Many people feel that they would more comfortable going through the detox process alone and in their own home. However, self-detoxification is an extremely dangerous prospect and it is highly suggested that an individual enters into a treatment facility and receive medical supervision throughout the process. Withdrawal from certain substances can cause major health complication,…
Going to treatment is just the beginning of living a rewarding and happy life in sobriety. Many people attempting to recover from addiction and alcoholism make several attempts before they are finally able to live a life of sobriety. However, as opioid overdose rates skyrocket and the drug becomes more lethal with the introduction of…
Alcohol may be presumed a safe form of intoxication based on its legal status. However, alcohol is the third leading cause of preventable death in the United States. An estimated 88,000 men and women due from alcohol-related causes each year. Alcohol lowers inhibitions and cognitive functions, making intoxicated people more likely to engage in reckless…
Anabolic steroids are drugs or hormonal substances similar in composition to testosterone. They are used as a means of promoting muscle growth and increased athletic performance. Injection is the usual route of administration of anabolic steroids, either intravenously or intramuscularly, but there are also pills for oral administration of the drug. Steroids my increase muscle…
Dextromethorphan (DXM) is a synthetic drug used as a cough suppressant in many over-the-counter medications. When used at recommended dosage levels, DXM has few adverse effects. DXM is subject to abuse, however, and causes a variety of severe side effects at higher doses. DXM abuse carries a high risk of potential health consequences to both…
Methadone is a synthetic and long-acting narcotic analgesic often used to treat opioid addiction. Although methadone is an opioid, the mild and gradual onset is supposed to prevent users from experiencing euphoric effects and deter a user from using illicit opioids such as heroin. However, methadone is often abused and prolonged methadone use has been…
Crack is a freebase form of cocaine that is smoked. Smoking crack provides a brief but intense high because it reaches the brain more quickly than insufflating powder cocaine. Crack is a highly addictive drug that can lead to devastating physical and mental health consequences. Crack, the freebase form of cocaine, creates an increased risk…
Benzodiazepines are a class of psychoactive drugs with anxiolytic, sedative, hypnotic, anticonvulsant, and muscle relaxing effects. They are often prescribed because of their ability to provide immediate relief from anxiety and panic attacks. Benzodiazepines work by triggering tranquilizing chemicals, such as GABA, in the brain, which can be extremely helpful in preventing panic attacks, prolonged…
Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant that causes on to feel euphoric, energized, talkative, and mentally alert. The drug acts directly on the brain’s reward path, causing surges of dopamine responsible for the euphoric and pleasurable effects. The effects of cocaine are not without consequence. The brain changes caused by cocaine use quickly lead to…
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, according to the Center for Disease Control. Heart disease causes one in every four deaths in the United States—about 610,000 people every year. Excessive alcohol use is recognized by the CDC as a major risk factor in the…