Atlanta Recovery Center

Click on the drug below for more information:

Alcohol	Cocaine	Demerol	Effexor	Ketamine	Marijuana	Opiate	Percodan	Valium
Ambien	Codeine	Dexedrine/Adderall	GHB	Lortab Hydrocodone	Methamphetamine	Opium	Ritalin	Vicodin
Anabolic Steroids	Crack	Dilaudid	Heroin	LSD	Methadone	Oxycontin	Rohypnol	Xanax
Ativan	Darvocet	Ecstacy	Hydrocodone	Lunesta Eszopiclone	Morphine	Percoset	Ultram	Zoloft

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Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol Addiction or dependence, is defined as having at least 3 of the following signs: a tolerance for alcohol (needing increased amounts to achieve the same effect), withdrawal symptoms, taking alcohol in larger amounts that was intended or over a longer period of time than was intended, having a persistent desire to decrease or the inability to decrease the amount of alcohol consumed, spending a great deal of time attempting to acquire alcohol, and finally, continuing to use alcohol even though the person knows there are reoccurring physical or psychological problems being caused by the alcohol.

A cluster of physiological, behavioural, and cognitive phenomena in which the use of alcohol takes on a much higher priority for a given individual than other behaviours that once had greater value. A central descriptive characteristic of the dependence syndrome is the desire (often strong, sometimes overpowering) to take alcohol. There may be evidence that return to alcohol use after a period of abstinence leads to a more rapid reappearance of other features of the syndrome than occurs with nondependent individuals.

A definite diagnosis of dependence should usually be made only if three or more of the following have been experienced or exhibited at some time during the previous year:

a. a strong desire or sense of compulsion to take alcohol;

b. difficulties in controlling alcohol-taking behaviour in terms of its onset, termination, or levels of use;

c. a physiological withdrawal state when alcohol use has ceased or been reduced, as evidenced by: the characteristic withdrawal syndrome for alcohol; or use of the alcohol with the intention of relieving or avoiding withdrawal symptoms;

d. evidence of tolerance, such that increased doses of alcohol are required in order to achieve effects originally produced by lower doses (clear examples of this are found in alcohol-dependent individuals who may take daily doses sufficient to incapacitate or kill nontolerant users);

e. progressive neglect of alternative pleasures or interests because of alcohol use, increased amount of time necessary to obtain or take alcohol or to recover from its effects;

f. persisting with alcohol use despite clear evidence of overtly harmful consequences, such as harm to the liver through excessive drinking; efforts should be made to determine that the user was actually, or could be expected to be, aware of the nature and extent of the harm.

Narrowing of the personal repertoire of patterns of alcohol use has also been described as a characteristic feature (e.g. a tendency to drink alcoholic drinks in the same way on weekdays and weekends, regardless of social constraints that determine appropriate drinking behaviour).

It is an essential characteristic of the dependence syndrome that either alcohol taking or a desire to take alcohol should be present; the subjective awareness of compulsion to use alcohol is most commonly seen during attempts to stop or control alcohol use.

Includes:

- chronic alcoholism

a. progressive neglect of alternative pleasures or interests because of stimulant use, increased amount of time necessary to obtain or take the substance or to recover from its effects;

b. persisting with stimulant use despite clear evidence of overtly harmful consequences, such as depressive mood states consequent to periods of heavy substance use, or drug-related impairment of cognitive functioning; efforts should be made to determine that the user was actually, or could be expected to be, aware of the nature and extent of the harm.

Before we can understand how alcohol poisoning happens, we need to know how the body responds to alcohol. Alcohol is classified under the drug category as a depressant, and as such, its use causes effects and changes in the body and brain. Alcohol use slows down many of the functions of the body, including blood pressure, heart rate and breathing. If a person has put a large amount of alcohol in his or her system, the “slowing down” can lead to “passing out” and unconsciousness. And the vital organs, heart and lungs, can be slowed to the point of stopping.

How much alcohol will cause poisoning? Different people experience different effects. Some people who have little tolerance for alcohol or whose body is sensitive to the drug could be seriously at risk after six or seven drinks.

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Ambien Abuse

Ambien (Zolpidem) is a prescription medication used for the short-term treatment of insomnia, as well as some brain disorders.

Some users take Ambien recreationally for its side-effects, notably sedation, hallucinations and euphoria.

Ambien can become addictive if taken for extended periods of time, due to drug tolerance and physical dependence or the euphoria it can sometimes produce. Under the influence of the drug, it is common for one to take more Ambien than is necessary, due to either forgetting that one has already taken a pill (elderly users are particularly at risk here) or knowingly taking more than the prescribed dosage.

The release of AmbienCR (zolpidem tartrate extended release) in the United States renewed interest in the drug among recreational drug users.

Some users have reported unexplained sleepwalking while using Ambien, and a few have reported driving, binge eating, sleep talking, and performing other daily tasks while sleeping. The sleepwalker can sometimes perform these tasks as normally as they might if they were awake. They can sometimes carry on complex conversations and respond appropriately to questions or statements so much so that the observer may believe the sleepwalker to be awake. This is similar to, but unlike, typical sleep talking, which can usually be identified easily and is characterised by incoherent speech that often has no relevance to the situation or that is so disorganised as to be completely unintelligible.

A person under the influence of this medication may seem fully aware of their environment even though they are still asleep. This can bring about concerns for the safety of the sleepwalker and others. These side-effects may be related to the mechanism that also causes zolpidem to produce its hypnotic properties. It is unclear whether the drug is responsible for the behavior, but a class-action lawsuit was filed against Sanofi-Aventis in March 2006 on behalf of those that reported symptoms.

Residual ‘hangover’ effects such as sleepiness, impaired psychomotor and cognitive after nighttime administration may persist into the next day which may impair the ability of users to drive safely, increase risks of falls and hip fractures.

For more information, see Ambien Addiction

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Anabolic Steroids Abuse

Anabolic steroids are a class of natural and synthetic steroid hormones that promote cell growth and division, resulting in growth of muscle tissue and sometimes bone size and strength. Steroids act in different ways on the body to promote muscle growth, and every steroid has androgenic and anabolic properties. It is because of this, they are properly referred to in medical texts as AAS (anabolic/androgenic steroids).Testosterone is the best known natural anabolic steroid, as well as the best known natural androgen. Steroids produce both anabolic and virilization effects. Most anabolic steroids work in two simultaneous ways. First, by binding the androgen receptors and increasing protein synthesis. Secondly, they also reduce recovery time by blocking the effects of the stress hormone, cortisol, on muscle tissue. As a result, catabolism of the body’s muscle mass is greatly reduced.

Examples of anabolic effects:

Increased protein synthesis from amino acids

Increased muscle mass and strength

Increased appetite Increased bone remodeling and growth

Stimulation of bone marrow increasing production of red blood cells

Examples of virilizing effects:

Growth of the clitoris (clitoral hypertrophy) in females and the penis in male children (the adult penis does not grow indefinitely even when exposed to high doses of androgens)

Increased growth of androgen-sensitive hair (pubic, beard, chest, and limb hair)

Increased vocal cord size, deepening the voice

Increased libido

Suppression of endogenous sex hormones

Impaired spermatogenesis

Many androgens are metabolized to estrogenic compounds which bind estrogen receptors, producing additional (usually) unwanted effects:

Accelerated bone maturation in children

Gynecomastia

Other side effects (some the opposite of intended effects) include elevated blood pressure and cholesterol levels, severe acne, reduced sexual function, testicular atrophy, and conversion to DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) resulting in premature baldness. In males, abnormal breast development (gynecomastia) can occur. In females, anabolic steroids have a virilizing effect, resulting in a permenant increase in body hair, permanent deepening of the voice, a permanently enlarged clitoris (clitoral hypertrophy), and fewer menstrual cycles. In adolescents, abuse of these agents may prematurely stop the lengthening of bones (premature epiphyseal fusion through increased estrogen), resulting in stunted growth. Serious medical illness can result from extreme hormone use. Enlargement of the heart (the heart is a muscle and thus affected by the muscle-building qualities of the hormones) is a risk which increases the chance of an adverse cardiac event occurring in later life. Heavy steroid use can affect hormone-sensitive tissue and organs, in particular, the prostate, causing increases of prostate cancer in heavy users. Another long-term health risk is liver damage, particularly with oral anabolic steroid compounds which are 17-alpha-alkylated in order to not be destroyed by the digestive system.

An ideal anabolic steroid (a hormone with purely anabolic effects and no virilizing or other side effects) has been widely sought. Many synthetic anabolic steroids have been developed in an attempt to find molecules that produced a higher degree of anabolic rather than virilizing effects. Unfortunately, the most effective steroids known for increasing lean body mass also have the strongest androgenic characteristics.

Use and abuse in athletics and bodybuilding: These drugs are used by track and field athletes, weight lifters, bodybuilders, shot putters, cyclists, professional baseball players, professional wrestlers, police officers and others to give them a competitive advantage, and improve their physical appearance or to allow them to better compete with others who have a physical advantage, perhaps from a more fortunate natural endowment of endogenous steroids or from steroid use as well. Steroid use to obtain competitive advantage is prohibited by the rules of the governing bodies of many sports, and officially condoned by none.

According to the 1999 Monitoring the Future study, the percentage of eighth, tenth, and twelfth graders in the United States who reported using steroids at least once in their lives increased steadily over the preceding four years (an average of 1.8 % in 1996, 2.1 % in 1997, 2.3 % in 1998, and 2.8 % in 1999). In addition, steroid use to enhance athletic performance is no longer limited to high school males: a 1998 Pennsylvania State University study found that 175,000 high school girls nationwide reported taking steroids at least once in their lifetime.

On January 20, 2005, the Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2004 took effect, amending the Controlled Substance Act to place both anabolic steroids and prohormones on a list of controlled substances, making possession of the banned substances a federal crime.

List of Anabolic Compounds Commonly used as Ergogenic Aids

Testosterone (attached to various esters enanthate, cypionate, propinate or suspended in oil or water)

Methandrostenolone / methandienone (Dianabol)

Nandrolone / Nor-testosterone (Deca-durabolin)

Boldenone (Equipoise)

Stanozolol (Winstrol)

Oxymetholone (Anadrol-50)

Oxandrolone (Anavar)

Fluoxymesterone (Halotestin)

Trenbolone (Fina)

Oxymetholone (Primobolan) NB: many of these products are no longer available from the original manufacturer and are now manufactured by “underground” laboratories in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, but are still widely available in certain countries, in most cases from a subsidiary of the original manufacturer (e.g. Schering, Organon).

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Ativan Abuse

Historically, lorazepam is one of the “classical” benzodiazepines. Other classical benzodiazepines include diazepam, clonazepam, oxazepam, nitrazepam, flurazepam, bromazepam and clorazepate.

Lorazepam was first introduced by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals in 1971 under the brand names of Ativan and Temesta. The drug was developed by President of Research, D.J. Richards. Wyeth’s original patent on lorazepam is expired in the United States but the drug continues to be commercially viable. As a measure of its ongoing success, it has been marketed under more than seventy generic brands since then.

Ativan (Lorazepam) is a drug with the potential for misuse. Two types of drug misuse can occur. Recreational misuse, where the drug is taken to achieve a “high,” or when the drug is continued long term against medical advice. Prescribers of Ativan must be alert to the possibility of abuse or diversion for illegitimate use when prescribing for unsupervised outpatients.

This applies particularly to patients with past or present substance abuse disorders, as persons with addictive personalities are more likely to abuse medications such as Ativan. In addition to recreational use, benzodiazepines may be diverted and used to facilitate crime: Criminals may take them to deliberately seek disinhibition before committing crimes (which increases their potential for violence) or they may give them to unwitting victims as date rape drugs, notably with alcohol.

More information: Ativan Addiction

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Cocaine Abuse

Cocaine addiction can occur very quickly and be very difficult to break. Animal studies have shown that animals will work very hard (press a bar over 10,000 times) for a single injection of cocaine, choose cocaine over food and water, and take cocaine even when this behavior is punished. Animals must have their access to cocaine limited in order not to take toxic or even lethal doses. People addicted to cocaine behave similarly. They will go to great lengths to get cocaine and continue to take it even when it hurts their school or job performance and their relationships with loved ones.

Regular use of cocaine can lead to strong psychological dependence (addiction). Those who abruptly stop their cocaine use can experience cocaine Withdrawal symptoms as they readjust to functioning without the drug. The length of cocaine Withdrawal varies from person to person and on the amount and frequency of use.

Cocaine related emergency room episodes have increased from 80,355 in 1990 to 199,198 in 2002. And even more horrifying, 3502 of that total are for children between the ages of 6-17 years. For more information log on to www.cdc.gov.

Cocaine withdrawal symptoms include but are not limited to:

” agitation

” depression

” intense craving for the drug

” extreme fatigue

” anxiety

” angry outbursts

” lack of motivation

” nausea/vomiting

” shaking

” irritability

” muscle pain

” disturbed sleep

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Codeine Abuse

Codeine is the most widely used, naturally occurring narcotic in medical treatment in the world. This alkaloid is found in opium in concentrations ranging from 0.7 to 2.5 percent. However, most codeine used in the United States is produced from morphine. Codeine is also the starting material for the production of two other narcotics, dihydrocodeine and hydrocodone.

Codeine is medically prescribed for the relief of moderate pain and cough suppression. Compared to morphine, codeine produces less analgesia, sedation, and respiratory depression, and is usually taken orally. It is made into tablets either alone (Schedule II) or in combination with aspirin or acetaminophen (i.e., Tylenol with Codeine, Schedule III). As a cough suppressant, codeine is found in a number of liquid preparations (these products are in Schedule V). Codeine is also used to a lesser extent as an injectable solution for the treatment of pain. Codeine products are diverted from legitimate sources and are encountered on the illicit market.

More information: Codeine Addiction

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Crack Abuse

The chemical cocaine hydrochloride is commonly known as crack. Some users chemically process cocaine in order to remove the hydrochloride. This process is called “freebasing” and makes the drug more potent. According to the 2001 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse, approximately 6.2 million (2.8 percent) Americans age 12 or older had tried crack at least once in their lifetime, 1.0 million (0.5 percent) used crack in the past year, and 406,000 (0.2 percent) reported use in the past month. Users who become addicted will “crave” more of the drug as soon as the intoxicating effects wear off, if they do not get their regular dose.

Crack is an extremely powerful drug. Crack addiction is inevitable; once an individual has tried crack they may be unable to predict or control the extent to which they will continue to use. Crack is probably the most addictive substance yet devised. Crack users need more and more crack to attain the same high and avoid the intense “crash” or depression that follows their high. They become physically and psychologically dependent on crack , which often is a result of only a few doses taken within a few days. This dependence on crack leads to crack addiction. To balance off the intense lows, crack users often use other drugs, such as alcohol, hash or marijuana in addition to crack.

Crack withdrawal symptoms include but are not limited to:

- agitation

- depression

- intense craving for the drug

- extreme fatigue

- anxiety

- angry outbursts

- lack of motivation

- nausea/vomiting

- shaking

- irritability

- muscle pain

- disturbed sleep

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Darvocet Abuse

Darvocet (Propoxyphene) is used to relieve mild to moderate pain.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Darvocet comes as a tablet, capsule, and liquid to take by mouth. It usually is taken every 4 hours as needed. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.

Darvocet can be habit-forming.

Darvocet may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

* dizziness
* lightheadedness
* drowsiness
* upset stomach
* vomiting
* constipation
* stomach pain
* skin rash
* mood changes
* headache

If you experience the following symptom, call your doctor immediately:

* difficulty breathing

Darvocet in high doses, taken by itself or in combination with other drugs, has been associated with drug-related deaths. Do not take Darvocet in combination with other drugs that cause drowsiness: alcohol, tranquilizers, sleep aids, antidepressant drugs, or antihistamines. Do not take a larger dose, take it more often, or for a longer period than your doctor tells you to.

Darvocet, when taken in higher-than-recommended doses over long periods of time, can produce drug dependence characterized by psychic dependence and, less frequently, physical dependence and tolerance. Darvocet will only partially suppress the withdrawal syndrome in individuals physically dependent on morphine or other narcotics. The abuse liability of propoxyphene is qualitatively similar to that of codeine although quantitatively less, and Darvocet should be prescribed with the same degree of caution appropriate to the use of codeine.

More Information: Darvocet Addiction

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Demerol Abuse

Demerol’s (Pethidine’s) efficacy as a painkiller was discovered almost accidentally; it was synthesized in 1939 at an IG Farben laboratory.

Like other opioid drugs, Demerol has the potential to cause physical dependence or addiction.

In fact, Demerol may be more addictive than other opioids because of its exceptionally rapid onset of action and associated “rush”.

When compared with oxycodone, hydromorphone, and placebo, Demerol was consistently associated with more euphoria, difficulty concentrating, confusion, and impaired psychomotor and cognitive performance when administered to healthy volunteers.

The especially severe side effects unique to Demerol among opioids — serotonin syndrome, seizures, delirium, dysphoria, tremor — are primarily or entirely due to the action of its metabolite, norpethidine; accumulating with regular administration, or in renal failure.

Norpethidine is toxic and has convulsant and hallucinogenic effects. The toxic effects mediated by the metabolites cannot be countered with opioid receptor antagonists such as naloxone or naltrexone.

Well-known people who have died of pethidine use include David Kennedy, son of Robert F. Kennedy. The cause of his death in 1984 was ruled a “multiple ingestion” of cocaine, Pethidine and Mellaril (an anti-psychotic).

Withdrawal symptoms can occur four to five hours after the last dose. Demerol Withdrawal symptoms usually last 7 to 10 days. Individuals who are unaware they have a Demerol addiction may respond to the pain of withdrawal by taking another dose of Demerol.

More Information: Demerol Addiction

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Dexedrine Abuse

Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine) is an amphetamine, belonging to the group of medicines called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants it is a Schedule II controlled substance. Dexedrine was often used in the late 60s and early 70s as a prescription diet aid, because one of the effects of such stimulant drugs is to suppress appetite.

Dexedrine (and its more potent cousin Benzedrine) was also commonly (and illegally) used by college students, either for the stimulant high it provided or as a study aid. Dexedrine is highly addictive. Individuals form an addiction to Dexedrine due to its abilty to sustain energy and lose weight. Dexedrine addiction may lead to serious complications such as increased heart rate and blood pressure.

Withdrawal symptoms from Dexedrine are characterized by depression and extreme fatigue. Fortunately, the withdrawal symptoms tend to be mostly psychological and not medical.

Dexedrine Withdrawal symptoms include but are not limited to:

- fatigue

- long but disturbed sleep

- strong hangover

- irritability

- depression

- violence

More Information: Dexedrine Addiction

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Dilaudid Abuse

Dilaudid is an analgesic narcotic with an addiction liability similar to that of morphine. It is apparent within 15 minutes and remains in effect for more than 5 hours. Dilaudid is approximately 8 times more potent on a milligram basis than morphine. Often called “drug store heroin” on the streets. Dilaudid inhibits ascending pain pathways in Central Nervous System. It also increases the pain threshold and alters pain perception.

Dilaudid addiction is common place in today’s society and can happen to anyone. The individual who has formed Dilaudid use most often begins for a legitimate ailment and the individual unintentionally becomes addicted. When individuals who have formed an addiction to Dilaudid are unable to get legitimate prescriptions for Dilaudid they may resort to what is called doctor shopping. The addict will see many doctors and pretend to be sick to obtain dilaudid. Sometimes individuals who have an addiction to Dilaudid become addicted by someone turning them onto Dialudid and they end up liking it. Dilaudid is psychologically and physically addictive.

Withdrawal symptoms from Dilaudid can occur four to five hours after the last dose. dilaudid withdrawal symptoms usually last 7 to 10 days. Users may respond to the pain of dilaudid withdrawal by taking another dose without realizing they have become addicted.

Dilaudid Withdrawal symptoms include but are not limited to:

- severe anxiety

- insomnia ” profuse sweating

- muscle spasms

- chills

- shivering

- tremors

- restlessness

- yawning

- gooseflesh

- restless sleep

- irritability

- anxiety

- weakness

- twitching and spasms of muscles

- kicking movements

- severe backache

- abdominal and leg pains

- abdominal and muscle cramps

- hot and cold flashes

- nausea

- anorexia

- vomiting

- intestinal spasm

- diarrhea

- repetitive sneezing

- increase in body temperature, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and heart rate

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Ecstacy Abuse

The “designer” drug known as ecstasy is also known by the chemical abbreviation “MDMA.” Ecstasy addiction is only one of the problems experienced by the use of “ecstasy.” Ecstasy users experience problems similar to those experienced by amphetamine and cocaine users.

Psychological effects from MDMA use can include: confusion, depression, sleep problems, anxiety, and paranoia during, and sometimes weeks later. Muscle tension, involuntary teeth clenching, nausea, blurred vision, faintness, and chills or sweating are physical effects of using ecstasy. People with circulatory or heart disease are at a high risk because of increases in heart rate and blood pressure.

Large, all-night dance parties known as “raves” have reported MDMA related fatalities. Ecstasy use has reported an escalation among college students and young adults that have begun attending these gatherings in recent years. Dehydration, huperthermia, and heart or kidney failure are a result of the ecstasy user combining hot and crowded conditions with the stimulating effects from ecstasy.

Use of MDMA is a common cause of memory problems in humans. MDMA (ecstasy) can be the cause of long-term brain injury. The Journal of Neuroscience reported research findings stating that, brain areas that are critical for thought and memory can quite possibly result in long- lasting damage from use of ecstasy.

People that take MDMA, even just a few times, are at risk of long-term and possibly even permanent, problems with cognitive learning and retention. Findings by a John Hopkins Research Team gives validation to results of previous research in which humans that had taken MDMA scored lower on memory tests. The brains integration of information and emotion depends on the serotonin system which consist of MDMA.

Nerve cells that use the chemical serotonin to communicate with other neurons are the ones damaged by the use of MDMA. Brain imaging research conducted in human MDMA users showed extensive damage to serotonin neurons.

Euphoria and increased alertness are effects from ecstasy that are similar to those of cocaine and amphetamine. This is caused from the stimulant effect of MDMA. For young people attending raves the drug of choice since the 1980′s is ecstasy.

Evidence of chronic use of MDMA reveals it causes a direct connection to brain damage in people. MDMA was found to harm neurons that release serotonin, a brain chemical that plays an important role in regulating memory and other functions. In some cases of heavy MDMA use memory problems persist for two weeks after use has stopped. The extent of damage is directly correlated with the amount of MDMA used.

There are functional consequences to the changes in the brain caused from the use of MDMA. For young people attending these raves, which continue to be popular around the nation, this message is of a particular importance.

To help answer that question, a team of researches from John Hopkins and the National Institute of Mental Health conducted an imaging study to assess the effects of chronic ecstasy use on the memory. Several standardized memory test were administered to 24 MDMA users that had not used the drug for at least two weeks and then 24 people that had never used the drug. In both groups age, gender, education and vocabulary scores were matched equally.

The results showed that, heavy ecstasy users compared to nonusers had dramatic impairment in visual and verbal memory. The study proved that the harmful effects of MDMA were related to the dosage amount and the frequency of use. The people that used the drug had greater difficulty in recalling what they had seen and heard during testing.

Other cognitive functions besides memory, such as the ability to reason verbally or sustain attention can be impaired from ecstasy use. The effects of chronic ecstasy use on other functions in which serotonin has been implicated, such as mood, impulse control and sleep cycles are being researched in a more in-depth process. The length of time that brain damage exists and the long term consequences of that damage are other questions researchers are trying to answer. Studies involving animals that first documented neurotoxic serotonin neurons in humans may last for many years and could be permanent.

We have learned through research using monkeys that brain damage is still present seven years after suspending use of the drug. The question of whether or not we are dealing with such long-lasting effects in people does not have a definite answer but looks probable.

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Effexor Abuse

Venlafaxine hydrochloride is a synthetic derivative of phenethylamine and a prescription antidepressant first introduced by Wyeth in 1993, and marketed under the trade names Effexor® for tablets and Effexor XR® for extended-release capsules. Efexor® / Efectin® and Efexor XR® / Efexor® Depot / Efectin ER® are alternate trade name spellings used in some countries. Since venlafaxine is under patent, under current United States law, a generic will not be available to U.S. citizens until 2008. The European patent on the drug will hold until 2017.

Common side effects include:

Nausea

Dizziness

Sleepiness

Insomnia

Vertigo

Dry mouth

Sexual dysfunction

Sweating

Vivid dreams

Increased blood pressure

Rare to very rare side-effects include:

Cardiac arrhythmia

Increased serum cholesterol

Gas or stomach pain

Abnormal vision

Nervousness, agitation or increased anxiety

Depressed feelings

Confusion

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

Loss of appetite

Constipation

Tremor

Drowsiness

Allergic skin reactions

External bleeding

Serious bone marrow damage (thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis)

Hepatitis Pancreatitis Seizure Tardive dyskinesia

Discontinuation syndrome

Venlafaxine is notorious for its potentially severe withdrawal symptoms upon sudden discontinuation (the recommended discontinuation is a drop of 35 mg per week; sudden stops are usually advised only in emergencies). Wyeth-Ayerst euphemistically refers to these severe withdrawal symptoms in its product literature as a “severe discontinuation syndrome”. These have a tendency to be significantly stronger than the withdrawal effects of other antidepressants including the tricyclic antidepressants, but are similar in nature to those of SSRIs such as Paroxetine (Paxil® or Seroxat®).

These effects may include irritablility, hostility, headache, nausea, fatigue, dysphoria and “brain shivers”. Rarer withdrawal symptoms include shaking legs, tremor, Vertigo, dizziness and parasthesia. Other non-specific mental symptoms may include; impaired concentration, bizarre dreams, agitation and suicidal thoughts.

The “brain shivers” have been described as electric-like shocks in the brain causing pounding headaches and disorientation, increasing over time before abating. Although “brain shivers” are not painful per se, they are disturbing or can become severe enough to be disabling. Antidepressant withdrawal effects do not indicate addiction, but are rather the results of the brain attempting to reach neurochemical stability. These can be minimalized or avoided by tapering off of the medication over a period of weeks.

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GHB Abuse

Internet dribble to the contrary, gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is an addictive drug. Withdrawal can be severe and prolonged. Yet recognition and treatment of GHB addiction/withdrawal isn’t readily available. Knowledge of GHB by the public and in the fields of law enforcement/medicine is typically limited to its abuse as an intoxicant and use as a rape weapon. GHB addiction is characterized by around the clock dosing (every one to three hours, day/night, with heavier doses at night to achieve sleep). Addiction can develop in a few weeks.

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Heroin Abuse

Heroin, which has been around in many forms, since the earliest times, is a very potent drug which causes rapid addiction. Heroin produces an euphoric feeling of well being where the addict has no worries or no cares, other than to score his next hit of the drug.

Many heroin addicts turn to crime and prostitution. Heroin use in male prostitutes is extremely prevalent. It seems as if the addict will sell his soul in order to get his next score.

The thought of withdrawal is incomprehensible and many can not face it, that is why they are driven to crime to support their habit.

Heroin may me sniffed or snorted, rolled up in a cigarette and smoked, smoked off tinfoil (chasing the dragon) or injected.

There are myths about heroin addiction recovery, and many say that heroin addiction is basically a death sentence, but with proper care and an intensive program such as the Narconon Program, an addict can make a full recovery.

Withdrawal, which in regular abusers may occur as early as a few hours after the last administration, produces drug craving, restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea and vomiting, cold flashes with goose bumps (“cold turkey”), kicking movements (“kicking the habit”), and other symptoms. Major withdrawal symptoms peak between 48 and 72 hours after the last dose and subside after about a week. Sudden withdrawal by heavily dependent users who are in poor health is occasionally fatal, although heroin withdrawal is considered much less dangerous than alcohol or barbiturate withdrawal.

As withdrawal progresses, elevations in blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate and temperature occur. Symptoms of overdose — which may result in death — include shallow breathing, clammy skin, convulsions and coma.

Symptoms of heroin withdrawal:

- dilated pupils

- piloerection (goose bumps)

- watery eyes

- runny nose

- yawning

- loss of appetite

- tremors

- panic

- chills

- nausea

- muscle cramps

- insomnia

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Hydrocodone Abuse

Hydrocodone or dihydrocodeinone (marketed as Vicodin, Anexsia, Dicodid, Hycodan, Hycomine, Lorcet, Lortab, Norco, Tussionex, Vicoprofen) is an opioid derived from either of the naturally occurring opiates codeine or thebaine. Hydrocodone is an orally active narcotic analgesic and antitussive. The typical therapeutic dose of 5 to 10 mg is pharmacologically equivalent to 30 to 60 mg of oral codeine. Sales and production of this drug have increased significantly in recent years, as have diversion and illicit use. Hydrocodone is commonly available in tablet, capsule and syrup form.

As a narcotic, hydrocodone relieves pain by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord. It may be taken with or without food, but should never be combined with alcohol. It may interact with monoamine oxidase inhibitors, as well as other drugs that cause drowsiness. It is in FDA pregnancy category C: its effect on an unborn embryo or fetus is not clearly known and pregnant women should consult their physicians before taking it. Common side effects include dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, drowsiness, euphoria, vomiting, and constipation. Some less common side effects are allergic reaction, blood disorders, changes in mood, mental fogginess, anxiety, lethargy, difficulty urinating, spasm of the ureter, irregular or depressed respiration and rash.

Hydrocodone can be habit-forming, and can lead to physical and psychological addiction. In the U.S., pure hydrocodone and forms containing more than 15 mg per dosage unit are considered Schedule II drugs. Those containing less than 15 mg per dosage unit are Schedule III drugs. Hydrocodone is typically found in combination with other drugs such as paracetamol (acetaminophen), aspirin and homatropine methylbromide. In the UK it is listed as a Class A drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

The presence of acetaminophen in hydrocodone-containing products deters many drug users from taking excessive amounts. However, some users will get around this by extracting a portion of the acetaminophen using hot/cold water, taking advantage of the water-soluble element of the drug. It is not uncommon for addicts to have liver problems from taking excessive amounts of acetaminophen over a long period of time–taking 10 -15 grams of acetaminophen in a period of 24 hours typically results in severe hepatotoxicity. It is this factor that leads many addicts to use only single entity opiates such as OxyContin.

Symptoms of hydrocodone overdosage include respiratory depression, extreme somnolence, coma, stupor, cold and/or clammy skin, sometimes bradycardia, and hypotension. A severe overdose may involve circulatory collapse, cardiac arrest and/or death.

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Ketamine Abuse

Ketamine is a general dissociative anaesthetic for human and veterinary use. Its hydrochloride salt is sold as Ketanest®, Ketaset®, and Ketalar®. Pharmacologically it is very similar to other dissociative anesthetics such as tiletamine and phencyclidine (PCP Ketamine was first synthesized in 1962 in an attempt to find a safer anaesthetic alternative to PCP, which was more likely to cause hallucinations and seizures. The drug was first used on American soldiers during the Vietnam War, but is often avoided now because it can cause unpleasant out-of-body experiences. It is still used widely in veterinary medicine, and for select human applications.

Ketamine’s “unpleasant” side effects prompted its first psychedelic use in 1965. The drug was used in psychiatric and other academic research through the 1970s, culminating in 1978 with the publishing of John Lilly’s The Scientist, a book documenting the author’s ketamine, LSD, and isolation tank experiments. The incidence of recreational ketamine use increased through the end of the century, especially in the context of raves and other parties. The increase in illicit use prompted ketamine’s placement in Schedule III of the United States Controlled Substance Act in August 1999. In the United Kingdom, it became outlawed and labelled a Class C drug on January 1, 2006

Street terms for Ketamine: jet, super acid, Special “K”, green, K, cat Valium

What does Ketamine look like?

Ketamine comes in a clear liquid and a white or off-white powder form.

How is Ketamine used?

- Ketamine is a tranquilizer most commonly used on animals.

- The liquid form can be injected, consumed in drinks, or added to smokable materials.

- The powder form can be used for injection when dissolved.2 ” In certain areas, Ketamine is being injected intramuscularly

Who uses Ketamine?

- Ketamine, along with the other “club drugs,” has become popular among teens and young adults at dance clubs and “raves.”

How does Ketamine get into the United States?

- Marketed as a dissociative general anesthetic for human and veterinary use, the only known source of Ketamine is via diversion of pharmaceutical products.

- Recent press reports indicate that a significant number of veterinary clinics are being robbed specifically for their Ketamine stock.

- DEA reporting indicates that a major source of Ketamine in the United States is product diverted from pharmacies in Mexico.

How much does Ketamine cost?

- Prices average $20 to $25 per dosage unit.5 What are some consequences of Ketamine use?

- Higher doses produce an effect referred to as “K-Hole,” an “out of body,” or “near-death” experience.

- Use of the drug can cause delirium, amnesia, depression, and long-term memory and cognitive difficulties. Due to its dissociative effect, it is reportedly used as a date-rape drug

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Lortab Hydrocodone Abuse

Lortab or dihydrocodeinone (marketed as Vicodin, Anexsia, Dicodid, Hycodan, Hycomine, Lorcet, Lortab, Norco, Tussionex, Vicoprofen) is an opioid derived from either of the naturally occurring opiates codeine or thebaine. Hydrocodone is an orally active narcotic analgesic and antitussive. The typical therapeutic dose of 5 to 10 mg is pharmacologically equivalent to 30 to 60 mg of oral codeine.[1] Sales and production of this drug have increased significantly in recent years, as have diversion and illicit use. Hydrocodone is commonly available in tablet, capsule, and syrup form.

As a narcotic, hydrocodone relieves pain by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord. It may be taken with or without food, but should never be combined with alcohol. It may interact with monoamine oxidase inhibitors, as well as other drugs that cause drowsiness. It is in FDA pregnancy category C: its effect on an unborn embryo or fetus is not clearly known and pregnant women should consult their physicians before taking it. Common side effects include dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, drowsiness, euphoria, vomiting, and constipation. Some less common side effects are allergic reaction, blood disorders, changes in mood, mental fogginess, anxiety, lethargy, difficulty urinating, spasm of the ureter, irregular or depressed respiration, and rash.

Hydrocodone can be habit-forming, and can lead to physical and psychological addiction. In the U.S., pure hydrocodone and forms containing more than 15 mg per dosage unit are considered Schedule II drugs. Those containing less than 15 mg per dosage unit are Schedule III drugs. Hydrocodone is typically found in combination with other drugs such as Paracetamol (acetaminophen), Aspirin and homatropine methylbromide. In the UK it is listed as a Class A drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

The presence of acetaminophen in hydrocodone-containing products deters many drug users from taking excessive amounts. However, some users will get around this by extracting a portion of the acetaminophen using hot/cold water, taking advantage of the water-soluble element of the drug. It is not uncommon for addicts to have liver problems from taking excessive amounts of acetaminophen over a long period of time–taking 10 -15 grams of acetaminophen in a period of 24 hours typically results in severe hepatotoxicity. It is this factor that leads many addicts to use only pure forms of opiates such as OxyContin.

Symptoms of hydrocodone overdosage include respiratory depression, extreme somnolence, coma, stupor, cold/clammy skin, sometimes bradycardia, and hypotension. A severe overdose may involve circulatory collapse, cardiac arrest and/or death.

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LSD Abuse

D-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is the most potent hallucinogenic substance known to man. Dosages of LSD are measured in micrograms, or millionths of a gram. By comparison, dosages of cocaine and heroin are measured in milligrams, or thousandths of a gram. Compared to other hallucinogenic substances, LSD is 100 times more potent than psilocybin and psilocin and 4,000 times more potent than mescaline.

The dosage level that will produce an hallucinogenic effect in humans generally is considered to be 25 micrograms. Over the past several years, the potency of LSD obtained during drug law enforcement operations has ranged between 20 and 80 micrograms per dosage unit. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) recognizes 50 micrograms as the standard dosage unit equivalency.

LSD is classified as a Schedule I drug in the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. As a Schedule I drug, LSD meets the following three criteria: it is deemed to have a high potential for abuse; it has no legitimate medical use in treatment; and, there is a lack of accepted safety for its use under medical supervision.

LSD was synthesized in 1938 by a chemist working for Sandoz Laboratories in Switzerland. It was developed initially as a circulatory and respiratory stimulant. However, no extraordinary benefits of the compound were identified and its study was discontinued. In the 1940′s, interest in the drug was revived when it was thought to be a possible treatment for schizophrenia. Because of LSD’s structural relationship to a chemical that is present in the brain and its similarity in effect to certain aspects of psychosis, LSD was used as a research tool in studies of mental illness.

Sandoz Laboratories, the drug’s sole producer, began marketing LSD in 1947 under the trade name “Delysid” and it was introduced into the United States a year later. Sandoz marketed LSD as a psychiatric cure-all and “hailed it as a cure for everything from schizophrenia to criminal behavior, ‘sexual perversions,’ and alcoholism.” In fact, Sandoz, in its LSD-related literature, suggested that psychiatrists take the drug themselves in order to “gain an understanding of the subjective experiences of the schizophrenic.”

In psychiatry, the use of LSD by students was an accepted practice; it was viewed as a teaching tool in an attempt to understand schizophrenia. From the late 1940′s through the mid-1970′s, extensive research and testing were conducted on LSD. During a 15-year period beginning in 1950, research on LSD and other hallucinogens generated over 1,000 scientific papers, several dozen books, and 6 international conferences, and LSD was prescribed as treatment to over 40,000 patients. Although initial observations on the benefits of LSD were highly optimistic, empirical data developed subsequently proved much less promising.

As enthusiasm for the untested assumptions became tempered by the findings of actual experiments-and as less scrupulous professionals in the industry relaxed supervision and control of experiments-LSD emerged as a drug of abuse in certain, primarily medical, circles. Some psychiatric and medical professionals, acquainted with LSD in their work, began using it themselves and sharing it with friends and associates.

During the early 1960′s, this first group of casual LSD users evolved and expanded into a subculture that extolled the mystical and pseudo- religious symbolism often engendered by the drug’s powerful effects. The personalities associated with the subculture, usually connected to academia, and the propaganda they circulated soon attracted a great deal of publicity, generating further interest in LSD.

During the late 1960′s and early 1970′s, the drug culture adopted LSD as the “psychedelic” drug of choice. The infatuation with LSD lasted for a number of years until considerable negative publicity emerged on “bad trips”- psychotic psychological traumas associated with the LSD high-and “flashbacks,” uncontrollable recurring experiences. As a result of these revelations and effective drug law enforcement efforts, LSD dramatically decreased in popularity in the mid-1970′s. Scientific study of LSD ceased circa 1980 as research funding declined.

As a casual drug of abuse, LSD has remained popular among certain segments of society. Traditionally, it has been popular with high school and college students and other young adults. LSD also has been integral to the lifestyle of many individuals who follow certain rock music bands, most notably the Grateful Dead. Older individuals, introduced to the hallucinogen in the 1960′s, also still use LSD.

LSD most often is found in the form of small paper squares or, on occasion, in tablets. On occasion, authorities have encountered the drug in others forms-including powder or crystal, liquid, gelatin square, and capsule-and laced on sugar cubes and other substances. LSD is sold under more than 80 street names including acid, blotter, cid, doses, and trips, as well as names that reflect the designs on sheets of paper. More than 200 types of LSD tablets have been encountered since 1969 and more than 350 paper designs have been acquired since 1975. Designs range from simple five-point stars in black and white to exotic artwork in full four-color print. Inexpensiveness (prices range from $2 to $5 per dosage unit or “hit,”; wholesale lots often sell for as little as $1 or less), ready availability, alleged “mind-expanding” properties, and intriguing paper designs make LSD especially attractive to junior high school and high school students.

LSD has been available-at first legally, then on the illicit market-for over 40 years. Its use in scientific research has been extensive and its use has been widespread. Although the study of LSD and other hallucinogens increased the awareness of how chemicals could affect the mind, its use in psychotherapy largely has been debunked. It produces no aphrodisiac effects, does not increase creativity, has no lasting positive effect in treating alcoholics or criminals, does not produce a “model psychosis,” and does not generate immediate personality change.

However, drug studies have confirmed that the powerful hallucinogenic effects of this drug can produce profound adverse reactions, such as acute panic reactions, psychotic crises, and flashbacks, especially in users ill-equipped to deal with such trauma.

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Lunesta Eszopiclone Abuse

(Lunesta)is a nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic agent used as a medication in treatment of insomnia. Eszopiclone is the active stereoisomer of zopiclone. Eszopiclone is a white to light-yellow crystalline solid. It is very lightly soluble in water, slightly soluble in ethanol and soluble in phosphate buffer. The precise mechanism of action of eszopiclone as a hypnotic is unknown, but its effect is believed to result from its interaction with GABA receptor complexes at bindings domains located close to or allosterically coupled to benzodiazepine receptors. Approved by the Food and Drug Administration for sale in the United States in 2005, eszoplicone is sold by the pharmaceutical company Sepracor under the name Lunesta. Unlike the leading prescription sleep aid zolpidem (Ambien), eszopiclone is approved by the FDA for use longer than two weeks. Trials suggest that patients do not get addicted to Lunesta.

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Marijuana Abuse

In California , Mexican drug trafficking organizations use high-powered assault weapons to control the marijuana fields. This is how criminal groups operating from Mexico promote their version of love and peace through torture, executions, and other acts of violence.

Mary Rieser, Drug Rehab Director of Atlanta Recovery Center stated: “People also don’t realize the health risks involved in smoking marijuana. The amount of tar and monoxide inhaled is five times greater in marijuana than cigarettes. Respiratory problems for people who smoke marijuana on a regular basis can become chronic, issues such as chronic coughing, wheezing, and acute chest illnesses have been known to occur.

“Most people don’t know that marijuana can cause increased anxiety, panic attacks, depression and even thoughts of suicide.

“A common misconception is that marijuana is not addictive—it is. Regular users behave like any other drug dependent persons. They will use it compulsively even if it is creating problems with family, work, health or their social life. Withdrawal symptoms include irritability, anxiety and difficulty sleeping.

“We think of marijuana users as young people, something that kids will grow out of. The earlier children or teenagers ‘try’ marijuana, the more likely they are to become dependent on other harmful drugs.”

For more information on marijuana addiction, go to Marijuana Abuse

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Methamphetamine Abuse

Methamphetamine is a powerfully addictive drug known as methamphetamine which has a super stimulant affect has a significant affect on the central nervous system. Using relatively inexpensive over-the-counter ingredients methamphetamine is made in clandestine and extremely dangerous laboratories. Methamphetamine is a drug with a high potential for widespread abuse and seriously addictive properties. “Speed,” “meth,” and “chalk” are some common street names for methamphetamine. “Ice,” “crystal,” “crank,” and “glass” refers to the form that is smoked but that can also be crushed and snorted or injected. Methamphetamine is easily dissolvable in water or alcohol and is a white or off-white colored, sometimes odorless, and bitter-tasting crystalline powder. From its parent drug, “amphetamine” methamphetamine developed early in this century and was originally used as nasal decongestants and bronchial inhalers. It’s chemical structure is closely related to amphetamine, however: methamphetamine has a more pronounced and dangerous affect on the central nervous system. As with amphetamine use, it causes an increase in energy, a decrease in appetite, and produces an overwhelming feeling of well being. After the “rush” the effects can last 6 to 8 hours. In some individuals after the initial “rush” there may result a state of high agitation that can lead to violent behavior and the inability to complete simple cycles of action. Classified as a Schedule II stimulant, methamphetamine creates a high potential for abuse. Methamphetamine abuse has a long reported history of being a significant drug threat in the San Diego area. Methamphetamine use is spreading across the United States like wild fire and rural and urban areas of the South and Midwest are becoming hot spots for production, transportation and distribution of the drug. Past information reports methamphetamine was traditionally used by white, male, blue-collar workers. Now, at present time a more diverse group that fluctuates with time, different geographic areas and age range is appearing. A 237 percent increase between 1990 and 1994 hospital Emergency Department drug related episodes involving methamphetamine were reported in 21 metropolitan areas. In the first half of 1996 there was a significant increase of 71 percent related to these incidents. According to the June 1997 publication by the NIDA’s Community Epidemiology Work Group (CEWG) methamphetamine continues to be a problem in Hawaii. This is also true of major Western cities such as San Francisco, Denver and Los Angeles. Prompting concern about widespread use are reports of increased availability and production in diverse areas of the country and particularly in rural areas.

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Methadone Abuse

Methadone is a synthetic substance with pharmacological properties similar to morphine and heroin. Methadone is prescribed for patients with severe pain, such as those with serious injuries or those who have undergone major surgery. Methadone works in the brain to decrease the sensation of pain and to mute the emotional response to pain. It comes as tablets, dispersible tablets, liquid, and liquid concentrate. Patients take it every 3-4 hours for severe pain and every 6-8 hours for chronic pain. Since methadone can be as addictive as morphine and heroin, care must be taken to follow the doctor’s instructions. Do not take a larger dose, or take it more frequently, or take it for longer than the doctor has prescribed. Methadone is one of the most difficult drugs to detox from since its effects are long-lasting and it is readily stored in the body’s tissue. Methadone is also used as a replacement-opiate therapy for opiate dependency. A legal dependency (methadone) is substituted for an illegal dependency (heroin). Methadone is available in government-approved drug treatment clinics and by prescription in some areas. What most methadone clinics do not tell you is that methadone can be even more harmful to your health than opiates. An addict is able to totally be drug free, without the use of methadone if he goes through a successful long term program.

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Morphine Abuse

Morphine addiction is a very serious and sometimes life threatening dilemma. Not only is it difficult for the addict, it is extremely hard on those around them who care about them. For the addict, admitting they have an addiction problem can be difficult. However painful this may be, it must be acknowledged as the first gradient to overcoming the problem. The next hurdle is being willing to seek & accept help from an addiction professional. It can be hard for an addict to confront the fact that they can not do it alone. Once this fact is accepted, it is time to seek the appropriate professional treatment. Drug rehab programs based on the social education modality are highly successful. This means that individuals who are recovering from Morphine addiction are not made wrong for their past indiscretions, but are taught how to avoid future ones. They are provided with knowledge on how to change their lives and how to live comfortably without Morphine. Receiving treatment for addiction should be done in a safe & stable environment that is conducive to addiction recovery. Research studies show that residential treatment programs of at least 3 months in duration have the best success rates. 3 months may seem like a long time, but one day in the life of an individual addicted to Morphine can feel like an eternity. Addiction is a self imposed hellish slavery. The chains can be broken people do it everyday. You can be free!

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Opiate Abuse

Regular use of an opioid for any reason rapidly induces physical dependence, characterized by a highly unpleasant withdrawal syndrome when the drug is discontinued or rapidly decreased in dosage, or when an antagonist is administered.

The acute withdrawal syndrome generally consists of signs and symptoms opposite to those of the drug when initially administered: severe dysphoria, anxiety, eye tearing, a runny nose, goose bumps, cramps and deep pains are common. The speed and severity of withdrawal depends on the half-life of the opioid – heroin withdrawal occurs more quickly and is more severe than methadone withdrawal, but methadone withdrawal takes longer. The acute withdrawal phase is often followed by a protracted phase of depression and insomnia that can last for months.

Physical dependence is completely distinct from and does not imply psychological addiction, defined as uncontrolled drug use despite harm. However, physical dependence can certainly aggravate psychological addiction when it occurs. Withdrawal symptoms can be greatly lessened by slowly tapering the dose over days or weeks, sometimes after switching to a long-acting opioid such as methadone. The symptoms of opioid withdrawal can also be treated with other medications, such as clonidine for sympathetic hyperactivity and a benzodiazepine for anxiety and insomnia.

“Rapid detox” is a relatively new technique that uses opioid antagonists to cause acute withdrawal while the patient is under general anesthesia to eliminate the otherwise extreme discomfort. This procedure has attracted considerable controversy due to its high cost and risk; several patients have died during the procedure. Many pain specialists consider the procedure unnecessary, and addiction specialists criticize it for doing nothing to keep an addict from relapsing into opioid abuse after the procedure is complete. Rapid detox also does not alleviate the protracted withdrawal syndrome that lasts for weeks or months after the acute phase.

Although physical dependence is nearly universal among those who use opioids regularly, true addiction is actually quite rare even when large amounts of opioids are used over long periods of time to treat chronic pain under the close supervision of a doctor. This is thought to be due to the rapid development of tolerance to the euphorigenic properties of opioids; without euphoria, only the unpleasant side effects (such as bowel dysfunction) remain so there is no motivation to take more than is needed to manage pain.

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Opium Abuse

Opium addiction is a very serious and sometimes life threatening dilemma. Not only is it difficult for the addict, it is extremely hard on those around them who care about them. For the addict, admitting they have an addiction problem can be difficult. However painful this may be, it must be acknowledged as the first gradient to overcoming the problem.

The next hurdle is being willing to seek & accept help from an addiction professional. It can be hard for an addict to confront the fact that they can not do it alone. Once this fact is accepted, it is time to seek the appropriate professional treatment.

Drug rehab programs based on the social education modality are highly successful. This means that individuals who are recovering from Opium addiction are not made wrong for their past indiscretions, but are taught how to avoid future ones. They are provided with knowledge on how to change their lives and how to live comfortably without Opium. Receiving treatment for addiction should be done in a safe & stable environment that is conducive to addiction recovery.

Research studies show that residential treatment programs of at least 3 months in duration have the best success rates. 3 months may seem like a long time, but one day in the life of an individual addicted to Opium can feel like an eternity. Addiction is a self imposed hellish slavery. The chains can be broken people do it everyday. You can be free! See opiate addiction above.

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Oxycontin Abuse

OxyContin is the brand name of a time-release formula of oxycodone produced by the pharmaceutical company Purdue Pharma. It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1995 and first introduced to the U.S. market in 1996. By 2001, OxyContin was the best-selling non-generic narcotic pain reliever in the U.S.; in 2002, over 7.2 million prescriptions were written for it, for total sales of $1.5 billion. An analysis of data from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration found that retail sales of oxycodone “jumped nearly six-fold between 1997 and 2005.” Mundipharma distributes OxyContin in Australia, China, and Europe.

OxyContin is available in 5 mg (blue) tablets in Canada and the U.K.; 10 mg (white) in Canada, the U.S., and the U.K.; 15 mg (grey) in the U.S.; 20 mg (pink) in Canada, the U.S., and the U.K.; 30 mg (brown) in the U.S.; 40 mg (tan) in Canada, the U.S., and the U.K.; 60 mg (red) in the U.S.; and 80 mg (green) in Canada, the U.S., and the U.K. In 2001, Purdue Pharma suspended distribution of 160 mg tablets in the U.S. because of the “possibility of illicit use of tablets of such high strength.”

Slang terms for OxyContin include “Hillbilly Heroin“, “Killers“, “OC“, “Oxy“, “Oxycoffin“, and “Oxycotton“. The word “OxyContin” should not be confused with “morphine sulfate”, “MS Contin”, “Oxandrin”, “oxybutynin”, “oxytocin”, or “Roxicodone”. Among those names the final given, Roxicodone, being the same drug, Oxycodone, but IR rather than ER: “-contin” being Oxycodone continuous release or Extended Release. Roxicodone being Instant Release, or rapid (Rox(i)codone) release. This mistake may be a fatal one to casual users rather than users with high tolerances who may prefer the immediate release to even feel an effect, such as long term heroin addicts.

See also Oxycontin Addiction

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Percoset Abuse

Percocet addiction is a major risk with prolonged use (over 2-3 weeks) of Percocet.

Addictive drugs, such as Percocet activate the brain’s reward systems. The promise of reward is very intense, causing the individual to crave Percocet and to focus his or her activities around taking Percocet. The ability of Percocet to strongly activate brain reward mechanisms and its ability to chemically alter the normal functioning of these systems can produce a Percocet addiction.

Percocet also reduces a person’s level of consciousness, harming their ability to think or be fully aware of present surroundings. Percocet addiction is a pattern of compulsive Percocet use characterized by a continued craving for Percocet and the need to use Percocet for psychological effects or mood alterations.

Many individuals who have formed an addiction to Percocet find that they need to use it to feel “normal.” They exhibit drug-seeking behavior and are often preoccupied with using and obtaining Percocet. They obtain Percocet through legal or illegal sources.

Who is at risk for Percocet addiction? The risk for Percocet addiction is greatest among women, seniors, and adolescents. Women are two to three times more likely than men to be prescribed drugs such as Percocet; they are also about two times more likely to form an addiction to Percocet.

This stems in large part from the fact that women are more likely to seek medical attention for emotional/physical problems. Seniors take more drugs than the rest of the population, increasing their odds of becoming addicted. Finally, 1999 national studies show that the sharpest increase of users of prescription drugs for nonmedical purposes occurs in the 12 to 17 and 18 to 25 age groups.

Percocet is a narcotic (oxycodone) and acetaminophen combination. They are combined to get a synergistic effect on pain. Oxycodone is similar to other narcotics in terms of effect and addiction. Acetaminophen is better known as Tylenol. Percocet addiction can affect the young, middle aged, or elderly. Individuals addicted to Percocet may come from any walk of life, hold entry level or high positions, be parents or grandparents, single or married. Often, the addiction to percocet develops without the individual realizing it until it begins to control their life.

When an individual exceeds the dosage prescribed or seeks to obtain Percocet after the time prescribed by their physician, they should be awear of the posibility that they have developed a Percocet addiction. Abruptly stoping or reducing the intake of Percocet can cause severe withdrawal symptoms. These begin six to eight hours after the last dosage.

Percocet Withdrawal symptoms include but are not limited to:  feeling as though you have the flu  gastrointestinal distress ? anxiety ? nausea ? insomnia ? muscle pain ? fevers ? sweating ? runny nose and eyes Percocet when abused can be taken orally in pill form, chewed, or crushed (then snorted like cocaine).

Percocet addiction is a major risk with prolonged use (over 2-3 weeks) of. Even moderate doses of Percocet can result in a fatal overdose. When increasing doses of Percocet an individual may at first feel restless and nauseous and then progress to loss of consciousness and abnormal breathing. Other risks include withdrawal symptoms that may last for months as well as the risk of overdose.

Everyone’s body is different but as little as half a pill of Percodan when combined with other depressants can lower your respiratory system enough to kill you. Taken in high doses these Percodan tablets alone can kill you.

Symptoms of a Percocet Overdose include:

• stupor
• coma
• skeletal muscle flaccidity
• cold and clammy skin
• hypertension
• circulatory collapse
• cardiac arrest

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Percodan Abuse

Percodan is the brand name for a combination of drugs that Percodan describes. Percodan is the combination of oxycodone and aspirin. Oxycodone is a narcotic which means Percodan is a very powerful opioid and should be taken with extreme care. Percodan is prescribed for pain because as a narcotic it has strong analgesic properties that block pain transmissions. Percodan works by interrupting pain signals from the brain and spinal cord. This is why Percodan is used for pain management but an unwanted result could be Percodan addiction. Addiction is defined by the National Institute of Drug Abuse as being a complex illness that is characterized by compulsive, often uncontrollable drug cravings that continue despite the occurrence of very negative consequences. The negative consequences of Percodan addiction include having more than one doctor in order to maintain a desired supply of Percodan. Lying to family and friends about the amount of Percodan that is being taken. Traveling to pharmacies out of the area in order to avoid detection of multiple prescriptions to Percodan. Hiding pills around the house, continuously counting pills in fear of running out. Suffering physical problems due to Percodan use such as physical dependence or symptoms of overdose such as shallow breathing and unconsciousness.

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Ritalin Abuse

Ritalin® is a drug used to treat attention deficit-disorder (ADD) in children and adults. A central nervous system stimulant, Ritalin (or methylphenidate) is similar to both amphetamines and cocaine, although its effects are generally milder and less pleasurable. Still, the increasing prevalence of ADD has prompted concerns about the drug’s potential for overuse. Appearance: Several companies produce methylphenidate, and tablets vary in appearance, depending on dosage and manufacturer. Street Names: Vitamin R, Rit. Actions: Although how, exactly, Ritalin relieves ADD symptoms remains unclear, researchers believe that the drug alters biochemical pathways involved in the screening of irrelevant stimuli by increasing the action of neurotransmitters known as catecholamines. Effects: Ritalin’s effects begin shortly after ingestion and last about three hours. At low doses, methylphenidate increases alertness and focus, while blocking hunger and fatigue. Objective effects include increases in heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. Side Effects: Can include insomnia, rapid or arrhythmic heart beat, dizziness, irritability, and headaches. More severe reactions include agitation, changes in appetite and sleep habits, weight loss, and facial tics. Overdose is possible. Addiction Potential: While there is little evidence of physical addiction to (or abuse of) Ritalin when used under medical supervision, it can produce both tolerance and physical addiction when used recreationally. Legal Status: Methylphenidate is a Schedule II controlled substance, and both production and distribution are tightly controlled Trends: The U.S. has the highest rate of both ADD diagnosis and methylphenidate use in the world, with an estimated 1.5 million U.S. children currently using the drug each school day. While the number of kids diagnosed with ADD in recent years has prompted concern that the condition may be overdiagnosed (and Ritalin overprescribed), the new focus on the disorder has resulted in expanded use of the drug among adults, usually with good results and few side effects.

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Rohypnol Abuse

Recent seizures and anecdotal reporting indicate that distribution and abuse of flunitrazepam are increasing domestically, especially in southern and southwestern States. Of particular concern is the drug’s low cost, usually below $5 per tablet, and its growing popularity among young people. Flunitrazepam is a benzodiazepine that is used in the short-term treatment of insomnia and as a sedative hypnotic and preanesthetic medication. It has physiological effects similar to diazepam (commonly known by its trade name, Valium®), although flunitrazepam is approximately 10 times more potent. Flunitrazepam neither is manufactured nor sold licitly in the United States. It is produced and sold legally by prescription in Europe and Latin America. The drug usually is smuggled into and transported within the United States through the mail or delivery services. Flunitrazepam-marketed under the trade name Rohypnol-is manufactured worldwide, particularly in Europe and Latin America, in 1- and 2- milligram tablets by Hoffman-La Roche, Inc., a large pharmaceutical manufacturer. However, the drug neither is manufactured nor approved for medical use in the United States.

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Ultram Abuse

Ultram is the brand name of the generic drug Tramadol (TRA-ma-doll). Ultram is an analgesic used to treat or prevent pain. Ultram is not a non steroidal anti inflammatory drug, nor is it a narcotic. Ultram binds to certain opiod pain receptors in the body. By blocking the reuptake of the neuro chemicals norepinephrine and serotonin, it modifies the pain message resulting in pain relief.

Ultram was introduced in 1995, no control was recommended based on review of its uncontrolled use in 40 other countries. However, once Ultram was released in the U.S., Ultram addiction became readily apparent. Large doses of Ultram can interfere with the ability to breathe, especially if Ultram is taken with alcohol. Individuals dependent on Ultram may experience Ultram Withdrawal symptoms.

Ultram Withdrawal symptoms include but are not limited to: ” difficulty sleeping ” agitated ” hallucinating ” dizziness ” depression ” diarrhea ” lethargy ” sweats ” body aches body much worse than before taking the drug ” irritability ” increase in tremors.

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Valium Abuse

Diazepam is a benzodiazepine with CNS depressant properties and a somewhat flatter dose-response slope than the sedative-hypnotic drugs. In laboratory animals, it produces, in varying doses, taming, disinhibitory, sedative, anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant, ataxic and hypnotic effects.

Diazepam is relatively devoid of autonomic effects and does not significantly reduce locomotor activity at low doses, or depress amphetamine- induced excitation. In high doses, it activates the drug metabolizing enzymes in the liver. Diazepam also possesses dependence liability and may produce withdrawal symptoms, but has a wide margin of safety against poisoning

The most common adverse effects reported are drowsiness and ataxia. Other reactions noted less frequently are fatigue, dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, diplopia, vertigo, headache, slurred speech, tremors, hypoactivity, dysarthria, euphoria, impairment of memory, confusion, depression, incontinence or urinary retention, constipation, skin rash, generalized exfoliative dermatitis, hypotension, changes in libido.

The more serious adverse reactions occasionally reported are leukopenia, jaundice, hypersensitivity and paradoxical reactions.

Paradoxical reactions such as hyperexcited states, anxiety, excitement, hallucinations, increased muscle spasticity, insomnia, rage, as well as sleep disturbances and stimulation, have been reported; should these occur, the drug should be discontinued.

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Vicodin Abuse

Vicodin is one of the most commonly abused prescription pain medications today. One of the most widely prescribed medications, Vicodin and its related medications, loricet, loritab percodan, and oxycontin are opioid-based pain medications. Vicodin is a derivative of opium, which is also used to manufacture heroin. Individuals with a Vicodin addiction become deeply depressed, and their thinking, attention, and judgement become impaired. Their thoughts dwell on the next high, although they tell themselves they are still taking Vicodin for pain or to avoid the withdrawal symptoms. Individuals with a Vicodin addiction often truly feel physical pain, but it is psychologically produced.

Individuals with a Vicodin addiction crave more Vicodin and tolerate greater amounts of the drug to achieve their high. Vicodin addictes go to great lengths, even breaking the law to get Vicodin. They continue abusing Vicodin even though they suffer negative physical and social consequences. Individuals with a Vidocin addiction are often aware of thier addiction, but may be too embarrassed or stubborn to admit it.

If a regular Vicodin user stops taking Vicodin, he or she will experience Vicodin Withdrawal within six to twelve hours but the symptoms are usually not life-threatening. The intensity of Vicodin Withdrawal depends on the degree of the Vicodin addiction. For example, the symptoms of withdrawal from Vicodin may grow stronger for twenty-four to seventy-two hours and then gradually decline over a period of seven to fourteen days.

The symptoms of Vicodin withdrawal include but are not limited to:

- restlessness

- muscle pain

- bone pain

- insomnia

- diarrhea

- vomiting

- cold flashes

- goose bumps

- involuntary leg movements

- watery eyes

- runny nose

- loss of appetite

- irritability

- panic

- nausea

- chills

- sweating

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Xanax Abuse

Xanax is prescription tranquilizer which depresses the nervous system in a way similar to alcohol. Xanax has found its way from pharmacies to drug dealers, and is being abused by young, healthy people who want to get high. These club-hopping, twenty-something, casual “Xannie poppers” are using the drug in combination with other stimulants, from alcohol to cocaine.

Essentially, withdrawal symptoms from Xanax feel like the opposite of the therapeutic effects. Xanax withdrawal can produce especially severe withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms that are similar to those in alcohol withdrawal, include jittery, shaky feelings and any of the following:

- rapid heartbeat

- shaky hands

- insomnia or disturbed sleep

- sweating

- irritability

- anxiety and agitation

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Zoloft Abuse

Sertraline hydrochloride (Zoloft®, Lustral®, Apo-Sertral®, Asentra®, Gladem®, Serlift®, Stimuloton®, Xydep®, Serlain®) is an orally administered antidepressant of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) type.

Sertraline is used medically mainly to treat the symptoms of depression and anxiety. It has also been prescribed for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, panic disorder, and bipolar disorder. It was first approved by the FDA in 1991.

Sertraline can have a number of adverse effects, including insomnia, asthenia, gastrointestinal complaints, tremors, confusion, dizziness, anorgasmia, and decreased libido; it can induce mania or hypomania in around 0.5% of patients. It has also been known to cause minor weight loss. One property of sertraline is that it appears to be also a minor inhibitor of dopamine reuptake. It is contraindicated in individuals taking MAOIs or undergoing electroconvulsive therapy.

Because of its metabolism, liver impairment can affect the elimination of this drug from the body. If someone with liver impairment is treated with sertraline, lower or less frequent dosage should be used. Similarly, patients should limit their alcohol intake while on sertraline (or any antidepressant). Because the liver is doubly taxed with processing both substances (in addition to any other drugs the patient may be taking), alcohol remains in the bloodstream longer, so the effects of alcohol may be more strongly and quickly felt by people taking sertraline or other antidepressants. The recommended limit for alcoholic beverages for people on sertraline is two per day.

Controversy

In June 2003, Britain banned the use of sertraline for children under 18 after studies showed a link to increasing suicidal rates. Similar concern has prevailed in the United States, where only the anti-depressant fluoxetine (another SSRI) is officially endorsed by the FDA for the treatment of depression in minors. However, because the antidepressant-suicide link is correlational, scientists do not know whether the increased suicide risk for people taking antidepressants occurs because the drugs make people suicidal, whether suicide occurs because the drugs un-depress the people enough to motivate the energy required to commit suicide (a popular theory), or because of a third, unknown factor.

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Drug Addicted Babies

An unborn baby depends on his mother for nourishment. When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol or takes drugs, she risks damaging her unborn child. The good news is that alcohol or drug-related birth defects can be prevented. The only thing the mother has to do during her pregnancy is to not drink alcohol or take drugs. All pregnant women should avoid all alcohol and any drugs unless prescribed by a healthcare provider.

A baby is at risk for many preventable problems if the mother drinks alcohol, including beer and wine, during pregnancy. Babies born to mothers who drink can develop fetal alcohol syndrome. It is uncertain how much alcohol it takes to create a fetal alcohol syndrome infant. Fetal alcohol syndrome is one of three leading causes of physical and mental birth defects.

The following symptoms are characteristic of fetal alcohol syndrome:

- small size, particularly the head

- clubfoot,

- strawberry

- birthmarks, or facial deformities

- mental retardation ” learning disabilities

- behavioral problems

- jittery gait and lack of coordination and

- problems with the liver, kidneys, heart, and joints

The physical damage of alcohol on a developing fetus lasts a lifetime. Any alcohol that a mother drinks puts her unborn baby at risk. Even modest drinkers have more miscarriages and stillborn babies than nondrinkers. When there is alcohol in the mother’s blood, it is in her unborn baby’s blood as well. Many of these babies suffer alcohol withdrawal, which can last from 1 week up to 6 months with signs of agitation, tremors, and seizures.

Infants whose mothers took drugs, such as cocaine or heroin, during their pregnancy may go through withdrawal at birth. Symptoms that may range from mild to severe include hyperactivity, sleep and feeding problems, a high-pitched cry, fussiness, breathing problems, diarrhea, vomiting, and convulsions.

For mild symptoms, gentle handling, frequent feedings, and quiet, cozy surroundings are helpful. Treatment may include oxygen if there is trouble breathing. Severe symptoms may require drug therapy as well.

Infants with drug withdrawal may be more prone to respiratory distress and sudden infant death syndrome. These infants should be watched closely. Their long-term development may also be affected. Many drug-addicted babies are slower in their development later on in life, and often have to attend special needs schools.

Get help for the mother.