It is estimated that over 85% of adults in the United States have consumed alcohol at some point during their lifetime. Of these individuals, over 70% have had a drink within the past year, and upwards of 55% of individuals have had a drink within the past month. Alcoholic beverages contain the psychoactive substance “ethanol,” …
Marijuana (Cannabis) is widely regarded throughout the world as the most commonly used recreational drug. As of 2015, it is estimated that nearly 50% of residents in the United States population have ingested marijuana at some point throughout their lives. Within just the past several years, recreational marijuana usage has steadily increased. This increase is …
Cocaine (benzoylmethylecgonine) is considered to be among the world’s most addictive drugs and is most often used on a recreational basis to achieve a dopaminergic euphoria. Those that use cocaine feel an increased sense of pleasure, attain a pro-social effect (wanting to socialize), and quicker conversational wit (due to enhanced thought speed; beta waves). These effects …
There are many new medications that have been engineered specifically for the treatment of opioid dependence. Those dependent on opioids tend to experience debilitating physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation. To help individuals discontinue illicit opioids like heroin, an “opioid replacement therapy” drug is often prescribed. Two of the most common opioid replacement therapy …
Subutex and Suboxone are drugs that were approved by the FDA in 2002 for the treatment of opioid dependence. Both drugs contain the active ingredient buprenorphine, a semisynthetic opioid that acts as primarily as a partial mu-opioid receptor agonist. Buprenorphine also acts as an antagonist at the kappa and delta opioid receptors. Buprenorphine’s mechanism of …
Methadone was originally developed in Germany during the 1930s as a synthetic alternative to opium. Post World War II, the United States obtained all research records for the substance and noted that it was less sedating and less of a respiratory depressant than morphine. In 1947, Methadone was approved by the FDA for the treatment …
Many people taking antidepressants find them extremely helpful for managing depression, anxiety, and other phobias. A considerable number of people get benefit from antidepressant medication and without them, they wouldn’t be able to hold down a job or maintain a social life. For certain people, antidepressants are a godsend and enhance certain neurotransmitters to alleviate …