Opiates Overview

Opiates are a drug classification which is widely used to describe painkillers. There are prescription opiates such as morphine and Oxycontin, and there are illegal opiates such as heroin. Opiate users will feel euphoric, relaxed, and of course, pain free.

The problem with opiates is that they are easy to become addicted to. Many opiate addicts took their first opiates legally for pain control, but quickly developed a habit while taking the medication. This is fine if your doctor is prescribing them to you, but it is illegal and dangerous if you are buying opiates on the street.

Opiate Side Effects

• Anxiety and irritability
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Constipation
• Itching
• Muscle aches
• Clammy skin
• Insomnia
• Respiratory distress

Opiate Addiction

Opiates are powerfully addictive. This can lead to severe problems for the user who is trying to quit. The brain adjusts to the presence of opiates in the body and no longer releases serotonin, which is the body’s natural painkiller.

When opiate users attempt to quit the brain may no longer be able to release serotonin in the appropriate levels for day or weeks. this makes the opiate user feel depressed and anxious. At this stage the opiate user needs to ingest more opiates just to feel normal. In addition to Suboxone treatment an opiate addict can try to stop using by seeing a therapist and getting involved in Narcotics Anonymous.

Opiates Treatment

There is a prescription medication called Suboxone that has been effective in helping opiate abusers quit. The suboxone is taken daily and people will often have to stay on it for quite a long time. Suboxone allows the former opiate addict to feel normal without producing the highs associated with opiate abuse.

Opiates Links

If you would like more information regarding opiates, their use, and prevention please feel free to visit the following web sites:

http://www.opiates.com/opiates/default.html http://suboxonetalkzone.com/?page_id=328 http://www.meditoxofpalmbeach.com/about-opiate-addiction.html

Amyls Overview

Amyl Nitrate, or Amyls, are prescription medications that are used to treat heart problems and high blood pressure. They are also commonly abused because when crushed and snorted they produce a brief euphoric effect on the user.

The primary mechanism employed by amyl nitrate is to expand blood vessels. When inhaled this includes the blood vessels in the penis so a user can achieve a rapid erection. This makes amyls an especially attractive option for people interested in casual sexual encounters. This side effect has led to the street name for amyls which is poppers. The drug is more prevalent amongst older males, but as younger people are finding out about its interesting properties it is gaining in popularity.

Amyls Side Effect

• Decreased Blood Pressure
• Headache
• Flushing of the chest, neck, and face
• Increased heart rate
• Dizziness
• Relaxation of the involuntary muscles

Amyls Addiction

Amyls are not known to be addictive. However a long time user may find it more difficult to achieve and obtain an erection without them. It is not known if this reaction is physical or psychological, but in any case it can lead to sustained usage even though amyl nitrate in and of itself is not considered addictive.

Amyl Treatment

There is no standardized treatment for amyls as most people are in agreement they are not addictive. However, by definition; anything that someone cannot stop doing, even if they know it is harmful, is addictive. So if you or a loved on is having difficulty quitting amyls then you should use the same approach that has been successful in treating other addictions. Utilize a twelve step program, speak to a therapist, and go to your close friends and family for support.

Amyl Links

If you would like more information regarding amyls then please feel free to visit the following web pages:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amyls http://www.urban75.com/Drugs/drugamyl.html http://www.righthealth.com/Health/What%20Is%20Amyl%20Nitrate-s?lid=msn-ads-sb-3767256496

Crack Overview

Crack is a smokable form of cocaine. Crack cocaine is cheaper to produce than cocaine, is extremely addictive, and widely available. Crack is made up of baking soda and cocaine. This mixture is then formed into a rock or bump. The user will then smoke the crack cocaine and feel an intense rush as the stimulating effects on the brain are felt almost immediately. In fact, the peak high from smoking crack occurs almost immediately although a user will feel high for five to fifteen minutes after that.

Crack became widely abused in the mid-eighties and was predominantly abused by inner city, poor, residents.

Crack Side Effects

• Heart attack, stroke, or seizure
• Lung damage and respiratory distress
• Malnutrition due to the fact crack addicts would rather smoke than eat
• Extreme agitation and anxiety
• Legal troubles
• Death

Crack Addiction

Crack cocaine is an extremely addictive substance and users often begin thinking about getting their next rock seconds after the last was smoked. The addiction to crack cocaine is both physical and psychological. The fact that it is smoked makes crack more addictive than cocaine. the reason for this is that crack is absorbed into the lungs and passed onto the brain in seconds. this gives the user an immediate high. The high usually only lasts for about ten minutes, however, and then another dose is needed.

Crack Treatment

There is no medication approved for treatment for crack cocaine addicts. As such the most effective treatment is a multi-pronged approach of, therapy, social support, and managing the withdrawal symptoms. This can be done while the addict is admitted to a treatment center or on an outpatient basis. A crack addict usually has to hit rock bottom before they are willing to seek help. Even then it can be difficult for someone who abuses crack to seek help. Crack cocaine is one of the more difficult addictions to treat primarily because the desire to use is so intense amongst addicts.

Crack Cocaine Links

If you would like to know more about crack cocaine use, prevention, or treatment options please visit the following web sites:

http://www.clearhavencenter.com/substance-abuse-treatment-resources/crack.php http://www.myaddiction.com/categories/crackcocaine_treatment.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crack