Author: John Carter

Many people wonder how addictive drugs differ from each other, particularly when it comes to cocaine and heroin. Cocaine use can lead to cardiovascular problems, such as heart attacks and strokes, as well as respiratory issues, including lung damage and respiratory failure. Chronic cocaine use can also cause severe mental health problems, such as paranoia, […]

The medulla, or brain stem, controls or influences all of the bodily functions that are involuntary, like breathing, heart rate, temperature and consciousness. As alcohol starts to influence upper centers in the medulla, such as the reticular formation, a person will start to feel sleepy and may eventually become unconscious as BAC increases. If the […]

Among men, both at our center and nationally, the incidence of trauma is also high, but it looks to be more like 50 percent. The good news about all that is that the addiction treatment women receive is evolving to account for those differences, and women are the better for it. Some programs may seek […]

An addiction therapist can help you find positive ways to deal with the stress of living with a functional alcoholic. Whether you have an alcoholic spouse, partner or other loved one, you may be wondering how to help. High-functioning alcoholics can benefit from having an at-home support system before, during and after any form of […]

Long-term adverse effects may include addiction, decreased mental ability in those who started regular use as adolescents,[3] chronic coughing, susceptibility to respiratory infections, and cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. Long-term, heavy use of marijuana (THC) can lead to a condition called cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS). In this syndrome, persistent nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain can occur in […]

In some cases levels of a drug in your bloodstream might be changed which could alter effectiveness. If you choose to drink alcohol while taking an antibiotic, check on the safety with your doctor or pharmacist first. It’s important to check with your doctor or pharmacist before you mix alcohol with an antibiotic as this […]

If withdrawal symptoms become severe, doctors may prescribe other medications. They will make this decision on a case-by-case basis, depending on the type and severity of the symptoms affecting the individual. Tapering the drug by slowly reducing the prescription strength may help make withdrawal symptoms much easier to manage. Additionally, medical supervision allows doctors to […]

For someone producing heroin, the goal is to create a high-potency form of opium that results in a quick, intense high. Unfortunately, this drug comes with a very high risk of addiction development and potentially lethal side effects. Heroin is a derivative of the natural opiate morphine, which is a drug commonly prescribed to treat […]

Nitrous oxide also affects blood pressure and heart rate, making it dangerous for anyone, but especially those with even minor heart conditions. But, if you take nitrous oxide, or know someone who does, all these symptoms could indicate a nitrous oxide overdose. They breathe directly from the balloon, taking a little or a lot at […]

But there are a few medication options doctors are having some success with. Cocaine is a stimulant drug derived from the leaves of the coca plant native to South America. According to a 2022 study, close to 25 million people around the world use cocaine. Behavioral treatment includes psychotherapy and other psychosocial interventions. The combo […]