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Read About-Keeping Your Commitment to Get Help From Addictions
Alcohol is available in many different forms, including beer, wine and liquor. It is a depressant, which slows your body down making it difficult to think clearly. Ethanol alcohol, also referred to as ETOH for its chemical composition, is the form that is ingested orally by humans. Alcohol depresses the central nervous system, interfering with communication between brain cells... READ MORE
Barbiturates are prescribed legally for medical use and produce a wide spectrum of central nervous system depression, from mild sedation to coma. They are used as sedatives, hypnotics, anesthetics and anticonvulsants. The primary differences between barbiturates are related to their effects. Barbiturates are classified as ultra-short... READ MORE
Benzodiazepines are often used therapeutically to produce sedation, induce sleep, relieve anxiety and muscle spasms, and to prevent seizures. Benzodiazepines act as hypnotics in high doses, anxiolytics in moderate doses, and sedatives in low doses. Benzodiazepines effect the central nervous system functions and are classified as depressants...READ MORE
Cocaine has been an abused substance for nearly 100 years. Derived from the pure chemical, cocaine hydrochloride, it is a powerfully addictive substance. The powdered, hydrochloride salt form of cocaine can be snorted or dissolved in water and injected. Cocaine has evolved in form over the years and has not only increased in purity, but has also become available in “crack” form...READ MORE
Codeine is the most widely used, naturally occurring narcotic in medical treatment in the world. It is an alkaloid that is found in opium in concentrations ranging from 0.7 to 2.5 percent. Most codeine used in the United States is produced from morphine, and is the starting...READ MORE
Processed from morphine, heroin is the most abused and rapidly acting opiate available. Morphine is a naturally occurring substance extracted from the seed pod of certain varieties of poppy plants. Typically found in a white or brownish powder form, heroin also is found as a black sticky substance commonly referred to as “black tar heroin.” Purer heroin is becoming more common, but most street heroin...READ MORE
A weak opiate derived from codeine and typically combined with acetaminophen, hydrocodone is legally prescribed for pain relief. It is an antitussive (cough suppressant) and analgesic agent used for the treatment of moderate to severe pain, and is found to be nearly equal to morphine for pain relief. It is the most frequently prescribed opiate in the ...READ MORE
Inhalants produce effects similar to alcohol and are created from a diverse group of substances that include volatile solvents, gases and nitrites that are sniffed, snorted, huffed or bagged. The substances used are found in common household products such as glues, lighter fluid, cleaning fluids and paint products. Inhalant abuse ...READ MORE
LSD is derived from ergot, a fungus that develops on rye grass. It is sold on the street in tablets, capsules and occasionally in a liquid form. It is odorless and colorless and has a slightly bitter taste. LSD is usually ingested orally, often being ...READ MORE
Marijuana is the most commonly abused drug in the United States. It is comprised of a dry, shredded green/brown mix of flowers, stems, seeds, and leaves of the plant Cannabis sativa. It is usually smoked as a cigarette (joint) or in a pipe (bong or bowl). It is also smoked in a blunt, which is a cigar that has been emptied of tobacco and refilled with marijuana, sometimes...READ MORE
MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is a synthetic, psychoactive drug chemically similar to methamphetamine. MDMA is an illegal drug that produces an energizing effect, along with distortions in time and perception and enhanced enjoyment form tactile experiences. Used to promote euphoria, it is most commonly used by adolescents and young adults. It also creates feelings of closeness, empathy, sexuality and reduced inhibitions. It is most widely considered a “party drug”. Though MDMA is known universally as ecstasy, it has also...READ MORE
Methamphetamine is a highly addictive synthetic drug containing potent central nervous system stimulant properties. Methamphetamine can be swallowed in pill form, sniffed as a powder, injected intravenously or intra-muscularly or smoked...READ MORE
Oxycodone is an opiate derived from morphine and is legally prescribed for pain relief. Found in the prescription drug OxyContin, it is a Schedule II narcotic analgesic and is highly addictive. Oxycodone is found either alone in a controlled release formulation (OxyContin) or in an immediate release formulation... READ MORE
Anabolic (“muscle-building”) steroids are man-made substances closely linked to the male hormone testosterone. Anabolic steroids require a prescription for use and can be taken orally, injected intramuscularly, or rubbed on the skin in the forms of...READ MORE