Drug Addiction

A person does not have to drink every day to develop problems with alcohol. Alcoholism is not defined by how often you drink but is more about the reasons you drink. A person who does not stop drinking, even when they face negative consequences, can have problems with alcohol. When a person drinks beyond his [...]

A gateway drug is a substance that leads to the use of a more potent one. Marijuana has been labeled a gateway drug because people who use it often move on to use harder drugs that release a more intense feeling of euphoria. Alcohol and nicotine are also gateway drugs. Many adolescents start with alcohol

Alcohol poisoning, also known as alcohol overdose, occurs from excessive drinking within a short time. In an article on alcohol abuse, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism explained, "Alcohol poisoning occurs when there is so much alcohol in the bloodstream that areas of the brain controlling basic life-support functions—such as breathing, heart rate,

Benzodiazepines (benzos) are a class of medications often prescribed to treat anxiety disorders, insomnia, alcohol withdrawal, 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. Deane Alban wrote an article on anti-anxiety drugs and said,

Methamphetamine, also known as meth, crystal meth, crystal, Crissy, Tina, crank, speed, shards, glass, and ice is a highly addictive stimulant drug that comes in the form of a powder and can be made into a pill or a shiny rock. The powder can be eaten or snorted and can also be mixed with liquid

Addiction and addictive behaviors have devastating effects on the lives of people who suffer with the addiction as well as loved ones. Addiction leads to severe physical and mental health problems. Relationships with loved ones are negatively impacted. Drugs, alcohol, or addictive behaviors take priority over family and friends. Some people suffer from an addiction

Taking opioids with benzodiazepines (benzos) is extremely dangerous and can be deadly. Opioids, such as Vicodin or oxycodone are used to treat moderate to severe pain. Benzos are used to treat anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, insomnia, and muscle tension. The most commonly prescribed benzos are Xanax and Valium. Mixing opioids with benzos increases the risks of

Methadone is a medication used to treat addiction to opioids such as painkillers and heroin. Methadone helps lessen withdrawal symptoms from opioid abuse. The withdrawals are less intense and the methadone provides a more comfortable detox experience. It is designed for short-term use to slowly wean a person off opioids. Although methadone has been used

Cocaine is a drug that is smoked, injected, or inhaled and immediately affects the brain. Neurotransmitters in the brain rapidly release dopamine, which causes pleasurable feelings. When levels of dopamine drop, withdrawal symptoms start. Unpleasant withdrawal symptoms lead the person to use cocaine again and more often. Cocaine is a highly addictive drug. A person

Addiction can happen to anyone. It does not discriminate or affect only one particular demographic. Unfortunately, there is a stigma about addiction. The stigma is a false perception that people who struggle with addiction are homeless, lower class, and uneducated. This stigma negatively affects a person's self-esteem, relationships, and lessens the possibility of him or