Prescription antidepressants are no small thing to mess with. It is not easy to just stop taking it because it may have unknown side effects. Sometimes people experience dependence or addiction without realizing it happened. Find out a way to switch depression medication safely. Proper Protocol Stopping medication too abruptly can cause a person to…
Anabolic steroids are still out there and they are devastating lives. These synthetic derivatives of testosterone can promote growth of skeletal muscle and increase lean body mass. They are produced for legal prescriptions but most people are using them illegally and may become addicted. Learn more about anabolic steroids and how they are impacting people’s…
Depressants are drugs that inhibit function of the central nervous system (CNS) and are among the most widely used drugs in the world. These drugs operate by impacting neurons in the CNS, which leads to symptoms like drowsiness, relaxation, decreased inhibition, anesthesia, sleep, coma, even death. Addiction is a possibility with them and, over time,…
The difference between addiction and dependence can be difficult to understand. Some organizations have different definitions and may even abandon these terms because ‘substance use disorder’ is being used more frequently. However the terms are used, addiction and dependence are key terms in understanding how a person comes to struggle with substance use. Addiction Addiction…
Codependency is a term used when people struggle with substance use and seek the approval of others to find self-worth, validation, protection, and identity. Codependency develops before a person even realizes it has happened. This may negatively impact recovery by not making a priority of taking care of themselves. Learn how codependent behaviors can derail…
Chronic pain impacts about one-third of Americans, and many take prescription opioid medications. Using drugs can cause addiction or lead to an overdose. A new way to reduce pain and lower the incidence of painkiller abuse in people with chronic pain. Mindfulness therapy trains people to alter their response to pain, stress, and drug-related cues.…
Addiction is a disease that attacks all aspects of human psychology and physiology. The consequences of addiction are severe and can cause fatal lung and heart conditions. Addiction affects mental health and can elevate symptoms of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Gaining insight into the complex nature of…
Many people buy medication from online pharmacies. While this is convenient for the consumer, many of the pharmacies online are illegal. These rogue pharmacies can be dangerous to the consumer. People who use online pharmacies for their medication risk receiving medication that is expired, contaminated, or counterfeit. The consumer is at risk of serious health…
Benzodiazepines (benzos) are a type of medication known as tranquilizers that are commonly prescribed to treat anxiety, insomnia, alcohol withdrawal, seizures, and muscle tension. Benzos such as Xanax, Ativan, Valium and other anti-anxiety medication are designed for short-term use, usually a few weeks or months, since they are highly addictive. Benzos are commonly abused, although…
Fentanyl is an extremely potent and addictive opioid that leads to health complications, overdose, and death. Overdose is common with fentanyl abuse because users build a high level of tolerance in a very short time. Medical professionals use fentanyl for patients as a form of pain management, but many people who are addicted to painkillers…