Fentanyl overdoses are increasing throughout the United States at an alarming rate. A powerful and dangerous opioid, fentanyl is frequently used in hospitals and prescribed for pain management, but illegal variants are often mixed into other substances to make them more potent and inexpensive. Fentanyl can rapidly lead to an accidental overdose, so we’ll explain…
Many people worry that they may become addicted to sleeping pills. Sleeping pills are often prescribed for the short-term treatment of severe insomnia. They fall into the category of sedative-hypnotics which also includes barbiturates (phenobarbital, pentobarbital) and benzodiazepines (Xanax, Klonopin). The most common sleeping pills are Ambien, Sonata, and Lunesta. They act on the same…
Can you experience suboxone withdrawals? Quitting opiates is no small feat. Nausea, diarrhea, sweats, chills, cravings, irritability, runny nose, sleepless nights, mood swings, headaches, cramps, and restless legs are terrifying prospects for someone who decides to get clean. Medical advances have led to the development of several medications used to treat opioid addiction, but how…
Can I overdose on Xanax? This is a question many people ask. Although it is a prescription drug, overdosing on this drug is very possible. Typically, the more potent a substance is, or the more it is taken, the more likely it is that an overdose will occur. If you or a loved one is…
The benefits you gain from living sober are worth the effort it takes to get there. Your mind is cleared and you can focus on other things besides alcohol and drugs. You can finish your tasks and take care of your responsibilities because you are no longer focused on seeking and using substances. Whether this…
If you’re concerned a loved one is abusing drugs, you may wonder, “What do track marks look like?” Heroin, an opiate, is one of the most commonly injected drugs. In the last decade, the number of individuals addicted to heroin who first injected heroin jumped from 8.7 percent to 33 percent. If you’re certain your…
What is the worst drug you ask? Both illicit and legal substances can be harmful when abused; however, not all drugs are created equally. While some substances merely impair, other drugs can have fatal consequences after only one use. Learn more about different types of dangerous drugs today. Not only are all drugs different, but…
North Carolina addiction treatment services provide low-income individuals with access to addiction and mental health care through Medicaid. These programs are accessible to Medicaid beneficiaries because they are administered by a Medicaid-managed care plan. More than two million people are covered by North Carolina Medicaid, the state’s health plan for low-income individuals, as of July…
Many people wonder: Does addiction run in the family? In truth, addiction is influenced by a variety of factors, including genetics. It is true that certain individuals may have a genetic predisposition to substance use disorders (SUDs), which are defined as uncontrollable substance use despite negative consequences, but having a genetic predisposition does not mean…
In recent years, people have begun researching just how addiction changes the brain. Since the 1930s, researchers thought that addictive behavior was caused by a moral shortcoming or lack of willpower. They believed that if addicts were punished or encouraged to quit their habits, they would be able to overcome their problems. However, the scientific…