Methamphetamine increases the dopamine levels in the brain. This is the body’s feel-good chemical. However, abusing the drug leads to several side effects of meth. Here’s what you might expect. Physical Side Effects of Meth Abuse Consistent use of the drug can lead to impaired neurons in the brain. This is of particular importance because…
Am I an alcoholic if I binge-drink? Are there other ways to tell if I have a problem with alcohol? It’s interesting to note that alcohol abuse doesn’t necessarily mean you have an addiction. Then again, it’s always a component of a use disorder. Am I An Alcoholic if I Abuse Alcohol? Binge-drinking means having…
What happens when you combine cocaine and alcohol, a stimulant and a depressant? Common sense tells you that they cancel each other out. However, that’s not actually the case. Here’s what really happens. Understanding Cocaine and Alcohol As a stimulant, cocaine makes you feel energetic. Some compare it to being on top of the world.…
What happens when you take heroin? What are the risks? Also, why do people keep using this highly addictive drug? Here’s what you need to know about the short and long-term heroin effects. Did the Opioid Hook You? Heroin is a semi-synthetic opioid. In the past, it had the reputation of being an inner-city drug.…
People use the terms interchangeably. However, chemically, there’s a difference when talking about opiates vs opioids. What are these drugs? How do they affect you? Opiates vs Opioids Natural derivatives from the poppy plant are opiates. They include opium, codeine, and morphine. They’re narcotics that have pain-reducing properties. In contrast, opioids are manmade narcotics. They…
It’s so tempting to try quitting alcohol cold turkey. You’re thinking of all the money you could save on detox! However, there are some genuine dangers if you decide to go ahead. Do you know what they are? What’s Alcohol Withdrawal Like? You wake up to the shakes. Maybe that’s normal for you right now.…
You might experience drug withdrawal symptoms even if you’re not trying to get clean. In fact, it’s the discomfort of these symptoms that contribute to the cycle of addiction. A men’s or women’s detox center can help you overcome addiction by easing you through the withdrawal process. People often relapse when they try to detox…
Drug rehab success rates statistics are hard to find because success is difficult to measure. It is hard for rehab centers to keep track of how many clients have stayed sober after treatment. The number of clients who complete treatment, on the other hand, is easier to measure. For publicly funded treatment centers, the completion…
In 2014, there were an estimated 4,022 morphine-related deaths. Approximately 1,090 of these cases involved mixing morphine with either heroin or oxycodone. What Is Morphine? Morphine is potent pain reliever used legally in the clinical setting, most notably in people with terminal cancer. Morphine is an opioid agonist. This means it blocks pain signals to…
A debate rages between the penal system and the mental health system. The question is how we handle addicted individuals who commit nonviolent crimes (such as carrying illegal substances). At the core of the debate, it’s rehab vs. prison for addiction having a showdown. But this debate is often held away from the plethora of…
