Chronic pain is any type of pain that lasts more than 3 months, including arthritis, back pain, cancer pain, headache and muscle pain. It can affect any part of the body, and it may occur all the time or come and go with activity. Approximately 21% of adults in the United States suffer from chronic pain. Individuals ... Read More
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‘Fentanyl Fold’ and other terms being used to describe signs of use
How to Taper off Suboxone
Pain & the Mind: Addiction
Can You Be Addicted to Coffee?
If you're like most people, your day just doesn't start until you've had a cup of coffee. Its benefits are substantial: more energy, improved mood and better physical performance. But how many of your "caffeine addiction" jokes are steeped in reality? Is coffee addictive like other stimulating substances? Yes, and ... Read More
Can You Be Addicted to Sugar?
Sugar dependency shares many parallels with behavioral addiction. Although sugar isn't a drug, the cravings and withdrawals are similar to drug addiction. Sugar releases the feel-good hormone dopamine, which means the brain's reward center is activated whenever you reach for a sugary snack. This immediate release of ... Read More
Can You Be Addicted to Adderall?
Adderall is a drug made up of two central nervous stimulants, amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. People take this drug to improve their focus, reduce impulsivity and control behavior problems. Today, Adderall is one of the most commonly used prescription drugs in the United States. Still, that doesn't mean it doesn't ... Read More
What Is Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD)?
An estimated 5.5 million adults in the United States use hallucinogenic drugs. People who take hallucinogens may be hoping to escape their lives, reset their brains or have new experiences. While the drugs may provide these benefits, they can also cause side effects, including hallucinogen persisting perception ... Read More
Can You Be Addicted to Energy Drinks?
Energy drinks seem as harmless as a cup of coffee. Their marketing makes them appear to be a fun way to boost energy levels, improve concentration and achieve more with less sleep and rest. However, the harsh reality is that energy drinks aren't as innocent as they appear. Not only can the high caffeine levels increase ... Read More
What to Know About Combining Antibiotics and Alcohol
Antibiotics are among the most important life-saving inventions of modern medicine, but the effects of mixing antibiotics and alcohol are something many people are unaware of. To ensure antibiotics remain effective, it's vital that they're used only to treat the bacterial infections they're designed to fight and that ... Read More
Flu-Like Symptoms: A Sign of Drug Abuse?
In short, yes, flu-like symptoms can be a sign of drug abuse. (It's also important not to jump to conclusions, especially in this time of COVID-19 and the plethora of flu-type viruses that routinely make rounds among people of all ages.) Even so, if a person frequently suffers from flu-like symptoms and you notice ... Read More
