As mentioned earlier, MDMA is the primary ingredient in what is commonly referred to as Ecstasy. However, Ecstasy often contains other substances, making it a less 'pure' form of MDMA.

While MDMA is not explicitly a 'sex drug,' it is often associated with heightened sensory perception and emotional closeness, which can enhance sexual experiences for some people. However, it's crucial to note that it can also have the opposite effect, such as causing erectile dysfunction in men.

Is MDMA the Same as Ecstasy?

At its core, both Molly and Ecstasy are rooted in MDMA. However, while Molly is often marketed as the 'pure' form of MDMA in a crystalline or powdered form, Ecstasy usually refers to the pill version that can contain a range of other substances. These additives can include anything from caffeine and other stimulants to more harmful substances like amphetamines or even opioids.

Research on MDMA's addictive potential is still in its infancy but has been increasing in recent years. Studies have shown that while the drug doesn't produce withdrawal symptoms commonly associated with substances like alcohol or opioids, it can lead to cravings and habitual use, especially among frequent users.

How Long Does MDMA Stay in Your System?

The body metabolizes MDMA relatively quickly, but traces of the substance can linger. Standard urine tests can typically detect MDMA for up to 3 to 4 days after usage. However, this window can vary depending on individual metabolic rates, overall health, and frequency of use.

How Long Does MDMA Last?

Once ingested, the effects of MDMA manifest within 30 to 45 minutes, peaking around 60 to 90 minutes. The overall experience can last between 3 to 6 hours. However, this duration can be influenced by several factors, such as the dosage taken, the user's body chemistry, and the presence of other substances in the system.

MDMA, or 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, is a synthetic compound that has both stimulant and hallucinogenic properties. Although it was first synthesized in 1912 by the German pharmaceutical company Merck, the compound initially found little practical use. It wasn't until the 1970s that it gained notoriety as a substance with psychotherapeutic potential.

How Long Does a Heroin High Last?

The effects of heroin can be felt almost immediately after use, depending on the method of ingestion. Snorting or smoking heroin generally produces a high that can last for approximately 15 to 30 minutes, while injecting it can produce a more potent high that may last for several hours. However, the drug itself can remain in the system for much longer, affecting both physical and cognitive functions.

How Long Does Heroin Stay in Your System?

The duration heroin stays in one's system can vary based on several factors, such as metabolism, frequency of use, and the method of consumption. Generally, heroin can be detected in urine for up to 7 days, in blood for up to 6 hours, and in hair for up to 90 days.

Is Heroin a Stimulant?

Contrary to some misconceptions, heroin is not a stimulant. It is a depressant, which means it slows down the central nervous system, leading to slowed breathing, heart rate, and cognitive function.

Heroin is indeed an opiate, derived from the naturally occurring morphine found in the opium poppy. Opiates are known for their pain-relieving properties but are also highly addictive.

Is Heroin a Narcotic?

In both legal and medical terms, heroin is considered a narcotic. Narcotics are drugs that relieve pain, induce sleep, and can lead to addiction.

What is Gas Station Heroin?

Gas Station Heroin isn't actually heroin; it's a colloquial term used to describe synthetic opioids that are sometimes sold over the counter at convenience stores or gas stations. These substances can mimic the effects of heroin and can be just as dangerous, leading to addiction or overdose.

What is Black Tar Heroin?

Black Tar Heroin is a specific type of heroin that appears as a dark, sticky substance resembling roofing tar or hard coal. Predominantly produced in Mexico, this form of heroin is most commonly found in the western United States. While less pure than other forms, it is equally dangerous and addictive.

What are Common Street Names for Heroin?

Some of the common street names for heroin include 'China White,' 'H,' 'Junk,' 'Skag,' and 'Smack.' These names are often used to discreetly discuss the drug and can vary by region. Additionally, combinations of heroin and other controlled substances carry their own street names. 'Dynamite' is slang for heroin and cocaine, while 'chocolate bars' denote heroin and Xanax (Alprazolam). Other combos include 'screwball' (heroin and meth,) and 'El Diablo' (heroin, cocaine, and marijuana). Needless to say, hearing a loved one or potential addict use these terms could indicate an even bigger concern.

How is Heroin Consumed?

Snorting: In this method, powdered heroin is inhaled through the nose. This can lead to respiratory issues and damage to the mucous membrane. Smoking: Also known as 'chasing the dragon,' this involves inhaling the vapors produced when heroin is heated. This method poses a risk of lung issues including bronchitis and emphysema. Injecting: This is the most dangerous method where heroin is injected directly into the bloodstream. This can lead to immediate overdose and increases the risk of contracting diseases like HIV and Hepatitis C.

Heroin, chemically known as diacetylmorphine, is an illegal drug synthesized from morphine, a naturally occurring substance extracted from the seed pods of certain varieties of poppy plants. It was initially created to serve as a less addictive alternative to morphine but quickly proved to be even more addictive and dangerous. In the United States, heroin is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, which is meant to include drugs with a high potential for abuse and has no accepted medical use.

What can cause Schizophrenia later in life?

The cause of late-onset schizophrenia is still not fully understood, according to the passage. Scientists believe that genetics and external factors may play a role. The condition could also be dormant in some individuals for decades before being 'triggered' by a specific event, such as trauma.

What are three warning signs of schizophrenia?

Hallucinations: Experiencing sensations involving any of the five senses that aren't real, such as seeing shapes or hearing voices. Delusions: Holding beliefs that are not based in reality, like thinking someone is out to get you or that your TV is speaking directly to you. Movement Disorders: Exhibiting unusual bodily movements, such as jerky hand movements, pacing, or catatonia (not moving for an extended period or doing repeated, purposeless movements).

What is the typical age of onset for Schizophrenia?

The typical age of onset for schizophrenia is at an early age, often when individuals are teenagers or young adults. The passage states that most people first show signs of the disorder at an early age, although it is possible to develop it later in life.

Can you develop schizophrenia later in life?

Yes, you can develop schizophrenia later in life, a condition known as late-onset schizophrenia. While most people show signs of schizophrenia at a younger age, some individuals don't develop symptoms until they're in their 40s, 50s, or even later. Late-onset schizophrenia makes up 15-20% of all schizophrenia cases and tends to present less intense positive symptoms like hallucinations and delusions, which can delay diagnosis and treatment.

What does EtOH stand for?

EtOH is the chemical label or acronym for ethyl alcohol (ethanol). Usually, this term is found in academic or medical literature. However, it can also be used as a slang term to describe alcoholic beverages.

EtOH is the abbreviation for ethyl alcohol. This is the same alcohol that's found in cleaning products, antiseptics, and alcoholic beverages. EtOH abuse, then, would be the same as alcohol abuse. Alcohol abuse is considered anything more than light drinking (more than seven drinks per week for women and more than 14 for men).

How does alcohol abuse differ from alcoholism?

Alcohol abuse can be considered a stepping stone to a diagnosable alcohol use disorder or alcoholism. In other words, any excessive alcohol use can be alcohol abuse. However, alcoholism refers to true alcohol addiction or dependency.

What does a drinker's nose look like?

A drinker's nose is characterized by red, bumpy, or a swollen appearance usually directly on the nose or around the cheeks. In some cases, people can even seem to have a purple nose from alcohol use. This is known as rhinophyma in the medical field.

Why do alcoholics have red noses?

The stereotype that alcoholics have red noses should be taken with a grain of salt. While some research argues that getting a drinker's nose might come directly from frequent and chronic drinking habits, other studies show that alcohol does not have much of an effect on the condition of rhinophyma. However, it is true that drinking alcohol can make the blood vessels in the body expand as well as constrict, which can lead to changes in physical appearance such as reddening skin.

What causes red nose from drinking?

Having a flushed appearance after drinking is normal and can go as far as to create that tell-tale drinker's nose. This is because of how the blood vessels respond to alcohol once it enters the bloodstream. Blood vessels can either expand or constrict depending on how much alcohol one consumes; therefore leading to a red nose or face.

Does alcohol dilate pupils?

Our eyes are meant to naturally switch between dilating to let in more light and constricting to filter out light in order to help us see in different environments. However, alcohol can slow down the ability for your eyes to dilate or constrict. As a result, you might experience blurry vision or blind spots.

Can drinking wine cause dry eyes?

Dry eyes are a common symptom from any type of alcoholic beverage, including wine. Not only can alcohol cause you to be dehydrated, which strains your eyes, but alcohol can also slow down your eyes' natural reflexes.

Does alcohol make your eyes red?

Alcoholic eyes often look red and irritated. One of the reasons this occurs is because alcohol use can make the blood vessels in your eyes swell or even burst.

How does alcohol affect the eyes?

When consumed in large amounts over an extended period of time, alcohol can change the health of your eyes by weakening the muscles and deteriorating parts of your brain that control sight.

What does alcohol do to your eyes?

Alcohol can have many different negative effects on your eyes. Alcohol use is connected with various vision problems, including blurry sight, dry eyes, and even blindness. These side effects can be both temporary and long term, and they range in severity.

Are laced drugs dangerous?

Laced drugs can be very dangerous, especially when they're laced with a potent opioid like fentanyl. People can unknowingly consume more drugs than their system is used to, which can cause overdose and even death.

Why do people lace drugs?

Synthetic opioids like fentanyl are much cheaper to produce than other drugs like oxycodone or heroin. Drug dealers lace more expensive drugs with fentanyl to sell a less expensive product for more money. Others may intentionally lace their drugs to get a more intense or faster high.

What does laced mean?

When a drug or drink is laced, it means that it's mixed with another substance. Typically, the person taking the drug does not know that the substance has been laced, but they may in some cases.

Can you drink on chemo?

Drinking alcohol while undergoing chemotherapy can present even further dangers, including an increased risk of the cancer returning or the treatment failing. If you have a cancer diagnosis or you are concerned about developing cancer, it is particularly important to find treatment for alcohol addiction. At substance abuse treatment centers, your recovery will encompass physical, spiritual, and emotional healing to make sure that neither cancer nor addiction puts your life at risk.

How does alcohol cause cancer?

Any substance that contains harmful chemicals can lead to negative health effects, especially if you consume that substance frequently. Alcohol is no different—drinking every week or every day introduces dangerous, carcinogenic substances to your body which can then increase your chances of getting cancer.

Does wine cause cancer?

Many people are surprised to learn that wine is also a carcinogen. In fact, one study conducted out of the U.K. compares the health risks of drinking wine to those of smoking cigarettes in terms of cancer risk. This study found that drinking a bottle of wine on a weekly basis had the same increased cancer risk as smoking five to 10 cigarettes each week.

Is alcohol a carcinogen?

According to the American Cancer Society, a carcinogen is something, usually a substance or an exposure, that could increase the chances of developing cancer. Frequent alcohol use has been linked to the development of several different types of cancer, which makes alcohol a carcinogen.

What are hollowed out pens used for?

Hollowed out pens are a type of drug paraphernalia. They are usually used to snort powdered drugs, such as cocaine or heroin.

What should I do if I find drug paraphernalia?

Finding drug paraphernalia can be alarming and determining how to react in these situations is largely subjective. If you find drug paraphernalia in your home, you have every right to feel concerned. Consider establishing a plan for approaching the people in your home suspected of using drugs. If necessary, call a professional counselor, interventionist, or other family members to support you in confronting the issue. If you see paraphernalia in your neighborhood or other public spaces, call a non-emergency police line to describe the situation.

Is possession of paraphernalia a felony?

In Florida, possession or use of drug paraphernalia alone is not a felony. Rather, it is a first-degree misdemeanor that is punishable by fines, jail time, and probation. If drugs are found with the drug paraphernalia, this could result in harsher penalties depending on the amount and type of drug.

What is paraphernalia?

Paraphernalia refers to the various equipment needed to support an activity. In terms of drug paraphernalia, this would include any items used for the use, production, or distribution of drugs. Examples include items such as scales, needles, rolled-up bills, mirrors, razor blades, pipes, lighters, and spoons to name a few.

Where can I dispose of prescription drugs?

Getting rid of unused prescription drugs is a great way to keep yourself and your family safe. To dispose of prescription drugs, you can attend a National Prescription Drug Take Back Day event, or you can simply visit the Drug Enforcement Administration's website. All you have to do is plug in your location, and they'll provide you with a place to safely dispose of your unwanted prescription medications!

Is prescription drug abuse a problem in America?

In a word: yes. Whether it's stimulants, opioids, or sedatives, prescription drug abuse has become a big problem in America. While anyone can develop a prescription drug addiction, adolescents and older adults are both at higher risk. For younger individuals, they may not realize the dangers of drug abuse, and they could have access to unused prescription medications at home. And for older adults, the risk comes from access to many prescription medications due to health conditions, and in some cases a prescription drug addiction may begin with something as simple as a consistent dosing mistake.

Why is prescription drug abuse so dangerous?

Prescription drug abuse is often thought to be safe, but that's far from the truth. In reality, there are many dangers of prescription drug abuse. Some of the biggest ones are: Overdose: As physical tolerance increases, it becomes easier and easier to justify taking more pills. The higher your tolerance, the greater risk that you'll take too many and experience an overdose, which can be fatal. New Drugs: While most people insist that they will 'only' abuse prescription medications, this is rarely true. It can be hard to find prescription drugs in the long term, so many people transition to readily available substitutes, like heroin and fentanyl. Withdrawals: When your tolerance gets high enough, going any length of time without drugs can make you seriously ill. These are called withdrawals, and the symptoms range from horribly uncomfortable to deadly. For most people, withdrawals are what keep them abusing drugs long after the 'fun' of getting high has gone away.

What prescription drugs are most commonly abused?

The most commonly abused prescription drugs varies from place to place. However, generally speaking, the top 10 most abused prescription drugs are: OxyContin, Xanax, Vicodin, Suboxone, Adderall, Valium, Percocet, Ambien, Fentanyl, Klonopin

What is a pharm party?

A pharm party (or in drug slang terms, a pill party or skittles party) is a party where people, usually teenagers, come together to mix their prescription drugs in a bowl and take them at random to get high. While this idea was popularized in the media, no strong evidence has indicated that pharm parties actually happen. However, prescription drug abuse is a real concern, particularly among young adults.

Can you overdose on GHB?

Yes. Overdosing on GHB is a common side effect because of the potency of the chemical and unpredictability between batches. Symptoms of Liquid G overdose include confusion, hallucinations, seizures, and comatose unconsciousness. Severe overdose results in respiratory distress.

How long does GHB stay in your system?

GHB has a half-life of about 45 minutes, meaning it leaves the system very quickly. The drug is detectable in blood for approximately four hours and in urine for about 12 hours.

GHB is often made illegally in homemade labs from the chemicals found in cleaning supplies. These include either GBL (gamma-butyrolactone) or BDO (1,4 butanediol) along with sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. Dosages are nearly impossible to standardize, and effects will not be known until ingested.

FAQs About Upper Drugs

Content

“Upper drugs” is a drug slang term that refers to drugs that act as central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. Also referred to as speed, stimulants can be both legal and illicitly made. While there are legitimate uses for stimulant drugs, most uppers carry addictive potential, and they often lead to drug tolerance and stimulant misuse. Learn more about upper drugs, why they’re dangerous, and how to recognize if someone is abusing CNS stimulants.

What Are Upper Drugs?

Uppers are drugs that stimulate the brain and body. The immediate effects of stimulants result in temporarily increased energy, heightened focus, and improved mood of the person using stimulants. In addition, uppers also increase the heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature of the user.

This is in opposition to downers, or drugs that act as CNS depressants. Both uppers and downers are widely prescribed throughout the U.S., and each comes with its own risk of dependency and addiction. In fact, the use of stimulant prescription drugs has more than doubled in recent decades and has continued to increase during the coronavirus pandemic.

What Drugs Are Uppers?

A list of stimulants includes both legal and illicit drugs ranging from caffeine and nicotine to street drugs. In terms of medications, legal stimulants include prescription uppers designed to treat ADHD, narcolepsy, and sometimes depression. Common prescription ADHD medications include:

Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine)
Adderall (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine)
Ritalin (methylphenidate)
Concerta (methylphenidate)
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate)

Prescription uppers are usually taken in pill form. Because of their ability to increase performance, upper drugs are widely misused on college campuses and in the workplace. This is concerning due to the fact that even when used as prescribed, a stimulant tolerance can develop quickly, leading to dependency or addiction to upper drugs. This risk is amplified with the use of illegal stimulants.

Illegal uppers include street drugs varying in potency and chemical makeup. Oftentimes illegal upper drugs are cheap and easy to make, allowing for the dangerous unregulated distribution of homemade drugs.

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Illicit upper drugs include:

Methamphetamine (meth)
Cocaine
Crack
Ecstasy (MDMA/Molly)
Bath Salts (MDPV)

Illegal uppers can be snorted, stamped into pill form, injected, or smoked. The associated drug paraphernalia that accompanies stimulant abuse will vary depending on the route of administration but could include straws, powder residue, pipes, or lighters.

What Do Stimulants Do?

Drugs that are uppers operate in a manner that encourages ongoing drug use. Whether a legal prescription to stimulants or illicit street drugs, upper drugs cause the release of feel good chemicals like dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. These chemicals are responsible for the euphoric energy rush that users of upper drugs experience.

However, once upper drugs wear off, stimulant users are often left completely fatigued. In addition, a low or depressed mood often occurs due to the absence of mood regulating chemicals in the brain. It is this stimulant crash that encourages the person to use upper drugs again, in an effort to regain an energetic, euphoric state.

What Are the Side Effects of Stimulants on the Body?

Taken in small doses, some the short term effects of upper drugs include:

Elevated mood or feelings of well being
Talkativeness
Increased heart rate and blood pressure
Reduced appetite
Increased energy
Increased thirst

Higher doses of stimulants can cause side effects such as:

Nausea
Tension
Muscle weakness or spasms
Anxiety
Tremors
Hallucinations or delusions
Paranoia
Aggression or hostility
Tolerance

When used in the long term, stimulant use can cause respiratory issues, chronic fatigue, heart problems, mood and mental disorders, chemical dependence, addiction, and overdose. Signs of stimulant abuse include sudden weight loss, changes in behavior or sleep patterns, hostility, and shifting between hyperactivity and exhaustion.

How Do You Quit Upper Drugs?

Stimulant use has been on the rise both nationally and in Florida specifically. Uppers are widely available, highly addictive, and difficult to quit. And unlike opioids and alcohol, there are not many medications available to alleviate stimulant withdrawal. However, recovering from stimulant abuse or addiction is possible through detox and behavioral therapy.

One of the best environments for managing addiction to uppers is in a drug rehab that is well versed in treating your specific symptoms. Ideally, a facility with dual diagnosis should be chosen in order to effectively address any co-occurring mental health issues that may be encouraging the addiction.

Stimulant Addiction Treatment in Central Florida

At the Blackberry Center outside of Orlando, Florida, our treatment teams are experts at treating addiction and mental health disorders. Some of the services offered by our accredited Florida drug rehab facility include:

Within these programs our Florida drug rehab offers a range of treatment modalities such as:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Faith-Based Treatment Options
Medication Management
Addiction Education
Nutritional Education
Recreational Therapy
Discharge Planning and Follow-Up Care

At our addiction treatment center, we know just how difficult quitting stimulants can be. But at The Blackberry Center, you won’t have to face these challenges alone, and our commitment continues long after you finish treatment at our central Florida rehab. To learn more about our levels of care and the programs we offer, give us a call at (813) 908-4199 or submit a confidential contact form to get started on your recovery today.

Video

The Future of Chemically Assisted Work – TED Talk

When we think about technology’s relationship with education, we tend to picture a very symbiotic partnership wherein smartly designed EdTech consumer products and digital student/teacher platforms work to increase accessibility, fairness, and effectiveness in education environments like schools and colleges. With core ingredients such as amphetamine, methylphenidate and modafinil, study drugs is an umbrella term that encompasses commercial drugs, including the likes of Adderall, Ritalin and Provigil. Amphetamine, Methylphenidate and Modafinil were all synthesized between the late 1800s and the mid-1900s

Podcast

Brain Enhancers: ‘Professor’s Little Helper’? Dexedrine Amphetamine – NPR

NEARY: I was going to ask you, what’s the difference between this and, say, Dexedrine or what it used to be called, speed, which I think kids used to use before they were studying for exams. What’s the difference between the kinds of drugs we’re talking about and those kinds of drugs?

Dr. VOLKOW: Well, Dexedrine is an amphetamine-like compound and there are two isomers of them, and when you have Adderall, you have the Dexedrine plus the amphetamine, so the most commonly utilized medication right now abused on colleges based on the recent surveys is this combination of the Dexedrine with the amphetamine. And that’s also a very effective medication for attention deficit disorder. All of these medications are stimulants, strong stimulant medications that will enhance alertness and will improve concentration.

ADHD Drug Concerns – Concerta – NPR

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has received 135 reports of serious side effects for Concerta, a widely prescribed drug to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children. Potential side effects include psychosis, hallucinations and anxiety. Farai Chideya speaks with NPR’s health policy correspondent Joanne Silberner.

Ritalin – NPR

Commentator Howard Markel, a Michigan pediatrician, talks about drugs such as Ritalin that are used to treat children who have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

FAQ

What are upper drugs?
Upper drugs, also known as stimulants, are substances that increase alertness, energy, and focus by stimulating the central nervous system.
What are common examples of upper drugs?
Common stimulants include cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamines (like Adderall), and caffeine.
What are the side effects of upper drugs?
Side effects can include increased heart rate, anxiety, insomnia, hallucinations, and addiction.
Are upper drugs addictive?
Yes, they have a high potential for addiction due to their impact on dopamine levels.
How are upper drug addictions treated?
Treatment often involves behavioral therapy, counseling, and, in some cases, medications to manage withdrawal symptoms.

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