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What Is Crack Cocaine? Side Effects, Crack Withdrawal, and Addiction Treatment
What Is Crack Cocaine? Crack cocaine is an addictive stimulant drug that is the rock crystal form of powdered cocaine. 1,2,5 Crack cocaine is a more potent form of cocaine that is processed so that it can be smoked, which provides an immediate high. ...
... issue . Spending a lot of time obtaining, using, or withdrawing from crack. Taking crack in larger amounts or for longer ... and prevent future relapses . 13 Common crack cocaine withdrawal symptoms include: 6,7,11,12,13,14 ... continue reading -
How to Help Someone Addicted to Cocaine
Knowing how to help a friend, family member, peer, or coworker with an addiction to cocaine is difficult. Addiction can take a serious toll on relationships, making a conversation about addiction treatment even more challenging. While this type of ...
... known as coke, blow, and snow, cocaine is a highly addictive drug that looks like fine, white powder. Cocaine is ... is either on coke or addicted to cocaine, some of the more common signs and symptoms include: 2 High ... 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? ...
... 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? Cocaine is ingested in a variety of ways. It may be ... 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 ...
... situations. Self-medication . People who are experiencing unwanted symptoms related to physical or mental health issues like pain, depression , or anxiety might use cocaine as a way to modify their thoughts, feelings, or ... continue reading -
Cocaine Anonymous (CA) Meetings, 12 Steps, and Addiction Treatment
Cocaine addiction is a complex disease that has significant short- and long-term implications for a person's physical and mental health. 1 Treating cocaine addiction often involves behavioral interventions such as individual, family, and group-based ...
... CA meetings are hosted daily in many parts of the U.S., across the globe, and online. When joining Cocaine Anonymous, people typically find a group in their local community. This group is considered the Home Group and is ... continue reading -
Cocaine Addiction Treatment and Rehab Programs
Cocaine use and addiction can be dangerous for a person's physical and mental health and have a detrimental impact on their life. If you or someone you care about is struggling with cocaine addiction, you know how difficult it can be to stop using ...
... to feel its effects and/or have to keep taking it to prevent unpleasant withdrawal symptoms . 3 Many people use cocaine in binges, meaning they take it repeatedly at increasing doses to maintain their high, which can ... continue reading -
Effects of Cocaine Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, & Side Effects
Cocaine is a Schedule II illegal stimulant drug that is highly addictive. It is often used recreationally, and there is a range of dangers associated with the use of cocaine. This page will talk about: What cocaine is and how it is used. Cocaine's ...
... to organs, and a greater risk of contracting bloodborne diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C. Cocaine Overdose Symptoms A cocaine overdose can occur when you use enough of the drug that it causes side effects which are ... 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, ...
... of the heart valves and the lining of the heart chambers (endocarditis). 6 Other symptoms of cocaine-induced cardiotoxicity include: 6 Inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis). Aortic rupture. Severe declines in ... continue reading -
Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms, Dangers, Detox, and Addiction Treatment
Cocaine is a stimulant drug derived from leaves of the coca plant, grown primarily in South America. 1 It is an addictive substance that produces euphoric effects and has a high potential for misuse. 1 Someone who chronically uses cocaine can build ...
... desired effect or they do not experience the desired effects when using the same amount of cocaine over time. 2 They may also experience cocaine withdrawal symptoms when they abruptly reduce their use of or stop using ... continue reading -
Risks of Using Cocaine While Breastfeeding
Cocaine is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant that is easily absorbed into the bloodstream. It has a high milk-to-plasma ratio, meaning a significant amount of the drug may pass from a mother's blood into her breast milk. 1 Cocaine is the ...
... of the drug will likely be higher in their milk than in their blood. 5 The high people feel after using cocaine is relatively short, but it takes the body time to metabolize the drug and clear it out of the system. 5 ... continue reading -
Cocaine Use During Pregnancy
Cocaine use during pregnancy has the potential to harm both mother and baby, and the effects may be long-lasting. 1 Research estimates that there are about 750,000 pregnancies that are exposed to cocaine every year. 1 This means that a mother may ...
... estimates that there are about 750,000 pregnancies that are exposed to cocaine every year. 1 This means that a mother may use the ... procedural learning. Behavior problems. Symptoms of oppositional defiant disorder. ... 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 ...
... ; fentanyl is a major cause of overdose in the United States. 8 What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Cocaine Overdose? A cocaine overdose can pose serious risks to your physical and mental health . 2 Some of the most ... continue reading -
Cocaine History and Statistics
The History of Cocaine Cocaine is a drug derived from the South American coca plant ( Erythoxylon coca ). It is a powerful stimulant and popular recreational drug . However, there are legitimate medical uses for cocaine as a topical anesthetic used ...
... 9.7%) or hispanics (11.6%). The Monitoring the Future survey of drug use in adolescents found that the rate of cocaine use among high schools seniors has fallen over the last 15 years and stood at 2.6% in 2014—the lowest ... continue reading -
Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome or PAWS—Symptoms and Treatment
What Is Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome or PAWS? Post-acute withdrawal syndrome is a collection of symptoms experienced by some individuals struggling with alcohol and drug addiction after a prolonged period of withdrawal. 1 The syndrome is also ...
... people withdrawing from drugs and alcohol, the exact number, combination, and timing of specific symptoms is ... to alleviate PAWS symptoms. Psychostimulants Stimulant drugs—such as cocaine and amphetamine —provide ... 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 ...
... protracted withdrawal). 8 In the case of PAWS, Adderall withdrawal symptoms can persist for months or years, long after the drug ... Detox Programs While it is possible to withdraw from Adderall at home, some users prefer ... continue reading -
Demerol Abuse Symptoms and Addiction Treatment
What Is Demerol Used For? Demerol, also known by the street name “demmies” and the generic name meperidine , is a prescription opioid painkiller. Demerol is used to treat relatively severe pain and is available in liquid or tablet form. As a ...
... Withdrawing from prescription opioids like Demerol may result in one or more of the following symptoms ... than illegal “hard” drugs, like the opiate heroin or cocaine. An article in the Journal of Adolescent Health lists ... continue reading -
Norco Abuse Symptoms and Addiction Treatment
What Is Norco Used For? Norco is a prescription medication that combines hydrocodone and acetaminophen . It is prescribed for the relief of moderate-to-severe pain . Taking Norco in amounts exceeding prescribed doses, for lengths of time longer than ...
... please call American Addiction Centers (AAC) free at . Symptoms and Signs of Norco Addiction If you are worried about ... of these drugs—a number that even heroin and cocaine combined cannot compete with. The CDC now touts ... continue reading -
A Closer Look at the History and Use of Cocaine
Cocaine is a popular CNS (central nervous system) stimulant that is naturally derived from the cocoa plant, which is most commonly grown in South America's Andean region. Though its proper chemical name is benzoylmethyl ecgonine (C17H21NO4), users ...
... benzoylmethyl ecgonine (C17H21NO4), users refer to cocaine as coke, snow, blow, nose candy, dust, white lady, ... symptoms of cocaine abuse . How to Get Help for Cocaine Misuse If you or a loved one is struggling with cocaine ... continue reading -
From Snort to Synapse: We Map Out Cocaine's Trip in Your Brain
The powder is perfectly lined on the table. With no straw handy, you roll up a Washington and seconds later, the snow is gone. Inhaled into your nostril, this stimulant drug has started a trip that will change your brain… forever. What does this ...
... and/or paranoia Changing You Forever in a Moment Researchers have intently studied this coke trip under the microscope; they tell us a single dose of cocaine changes your brain's reward center. And that's partly why it's ... 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, ...
... on the cardiovascular system. 1 Stimulant drugs include illicit and prescription drugs, such as: 2 Cocaine (coke, crack ). Amphetamines (prescription stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin ). Methamphetamine (meth, crystal ... continue reading -
Crack Cocaine’s Effect on the Brain (Simple Animation)
“Crack is whack”—that much is widely understood and accepted. But, what exactly is crack? How is crack different from cocaine? Is it possible that crack gets a bad rap, or is it as lethal as it seems? AsapSCIENCE breaks down what we need to ...
... a powder to a solid. The new solid resembles a rock, hence the term “crack rock.” Why do people smoke crack cocaine , and how does the drug interact with the body when it's absorbed through the lungs? Because crack has a ... continue reading -
Cocaine Could Mess With Your Brain's Ability to Recognize Sadness and Fear
Cocaine is a stimulant drug with a reputation for making people more social but, in reality, it tends to make users paranoid and insufferable. And according to a new study , this may be in part because people who use cocaine are less capable of ...
... they were seriously sad or just a little angry. Researchers also found that the subjects who had taken cocaine had increased heart rates and higher levels of cortisol, the hormone that regulates how the body responds to ... continue reading -
Women Are More Likely to Get Hooked on Cocaine—But Why?
Women are generally more vulnerable to cocaine addiction than men, according to a recent study published in the journal Nature Communications. They're also more likely to use cocaine at an earlier age, take drugs in larger quantities, and have ...
... , used male and female mice—they have the same brain organization and dopamine system as humans—to observe how cocaine use affects the brain's reward pathway. What her team found was that the increased estrogen levels in ... continue reading -
Take the Backdoor: Why Your Brain Can't Refrain From Cocaine
Ted just snorted 2 lines of cocaine. If we could see inside his brain, we'd see some pretty alarming results. The blood vessels of Ted's brain are shrinking and blood flow is restricted, diminishing his ability to think, remember, and function. ...
... new pathway (or backdoor) means that, once Ted is addicted, he may not even be aware of his desire to use cocaine. Much like the lab rats, Ted will eventually lose control of his compulsion to “just say no.” He'll start ... continue reading -
Dangerous Additives: What's Really in Your Cocaine?
Cocaine is one of the most lethal illegal substances. This can be explained by the extraordinary psychoactive and biological effects of the drug. Cocaine is the single most powerful central nervous system stimulant. At high doses, it can stop the ...
... today dilute their products with other anesthetics to mimic some of the drug's symptoms. Common anesthetics used in cocaine include benzocaine, lidocaine, and procaine. The combination of increased anesthesia and the ... continue reading -
Concurrent Alcohol and Cocaine Abuse
Concurrent Alcohol and Cocaine Abuse Cocaine is a profoundly addictive stimulant drug that produces euphoria, increased energy, and talkativeness. It is most often snorted or dissolved in water and injected into a vein. Due to the short duration of ...
... different reasons: To decrease the feeling of drunkenness. To intensify the cocaine high. To ease the unwanted symptoms of coming down from cocaine. Cocaine might seem like a great partner to alcohol, but it actually can ... continue reading -
Cocaine Addiction: Have Scientists Finally Found a Cure?
The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that an estimated 1.5 million Americans use cocaine. In 2015, our nation saw more than 6,700 cocaine-related deaths. Research indicates that around 40% of drug-related emergency department visits involve ...
... a constant supply of the drug is needed to avoid withdrawal. If deprived of the drug, symptoms of cocaine withdrawal can include severe emotional and physical effects, such as: Fatigue Nervousness and anxiety Depression ... 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 ...
... receive a decreased flow of blood, no matter the frequency of use. Whether the mice received 30 days of chronic cocaine use or 2 repeated injections of the drug, Pan and his team noted a dramatic drop in blood flow speed ... 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 ...
... 1800s, the drugs look and impact people differently than they did 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 ... continue reading -
Rapper’s Shocking On-Stage Antics are Cause for Concern
A Florida rapper by the name of “Stitches” has earned a name for himself as of late, but for all the wrong reasons. The joker-like face tattoos are enough to take most people aback, but it's the lyrics to Stitches' music and his on-stage ...
... lyrics. In it, Stitches brags about his coke-dealing past and says things like “Better have my money when I come to collect” and “I love selling blow!” He also raps about selling cocaine to “pregnant b*tches” in another ... 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 ...
... include: Blow Bump C Charlie Coke Snow Toot Coca Soda Cot Street Names for Crack Crack Cocaine —The ... of profound dissociation and can sometimes elicit psychotic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations. Users may ... 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 ...
... 5 Traumatic brain injuries are often the result of a sudden blow to the head or an object piercing the brain through the skull ... in which psychotic symptoms such as paranoia worsen with continued cocaine use. Alcohol & ... continue reading -
30 Famous Athletes Who Have Battled Drug Addiction and Alcoholism
1. Michael Phelps Eight-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer Michael Phelps has not only plunged into the water, but also into drugs. In 2009, he lost his endorsement contract with Kellogg's after a photo emerged of him taking a hit of marijuana . 2. ...
... the Boston Celtics, two days later died of a cocaine overdose . 11. Marcus Camby Toronto Raptor Marcus Camby was ... having struggled with drugs early on in his rookie season—”coke was the only bright spot in my future,” he ... continue reading -
Let’s Talk Truth: Exactly How Long Do Drugs Stay in Your System?
If you throw back a beer on Friday night, it's out of your system by Monday morning. But, what about other drugs? Most drugs linger a bit longer than alcohol. In fact, some of them stick around for a long time. This slower processing can surprise ...
... It's likely Joe and his friends just played their last game. Coke-Laiden Pink Slip After six months of searching, Kevin finally landed a great job. He uses cocaine frequently, but managed to pass his employer's drug test ... continue reading -
I’m a Millionaire and I Need to Go to Rehab. Where Do I Go?
You've realized you have an issue, whether it's a heroin or coke addiction or a sex addiction, so you need to find somewhere nice to attend rehab. Naturally, you want somewhere that's a little more exclusive to avoid running into someone who might ...
You've realized you have an issue, whether it's a heroin or coke addiction or a sex addiction, so you need to find somewhere nice to attend rehab. Naturally, you want somewhere that's a little more exclusive to avoid ... continue reading -
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 ...
... of its potency; it's more powerful than speed or coke weight for weight, so it's easy to accidentally ... to seek help. Detox doesn't have to result in withdrawal symptoms . If you find that you're in trouble with the ... continue reading -
8 Tips for Coming Out of the Addiction Closet
To many, the term “alcoholic” carries a very negative connotation - one that implies being a loser or a failure. It's no mystery, then, why admitting such a thing is feared by so many. But “coming out” doesn't have to be a burdensome ...
... , I was better equipped at admitting my drinking problem and prison experience to strangers. Tip 6: Cushion the Blow Chances are, your friends and family already know that you have a drinking problem. Maybe it was the ... continue reading -
Holiday Highs and Lows
For many Americans, the end of the year brings images of happy families gathered around a Christmas tree, big dinners of turkey and stuffing, holiday music, and cozy fires. For others, the holidays can be a much darker and more difficult time - a ...
... prove. Some individuals experience high amounts of chronic or temporary stress but choose not to drink. They may blow off steam in other ways, such as exercise. Others turn to alcohol when they become stressed. For those ... 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 ...
... without heart disease). And rather than curing nervousness and sleeplessness, cocaine's stimulant properties increase heart rate, exacerbate symptoms of anxiety and elicit sleep disturbances among a plethora of other ... continue reading -
Crack History and Statistics
Crack cocaine is a highly addictive drug of abuse that has intense stimulant properties. Typically, the user will feel a rush of excitement and energy that accompanies the euphoric delivered by the substance. Crack is a type of cocaine. This means ...
... late 1970s in the US that brought about the development of crack. During this time, the US market was flooded with cocaine to the point that there was more of the drug than people to consume it. This high supply led to a ... 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 ...
... alcohol use, many people will experience withdrawal symptoms if the person reduces their dose or ... other sites on the body may be used. 21 Heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine are some of the most commonly injected drugs, ... 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 ...
... Indeed, a user may feel less drowsy if they have used cocaine with heroin, but this deception is a mere smokescreen. The reason ... heart attack and cardiac arrest. Other symptoms of overdose include: Extreme stomach pain ... 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 ...
... They are also at least a year or two old, with the most recent complete figures for the “big four” - marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and meth 5 - being from 2014. 6 A lot has happened since then. Seven states have passed new ... 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 ...
... 3 main drug types: heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine. 2 However, nearly any type of drug— ... or other drug paraphernalia among their possessions. 4 Symptoms of intoxication or withdrawal , depending on the time ... 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, ...
... they bargained for. If you or someone you know is suffering a dependency issue, call for help. Tim Allen : Cocaine was the favored drug of comedic actor Tim Allen before he found the path to sobriety. Daniel Baldwin : A ... 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 ...
... arrests have been falling since 2012, with an average of 7.8 a day this year, 9 in 2013, and 10.4 in 2012. Cocaine arrests are about the same this year as in 2013: 2.8 and 2.7 per day respectively. There were 3.5 a day ... continue reading -
Concurrent Alcohol and Crack Abuse
Concurrent Alcohol and Crack Abuse In the mid 1980s, crack cocaine use exploded across the United States. In 1974, 5 million people had tried cocaine. By 1985, more than 22 million people had tried cocaine, with more than half of them reporting ...
... even be fatal (Grant & Harford, 1990). Signs and Symptoms of Crack and Alcohol Abuse Crack speeds up the body' ... Teen Drinking and Crack Abuse Although use of crack cocaine among teens has been declining in recent years, 31 ... continue reading -
How to Treat Stimulant Addiction: Rehab and Stimulant Treatment Options
Stimulants are a broad class of substances that affect the nervous system in a way that leads to increased activity across a number of mental and physical processes—serving, in varying degrees, to boost energy and attention, but also capable of ...
... suicidal ideation or thoughts of violence against others. These symptoms may last for a few hours or longer depending ... nonmedically. About 1.5 million people currently used cocaine . Of the 1.5 million, about 350,000 ... 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 ...
... the effects of cocaine use , cocaine withdrawal , and cocaine overdose symptoms . What Is Codeine ... that contains propoxyphene, caffeine, and aspirin. The FDA withdrew approval of this opioid in 2010 due to the dangers ... 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 ...
... related to prescription drug use are comparable to crime related to illicit drug use such as heroin and cocaine. #4 Cocaine Cocaine has a reputation as a “rich man's drug.” At approximately $60 per gram, it is one of ... 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 ...
... , and convulsions. Large amounts or frequent use of cocaine can cause hallucinations, paranoid delusions, and depression. Those addicted to cocaine may experience symptoms like psychosis, depression, and an inability to ... 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 ...
... cite a meth problem, and 75% of offenders who admit a problem say meth is their drug of choice. Crack cocaine is a mixed bag, with fairly high prevalence in some states - including Connecticut, Maine, D.C., and Vermont ... 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 ...
... . Sigmund Freud Max Halberstadt Sigmund Freud was a great proponent of cocaine, recommending its use for numerous diseases and symptoms. Freud was aware of cocaine's uses as an anesthetic, but he also claimed it cured a ... continue reading -
Addiction Self-Assessment Quizzes for Drugs and Alcohol
Use the following self-assessment quizzes to better understand common signs, symptoms, and behavioral changes related to substance misuse and addiction. The questions used in the following self-assessments are based on the diagnostic criteria ...
... replace a clinical diagnosis from a professional, it can be helpful in recognizing signs and symptoms of potential cocaine misuse. Heroin Addiction Self-Assessment Quiz This short heroin addiction self-assessment quiz is ... 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 ...
... withdrawal symptoms. 16 Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening. 17 Cocaine/Crack Cocaine is a ... attacks, seizures, strokes, and/or death. Many people use cocaine in binges, where they repeatedly take the drug in a ... continue reading -
Why Don’t We Have Addiction Vaccines?
After three decades of research, people with addiction still have few medication options. While there are a handful of modestly effective FDA-approved drugs to treat alcohol, nicotine and opioid-use disorders, there are none at all for cocaine, ...
... of Pennsylvania. 2 “You want it to take away withdrawal symptoms, you want it to reduce craving and you want it ... robust to flush out the molecules. 20 As for cocaine, simply taking more of the drug overcomes the effect of ... 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 ...
... kidney failure if heroin abuse continues. 2 Cocaine Cocaine, a powerful stimulant drug that causes euphoria ... flow to the kidneys and resultant tissue damage. 2 Symptoms of a renal infarction include nausea, vomiting, and ... continue reading -
Warning: 3 Dangerous Suboxone Interactions to Avoid
Suboxone is a popular, prescription-only drug that effectively suppresses opioid cravings and reduces the symptoms of opioid withdrawal. Although Suboxone has assisted thousands of individuals struggling with opioid addiction, the drug is not ...
... in the bloodstream of a Suboxone user, which may quickly lead to opioid withdrawal symptoms. Combining cocaine and Suboxone also increases the risk of a cocaine overdose. As a depressant, Suboxone reduces the effects of ... continue reading -
Dangers of Snorting and Sniffing Drugs
Different routes of administration like snorting, sniffing, smoking, or injecting when you are using drugs can produce various effects based on how quickly the drug is absorbed into the body and the bloodstream. 1 Methods like smoking or injecting ...
... or using a house key to “bump” powdered substances like cocaine, as they can carry germs that cause infection. 3 In ... any oxygen. 4 This condition and other severe symptoms, such as seizures, coma, or suffocation, may ... continue reading -
Drugs in the News
In a world grappling with issues of substance use and abuse, drugs are bound to see their days in the spotlight of our 24-hour news cycle. Maybe it's because of another tragic celebrity overdose, forcing us to confront the fact that even our heroes ...
... Rob Ford crack video surfaced, and US Rep. Trey Radel was forced to resign following a cocaine arrest. Cocaine's deadly consequences also came up following the deaths of Corey Haim and Heath Ledger. Neither death was ... 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 ...
... classically thought of “drugs of abuse,” such as cocaine and heroin, people may still begin to manifest ... symptoms similar to those experienced by withdrawing marijuana users —such as headaches and vomiting. These symptoms ... 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” ...
... He died at the age of 39 thanks to his excessive drinking . Stephen King The master of horror and cocaine, King churned out thousands of pages of work year after year. His family staged an intervention and showed him how ... continue reading -
Social Drug Use is Like Kryptonite to Healthy Relationships
Heather always feels awkward at parties. She's quiet and shy. She never knows what to say and finds it hard to interact with people in these intimidating settings. To help her “loosen up,” she tries smoking pot before going to a party. Once ...
... dates, he finds it difficult to approach anyone while at a bar or club. To overcome this inhibition, he snorts cocaine before going out with his friends. Suddenly, he meets lots of women. In fact, he's having sex with a ... continue reading -
Stimulant Detox, Withdrawal Symptoms, and Addiction Treatment
Stimulants are substances that increase the activity of several neurotransmitter systems throughout the brain and are capable of creating a state of heightened energy and alertness. Additionally, many stimulant drugs elevate physiological processes ...
... . The duration of effects will vary based on the stimulant that was being abused. For example, cocaine 's depressive symptoms usually alleviate within a few hours, whereas methamphetamine users may experience depressive ... continue reading -
Effects of Stimulant Drugs: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
What Are Stimulants Used For? Stimulants are a class of substances that increase certain types of cell signaling and amplify various physiologic processes throughout the brain and body. In particular, many types of stimulant drugs are associated ...
... by substance. For example, users of drugs like cocaine , which is metabolized by the body relatively quickly, ... or delusions experienced during withdrawal, should the symptoms be severe enough to warrant medical management. ... 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 ...
... NAS every 19 minutes. 9 Cocaine —Pregnant women who use cocaine may experience migraines, seizures, ... are especially risky. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) —Symptoms of FASD can range on a continuum from mild to ... continue reading -
Risks of Substance Abuse While Pregnant & Treatment Options
Drinking alcohol or using drugs while pregnant can cause a number of negative health outcomes for both mother and child. It can affect a growing fetus because substances travel easily from the placenta, creating great potential for harm. 4 While not ...
... of drinks will be safe. Cocaine and Pregnancy Tracking the negative effects of cocaine use during pregnancy is a ... born with NAS, experiencing painful withdrawal symptoms after birth. Cigarettes and Pregnancy Cigarettes ... continue reading -
Effects of Bath Salts Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
Are Bath Salts Harmful? The term “bath salts” refers to a family of designer recreational drugs that contain one or more synthetic chemicals related to cathinone —a stimulant found in the khat plant with effects similar to those of amphetamine ...
... work similarly to other psychostimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine, which makes it likely ... experiencing negative physical or psychological bath salts withdrawal symptoms . In cases of substance dependency, the ... 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 - ...
... to the 2015 Drug Threat Assessment released by the DEA, prescription drug use rates are higher than those of cocaine, meth, heroin, MDMA, and PCP combined. The report notes that the U.S. markets for MDMA and PCP are ... continue reading -
30 Famous Musicians Who Have Battled Drug Addiction and Alcoholism
1. Ozzy Osbourne Rockstar Ozzy Osbourne has long struggled with addiction. In fact, his heavy alcohol and drug abuse led to him being fired from Black Sabbath in 1978. 2. Kurt Cobain Kurt Cobain got to know his wife Courtney Love while they used ...
... B.I.G. Famous rapper Notorious B.I.G. was notorious not only for his music, but also for his cocaine and marijuana use. 22. Aaron Carter Aaron Carter was pulled over for speeding and possession of two ounces of marijuana ... continue reading -
Long-Term Alcohol and Drug Addiction Effects
The longer an addiction to drugs or alcohol lasts, the more stress and strain it places on an individual. There is an overwhelming number of long-term physical and emotional effects that drug abuse and addiction can have on a person. The following ...
... . benzodiazepines like Xanax) to cope with their symptoms. Another person could have a long-standing pattern ... failure is not uncommon among long-time users of opioids , cocaine, and alcohol . 7 The liver . Liver failure is ... 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, ...
... fountain drink we know today. Ten years later, the Coca-Cola company ran into controversy after it was discovered cocaine was an addictive and dangerous substance. A glass used to 9 mg of its primary secret - now illegal ... continue reading -
Drugs on Mars and Venus
Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus is one of the most iconic books of the '90s, having sold more than 50 million copies. Its core theory is that men and women often think and act in dramatically different ways because of fundamental differences ...
... When it comes to gender differences, 1.7 times more men than women said they had used cocaine at least once before, and for crack cocaine, twice as many men said they'd tried it. Heroin, although it has one of the lowest ... 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 ...
... rate of crystal meth is 12 times longer than that of cocaine , meaning that meth acts on the brain for a longer ... be squashed by the desire to stave off the symptoms of withdrawal . Addiction has set in when an individual ... continue reading -
Stimulant Drug Abuse: Side Effects and Addiction Treatment
Stimulants—both illicit and prescription—are known to increase energy and alertness. Prescription stimulants can offer therapeutic benefits when used as prescribed. However, both prescription and illicit stimulants have a high propensity for ...
... and older showed that 5.5 million people reported using cocaine within the last year. In that same time period, ... is. How stimulants are abused. The signs and symptoms of stimulant abuse. The side effects of stimulants on ... continue reading -
Who Manufacturers All these Crazy Semi-Legal Designer Drugs?
Designer drugs have been subject of much media attention of late, as the Internet has made obtaining them easier than in the past. In many cases, it's simpler to order designer drugs online than to try to obtain street drugs. Designer drugs can be ...
... to try to obtain street drugs. Designer drugs can be just as dangerous if not more so than drugs like heroin, cocaine , and marijuana . Designer drugs are drugs created in a lab to mimic popular drugs. Because they are ... continue reading -
Wellbutrin Side Effects, Symptoms of Abuse, and Addiction Treatment
What Is Wellbutrin Used For? Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Aplenzin, Zyban) is a drug that is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat depression and seasonal affective disorder, as well as to help people stop smoking. 1 Doctors ...
... and then injecting the solution. 2 Signs and Symptoms of Wellbutrin Abuse Individuals who've abused this ... the Wellbutrin high as similar to that of stimulants such as cocaine or amphetamine . 2,5,7 In at least one case ... continue reading -
Drug and Alcohol Misuse and Cancer Risk
What Causes Cancer? Despite declines in the death rate over the last 20 years, cancer continues to be one of the most prevalent public health issues in the U.S. According to the National Cancer Institute: 1 About 1,806,590 new cases of cancer would ...
... . One of these chemicals is the same carcinogen found in cigarettes and gasoline, benzene. 15 Cocaine . It is a common for cocaine dealers to add other substances to the drug to create more of the product and boost ... continue reading -
State Sentencing: How Drug Sentencing Varies Across the U.S.
The United States has 5% of the world's population - and 25% of its prisoners. The average cost to house a minimum-security prisoner for one year is $21,006. By comparison, the average cost of putting a K-12 student through school for one year is ...
... The exceptions come from a handful of southern states and all of New England, where crack sentences outnumber cocaine sentences. Though the nation may be divided on how to treat those convicted of drug possession, almost ... continue reading -
Dark Web Oxy Dealer Could Get 20 Years in Prison
Frenchman Guy Vallerius - aka the “OxyMonster”- is accused of selling the illicit drugs oxycodone , cocaine, and methamphetamine over the dark web. In May, Vallerius plead guilty to charges of conspiracy and money laundering; he's facing at ...
Frenchman Guy Vallerius - aka the “OxyMonster”- is accused of selling the illicit drugs oxycodone , cocaine, and methamphetamine over the dark web. In May, Vallerius plead guilty to charges of conspiracy and money ... continue reading -
Zoloft Use in Substance Abuse Treatment
What Is Zoloft Used For? Zoloft (sertraline hydrochloride) is a commonly prescribed antidepressant that belongs to a group of drugs called selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These drugs work by boosting the activity of the ...
... , when people who have struggled with cocaine abuse go through withdrawal, it is extremely common that they experience depression (or depressive symptoms). 3 When symptoms of depression arise during abstinence, it ... continue reading -
A Decade of American Drug Use
In the nation's ongoing drug crisis, grim statistics abound. Each day, approximately 115 Americans die of opioid overdoses. Methamphetamine use is on the rise, reviving a scourge public health officials once thought to be improving. Simultaneously, ...
... the elderly is frequently misdiagnosed: Its symptoms resemble that of other mental health ... incited public outcry in decades past, such as crack cocaine and methamphetamine . The public also used PCP at substantially ... 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 ...
... reasons. For example, use of this drug causes severe dry mouth and increases exposure to cavity-causing bacteria. Cocaine also causes users to clench and grind their teeth, wearing down the surface enamel. So what's the ... continue reading -
A Look at the Physical Anatomy of an Overdose
A drug overdose occurs when the body has been overloaded with either prescription medication or an illicit substance. Under normal circumstances, our body's metabolism would be able to detoxify the substance in order to avoid its potentially harmful ...
... body: the brain and the heart. The effects of cocaine and meth focus on the central nervous system, increasing ... among meth users who administer the drug intravenously. Symptoms of a meth overdose also include violent or ... continue reading -
Three Lethal Drug Combinations That Can Kill You
We all know that certain drugs can cause dangerous interactions when taken together, but some people either don't take the threat seriously or they're simply uninformed when it comes to specific chemicals and substances. Most Dangerous Drug ...
... like they cancel one another out. It can become more difficult to “gauge” your magnitude of opioid or cocaine intoxication, which can more easily lead to accidental overdose . How to Get Help for Substance Misuse Whether ... continue reading -
Treatment for LSD Abuse: How to Treat LSD Addiction
Psychoactive substances, by definition, change the way people think and feel. Hallucinogens do this in a unique way, by altering the way that humans sense and perceive the world—making false visual, auditory, and tactile sensations seem real. One ...
... cravings in the same way that drugs like heroin and cocaine will, the effects can become so desirable for the user ... Medications may also be used to alleviate the distressing symptoms seen in cases of HPPD. In one case ... 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 ...
... the potency of heroin and lead quickly to fatal respiratory depression. It may also compound the toxic influence of cocaine. Some buyers may hear of certain brands of heroin as being potent or a strong high and use it ... continue reading -
Overdosed
The United States is experiencing an epidemic of drug overdose deaths: every year, nearly 44,000 lives are tragically lost, with more than half of the fatalities caused by prescription drugs. We've analyzed the latest government data to find out why ...
... the type of drug involved. Heroin is most gender-biased, with 77.1% of overdoses involving men, followed by cocaine (72.3% men), and then prescription drugs (56.6% men). Opioid analgesic overdoses, which is a subcategory ... 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 ...
... very similar to those of illicit drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine . Specifically, stimulants cause a buildup ... difficult to stop. The Withdrawal Process Withdrawal symptoms are variable and depend on factors like ... continue reading -
12-Step Recovery Programs and Support Groups for Addiction
12-Step recovery programs have become an integral aspect of maintaining sobriety post-addiction. 1 They usually operate on the basis of abstinence while creating a community of people who are living sober lives. 1 A 12-Step program helps establish ...
... using drugs and alcohol. Find Meetings Near You Adult Children of Alcoholics Al-Anon/Alateen Cocaine Anonymous Crystal Meth Anonymous Co-Anon Co-Dependents Anonymous Heroin Anonymous Marijuana Anonymous Nar-Anon Pills ... continue reading -
Drugs and Devotion
Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Why do some people seem compelled to experiment and others live their entire lives without ever taking a single puff, snort, sniff, or dose of an illicit substance? Thanks to decades of social studies, we now know ...
... more surprising, though, is that the drug with the smallest gap - smaller even than alcohol - was crack cocaine. 42% of crack users attended a religious service, compared with 38.4% of nonusers. We've added more evidence ... 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 ...
... from 8,200 the previous year. 3 Signs and Symptoms of Heroin Overdose Overdosing on heroin is potentially lethal and ... that somewhat opposes the effects of heroin . Because cocaine, for example, is a stimulant and heroin ... continue reading -
Country vs. City Addictions: Are They Different?
Urban and rural addicts don't seem to have a whole lot in common, according to a report published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). In gathering data for this particular study, researchers looked at addiction ...
... city addicts say heroin is their drug of choice (vs. 3.1 percent in the country), while 11.9 percent claim cocaine as a drug of choice (vs. 5.6 percent rural). Rural addicts began using drugs at a younger age (between 15 ... continue reading -
30 Famous Celebrities Who Have Done Drugs and Battled Addiction and Alcoholism
1. Drew Barrymore Former child star Drew Barrymore's drug abuse in her teenage years found her controversial fame, including two trips to rehab that motivated her to get back on track with her career. 2. Mary-Kate Olsen “Full House” actress ...
... . Tatum O'Neal As a result of dealing with her mentally unstable mother, Oscar winner Tatum O'Neal turned to cocaine by age 20. 20. Johnny Depp Johnny Depp became a heavy drinker simply because of his claim to fame . He ... continue reading -
Instagram, Drugs, and Rock ‘n’ Roll
The Growth of Concerts and Music Festivals One of the most notable trends in music today is the growth of the music festival. As artists look to supplant revenue lost from declining sales of recorded music, music festival appearances serve as a way ...
... 149 mentions. Coming next was MDMA, or Molly, with 25,605 posts, followed by marijuana with 9,705, and cocaine with 4,779. Other mentions of general terms, such as “drugs” and “tripping,” combined to be the fourth-ranked ... continue reading -
Concurrent Alcohol and Bath Salts Abuse
Bath Salts: A Dangerous Synthetic Drug Even though few people mention “bath salts” when they discuss addictive drugs, this new drug has grown astronomically in popularity over the past several years. “Bath salts” are far from the salts you ...
... a craving for the euphoria again. Signs and Symptoms If you are wondering if someone you love is ... you can begin to grasp the toxicity of these drugs (cocaine and amphetamines often have a purity level under 50%). Another ... 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 ...
... stimulants include: Methamphetamine (or crystal meth ). Cocaine . In the brain, dopamine is involved ... they feel sick or experience other uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms when they stop using the substance suddenly. This ... 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 ...
... with coca leaves. The active ingredient of this beverage was cocaine, which undoubtedly played a huge role in Edison's chronic insomnia. Learn more about the signs and symptoms of drug abuse . How to Find Help for Drug ... 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 ...
... drug deal. 2. Eddie Nash Eddie Nash was a cocaine trader in the film Wonderland. A kingpin of the Los ... film about the drug trade in Miami, and it's a coked-up Tony Montana who gets the insane label. Played by Al Pacino ... continue reading -
Making Sense Out of the Confusing World of Ritalin
Sharon is at another meeting with her son's teacher. Aiden's teacher says he's unfocused and disruptive in class. Sharon knows her son behaves the same way at home. Last night's battle over homework fresh in her mind - and she doesn't know what to ...
... , brain hemorrhage, hair loss, growth stunting, seizures or stroke. Can My Teen Abuse It? Ritalin is similar to cocaine in its chemical make-up. In fact, it's classified by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as a ... continue reading
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