering. The burden they bear isn't regret, loss, emotional trauma or illness…even though all of these things may be present. No, the cargo many of them carry is the weight ...

... purposes. A Painful Toll on Vets As it stands right now, the VA reports more than half a million veterans are on prescription opioids. In fact, the number of VA scripts written for narcotics has more than tripled - that ... 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 and from this kind of program. Your age, the factors involved in the arrest, and your compliance may be what determines if this is acceptable to the court. If you're faced with jail time in the end, see if you can do ... continue reading

Is This New Drug the Holy Grail of All Pain Relievers?

Millions of Americans suffer daily from chronic pain. Factor in all the people managing temporary pain after accidents or surgeries and you have a massive number of people on prescription painkillers. Abuse of morphine, an extremely powerful and ...

... not impair motor coordination as morphine does. This side effect can be especially concerning for older adults. They also worked to discover potential addictive traits of the endomorphin drug. The results indicated the ... continue reading

Suboxone Debate: What Is the Big Problem with Buprenorphine?

When it comes to this nation's chemical dependence, few drugs have achieved the notoriety and reputation of opioid drugs. In fact, things have spiraled so far out of control that opiate addiction is now considered an epidemic. Despite leaving a ...

... cure has yet to be discovered. What scientists have developed, however, is a recovery tool for ... there's just no data to indicate the efficacy of Suboxone is hampered by smoking cigarettes. You Can't Get High on Suboxone ... 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 ...

... Centers' (AAC's) free helpline at . We offer support, counseling, and referral services 24/7. All calls are toll-free and confidential. You can also contact free drug abuse and narcotics hotline numbers . Drug Addiction ... continue reading

Which Side of the Naloxone Debate Are You On?

With the opioid epidemic claiming nearly 78 lives each and every day, President-elect Trump has his work cut out for him in the drug arena. One of his stated policies involves increasing access to naloxone, a medication used to reverse overdose from ...

... yourself about naloxone and make up your own mind about its true value. But one thing is certain: This medication will continue to play a significant role as long as the opioid epidemic continues to ravage our country ... continue reading

When Was Ecstasy Discovered

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