Methamphetamine is an extremely addictive psychostimulant drug. Tolerance to meth can be developed quickly, leading a meth user to depend on more and more of the substance to feel its effects. As tolerance increases and larger quantities of the drug are taken, physical dependence and addiction develop. Meth produces an intense but short-lived high that…
Not everyone is aware that there are medication-assisted treatment (MAT) options for alcoholism. It’s important to keep in mind that these treatment options are not a cure for an alcohol use disorder (AUD). Medications are used to help individuals who struggle with alcoholism get their lives back on track. This is similar to the way…
There are many risks and dangers of combining substances. One of the original uses for the term “speedballing” specifically referred to the combination of cocaine and heroin. The meaning of “speedballing” has shifted over time but the basic concept remains. In the case of cocaine and heroin, an individual is abusing a combination of a…
There are many methods to wean off, reduce, or cease alcohol consumption. The utility value of tips is somewhat based on if an individual only has the occasional drink, has a daily habit of drinking within moderation, has an alcohol use disorder (AUD) or a full-blown alcohol addiction. A basic method involves time of day….
When it comes to alcohol abuse, there are many short-term and long-term affects that can accompany an addiction to drinking. However, there are notable warning signs of alcohol abuse that can help you understand when it’s time to take your recovery seriously. Alcoholism, or an alcohol use disorder, is one of the most prevalent addictions…
The effects of smoking crack cocaine are immediate and intense, but short-lived. This fleeting high, in combination with the drug’s drastic comedown, quickly produces a desire to use more and more of the substance. This creates a high potential for overdose. Crack cocaine has a number of harmful side-effects, both short-term and long-term. In addition…
When a person has been using drugs habitually, their body begins to adapt to the effects of those substances, and develops a physical and psychological dependence on it. If they stop taking the substance, they will likely experience uncomfortable symptoms and intense cravings for a period of time, known as withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms range in…
If you or a loved one are using heroin, it is important to be aware of the risks and symptoms associated with heroin withdrawal, as well as what to do if experiencing them. Heroin is a central nervous system depressant, classifying it as a downer. As an opioid, heroin binds to opioid receptors in the…
Prescription use is prevalent in the United States, with approximately 66 percent of adults currently on at least one medication. Due to medical advances within the last few decades, there are medications to treat or remedy almost any disorder, infection, or disease. Despite the many benefits of prescribed substances, they can be difficult to taper…
In 2017, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared the level of opioid addiction in the United States to be a public health crisis. This began in the 1990s after pharmaceutical companies assured medical professionals that their opioid painkillers were not addictive, and doctors began prescribing them more frequently. As a result, millions…
