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Why Is Heroin More Potent Than Morphine

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  • Morphine Addiction and Treatment

    Morphine is considered one of the most effective opioid pain relievers for cancer and post-operative pain. 1 Morphine and other opioids are highly regulated due to pharmacological properties that include inducing euphoria and reinforcing of ...

    ... more of the following criteria manifesting within a 12-month period: 6 Using opioids like morphine in larger amounts or for longer periods than ... are several morphine side effects to be aware of. The most common include: ... continue reading
  • Related results

  • 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, ...

    ... and the duration of withdrawal, many people will seek out more of the substance to relieve their ... potent, longer-acting opioid. Since it is long-acting, the high produced will be much less intense than that of heroin ... 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 ...

    ... users continually take more, buy more potent drugs, or change the method of administration in an attempt to recreate that first high. Why Do People Use Heroin? Heroin's intense high and quick speed of onset are major ... continue reading
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  • 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. ...

    ... Heroin Dangerous? Although heroin is made from morphine, it is a more potent drug. Heroin, as a molecular modification of morphine, is more lipid soluble than ... to tolerate. Many seeking to quit heroin find that the ... 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, ...

    ... 2 . Fentanyl is one of the most potent opioid medications, which is why it frequently reserved only for use in opioid-tolerant patients 3,4 . Fentanyl is up to 100 times more powerful than morphine , an opiate that is ... continue reading
  • Concurrent Alcohol and Morphine Abuse

    It is never safe to mix alcohol with other medications. Morphine—an opiate—can be particularly dangerous when mixed with alcohol, given its ability to intensify the effects of alcohol intoxication. Alcohol and morphine facts and information ...

    ... that many individuals with opiate addictions began using in their early or late teens. Morphine's long-term ... you transition into sober living and recovery. For more articles, info. and statistics, please visit: http ... 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 ...

    ... painkiller hydromorphone. Dilaudid is significantly more potent than morphine and is commonly used in hospital ... pain. Pharmaceutical fentanyl is roughly 50 times more potent than heroin . It is often used in operating ... 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, ...

    ... and soon discovered a more potent version of morphine by boiling anhydrous morphine alkaloid with acetic anhydride. Called diacetylmorphine at the time, this is the substance today known as heroin . Following Wright's ... 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 ...

    ... many types of painful conditions. 4 Naturally occurring opiate substances such as morphine, codeine, and thebaine are derived from the poppy plant. Semi-synthetic opioids like heroin ... on Drug Abuse, more than 30% of ... 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” ...

    ... the most commonly abused of all prescription drugs according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Addictive Properties of Prescription Opiates Prescription opiates affect the brain the same way morphine and heroin ... 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 ...

    ... , which is less potent yet significantly more cardiotoxic and neurotoxic than cocaine - potentiating damage ... the bitter taste of heroin and made it easier to swallow. Heroin is synthesized from morphine and shares its ... 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 ...

    ... opiate family and closely mimics the effects of heroin and morphine. Pure desomorphine is a very addictive substance ... ” drug, the Daily Beast and Forbes confirmed that most of the so-called users did not test positive ... 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 ...

    ... alternatives to morphine . Of course, heroin did turn out to be very addictive, causing more people to ... addiction as a moral flaw, it is now regarded by many as a disease or a chronic issue that requires treatment. If ... 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 . ...

    ... , Norco , Vicodin ) Methadone Morphine Oxycodone ( OxyContin , Percocet ) Oxymorphone ... for longer periods than intended by prescription, many of them lead to the development of tolerance (needing more and more to get ... 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 ...

    ... Names for Heroin Heroin —This substance, which is essentially a modified form of the morphine alkaloid derived ... this “synthetic marijuana” can be more potent and more problematic than marijuana. K2 Spice Black Mamba Bliss ... 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 ...

    ... much and how often one drinks. 2 Alcohol Addiction Statistics As mentioned, Americans use and misuse alcohol more than ... Find Treatment tool to search for programs. Many state government websites will provide local drug and ... continue reading
  • Big Pharma: Are They Advertising Addiction?

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

    ... addicted to a drug like oxycodone or morphine , that person then has to obtain more drugs, which have to be paid ... its compounds. Without its innovations, we wouldn't have many of the drugs we have today. How to Find Help ... continue reading
  • Actiq Fentanyl Lollipop Addiction

    Fentanyl is a prescription medication that doctors prescribe to treat pain. Fentanyl is also manufactured and sold illegally. The powerful, synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. 1 In its prescription form, fentanyl is ...

    ... opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. 1 In its prescription form, fentanyl ... Use and Health (NSDUH) , prescription pain relievers were the most misused prescription drug by people aged 12 or older. The ... 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 ...

    ... heroin is converted back into morphine ... much more expensive than heroin and can be difficult to obtain. Because heroin is cheaper and provides very similar effects to painkillers, many users often switch over to heroin ... 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 ...

    ... to those of other opiates , such as morphine and heroin. Opiate effects are achieved when the substance enters ... more of the substance, they may begin to seek other drugs of abuse, such as heroin . As many as half of heroin ... 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, ...

    ... than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. 13 If individuals use cocaine laced with fentanyl, their risk of overdosing is very high. Cocaine Addiction Treatment Programs There are many addiction treatment ... 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 ...

    ... since fentanyl is 30-50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine , according to the DEA. ... Fentanyl and Alcohol Abuse in Teens Alcohol is the most frequently abused drug by 8th, 10th, and 12th ... 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, ...

    ... musicians, many people have turned to cocaine for a “pick-me-up” and, ultimately, got much more than they bargained ... is 50 times more potent than heroin and 50-100 times more potent than morphine). Prince was reportedly ... continue reading
  • Prescription Opioid Addiction: Signs, Effects, and Treatment

    What Are Prescription Painkillers? Prescription painkillers are medications used to treat moderate-to-severe pain after injury or surgery and for specific medical conditions like cancer. 1 Prescription opioids have become increasingly accepted as ...

    ... treat pain. They include familiar names such as morphine and oxycodone. 3,23 Some opioids are ... unique needs. 7,13,17 For many people, addiction treatment may occur in more than one setting and for varying lengths ... 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 ...

    ... are known to be dangerous, such as heroin and crystal meth, prescription drugs are often viewed in a more favorable light, since they are prescribed by a physician. Though many believe these drugs are safer, they can ... continue reading
  • Effects of Hydromorphone Abuse: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment

    What Is Hydromorphone Used For? Hydromorphone (brand names: Dilaudid, Exalgo) is a powerful semi-synthetic opioid painkiller used in both hospital settings and as part of a long-term treatment regimen for significant pain in opioid-tolerant ...

    ... the risk of fatal overdoses. The DEA reports that more than 18,000 people were treated in emergency departments for ... is similar to that of many other opioids (such as morphine and heroin ). 3 When the substance enters ... 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, ...

    ... snorting will increase the speed at which the ... intended amount of time, potentially resulting in a more intense—and dangerous—high 7 . Side Effects of Snorting Tramadol Even when used as prescribed, tramadol has many ... 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 ...

    ... to other opioids, including oxycodone and morphine 3. It is the most frequently prescribed opioid pain reliever in ... like hydrocodone accounted for 19,000 deaths in 2014 —more than 3 times the number seen in 2001 3 . ... 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 ...

    ... people seeking out fentanyl for its potent high, but many heroin distributors are lacing their product with ... potent opioids. Fentanyl is much more potent than many other opioids—between 50 and 100 stronger than morphine ... 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) ...

    ... than morphine 2 . While the opioid effects will be similar, substances containing hydromorphone are more potent than many ... those that are typically labeled as more serious, such as heroin . These effects include 2 : ... continue reading
  • Side Effects of Prescription Painkiller Abuse

    If you use or misuse prescription painkillers, you should understand the potential for painkiller side effects that may occur with use, misuse, and addiction. Learning more about the short- and long-term side effects of painkiller medications, ...

    ... many types of prescription opioids, also known as narcotics. 3 Some of the more common opioid painkillers include: Hydrocodone. 1 Oxycodone (Oxycontin, Percocet). 1 Oxymorphone (Opana). 1 Morphine ... takes too much of an ... continue reading
  • Side Effects of Percocet Misuse & Addiction

    Percocet is the brand name for a powerful pain relief medication that is generally prescribed to address acute pain and is not intended to be taken for long periods of time. 1 Most often, Percocet is prescribed to address the type of pain someone ...

    ... intended to be taken for long periods of time. 1 Most often, Percocet is prescribed to address the type of pain ... and addiction as other opioid medications, such as morphine. 1 The opioid component of Percocet creates a ... continue reading
  • Tramadol Addiction Symptoms, Side Effects, and Treatment

    If you or a loved one are misusing the opioid medication tramadol, this article will help you understand: What tramadol is. Signs of tramadol abuse. Symptoms of tramadol withdrawal and overdose. Treatment for tramadol addiction. What Is Tramadol? ...

    ... to have a lower potential for dependence than opioids like morphine, tramadol dependence can still occur, particularly ... period, you or a loved one shows 2 or more of the following examples of problematic tramadol use, you ... 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 ...

    ... such as in the case of accidentally taking too much cocaine or using cocaine that contains other unknown substances. ... up to 50 times more potent than heroin and up to 100 times stronger than morphine. 8 It is increasingly ... 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 ...

    ... who has struggled with a substance use disorder. 9 In fact, more than 1 in 10 children in the United States live with at least 1 ... Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine Marijuana Meth Methylphenidate Methoxetamine (MXE) Morphine ... continue reading
  • Oxycontin Addiction Signs, Symptoms and Addiction Treatment

    OxyContin addiction occurs from abusing an OxyCodone prescription for pain relief. Drugs are commonly used in the medical field to treat chronic pain and other ailments of patients. Unfortunately, as is human nature, substance abuse becomes ever ...

    ... promoting the use of OxyContin as less addictive than Oxycodone. They claim that it is less likely ... the most popular concoctions. When using OxyContin together with other drugs, symptoms can be much more severe and ... 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 ...

    ... include illicit drugs such as heroin, as well as prescription painkillers like morphine , hydrocodone (Vicodin), and ... form of addiction treatment (3 months or more) may be most helpful in reducing drug or alcohol use and ... continue reading
  • 5 Genius Minds Who Dabbled in Drugs

    For hundreds and thousands of years, human beings have experimented with drugs. Some people used illicit substances to celebrate the gods; some used drugs to “communicate” with the other side. As time went on, people began using drugs for a ...

    ... shown that people with higher IQs are far more likely to use drugs than people with average IQs. Here's a ... morphine … I take very small doses of it regularly against depression and against indigestion and with the most ... continue reading
  • Am I Addicted to Painkillers? How Can I Quit Safely?

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

    ... addicted to opioid-based painkillers such as Vicodin , morphine , or OxyContin . Opioids, which come from the ... such as heroin . Painkillers of this type, when taken properly, normally will not cause many side effects ... 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 ...

    ... that is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. The FDA approves this ... illicit substances seized by authorities, fentanyl is more lethal than many of these other drugs because even an ... continue reading
  • Using Prescription Painkillers When Pregnant

    Opioid medications, when prescribed, can be helpful to relieve pain and physical discomfort. Even when prescribed by a physician, however, opioid medication can be problematic for several reasons, including the potential for misuse, addiction, and ...

    ... 2 Oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet). 2 Oxymorphone (Opana). 2 Morphine (Kadian, Avinza). 2 Codeine . 2 Fentanyl . 2 ... most of the day). Intensive outpatient (9 or more hours of therapy per week). Outpatient (less than 9 ... continue reading
  • Alcohol Overdose Symptoms and Treatment

    Alcohol misuse is prevalent across the country and consequences of alcohol abuse can be felt on an individual and societal level. Alcohol misuse and excessive alcohol use include both binge drinking and heavy drinking. The Centers for Disease ...

    ... Being 65 years of age and older­-In 2019, more than 10% of adults 65 and over report binge drinking ... alcohol to people who are already intoxicated, have drank too much, or are under 21 years old. Should you choose to ... 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 ...

    ... ), oxycodone (e.g., OxyContin, Percocet), morphine, and codeine, are used to control pain ... most drug overdoses happen at home, but opioid analgesic overdoses are more likely to occur at home than those involving heroin ... 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 ...

    ... a class of drug that includes both heroin, an opiate derived from the opium poppy, and synthetic opioids, many of which derive from opiate precursor substances such as morphine and thebaine. Common synthetic opioids are ... continue reading
  • Drug Use and the Pancreas: What Medications Affect the Pancreas?

    The pancreas plays a major role in the body's digestive system. From blood sugar regulation to digestion, the pancreas is constantly hard at work. However, the pancreas can become inflamed and, over time, accumulate scarring and damage as a result ...

    ... most often caused by years of alcohol abuse. Alcohol-related pancreatitis is more common among men than ... . Additionally, doctors may prescribe opioids —such as morphine —to relieve pain. Effects of Pancreatitis The effects ... continue reading
  • Side Effects of Hydrocodone Misuse & Addiction

    Hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic opioid that has a similar effect to morphine and is prescribed as a cough suppressant or to manage specific types of pain. 1 The most commonly known brands of hydrocodone are Vicodin and Lortab. 1 In this article, you ...

    ... to morphine and is prescribed as a cough suppressant or to manage specific types of pain. 1 The most commonly ... to make the process of detoxing safer and more comfortable. Inpatient or residential drug rehab may be ... 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 ...

    ... elicit its dramatic results. In short, heroin is very harmful. The speed and intense effects of the substance are ... will only be felt for a few minutes, with more lasting feelings of sedation persisting for a few hours ... 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 ...

    ... potent effects quickly. As the strength of any street drug is hard to gauge from batch to batch, the potential to overdose on heroin is always a distinct possibility. Why Do People Use Heroin? Heroin ... need for more of the ... 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 ...

    ... treatment may be appropriate. Outpatient programs offer many of the services of an inpatient program, ... analgesic 80-100 times more potent than morphine and much more potent than even heroin. Fentanyl has been linked ... 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 ...

    ... be treated with small amounts of methadone or morphine in order to gradually wean them off the ... during pregnancy. 13 Infants who die from SIDS are 2 times more likely to have been exposed to alcohol in utero and 3 times ... 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 ...

    ... heroin . Examples of opioid pain medications include: Hydrocodone (Vicodin, Lortab). Oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet). Morphine ... , in 2014, more than 2 million people in the US abused opiates . Many of these individuals ... 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 ...

    ... opioid analgesic with roughly 5 times the potency of morphine. It is used solely for the management of moderate ... terminated (withdrawal symptoms). Taking more of the substance than directed. Combining the substance with ... continue reading
  • Concurrent Alcohol and Hydrocodone Abuse

    The Problem of Alcohol and Hydrocodone Abuse Both alcohol and hydrocodone are relatively safe when used appropriately and in moderation. When used excessively or when combined, these substances can create volatile and unpredictable outcomes. Alcohol ...

    ... and symptoms that are similar to other opiates like morphine , heroin , and oxycodone . They include: Changed perceptions ... The Drug Enforcement Administration reports: More than 135 million prescriptions were filled for ... 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 ...

    ... can be far more deadly than that of other drugs. Resources, Articles and More Information To learn more, visit the National Institute on Drug Abuse's website or see the following articles: Why Is Heroin So Addictive ... continue reading
  • How to Help an Opiate Addict

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

    ... pleas that are less likely to work than a rational and empathetic conversation. Remember, ... rehab, how much it will cost, health insurance coverage , and more. Your loved one may have many obstacles to cite as to why it's ... 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 ...

    ... a wide variety of opioid drugs, including morphine , codeine , oxycodone ( OxyContin , Percocet ... the past month. 1.1% of 12th graders reported using narcotics other than heroin in the past month. 1.7% of 12th graders, 1.1 ... continue reading
  • Opioid Effects: Short- and Long-Term and Treatment

    Opioid use, misuse, and addiction come with a variety of side effects. In this article you'll learn about opioids and their short- and long-term effects. We'll also discuss opioid addiction and overdose, effects of injection drug use, opioid ...

    ... codeine , and morphine ; synthetic opioids including fentanyl ; and the illegal drug heroin . 1,2 ... pain, but they can have a dark side. They are among the most misused drugs in the United States as they're easy to get hold ... continue reading
  • How to Help a Tramadol Addict

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

    ... . An effective way to communicate is to show how much you care about the person and how you are concerned ... and go to group therapy sessions. Outpatient programs are more flexible. Since you don't live at the rehab center ... 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 ...

    Intelligence doesn't preclude people taking drugs any more than fame does. When those who are under stress need to ... . He admitted to smoking crack , trying heroin, and pretty much doing every single drug under the sun. ... continue reading
  • How to Help Someone Addicted to Fentanyl

    Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid with a high potential for misuse, addiction, and overdose. 1 Far more powerful than other opioids like heroin or morphine, fentanyl can cause an overdose can be life-threatening, in addition to the high potential for ...

    ... and overdose. 1 Far more powerful than other opioids like heroin or morphine, fentanyl can cause an ... love you. How can I help?” 5 The type of help most useful to the person depends on their unique needs and personality. 2 ... continue reading
  • Concurrent Alcohol and Opiate Abuse

    Prescription opiates are effective in the treatment of pain, but they have the potential to be addictive and, in fact, many people are struggling with opiate painkiller addictions. According to the National Institutes of Health, opioids account for ...

    ... new heroin users first ... most common types of opiates, without having a prescription (DEA, 2012). This doesn't even touch on the use of other opiates, including: Morphine. H eroin . Oxycodone . Resources, Articles and More ... 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 ...

    ... be similar to that of an illicit drug like heroin. People who repeatedly attempt to elicit such rewarding ... (CDC), more than 70% of all drug overdose deaths in 2019 were opioid related. 7 How Many People Abuse Opioid ... 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 ...

    ... 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 brain. It is most often distributed on ... continue reading
  • Painkiller Detox and Withdrawal

    Prescription opioid misuse is a prevalent problem in the United States. In 2021, a survey of Americans aged 12 and older found that about 8.7 million people had misused prescription painkiller drugs in the previous year. 1 In this article, we will ...

    ... opioid painkillers include hydrocodone , oxycodone , morphine , codeine , and fentanyl . 1 ... process for many people, they are not a substitute for more comprehensive treatment. 4 This is why the third component ... continue reading
  • Over-The-Counter Drugs of Abuse

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

    ... euphoric, and hallucinogenic properties, but taking more than the therapeutic dose can be dangerous. Some ... DXM and alcohol. Codeine is an opioid —like heroin and morphine—and, when codeine is taken in excess, especially ... continue reading
  • What Are Bath Salts and Why Are They So Dangerous?

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

    ... make the chemical more potent. They shove electrons into the center of the molecule so that it binds more strongly in the ... behavior, so much so that those taking such drugs can end up in serious trouble. In many ways, it' ... 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 ...

    ... fast-acting, producing a more intense high, especially with higher dosages. Because heroin is most often injected and particularly potent, its effects are consistently powerful—one of many reasons why those addicted to ... continue reading
  • Why Are Amphetamines So Addictive?

    Amphetamines are a class of synthetic drugs that stimulate the central nervous system (CNS). They are prescribed for legitimate use in the management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy and, rarely, in cases of extreme ...

    ... , amphetamines are also illicitly abused for their potent stimulant effects, which are similar to those ... These programs are more intense than typical outpatient programs. Outpatient treatment —Offers many of the ... 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 ...

    ... that most overdose deaths don't just involve one single type of drug . As the N.Y. Health Department notes, 94 percent of the city's overdoses involved more than one substance. In an effort to fight back against heroin ... 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 ...

    ... deaths from the drug reaching epidemic levels , many are getting much more than they bargained for. The Average Purity of Cocaine and Heroin Over Time Although cocaine and heroin have been in circulation since the 1800s ... 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
  • 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 ...

    ... at prenatal visits. 8 Prenatal care is vital for any expectant mother, and it may be even more essential for women using heroin due to the high risk for pregnancy complications , such as: 3,4,5 Antepartum hemorrhage ... continue reading
  • Why Do Binge Drinkers Have a Hard Time with Healing Wounds?

    The term binge drinking applies when a pattern of alcohol consumption results in the rapid increase of blood-alcohol content that meets or exceeds the legal limits of intoxication. Experts have known for decades that the effects of binge drinking ...

    ... in intoxicated patients,” the researchers concluded. If you or someone you know struggles with binge drinking, learn more about alcohol abuse signs, symptoms and treatment options. Image Source: deathtothestockphoto.com continue reading
  • What Drugs Cause the Most Insane Behavior?

    Many substances that are addictive cause mental changes or unusual behavior. Even if a substance does not inherently have mind-altering properties, people who are addicted to it may display strange behavior if they need the drug are unable to obtain ...

    ... late 1920s. It was especially popular during prohibition, when many saw it as a safe and sane alternative to alcohol. ... -dopamine reuptake inhibitor, which is one reason why it is very addictive. Cocaine affects the nervous ... 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 ...

    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 ... helpful resource for many is Narcotics Anonymous ... continue reading
  • The Five Most Famous Drug Cartels

    It should come as little surprise that the five most famous drug cartels are centered in Mexico. After all, Miguel Angel Felix Gallardo, known as “The Godfather” for controlling all drug trafficking in Mexico as well as that along the country's ...

    ... an international network, the Gulf Cartel serves more than just the drug trafficking scene. The group ... as one of the most profitable illegal trade schemes in the world, it is not hard to understand why these cartels have ... continue reading
  • Why Is Methamphetamine So Addictive?

    Methamphetamine is a highly addictive chemically compounded stimulant. Similar in chemical structure to amphetamine, meth is widely and illicitly manufactured using a variety of production methods. Methamphetamine is a white, odorless, ...

    ... Tolerance refers to the state of needing more and more of a drug to achieve similar effects. ... withdrawal lasts anywhere from one to two days. Restoration of many homeostatic processes - or the return to a “normal state” ... continue reading
  • Why Is Xanax So Addictive?

    Xanax—also known by its generic name alprazolam—belongs to a class of prescription drugs called benzodiazepines. For some people, Xanax can be an effective treatment for anxiety and panic disorders. However, Xanax users are at high risk for ...

    ... are two primary signs of tolerance : Needing to take more of the drug in order to feel the desired effect ... Methods of Use and the Effects of Xanax Use Xanax is most commonly swallowed in pill form, but some users crush it ... continue reading
  • Why Are Prescription Stimulants So Addictive?

    Prescription stimulants are very prevalent pharmaceutical agents. They are frequently used for the management of narcolepsy and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Drugs that fall in this category include: Dextroamphetamine and ...

    ... when taken for non-medical purposes or at doses higher than those prescribed by a doctor. As a group, ... warning signs of tolerance. As they continue to seek more and more of a drug to overcome the effects of tolerance ... continue reading
  • The 7 Most Addictive Prescription Medications

    Prescription drugs are commonly given to people suffering from with injuries or illnesses. They're legal when you've been prescribed the medication by a legitimate medical provider. However, these drugs still can be addictive when taken as ...

    ... feelings these drugs provide and thus take more of a drug than is necessary, which can also lead to ... most common and will make withdrawal more serious in most cases. 2. OxyContin Sometimes referred to as “Hillbilly Heroin ... continue reading
  • The 10 Most Insane Drug Addict Movie Characters

    Insanity is a hard thing to define, but there are a number of characters in films who are definitely nuts in some way. Here's a quick rundown: 1. Francis Begbie Francis Begbie from Trainspotting was played by Robert Carlyle. A violent, intimidating ...

    ... is perhaps one of the most depressing movies you'll ever watch with one of the most miserable ending scenes. But ... life would be a lot more straightforward without LSD. 7. James Spader Less than Zero is all about drug ... 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? ...

    ... opioid medication that is approximately 50 times more potent than heroin . Consuming drugs like cocaine mixed with ... can take a variety of forms, but it is most effective when it addresses a person's risk for relapse ... continue reading
  • K2 Knowledge

    For the last few years, the use of synthetic cannabinoids - also known as K2, Spice, Fake Weed, and over 500 other street names - has been on the rise. In a single three-day period in 2016, at least 130 people in New York overdosed on K2 . In 2015, ...

    ... our survey respondents which region of the U.S. has the most K2 use, a majority pointed to the West , while ... Truth About Synthetic Cannabinoids Is K2 more dangerous than marijuana? How much more potent is it? And how long ... continue reading
  • Symptoms of Date Rape Drugs: Effects & Signs of Being Roofied

    Rape is a serious criminal act, with the potential for severe and lasting repercussions on the victim's life. Rape involves sexually taking advantage of another person without their consent, and this includes having sex with a person who is ...

    ... has been found to be up to 10 times more potent than Valium . 10 Similar to “roofies,” ketamine, ... not be aware of what happened until many hours afterward. 12 Because many of these drugs process through the body within ... 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, ...

    ... , but many synthetic variations are more potent than marijuana and may be even more dangerous. ... effects, some additives and contaminants in street drugs like heroin and cocaine may not be fully dissolved before injection ... continue reading
  • Effects of Desoxyn Abuse: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment

    What Is Desoxyn Used For? Desoxyn is a prescription drug that is indicated to treat two conditions: 1,2 Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children 6 and older. Exogenous obesity (obesity due to overeating) in individuals 12 years ...

    ... 3 The most noteworthy difference between the drugs is their strengths. Desoxyn is more potent than the ... how long they've been taking the drug, and how much they've been taking. Symptoms of Desoxyn withdrawal may include ... continue reading
  • Bath Salts Overdose Signs, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Prevention, and Treatment

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

    ... cathinone in bath salts, however, is manmade and more potent than naturally occurring cathinone and, in some cases, consuming ... to address these symptoms (of which paranoia is most common), but only with caution, as these ... 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 ...

    ... , produces a high similar to that of heroin, and delivers potent sedative and pain-relieving effects in the user ... has been called a “zombie drug” by the media. Most reports of krokodil use in the media have shown addicted ... 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 ...

    ... designed to help people taper off of drugs such as heroin , there are no medications approved by the Food and ... of treatment. Some outpatient programs are more intensive than others. Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) ... 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 ...

    ... also known as “pumping and dumping.” This practice does not speed the removal of alcohol from the breast milk. Rather, it ... treatment. Outpatient care is often more affordable than inpatient treatment. These facilities also ... 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 ...

    ... why the first cocaine high is usually the most intense and attempts to recreate it are generally less successful. Many drug users will take larger or more potent ... ) with a depressant like heroin (a mixture referred to as ... 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 ...

    ... side effects can still occur—with some being more serious than others. Some of the common side effects of ... avoid or alleviate Xanax withdrawal symptoms, is one of many possible signs of a substance use disorder , though ... 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 ...

    ... effect profile as that of heroin and other shorter-acting, more potent opioid receptor agonist substances—in ... familiar, you likely need help, and there's no reason why you cannot seek help to get well. While recovery is a ... continue reading
  • Inhalant Overdose Symptoms, Risk Factors, Prevention, and Treatment

    Can You Overdose on Inhalants? Inhalants are a group of chemicals that users inhale to create a mind-altering experience. Many of these substances are household items—easily obtained from the local hardware store, if not your garage or kitchen ...

    ... could lead to serious lung infections. Accident . Since many of the effects of inhalants will mirror those of ... style of therapy has been proven to be more effective than others in treating inhalant use. 7 Preventing Teen ... continue reading
  • How to Help a Bath Salts Addict

    Are Bath Salts Addictive? Bath salts are addictive. The drugs are notoriously known for producing serious side effects that may be damaging from the first hit. They are a synthetic type of cathinone—found in nature in the khat plant. Cathinones ...

    ... Mental health issues occur alongside addiction more frequently than not. Because the two are ... SAMHSA's Find Treatment tool to search for facilities. Many state government websites will also provide local drug and ... 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 ...

    ... of Utah found that meth users were 3 times more likely than non-illicit drug users to develop Parkinson's disease, ... well as illicit drugs like heroin . Research suggests that long-term heroin use can cause the white ... 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 ...

    ... ketamine abuse wrong because of its potency; it's more powerful than speed or coke weight for weight, so it's ... s Find Treatment tool to search for facilities. Many state government websites will also provide local drug ... continue reading
  • Short-Term Effects, Long-Term Effects, and Side Effects of DMT Misuse

    Is DMT Harmful? DMT (dimethyltryptamine) is a hallucinogenic compound found naturally in a variety of plant species and produced endogenously in the human brain. Although the brain produces it naturally, the compound itself is still a Schedule 1 ...

    ... way that drugs like cocaine, heroin, and alcohol do. However, there ... Many drug users choose DMT as an alternative to LSD because the duration of the trip is much shorter, lasting approximately 30 to 45 minutes rather than ... continue reading
  • Can You Get Addicted to Crystal Meth After the First Use?

    What Is Crystal Meth? Crystal meth is a powerful, synthetically made stimulant. It can be ingested orally, injected intravenously , snorted , or smoked. Crystal meth is notorious for its high addictive potential, and many people suggest that taking ...

    ... acts on the brain for hours longer than most other stimulants do, increasing a person' ... they are seeking. This pattern of taking increasing amounts of or more potent meth puts the user at risk for dependence , a state in ... 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 ...

    ... -usual onset of potent opioid effects . Because hydrocodone is an opioid that depresses the central nervous system, overdose typically involves severe respiratory distress which may be fatal. Dangers increase even more ... continue reading
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