Addiction is a disease that affects over 20 million Americans each year. People can be vulnerable to addiction either because of genetic propensity, social pressures, mental health challenges, or a combination of these and other factors. If you or someone you love is struggling with a substance use disorder (SUD), help is available. Professional treatment…
Prescription painkillers have played a major role in the opioid epidemic since the introduction of oxycodone, or Oxy, in the 1990s as an allegedly safe and non-addictive pain-reliever. In time, it became clear that Oxy is as addictive as other opioids, and the spike in the abuse of prescription pain medications at that time was…
Heroin has been around for a long time. Long before the opioid crisis sparked by a flood of synthetic opioids onto the legal pharmaceutical and street markets, heroin had been derailing lives and damaging families. Dependence, addiction, and overdose are stepping stones on the path of heroin abuse. There are treatments available and facilities where…
Opioids are synthetic drugs produced originally in the medical labs of pharmaceutical companies. Opioids have chemical profiles like opiates and narcotics derived from poppies like opium, morphine, and heroin. The term opioid is an umbrella term that includes all opioids and opiates. Originally intended only for medical use, opioids soon leaked out of the mainstream…
In the past, people of all ages used cocaine because they believed it was safe for unregulated consumption. Cocaine, derived from the coca plant, could be found in over-the-counter medications, family remedies, and even the original Coca-Cola recipe. Eventually, all that changed. Medical professionals understood its highly addictive qualities and began to use it legally…
Methamphetamine is a stimulant drug that shares characteristics with amphetamines. However, because more of the drug reaches the brain with meth than other amphetamines, it is more powerful and far more addictive. Unfortunately, meth is commonly manufactured illegally in pop-up at-home labs and distributed on the streets. About one and a half million Americans over…
There are receptors in the brain that interact with the body’s endogenous opioids. These are naturally produced and help your body control pain and balance moods. Some people turn to heroin to ramp up their pain tolerance or to get high. When they do, the brain stops being able to produce natural opioids and other…
Fear of withdrawal makes many people with an opioid use disorder hesitate to enter rehab for opioid addiction. Removing all traces of a powerful drug from the body is no easy thing. However, medically supervised opioid addiction detox can ease withdrawal’s physical, mental, and psychological challenges. If you seek an opioid detox center in Pennsylvania,…
Spring break. Almost by definition, this post-winter time off is an opportunity to let loose and celebrate. Many usually think of college kids convening on Florida beach towns or Colorado ski resorts to celebrate being outside, unscheduled, and free. Another common image conjured by the words spring break is one of alcohol consumption and drug…
Meth addiction touches the lives of over two million Americans every year. This drug, easily manufactured and sold illegally, is one of the most addictive and damaging in existence. A meth abuse rehab center is your best and safest choice if you struggle with a meth use disorder. Meth addiction treatment at Pennsylvania Adult and…