Substance Abuse Articles, Blogs and Resources

Man on mountain thinking about Substance AbuseAddiction Hope is dedicated to providing timely and helpful information on the dangers of Substance Abuse as well as alcohol abuse.

Drugs are a chemical substance that can be used in the prevention, cure and treatment of an ailment or disease. Often, medications can be used to help an individual’s emotional and psychological well being, and they can enhance one’s physical abilities or well being.

Medicines can help heal a person or destroy a life. They can be naturally derived from plants or synthesized in some type of laboratory. A drug addiction can ruin a man or woman’s existence. It is disappointing that many of the medications that were originally developed to help heal people will be abused and devastate the life of someone with a substance abuse addiction.

Substance abuse is when a person begins using a drug in a way other than its intended use as prescribed by a doctor. A drug addiction can be created when a man or woman continually abuses drugs in order to get high (an intense euphoric feeling). Some drugs are so addictive that someone using for the first time can become instantly addicted.

When someone has developed a drug addiction, they can build up a tolerance to the drug and need more and more of the substance to have the same effect. The person will sometimes begin smoking, snorting, or injecting the drugs so as to reach a quicker and more intense high. This leads to constant repeated use and, thus, the creation of a drug addiction.

Substance abuse addiction is outstandingly difficult to quit. Often one substance is abused with other drugs or alcohol. Sadly and frequently, substance abuse co-occurs with other mental disorders such as mood disorders, mental disorders and eating disorders.

This adds to the complexities of stopping the drug abuse. However, it is imperative that the drug addiction is ended because constant substance abuse can be deadly. Heart attacks and strokes often occur. Some of the more common drug types include opioids (heroin, morphine, hydrocodone), hallucinogens (LSD, DXM, PCP), stimulants (cocaine, Ecstasy, meth), and depressants (alcohol, Quaaludes).

Please continue reading below to see our latest blog posts on substance abuse. Under the “Substance Abuse Navigation” menu, you can click on the drop-down arrow to see evergreen, general information on dozens of individual drugs, including prescription substances.

Should The U.S. Follow Portugal’s Example In Decriminalizing Drugs?

What You Need Know About Decriminalizing Drugs - Addiction Hope The decriminalization of drugs remains a hot topic in the United States. Currently, it is legal to smoke marijuana recreationally in Colorado, Oregon, Washington state and Washington D.C., and many advocates hope other states will follow. Some medical experts tout the benefits of cannabis oil in medical treatment, especially for serious diseases such as cancer. [...]
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Sobering Facts About Benzodiazepines, aka Anti-Anxiety Drugs

Facts About Benzodiazepines Be Careful - Addiction Hope The words "addiction" and "drug use" usually make people think of alcohol, tobacco or pills. Rarely do people recognize words like benzodiazepine, except as a term on a prescription label. You shouldn’t let the complicated name stop you from educating yourself. The more you know about benzodiazepines, the more likely you will be to recognize [...]
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Should Parents Allow Their Kids To Try Their First Joint At Home?

Parents Control Childrens First Joint At Home - Addiction Hope The 1980s provided a clear message about drugs to all parents: Just say no! However, today’s drug landscape is far more complex, with conflicting messages about alcohol, tobacco, opiates and marijuana coming from various sources. Recently, business magnate Richard Branson thrust this issue into the spotlight. How? By stating that if kids are going to [...]
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A Refresher On Methadone Addiction And Withdrawal Symptoms

Methadone Addiction Strong As Most Opioids - Addiction Hope For people suffering from severe pain, methadone may be a solution. This powerful analgesic medication is also used in some situations as a replacement drug for people who are recovering from addiction to other (more harmful) painkillers. Introducing Methadone Methadone is an incredibly addictive opioid. Even prescription levels of methadone can be habit forming, and [...]
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Call 911: 5 Warning Signs Of Withdrawal

Call For Help Warning Signs Of Withdrawal - Addiction Hope Withdrawal is a frightening reality for recovering addicts. It can lead to chills, tremors, seizures and dozens of other adverse and potentially life-threatening effects. When your loved one has a drug or alcohol dependency, you need to recognize signs that he or she may be about to undergo withdrawal. Look Out For These Warning Signs [...]
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