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Adderall and Ritalin are prescription stimulants used to treat symptoms of ADHD. Due to the nature of the drug, they carry a high potential for abuse and dependence and have been labeled as Schedule II controlled substances. These prescription stimulants are often abused by young professionals and students to help them improve productivity. It is also abused by athletes to help them enhance their physical performance. In fact, Adderall is used by an estimated 76% of stimulant abusers and Ritalin is used by an estimated 24.5% of stimulant abusers. Due to its widespread availability and accessibility, recent studies have shown a significant increase in Ritalin abuse and addiction.

Cannabis, marijuana, or weed is one of the most commonly abused illicit substances worldwide. The main psychoactive ingredient THC is what causes euphoria and psychedelic feelings which users hope to achieve when using the drug. Like other drugs, overconsumption of weed can cause an overdose of THC. Sometimes an overdose can be an accident, can be intentional, can be mild or can be severe.

Ambien is a non-benzo sedative-hypnotic that is an FDA-approved medication prescribed for the short-term management of insomnia and other types of sleep disorders. Ambien can also be sold under the generic name zolpidem. It was initially regarded as a safer alternative to benzos and generally considered safer than other sedative medications. Now, clinical evidence shows long-term use and excessive use of Ambien can lead to the development of dependence and the experience of dangerous withdrawal symptoms.

Robotripping is a form of substance abuse that is characterized by ingesting products like Robitussin, cough syrup or other over-the-counter medications that contain dextromethorphan (DXM), in high doses, in an attempt to get high. At high enough doses, users can experience psychological and physical effects such as euphoria, and auditory and visual hallucinations. Despite being the main active ingredient in many household medicines, when abused, DXM can result in dangerous side effects. Cough syrups are most often not on parent’s radar. This is because it is so common in homes. However, robotripping and abuse of DXM are most commonly found among teens and young adults.

What are drug test screenings? Drug tests are used to detect the presence or absence of drugs. A typical 5-panel drug screening tests for the following common substances: marijuana or THC, cocaine, amphetamines, opiates and phencyclidine or PCP. It is often referred to as the NIDA five because they are the five types of drugs recommended for screening of federal employees by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). In some cases, a person might need a 10-panel drug test which includes checking for additional substances such as benzos, barbiturates, methadone, MDMA and propoxyphene. The price of drug testing will vary on many different factors. Some can cost as little as $5 and as high as $500.

It’s a new year. That means it’s also time to set new goals. January is a popular month for many to set new health goals including weight loss, changing diets and improving on exercise and physical activity. What started as a public health initiative and motivational health challenge, has now become an increasingly growing phenomenon worldwide. Dry January. The dry January challenge was started by the non-profit organization Alcohol Change UK back in 2013. The dry January challenge consists of participants abstaining from alcohol for the entire month of January, typically 31 days. This includes all alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, cocktails and spirits. An estimated 8.8 million people worldwide participated in dry January in 2023.

Fentanyl and Dilaudid are both powerful pain-relieving opioid substances. Schedule II controlled substances are used to treat various types of acute and chronic pain. Both substances have also contributed to the 16 million people worldwide, who struggle with opioid use disorder. This includes more than 3 million Americans. In a 2022 report, over 1.5 million prescriptions for Dilaudid were issued to more than 500,000 Americans. It was one of the most frequently prescribed opioids in the US. On the other hand, fentanyl has become one of the most dangerous drugs in the US. Its high potency, low cost, and ease of manufacture make it one of the most commonly found illicit compounds causing the opioid overdose epidemic.

In 2021, an estimated 2.6% of American young adults reported using ecstasy. Ecstasy, MDMA or molly, is a popular party drug often consumed in clubs, dance parties and raves along with other legal and illicit substances such as cocaine, marijuana and alcohol. Why is it considered a party drug? It is commonly found in those types of environments because the music and dancing often intensify the desired effects of the drug. Unlike other mind-altering substances, ecstasy can actually produce dangerous and life-threatening reactions at any dose. In some cases, overdoses have occurred even after the smallest amount of the drug was taken.

Farmapram is the latest drug Americans are now turning to. Farmapram, also known as Mexican Xanax bars, is a benzodiazepine prescribed to patients for the treatment of anxiety disorder, panic disorder and depression. Available in Mexico, both Farmapram and Xanax contain the active ingredient alprazolam. Both medications contain the main active ingredient alprazolam and are used to treat the same conditions. However, Farmapram is not regulated or inspected so it is possible that the drug could contain other unknown and dangerous additives.

Can you get high off household items? Surprisingly yes. But it’s not quite what you think. There are many household items that produce a “high-like” sensation and are highly abused. The abuse of household items is most commonly found among teens and adolescents. The reasoning? The items or products can be easily obtained at the local grocery or convenience store, the items are cheap and affordable because they are common household items and it is easy to use and easy to conceal. Another determining factor in why it is so common among young people is because most of these items are legal and the outcome of product abuse results in quick and rapid onset of intoxicating effects.