Drug Tolerance, Dependence, and Addiction
People often use the words “addiction,” “tolerance,” and “physical dependence” interchangeably, but these terms are distinct from one another for a reason. Concerned parents, spouses, and children may wonder whether their loved one has a high tolerance or is already addicted to drugs. When a person’s drug use results in behavioral changes that are unsettling […]
Psychological Effects of Meth
Mental health issues often drive substance use disorders, and addiction can worsen mental health disorders’ symptoms. Methamphetamine addiction is no different, as this powerful illicit drug causes the brain to release extremely high dopamine levels. With long-term use, the brain naturally lowers its own dopamine production. This can cause mental health issues that can be […]
Can You Become Addicted to Gabapentin?
Drugs like gabapentin can mess with your dopamine levels, and with prolonged use, they may be the only source of dopamine in your body. As a result, it is highly addictive. Gabapentin, also known by the brand name of Neurontin, is a prescription pain medication that belongs to its class of drugs known as gabapentinoids. […]
Cocaine and Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health issues, with a generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) affecting millions of Americans. It is generally recommended to avoid using stimulants when suffering from one of these types of conditions since stimulants may cause a person’s anxiety symptoms to worsen. Of all the stimulants available, one almost guaranteed to […]
How to Overcome the Fear of Opioid Withdrawal
Most moments in life are temporary, and that includes addiction. Recovery far exceeds the discomfort you will experience during opioid detox. Opioid withdrawal is quite intimidating—in fact, the fear of opioid withdrawal keeps countless men and women sick and suffering. They might want to overcome a substance use disorder and go on to lead a […]