Ketamine (referred to on the street as Special K) is an anesthetic prescription drug that also has psychedelic properties. It alters sensory perception and can induce feelings of detachment from oneself and the world. For these reasons, it is a common drug of abuse. In a clinical environment, ketamine can be used as anesthesia before […]
Marijuana, commonly referred to as weed, is a drug derived from the cannabis plant that is consumed for the mind-altering effects produced by THC. Although marijuana is not believed to be nearly as addictive or destructive as many other substances of abuse, there is increasing evidence that frequent use can result in some level of […]
Ativan is a prescription benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety and a variety of other health conditions. The average half-life of Ativan is around 12 hours. Half-life refers to the time it takes for half of a dose of a drug to eliminate from a person’s system. Moreover, after ingesting the last dose, it can take […]
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) defines a narcotic as a drug that relieves pain and produces drowsiness, stupor, or insensibility. The use of this word is most often associated with either prescription or illicit opioids and opiates. Opioids work to diminish the perception of pain signaling in the central nervous system (CNS) but also induce […]
The holidays can be a stressful time for anyone, and for people new to recovery, they can be particularly daunting. Expectations are often high, and sometimes people who don’t have a lot of sober time under their belt struggle with the idea of spending time with friends and family, especially those who drink or use […]
Technically, there is no such thing as drug-induced schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a chronic mental health condition, and although the use of certain drugs is associated with triggering symptoms, substance abuse does not directly cause schizophrenia. In fact, research suggests that a combination of physical, biological, psychological, and environmental factors all come into play and can […]
Gabapentin (brand name Neurontin) is a prescription medication commonly used to treat neuropathic pain and seizures. Although gabapentin is thought to have a significantly lower potential for abuse and dependence than many other drugs that treat pain, both do occasionally occur. Those who use Neurontin in excessive amounts or for recreational purposes are more likely […]
The EtG test is commonly used to identify the presence of ethyl glucuronide in the urine of a person who may have consumed alcohol. Ethyl glucuronide (EtG) is a metabolite of ethanol, the intoxicating component in alcohol. It can also be screened for in blood, hair, and nails, but the alcohol urine test is the […]
Outpatient rehab and professional addiction treatment can help people with substance abuse problems reclaim independence in recovery, build trust and accountability, and develop ongoing skills for maintaining sobriety. For people who have already undergone more intensive forms of treatment and are now able to maintain sobriety without constant supervision, outpatient treatment is an ideal option […]
“Lean” is a slang term for a drug-laden drink that consists of the medications codeine and promethazine. Codeine is an opium alkaloid like morphine, the drug from which heroin is derived. Although morphine and heroin are both much more powerful than codeine, excessive consumption of this substance has the potential to cause death as well […]