American Addiction Centers Blog

Mental Health in the United States Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being, and taking care of it is as important as taking care of your physical health. Did you know that more than 1 in 5 adults, aged 18 or older, in the United States live with a mental illness? That’s nearly […]

Understanding Methamphetamine Illegal methamphetamine is created in meth labs by combining a number of harsh chemicals like household cleaners and ingredients common in powerful cough medicines. Due to the ease of obtaining these ingredients, homemade meth became a massive problem in rural America, resulting in widespread addiction, a rash of overdose cases, and incidents of […]

Articles in the media show that use of crystal meth by young women has seen a steady increase in recent years.1 Meth has deleterious effects on the brain and body. But recent research shows that it may affect women differently than men. How Does Meth Affect the Brain? Methamphetamine causes the amount of the dopamine […]

The statistics on crystal meth use in the gay community are worrisome. In some parts of the country, this drug caused havoc among the gay population, especially in major metropolitan areas. How Did Crystal Meth Become So Popular With Gay Men? There are a few theories as to why gay men are at increased risk […]

Central nervous stimulants, like Concerta and Ritalin, have been prescribed for decades to help treat the effects of ADHD in adolescents and adults. Many people wonder “is there a difference between Concerta and Ritalin?” Read on to learn more about these medications, how they work, and what to do if you or someone you love […]

What Does Meth Feel Like? As a stimulant, meth increases activity in certain areas of the brain, and functions of the central nervous system are heightened as a result. For example, heart rate, body temperature, respiration, and blood pressure all rise under the influence of meth. Energy, attention, focus, pleasure, and excitement are enhanced as […]

Methylphenidate Vs. Cocaine Methylphenidate is the active ingredient in two major drugs used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): Ritalin and Concerta. Ritalin is the immediate-release form of methylphenidate, whereas Concerta is the extended-release form of the drug. Methylphenidate is classified as a central nervous system stimulant or psychostimulant medication. It is a Schedule II […]

What Does Crack Cocaine Look Like? The process of turning cocaine into crack cocaine produces crystals, called “rocks.” These range in color from clear-white or opaque white to off-white or yellow. They vary in size and shape, too. Changes in color may be related to adulterants, including caffeine, sugar, lactose, or other drugs like levamisole, […]

Cocaine is a powerful and generally illegal drug that has a long and complicated history. The intoxicant is extracted from the coca plant, which originated in the Andean highlands of South America.1 Natives chewed the leaves or brewed them into a tea to combat fatigue for thousands of years before the Spaniards arrived on their doorstep.2 […]

Adderall Adderall is the brand name of a combined form of two drugs: amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. This combination of drugs has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the sleep disorder narcolepsy (a disorder where a person may experience sleep attacks during the […]

Struggling with addiction or mental health issues can be overwhelming, and seeking professional help is crucial for recovery. However, building a supportive community can also play a vital role in the journey to sobriety and recovery. Reddit provides a platform where individuals can find solidarity, share experiences, and access valuable resources.  Here, we’ll explore some […]

Opioid Pain Management Opioids are a class of medications that interact with opioid receptors in the brain to provide pain relief. 1 Some commonly prescribed opioid painkillers include oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, and codeine.1 When people experience acute pain, such as the pain one might experience after surgery, they may be given opioid painkillers to help […]