Going through withdrawal from a drug or other substance is always unpleasant. It can range from mildly uncomfortable to so painful and potentially dangerous, that it should not be attempted without the supervision of a doctor or other professional. The physical symptoms of withdrawal frequently include sweating, tremors, nausea, muscle tension, racing heart or palpitations, and chest tightness. Less common but more severe symptoms may include grand mal seizures, delirium tremens, heart attacks, hallucinations, or strokes.

Withdrawal also involves negative emotional symptoms that can lead to a relapse or to other serious consequences if patients are not under care. These symptoms can include anxiety and depression, irritability, insomnia, restlessness, an inability to concentrate, and a feeling of social isolation.

Read More

Synthetic drugs come with many names and just as many man-made chemicals, not all of which are safe for human consumption. As is proven in the multitude of emergency room visits, some of them contain chemicals that are toxic.

Read More

With recent legalizations at the state level for marijuana use, some argue that it is only a matter of time before smoking pot will be as commonplace as tobacco or alcohol use. Even in some states that have declined to legalize the drug, the use or possession of marijuana has been downgraded to a lesser charge.

Read More

The recent legalization of medical marijuana in Colorado provides an alternative pain treatment for those with chronic illnesses, such as cancer. Many believe that the use of marijuana should be extended beyond medical applications. While it has been argued that marijuana has certain benefits, research shows that marijuana can have dangerous effects, such as instances of psychosis among those with a history of marijuana use.

Read More

From domestic violence to road rage, the symptoms of intermittent explosive disorder (IED) have a devastating – and sometimes life-threatening – impact on the lives touched by it. It’s a complicated psychiatric condition that is often made worse by alcohol and drug addiction. If you or a loved one lives with IED, which is estimated to affect anywhere from 11million to 16 million Americans [1], it’s essential to understand the connection between this condition and substance abuse.

Read More

Many Americans agree, and have shown with their votes, that marijuana should be legal for medical purposes. It has been proven to be a potent pain reliever and to help heal and treat certain conditions. Voters have already legalized it for these purposes in nearly half of all states. What about using this as a medication in children, though? A recent report by ABC News is raising questions about the efficacy and safety of giving cannabis to children.

Read More

During the last week of November 2012, the news broke that two players in the National Football League (NFL) had been issued suspensions because they tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug. The drug in question was not a drug that many people automatically associate with performance enhancement, but it is a drug that has recently grown in popularity with professional athletes across many sports. The drug is Adderall.

Read More

With prescription drug abuse running rampant in the U.S., efforts have been made from several directions to confront and overcome the problem. One of the most promising methods is the introduction of real-time prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs).

Read More