Many Americans don’t get enough sleep each night. Some try over-the-counter (OTC) sleep medications to help them get a little shut-eye, while others have a drink to relax before bedtime since alcohol can induce sleepiness. And while it’s a sedative, alcohol can actually disrupt your sleep. Even if you get eight hours, it’s likely not […]
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Experiencing moderate to severe pain after surgery or an accident often leads to being prescribed pain-relieving medication by a doctor. Two of the most common prescription painkillers are oxycodone and hydrocodone. While both are powerful opioid pain relievers, there are a few key differences. If you’re taking oxycodone, hydrocodone, or any opioid medication and experiencing
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Although social media has dramatically improved people’s ability to connect with one another, it has also expedited young people’s exploration of new and dangerous ways to get high. One example is “whippets,” slang for nitrous oxide packaged in canisters. Galaxy Gas is a well-known brand that produces flavored whipped cream chargers and dispensers that are
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While it’s not necessarily uncommon to see people continuing to enjoy a drink while on a prescription medication, it’s more harmful than you might initially think. This practice, known as polysubstance abuse, whether accidental or intentional, involves taking two or more substances at the same time. This can include prescription medications like oxycodone for chronic
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For most people, withdrawal from drugs or alcohol lasts about a week or so. But for others, a condition known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) can extend the process for much longer. PAWS can threaten your recovery, so it’s beneficial to prepare yourself for what you can expect and develop a plan to manage it.
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Cocaine is sometimes depicted in movies as being a fun drug. You may see upper-class people snorting the drug at lively parties, seemingly having a great time. And yes, the stimulating high of cocaine is rapid and exhilarating—but the aftereffects are anything but glamorous. That confidence-elevating high will be gone after 20 minutes, and the
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With the increased awareness of and reduced stigma about attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), more people are being diagnosed with this condition. Consequently, more Americans are taking medications like Adderall®, as doctors prescribe them to manage difficulties with attention and focus. While these prescription drugs are effective at improving concentration and reducing impulsivity, Adderall® side effects can
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When your doctor prescribes a drug, they usually inform you of the potential side effects, or you learn about them from the insert included with your medication at the pharmacy. But how many people actually read about the side effects before taking a prescription drug? If you’re like most people, you probably toss the insert
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Heroin is an illicit opioid drug that some people turn to after developing an addiction to prescription opioids. To prevent misuse, medical providers limit the number of pills they prescribe within a specific period. However, those struggling with addiction may turn to street drugs as a substitute if they cannot access enough medication to avoid
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Doctors prescribe fentanyl, a potent opioid, to treat moderate to severe pain that less potent painkillers cannot resolve. The substance has also made its way into many street drugs, as it’s cheaper and helps to pad profits. Sadly, fentanyl has become responsible for more and more overdose deaths, so it’s vital to address addiction to
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