THE JOURNEY FROM COCAINE TO INSOMNIA
A person who struggles with an addiction to cocaine may find it hard to find any enjoyment in life without the drug, so they begin abusing it more often in an attempt to feel better. The more frequently a person uses cocaine, the less sleep they get. Many people who use cocaine develop an accompanying, […]
SIDE EFFECTS OF CRYSTAL METHAMPHETAMINE
Crystal methamphetamine, (also known as crystal meth) is a potent, illegal, and extremely addictive drug that negatively affects your central nervous system. It looks a lot like clear crystal chunks, or very similar to a shiny, blue-tinted white rock. Also known as glass or ice, it is a well-known party (club) drug. Normally it […]
THE TOXICITY OF ACID DRUGS
Acid is the street name for LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) which comes in the form of a liquid, in capsules or tablets, or on small sheets of paper. Acid doesn’t have a color or smell, but has a slightly bitter taste and is used to bring about hallucinations. LSD is classified as Schedule I under […]
THE EERINESS OF ECSTASY
Ecstasy (also known as MDMA) is often used leisurely, because of its psychoactive effects. People who take it are drawn towards it because it ignites positive emotions (euphoria, heightened sensations, etc.). This drug causes every sensation of touch, light, and sound to be greatly intensified, thus making it popular at parties and concerts. Ecstasy can […]
COMING OUT VICTORIOUS IN RECOVERY
What exactly makes up a successful recovery from substance abuse and addiction? Is it just checking into rehab? Is it quitting cold turkey? In reality, recovery is mainly defined on an individual basis. Yet there exists a key concept that leads to success: individualized assessment, then treatment. There are numerous different opinions among experts regarding […]
OPIOID OXYCONTIN: THREE MAJOR WAYS IT’S HARMFUL
From health risks to the spread of disease, abusing OxyContin can produce regrettable consequences. OxyContin is the commercial name for the opioid/opiate medication oxycodone; it affects the brain in ways that cause euphoria and relaxation, a primary reason the drug is widely abused. Anyone who takes OxyContin (even as directed, coupled with a prescription) runs […]
MAKING WISE DECISIONS WITH ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION IN RECOVERY
It is often said that old habits die hard. Despite working hard to recover and even making good progress, the thought of having a drink here or there may surface in your mind. This temptation alone may make it harder to reach your destination. Are there truly any pros to drinking during recovery? There […]
ACKNOWLEDGING AND COPING WITH NICOTINE ADDICTION
No matter what route it’s administered through, nicotine has been known to produce psychoactive effects (mood swings, positive reinforcement, and then, unfortunately, addiction). Tobacco smoke inhalation is the quickest and most efficient method of delivering nicotine to the brain. Less than 10 seconds after inhalation, roughly 25% of it reaches your brain, a rate nearly […]
MASQUERADE WITH MORPHINE
The power of morphine as a narcotic painkiller used to manage moderate to severe chronic pain, is a well-known fact. It binds to opiate receptors in the brain and changes the body’s perception of pain. However, morphine can also carry a strong potential for abuse, leading to these three main points: euphoric mood, tolerance, and […]
HOW THE ABUSE OF OXYCODONE AFFECTS YOUR BODY
Oxycodone is a drug that contains highly addictive properties. After using it for a period of time, your body builds up tolerance and grows to depend on it for normal everyday functioning. Oxycodone also alters the manner in which your brain functions; it brings about feelings of euphoria, which is the main reason why people […]