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.

Science Behind Addiction: What makes Prescription Pills Addicting?

pills Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope Many prescription medications have addictive properties, which can increase a desire to continue use, even if only taken for a short time period.  Some of the prescription medications that are generally more addictive include painkillers, sedative medications, tranquilizers, depressants, and stimulants. [...]
Read More

Prescription Drug Abuse and GI Complications

Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope The misuse of prescription drugs involves the use of medications outside the parameters recommended by a physician and pharmacists.  Because of the widespread availability of prescription drugs, many individuals may have taken a prescription drug on occasion without the recommendation or [...]
Read More

Prescription Drug Poisoning in Children: What to do if  a Child Gets into a Medication?

Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope Prescription medications are some of the most common substances that are found within a household.  With nearly 70 percent of Americans taking at least one prescription medication and almost 50 percent of Americans taking two or more prescription medications, the chances [...]
Read More

Mixing Methamphetamine with Energy Drinks

Red Bull can For the college student who is dealing with many new responsibilities along with lack of sleep or energy, stimulants may be commonly used and accessed as a means of increasing energy levels.  Some of the most frequently used stimulants among college students include caffeine, energy drinks, and sometimes the use of drugs, both prescription and [...]
Read More

Anabolic Steroid Use Among College Wrestlers

anabolic-steroid-use-among-wrestlers Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC, Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope Collegiate sports allow students the opportunity to grow, develop and challenge themselves in multiple ways.  Some athletes might have the opportunity to participate in sports during their college years, which can change their experience as a student – either for the [...]
Read More