Drug use can affect the body in ways that are easy to see, including changes in behavior, mood, and physical appearance. One of the most noticeable signs is dilated pupils. This happens when certain substances affect the nervous system and brain chemicals, causing the muscles in the iris (the colored part of the eye) to…
Prescription drugs can seem harmless—after all, they come from a doctor, not a street dealer. But when misused, these medications can alter the brain in ways that make it harder to function, feel joy, or even make basic decisions. Opioids, stimulants, and sedatives all affect brain chemistry differently, but they share a common risk: the…
Fentanyl is extremely powerful—up to 100 times stronger than prescription opioids—which is why it’s so addictive. It takes over how the brain feels pain and pleasure, making it hard to function without it. Over time, the body gets used to the drug, meaning you need more and more to feel the same effects. When that…
Fentanyl is one of the most dangerous opioids—not just because of how powerful it is, but because of the lasting effects it has on the body and mind. It’s not just the immediate risks like overdose that make fentanyl so concerning. The longer someone uses it, the more it changes the brain and body in…
Fentanyl is one of the most dangerous opioids on the street today—fast-acting, highly addictive, and incredibly potent. According to the Rutgers School of Public Health, fentanyl is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine, making even small amounts potentially lethal. Maybe someone seems unusually drowsy, avoids loved ones, or struggles with sudden mood swings. Changes…
Meth is one of the most addictive and destructive drugs in existence. Not only does it have immediate effects on the body and mind, but it can also have long-term effects for those who use it. The long-term effects of meth use range from physical health issues to cognitive and mental health problems. Although the…
Heroin use is on the rise in the U.S., in part because of the increase in prescription opioid misuse. Heroin is one of the most addictive drugs and has serious physical, mental, and social consequences. It can lead to physical dependence, death from overdose, the transmission of infectious diseases, mental health concerns like depression and…
According to the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics, approximately 100,306 Americans died from drug overdoses in the 12 months ending April 2021, representing a 28.5% increase from the same period in the prior year. Provisional data indicate 75,673 overdose deaths were from opioids, up from 56,064. These numbers glaringly show that, despite national efforts…
Substance use disorders affect thousands of Americans each year, but certain communities face unique and disproportionate challenges. The LGBTQ+ community specifically faces increased risk factors and barriers to treatment, making them especially vulnerable to developing a substance use disorder. LGBTQ+ individuals need treatment that is sensitive to these factors and is focused on meeting their…
Xanax is one of the most popular and widely prescribed anti-anxiety drugs in the United States. It is also one of the most commonly abused, as it is fast-acting, and tolerance typically builds quickly. For those individuals not taking Xanax as prescribed, signs of addiction can begin in a matter of weeks. Due to Xanax…