Tag Archive

What Is International Overdose Awareness Day? Every year on August 31st, communities worldwide unite to observe International Overdose Awareness Day. It’s a time to remember the lives lost to drug overdose, support those affected by addiction, and raise awareness about this critical public health crisis. But it’s not just a day of sorrow; it’s a […]

Opioid addiction knows no bounds. People of all ages, walks of life and occupations may struggle with substance abuse. Many of them are parents of school-age children and, for various reasons, can’t take care of their offspring in a responsible, healthful way. Some may have lost rights to or abandoned them. Others may be away […]

Anytime a person loses a loved one, it hurts. Death is an inevitable part of life, and yet we all tend to be caught off guard when it happens to someone we care about. A car accident. Old age. Cancer. It all hurts just the same. Nevertheless, losing someone to an overdose presents a unique […]

There’s no doubt about it. We are enduring many pains, hardships and sorrows during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The count of those who have contracted the disease continues to tick up. The number of people who have succumbed to it does too. But the misfortunes don’t stop there. Others indirectly relate to this vicious scourge. […]

Methamphetamine is a powerful, highly addictive stimulant drug that affects the central nervous system (CNS).1 Meth increases the activity of several neurotransmitters, including dopamine, a brain chemical important for motivation and the reinforcement of rewarding behaviors.1 Individuals who use meth report feeling a euphoric “rush,” an intense pleasurable feeling that only lasts a couple of […]

What is Percocet, and What is Percocet Used For? Percocet is a brand name for a prescription pain-relieving drug comprising acetaminophen and oxycodone, the latter of which is an opioid with a high potential for dependence and addiction.1 Given this potential, Percocet is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance by the U.S. Drug Enforcement […]

Cocaine is an addictive stimulant that is derived from the leaves of the coca plant.1 In the U.S., it is a Schedule II substance, which means that while it does have some medicinal applications, it has a high potential for misuse.1  Illicit sources of cocaine are commonly encountered in one of two chemical varieties—as a […]

Suboxone is an opioid medication that combines buprenorphine, a long-acting partial opioid agonist, and naloxone, a drug that temporarily reverses the effects of opioid drugs on the brain. That being said, people who do not have a high opioid tolerance may still be able to experience some euphoria by taking Suboxone, and some medications can […]

What is Spice? Spice is not naturally made marijuana, which is why it is also called “fake weed” or “synthetic marijuana.” Manufacturers of Spice (mainly in Asia, but also in the U.S.) make their phony products look like marijuana. These illicit manufacturers create different chemicals in a lab and then spray them on plant matter […]

If you or someone you love struggles with opioid misuse, it’s important to recognize the symptoms and signs of opioid overdose, understand opiate overdose treatment, and learn about the potential long-term effects of opioid overdose. What Are Opioids? Opioids are a class of drug that includes illegal substances like heroin, and legal painkillers—oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone […]