As mentioned earlier, MDMA is the primary ingredient in what is commonly referred to as Ecstasy. However, Ecstasy often contains other substances, making it a less 'pure' form of MDMA.

While MDMA is not explicitly a 'sex drug,' it is often associated with heightened sensory perception and emotional closeness, which can enhance sexual experiences for some people. However, it's crucial to note that it can also have the opposite effect, such as causing erectile dysfunction in men.

Is MDMA the Same as Ecstasy?

At its core, both Molly and Ecstasy are rooted in MDMA. However, while Molly is often marketed as the 'pure' form of MDMA in a crystalline or powdered form, Ecstasy usually refers to the pill version that can contain a range of other substances. These additives can include anything from caffeine and other stimulants to more harmful substances like amphetamines or even opioids.

Research on MDMA's addictive potential is still in its infancy but has been increasing in recent years. Studies have shown that while the drug doesn't produce withdrawal symptoms commonly associated with substances like alcohol or opioids, it can lead to cravings and habitual use, especially among frequent users.

How Long Does MDMA Stay in Your System?

The body metabolizes MDMA relatively quickly, but traces of the substance can linger. Standard urine tests can typically detect MDMA for up to 3 to 4 days after usage. However, this window can vary depending on individual metabolic rates, overall health, and frequency of use.

How Long Does MDMA Last?

Once ingested, the effects of MDMA manifest within 30 to 45 minutes, peaking around 60 to 90 minutes. The overall experience can last between 3 to 6 hours. However, this duration can be influenced by several factors, such as the dosage taken, the user's body chemistry, and the presence of other substances in the system.

MDMA, or 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, is a synthetic compound that has both stimulant and hallucinogenic properties. Although it was first synthesized in 1912 by the German pharmaceutical company Merck, the compound initially found little practical use. It wasn't until the 1970s that it gained notoriety as a substance with psychotherapeutic potential.

How Long Does a Heroin High Last?

The effects of heroin can be felt almost immediately after use, depending on the method of ingestion. Snorting or smoking heroin generally produces a high that can last for approximately 15 to 30 minutes, while injecting it can produce a more potent high that may last for several hours. However, the drug itself can remain in the system for much longer, affecting both physical and cognitive functions.

How Long Does Heroin Stay in Your System?

The duration heroin stays in one's system can vary based on several factors, such as metabolism, frequency of use, and the method of consumption. Generally, heroin can be detected in urine for up to 7 days, in blood for up to 6 hours, and in hair for up to 90 days.

Is Heroin a Stimulant?

Contrary to some misconceptions, heroin is not a stimulant. It is a depressant, which means it slows down the central nervous system, leading to slowed breathing, heart rate, and cognitive function.

Heroin is indeed an opiate, derived from the naturally occurring morphine found in the opium poppy. Opiates are known for their pain-relieving properties but are also highly addictive.

Is Heroin a Narcotic?

In both legal and medical terms, heroin is considered a narcotic. Narcotics are drugs that relieve pain, induce sleep, and can lead to addiction.

What is Gas Station Heroin?

Gas Station Heroin isn't actually heroin; it's a colloquial term used to describe synthetic opioids that are sometimes sold over the counter at convenience stores or gas stations. These substances can mimic the effects of heroin and can be just as dangerous, leading to addiction or overdose.

What is Black Tar Heroin?

Black Tar Heroin is a specific type of heroin that appears as a dark, sticky substance resembling roofing tar or hard coal. Predominantly produced in Mexico, this form of heroin is most commonly found in the western United States. While less pure than other forms, it is equally dangerous and addictive.

What are Common Street Names for Heroin?

Some of the common street names for heroin include 'China White,' 'H,' 'Junk,' 'Skag,' and 'Smack.' These names are often used to discreetly discuss the drug and can vary by region. Additionally, combinations of heroin and other controlled substances carry their own street names. 'Dynamite' is slang for heroin and cocaine, while 'chocolate bars' denote heroin and Xanax (Alprazolam). Other combos include 'screwball' (heroin and meth,) and 'El Diablo' (heroin, cocaine, and marijuana). Needless to say, hearing a loved one or potential addict use these terms could indicate an even bigger concern.

How is Heroin Consumed?

Snorting: In this method, powdered heroin is inhaled through the nose. This can lead to respiratory issues and damage to the mucous membrane. Smoking: Also known as 'chasing the dragon,' this involves inhaling the vapors produced when heroin is heated. This method poses a risk of lung issues including bronchitis and emphysema. Injecting: This is the most dangerous method where heroin is injected directly into the bloodstream. This can lead to immediate overdose and increases the risk of contracting diseases like HIV and Hepatitis C.

Heroin, chemically known as diacetylmorphine, is an illegal drug synthesized from morphine, a naturally occurring substance extracted from the seed pods of certain varieties of poppy plants. It was initially created to serve as a less addictive alternative to morphine but quickly proved to be even more addictive and dangerous. In the United States, heroin is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, which is meant to include drugs with a high potential for abuse and has no accepted medical use.

What can cause Schizophrenia later in life?

The cause of late-onset schizophrenia is still not fully understood, according to the passage. Scientists believe that genetics and external factors may play a role. The condition could also be dormant in some individuals for decades before being 'triggered' by a specific event, such as trauma.

What are three warning signs of schizophrenia?

Hallucinations: Experiencing sensations involving any of the five senses that aren't real, such as seeing shapes or hearing voices. Delusions: Holding beliefs that are not based in reality, like thinking someone is out to get you or that your TV is speaking directly to you. Movement Disorders: Exhibiting unusual bodily movements, such as jerky hand movements, pacing, or catatonia (not moving for an extended period or doing repeated, purposeless movements).

What is the typical age of onset for Schizophrenia?

The typical age of onset for schizophrenia is at an early age, often when individuals are teenagers or young adults. The passage states that most people first show signs of the disorder at an early age, although it is possible to develop it later in life.

Can you develop schizophrenia later in life?

Yes, you can develop schizophrenia later in life, a condition known as late-onset schizophrenia. While most people show signs of schizophrenia at a younger age, some individuals don't develop symptoms until they're in their 40s, 50s, or even later. Late-onset schizophrenia makes up 15-20% of all schizophrenia cases and tends to present less intense positive symptoms like hallucinations and delusions, which can delay diagnosis and treatment.

What does EtOH stand for?

EtOH is the chemical label or acronym for ethyl alcohol (ethanol). Usually, this term is found in academic or medical literature. However, it can also be used as a slang term to describe alcoholic beverages.

EtOH is the abbreviation for ethyl alcohol. This is the same alcohol that's found in cleaning products, antiseptics, and alcoholic beverages. EtOH abuse, then, would be the same as alcohol abuse. Alcohol abuse is considered anything more than light drinking (more than seven drinks per week for women and more than 14 for men).

How does alcohol abuse differ from alcoholism?

Alcohol abuse can be considered a stepping stone to a diagnosable alcohol use disorder or alcoholism. In other words, any excessive alcohol use can be alcohol abuse. However, alcoholism refers to true alcohol addiction or dependency.

What does a drinker's nose look like?

A drinker's nose is characterized by red, bumpy, or a swollen appearance usually directly on the nose or around the cheeks. In some cases, people can even seem to have a purple nose from alcohol use. This is known as rhinophyma in the medical field.

Why do alcoholics have red noses?

The stereotype that alcoholics have red noses should be taken with a grain of salt. While some research argues that getting a drinker's nose might come directly from frequent and chronic drinking habits, other studies show that alcohol does not have much of an effect on the condition of rhinophyma. However, it is true that drinking alcohol can make the blood vessels in the body expand as well as constrict, which can lead to changes in physical appearance such as reddening skin.

What causes red nose from drinking?

Having a flushed appearance after drinking is normal and can go as far as to create that tell-tale drinker's nose. This is because of how the blood vessels respond to alcohol once it enters the bloodstream. Blood vessels can either expand or constrict depending on how much alcohol one consumes; therefore leading to a red nose or face.

Does alcohol dilate pupils?

Our eyes are meant to naturally switch between dilating to let in more light and constricting to filter out light in order to help us see in different environments. However, alcohol can slow down the ability for your eyes to dilate or constrict. As a result, you might experience blurry vision or blind spots.

Can drinking wine cause dry eyes?

Dry eyes are a common symptom from any type of alcoholic beverage, including wine. Not only can alcohol cause you to be dehydrated, which strains your eyes, but alcohol can also slow down your eyes' natural reflexes.

Does alcohol make your eyes red?

Alcoholic eyes often look red and irritated. One of the reasons this occurs is because alcohol use can make the blood vessels in your eyes swell or even burst.

How does alcohol affect the eyes?

When consumed in large amounts over an extended period of time, alcohol can change the health of your eyes by weakening the muscles and deteriorating parts of your brain that control sight.

What does alcohol do to your eyes?

Alcohol can have many different negative effects on your eyes. Alcohol use is connected with various vision problems, including blurry sight, dry eyes, and even blindness. These side effects can be both temporary and long term, and they range in severity.

Are laced drugs dangerous?

Laced drugs can be very dangerous, especially when they're laced with a potent opioid like fentanyl. People can unknowingly consume more drugs than their system is used to, which can cause overdose and even death.

Why do people lace drugs?

Synthetic opioids like fentanyl are much cheaper to produce than other drugs like oxycodone or heroin. Drug dealers lace more expensive drugs with fentanyl to sell a less expensive product for more money. Others may intentionally lace their drugs to get a more intense or faster high.

What does laced mean?

When a drug or drink is laced, it means that it's mixed with another substance. Typically, the person taking the drug does not know that the substance has been laced, but they may in some cases.

Can you drink on chemo?

Drinking alcohol while undergoing chemotherapy can present even further dangers, including an increased risk of the cancer returning or the treatment failing. If you have a cancer diagnosis or you are concerned about developing cancer, it is particularly important to find treatment for alcohol addiction. At substance abuse treatment centers, your recovery will encompass physical, spiritual, and emotional healing to make sure that neither cancer nor addiction puts your life at risk.

How does alcohol cause cancer?

Any substance that contains harmful chemicals can lead to negative health effects, especially if you consume that substance frequently. Alcohol is no different—drinking every week or every day introduces dangerous, carcinogenic substances to your body which can then increase your chances of getting cancer.

Does wine cause cancer?

Many people are surprised to learn that wine is also a carcinogen. In fact, one study conducted out of the U.K. compares the health risks of drinking wine to those of smoking cigarettes in terms of cancer risk. This study found that drinking a bottle of wine on a weekly basis had the same increased cancer risk as smoking five to 10 cigarettes each week.

Is alcohol a carcinogen?

According to the American Cancer Society, a carcinogen is something, usually a substance or an exposure, that could increase the chances of developing cancer. Frequent alcohol use has been linked to the development of several different types of cancer, which makes alcohol a carcinogen.

What are hollowed out pens used for?

Hollowed out pens are a type of drug paraphernalia. They are usually used to snort powdered drugs, such as cocaine or heroin.

What should I do if I find drug paraphernalia?

Finding drug paraphernalia can be alarming and determining how to react in these situations is largely subjective. If you find drug paraphernalia in your home, you have every right to feel concerned. Consider establishing a plan for approaching the people in your home suspected of using drugs. If necessary, call a professional counselor, interventionist, or other family members to support you in confronting the issue. If you see paraphernalia in your neighborhood or other public spaces, call a non-emergency police line to describe the situation.

Is possession of paraphernalia a felony?

In Florida, possession or use of drug paraphernalia alone is not a felony. Rather, it is a first-degree misdemeanor that is punishable by fines, jail time, and probation. If drugs are found with the drug paraphernalia, this could result in harsher penalties depending on the amount and type of drug.

What is paraphernalia?

Paraphernalia refers to the various equipment needed to support an activity. In terms of drug paraphernalia, this would include any items used for the use, production, or distribution of drugs. Examples include items such as scales, needles, rolled-up bills, mirrors, razor blades, pipes, lighters, and spoons to name a few.

Where can I dispose of prescription drugs?

Getting rid of unused prescription drugs is a great way to keep yourself and your family safe. To dispose of prescription drugs, you can attend a National Prescription Drug Take Back Day event, or you can simply visit the Drug Enforcement Administration's website. All you have to do is plug in your location, and they'll provide you with a place to safely dispose of your unwanted prescription medications!

Is prescription drug abuse a problem in America?

In a word: yes. Whether it's stimulants, opioids, or sedatives, prescription drug abuse has become a big problem in America. While anyone can develop a prescription drug addiction, adolescents and older adults are both at higher risk. For younger individuals, they may not realize the dangers of drug abuse, and they could have access to unused prescription medications at home. And for older adults, the risk comes from access to many prescription medications due to health conditions, and in some cases a prescription drug addiction may begin with something as simple as a consistent dosing mistake.

Why is prescription drug abuse so dangerous?

Prescription drug abuse is often thought to be safe, but that's far from the truth. In reality, there are many dangers of prescription drug abuse. Some of the biggest ones are: Overdose: As physical tolerance increases, it becomes easier and easier to justify taking more pills. The higher your tolerance, the greater risk that you'll take too many and experience an overdose, which can be fatal. New Drugs: While most people insist that they will 'only' abuse prescription medications, this is rarely true. It can be hard to find prescription drugs in the long term, so many people transition to readily available substitutes, like heroin and fentanyl. Withdrawals: When your tolerance gets high enough, going any length of time without drugs can make you seriously ill. These are called withdrawals, and the symptoms range from horribly uncomfortable to deadly. For most people, withdrawals are what keep them abusing drugs long after the 'fun' of getting high has gone away.

What prescription drugs are most commonly abused?

The most commonly abused prescription drugs varies from place to place. However, generally speaking, the top 10 most abused prescription drugs are: OxyContin, Xanax, Vicodin, Suboxone, Adderall, Valium, Percocet, Ambien, Fentanyl, Klonopin

What is a pharm party?

A pharm party (or in drug slang terms, a pill party or skittles party) is a party where people, usually teenagers, come together to mix their prescription drugs in a bowl and take them at random to get high. While this idea was popularized in the media, no strong evidence has indicated that pharm parties actually happen. However, prescription drug abuse is a real concern, particularly among young adults.

Can you overdose on GHB?

Yes. Overdosing on GHB is a common side effect because of the potency of the chemical and unpredictability between batches. Symptoms of Liquid G overdose include confusion, hallucinations, seizures, and comatose unconsciousness. Severe overdose results in respiratory distress.

How long does GHB stay in your system?

GHB has a half-life of about 45 minutes, meaning it leaves the system very quickly. The drug is detectable in blood for approximately four hours and in urine for about 12 hours.

GHB is often made illegally in homemade labs from the chemicals found in cleaning supplies. These include either GBL (gamma-butyrolactone) or BDO (1,4 butanediol) along with sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. Dosages are nearly impossible to standardize, and effects will not be known until ingested.

Exploring the Connection Between Domestic Violence and Addiction

10 May, 2019

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Reporter’s notebook: Addiction and domestic violence

Domestic violence and addiction are undeniably connected. Nearly in 1 in 5 women and 1 in 7 men have experienced severe violence from an intimate partner during their lives. In so many of these cases, substance abuse plays a driving role in the abusive behavior.

Often times, this creates a downward spiral of more emotional abuse, more addiction and more acts of violence. In this guide, let’s examine the relationship between these two forces and the steps you can take to find help for yourself or a loved one.

What is domestic violence?

Domestic violence, also referred to as intimate partner violence, is tragically common around the globe. It involves unhealthy relationships where one or both people in a relationship emotionally and/or physically abuse the other.

These behaviors manifest in a variety of ways. They can include power imbalances and a lack of respect as well as a lack of empathy. Domestic violence is such a large problem that it is the single leading cause of injury to women in the United States. However, victims are not always women. Victims can be men, children, parents, animals and even elderly relatives.

Is substance abuse a cause of domestic violence?

In a 2010 National Institute of Health Study, researchers found that 61% of domestic violence offenders were substance abusers. They also found that over 50% of spousal murder cases involved alcohol or drug use the day of the crime.

In a study from the U.S. Department of Justice, 92% of domestic violence offenders were under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In more than half of all cases, offenders had used drugs or alcohol every day for the previous month before the incident.

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The statistical link between domestic violence and drug addiction is clear and well-documented. Routine substance abuse is one of the highest leading risk factors of intimate partner violence. Substance abuse also leads to more severe cases of domestic violence.

Drug abuse leads to higher likelihood of abuse

Evidence suggests that drug abuse results in a much higher likelihood of domestic abuse. This becomes even more problematic: 42% of victims in studies also reported using drugs or alcohol the day of the assault.

Newer studies have shown a tendency for victims to be unable to recognize the warning signs of an imminent violent situation because of substance abuse. More troublesome is that victims of domestic assault with drug addictions are afraid of repeat violence. Oftentimes, this fear leads them to leave an abusive relationship which can ultimately result in the victim’s death.

Victims of intimate partner violence are more likely to develop patterns of unhealthy behavior that may only further substance abuse. These may include emotional and mental health issues like:

anxiety
depression
suicidal thoughts
insomnia
lower self-esteem
weight gain or loss
post-traumatic stress disorder

Domestic Violence and Addiction sad women victim of domestic violence

Not just illegal drugs and alcohol

The United States is currently in the grips of a widespread opioid epidemic. Many patients need opioids to manage their pain.

However, their highly addictive properties have led many people to develop substance abuse problems. You may associate substance abuse and domestic violence with illegal drugs, but prescription drugs are known to incite violent tendencies as well.

Opioids and amphetamines are the most commonly associated prescription drugs with violence. But other medicines commonly considered safe have also been linked to violent behavior.

For example, the antidepressant Prozac has been linked with a 10.9 times greater likelihood of violence. More serious is the drug Chantix, a popular option for those looking to quit smoking cigarettes. This drug is associated with a nearly twentyfold increased likelihood of violent behavior.

Substance abuse isn’t the only factor

While drug and alcohol addiction may be common in domestic abuse cases, experts advise that it is not only the cause of violence. Treating substance abuse problems is essential, but it will not cure underlying violent tendencies.

Many offenders were victims or witnessed abuse during their childhood. This, in turn, makes them more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol, which can play a significant role in awakening latent tendencies.

Likewise, many victims of domestic violence often turn to substance abuse as a coping mechanism. This creates a dangerous cycle of both physical and substance abuse that carries across generations.

Symptoms of abuse may not appear immediately. Many victims often cope in silence, self-medicating with drugs and alcohol. Ultimately, both victims and offenders should seek treatment such as substance abuse counseling.

For offenders, it’s important to receive more comprehensive treatment programs. These not only cover addiction but also other issues such as anger management and counseling. The goal of this therapy is to create healthy outlets so that offenders can channel their energy appropriately.

What are the warning signs of domestic abuse?

Many people are unaware that they are in an abusive relationship. Or they may miss early warning signs of problematic future behavior.

For abusers, it’s all about power and control that can lead to physical violence and other unhealthy behaviors. There are many types of domestic abuse that can be broken down into 5 main categories:

If you partner bullies you, you may see the following behaviors:

blames you for their abuse
accuses you of having an affair
tells you how you look and what to wear
criticizes you
throws things or punches the wall/inanimate objects
threatens you or a loved one
yells at you

If a partner controls your money, you may see the following behaviors:

makes you explain every expense
prevents you from working where you want
keeps you away from cash and credit cards
steals your money
won’t give you money for basic necessities

If a partner keeps you away from loved ones, you may see the following behaviors:

always wants to know who you are with and where you are
makes you ask permission to see friends and family
embarrasses you in front of other people so you don’t want to see anyone

If a partner is physically abusive, you may see the following behaviors:

punches, kicks assaults you in any way
locks you in or out of your home
abandons you in an unfamiliar place
prevents you from eating, sleeping or receiving medical care
uses weapons against you

If a partner sexually abuses you, you may see the following behaviors:

forces you to have sex
makes you wear clothing your uncomfortable with
doesn’t use condoms or other forms of birth control
tries to give you an STD
makes you feel like you owe sex

These are just some of the signs of an abusive partner. If you suspect you are a victim of domestic violence, please seek help right away. Or if you have a partner who abuses drugs and is trying to persuade or force you to as well, make a plan to get away from him/her as quickly as possible.

Do note that many of these behaviors gradually manifest over time. Watch out for early warning signs that may indicate more serious domestic violence down the road.

Recognizing signs of domestic abuse in others

As a friend or family member, it may be up to you to recognize signs of abuse and substance use disorder. Both victims and offenders may hide substance abuse and intimate partner violence. Many victims may be afraid to discuss what’s happening. They may fear consequences such as even more violence against them.

Some of the warning signs of abuse to be aware of include:

sudden changes in personality or behavior
excuses for injuries
never having money or needing to borrow money regularly
missing school, work or social events for no real reason
clothing that doesn’t match the season (e.g. wearing long sleeves that can cover bruises)
always making sure something is acceptable with their partner

Many of these signs can be symptomatic of drug abuse as well. If you’ve noticed any changes like these with one of your family members or friends, be sure to seek help right away.

The connection is clear

When it comes to the link between domestic violence and addiction, there are many complex and overlapping features to consider. Detox and substance abuse counseling are important first steps. However, it’s also important for both offenders and victims to seek counseling for emotional abuse. This can help them manage mental health issues associated with abuse.

Likewise, they may need to examine the roots of their drug-seeking behavior and eliminate triggers that may cause unhealthy behaviors. Only by finding the right treatment program will they be able to escape the vicious cycle of addiction and domestic violence and begin having healthy relationships and lives.

We can help you

At The Blackberry Center, you will have the opportunity to begin the journey to lifelong recovery in our state-of-the-art facilities.

If you or one of your loved ones is struggling with addiction, we can help. We use a personalized approach to addiction treatment. Our focus is on treating the disease, not the symptoms. We put our patients first every step of the way.

Our treatment program includes crisis care services, an outpatient, partial hospitalization program and other personalized health care options. Our on-site rehab programs focus on a comprehensive recovery approach. They address your physical, mental and spiritual needs for optimal wellness. Your needs are unique. We treat you as such.