While some may consider the labels “alcoholism” and “alcohol dependence” to be outdated, alcohol abuse may still be an issue that requires treatment.If you’re seeking a distinction between alcoholism and alcohol dependence, you might be surprised to learn that the two have more resemblance than differences. In reality, the medical world has gradually shifted away…
When you use legal or illicit substances in ways you shouldn’t, you’re engaging in drug abuse. You might take more pills than prescribed or use someone else’s prescription. You may take drugs to make you feel better, relieve stress, or escape reality. However, you can generally modify your bad habits or quit using them entirely.…
What is Valium? Valium, which some know by its generic name as Diazepam, is a medication that is used to treat anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, and seizures. It is also used to treat muscle spasms and as a sedative prior to medical operations. This medicine relieves anxiety by calming the brain and nerves. Diazepam is a…
What are opioids? Opioids are a class of drugs commonly used to treat pain, cough, and other medical conditions. They can be derived from the opium poppy plant or synthesized in a laboratory. Opioids work by interacting with opioid receptors in the brain, producing feelings of pain relief, relaxation, and euphoria. There are several types…
Heroin is a highly addictive narcotic that alters the brain’s chemical balance and results in a ‘high’ feeling. As with any drug addiction, once heroin is introduced into the bloodstream it will take over your life. It will make you feel like you need more and more of it just to feel normal or even…
Alcohol detox starts with recognizing that you have an issue with alcohol. For those that suffer from alcohol addiction, alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence, stopping drinking is not easy – far from it. In fact, you should speak to a doctor about whether or not you should undergo alcohol detox. This process typically takes place…
What is marijuana? Marijuana, also known as weed, pot, grass, bud, herb, ganja, and mary jane, is the dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant.Marijuana has several components known as cannabinoids. Two of these components, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), have well-known effects on marijuana users. THC is known as the…
What is ketamine? Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that has been used in medical settings for decades. Classified as a Schedule III controlled substance in the United States and a Class B drug in the UK, ketamine works by blocking the action of glutamate, a neurotransmitter in the brain involved in pain perception, memory, and…
Valium, a central nervous system depressant, is essential in managing anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizure disorders. As a medication with the potential for dependency, understanding its proper use is essential. This guide breaks down how Valium offers relief, the importance of dosage adherence, and the risks involved, ensuring informed decisions for those prescribed this benzodiazepine.…
Cocaine addiction – how does it happen? Cocaine is a stimulant substance that improves focus and energy by flooding the brain with dopamine. Even a small dose of cocaine has a temporary stimulating effect on the body. It makes the person using it feel euphoric, energetic, talkative, and mentally alert. Other effects of using…