Methamphetamine, more commonly known as simply “meth,” is a highly addictive substance that’s abused by people all over the world. Meth is known for causing dependency quickly, sometimes after as little as single-use. It’s a stimulant, producing a rush of dopamine and pleasure chemicals into your brain. The amount of dopamine that meth abuse gives…
There are innumerable factors that can contribute to or exacerbate an existing addiction or even influence its conception. It’s easy to feel entirely at fault when you’re caught in the grips of a substance abuse disorder, but you should try to treat yourself with kindness. Everyone makes the wrong choice sometimes, and there may be…
Drug addiction can take many forms, and different drugs affect people differently. Recognizing signs of addiction means looking for changes in behavior, and in many situations, this includes a poor performance at work or school. However, not every substance is used in the same way. Study drugs have risen in popularity in the past decade,…
Prescription drugs like oxycontin can be used responsibly when a physician’s instructions are carefully followed, but caution should always be exercised. OxyContin is an addictive substance, and long-term abuse can have very serious consequences. OxyContin and other narcotic pain relievers are commonly prescribed after an injury or invasive surgery to help manage pain. Still, the…
When people discuss overdose, several specific drugs come up in conversation. Alcohol is seldom one of them, although it carries significant overdose risk, just like any other commonly-abused substance. Indeed, many people drink casually, but even a casual gathering can lead to alcohol poisoning. When you educate yourself on the dangers of alcohol poisoning, you’re…
Opiates, or substances derived from the opium chemical found in certain plants, are commonly used in prescription medications. The term “opiates” includes codeine, oxycontin, morphine, and some others. They can be confused with “opioids,” which are synthetic substances that mimic the effects of opium. Opiates and opioids can be prescribed in several situations, including major…
A substance abuse disorder is a difficult cross to bear for anyone, but the weight can become even more pressing when combined with another mental illness. Many people who struggle with addiction also suffer from a co-occurring disorder, and these two factors often exacerbate each other. Because of this, it’s important to seek treatment for…
Lately, there’s a lot of talk about how dangerous fentanyl is and how addictive a substance it can be. But what exactly is it, and how does fentanyl work? It’s a controlled substance, and it’s sometimes prescribed by doctors when a patient is in severe levels of pain. Fentanyl is made from opioids like morphine…
When you use an addictive substance recreationally, it can be difficult to notice when recreation ends, and dependency begins. You may think that you’re not addicted and that you only use a substance to have fun but feel anxious when you don’t have access to the substance. Addiction is a road that many people have…
It’s easy to start drinking. In today’s society, it’s considered a rite of passage to have your first drink, and social culture almost seems to revolve solely around alcohol and how best to consume it. People drink heavily on holidays, have champagne or shots to celebrate a win, turn to a glass of whiskey to…