Drug and Alcohol Facts
Alcohol Abuse, Alcoholism and Treatment
Nearly 14 million people in the United States struggle with alcohol abuse or alcoholism. Both conditions are associated with serious medical issues including cirrhosis, hepatitis, bacterial pneumonia, cardiomyopathy, and coronary heart disease.
Prescription Drug Abuse and Treatment
Increased use of prescription drugs to treat a wide range of medical conditions has resulted in an equally dramatic increase in the abuse of prescription drugs. More people abuse prescription medications than abuse cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens, ecstasy, and inhalants combined.
Methamphetamine Addiction and Treatment
Increased use of prescription drugs to treat a wide range of medical conditions has resulted in an equally dramatic increase in the abuse of prescription drugs. More people abuse prescription medications than abuse cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens, ecstasy, and inhalants combined.
Cocaine Addiction and Treatment
Cocaine is highly addictive because of the intense euphoria experienced by users (even first-time users). Many former cocaine addicts have said that they were never able to repeat the intensity of that first high, no matter how much cocaine they ingested.
Adolescent Substance Abuse
The adolescent years can be confusing and challenging. Some adolescents, especially those who aren't receiving the support and guidance they need at home, may turn to substance abuse as way to cope.
Federal Bupe Law Cheered
A federal law that removed the 30-patient restriction on buprenorphine treatment is winning raves from people with addictions to heroin and other opioids, as well as from their care providers. Buprenorphine is an anti-opiate medication that is used to treat opioid addiction, and is used an alternative to methadone.
Many Recover From Alcoholism
According to an article in Addiction magazine, adults in the United States who have been in alcohol recovery programs for more than 12 months rarely show symptoms of alcohol dependence or abuse. They have also continued to abstain from drinking, or drink at such low levels as to avoid risking relapse.
The Facts Behind Ecstacy
Ecstasy has become a popular drug, in large part due to the quick and often long-lasting high it produces. Users report feeling emotional warmth, a general sense of well being, decreased anxiety, and increased sensory perception. Ecstasy is often referred to as a “club drug” because users tend to be part of the nightclub scene, where the drug gives them the stamina to dance for long periods of time.
The Facts Behind Cocaine
Cocaine is a central nervous system stimulant that conflicts with the re-absorption of dopamine, a chemical associated with pleasure and movement. The buildup of dopamine causes the stimulation of "receiving" neurons, which is associated with the euphoria that is experienced by cocaine abusers.
