How Does Cocaine Affect the Brain?
Content reviewed by Khelsea Walker Cocaine abuse has been an ongoing problem in our nation for decades. Both short-term and long-term use of cocaine can lead to severe mental and physical health problems in addition to an increased risk of developing an addiction or substance use disorder (SUD). Contrary to what users may want to […]
What Is Cocaine?
Content Reviewed by Cameron Bolish, M.Ed., CEO of PaRC In the United States, in 2020, nearly 5.2 million people aged 12 or older used cocaine within a 12-month period. Around 1.3 million people in the same year struggled with cocaine use disorder. Although many people may perceive cocaine to affect only a tiny proportion of […]
The Long-Term Consequences of Cocaine Use
The Long-Term Consequences of Cocaine Use Content reviewed by Karen Rubenstein, LMFT, Chief Clinical Officer at Cliffside Malibu Cocaine is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant drug. Due to its high abuse potential, it is classified as a Schedule II drug under the Controlled Substances Act. Still, it has an accepted medical use for medical […]
Risky Choices: Causes of Hepatitis
Risky Choices: Causes of Hepatitis A diagnosis of hepatitis can cause a variety of feelings, maybe even shame, embarrassment or fear. Hepatitis is when the liver is inflamed, usually by a viral infection. High-risk behaviors like intravenous drug use or unprotected, non-monogamous sex can increase your risk of contracting this serious disease. Types of […]
College Students and Club Drugs
Club drugs are often prevalent in college environments, where young people are more inclined to engage in risky behavior. Drugs like GHB, MDMA, and ketamine are commonly used, posing significant dangers such as rape, violence and even death. These drugs are highly addictive and have long-term effects on the brain and body, impairing brain development […]
Most Commonly Abused Drugs
Addiction can take various forms, including but not limited to drugs, gambling, shopping, sex and video games. All of them can lead to deteriorating health, overdose and death. Understanding the negative effects of commonly abused drugs is crucial. Alcohol affects so many things such as coordination, speech and can even lead to heart issues, high […]
Cocaine and Addiction
Is Cocaine Addictive? According to the Foundation for a Drug Free World, cocaine creates the greatest psychological dependence of any drug, next to methamphetamine. It stimulates key pleasure centers within the brain and causes extremely heightened euphoria. Cocaine addiction, tolerance and dependency builds quickly. If someone uses cocaine, they will not get the same effect […]
Apples and Honey, but No Wine: Here’s How the High Holidays Can Support Your Recovery
Apples and Honey, but No Wine: Here’s How the High Holidays Can Support Your Recovery A plane ticket home can burn a hole in your heart. Just thinking about how you’ll handle your family’s controversial politics or misaligned values can make even the calmest among us look around desperately for some way to make it […]
While We’re Focused on Opioids, Alcohol Abuse Remains a Leading Cause of Death
While We’re Focused on Opioids, Alcohol Abuse Remains a Leading Cause of Death Did you know that according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), nearly 88,000 people “die from alcohol-related causes annually, making it the fourth leading preventable cause of death in the United States”? In fact, recent statistics show that […]
Alcohol Benefits to Health Not Accurate, Especially for the Elderly
Alcohol Benefits to Health Not Accurate, Especially for the Elderly For years, many people have argued about the benefits of drinking small amounts of alcohol for health, arguing that moderate consumption may protect against cardiovascular disease. The association has been a contentious one, since study results may have been exaggerated or possibly skewed due to […]