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.

How You Can Support A Loved One To Help Them Survive Alcohol Withdrawal

Help Loved One Survive Alcohol Withdrawal - Addiction Hope Contributed by Staff Writer for Addiction Hope and Eating Disorder Hope. Drugs and alcohol are often turned to in times of stress, whether the stress is positive or negative. For instance, the end of a relationship can be a reason for many to imbibe substances like alcohol or other drugs. Likewise, a job promotion could [...]
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The Overlooked Ubiquity Of Acetaminophen Abuse: Signs, Symptoms And Treatment

Acetaminophen Abuse - Addiction Hope Over the counter drugs and medications can be helpful for managing symptoms associated with the common cold and with minor ailments such as headaches, backaches, muscle sprains, etc. Acetaminophen is one such medication that can easily be purchased over the counter and is useful as both a pain reliever and fever reducer. This substance is [...]
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Shattering The Myths Of Addiction About Adolescents

Shattering Myths Of Addiction - Addiction Hope Contributed by Bayside Marin clinical team member Kathryn Taylor, MA, LPC/MHSP. There are several myths of addiction. One such belief is that only the "bad kids" become addicted to substances. This thought abdicates the responsibility of helping all youth say no to drug abuse. Across the nation, young people are more affected by addiction than [...]
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Carfentanil: Use of the Drug, Signs and Symptoms of Abuse

What Is Carfentanil - Addiction Hope Opioid-based medications are often thought of in terms of use for the consumer, which is mainly for painkilling purposes. Some of the most widely circulated and marketed opioid painkiller medications include brand names such as OxyContin, Vicodin, Percocet, Demerol, etc. While these medications are obtained through the prescription of a qualified physician, many individuals may [...]
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Dihydroetorphine: Use Of The Drug, Signs And Symptoms of Abuse

What Is Dihydroetorphine - Addiction Hope Many people are familiar with mainstream opioid medications such as those sold under the brand names of Vicodin, Demerol, Percocet, OxyContin and more. These medications are used as painkillers for a variety of situations, including injury-related pain, recovery from surgery, dental-related procedures, chronic diseases and more. Opioid medications are obtained via prescription from a qualified [...]
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