Heroin is a highly addictive opioid drug derived from morphine. There is no FDA-approved medical use for this potent drug, so any use of it is considered heroin abuse. As an illicit drug, heroin is obtained on the street and may be cut with other substances, like the even more powerful opioid, fentanyl. It is […]
Most prescription or illicit drugs fall into one of these four categories: depressants, stimulants, inhalants, or hallucinogens. Drugs are classified based on their effects on the mind and body. For example, depressants are named as such because they depress or slow down the functions of the central nervous system (CNS), while stimulants stimulate the system,
Some people’s addiction to opioids begins after receiving a prescription to treat chronic moderate to severe pain. Unfortunately, once someone is dependent on opioids, it is not so simple to stop using them. Opioid withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable enough to make abstinence feel impossible. The good news is there are ways to manage withdrawal
Treating and Managing Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms Read More »
Enjoying a drink or two on special occasions or having a glass of wine or beer with dinner can be relatively harmless for most people. But when alcohol consumption becomes heavier or more frequent, it can lead to dependence or reliance on the substance, which is generally an indication that a person needs to rethink
Polysubstance abuse, a term that describes using two or more substances simultaneously, can occur intentionally or unintentionally. Some people mix substances to achieve a more intense effect, such as using cocaine and alcohol at a party to elevate mood and lower inhibitions. On the opposite end, some people engage in polysubstance abuse without realizing it,
The start of a new year is the perfect time to reflect on your goals and what you want out of life. If you have been struggling with addiction and finding it difficult to quit drugs or alcohol, the beginning of a new year is the perfect time to develop a plan and put it
Methamphetamine, or meth, is a potent stimulant drug often used illicitly in the form of crystal meth, which, as the name suggests, resembles small crystals or rocks. Using the drug puts you at risk of various side effects, ranging in severity. One of the most detrimental mental health effects of methamphetamine is a condition known
Most people can remember a time in their lives when they behaved impulsively and faced negative consequences. Typically, people learn from these experiences and do their best not to act in haste or without weighing outcomes in the future. But what happens when people continue to follow their impulses excessively—regardless of the outcome? It could
Feeling Impulsive? It Could Be Your Mental Health Read More »
Valium, the brand name for the generic drug diazepam, is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety, sleep disorders, seizures, and muscle spasms. Although it can be incredibly beneficial to those struggling with these conditions, there are side effects to Valium one should be aware of before using this drug. Additionally, Valium abuse can lead to
Benzodiazepines (benzos) like Xanax are often prescribed to manage anxiety and related mental health issues. However, while Xanax can provide temporary relief, the side effects of Xanax use must be carefully considered. For those seeking mental health treatment, understanding these side effects and the potential for benzo abuse is vital to making informed decisions about