Do you find yourself reaching for a drink or taking drugs when uncomfortable emotions hit? If so, you're not alone. Having a glass of wine, a few beers or even a couple of tokes off a joint aren't just common ways to deal with stress, anxiety, and depression; they're widely viewed as being both safe and socially ... Read More
Search Results for: opioid
One Scary Aspect of Withdrawal That You Need to Be Prepared For: The Emotional Dimensions of Detox
When you're in detox, you might expect some physical symptoms of withdrawal, but the emotional symptoms might catch you unaware. The psychological effects of withdrawal can make detox more difficult and can even make you avoid or procrastinate entering a treatment program. According to the National Institutes of ... Read More
Drug Profile: OxyContin
"OxyContin" is a type of painkiller that may be prescribed for the treatment of acute pain as well as some forms of chronic pain. OxyContin is the brand name for the drug "oxycodone hydrochloride." It’s sometimes referred to as "oxycodone OxyContin" as a result. The drug is an opioid and a narcotic, which means it can ... Read More
Drug Profile: Spice and K2
Years ago, savvy manufacturers were marketing "K2" and "Spice" as a safer alternative to cannabis. Today, these synthetic designer drugs promising to mimic the effects of THC have proven to be far more dangerous than their organic counterparts. The K2 drug has made headlines over the years for causing acute ... Read More
At Sixes and Sevens: The Overlap of Alcoholism & Gambling
One of the issues that makes addiction more complex than some other chronic diseases is the potential for addiction to more than one substance or behavior at one time or for two addictions to play off of each other in dangerous ways. Such connections are common with addictions to gambling and alcohol. These ... Read More
How Much Is Healthy: Alcohol and the Myth of the Happy Medium
Imagine what would happen if a pharmaceutical company tried to introduce a new drug today: one that's known to inhibit the central nervous system and depress both physical and psychological activity even when taken in small doses. Add to that the fact that this new drug triggers the release of naturally ... Read More
Ativan: A Drug Profile
Ativan and other drugs like it can provide enormous relief to people suffering from anxiety and panic disorders. Unfortunately, Ativan also has a darker side, causing it to be part of a dangerous and sometimes even lethal group of substances. Ativan is a brand-name drug containing lorazepam, which is ... Read More
To Have and to Hold: Getting Help for a Painkiller-Addicted Spouse
Chronic pain is one of the most common causes of pain medication use. It also commonly leads to drug abuse, often simply because a person is trying to cope with the day-to-day pain they are experiencing. Addiction can follow, creating a life-threatening situation. If your loved one is using pain medications like this, ... Read More
