Cocaine — or at least the coca leaves from which this drug is derived — has been in use since 3,000 BCE in Central and South America when the stimulant and euphoric qualities were valued, often in ceremonial uses. Eventually, cocaine’s effectiveness was discovered — as a topical anesthetic and also as a vasoconstrictor during…
There are moments in life that we don’t really notice when they happen. For example, when drinking stops being an occasional indulgence and becomes a problem. It’s often not until much later, when the problem has become a life-altering disease known as addiction, that we realize what has happened. At Pennsylvania Adult & Teen Challenge…
It’s important to understand the difference between methamphetamine and crystal meth. Methamphetamine is a Schedule II synthetic drug. On the other hand, crystal meth is a highly purified form of methamphetamine that is created specifically for illicit use. The intense stimulant effects of crystal meth, its extreme addictiveness, and the fact that it is easy…
About seven out of 10 people will experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetimes. No one is unaffected by trauma and some experience severe emotional and psychological fallout. It is estimated that about 12 million Americans have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, trauma-induced mental health challenges, including PTSD, are treatable. Unfortunately, it often…
Addiction does not always fit into neat categories. In fact, most people who suffer from a substance use disorder regularly take more than one substance. Polysubstance abuse refers to the misuse of two or more substances taken in combination. There are several underlying risk factors for polysubstance abuse, but one of them is the presence…
Imagine a place where you could go to heal — a place that embodied everything you believe deeply about life, God, and spirit, and that reminded you in every moment of stillness and every moment of action that Christ has your back. A faith-based addiction program is such a place where you can safely begin…
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, meaning it is created in a laboratory. Like so many pharmaceutical drugs, fentanyl was originally intended exclusively for medical use. Unsurprisingly, this highly addictive opioid was abused and soon became available on the street. It is used by some drug dealers to increase the addictiveness of other substances, and regular…
A poison is defined as any substance that can enter your body and is harmful to it. Toxins can be swallowed, inhaled, absorbed, or injected. Poisoning always results in some level of illness and, depending on the toxin, can lead to death. Anyone who has experienced alcohol intoxication may be familiar with the day-after symptoms…
There are countless addictive substances out there. If someone you know is suffering from drug abuse and addiction, there are resources available. One potentially serious drug on which someone can get hooked is called PCP. PCP stands for phencyclidine, and this addiction is dangerous. There are plenty of PCP street names as well, including angel…
Fentanyl was first created by scientists in a medical lab for use in pain relief. In the approximately seven decades since, fentanyl has played a major role in the opioid epidemic. Like so many drugs originally intended for legitimate use, fentanyl is now available on the street, and its recreational use is illegal and dangerous.…