Opioid overdoses caused more than 42,000 deaths in 2016, and that number is climbing each and every year. Opioids are commonly prescribed as pain pills, specifically for pain that is associated with injury or trauma. For example, after a car accident or to help someone recover from surgery. While opioids are incredibly helpful when it…
Depressant drugs affect the central nervous system, slowing down brain activity. They’re used to treat many different conditions in a prescription form, such as insomnia, anxiety, panic attack, stress, pain, and seizures. They work by affecting neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), calming down the mind and body. While these drugs, such as benzodiazepines and sleeping pills…
Stimulants are incredibly addictive no matter the type, as they affect the part of the brain that regulates pleasure. Stimulant abuse is common amongst those who take prescription stimulants like Adderall on a regular basis. Adderall is often prescribed for ADHD and may cause addiction or dependence. Adderall is also used as a party drug…
If you struggle with alcoholism, every day may feel like an uphill battle. To stay sober, you have to learn coping mechanisms, triggers, and so much more about yourself. You have to face mental health issues head-on and identify why exactly you turned to alcohol in the first place. For some, it can feel completely…
If you’re the kind of person who likes to sample all the different beers at breweries and always keep a six-pack or two in the fridge, you might be concerned about alcohol dependence. Is it okay to drink a beer or two with dinner every night? What constitutes heavy drinking? What puts you at risk…
Cocaine and crack cocaine are known for being addictive and pose a huge risk for addiction. Developing a cocaine addiction occurs over time, but it varies depending on the person. For example, if you have a history of addiction, you may find yourself growing dependent on cocaine faster than others. Crack cocaine is also known…
The term “sober bar” may sound like an oxymoron– after all, bars are historically known for only one consistent thing, which is the presence of alcoholic beverages. But in recent years, the wellness trend of low-alcohol and no-alcohol beverages has sparked a new kind of social space in cities around the world: sober bars. What…
Drug addiction in North Carolina is, unfortunately, common. In 2018 alone, there were 67,367 deaths as a result of abused drugs and overdose. The most common causes of drug overdose were opioids, including fentanyl and heroin. In total, opioids caused nearly 15,000 drug overdoses in 2018. However, while the opioid crisis is raging on in…
Benzodiazepines (often referred to as benzos) are prescribed widely throughout the United States to treat anxiety and panic disorder. Unfortunately, benzo abuse is common, as these drugs are known to be highly addictive, quickly causing dependence in those who use them frequently. One study shows that benzodiazepines were prescribed for 27 out of every 100…
There are many factors involved in alcohol dependence. Some who are at high risk of developing alcohol use disorder (AUD) often worry about how easy it would be for them to become addicted. However, whether you’re at high-risk or low risk for alcohol addiction, it’s still possible to become addicted. It’s important to know the…
