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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 ...
... , it's never a safe time to use heroin —first-time users overdose; veteran users overdose. Many of the complications and side effects of heroin are compounded by using other substances alongside it—especially those ... 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 ...
... likely ensure the victim's safety or increase their chance of survival. The first step in responding to a heroin overdose is calling 911. If possible, provide emergency operators with the victim's: Respiratory status ... 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 ...
... overcome the influence of the drug. Several effective options are available. The first challenge in heroin recovery is enduring withdrawal symptoms that begin when the substance is no longer in the user's body. With the ... 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 ...
... harm any user, and it can cause numerous problems for a pregnant mother and her developing baby. Unfortunately, heroin use is all too prevalent; the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health report showed that 329,000 ... 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 ...
... an extremely addictive drug. In 2013, nearly 5 million people in the U.S. reported having tried heroin at least once. Heroin is an extremely addictive opiate due to how rapidly it enters the brain. It has both short-term ... 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 ...
... with some of the earliest examples being first discovered and soon thereafter manufactured for therapeutic use ... they do at a faster rate than those of heroin. Signs of overdose from speedballs include: Bluish skin or ... 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, ...
... heroin . Following Wright's discovery, the drug was marketed as an analgesic and a cough sedative in 1888. It wasn't until 1913 that its addictive qualities were officially discovered and it was ... the first person to ... 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 ...
... the first half of 2016 and the pattern of accruement from the latter half of 2015, will accurately reflect government seizure statistics when they are eventually released in 2017 or 2018. If they do, heroin busts will be ... continue reading -
Opioid Use: Signs of Misuse, Adverse Effects, and Treatment
Opioids are substances that are known for their pain-relieving effects. They include both legal and some illegal substances that may have the potential for misuse, which can potentially lead to dependence and/or addiction. 1 If you or someone you ...
... heroin, even opioids that are prescribed by a doctor have the potential to be highly addictive. Though opioids can be ... the initial treatment period. Detox Detox is often the first step in the recovery process. It ... continue reading -
How to Help an Opana Addict
How to Approach an Opana Addict Opana is the brand name for oxymorphone, a semi-synthetic opioid painkiller . Over the past decade, increased availability of painkillers has fueled an epidemic of opioid abuse around the world. In the US, an ...
... should seek treatment immediately. If you or someone you know is addicted to Opana, help is available. Call us today at to discover how to take that first step. How to Approach an Addicted Loved One Confronting addiction ... 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. ...
... 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 ... 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 ...
... 's overdoses involved more than one substance. In an effort to fight back against heroin, 20,000 NYC police officers are being armed with portable pocket-size devices that inject naloxone. Known as the opiate antidote ... continue reading -
Is Fentanyl Abuse More Deadly Than Heroin?
Fentanyl, a drug previously unheard of by many, has become notorious in recent years due to the spike in overdose deaths from heroin laced with the potent prescription narcotic. It gained even more notoriety when the April 2016 death of iconic ...
... than at any other time since 1959 when the drug was first created. From 2013 to 2015, the Drug Enforcement ... Girl” and “China White” 4 . NPF is often laced with heroin or cocaine without the buyer's knowledge. This ... 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 ...
... or inpatient rehab center . All research shows that withdrawal from heroin is extremely difficult during the first 12 months of abstinence. This is actually when many overdoses occur, as users crave the drug and ... 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 ...
... 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 ... 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 ...
... to fentanyl — a major heroin additive — the effects are often lethal. Fentanyl is popping up in headlines across ... or someone you love is struggling with a drug habit, it's time to take the first steps toward controlling ... 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” ...
... they're pretty warped. Dick took a lot of speed and other substances throughout his writing career to enhance his ... alcohol didn't help him. Hubert Selby Heroin and other painkillers were the demons of Requiem for a Dream ... continue reading -
Drugs A-Z
What Is Acamprosate? Acamprosate is thought to help recovering alcoholics stay sober by balancing inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmission. Acamprosate may be combined with behavioral therapy to decrease a person's chances of relapse and ...
... about the effects of hash use . What Is Heroin? Heroin is an illicit drug known to induce feelings of ... What Is Speed? Speed is a slang term applied to illicit amphetamine and methamphetamine drug use. These drugs are ... continue reading -
Common Street Names for Drugs
People actively misusing legal or illicit substances use slang terms for many reasons—ranging from avoiding detection by law enforcement to ensuring privacy in written and verbal communication. If you suspect that someone you love is misusing ...
... X Soap Scoop Street Names for Heroin Heroin —This substance, which is essentially a modified form of the morphine ... MDMA: Chocolate Chip Cookies Morphine Morphine : Dreamer Emsel First Fine God's Drug Hows M M.S Miss Emma ... 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, ...
... -laced heroin have reached alarming heights. On the street, fentanyl is increasingly sought-after and is referred ... speed of onset. Intensity. Duration of effects. Speed of onset. Snorting fentanyl allows the opioid to be ... continue reading -
Amphetamine Addiction Signs, Symptoms, Effects, and Treatment
Amphetamines are prescription medications or illegal substances that are also known as stimulants, as they speed up your metabolism and increase your alertness. When legally prescribed, they are typically used to treat attention-deficit ...
... blood, liquid red, ox blood, or red speed. Illegal amphetamines are available in the following forms: Liquid. Pill. ... overdose after your first use. This can be especially risky if you use a drug that is laced with fentanyl ... continue reading -
Snorting Tramadol: Dangers, Health Risks, & Treatment
Tramadol is a medication prescribed to treat moderate to moderately severe pain in adults and, in its extended release forms, to manage certain chronic pain conditions. Similar to other pain medications like oxycodone, morphine, and hydrocodone, ...
... how quickly the substance enters the bloodstream. In the case of tramadol, snorting will increase the speed at which the substance's effects are felt compared to ingesting the medication in pill form 6,7 . When tramadol ... continue reading -
What Recreational Drugs Cause Liver Damage? Drugs and Liver Disease
The Function of the Liver The liver plays an extremely important role in the body. It ensures the removal of toxins and has numerous other functions, including: Fat metabolism: Liver cells—or hepatocytes—are able to process dietary and stored ...
... are classified as enzyme inhibitors, which reduce the speed at which a drug is broken down. In many cases, the liver is ... Ibuprofen. Anabolic steroids. Recreational and illicit drugs: Heroin . 13 Inhalants . 14 Cocaine . 15 ... continue reading -
Health Effects of Drug Misuse and Addiction
Substance misuse and addiction can have serious short- and long-term effects. 1 The physical effects of drugs and alcohol vary according to the type of substance, duration of use, and method of administration. 1 Recovering from addiction can be a ...
... . Though rare, cocaine has been associated with sudden death with first-time use. 3 Long-term effects ... have widespread effects. 12 Commonly misused substances may speed or slow down heart rate, increase or decrease ... continue reading -
The 5 Most Dangerous Painkiller Myths
While painkiller use is widespread, there is a vast amount of false information surrounding them. Unfortunately, many people begin using opioid painkillers knowing little about them. Given few details about these drugs - how they work, when to take ...
... and their mechanism of action is similar to that of heroin . Examples of opioid pain ... are abused. Opioids are depressant medications that effectively slow various processes of the brain and body. They can reduce the speed ... continue reading -
Meth Abuse Signs, Symptoms, Effects, and Treatment
Methamphetamine is a psychostimulant often abused for the euphoric “high” it provides. Some signs of meth abuse include frequent paranoia, agitation, sweating, insomnia, skin changes, weight loss, and more. Abusing this powerfully addictive drug ...
... on Drug Abuse also reports that methamphetamine use may speed up the progression of HIV/AIDS and worsen ... stay alert during long nights at the front. Methamphetamine first appeared as a recreational drug in the 1960s, and ... 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 ...
... in the form of “ice.” They speed up the body systems, which can cause a host of health risks from a spike in blood pressure to seizure risk. A fast-acting opiate, heroin can be injected, sniffed/snorted, or smoked. It ... continue reading -
Common Neurological Risks of Drug Abuse
Brain Damage From Drugs While substance misuse may cause a user to feel short-lived euphoria or impart a sense of temporary wellbeing, the adverse effects of drugs can be dangerous and, in some instances, may lead to permanent brain damage. Chronic ...
... regulation. Ability to make decisions. Although more research is necessary to confirm the negative impacts of long-term opioid abuse, data suggests that chronic heroin or painkiller use alters the function and structure ... 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 ...
... speed or coke weight for weight, so it's easy to accidentally overdose.” Like its sister drug CP, ketamine is a ... injection has occurred. The first feeling of the high that the user will get is an overwhelming feeling of ... continue reading -
Vyvanse Side Effects, Short-Term and Long-Term Effects, and Treatment
What Is Vyvanse Used For? Vyvanse is a brand name for the medication lisdexamfetamine that is prescribed to treat Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and binge-eating disorders. 1,2 Vyvanse belongs to a class of medicines known as ...
... without any problem. However, if Vyvanse is misused or abused, it can speed up the development of tolerance, have ... While there are some medications designed to help people taper off of drugs such as heroin , there are no ... continue reading -
Side Effects of Librium Use, Withdrawal and Addiction Treatment
What Is Librium Used For? Librium—which is a brand name formulation of chlordiazepoxide—belongs to a class of sedative medications known as benzodiazepines. Librium has been widely used as a treatment for anxiety and for managing the symptoms of ...
... alcohol . 1,2 Mixing alcohol or opioids —such as heroin or prescription painkillers—with Librium can increase the risk of ... . It's important to note that detox is just the first step on the road to recovery. Transitioning ... 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 ...
... 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. Smoking is a very rapidly effective route of administration ... continue reading -
Snorting Vicodin: Side Effects, Dangers, and Addiction Treatment
Vicodin is the brand name for a prescription medication that is frequently used for the treatment of moderate to moderately severe pain. Vicodin is comprised of two active pain relievers: 1 Hydrocodone —an opioid pain reliever. Hydrocodone it is a ...
... of addiction than those abusing it by oral routes because of the intensely rewarding speed of onset and strength of effects. Generally, addiction is seen as the repeated use and abuse of a substance, even when such use ... continue reading -
Snorting Vyvanse: Effects and Addiction Treatment
What Is Vyvanse Used For? Vyvanse is the brand name of a medication prescribed to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and binge-eating disorder (BED). 1 This substance is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that interacts with ...
... dextroamphetamine available in the body whether the substance was snorted or taken orally. 3 In reality, snorting Vyvanse does not speed up or intensify effects . This is likely due to the chemical formation of Vyvanse ... continue reading -
Snorting Hydrocodone
Hydrocodone is an opioid substance used in many prescription medications to treat cough and pain. Hydrocodone is available in formulations of pure hydrocodone (Hysingla, Zohydro) or in combination with other pain relievers like ibuprofen ...
... changes a drug's route of administration, the effects of the substance are modified. With many substances, there is a direct relationship between the speed of onset and the strength of the drug effects. Effects that ... continue reading -
Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms and Quitting Adderall Use
What Is Adderall Used For? Adderall—a branded formulation of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine —is a stimulant that doctors prescribe for the management of: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Narcolepsy. As a prescription ...
... ,” “dexies,” “pep pills,” “speed,” and “uppers.” 1 This drug is abused recreationally because high doses can ... free urine tests. The value of the rewards is low at first and increases with each consecutive positive step. ... 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 ...
... 1,2 X. XTC. Lover's Speed. Adam. Eve. Peace. Clarity. The drug was developed by a German pharmaceutical company, ... for people to take another dose when the effects of the first begin to fade. For up to a week after using ... continue reading -
How to Help Someone With Adderall Addiction
Help for Adderall Addicts Adderall is the brand name for a drug that contains two active ingredients: amphetamine and dextroamphetamine . These ingredients work to stimulate and speed up the body. Doctors use this drug in the treatment of ...
... is the brand name for a drug that contains two active ingredients: amphetamine and dextroamphetamine . These ingredients work to stimulate and speed ... the drug is common with students for two reasons: The first is because ... 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 ...
... 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 microischemia brought on by decreased blood flow, which ... continue reading -
Snorting Adderall: Side Effects and Addiction Treatment
What Does Adderall Do? Adderall is a prescription stimulant used and abused for its ability to increase energy and mental focus, as well as for its potential to elicit pleasurable feelings at high enough doses. 1 It is prescribed for the treatment ...
... “black beauties,” “uppers,” and “speed.” 1 Adderall is classified as a schedule II controlled substance ... initial high they felt when they first began using it. 2 Snorting Adderall is dangerous for a number of reasons ... continue reading -
Alcohol and Breastfeeding
Some women are curious about whether they can drink alcohol while they are breastfeeding. While women are strongly advised to avoid drinking any alcohol during pregnancy, the recommendations on whether a woman can drink while breastfeeding are less ...
... .” This practice does not speed the removal of alcohol from the breast milk. Rather, it may be used to get rid of ... the first 4 hours following their mothers' consumption of alcohol. 4 This decrease in milk intake is not ... 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, ...
... speed,” and “ice”—is an addictive stimulant that causes users to experience an intense, euphoric rush. 1 Meth can be ... they can experience an overdose. In 2011, there were over 102,000 meth-related emergency room visits in ... 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 ...
... how it's affecting your body? Like all things, alcohol is meant to be enjoyed in moderation. Drinking heavily can take a heavy toll ... rate, disrupting its rhythm by causing it to speed up or beat irregularly. Worse, it can ... continue reading -
The Side Effects of Xanax: Pill Use and Short-Term and Long-Term Effects
What Is Xanax Used For? Xanax (generic name: alprazolam) is a powerful benzodiazepine drug that is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain. 1,2 The medication comes in the form of a pill that quickly ...
... of Xanax—both physical and mental—typically occur when it is first started. 4 When you use Xanax in larger quantities, ... concentrating, general intelligence and psychomotor speed. 7 What Are the Side Effects of Xanax Use ... continue reading -
Effects of Clonazepam Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
What Is Clonazepam Used For? Clonazepam, commonly known by its brand name Klonopin , is a prescription medication commonly used for its anti-anxiety and anti-convulsant benefits. This medication is part of a larger group of substances called ...
... ). Temazepam (Restoril). These substances all share similar chemical properties and effects, with their major differences being speed of action and the total time that the positive effects last. Some of these effects can ... continue reading -
Clonazepam Abuse Symptoms and Addiction Treatment
Introduction to Clonazepam Abuse What Is Clonazepam Used For? Clonazepam is a prescription drug that belongs to a group of medications called benzodiazepines . Clonazepam is known also by the brand name Klonopin . It is the third most commonly ...
... vary in their speed of onset and the duration of their effects. Primarily, clonazepam is used to treat a ... part of a treatment program, you're likely to first be put through a detoxification program , which should consist ... 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 ...
... of prescription drug deaths, and pinpoint when the problem first began to escalate. We can also see which states ... gap differs depending on the type of drug involved. Heroin is most gender-biased, with 77.1% of overdoses ... 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 ...
... body reacts to abuse of opiates and heroin. A multitude of health consequences can accompany long-term opiate abuse, but many of the dangers are seen more acutely. Even a first time user can experience respiratory arrest ... 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 ...
... each one individually. In this first issue of Arrests Across America, we will focus on eight major U.S ... Francisco, CA In 2013, there were 4,470 marijuana, cocaine, meth, and heroin arrests/citations in San Francisco — ... 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 - ...
... , so we asked respondents to share any first-hand experiences. Of the 2,000 people involved in ... has worsened in recent years. Prescription drugs and heroin are currently the top concerns. To reduce prescription drug ... continue reading -
Sentencing by State 2
have led to overcrowded facilities, skyrocketing prison costs, and major social, economic, and political impacts. Currently, nearly half of all inmates in federal prisons are serving sentences for drug offenses. Many are fathers and mothers who miss ...
... are markedly higher in the Western United States. Heroin was the most common in 10 states, while powder cocaine was ... have decriminalized small amounts , which means first-time possession of a small amount of marijuana for ... 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 ...
... drugs together. His 1994 heroin and alcohol overdose was reportedly the first attempt leading up to ... marijuana use. 22. Aaron Carter Aaron Carter was pulled over for speeding and possession of two ounces of marijuana in ... 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 ...
... medicinal use. Desomorphine: A Cheap Substitute for Heroin Krokodil use has spread rapidly across Russia, with ... people having injected the drug in 2011 . Krokodil was reportedly first used in Russia in 2003 (Gahr et. al ... continue reading -
IV Drug Use: Signs, Dangers, and Treatment
Injection is a method used by individuals who misuse drugs to obtain a quick and powerful effect. 1 Intravenous (IV) injection, or injection into a vein, is the practice referred to throughout this article as IV drug use. Injection into a vein or ...
... Both types can be dissolved and injected, though black tar heroin tends to clog injection needles more often. 2 Methamphetamine comes in crystal or powdered form. People may inject meth after first dissolving the powder ... 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 ...
... specifically linked to cocaine abuse , but the drug was mentioned in these articles that detailed past struggles with addiction. Heroin Heroin is a drug with severe addictive potential and tragic consequences. Its wide ... continue reading -
Effect of Drugs on the Kidneys: How Do Drugs Damage the Kidneys?
Chronic drug and alcohol misuse can lead to severe kidney damage or failure. The damage is not always direct; some substances may indirectly cause harm to the kidneys via biologic events triggered outside of the renal system itself. These secondary ...
... . Alcohol . Tobacco. Painkillers . Heroin Heroin, which is an illicit opioid that can be injected , snorted , or smoked, ... tobacco is associated with a number of kidney complications, such as: 2 Sped-up progression 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 ...
... the most addictive and dangerous drugs a person can abuse. It is a powerful narcotic that many find addictive upon the first use. Most often, heroin is administered through injection into a vein. If you see needle marks ... 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 ...
... 16. Needless to say, any depiction of juvenile heroin use is unlikely to be pretty. But this tale of addiction, robbery, prostitution ... from a first-person perspective, things get really twisted after Oscar is shot during ... continue reading -
Famous Drug Abusers
Drug and Alcohol Addiction: A Disease that Touches Everyone According to data from the latest National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 22.7 million Americans need treatment for a drug or alcohol problem. And though it may sound cliché, ...
... an extremely dangerous drug that can be lethal even in small amounts (the drug is 50 times more potent than heroin and 50-100 times more potent than morphine). Prince was reportedly first prescribed opioids for knee pain ... continue reading -
Can You Overdose on Painkillers?
Some of the most predominantly prescribed pain management medications are opioid analgesics (painkillers). These prescription drugs interact with opioid receptors throughout the brain, initiating a chain of events that ultimately brings pain relief ...
... in the event of an opioid overdose, whether you are a first responder or family member/friend. Essentially, if you ... morphine and much more potent than even heroin. Fentanyl has been linked with numerous fatalities in the ... 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 ...
... the first time you use it? Yes, people can experience an overdose the first ... heroin and up to 100 times stronger than morphine. 8 It is increasingly being mixed with cocaine, usually unbeknownst to the user, because it is ... 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 ...
... than to try to obtain street drugs. Designer drugs can be just as dangerous if not more so than drugs like heroin, cocaine , and marijuana . Designer drugs are drugs created in a lab to mimic popular drugs. Because ... continue reading -
The Effects of Vicodin Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
What Is Vicodin Used For? Vicodin is an prescription painkiller medication that is comprised of two substances: Hydrocodone . Acetaminophen . Hydrocodone is an opiate drug that works as a pain reliever and is useful in managing multiple levels of ...
... Vicodin contains hydrocodone —an opioid substance—the drug will lead to effects that are similar to those of other opiates , such as morphine and heroin. Opiate effects are achieved when the substance enters the body and ... continue reading -
Effects of Alcohol and Drugs on the Male and Female Reproductive Systems
How Do Drugs Affect the Reproductive System? Substance misuse can negatively impact the reproductive health of both sexes in several ways. It may contribute to serious health problems, such as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), infertility, and ...
... shortly after birth. This is common in infants exposed to heroin and other opiates, ... is available. Addiction is a chronic, relapsing medical condition, and substance use disorders are treated as such. The first step is ... 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 ...
... 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 Caller Marilyn Monroe ... 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 ...
... Middle Eastern poppy farms. Around 2002, it was discovered that you can concoct a cheap version of ... other things. The resulting product is a drug called Krokodil which mimics the effects of heroin for a quarter of the ... 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, ...
... and Prevention (CDC) states that fentanyl is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine ... substance addiction is the best way to help someone struggling with addiction. It is the first step 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 -
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 ...
... or IP). While it may seem counter-intuitive at first glance, this method confers a positive, indirect effect ... cravings in the same way that drugs like heroin and cocaine will, the effects can become so desirable for the ... continue reading -
Signs & Symptoms of Hydromorphone Abuse
Hydromorphone is a prescription medication used for the long-term treatment of moderate to severe pain that cannot be managed by other pain medicines or non-pharmacologic options. Hydromorphone is an opioid pain medication that is available as a(n) ...
... their commonly thought of street drug counterparts like heroin. And though perhaps slightly more insidious than something like heroin, the progression towards addiction is no less assured with these potent opioid drugs ... continue reading -
Concurrent Alcohol and Fentanyl Abuse
Alcohol and Fentanyl Abuse Alcohol and fentanyl are drugs of dependence that are dangerous and highly addictive. Frequent or long-term use can result in many negative consequences, including death. Concurrent substance use disorders involving ...
... prescription drug abuse , such as opiate use , can be enormously dangerous, and it can evolve into a full-fledged ... of people that inject heroin report abusing prescription opiates like fentanyl first . Prevention You can ... continue reading -
Methadone for Addiction Treatment
Methadone is a highly effective treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) when taken correctly and under the supervision of a medical practitioner. 1 Methadone can reduce or eliminate withdrawal symptoms and cravings to use opioids, and studies show ...
... of opioids while gently easing a person away from using opioid drugs like heroin. 1 The idea behind using methadone as a maintenance treatment is that it acts similarly to the opioid but does not produce the associated ... continue reading -
OxyContin Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment
What Is OxyContin Used For? OxyContin is a branded formulation of the powerful opioid painkiller oxycodone . It is prescribed to manage cases of moderate-to-severe pain. When taken as directed, it is a safe and effective medication, and it has ...
... who abuse prescription painkillers are at risk for concurrent or eventual heroin use due to the ... adolescents in the United States abuse prescription opioids for the first time. An estimated 1 out of 30 seniors in high ... 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. ... Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth Ecstasy Heroin Inhalant Ketamine Marijuana Meth PCP Steroid ... continue reading -
Find a Substance Abuse Rehab Center or Resource in Hawthorne, NJ
In 2016, 27 Hawthorne residents were admitted to treatment for alcohol as their primary drug of abuse, while 32 were admitted for heroin as their primary addiction. 1 In larger Passaic County, nearly 2,000 people sought rehab for alcohol addiction, ...
... admitted to treatment for alcohol as their primary drug of abuse, while 32 were admitted for heroin as their primary addiction. 1 In larger Passaic County, nearly 2,000 people sought rehab for alcohol addiction, while ... 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 ...
... viewed in a more favorable 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 ... 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 ... pay for it. So where would you go? The first obvious place is the Crossroads Centre. Set up by Eric Clapton in ... 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 ...
... Chaplin earned him an Academy Award nomination, and his career seemed to be on an upward trajectory until 1996, when he was arrested for possession of heroin and cocaine. As reported in a 2003 interview with the New York ... continue reading -
Side Effects of ACTIQ Abuse
ACTIQ is a brand name for fentanyl, an extremely powerful opioid painkiller that is used only for severe pain such as breakthrough cancer pain 1 . Fentanyl is available in a number of formulations and delivery methods, including 2,3,4 : Tablets and ...
... attributed to an accidental fentanyl overdose in early 2016. Not only are people seeking out fentanyl for its potent high, but many heroin distributors are lacing their product with fentanyl to provide a stronger high to ... continue reading -
Crystal Meth Abuse Side Effects, Symptoms, and Addiction Treatment
What Is Crystal Meth? Crystal methamphetamine (crystal meth) is a powerful central nervous stimulant with highly addictive properties . Crystal meth is the illicit, crystalline form of methamphetamine. Legally manufactured methamphetamine is ...
... than that of heroin or crack cocaine. Drug education regarding the dangers that come with substance abuse is a vital part ... depending on the individual's needs. The first phase of treatment— detoxification —may proceed more ... continue reading -
Ways of Helping Someone With Drug or Alcohol Addiction
It can be frustrating to see a loved one struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, especially if one feels as though they should be helping their loved one find treatment or recovery. Many may try to help their addicted loved ones by encouraging ...
... alcohol addiction affects you. How to Help a Drug Addict The first thing that you need to know is that the difficulties involved with stopping substance use are complex. Using drugs or alcohol affects areas of the brain ... continue reading -
History of Drug Abuse and Addiction in the U.S. and Throughout the World
What Is the History of Substance Abuse Rehabilitation? As drugs have been abused for hundreds of years all over the world, their effects have been felt for just as long. For as long as drugs have been used, there have been those who have abused ...
... Fathers of America, Benjamin Rush , was one of the first to believe that alcoholism was not a matter of personal willpower, ... to morphine . Of course, heroin did turn out to be very addictive, causing more people to ... continue reading -
Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms and Treatment
Many substances of abuse can lead to the development of physiological dependence—especially if they are taken in large amounts and for a long period of time. When a person becomes dependent on a substance and then decides to stop using it, they ...
... opioids like subutex and heroin . 3 Significantly severe signs of withdrawal are associated with substances such ... addiction. 2 Detox is only the first stage in the alcohol recovery process and should be followed up with ... 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 ...
... 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 ... time and time again. When smoked, heroin is not addictive . If you have ever heard ... 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 ...
... received help for a drug problem? Yes No Have you participated been in any type of treatment for drug use? Yes No If ... determine the level of your cocaine dependence and abuse. Heroin Test A short test we've created to help ... 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 ...
... What came as a surprise to his fans was the extent of his drug 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 ... 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 ...
... the world when his 1993 death exposed him as a heroin addict . 9. David Hasselhoff “Baywatch” boy David ... of six, it wasn't until 1996 that he faced his first drug-related arrest. After a troubling period with drug abuse , ... continue reading -
Snorting Cocaine Side Effects, Signs, Dangers, and Addiction Treatment
Cocaine is a stimulant drug with highly addictive properties that is derived from the coca plant. 1 Also known as “coke,” “snow,” and “blow,” cocaine is a white, crystal-like powder that provides a euphoric high. How Is Cocaine Taken? ...
... with other drugs (e.g. with heroin as a “speedball” or with alcohol ) are especially at risk for overdose. Side ... since its use was first detected. In samples tested in 2001, levamisole concentration was below 1%; by ... continue reading -
Drug Abuse and Cardiovascular Health Risks: How Do Drugs Affect the Heart?
What Are the Dangers of Drug Use? Both illicit and prescription drugs present many risks to individuals who misuse them. Drug abuse affects the brain in many ways that may lead to unpredictable, dangerous behaviors, social and emotional problems, ...
... In rare cases, marijuana use may be a trigger for a heart attack, especially in the first hour after use. 7 Designer Drugs ... contaminants in street drugs like heroin and cocaine may not be fully dissolved before injection. ... continue reading -
Demerol Abuse Symptoms and Addiction Treatment
What Is Demerol Used For? Demerol, also known by the street name “demmies” and the generic name meperidine , is a prescription opioid painkiller. Demerol is used to treat relatively severe pain and is available in liquid or tablet form. As a ...
... assume that prescription drugs are safer than illegal “hard” drugs, like the opiate heroin or cocaine. An ... Prescription Drugs and Cold Medicines Prescription Opioids and Heroin: Research Report You can also check out our ... continue reading -
Side Effects of Demerol Use: Short-Term Effects, Long-Term Effects and Treatment
What Is Demerol Used For? Demerol is a prescription opioid painkiller with effects similar to those of the illicit opiate drug heroin, including the production of a pleasant, euphoric state among those who use it. Demerol is a branded formulation of ...
... with effects similar to those of the illicit opiate drug heroin, including the production of a pleasant, euphoric state among those who use it. Demerol is a branded formulation of the generic drug meperidine . It ... continue reading -
Risk of Counterfeit and Laced Drugs
Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that approximately 27 million people aged 12 and older were current illicit drug users. This figure amounts to 1 in every 10 people having used illegal drugs in the past month. With ...
... adulterants such as lead, caffeine, and sugar are often added to various drugs. These substances are legal, cheap, and more readily available than other drugs. Heroin may contain: Phenobarbital : a barbiturate sedative ... continue reading -
Opana Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment
What Is Opana Used For? Opana is the trade name for the prescription medication oxymorphone—a semi-synthetic opioid painkiller . In various formulations, oxymorphone has been available on the U.S. pharmaceutical market since 1959. In 2006, the FDA ...
... as Opana for non-medical reasons (NIH, 2015). Teen prescription painkiller abuse is extremely risky and puts them at risk for future heroin use. In fact, according to statistics from the CDC, past prescription opioid ... continue reading -
Norco Abuse Symptoms and Addiction Treatment
What Is Norco Used For? Norco is a prescription medication that combines hydrocodone and acetaminophen . It is prescribed for the relief of moderate-to-severe pain . Taking Norco in amounts exceeding prescribed doses, for lengths of time longer than ...
... of opiate drugs has tripled , and the United States is the world's most culpable nation, consuming 99% of ... drug plays a core role in whether adolescents abuse it. Heroin has long held the crown as the scariest drug on the ... 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 ...
... when the opioid painkiller is misused or abused. Vicodin , like heroin and other painkillers, can ... you know is suffering from alcohol or Vicodin abuse, help is available. If you are looking to take those first steps toward ... continue reading -
Concurrent Suboxone and Alcohol Abuse
About Alcohol and Suboxone Alcohol Alcohol is the most commonly abused substance by both teenagers and adults in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). In fact, the CDC found that in any given month, 25% of high ...
... withdrawal symptoms, discouraging abuse. While effective at getting patients off of heroin or prescription opioids, Suboxone can itself be abused. Some studies even show moderately high rates of opioid relapse following ... continue reading -
How to Help a Methadone Addict
Help for Methadone Addicts Methadone is an opioid drug; however, it is beneficial in the treatment of heroin dependence and other forms of opiate abuse. While it is regularly used in the management of opioid dependence, methadone itself is ...
... methadone you're on will first be gradually reduced, step-by-step. This process is referred to as tapering, ... quite as intense an effect profile as that of heroin and other shorter-acting, more potent opioid receptor ... continue reading -
Opioid Painkiller Abuse
What Are Prescription Opioids? The category of prescription painkillers covers a wide variety of opioid drugs, including morphine , codeine , oxycodone ( OxyContin , Percocet ), and hydrocodone ( Vicodin , Norco )—as controlled substances, each of ...
... month. 1.1% of 12th graders reported using narcotics other than heroin in the past month. 1.7% of 12th graders, 1. ... there needs to be an assessment to see why the opioid was taken in the first place—be it for prescription ... continue reading -
Oxycodone Addiction and Treatment
Oxycodone is a prescription opioid medication that is used for moderate to severe pain relief. 1 Even though oxycodone can treat certain types of pain, it is a schedule II substance with a high potential for misuse and addiction. 1,2 This page will ...
... Some common street names for oxycodone include: 4 Hillbilly heroin. Kicker. OC. OX. Perc. Oxy. Oxycodone ... not always go hand-in-hand, but dependence may be a part of addiction. 3 Oxycodone Withdrawal Symptoms Opioid ... 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 recent years ... not have addiction potential should be considered as the first treatment option for those with ... continue reading
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