Most major U.S. public health institutions now recognize addiction as a disease, , such as the American Society of Addiction Medicine and the American Medical Association. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) states that drug addiction is “a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking, continued use despite harmful consequences, and long-lasting changes in the brain.”
Is Addiction a Disease or a Choice? Read More »
Xanax and Adderall are very different drugs with competing effects. They both have the potential for abuse and addiction. In some cases, physicians may prescribe them both for an individual, and if used as directed, there are no specific warnings against doing so. However, the abuse of either drug is not considered safe and should not be attempted by anyone regardless of whether they have a prescription or not.
Is It Safe to Combine Xanax and Adderall? Read More »
Xarelto (rivaroxaban) is a prescription blood thinner commonly used to prevent blood clots and heart dysrhythmia. Without treatment, these conditions can lead to strokes, and for these reasons, the use of Xarelto in many may be vital in saving a person from debilitating or life-threatening complications.
Xarelto and Alcohol Read More »
Virtually every medication, including Suboxone and Xanax, comes with the potential for side effects that can be compounded when multiple medications are combined. It’s not uncommon for those who have an opioid addiction to also struggle with anxiety, insomnia, or other problems that may warrant a benzodiazepine prescription.
Are Suboxone and Xanax Safe to Combine? Read More »
Downer drugs are central nervous system (CNS) depressants that slow activity in the brain and body. These drugs work by increasing the production of the neurotransmitter GABA. This chemical messager functions to reduce the activity of the neurons to which it binds. This action results in effects such as relaxation and drowsiness and sometimes decreased inhibition.
What Are Downer Drugs? Read More »
Reverse tolerance, also referred to as drug sensitization, is essentially the opposite of tolerance to drugs or alcohol. Tolerance develops when regular drinking or drug abuse induces changes in the brain’s structure and function, and metabolism adapts to the continuous presence of substances in the body.
Reverse Tolerance and Other Types of Tolerance Read More »
Dab drug is marijuana extract (primarily butane hash oil or BHO) that is ingested by smoking or vaping. “Dabbing” can be more dangerous than other types of marijuana use due to the potency of BHO.
Fentanyl is an opioid and prescription painkiller that is available as a pill, powder, tablet, spray, or sublingual (under the tongue) film. Time-release formulas of fentanyl are found as gel patches or lollipops, and hospitals sometimes use injectable forms. Illicit street versions of fentanyl are usually in powder form.
What Does Fentanyl Look Like? Read More »
In the United States, 61% of men and 51% of women report experiencing at least one traumatic event in their life. People who experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and have been exposed to traumatic events are at a heightened risk of developing an addiction to drugs or alcohol.
Trauma Recovery and Addiction Read More »
It is not always easy to identify an alcohol problem in a loved one. People with addiction issues can become masters at concealing and denying the severity of their addictive behavior.
Hiding Alcohol and Other Warning Signs of Alcoholism Read More »
