Almost everyone has heard about the high rates of opioid abuse, addiction, and overdose in the United States. If you’re currently taking prescription opioids or your doctor has discussed them with you, you may be wondering if you should take them. Opioids are highly addictive but for some people, they’re the best treatment option. You…
Many people mix drugs and alcohol either out of ignorance or in a deliberate attempt to intensify a high. Some people know the dangers of drinking and using illegal drugs but they don’t realize that prescription or over-the-counter medicines can also be dangerous. Mixing drugs and alcoholic beverages can lead to drowsiness, poor coordination, and…
Opioids are powerful drugs. Whether an individual uses prescription opioids like morphine or oxycodone or illegal drugs like heroin, it can lead to an overdose. If someone you know is overdosing, you need to know the signs so you can seek help. Opioid overdose can be fatal if the user doesn’t get the appropriate intervention…
You may be wondering, “What are bath salts?” A few years ago, there was lots of media attention surrounding bath salts, the common name given to synthetic cathinones. The drug was being linked to so-called face-eating cannibal attacks in the United Kingdom and the United States. Now that the media frenzy has died down, there…
If you’re ready to take the first step towards recovering from addiction, you may be unsure about what you should do. You may be wondering if you need to detox or if you need rehab. Perhaps you’re seeking professional help but determining exactly where to go is growing difficult. If you’re not sure if these…
MDMA is a synthetic psychoactive drug that’s used for recreational purposes. It affects mood and perception and provides feelings of pleasure, emotional warmth, and increased energy. MDMA rose to popularity in raves and the nightclub scene but it is now more widely used. It is more commonly known as molly or ecstasy. Molly is a…
Xanax abuse usually starts when people struggle with anxiety and panic disorders and become addicted to prescribed medications. In most cases they are often prescribed Xanax by their doctors. Xanax is used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic attacks and generalized anxiety disorders. Doctors may also prescribe it for conditions…
It is well known that psychotherapy often forms part of the recovery process for people struggling with addiction. While individual therapy for drug addiction is usually helpful, family therapy should not be overlooked. That’s because addiction doesn’t only affect the person who is using drugs. Usually, other members of the household and wider family struggle…
Is Codeine Addictive? At first glance, codeine can seem pretty harmless. It’s a prescription drug that doctors sometimes recommend for mild to moderate pain. It’s also the active ingredient in many well-known prescription cough medicines. While it has clear medicinal uses, codeine is an opioid. This means it’s the same type of drug as heroin,…
Alcohol is the most commonly abused substance in the United States and alcoholism affects millions of Americans. It can have a severe negative effect on an individual’s personal, social, professional, and even financial life. Alcoholism also affects those closest to the addict like the children or spouse. Children of alcoholics may feel embarrassed, scared and…
