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Can I Snort Ativan?

Ativan, the brand name for Lorazepam, is one of the 5 most prescribed benzodiazepines, which are a class of central nervous system depressant drugs.  It was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1977 to treat a variety of disorders including anxiety attacks, panic disorder, and insomnia, pre-surgical and surgical anesthesia.

The medication also has numerous off-label uses including, but not limited to, delirium, alcohol withdrawal, panic disorder, and to treat agitated or unruly patients. Due to its’ fast onset (typically 1-3 minutes), Ativan is a popular sedative in the inpatient setting when administered intravenously. When taken as prescribed by a physician, Ativan comes in tablet form, which is the most common method of use.

Benzos enhance the activity of the GABA neurotransmitter, an inhibitory transmitter, which in turn reduces the excitatory signaling brain activity that induces stress and anxiety. There is normally a natural balance between inhibitory and excitatory brain signals, however, for people with certain conditions, such as chronic anxiety and seizures, this balance can be far off.

The general effect of Ativan on the neurotransmitter causes a feeling of relaxation and well-being. Benzodiazepines, including Ativan, are Schedule IV drugs in the US Controlled Substances Act, meaning that while it has medicinal purposes, it can also become physically and psychologically addictive.

Can I Snort Ativan?

Snorting Ativan

One of the ways that Ativan is abused is by snorting it. The pill is crushed into a powder and ingested nasally. Once inhaled, Ativan is absorbed rapidly and a rush of GABA initiates the euphoric “high”. When snorted, Ativan has an expedited transit to the nervous system and receptors in the brain. This makes for high abuse and addiction potential. Regular intranasal use can cause increased tolerance and physical dependence. The withdrawal symptoms once dependence is achieved are extremely unpleasant.

The dangers of abusing Ativan must not be downplayed.  According to drugabuse.gov:

A 2010 study found that nearly 30% of deaths caused by pharmaceutical drugs were due to the overuse or overdose of benzodiazepines like Ativan. Furthermore, 75% of overdose deaths caused by benzodiazepines are unintentional. When Ativan is snorted, for instance, it may be easier to misgauge or underestimate the effects of the drug, prompting higher-than-recommended dosing, which can then lead to lethal consequences.

There are many side effects to taking Ativan, including nausea, dry mouth, reduced or increased appetite, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, restlessness, blurry vision.  The more serious side effects, which occur more frequently when the drug is abused, include difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, shuffling walk, inability to walk in a straight line, or have a normal gait, tremors, irregular heartbeat. In the case of overdose, the central nervous system can be shut down and the user might have pale bluish skin and lips, labored breathing, slurred speech, impaired motor skills, oversedation, and respiratory depression. During an overdose, the respiratory system slows dramatically, the brain and other organs are deprived of oxygen, and the result could be coma or even death.

This is more of a danger when snorting the drug than taking it in pill form as it is more difficult to gauge the amount and rate at which it is entering the system, so the user can take too much unintentionally. A person experiencing an Ativan overdose must be treated immediately, otherwise, they run the risk of brain and nervous system damage. Their respiratory and cardiovascular systems must be stabilized and then they are orally treated with charcoal, binding to the toxic substances and drugs, removing them from the bodily tissues. A person who has overdosed on Ativan must be monitored until their bodily functions return to a normal state.

Ativan Addiction Signs and Symptoms

There are many signs that a person is addicted to Ativan, including confusion, sweating, slurred speech, doctor shopping, breathing difficulties, drowsiness, giving up hobbies and responsibilities, lying, stealing, mood swings, irrational and impulsive behavior, financial woes, and defensiveness when confronted about their abuse of the drug. In addition to these common symptoms of all addicts, those snorting Ativan will most likely show damage to the nasal cavities and sinuses.  The addict might sniff excessively, frequently have nosebleeds, have a diminished sense of smell, as well as difficulty swallowing.

Once addicted to Ativan, it is extremely difficult, both physically and mentally, to withdraw from the drug. It is one of the more dangerous substances to withdraw from and must not be done alone and detox should take place at a medical facility if possible. Acute benzodiazepine withdrawal begins with unpleasant symptoms of increased anxiety, nausea, irritability, mood swings, and insomnia, and acute withdrawal symptoms can last 3 to 5 weeks.

We are Here to Help with Ativan Abuse

Once the addict has gone through the initial detox, they will continue to face withdrawal symptoms such as extreme mood swings, panic attacks, depression, confusion, and suicidal thoughts. At Garden State Treatment Center, men and women addicted to Ativan can safely begin their long term recovery.  There is lasting damage caused by Ativan, and this should be processed with the guidance of professional therapists and caring staff. The addict faces the daunting task of treating the underlying issues that led to their addiction, and they must learn to deal with these feelings without the help of chemicals.

Garden State Treatment Center has many programs to help the addict stay sober. We educate and assist the addict in returning to society and living a sober life. We provide one on one therapy, group therapy, family and cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as relapse prevention programs. We have a partial care rehab program for dual diagnosis conditions like anxiety, trauma, and depression.  Our programs are all evidence-based and intended to treat each individual’s underlying issues which are at the core of their addiction.

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction to Ativan or any other substance, please call and speak with an admissions counselor today.  We are open 24/7 and are ready to help you create a path to a healthy and sober life.

FAQ

  • Why do people enjoy snorting ativan?

Published on: 2020-04-27
Updated on: 2024-02-16

Psilocybin Mushrooms: Effects, Legality, Drug Classification

Psilocybin mushrooms are a group of fungi that are either grown naturally or cultivated and referred to most commonly as “magic mushrooms” because of their psychedelic effects. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrations, magic mushrooms are one of the most frequently abused Schedule I hallucinogenic drugs.

Psilocybin Mushrooms: Effects, Legality, Drug Classification

When a drug is classified as Schedule I (one) it means that it is both habit-forming and has no acceptable medical use, making it illicit. Magic mushrooms are dried out and consumed orally, usually eaten whole or made into a tea. It is commonly believed that hallucinogenic drugs aren’t habit-forming, because they are rarely taken repeatedly.

Those who take magic mushrooms, for example, will usually plan their “trip”, and take the drugs in a social setting. However, hallucinogenic drugs can be addictive; not necessarily physically addictive, but psychologically addictive. This is especially true for those who are suffering from an undiagnosed mental health disorder. Using magic mushrooms might temporarily alleviate symptoms of underlying disorders, causing users to seek more of the drug and use it repeatedly.

Psilocybin Psychedelic Effects

There are certain effects commonly associated with psilocybin mushrooms usage, including deeply introspective experiences, minor hallucinations (depending on the amount used), nausea and vomiting, feelings of nervousness and paranoia, or yawning and feelings of drowsiness. Magic mushrooms are psychedelic, meaning that they cause the user to feel things they wouldn’t otherwise feel and see or hear things that aren’t there.

While hallucinations are common, the amount is taken and the environment in which the drugs are taken will heavily influence the effects. Magic mushrooms are generally associated with spiritual awakenings and powerful journeys of self-discovery, which is the case with most psychedelics (LSD, mescaline, peyote, etc). The effects of the drug take between 30 and 45 minutes to begin and last an average of 5-6 hours.

Psilocybin Mushrooms Abuse

Those that take mushrooms expect to experience an eye-opening high – however, depending on a person’s mental state and surroundings, experiencing a “bad trip” is likely. Several factors contribute to the psychological effects of the drug, including the amount taken, the weight of the user, whether the user is male or female (drugs affect genders differently), personality, current emotional state, underlying mental illness, and level of comfort in the current setting.

For example, an underweight female that takes mushrooms in an unfamiliar environment is more likely to have an adverse experience than an overweight male who is taking mushrooms with his best friend in the comfort of his living room. Still, adverse effects are common, and taking hallucinogenic drugs of any kind is never advised.

Legality – Are Magical Mushrooms Illegal?

Psilocybin mushrooms are a Schedule I drug (as previously mentioned), meaning that obtaining the drug, having the drug and using the drug are all criminal offenses. While Oregon is currently fighting to make the drug legal for medical purposes, it currently has no acknowledged medical use. Those that experiment with the drug typically does so planning on having one experience and leaving it at that.

The truth is, however, that magic mushrooms can be psychologically addictive. Those who use magic mushrooms for more than three days in a row are liable to build tolerance extremely quickly, meaning that a greater amount of the substance is required to produce the same high. Continuing to take greater amounts of the substance increases the risk of serious health issues and lasting psychological problems.

If you or someone you know has been abusing magic mushrooms or has been taking any hallucinogenic drug regularly, seeking professional help is necessary. We at Garden State Treatment Center can help with any information you want on our program of drug abuse or addiction recovery, please reach out today. We’re looking forward to hearing from you soon.

FAQ

  • How much do shrooms cost?
  • What are mushroom’s drug classification?
  • Is micro-dosing Psilocybin Mushrooms illegal?
  • What is the drug classification of Psilocybin Mushrooms?

Published on: 2020-04-06
Updated on: 2024-02-16

Are Hallucinogens Dangerous Drugs?

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse – and contrary to widespread belief – hallucinogens can sometimes be addictive. While the addictive properties are far less intense than they are in other drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, or alcohol, an individual with a genetic predisposition, wavering emotional and mental health, and an unfavorable home or social life may develop a substance dependency disorder after ongoing experimentation.

Hallucinogen

What are hallucinogens? They are a diverse group of drugs that completely change one’s perception of the world around them, leading to auditory and visual hallucinations. Hallucinogenic drugs are typically split up into two categories: dissociative drugs (including PCP and Ketamine), and classic hallucinogens (like ‘magic’ mushrooms or LSD). While classic hallucinogens tend to grow naturally, dissociative drugs are often made synthetically.

There is a lot of controversy surrounding these drugs, predominantly because many ‘classic’ variations – such as mescaline (peyote) and psilocybin (found in magic mushrooms) – have been used medicinally for ages.

How do Hallucinogens Work?

It is believed that once hallucinogens are consumed, they begin disrupting signals within the brain – they interrupt the communication of cellular systems, and change the way that serotonin is received and processed. Serotonin regulates a lot of important physical functions, thus when it interrupted, a lot of adverse physical reactions are likely to take place. These may include (but are not limited to):

  • Interrupted sleep
  • Increased or decreased appetite
  • A change in sexual behavior
  • Increased or decreased body temperature
  • Disrupted sensory perception
  • Mood swings
  • Bodily control/muscle control

Additionally, dissociative hallucinogens interfere with glutamate, another important chemical in the brain. This chemical regulates environmental responses, emotions, perception of pain, and learning and memory.

While classic hallucinogens tend to have shorter-term effects, the effects can be devastating for some. Common short-term effects include increased heart rate, profuse sweating, dry mouth, intensified sensory experiences, nausea, vomiting, discoordination, and generally bizarre behaviors.

Unfortunately, the psychological effects of hallucinogens are not always short-lived. Some who experiment with these drugs slip into paranoid episodes have panic attacks some even experience psychosis. These effects are far more common amongst those who use the drugs repeatedly over a long period of time. In some cases, hallucinogen-induced psychosis is permanent.

Hallucinogen mushrooms

Are Hallucinogens Dangerous?

In short, yes – any illicit drug was originally made illegal because of the dangers it posed to society. Even legal drugs are dangerous, such as alcohol and (in many states) marijuana. It really all boils down to the concerned individual and their personal propensity towards substance abuse. Those who have pre-existing mental health disorders are also at greater risk, seeing as major changes in brain chemistry can ‘push them over the edge.’

There is a lot of information circulating about the potential benefits of drugs like psilocybin for those struggling with mental health disorders. According to a study published by the American Psychological Association, some naturally-derived hallucinogens may have healing properties. However, medical professionals agree that much more research must be conducted before these claims can be confirmed.

Get the Help You Need with Garden State

It is also extremely important to remember that those who have struggled with addictive disorders previously can never use drugs of any type safely. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, drugs like LSD produce a tolerance, meaning the user will need to take greater and greater quantities in order to produce the same effects.

Increased tolerance is a telltale sign of addiction – if you find yourself using hallucinogens in greater quantities on a more and more frequent basis, you are likely struggling with a dangerous substance abuse disorder. Fortunately, we at Garden State Treatment Center are available to help. If you’re interested in learning more about the risks involved in hallucinogen use, or if you feel you may have a problem, please feel free to contact us today. We look forward to speaking with you soon.

FAQ

  • Are Hallucinogens addictive?
  • How are Hallucinogens dangerous?

Published on: 2019-12-01
Updated on: 2024-03-25

Mixing Cocaine and Xanax

What is Cocaine?

Cocaine is an illicit, powerfully addictive substance. Cocaine, also known as coke, is a strong stimulant most frequently used as a recreational drug. Mental effects may include loss of contact with reality, an intense feeling of happiness, or agitation. Cocaine can be snorted, smoked or injected. It fluctuates in pigment from white to light rose or yellow. It stimulates the reward system, dopamine, of the brain and generates instant effects throughout the central nervous system.

Cocaine addicts build a forbearance swiftly because their bodies get used to the drug, and therefore more of the substance is necessary to deliver the consistent results of reaching a high. A cocaine addict’s physical brain function is dependent on the substance to be able to function normally.

Mixing Cocaine and Xanax2

What is Xanax?

Xanax, which is alprazolam, is a benzodiazepine. Alprazolam affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with anxiety. Xanax is used to treat anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and anxiety caused by depression. Xanax may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. Xanax can cause paranoid or suicidal ideation and impair memory, judgment, and coordination.

Combining with other substances, particularly alcohol, can slow breathing and possibly lead to death. Xanax is commonly abused because it is an analgesic that treats moderate to severe pain, but people who don’t have pain can get a significant high off it.

Why is it Common for People to Mix Cocaine and Xanax?

People may co-use stimulants and depressants for several reasons. Cocaine is an infamous drug that is associated with high energy levels, excitability, and mental alertness, but it can cause irritability and paranoia as well. Some people may take Xanax to curb the acute effects of cocaine or to ease the discomfort associated with “coming down” from a cocaine high. Cocaine may also be taken to counteract the depressant effects of Xanax, including drowsiness and a sense of low energy.

What Happens When You Mix Cocaine and Xanax?

Both Xanax and cocaine can be incredibly dangerous drugs on their own, and each has a high risk of developing dependence and addiction. When they are taken together, the risk of immediate and long-term negative health and social consequences is substantially increased. A major danger of combining Xanax and cocaine is a heightened risk of acquiring dependence and addiction to one or both.

When they are taken at the same time, they limit the efficiency of each other, which may lead to someone taking greater doses of one or both drugs than they ordinarily would. Both Xanax and cocaine have opposite effects on the body and brain making difficult for someone who is using to identify the symptoms of an overdose. According to studies done by the Centers for Disease Control both cocaine and alprazolam were among the highest rates of death by overdose in recent years.

Among drug overdose deaths that mentioned at least one specific drug, the 10 most frequently mentioned drugs during 2011–2016 included fentanyl, heroin, hydrocodone, methadone, morphine, oxycodone, alprazolam, diazepam, cocaine, and methamphetamine. (CDC)

Polydrug abuse means mixing two or more drugs to get high and it’s a very dangerous road. The more drugs you take at the same time, the more complex the interactions become, and they can often turn deadly. Mixing cocaine and Xanax is especially risky because one is an upper and the other a downer.

How Can Rehab at Garden State Treatment Center Help You?

Here at Garden State Treatment Center, we offer group therapy, individual addiction counseling, relapse prevention treatment, cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, and 12-step addiction treatment. We will look at your health and your life to make an individualized treatment plan that fits your needs and the safest route will be approached.

The medical staff will provide care that is around the clock. We are committed to an evidence-based treatment approach to be able to facilitate a long-term recovery for you. Take the first courageous step on the road to a healthy and happy life and call now for a confidential evaluation.


Published on: 2019-11-26
Updated on: 2024-02-29

Does Drug Addiction Destroy Brain Cells?

Addiction impacts the brain on many levels. The chemical compounds in stimulant, nicotine, opioids, alcohol, and sedatives, enter the brain and bloodstream upon use. Once a chemical enters the brain, it can cause people to lose control of their impulses or crave a harmful substance. When someone develops an addiction, the brain craves the reward of the substance.

This is due to the intense stimulation of the brain’s reward system. In response, many continue the use of the substance, unlocking a host of euphoric feelings and strange behavioral traits. Long-term addiction can have severe outcomes, such as brain damage, and can even result in death.

Drug addiction destroy brain cells

Is the Brain Damage Caused by Drug Abuse Minimal?

Drug abuse has devastating effects on the mind, behavior, and relationships, but the permanent effects of drugs on the body can slowly destroy vital systems and functions, culminating in permanent disability or even death. Even legal drugs, taken to excess, can cause significant problems that cannot be easily undone; and for some illegal drugs, excessive consumption might not even be necessary for lifelong damage to occur. The use of drugs causes more than minimal damage to the brain.

Is Brain Damage from Substance Abuse Reversible?

The saying that brain damage is irreversible is a myth. Brain damage is an extremely scary thing. For something so mysterious and amazing, the brain can be quite fragile and susceptible to the abuse of drugs. Brain damage can be caused by the smallest amount of drug abuse, and it essentially means the death of brain cells. To many people, the mere idea of brain damage conjures images of people in persistent vegetative states, or at the very least, permanent physical or mental disability. But that’s not always the case.

There are many different types of brain damage, and exactly how it will affect someone depends largely on its location and how severe it is. Mild brain damage can be resulting in bleeding and tearing of the tissue in the brain. The brain can recover from minor brain damage remarkably well; most people who experience mild brain damage don’t experience permanent disability. On the other end of the spectrum, severe brain damage due to drug abuse means that the brain has suffered extensive damage. It sometimes requires surgery to remove built-up blood or relieve pressure. For nearly all patients who live through severe brain damage due to drug abuse, permanent, irreversible damage results.

Brain Cells

Does Time Heal Brain Damage?

There is minimal evidence on how we can improve brain recovery from substance use, but emerging literature suggests that exercise as an intervention may improve brain recovery. Physical activity has been shown to improve brain health and neuroplasticity. In previous studies of adults, physical activity has improved executive control, cerebral blood flow, and white matter integrity. While the brain can improve from most brain damage, there are some things that the National Institute of Drug Abuse has confirmed may stay damaged in the long run.

Scientists have linked dopamine to most drugs of abuse – including cocaine, marijuana, heroin, alcohol, and nicotine. These drugs all activate the reward system and cause neurons to release large amounts of dopamine. Over time, drugs damage this part of the brain. As a result of this damage, things that used to make you feel good – like eating ice cream, skateboarding, or getting a hug – no longer feel as good. (NIDA)

Every time a person takes a hit, sniffs a line, or injects a dose of drugs in their body, there is a possibility this substance could cause brain damage. Getting help for your or a loved ones substance abuse as soon as possible is the best solution fo reversing the negative effects of chemical dependency.

How Can Garden State Treatment Center Help You?

Here at Garden State Treatment Center, we provide group therapy, individual addiction counseling, relapse prevention treatment, cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, 12 step addiction treatment, and many other services that facilitate the recovery of anyone with brain damage caused by drug abuse. We believe in treating the entire person, not just their addictions.

We personalize their treatment plan based on their individual characteristics to provide a long-lasting and meaningful recovery. You can assume to come out of our program changed, firm, and prepared to begin a lifetime of recovery regardless of the extent of the brain damage. Our admissions team is standing by for your call.

FAQ

  • How to spot brain damage from drugs?
  • Can your brain recover from drugs?
  • How to repair brain damage from drugs?

Published on: 2019-11-20
Updated on: 2024-03-25