Alprazolam (Xanax) is a popular benzodiazepine in the U.S. Like all benzodiazepines, Xanax is a central nervous system depressant designed to calm patients experiencing life-threatening panic episodes. It is not an antidepressant and not a painkiller. Benzodiazepines were developed in the 1960s as a safer tranquilizer than alcohol and barbiturates. However, when used in excess,…
Methamphetamine is a highly addictive central nervous system stimulant. A report by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) reveals that approximately 964,000 people aged 12 or older had a meth use disorder or addiction. Because the need for meth addiction treatment is so common, people have asked, “Is meth a narcotic?” The question might…
Commonly known as tranquilizers, benzodiazepines affect the central nervous system in order to reduce anxiety and create feelings of intense relaxation. Doctors prescribe benzodiazepines in extremely large numbers, and they rank among the most commonly used drugs in the U.S. The most recognizable benzodiazepine brand names include Ativan, Halcion, Librium, Valium, and Xanax. Benzodiazepines can…
There are multiple steps involved in heroin addiction treatment. Those addicted to heroin can choose between partial hospitalization and outpatient treatment settings for the first step. Knowing what’s involved in each of these steps can help individuals struggling with addiction prepare for rehab. Partial hospitalization is recommended for those addicted to heroin who have only…
Millions of people use and abuse drugs around the world, and they do so for a wide variety of reasons. There’s no easy answer to the question, “Why do people do drugs?” Every individual is unique, but there are definitely some common factors that come up again and again. Let’s delve deeper into some of…
Mental health concerns often intersect with substance use disorders. This is evident in the behavioral problem of codependency. Many times these two conditions exist side by side. This makes it especially difficult for those with substance use issues to break free from the cycle of addiction. As a result, some people imagine that they’ll never…
Those who want to know how dangerous is fentanyl typically look for answers online. You can find accurate information in reports from agencies such as the National Institutes on Drug Abuse (NIDA). A NIDA report states that nearly 50 percent of opioid overdose deaths in 2016 involved fentanyl. That’s how dangerous fentanyl is. The statistics suggest…
If you are looking for a drug treatment program near Bellevue, then you are not alone. Unfortunately, drug abuse and substance use disorders impact countless individuals and families across Oregon. Fortunately, there are trained professionals who are willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. That is where we can help you. We…
Considering addiction therapy can be frightening if you’re currently in your active addiction. One of the primary reasons for this fear is that addiction drastically changes your brain. It affects the part of your brain that controls your survival needs, like food and water. The issue is that this part of the brain now process…