Man enduring severe heroin withdrawal symptoms in detox setting

Can Heroin Withdrawal Kill You?

Drug Addiction, heroin addiction, Substance Use / Dave Cundiff, MD, MPH, FASAM

Heroin is one of the most dangerous and addictive drugs in the world. It claims roughly half of its users, a number that is staggering, to say the least. These deaths are fully preventable, which makes the situation even sadder. More and more individuals succumb to heroin addiction each year simply because they’re not willing

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woman experiencing headache from ecstasy use

Physical and Psychological Ecstasy Effects

Blog, Drug Addiction, Substance Use / Dave Cundiff, MD, MPH, FASAM

Ecstasy, or MDMA, rose to popularity in the 1970s and is now known by many names across the United States. Over time, studies have shown a number of unpleasant side effects, health problems, and even the potential for chemical dependency. These dangerous ecstasy effects showcase behavioral and physical changes that can be easy to spot.

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Group therapy session with a therapist discussing gateway drug addiction

What Is a Gateway Drug Addiction?

Addiction, Drug Addiction, Substance Use / Dave Cundiff, MD, MPH, FASAM

A gateway drug is a habit-forming drug that may lead to other addictive substance use. This is a common theory, but not necessarily scientific fact. Today, some researchers and healthcare providers discount the existence of gateway substances. Whether these gateways to addiction are real is something you can decide for yourself. Gateway drugs are generally

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doctor explaining the differences between Ritalin and Adderall to a patient

Ritalin vs. Adderall: What’s the Difference?

Drug Addiction, Drug Information, Substance Use / Dave Cundiff, MD, MPH, FASAM

Adderall and Ritalin are central nervous system stimulants and have a high potential for abuse. However, they have different chemical structures. Ritalin contains the chemical methylphenidate. Adderall, on the other hand, contains a mix of amphetamine salts. While these drugs contain other ingredients, too, those are the two main ones. Because of these differences, people

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Showing the dangers of popping pills and prescription drug abuse

The Dangers of Popping Pill and Prescription Drug Abuse

Addiction, Addiction Treatment Programs, Drug Addiction, Prescription Drugs, Rehabilitation / Dave Cundiff, MD, MPH, FASAM

A shocking 20% of Americans admit to pill-popping prescription drug abuse or using prescription drugs for purposes other than those for which the drugs were prescribed. Pill popping can cause addiction to set in quickly. If you or a loved one are in need of prescription drug addiction rehab in Portland, Oregon, Crestview Recovery is here

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Restoril vs. Ambien

Drug Addiction, Dual Diagnosis, Prescription Drugs / Dave Cundiff, MD, MPH, FASAM

Getting sufficient sleep helps with every aspect of our daily lives. If cutting back on caffeine, eating a healthy diet, and getting an age-appropriate amount of daily physical activity did not improve your sleep, your doctor may have prescribed sleep medication like Restoril or Ambien. If your sleep issues are undiagnosed, you may rely on

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group therapy discussing opioid vs narcotics

Opioids vs. Narcotics: What Are the Differences

Controlled Substances, Drug Addiction, Drug Information / Dave Cundiff, MD, MPH, FASAM

If you or a loved one is dealing with a substance use disorder, it is important to use the correct language as often as possible. Word choice can sometimes determine whether a person is willing to attend substance use treatment. The word narcotics generally relates to any illegal drug; however, now that it is legal

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group therapy sessions discussing adhd medication

Is Ecstasy a Narcotic?

Drug Addiction, Drug Information / Dave Cundiff, MD, MPH, FASAM

Ecstasy is a popular “party” drug that is used by many college students. Unfortunately, this drug may also cause health-related issues, as well, similar to many narcotics. So is ecstasy a narcotic? This question is surprisingly complex. However, there is no doubt that ecstasy is dangerous. People who abuse it may run into many health

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Patient in therapy receiving guidance from a therapist about speed withdrawal symptoms

Speed Withdrawal Symptoms to Watch

Addiction, Drug Addiction / Dave Cundiff, MD, MPH, FASAM

Speed, such as amphetamines and methamphetamine, can be hazardous when abused. In many cases, they can trigger dangerous withdrawal symptoms. As a result, you need to pay attention to speed withdrawal symptoms. Doing so can help you understand any danger you may find yourself in abusing these drugs. The numbers for speed addiction illustrate the

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a guy asking a girl what are the effects of meth in the brain

How Meth Affects the Brain and Body

Addiction Therapy, Drug Addiction, Drug Information, Meth Addiction Treatment, Substance Use / Dave Cundiff, MD, MPH, FASAM

Meth affects the chemical balance in the brain and every major organ in the body. Because of its effects, people who abuse the drug can suffer a lot of mental and physical damage. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, meth is one of the most addictive drugs in the world. In fact, it's

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