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 […]
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 […]
HOW ALCOHOL WITHDRAWAL WREAKS HAVOC ON YOUR BODY
Alcohol withdrawal is a clinical syndrome which affects people who are only accustomed to regular alcohol intake; it occurs when either alcohol consumption is decreased, or they quit drinking completely. In these cases, the central nervous system adjusts to the constant presence of alcohol in the body and compensates for the alcohol’s depressive effects on […]
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 […]
IDENTIFYING ANTABUSE AND ITS PROPERTIES
Antabuse is not an addictive medication; it is a part of a group of medications called “antidipsotropic medications” that are designed to have an anti-drinking effect. When combined with alcohol, Antabuse produces unpleasant and severe reactions: lowered blood pressure, nausea, and vomiting. The primary goal is to develop an aversion towards alcohol, and help individuals […]
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 […]
Understanding LGBTQ Stats on Substance Abuse and Addiction
If you’re a member of the LGBTQ community, you already know that LGBTQ folks face far more hardships than straight people do. You may not be surprised to learn that LGBTQ people are twice as likely to abuse drugs as straight people. But the stats go a lot further than that. The LGBTQ community […]
