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Why Is Heroin So Addictive?
Despite its dangers and reputation for harm, use of heroin continues to escalate in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Rates of heroin use have increased across gender, socioeconomic status, age group, ...
... high which is a key component of its highly addictive nature. Addictive Properties of Heroin Throughout the history of its use , heroin has been known for its highly addictive nature. All opioid addictions stem from the ... continue reading -
Can You Get Addicted to Heroin After the First Use?
Heroin has the reputation of being one of the most addictive illicit drugs. Many government and academic institutions report that heroin is either very addictive or highly addictive . Adding to the risk associated with the substance is the number of ...
... recreate that first high. Why Do People Use Heroin? Heroin's intense high and quick speed of onset are major ... and long term. Using heroin once may not be a problem, but due to the highly addictive quality of the substance ... 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 ...
... there. Is Heroin Addictive? Because of the way heroin affects the brain, it is an extremely addictive drug. In ... effects of heroin use may include collapsed veins, bacterial infections, and arthritis, which is why it's ... continue reading -
Heroin Addiction Treatment Centers and Rehab Programs
Heroin addiction can negatively impact certain aspects of your life and have dangerous health repercussions. Here, we will help you understand heroin addiction, how addiction is treated, and what you should know about heroin rehab centers, including ...
... heroin addiction being categorized as a heroin use disorder or opioid use disorder (OUD). 3 Heroin is very addictive. ... , additional treatment or support. This is why treatment programs formulate aftercare plans, which are ... continue reading -
Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms, Detox, and Addiction Treatment
What Helps With Heroin Withdrawal? Heroin is an illicitly manufactured opioid drug and morphine derivative. Both the pain-relieving and the pleasurable properties of heroin are initiated through the drug's interaction with opioid receptors in the ...
... to live in recovery. Why Should I Enter a Heroin Detox Program? The risks of continuing heroin use are significant and every ... and supervision. Given the highly addictive nature of heroin, this kind of treatment presents ... 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 ...
... well-being (euphoria). This latter effect in particular provides one explanation for why heroin is highly addictive. Some of the dangers of heroin use, including its long-term effects on the brain, remain unclear. Others ... 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 ...
... Abuse What Is Heroin? Heroin is a substance that is both illegal and extremely addictive . The drug ... potential to overdose on heroin is always a distinct possibility. Why Do People Use Heroin? Heroin is abused for the ... continue reading -
Effects of Heroin Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
Is Heroin Harmful? Heroin is the name for a modified version of morphine that is a very addictive and illegal opioid drug . The drug is available on the illicit market in a number of different varieties, with purer product tending to occur in white ...
... to elicit its dramatic results. In short, heroin is very harmful. The speed and intense effects of the substance are ... for the user. Short-Term Effects of Heroin Use The addictive nature of this substance is reinforced by ... 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 ...
... 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 ... continue reading -
Heroin Facts, History, and Statistics
History of Heroin Heroin is a powerful opiate narcotic that has no legal medical use in the U.S. Outside of the U.S., pharmaceutical grade heroin is still produced for limited therapeutic use. It is occasionally prescribed for severe pain in ...
... accurate product labels, and many consumers began avoiding products containing potentially addictive ingredients such as heroin. Governmental control of heroin was extended by the Harrison Narcotic Tax Act of 1914 , ... continue reading -
Why Is Crack So Addictive?
When Was Crack Introduced? Crack is a very addictive substance due to its potency and the rapid high that results from its particular method of use. For thousands of years, the well-known stimulating effects of the coca plant have been sought for a ...
... . As a stimulant , crack has the potential to speed up various actions throughout the body and brain . While ... indicator of addiction, but with crack's highly addictive nature, addiction is likely to develop at some ... 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 ...
... National Institute on Drug Abuse's website or see the following articles: Why Is Heroin So Addictive? Heroin History and Statistics Heroin Use Increasing Across New Demographics If you want to break loose from alcohol ... continue reading -
Free Heroin Addiction Hotline Numbers
Call American Addiction Centers (AAC) now at What Is a Heroin Hotline Number? Heroin addiction is a very hard challenge to overcome alone. This is why doctors, mental health professionals, and support group members advocate seeking help if you ...
... today and call us at . Why Should I Call a Heroin Helpline Number? Calling a heroin helpline does not mean you ... about the dangers of heroin use and the strong addictive potential of heroin . Because they are concerned ... continue reading -
Are Prescription Painkillers as Addictive as Heroin?
The Link Between Painkillers and Heroin According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), in 2011, 4.2 million Americans aged 12 or over had used heroin at least once in their lives. Of these users, an estimated 23% will go on to become ...
... to do to assist a painkiller addict . CNN Can Pills Really Be as Addictive as Heroin? Why does addiction to or abuse of painkillers lead to heroin use in so many cases? Are prescription painkillers just a pill-form of ... continue reading -
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. ...
... new understanding of its addictive potential. 1 Depending on how it is made, heroin can be a white ... Once in the blood, heroin rapidly traverses the blood-brain barrier, which helps to explain why users experience such a ... 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 ...
... heroin use, researchers have discovered that both substances have an impact on dopaminergic brain processes—making the combined effect more addictive ... s risk of addiction and the speed at which addiction develops. Secondly ... continue reading -
Snorting Percocet: Dangers & Risks
Percocet is a prescription opioid containing both oxycodone and acetaminophen. While it is an effective pain reliever, as a Schedule II controlled drug it has a high potential for abuse due to the oxycodone in it. Oxycodone is a semisynthetic opioid ...
... eventually, the brain at different rates—affecting the speed of onset and peak intensity of the high. ... high is similar to that of heroin, which helps to explain why it can be so addictive. The high, however, may be ... 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, ...
... 100 times more powerful than morphine , an opiate that is addictive in its own right 1,3 . In recent years, fentanyl ... laced with other drugs, such as cocaine or heroin. In these situations, the user is unprepared for ... continue reading -
Suboxone Withdrawal Symptoms and Detox Process
Suboxone is a medication approved for the treatment of opioid addiction and dependence. As part of a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) regimen, Suboxone can help return the recovering individual to a life free of the intense highs and lows ...
... opioids for good. Suboxone Withdrawal Symptoms Suboxone's speed of onset and total duration of action are ... characteristics help to decrease the drug's addictive potential but, additionally, influence the time ... 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 ...
... street name for 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine—a highly addictive, illicit drug also known as MDMA , ... known by many names, including: 1,2 X. XTC. Lover's Speed. Adam. Eve. Peace. Clarity. The drug was developed by a ... 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 ...
... reliever. Vicodin has the potential to be addictive. The drug triggers a temporary elevation in ... abusing it by oral routes because of the intensely rewarding speed of onset and strength of effects. Generally, addiction ... 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 ...
... quickly lead the user down the path of addiction . Why Is Snorting Adderall Dangerous? Snorting Adderall delivers the drug ... is a common factor in a number of addictive substances. Addiction to Adderall is characterized by ... 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 ...
... codeine, are used to control pain and are highly addictive. In fact, 73% of prescription drug deaths in ... . 7 We searched CDC's data for records that showed heroin and an opioid analgesic in decedents' systems at the time ... continue reading -
The 9 Most Expensive Drugs in America
Each year, Americans spend nearly $100 billion on illegal drugs such as cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. These figures do not even account for the billions of dollars that are spent on prescription drugs each year—about $374 billion according ...
... are legal and easily available, which is why it's number 2 on this list. Binge ... heroin to save money. Purchasing a dose of heroin usually costs between $10 and $25. While initially cheap, heroin can be seriously addictive ... continue reading -
Prescription Painkiller FAQ
What Are Prescription Painkillers? Prescription painkillers are opioid medications used to manage relatively severe pain (such as pain associated with surgical procedures or more chronic issues like cancer-related pain). 1, 2 They can be safe and ...
... continue taking the drug. 1 This addictive potential is the reason why someone taking a painkiller should be ... dangerous drugs of abuse, such as heroin. 4 Like heroin, painkillers can produce profound respiratory depression ... continue reading -
Why Are Prescription Opiates So Addictive?
Prescription opiates—such as Vicodin , Percocet , and OxyContin —are narcotic medications used for pain management. These drugs are often referred to as “opioids,” which are synthetic and semi-synthetic derivatives of the active “opiate” ...
... to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Addictive Properties of Prescription Opiates Prescription opiates affect the brain the same way morphine and heroin do. They attach to opioid receptors found throughout ... 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 ...
... Library of Medicine says “can not only substitute to addictive drugs, like cocaine, but can even be more rewarding ... makes you feel like you're on top of the world. Why else would it be called a “runner's high?” Research ... continue reading -
The Scary Facts About Designer Drugs and Legal Highs
Read Time: 30 minutes Introduction What Are Designer Drugs and Legal Highs? The terms “designer drugs” and “legal highs” are used to refer to substances such as synthetic marijuana and “bath salts” that are engineered in laboratories to ...
... have helped to shed more light on their true addictive potential. Two recent studies showed that rats exerted ... the most stringent prohibition with drugs such as heroin and ecstasy. 36 However, such emergency controls are ... 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 ...
... same effects as heroin, it has strong pain-relieving and sedating effects, which can be addictive. 3 The ... 's opioid tolerance and considers side effects, which is why it's important to use this medication as prescribed. 7 ... continue reading -
Can You Get Addicted to Cocaine After the First Use?
How Addictive Is Cocaine? Drugs like cocaine have reputations for being extremely addictive, but still many people will want to try them “just once.” It's easy to wonder, “just how addictive is cocaine (really)?” Cocaine is a very addictive ...
... Mixing cocaine (a stimulant) with a depressant like heroin (a mixture referred to as a “speedball”) ... what you are really risking when you begin using an addictive substance—your initial problem will still be there, and you ... continue reading -
Methadone and Suboxone: What’s the Difference Anyway?
An estimated 1.9 million people in the U.S. are addicted to prescription opioid drugs. Although there is no magical drug to treat opiate addiction, as part of a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) approach, there are a handful of treatment ...
... 1960s—it was being used in clinics to treat heroin dependency. Suboxone is much newer to the treatment scene ... Misused? As an opioid drug, methadone can be addictive . While it is obtained largely by prescription, methadone ... continue reading -
Opioid Epidemic Coming for the Elderly
How Common is Opioid Abuse in the Elderly? Close your eyes and imagine an opioid addict. Who do you see? Would you think of a young, poor male injecting heroin and obsessing over how they will need to score their next hit to satisfy their compulsive ...
... ? Would you think of a young, poor male injecting heroin and obsessing over how they will need to score their ... and you shouldn't feel ashamed. The powerfully addictive nature of opioids combined with short period of time ... 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 ...
... ; however, it is beneficial in the treatment of heroin dependence and other forms of opiate abuse. While it ... more here . Methadone Addiction Treatment Because methadone is so addictive, it can be hard to quit using on your ... 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 ...
... are placed on a waiting list for up to two months. Why the long wait? Well, turns out there's only one ... A growing number are turning to heroin, while others double up on addictive anti-anxiety medications to ward off the ... continue reading -
Effects of Drugs on the Brain: Impact of Drugs on Neurotransmitters
For many people, addiction can be difficult to understand. Understanding how drugs affect the brain can help shed some light on how a person develops an addiction. This article will discuss how various drugs affect the chemistry of the brain and ...
... both the short- and long-term. Why Do Drugs Feel Good? Most addictive drugs produce an intense, euphoric high that ... Well-known illicit and prescription opioids include: Heroin . Morphine . Oxycodone ( OxyContin ). ... 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 ...
... increasingly adulterated by other powerful narcotics, making deadly overdose an all-too-common occurrence. Why Is Heroin So Dangerous? The dangers of heroin use are not new, but over the last few years, there has been a ... continue reading -
Heroin's Death Toll Hits an All-Time High in New York
New York City has a serious heroin problem on their hands and new data released by the city's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene reveals just how deep the issue goes. In fact, more people died from unintentional heroin overdoses in New York ...
... the biggest jump by far was in Queens. Believe it or not, 81 residents of Queens died at the hands of heroin last year - that's 28 more deaths than Queens saw in 2012. Affluent areas of the north Bronx and eastern Queens ... 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 ...
... (IMF), is made in clandestine labs. NPF is sold illegally, and it is highly sought after because it produces heroin-like effects 1 and can be cheap for manufacturers to make. On the street, it is sold under various names ... continue reading -
The Price Tag of Heroin in America: $51 Billion
If you're hooked on heroin, you'll spend an average of $150 a day to support your habit. That's nearly $55,000 per year. Heroin abuse comes with a pretty hefty price tag, unfortunately personal financial burden isn't the only cash-flow issue left in ...
... your habit. That's nearly $55,000 per year. Heroin abuse comes with a pretty hefty price tag, unfortunately ... 11,148 per person. At more than $50K per user, heroin's cost blows those two diseases out of the water. The U ... 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 ...
... money to be made. Once cut, the powder takes on a brown or off-white color. “Black tar” is another form of heroin and—as the name implies—it is dark brown or black in color. It tends to be sticky like tar or hard like ... continue reading -
Record-Breaking Number of Overdoses Traced Back to Bad Heroin
A dangerous batch of heroin circulating throughout the city of Chicago has caused a record-breaking 74 overdoses in the span of just three days. When the numbers began to climb at such an astonishing rate, medical professionals began to suspect a ...
... . Combined, these two drugs prompt body systems to not only slow down, but grind to a halt. The heroin/fentanyl combo is also one that sets in quickly. Effects are felt almost instantly and collapse occurs in a matter of ... continue reading -
Heroin Use Increasing Across New Demographics, Study Finds
The face of heroin in the US is changing. As the drug becomes more commonly abused among new racial, geographic and socioeconomic groups, the profile of those users is also evolving. The change is, in part, because heroin is becoming more ...
... and policy, University of Southern Florida. Prescription painkillers, which are highly addictive opiates, now seemingly serve as a “gateway” drug to heroin, another opiate that is cheaper and much easier to obtain. The ... continue reading -
DEA: Heroin ‘Probably’ More Dangerous Than Marijuana
With 23 states and Washington D.C. legalizing medical marijuana and four states legalizing it for recreational use, it's quite possible we'll see a day when marijuana is considered “legal” throughout the U.S. However, the Drug Enforcement ...
... a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical benefits. In other words, it's in the same category as heroin and crack cocaine . Even the staunchest anti-drug supporters have hard a time putting pot on equal footing ... continue reading -
Prescription Opiates: As Addictive as Heroin?
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than 21.5 million Americans aged 12 and older met the criteria for substance use disorder in 2014. Of these, 1.9 million were addicted to prescription opiate pain medications and 586,000 ...
... the next 5 years after abusing opioid painkillers. 4 Although prescription opiates may arguably be as addictive as heroin, heroin still poses more significant risks for users, including greater risk of overdose and other ... continue reading -
Heroin Relapse Warning Signs, Prevention, and Addiction Treatment
Heroin Relapse Is Common Heroin addiction is very powerful, and heroin's interaction with opioid receptors and its reinforcing influence on your brain's reward centers result in such profound feelings of euphoria and pleasure that it sometimes feels ...
... to remain abstinent, a strong aftercare program is an essential component of recovery. Why Do People Relapse on Heroin? Substance abuse expert Terence Gorski believes that relapse is a progressive issue resulting from ... 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 ...
... then or even 30 years ago. In 1987, average cocaine was 80% pure; today, its purity is closer to 52%. Likewise, heroin hit a purity high of 58% in 1993, but has since dropped to an estimated 35%. What's causing the sharp ... 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 ...
... known as opioids, which act upon particular receptors in the brain and body to produce their effects. Heroin and prescription opioids may seem like very different drugs, but they are actually remarkably similar in both ... continue reading -
A Sister’s Honest Talk About Her Brother’s Heroin Addiction
Alex didn't answer the phone. He missed their father's birthday party and still wasn't answering. But Allison kept dialing. It didn't seem right, but then again, things hadn't seemed “right” for a long time. Alex had all but stopped showing up ...
... was afraid of gaining weight. But what happened to Alex? Why wasn't he able to resist the pull? When Did ... later when she got the call. Alex had been arrested for heroin possession . She sat up late with her husband, the ... continue reading -
25 Great Writers Who Battled Drug Addiction and Alcoholism
Drug and Alcohol Addiction Can Affect Anyone Some people are more susceptible to addiction than others, and writers are notorious for having some sort of addiction. Whether it's alcohol to numb the noise of the world or speed or LSD to “inspire” ...
... it's alcohol to numb the noise of the world or speed or LSD to “inspire” them, the bohemian yet lonely world ... addiction to alcohol didn't help him. Hubert Selby Heroin and other painkillers were the demons of Requiem for ... continue reading -
Drugs A-Z
What Is Acamprosate? Acamprosate is thought to help recovering alcoholics stay sober by balancing inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmission. Acamprosate may be combined with behavioral therapy to decrease a person's chances of relapse and ...
... and is considered an even more addictive form of an already addictive substance. Crack cocaine's effects ... Learn about the effects of hash use . What Is Heroin? Heroin is an illicit drug known to induce feelings of intense ... 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 ...
... injection ), leading to an intense and addictive high. Common heroin street names include: Brown Sugar China White ... Beans Clarity Disco Biscuit E Eve Molly Lover's Speed Peace STP X XTC Uppers Street Names for Mescaline ... 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 ...
... , which, when in crystal solid form, is referred to as base, crystal, d-meth, fast, glass, ice, meth, speed, whiz, pure, or wax. Methamphetamine , which, when in liquid form, is referred to as leopard's blood, liquid red ... 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 ...
... while others are classified as enzyme inhibitors, which reduce the speed at which a drug is broken down. In many cases, ... Ibuprofen. Anabolic steroids Recreational and illicit drugs: Heroin . 13 Inhalants . 14 Cocaine . 15 ... 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, ...
... In the case of tramadol, snorting will increase the speed at which the substance's effects are felt compared ... and the strong concomitant surge of dopamine, the addictive association in the brain is strengthened. Over time ... continue reading -
New Study: Amphetamine Abuse and This Old Heart
It's called speed for a reason. Amphetamines, like Ritalin or Adderall, accelerate your heart rate. They send your nervous system into overdrive. Guess what else it speeds up? The aging process. That's right. Pumping your system full of amphetamine ...
... Ritalin or Adderall, accelerate your heart rate. They send your nervous system into overdrive. Guess what else it speeds up? The aging process. That's right. Pumping your system full of amphetamine makes you get older ... continue reading -
Health Effects of Drug Misuse and Addiction
Substance misuse and addiction can have serious short- and long-term effects. 1 The physical effects of drugs and alcohol vary according to the type of substance, duration of use, and method of administration. 1 Recovering from addiction can be a ...
... have widespread effects. 12 Commonly misused substances may speed or slow down heart rate, increase or ... inflamed, other sites on the body may be used. 21 Heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine are some of the most commonly ... continue reading -
4 Hangover “Cures” You Need to Ignore
The lights are too bright. The noises are too loud. Your head's spinning. Your stomach's in turmoil. No, it's not the flu. You have a hangover. You had a few too many yesterday, and now you're paying for it. Beware the Miracle Remedy So, what can ...
... the refreshing water may wake you up, but it doesn't speed up the process. But you will smell nicer. Take two and ... another drink won't cure your hangover. Here's why people think it works. The symptoms you feel (headache ... 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 realities. Prescription Painkillers Aren't Addictive REALITY: Prescription painkillers carry great risk of ... mechanism of action is similar to that of heroin . Examples of opioid pain medications include: ... continue reading -
Drug Abuse: The Oral Health Kryptonite
It's February and we've all celebrated Groundhog Day, Valentine's Day and even President's day. So, that's basically it for February, right? Well…actually it isn't. February is also National Dental Health Month, making this a great time to promote ...
... and Your Teeth Love Drugs: These include your basic “club drugs” like speed or ecstasy . They cause severe tooth decay, jaw-clenching and dry mouth. Heroin: Heroin belongs to the opiate drug family and it has an indirect ... continue reading -
Common Neurological Risks of Drug Abuse
Brain Damage From Drugs While substance misuse may cause a user to feel short-lived euphoria or impart a sense of temporary wellbeing, the adverse effects of drugs can be dangerous and, in some instances, may lead to permanent brain damage. Chronic ...
... (CNS) stimulants , such as cocaine and methamphetamine, speed up brain activity, blood pressure, and heart rate ... as well as illicit drugs like heroin . Research suggests that long-term heroin use can cause the white matter ... 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 ...
... , or even smoked in the form of “ice.” They speed up the body systems, which can cause a host of health ... fast-acting opiate, heroin can be injected, sniffed/snorted, or smoked. It is extremely addictive, and to keep ... continue reading -
Taking Action: How to Intervene During an Overdose
Drug overdoses are now the leading cause of accident death in the United States. According to the Centers of Disease Control (CDC), 43,982 drug overdose deaths occurred in 2013 across the nation. That's two times the amount of overdose deaths a ...
... Overdose While overdosing on stimulants ( cocaine , speed, methamphetamine ) is not as deadly, statistically ... and the National Institute on Drug Abuse reports heroin-related deaths have increased five-fold over the last ... continue reading -
Opioid Withdrawal Timeline and Treatment
Opioid withdrawal may be associated with several opioids, including: Heroin . Fentanyl . Codeine . Morphine . Hydrocodone . Oxycodone ( OxyContin / Percocet ). People who develop physiological dependence on opioids are at risk of experiencing ...
... rough timeline for opioid withdrawal—including the speed of withdrawal symptom onset, the progression of ... and longer-acting opioids. Short-acting opioids, like heroin and many of the prescription opioids, have a ... continue reading -
Effects of Ketamine Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, and Side Effects
Is Ketamine Dangerous? “It's easy to get ketamine abuse wrong because of its potency; it's more powerful than speed or coke weight for weight, so it's easy to accidentally overdose.” Like its sister drug CP, ketamine is a dissociative ...
... wrong because of its potency; it's more powerful than speed or coke weight for weight, so it's easy to ... Counseling and psychotherapy help you understand how and why you're abusing ketamine. Whether you have depression ... 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 ...
... high potential for abuse and addiction . 5 Is Librium Addictive and How Harmful Is It? When used properly and ... . 1,2 Mixing alcohol or opioids —such as heroin or prescription painkillers—with Librium can increase the risk ... 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 ...
... . However, if Vyvanse is misused or abused, it can speed up the development of tolerance, have a negative impact on both ... to help people taper off of drugs such as heroin , there are no medications approved by the Food ... continue reading -
3 Devastatingly Dangerous Alcohol-Drug Combos
According to statistics compiled by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), roughly 25% of substance-related emergency room admissions involve a combination of both drugs and alcohol. Poly-Drug Abuse Although heavily ...
... Much like benzodiazepines, illegal opiates like heroin and prescription opioids (OxyContin, Vicodin, ... to an extent. In other words, stimulants ( cocaine , speed , meth , Ritalin , Adderall ) mask the depressive effects ... continue reading -
Joints vs. Edibles: How Marijuana Affects the Body
The primary psychoactive component of marijuana (cannabis)—what deliver the “high,” in other words—is the substance tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). 1 THC's powerful, mind-altering effects derive from its interaction with and activation of the ...
... Some of the more pronounced differences between smoking a joint and eating an edible are reflected in the speed of onset of effects, the duration until peak effects are experienced, and the longevity of the effects ... continue reading -
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 ...
... dextroamphetamine . These ingredients work to stimulate and speed up the body. Doctors use this drug ... addiction to Adderall is available. Is Adderall Addictive? Adderall is addictive. According to the U.S. National Library ... 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 ...
... use or 2 repeated injections of the drug, Pan and his team noted a dramatic drop in blood flow speed. For the very first time, researchers were also able to identify cocaine-induced microischemia brought on by decreased ... continue reading -
The Side Effects of Xanax: Pill Use and Short-Term and Long-Term Effects
What Is Xanax Used For? Xanax (generic name: alprazolam) is a powerful benzodiazepine drug that is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain. 1,2 The medication comes in the form of a pill that quickly ...
... and concentrating, general intelligence and psychomotor speed. 7 What Are the Side Effects ... drugs. Xanax Dependency You may be wondering, ' is Xanax addictive? ' People who take benzodiazepines for an extended amount of ... 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 ...
... mind and reduction of anxiety. People with sped-up or racing thoughts will report slowed thinking and ... with other people who are learning how to live without addictive substances. Rehab may last for anywhere from 30 days ... 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 ...
... alprazolam (Xanax) and lorazepam (Ativan). These medications have very similar properties, but they vary in their speed of onset and the duration of their effects. Primarily, clonazepam is used to treat a number of ... continue reading -
Side Effects of Meth: Short & Long-Term Health Effects of Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine use can cause harmful short-term health effects and lead to long-term health risks. 1 Due to the drug's potency, methamphetamine can provide intense effects in one who misuses it. 1 Understanding the effects of methamphetamine usage ...
... of methamphetamine use may include: 4,2, 11 Changes in the brain associated with reduced motor speed and impaired verbal learning. Increased risk of stroke. Damage to the cardiovascular system, including hypertension ... 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 ...
... 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, which requires the ... 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 ...
... , 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 are slower to develop will last longer ... continue reading -
Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms and Quitting Adderall Use
What Is Adderall Used For? Adderall—a branded formulation of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine —is a stimulant that doctors prescribe for the management of: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Narcolepsy. As a prescription ...
... beans,” “black beauties,” “dexies,” “pep pills,” “speed,” and “uppers.” 1 This drug is abused recreationally ... support their continued abstinence following treatment. Why Is Quitting Adderall Important? People often ... 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 ...
... quickly—also known as “pumping and dumping.” This practice does not speed the removal of alcohol from the breast milk. Rather, it may ... a decreased milk supply. Here's why: two pituitary hormones are primarily responsible ... continue reading -
The Effects of Alcohol on the Body
Drinking alcohol puts you in a league with 70% of Americans who also do. And though nights spent with a beer, a glass of your favorite wine, or a mixed drink might seem like harmless fun, do you really know how it's affecting your body? Like all ...
... long-term drinking and binge drinking negatively affect heart rate, disrupting its rhythm by causing it to speed up or beat irregularly. Worse, it can lead to a condition called alcoholic cardiomyopathy. This condition ... continue reading -
History and Statistics of “Study Drugs”
What Are “Study Drugs?” The colloquial term “study drugs” typically refers to prescription stimulant medications (such as Ritalin and Concerta) that are used to enhance aspects of a user's mental functioning, such as: Memory. Concentration. ...
... for abuse and dependence, and the experience of generations of people who have become addicted to “speed” since the 1930s. Additionally, the performance benefits that are so often associated with these drugs are ... continue reading -
Methamphetamine Facts, History, and Statistics
Methamphetamine (meth) is an addictive stimulant with a varied history of use and abuse. This page will explore the history of methamphetamine, meth facts, and statistics about meth. What Is Methamphetamine? Methamphetamine (meth) is a highly ...
... Methamphetamine? Methamphetamine (meth) is a highly addictive stimulant drug that impacts the central nervous ... . Brown. Mexican crack. Redneck cocaine. Speed. Tweak. Illicitly manufactured methamphetamine is also available ... continue reading -
Mirror, Mirror: Aging Early Courtesy of Alcohol
$2.1 billion. That's how much we spent on anti-aging skin care products in 2013. And that's just in the United States. Guess how much Americans spent on cosmetic surgery that year? $12 billion. Clearly, we want to look young and beautiful. Who ...
... When drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, we speed toward wrinkles. Reducing our alcohol consumption can help ... of the blood vessels in our eyes. This is why heavy drinking often results in bloodshot eyes. Over time, ... continue reading -
Unchain My Heart: The Real Impact of Booze
Anyone who has experienced alcohol abuse firsthand knows how heartbreaking it can be. The emotional and relational damage left in its wake is devastating. Did you know this “heartache” is more than figurative? Believe it or not, the abuse of ...
... to heart failure. Arrhythmia: Your heart relies on an internal pacemaker to keep it pumping at the right speed. Alcohol interferes with this pacemaker, causing the heart to beat too quickly or irregularly. This is called ... continue reading -
How to Stay Productive at Work While Still in Recovery
We live in a very competitive society when it comes to finding a job and keeping it. Even for a person that's never tasted a drop of alcohol, it's still a challenge to find a good job and get accepted into a workplace. It becomes even worse when ...
... addiction, getting back to work can often actually help speed up your recovery; working gives you a sense of purpose ... business hours and can't seem to get anything done, why not take a short break? Sometimes all you need ... continue reading -
Snorting Valium—Effects, Overdose, and Addiction Treatment
Valium is a prescription sedative medication that falls into the class of drugs known as benzodiazepines. 1 Also available as generic diazepam, Valium is prescribed in pill form to treat anxiety and panic symptoms. 1,2 When Valium is taken as ...
... better high, since in some cases snorting drugs can speed up and intensify their effects. However, it is ... to manage their underlying anxiety with non-addictive medications or with non-pharmacologic approaches. Cognitive ... continue reading -
Free, National, and 24-Hour Substance Misuse and Addiction Hotline Numbers
What Are Drug Abuse Hotline Numbers? A drug abuse hotline or helpline is a toll-free number for the specific purpose of providing confidential and anonymous information related to drug and alcohol addiction treatment. If you are wanting to quit ...
... offer support for addictions to substances like: Cannabis. Prescription painkillers—like Percocet and tramadol. Alcohol. Speed. Prescription stimulants. Cocaine. Crystal meth. You may be wondering, 'where can I find drug ... 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 ...
... - being from 2014. 6 A lot has happened since then. Seven states have passed new marijuana laws, and a heroin epidemic continues to claim more lives each year than ever before. 7 This is where news reports of major drug ... continue reading -
Gray Death: The New Killer on the Street
While heroin adulterated with fentanyl has been in the news in recent years and the risks are well-known, there is a new danger on the streets, and it's even deadlier. It is a frighteningly powerful combination of heroin and synthetic opioids known ...
... , Ohio, Florida, and Pennsylvania. 4,5,6,7 Why Is Gray Death Gaining in Popularity? Gray death is powerful ... 's in the batch), someone trying to take the amount of heroin they are used to taking can die in minutes. 5,7 ... 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 ...
... Abuse Since they have similar mechanisms of action to drugs like heroin, even opioids that are prescribed by a doctor have the potential to be highly addictive. Though opioids can be as safe and effective as painkillers ... 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 ...
... for transmission of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Facing Opiate Addiction Opiate painkillers and heroin are among the most addictive drugs, and the consequences of abusing these drugs can be deadly. In 2012, the CDC ... 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 ...
... 000 drug law violations. Two-thirds involved marijuana, crack, heroin, or cocaine. It's not hard to guess which of ... anyone aged 21 or over since January 2014. So why are marijuana arrests higher in 2013 than 2009? And ... continue reading -
If Old Drug Ads Told the Truth
Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Through the late 19th century and mid-20th century, many of today's illicit drugs of abuse were available legally in the United States. Products containing cocaine, heroin, or amphetamine were readily available for ...
... reward system. As a direct result, both are also highly addictive. Abuse leads to a “binge and crash” cycle in which ... to soothe an infant. 9. Glyco-Heroin (Smith) Although heroin had already been invented in 1874 , the ... 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 ...
... cravings—all of which can drive a person to keep using the drug. 20 Heroin Heroin is a very addictive opioid drug. Heroin can cause euphoria, altered sensation of pain, nausea/vomiting, itching, dry mouth, skin flushing ... continue reading -
Trafficking Statistics
Drug abuse is a major problem in the United States, and individuals seeking to abuse drugs generally have little trouble finding those substances. Abuse of prescription and nonprescription opioids continues to be the public health crisis of our ...
... of opium poppy fields in 2014, compared to 14,419 hectares in 2013. 2 Between 2010 to 2015, the number of heroin seizures on the border of the United States and Mexico more than doubled. 1 The problem doesn't stop with ... 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 - ...
... an addiction can save his or her life. Some may wonder why people can't just quit on their own - but drugs ... drug use rates are higher than those of cocaine, meth, heroin, MDMA, and PCP combined. The report notes that the U ... continue reading -
Effect of Drugs on the Kidneys: How Do Drugs Damage the Kidneys?
Chronic drug and alcohol misuse can lead to severe kidney damage or failure. The damage is not always direct; some substances may indirectly cause harm to the kidneys via biologic events triggered outside of the renal system itself. These secondary ...
... renal damage in a few different ways: Coma due to heroin overdose can lead to rhabdomyolysis, 2 a condition characterized by ... of kidney complications, such as: 2 Sped-up progression of kidney disease in people with high ... 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 ...
... increased in recent years, and that abuse and availability rates are markedly higher in the Western United States. Heroin was the most common in 10 states, while powder cocaine was the most prevalent drug in five states ... 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 ...
... Crocodile. Croc. Krok. Russian Magic. Poor Man's Heroin. The name “krokodil” is thought to either derive ... in some instances (Skowronek, Celiski, Chowaniec, 2012). Why Is Krokodil Called a “Zombie Drug”? Krokodil has ... 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 ...
... it). Common Intravenous Drugs of Abuse Intravenous drug abuse is largely limited to 3 main drug types: heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine. 2 However, nearly any type of drug—particularly those that come in tablet or ... continue reading -
The Rise of Drug Deaths in America
This year, drug overdose deaths surpassed firearm deaths for the first time, making the issue of addiction and drug abuse an even greater concern for Americans . The public is aware of the numbers associated with overdose deaths; however, big ...
... the total number of lives claimed by either Parkinson's or pneumonia at this time. Two years later in 2022, heroin deaths would be less than 5,000 short of 100,000 deaths yearly and would claim almost 20,000 more deaths ... continue reading
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