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.

How to Help an Addict Today - The Blackberry Center of St. Cloud, Florida

How to Help an Addict Today

21 Sep, 2020

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If you know somebody who is struggling with addiction, you probably experience moments where you feel completely helpless. You want to help and give support, but aren’t sure where to start. You might even feel as though you are doing everything you can to support your loved one but they are still struggling with addiction. So, how can you help an addict?

This article will address how to help an addict by explaining addiction, reviewing the warning signs of alcohol and drug abuse and co-occurring mental health conditions, and directing you on where you can find help for an addict at a treatment center today.

The Warning Signs and Risks of Addiction

how to help an addict

One way that you will be able to help an addict from the start of their journey is to recognize the risks of addiction. As family members and friends of someone struggling with addiction, you usually have additional insight into the person’s background. Use your knowledge of the person with addiction struggles to better evaluate exactly what they might be going through.

For example, if there is a family history of substance use disorders, there will be a greater risk that your loved one will also struggle with the symptoms of alcoholism or drug addiction. If you have insight into your loved one’s upbringing, including any traumatic experiences or abuse, you should recognize that this also puts them at a higher risk for developing addiction struggles.

Moreover, if your loved one has any co-occurring mental health conditions (i.e, depression, eating disorders, schizophrenia, phobias), you will want to stay up-to-date on their symptoms. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism shares that mental health conditions are “two to three times more likely” in a person with addiction struggles, and often the symptoms are more intense and longer lasting.

Thus, knowing if your loved one has a mental health condition could greatly influence their experiences with alcohol and drug use and require intensive, specialized treatment, such as a dual diagnosis program.

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By first understanding the risk of addiction for your loved one, you will be better prepared to recognize the warning signs, should they develop. Some common signifiers that you might recognize include:

An excessive use of drugs and alcohol
Needing more of the substance to feel its effects
Engaging in risky or impulsive behaviors
Forgetting or lying frequently
Worsening mental health symptoms

If any of these warning signs look familiar, your loved one might be struggling with addiction. While it can feel incredibly urgent to confront the person struggling with addiction as soon as any warning signs appear, know that the best way you can help an addict is to practice patience and prepare for what might be a very challenging conversation or intervention.

How to Stage an Intervention and Help an Addict

An intervention is meant to jolt your loved one into understanding (or beginning to recognize) that they might have a problem with drugs or alcohol. We recommend coming up with an intervention plan ahead of time. As a group of family members or friends, you will choose the right environment for this conversation as well as the talking points you’d like to cover. With the plan in place, you will be ready to invite your loved one into the discussion.

Prior to expressing your concerns to your loved one, take a moment to examine your own feelings. Why do you feel it is important for them to recover? How has this person’s addiction impacted you? What are your goals for their recovery? Any conversation about addiction can be extremely tricky to navigate for both parties. Reflecting on the emotions that you could be bringing into this interaction can help you to respond appropriately to any conflicts that arise.

That being said, we suggest coming into an intervention with honest intentions to help your loved one. Reserving judgement, using patience, and suggesting solutions such as a local addiction treatment facility will guide the conversation toward a place of healing rather than confrontation. If you’re not sure how to help an addict, make sure to start from a place of genuine care and respect.

Remember, it’s important to understand that addiction is not a choice and it’s not something that goes away overnight. Rather, it’s a life-long battle that your loved one is going to have to fight. Now more than ever, your support and understanding of addiction is necessary in helping them to overcome addiction.

Your Support in Addiction Treatment

Getting your loved one to a trusted substance abuse and mental health treatment center is truly the best way that you can help an addict. Not only are you leading them to the professional resources they need to safely detox from alcohol and the effects of drugs, but by supporting their journey through rehab, you are also giving them the chance to develop long-term strategies to maintain their sobriety and mental health concerns.

There are many different treatment options for your loved one and their recovery program will depend on the type of addiction they struggle with as well as if they have any co-occurring mental health disorders. At the top rehab facilities, your loved one will be able to attend a program that is specific to their needs, such as:

While your loved one will spend a lot of time working their program, going to individual therapy, and attending group sessions, you can still be involved in their recovery process through treatment options like family therapy. Family therapy sessions help everyone to engage in conversations about addiction and mental health challenges, and they can be incredibly healing to patients and their friends, family members, and support team.

Ultimately, the best approach on how to help an addict comes from your dedication to the process, just as much as your loved one’s hard work. By listening to their needs, being open to forgiveness, learning about addiction, and offering support during and after their time in their recovery program, you will know how to help an addict to the best of your abilities.

Help an Addict with Professional Care

Knowing how to help an addict is not an easy task, and it’s not one that you should take on alone. The truth is that substance use disorder is a mental health condition that requires professional treatment in addition to your love and assistance. The most effective way that you can provide your support to an addict is by getting them professional addiction treatment today.

At the Blackberry Center, we offer professional substance abuse and mental health services for any challenges someone struggling with addiction could be going through. Contact us with your questions and concerns by calling (813) 908-4199 or fill out our confidential contact form.

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