What Is Kratom? Kratom is a tropical tree—classified as Mitragyna speciosa—native to Southeast Asia. Consuming the leaves of kratom has psychotropic—or mind-altering—effects. Kratom leaves contain two major psychoactive compounds, which are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymytragynine. Currently, kratom is not illegal in the United States, but it is currently listed by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as…
What Is Xanax? Xanax is the brand name of a drug called alprazolam and is a prescription medication used primarily to treat anxiety and panic disorders. Xanax is the number one most prescribed psychiatric medication in the United States and is dispensed in a variety of doses in pill form. Xanax can reduce feelings of…
Crack—or crack cocaine—is a stimulant derived from powdered cocaine. Crack is created when cocaine is mixed with water and ammonia or baking soda, then boiled until the mixture solidifies. The substance is usually distributed in the form of a rock, which is a broken-off chunk of the solidified substance. Most often, crack cocaine is smoked,…
Long-term abuse of heroin and related opiates can cause irreversible damage to both a person’s body and mind. The psychological and emotional toll of substance abuse is problematic in and of itself. The psychological impact specific to heroin and opiates can result in what is commonly referred to as a narcotic haze. A “haze” is…
There are many signs to be on the lookout for if you believe someone may have developed an addiction to Adderall or a similar stimulant prescription medication. Adderall is a medication designed to treat those who have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Individuals who have ADHD tend to struggle with focus and controlling their behavior….
The opioid epidemic has made it apparent that an astounding amount of Americans are affected by this crisis. Even those who have not personally faced addiction are sure to know someone close to them who has struggled with the difficulties and negative consequences associated with the cycle of substance abuse. Oasis Recovery offers heroin addiction…
Individuals with a diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have an increased risk of falling prey to alcoholism. There are many reasons why alcohol would appeal to someone with ADHD. These reasons include that those treated for ADHD are often prescribed stimulant medications such as Adderall and Ritalin. Adderall and similar medications are stimulants…
There are many stereotypes about members of LGBTQ+, gay, and queer communities. Overall, the LGBTQ+ community is not more likely to engage in drug abuse than heterosexual people. Because those who identify as LGBTQ+ are more likely to face bullying, discrimination, bigotry, prejudice, as well as being a target for hate crimes, there is an…
Fentanyl—an extremely potent synthetic opioid—has been all over the news, and all over the illicit drug market, for several years now. Fentanyl was first developed in 1959, then was introduced in the 1960s as an intravenous anesthetic. Though it has been around for decades, its profound and fatal impact on humans didn’t really take off…
What Is Crystal Meth? Meth, short for methamphetamine, is a highly addictive stimulant that, with habitual use, can significantly impair cognitive function. Meth is usually found in the form of white powder, with no smell, but a bitter taste. Meth may also appear in pill form or crystallized form—which is also referred to as crystal…
