Is fentanyl an opioid? Yes, and it’s one of the most potent opioids available. Unfortunately, fentanyl abuse and addiction are surging, making it a leading cause of overdose deaths in the United States. According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), over 107,000 people lost their lives to drug overdoses in 2023, with opioids like […]
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Percocet® is a Schedule II controlled substance, but some people think it doesn’t pose serious addiction risks. Because it contains acetaminophen as well as oxycodone, 10 mg of Percocet® has a slightly lower percentage of the opioid than 10 mg of pure oxycodone, often sold by the brand name OxyContin®. However, it isn’t a good
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From its synthesis from the South American coca plant in the mid-19th century, cocaine has captivated people across all levels of society. It was initially used in medical applications and lauded by people like Sigmund Freud for its benefits in lifting mood in his melancholic patients. It was readily available in over-the-counter (OTC) tonics and
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As interest in ketamine rises for both medical and recreational use, the risk of misuse grows alongside it. Understanding the side effects of ketamine use and the signs of ketamine abuse is an essential first step in protecting your health or helping someone else. You’re not alone—and you’re not without options—if you or someone you
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The term “opioid” refers to a wide range of substances, including natural opiates derived from the opium poppy plant (Papaver somniferum) and synthetic drugs like fentanyl and oxycodone, which scientists create in laboratories. They all bind with the same opioid receptors in the brain and have similar effects. The main difference among the various opioids
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Marijuana is legal in about half of the United States—but it’s still a psychoactive drug derived from a particular strain of the cannabis plant (Cannabis sativa). Like alcohol, it’s considered by many to be safer than meth, opioids, or cocaine. However, since people can abuse cannabis, experience negative side effects, and struggle to quit, it
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Xanax® is the brand name for one of many benzodiazepines (benzos). These tranquilizers are used for medical purposes to treat mental health issues like anxiety, but their use can lead to abuse, dependence, and addiction. Benzo abuse is concerning because it can lead to serious consequences based on its sedative effects. Taking too much or
Alcohol is legal, common, and readily available. Most homes have some form of liquor in a cabinet, and in many states, alcohol is sold in grocery stores and gas stations. But we also know that despite its use in social settings and celebrations, alcohol is an addictive substance. About 29.8 million Americans have an alcohol
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Methamphetamine (meth) is a highly addictive drug with potentially severe risks if taken chronically. However, meth addiction treatment can successfully help you or someone you care about begin a successful recovery. An inpatient and medically supervised detox program can successfully manage meth withdrawal symptoms. After detox, evidence-based therapies and supportive modalities can result in long-lasting
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Heroin is a highly addictive opiate derived from the opium poppy. People have used opium since the 16th century, but scientists first created heroin for medical applications in the mid-1800s. At that time, researchers discovered it to be the strongest drug in its class and even more addictive than opium or morphine. The opioid umbrella
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