Knowing what to say to a friend or loved with a drug addiction can be challenging. But, if you’re like most people, you probably mean well but don’t realize that some comments and statements cause more harm than good. What’s more, people struggling with drug addiction often are sensitive, emotional, and insecure about their situation, especially in …
What Not to Say to Someone With a Drug Addiction Read More »
Heroin is a highly addictive drug that is processed from morphine, which comes from the seedpod of the opium Asian poppy plant. Its use is a serious problem in the United States. Recent studies suggest a shift from injecting heroin to snorting or smoking because of increased purity and the misconception that these forms of use will not lead …
In the past, addiction was thought of as resulting from the ingestion of an “addictive” substance, such as heroin or pain killers. These substances were considered to have almost magical powers, rendering the user powerless over their consumption, regardless of context and circumstances such as the stress being experienced by the user. The DSM-IV definition of substance dependence focused on the physiological effects …
One of the most common reasons Americans visit their doctors is to get help with pain relief. Pain causes distress and can even be debilitating. Doctors sometimes prescribe opioid pain relievers to their patients who are in pain. While these drugs can provide much-needed relief, they also have the potential for misuse and addiction. How …
The 10 Most Addictive Pain Killers: Why These Drugs Are Often Addictive Read More »
If you’re in recovery from a substance use disorder, you already know how much work it took to get there, and you’ll want to do everything possible to avoid having a relapse. It may seem that relapse is the last thing that could happen to you, but the truth is they are very common for …
Suboxone is a prescription medication used to treat opioid addiction. When used as directed, it relieves the symptoms of opioid withdrawal without getting you high. Suboxone also reduces opioid cravings, which goes a long way toward preventing relapse. Many recovering addicts take it for months, or even years, after they stop getting high. While it doesn’t …
Substance abuse disorder—which is referred to as substance use disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)—is a chronic and complex disorder involving the continued use of drugs or alcohol (substances) despite significant substance-related problems. Quitting is not a matter of willpower, nor is it a simple choice. This is because …
Opioids (or opiates) are a class of drugs that are either made from the opium poppy or are artificially synthesized to function like these “natural” opioids. Opioids work by binding to specific protein receptors in the brain and spinal cord, significantly diminishing the pain signals being sent to the brain and dampening the perception of pain. …
Certain strong medications that are typically only available by prescription can run the risk of addiction if misused. Prescription drug misuse is using a drug in a way that was not intended by the person who prescribed it, or using it without a prescription. Misuse becomes abuse when a person experiences consequences of drug use. This article discusses …
Signs and Symptoms of Prescription Drug Addiction Read More »
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. It can be caused by a variety of toxins (such as drugs or alcohol), autoimmune conditions, or pathogens (including viruses, bacteria, or parasites). Viral hepatitis is caused by a family of viruses labeled A, B, C, D, and E. To learn more about the route of transmission and prognosis for …
Viral Hepatitis—A Very Real Consequence of Substance Use Read More »
