Addiction is a big problem in Chicago. Thousands of people struggle with a substance abuse disorder every year. Treatment options are available in Chicago, but many people delay or refuse to get the help they need despite the negative consequences of their substance abuse. Depending on the length or severity of their addiction, someone might…
Millions of Americans struggle with methamphetamine addiction. Meth addiction can lead to a range of short and long-term health problems and makes it hard for people to live full lives. People who struggle with addiction often have a hard time performing at work, taking care of their families, or having good relationships. It is impossible…
Using prescription drugs is necessary even if they carry the risk of addiction. It’s important to carefully monitor use for those who need to use these drugs to control anxiety, pain, or depression. Opioids like Percocet, for example, can be necessary to allow pain relief, but too much or using them for too long can…
Epidemic vs. Pandemic As many people are aware, the COVID-19 pandemic is spreading across the world. At the same time, we have a drug epidemic in our country. People may question what is the difference between an epidemic vs. pandemic. Is one worse than the other or do they affect one another? Let’s take a…
Substance abuse disorders and addiction can lead to damaging consequences, ranging from a diminished standard of living to serious medical problems. The opioid epidemic of 2019 witnessed showed that opioid abuse continues to impact millions of Americans every year. As opioid use has increased over the past 10 years, so have an opioid addiction and…
Methamphetamine is a powerful central nervous system stimulant that creates energizing effects that can last for more than 8 hours, which means many of the signs of meth abuse involve sleep deprivation and mood and personality changes. As dramatized on the TV show Breaking Bad, meth is a commonly produced and trafficked addictive drug. Substance…
Symptoms of Vicodin Abuse Vicodin is a prescription pain reliever that doctors use to treat moderate to severe pain. Although it is effective at providing pain relief, Vicodin can also be highly addictive. As such, it is not unusual for a user to develop a long-term addiction to the drug. Addiction is not always easy…
Prescription Opioids People often need prescription drugs to treat physical or mental health problems. However, many people abuse prescription drugs, including opioids. Prescription opioids, which treat pain, often act as a gateway drug to other opioids like heroin. Between 21% and 29% of all patients who use these opioids abuse or misuse them, while up…
Prescription Drugs Definition Substance abuse disorders are common in the United States. Americans regularly abuse and misuse prescription drugs. In fact, 18 million Americans misuse prescription drugs annually. The prescription drugs definition isn’t complex: prescription medications include all substances that can legally be administered and prescribed by your doctor. Unfortunately, prescription drugs, like illicit substances,…
Teen Heroin Addiction Teens are no exception to the opiate epidemic, as teen heroin addiction is a natural consequence to 0.4% of 12th graders using heroin within the past year. Heroin is not only illegal but a highly dangerous and addictive narcotic. Many teens get into heroin after abusing prescription drugs, specifically opioids. Opioids are…