Tag Archive

What is Fibromyalgia? The term fibromyalgia is derived from the Latin and Greek language; tissue (fibro), muscle (myo), and pain (algia). Fibromyalgia is a long-lasting disorder characterized by chronic and widespread pain and tenderness throughout the body.1 Fibromyalgia affects about 2% (4 million) of U.S. adults.2 It’s most prevalent among middle-aged women, who encompass 75-90% […]

Can drinking alcohol cause depression and, conversely, can depression lead to misusing alcohol? If you or someone you care about is struggling with depression and alcohol misuse, you may be interested in learning more about how alcohol can play a role in depression and vice versa, as well as the different factors that can affect […]

What is DXM? DXM (dextromethorphan) is a common antitussive medication that is a component of many cough and cold medicines such as Vicks Formula 44, Nyquil, Robitussin, and over 100 other formulations.1 DXM has been available since the 1950s, though it was once removed from the market due to its potential for abuse. The drug […]

Both alcohol and Suboxone (the buprenorphine component) act as central nervous system depressants, meaning that their general action results in a decrease in the rate of neurons firing in the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). Mixing alcohol with any opiate drug, including Suboxone, can be an extremely dangerous practice. Continue reading to […]

According to the book Benzodiazepines, Xanax (alprazolam) was developed as an alternative medication to Valium (diazepam) for the treatment of anxiety, particularly panic attacks. Both Xanax and Valium are benzodiazepines, which are tranquilizer drugs or central nervous system depressant drugs that are primarily designed to treat anxiety and panic disorders. Benzodiazepines are generally classified as […]

What is Adderall? Adderall is a prescription central nervous system (CNS) stimulant drug that contains amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. While it’s FDA-approved for the treatment of both and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Adderall is most often used to treat the latter as it has a paradoxical effect on the condition.4,5 That is, even though it’s a […]

What is Anxiety Disorder? Most people experience anxiety at some point in their lives. In fact, anxiety is a normal (and a very human) response to a fearful situation or a stressor, such as the way you might feel before a doctor’s appointment or before an exam. In a perfect world, feelings of anxiety would […]

Combining Cocaine and Alcohol Individuals who use stimulants like cocaine commonly also use other substances such as alcohol, a depressant.1 One meta-analysis found that rates of concurrent cocaine and alcohol use ranged from 37% to 96%.2. Another 2018 meta-analysis indicated an estimated 74% prevalence rate of simultaneous alcohol use among people who used cocaine.3,4 And […]

What is Addiction? Addiction is a chronic disease characterized by continually engaging in a certain behavior despite it causing significant impairment in the person’s life. While this can involve behaviors like gambling, shopping, or sex, addiction is most understood in terms of substance use that fundamentally changes how dopamine and other neurotransmitters associated with the […]

When Does Alcohol Use Become a Problem? For most people, alcohol use is not a problem. Many people are social drinkers, with around half of all U.S. adults reporting drinking alcohol in the past month.1 Others engage in binge drinking or struggle with an alcohol use disorder—both of which are considered unhealthy forms of alcohol […]