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.

Autoimmune Diseases and Steroid Use: Signs of Misuse

Man suffering from autoimmune disease Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope Autoimmune diseases are conditions in which the immune system attacks healthy cells and tissues in the body, affecting various parts of the body depending on the disease. According to the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA), autoimmune diseases impact up to [...]
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Alphaprodine: Common Uses of Drug, Signs and Symptoms of Abuse

Young man struggling with addiction Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope When it comes to prescription-based painkillers, many individuals may be more familiar with drugs such as Oxycontin, Percocet, and more. However, as opioid based painkillers become more difficult to obtain, people seeking out these types of medications, whether for therapeutic or [...]
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Abuse of Ephedrine: Signs, Symptoms and Treatment

Man using ephedrine to lift heavier weights. Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope Ephedrine, also known as ephedra or Ma Huang, is a alkaloid-based stimulant that was most commonly used for the treatment of asthma, urine-control issues, menstrual irregularities, low blood pressure, other breathing problems, nasal congestion, and some sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy. [...]
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Can You Overdose On Benzos?

Overdose On Benzos Benzodiazepines, commonly referred to as benzos, are a class of medications used to treat conditions like anxiety, insomnia, hypertension and seizures. Benzos work by increasing the body’s level of the neurotransmitter GABA, which has a calming effect on the human central nervous system (CNS). Although benzos are routinely prescribed by doctors for legitimate medical reasons, [...]
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Etorphine: Use of the Drug, Signs and Symptoms of Abuse

Man on suffering from drug withdrawl Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope Many people are more familiar with opioid drugs and the brand names of this category of medications that are frequently offered and marketed. The lesser known analgesics of the opioid drug are also important to be aware of, particularly if working [...]
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