Drug Addiction

The Skinny on Cocaine: Why Drug Causes Weight Loss May Surprise You

There is a widespread assumption that cocaine use suppresses one’s appetite and thereby contributes to weight loss, and that during withdrawal, the “rebound” from this effect leads to rapid weight gain. However, new research from the University of Cambridge has provided evidence against this assumption, and while the overall effect is essentially the same, the mechanism by which it occurs is quite different. The findings have notable consequences for how we think about cocaine withdrawal, as well as providing evidence that the general problems with regulating impulsivity in cocaine-dependent individuals also have an impact on their diet.

Signs of Pot Use in Teens, From Breath Mints to Burns

Drug paraphernalia in the bedroom is an obvious indicator of marijuana use. But what are the more subtle signs that a teenager is smoking pot?

Vivitrol Blocks Heroin High

There is a relatively new treatment for addiction on the market. It isn’t a new type of therapy or a variation of a 12-step program and it isn’t a replacement for a drug, like methadone, which acts as a replacement for heroin. The new drug, called Vivitrol, is an injection that prevents addicts from getting any pleasure out of using their substance of choice. When a heroin addict on Vivitrol shoots up, she gets no high. When an alcoholic on Vivitrol drinks, he may lose coordination, but it’s no longer any fun.

Pregnant Women Using Less Alcohol, More Illicit Drugs

The message that drinking and pregnancy poses considerable risk to the unborn fetus appears to be getting through. Over the last decade, alcohol use among pregnant women has decreased, according to a new report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. More troubling, however, is that during that same 10-year period, illicit drug use among pregnant woman has seen a dramatic increase. The report shows that pregnant women who sought substance abuse treatment for alcohol with or without drug use dropped from 46.6 percent in 2000 to 34.8 percent in 2010. Pregnant women admitted for substance abuse treatment for drug use without co-occurring alcohol use increased to 63.8 percent in 2010, compared with 2000’s 51.1 percent.

Youths Who Use Designer Drugs Can’t Stop After Just One

Designer drugs are man-made or synthetic drugs. They are chemical compounds created in a laboratory and sold on the street to users looking for intense or specific kinds of “highs.” They are sold under a slew of names, making them hard for parents to keep track of. Anti-drug agencies report that teens and young people who use designer drugs are far more likely to use multiple drugs over their lifetimes. A survey on drug use and health issued by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration found that young people who use one kind of designer drug often use another as well. For the survey, people 16 to 23 years were asked about their drug use. Among the respondents, 20 percent said that they had used at least one of the following man-made designer drugs:

Use of Party Drug ‘Molly’ Increases With Summer Heat

Summertime and hard partying often go hand-in-hand. And across the country, Molly, a form of the drug ecstasy, is becoming popular among high school students and younger crowds. The warmer weather in particular seems to be a draw for Molly’s users who typically range in age from 16 to 21.

Painkiller Overdose Deaths Among Women Reach Epidemic Proportions

Prescription painkillers have been a growing problem in the United States for years. Because they are controlled, but legal, painkillers are viewed as safer than street drugs by too many people. The result is more addictions, more overdoses, and more deaths caused by medications like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and others. According to recent information released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), record numbers of people, especially women, are abusing and dying from prescription painkillers.

Who Knew? Long-Term Marijuana Use Blunts Motivation, Study Finds

Images of stoners staring off into space, reacting with sudden or unexpected moves to threats only they can see are a mainstay of movies and television plots where long-term drug use plays at least a peripheral part of the overall plot. In fact, audiences are so used to associating complete lack of motivation with chronic pot users that it might come as a surprise that this area hasn’t been studied, until now. A new study by scientists at Imperial College London, UCL and Kings College London did just that, finding that long-term marijuana users tend to produce less dopamine, a brain chemical linked to motivation. The study was published in the journal Biological Psychiatry.

Fox News Taps Promises’ Dr. David Sack for Insight on Heels of ‘Glee’ Star Cory Monteith’s Tragic Death

[YT video="34vTEk_hO34" title="" description=""] In the wake of the tragic death of 31-year-old "Glee" star Cory Monteith, Fox News host Bill O'Reilly reached out to Dr. David Sack, CEO of Promises Treatment Centers, to talk about what O'Reilly called the widespread acceptance in society of alcohol and marijuana. Monteith, who was found dead July 13 in his hotel room in Vancouver, British Columbia, died as a result of “mixed drug toxicity,” according to the B.C. coroner's office. Monteith had struggled with addiction since he was a young teenager. "The attitude toward marijuana changed," Dr. Sack said, "when we started to get legalization. There's a perception that marijuana is safe, if not helpful, but the evidence is to the contrary. Marijuana, especially when used by adolescents and young adults, affects future development and thinking." Dr. Sack went on to say that over time, the daily use of conscious-altering substances catches up with people. They start to miss work and have problems in their relationships. "Marijuana is a very insidious drug," Dr. Sack said. "People don't know how it's affecting them. They're not aware of how it causes them to be more irritable, more paranoid, more oppositional. It's a particularly difficult drug...

Federal Rules Eased for Opioid Addiction Treatment Drug

A relaxed rule is good news for drug addiction facilities. Federal regulators are allowing more flexibility for physicians prescribing buprenorphine, a drug important in treating those with an opioid addiction. According to the American Medical Association, this move is an important one in a nation representing the consumption of 99 percent of the manufactured hydrocodone. The U.S. represents only 5 percent of the world’s population, yet consumes almost allof this addictive opioid drug. The trend has the clear markings of an epidemic.

Mexican Drug Cartels Using Cannons to Fire Marijuana Across Border

The manufacturer with a strong demand in the market often seeks to get the product to market through the most efficient means possible. Very few manufacturers would rely on makeshift cannons to complete the task. This medium is not too outrageous for Mexican drug cartels, however. According to a recent Time magazine report, borders won’t stop the cartels from getting their products to market. Homemade cannons powered by old car engines converted into air compressors can fire up to 13 kilos of marijuana more than 500 feet.

First-of-Its-Kind Study Finds Marijuana in Blood One Month After Abstinence

The legalization of marijuana in states like Colorado requires additional regulation to make the legalization safe for all residents. For instance, there are many adverse effects associated with the use of cannabis, such as an increased risk of psychotic episodes. In addition, cannabis use may impact other areas of physical and mental health. The legalization of marijuana may also significantly impact legislation related to its use in connection with operating a vehicle. The use of cannabis is connected to impaired driving and the cause of motor vehicle accidents, second only to alcohol for its role in dangerous driving. According to the National Roadside Survey, there were more drivers tested positive for drugs than for alcohol in 2007, and in 2009 more than 10 percent of young adults admitted to driving while under the influence of illegal drugs. In a study recently published online in Clinical Chemistry, researchers provided evidence that even when a daily smoker of cannabis ceases using the drug, it can be detected in the blood up to one month later. The researchers recruited 30 men who were chronic daily marijuana smokers. They were required to remain at a secure research unit for up to 33 consecutive days,...

Teens Are Feeling More Anxious Than Ever

Is your teen what you would call a “worry wart?” Does she experience panic attacks? Does she avoid social situations? Does she seem anxious even when you can’t see anything to be worried about? If you can describe your teen with any of the above statements, it is possible that she suffers from an anxiety disorder. This is a class of mental illnesses that includes several types, such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and social anxiety, among others.

Teen Who ‘Thought He Could Fly’ After Taking Synthetic LSD Falls to His Death

Synthetic drugs may be the new trend in getting high that parents, law enforcement agents and lawmakers need to be worried about. From the synthetic marijuana products that came out several years ago packaged to look like incense or potpourri, to the newest drugs coming from China and Europe, these laboratory-manufactured substances pose a real public health problem. A young man in Australia recently jumped to his death after taking what may be the newest synthetic to hit the black market: LSD.

Animal Study Links Missing Brain Enzyme With Addiction to Painkillers

The nature-nurture debate is alive and well in the world of drug addiction research. Scientists and addiction experts have long-speculated whether the biological factors—genetic variations and the resulting susceptibility—or the psycho-social factors—like depression, parental substance abuse, or socioeconomic disadvantage—are responsible for addiction. It’s generally agreed that both factors contribute to addiction, with at least 50 percent of addiction susceptibility being related to genes. The precise mechanisms by which genetic factors create a pre-disposition to addiction are an area of ongoing research, and a new study has uncovered that a specific enzyme could play an important role.

Grief and Substance Abuse – Coping after a Loss

Losing someone you love is one of the most painful trials life can throw your way. It’s common to experience a range of emotions, from denial and anger to sadness and despair. Each person who goes through the grieving process does it in his or her unique way. Some, however, will turn to alcohol or drugs in a desperate attempt to numb the intense pain, sadness, and grief that so often follow a major loss. Unfortunately, for some, self-medicating emotional pain can lead to the development of a full-blown alcohol or drug addiction.

Domestic Violence and Substance Abuse in Women – The Importance of Getting Help

Abuse by a domestic partner causes both physical and emotional pain. Sometimes that pain can trigger substance abuse in the woman being victimized. If you (or someone you love) are in a violent relationship and struggling with an addiction, finding help is critical to your healing. This article will help you learn more about the relationship between domestic violence and substance abuse, and offer advice for getting treatment from an alcohol and drug rehab center. Link Between Domestic Violence and Addiction Research consistently shows a connection between substance abuse and domestic violence. Women who have been abused are 15 times more likely to abuse alcohol and 9 times more likely to abuse drugs than those without a history of abuse.

Chronic Pain and Substance Abuse – A Challenging Combination

Chronic pain has a profound effect on anyone’s life. If you’re saddled with chronic pain, you may not be able to work or exercise, let alone enjoy life in general. Pain causes sleep disturbances and, when chronic, often triggers symptoms of depression. In short, life with chronic pain can be miserable. It’s no surprise that it can also spark substance abuse in some individuals in a desperate attempt to alleviate it. And for those who already struggle with addiction or have a history of drug rehab treatment, treating the pain with medications – which often have a high potential for dependence – becomes a complicated endeavor.

Meth Causes Psychosis, Study Finds

Research has shown that there is an increased risk of psychotic episodes when certain drugs are used. Marijuana, for instance, has been linked with an increased risk of psychosis. It is unclear, however, whether drugs consistently increase the risk of psychosis or if individuals with a history of psychosis are more likely to use drugs. In the case of methamphetamine use, the debate may be coming to a close. Despite anecdotal evidence that individuals with psychosis are more likely to use the drug, a research team has found that when methamphetamine is being actively used, instances of psychosis increase dramatically. Focusing on long-term methamphetamine users, the study by researchers at Australian National University in Canberra found that the symptoms of psychosis are five times more likely to develop during periods of use when compared with periods of abstinence. The symptoms examined by the team included hallucinations (increased risk in 51 percent of participants), suspiciousness (71 percent), and delusions (35 percent). The level of risk was positively correlated with drug use. The study’s lead author, Rebecca McKetin, said participants experienced psychotic symptoms at a rate of about 10 percent when they were not actively using methamphetamine, compared with 48 percent when...

Pot Smokers More Likely to Abuse Prescription Drugs

The widespread misuse of prescription painkillers has prompted the medical community to look for ways to better understand and regulate them. The doctors, pharmacists and policymakers involved in seeking to promote responsible use of prescription painkillers intend to provide solutions that prevent misuse of the drugs, but without threatening the relief that they offer to millions of people who suffer from diseases associated with significant pain, such as many types of cancer.

Smoking Fake Marijuana Causes Real-Life Damage to Kidneys

Synthetic marijuana may not be the real thing, but the damage it does to a person’s body is very real. Multiple studies have found that synthetic marijuana products can cause dangerous reactions including rapid heart rate and seizures, but a new study reveals that this fake marijuana can also cause kidney damage.

Mentally Ill Smoke Nearly 40% of Cigarettes

Individuals who struggle with a mental disorder are at an increased risk for multiple other conditions, including additional mental health issues substance use disorders. A recent report from the National Surveys on Drug Use and Health indicates that much of the cigarette consumption in the United States is by those who have a mental disorder. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health is a tool used by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to gather information about substance use and other health issues among Americans. The results are used to provide guidance for the development of policies relating to drug use prevention, intervention and education.

Righteous Obsession: Can You Go Too Far in Recovery?

Coming out of rehab and filled with ideas about how to embark on a life that is clean and sober is an ideal situation. For many newcomers to sobriety, however, the reality is something a bit less clear-cut. For one thing, there is bound to be a lot of doubt and confusion, uncertainty over what to do and when to do it – or even if it should be done. There may also be a tendency to go so far in one direction, trying to right all the wrongs that have been committed in as short a time as possible, that what seems to be a commitment may actually be bordering on righteous obsession. In such a case, the newly sober individual may be doing harm to his or her fragile recovery by going a little too far.

Chris Kelly of Kris Kross Dies of Drug Overdose at 34

One half of the ‘90s rap duo Kris Kross, Chris Kelly, has died at age 34. Paramedics found Kelly at home the day after he took heroin and cocaine, in an unresponsive state, and took him to the hospital. He died just an hour and a half later. The star’s sudden death has left his fans and fellow musicians stunned, serving as yet another wake-up call for both celebrities and the general public regarding the dangers of drug abuse. Kelly had struggled with addiction in the past, with his group’s recent reunion bringing the problem to the surface again prior to his death.

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