Drugs have been around since the beginning of time. Whether they’re needed for pain, illness, or anxiety, there is a drug for just about everything. In the early year’s nobody knew what consequences if any, the drugs had. There had to be some trial and error, hence using cocaine in Coca-Cola and opium being purchased over the counter for headaches. One doctor’s started understanding the physical and psychological effects these drugs had on people and that they could become addictive; there was a need to control the substances.
The U.S. has been trying to safely and effectively control drug use since the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906. When President Nixon signed the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) that gave the DEA and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the power to determine which substances are fit for medical use; the act was changed numerous times over the six decades that followed, but the most significant change took effect in the early 1970s with the CSA.
What are the Different Schedule Levels?
Medications controlled by the CSA are divided into five categories called “schedules.” Each schedule tries to divide drugs according to their potential for abuse, medical value, and safety standards. Schedule I drugs are seen as the most serious, and Schedules II through V include drugs in decreasing order of potential for abuse and addiction.
Schedule I
The drugs considered the most dangerous by the DEA are Schedule I substances. These are drugs with no current medical use, by analysis according to the DEA and FDA. These substances also carry a high potential for abuse and addiction.
Schedule I drugs include:
Heroin
LSD
Marijuana
Ecstasy
Quaaludes
Bath salts
Schedule II
These drugs also have a high potential for abuse and addiction, but they are also currently accepted for medical use in the U.S. It’s noted in the CSA that abuse of these drugs may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.
Schedule II drugs include:
Methadone
Demerol
OxyContin
Fentanyl
Morphine
Codeine
Schedule III
Substances with a low to moderate physical and psychological dependence potential are classified under Schedule III by the DEA. When misused, these drugs can still lead to abuse or addiction. You can purchase these drugs at a pharmacy with a prescription, but you generally will not find them available over the counter.
This is where Xanax and other benzodiazepines fall into the controlled substance classifications. The drugs or substances classified as Schedule IV have a lower potential for abuse and addiction, but the risk does remain. Again, these have medical uses, and many are common treatments for anxiety and similar medical conditions. These also require a prescription and are not available over the counter.
Schedule IV drugs include:
Xanax
Soma
Klonopin
Valium
Ativan
Schedule V
Finally, according to the DEA, the least addictive substances are labeled under Schedule V. Schedule V substances have a very low potential for abuse; however, physical or psychological dependency could develop if the substance is misused to a large degree.
Schedule V drugs include:
Robitussin A.C.
Phenergan with codeine
Ezogabine
The Warnings Regarding Xanax (Benzodiazepines)
Xanax (Benzodiazepines) are included in Schedule IV of the CSA. This classification would seem to indicate that this class of medications has a relatively low potential for abuse compared to many other types of controlled substances. This doesn’t mean that it is in any way less dangerous and addictive. Xanax and other Benzodiazepines have the potential for physical dependence when used for long periods of time and can be psychologically addictive in some individuals.
Benzodiazepines should be taken only as prescribed by your doctor. If you take more than prescribed or quit suddenly, doing so may cause unwanted withdrawal symptoms or worsen your condition. Xanax withdrawal symptoms can take hold within hours of the last dose, and they can peak in severity within 1-4 days. During withdrawal, people can experience:
Headaches
Blurred vision
Muscle pain
Tremors
Diarrhea
Numb fingers
Sensitivity to light and sound
Loss of appetite
Insomnia
Heart palpitations
Sweating
Anxiety
Panic
Paranoia
Seizures
It has been reported that Xanax is one of the most prescribed drugs in the United States to manage panic and anxiety disorders. It has also been reported from the Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) reported that close to 10% of all emergency department visits related to the abuse of pharmaceuticals involved the benzodiazepine, or benzo, alprazolam.
We at Garden State Treatment Center understand when you or a family member is struggling with Xanax addiction, it is essential to get them the right kind of help. Detox from Xanax should not be done at home due to the dangerous withdrawal symptoms that can occur. Attempting on your own to recover exposes you to a higher risk of experiencing a relapse. With the proper professional care, you can come off clean in a gradual, stress-free manner.
FAQ
What class of drug is Xanax?
In the context of drug enforcement, Xanax is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). This means it is recognized as having a lower potential for abuse and dependence compared to Schedule II or III drugs, but misuse can still lead to physical or psychological dependence.
Xanax, also known by its generic name alprazolam, is a prescription medication that belongs to the class of drugs known as benzodiazepines.
Benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants. They work by enhancing the effect of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which results in sedative, hypnotic (sleep-inducing), anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), anticonvulsant, and muscle relaxant properties.
Xanax is commonly prescribed for the management of anxiety disorders, including panic disorder. However, due to their potential for addiction and dependency, benzodiazepines like Xanax are typically meant for short-term or as-needed use and should be used under the direct supervision of a healthcare provider.
How do you detox from Xanax?
Detoxification from Xanax (alprazolam) should be done under the guidance and supervision of a healthcare professional, preferably in a medical setting. Abruptly stopping Xanax or reducing the dosage without proper medical supervision can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms, including seizures, anxiety, insomnia, and rebound symptoms.
Here are some common steps and considerations involved in detoxing from Xanax:
Medical Evaluation: A healthcare professional will assess your individual situation, including the duration and dosage of Xanax use, your overall health, and any co-occurring conditions. They will develop a personalized detox plan based on your specific needs.
Tapering Off Xanax: The most common approach to Xanax detox is a gradual tapering process. The dosage of Xanax is gradually reduced over time to minimize withdrawal symptoms and allow the body to adjust to lower levels of the drug. The tapering schedule and rate will be determined by your healthcare professional based on your individual circumstances.
Medical Monitoring: During the detox process, your healthcare professional will closely monitor your progress and adjust the tapering schedule as needed. Regular check-ins and evaluations are essential to ensure safety and minimize withdrawal symptoms.
Symptom Management: Your healthcare professional may prescribe medications or other interventions to manage withdrawal symptoms and help you cope with discomfort. This can include medications to address anxiety, insomnia, or other symptoms that may arise during the detox process.
Psychological Support: Detoxing from Xanax may also involve psychological support. Therapy or counseling can help address underlying issues related to anxiety or any co-occurring mental health conditions that may have contributed to Xanax use.
Aftercare and Support: Once the detox process is complete, it is important to establish a plan for ongoing support and relapse prevention. This may involve continued therapy, participation in support groups, or other resources to maintain your sobriety and address any underlying issues that may have contributed to Xanax use.
It is crucial to seek professional help for Xanax detox to ensure a safe and effective process. Attempting to detox from Xanax on your own or without medical supervision can be dangerous and increase the risk of complications. A healthcare professional will provide the necessary guidance, support, and monitoring to help you successfully detox from Xanax.
Pure heroin, diacetylmorphine, is a white powder with a bitter taste abused for its euphoric effects. Heroin, a highly addictive drug, is derived from the morphine alkaloid found in the opium poppy plant and is roughly 2 to 3 times more potent than morphine. Users become fast addicted to heroin both mentally and physically as they seek to experience the unique sensations provided by the drug.
It exhibits euphoric, anti-anxiety, and pain-relieving properties. It is usually injected, smoked, or snorted up the nose. Heroin is classified as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, carries stiff criminal penalties, and has no acceptable medical use in the United States. Of all the commonly abused addictive opioids, few are more dangerous than heroin.
What is Suboxone?
Suboxone is a brand-name prescription drug and is an addiction treatment medication used in opioid replacement therapy. As an opiate itself, it has a potential for abuse. Suboxone helps reverse the side effects of short-acting opioids, including heroin and prescription painkillers. Consisting of two ingredients, Buprenorphine, and naloxone, Suboxone prevents the painful withdrawal symptoms caused by opioid addiction. Suboxone comes as an oral film that’s placed under your tongue (sublingual) or between your gums and cheek (buccal). The film dissolves in your mouth. Some people begin abusing Suboxone after it’s been prescribed as part of a treatment regimen for opioid dependency.
What are the Effects of Using Heroin While on Suboxone?
The key difference between Suboxone and other opioids is the added naloxone component, which serves to counter the action of opioid-based drugs. The naloxone component, in Suboxone, works by attaching to opioid receptors and blocking other opioids, such as heroin, from producing addictive euphoric sensations. Using Suboxone together with heroin, which causes central nervous system depression as well, can lead to serious side effects such as respiratory distress, coma, and even death.
If Suboxone is abused to get high, the naloxone will inhibit the buprenorphine component of the drug from binding to the opioid receptors, making the person experience the unpleasant symptoms of withdrawal. If a heroin-dependent person were to take Suboxone simultaneously with heroin, or shortly after using heroin, the body’s strong preference for Suboxone will counter the non-specific actions of the more potent heroin, sending the user into immediate withdrawal. Such predicaments can be very dangerous, and they defeat the purpose of Suboxone as a remedial drug.
What are the Benefits of Suboxone?
Suboxone offers several benefits to those with opioid dependency and to others for whom treatment in a methadone clinic is not preferred or is less convenient. Approved for clinical use by the Food and Drug Administration, medications such as buprenorphine, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, provide a whole-patient approach to the treatment of opioid dependence, FDA. When taken as prescribed, buprenorphine is safe and effective. The buprenorphine/naloxone combination, Suboxone, is one of only two opioid addiction treatment medications, the other being Subutex, to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration for usage outside of licensed opioid treatment facilities.
Heroin Addiction Treatment
You can get help and lead a successful, productive life. The first step is acknowledging the potential problem and just by asking yourself if you want to be the best version of yourself that you can be, you’re already on the right track. 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 help teach you the skills you need to lead a Suboxone and Heroin free life. We believe in treating the entire person, not just their addictions. We personalize the treatment plan based on the individual’s characteristics. Our admissions team is standing by for your call.
FAQ
Can you take heroin with Suboxone?
I must emphasize that it is extremely dangerous and potentially life-threatening to combine heroin with Suboxone or any other medication without the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Suboxone is a medication that contains buprenorphine and naloxone, and it is used to treat opioid dependence. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, which means it binds to the same receptors in the brain as opioids like heroin but does not activate them to the same extent. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist, which means it blocks the effects of opioids on the brain.
When a person takes Suboxone as part of a medically-supervised treatment program for opioid dependence, the goal is to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with opioid use.
Combining heroin with Suboxone is dangerous for several reasons:
Precipitated Withdrawal: If a person takes Suboxone too soon after using heroin or other opioids, the naloxone component can cause precipitated withdrawal, which is a rapid onset of severe withdrawal symptoms.
Overdose Risk: Trying to overcome the blocking effects of naloxone by using large amounts of heroin can lead to an overdose.
Respiratory Depression: Both heroin and buprenorphine can cause respiratory depression, where breathing becomes dangerously slow. Combining these substances can potentially cause respiratory failure.
Impeding Treatment: Using heroin while on Suboxone undermines the goal of treatment, which is to reduce dependence on opioids and move towards recovery.
It is critically important for individuals who are on Suboxone or any medication-assisted treatment for opioid dependence to work closely with their healthcare provider and follow the treatment plan as prescribed.
If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid dependence or addiction, it is crucial to seek professional help. There are effective treatments available, and a healthcare provider can guide you in making choices that support recovery and well-being.
Can you get high while on Suboxone?
Suboxone is a medication used to treat opioid dependence. It contains a combination of buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, and naloxone, an opioid antagonist. The purpose of Suboxone treatment is to help individuals overcome opioid addiction by reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
When taken as prescribed and under medical supervision, Suboxone is not intended to produce a “high” sensation. Buprenorphine, the active ingredient in Suboxone, is designed to bind to the same opioid receptors in the brain as other opioids, but with a weaker effect. This helps to alleviate withdrawal symptoms without inducing a euphoric high.
However, it’s important to note that everyone’s body chemistry and response to medications can differ. Some individuals may experience mild euphoria or sedation when they first start taking Suboxone or if they take it in larger doses than prescribed. However, the effects are typically less intense compared to other opioids. Taking Suboxone in ways other than prescribed, such as crushing or injecting it, can increase the risk of getting high and may be dangerous.
It’s essential to follow the prescribed dosage and usage instructions provided by your healthcare provider to ensure safe and effective treatment. If you have concerns about your medication or its effects, it’s best to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance.
What happens if you use Heroin while taking Sublocade?
Using heroin while taking Sublocade (buprenorphine extended-release injection) is highly dangerous and not recommended. Sublocade is used as a medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder and is intended to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with opioid dependence. Here are a few things that could happen if someone uses heroin while on Sublocade:
Precipitated Withdrawal: Sublocade contains buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist. If a person takes heroin, a full opioid agonist, while on Sublocade, it can lead to precipitated withdrawal. This happens because buprenorphine displaces other opioids from receptors in the brain, leading to a rapid onset of withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can be severe and include nausea, vomiting, sweating, anxiety, agitation, and muscle aches.
Reduced Effects of Heroin: Sublocade can block the effects of heroin and other opioids to some extent. Because buprenorphine has a higher affinity for opioid receptors but only partially activates them, someone who uses heroin while on Sublocade might not experience the usual euphoria or “high” associated with heroin. This may lead to taking higher doses of heroin in an attempt to achieve the desired effects, which increases the risk of overdose.
Overdose Risk: Using heroin, especially in higher doses, while on Sublocade increases the risk of overdose. While buprenorphine can block some of the effects of opioids, it’s not foolproof. Combining heroin with Sublocade can lead to respiratory depression, loss of consciousness, and death.
Compromised Treatment Goals: Using heroin while in treatment with Sublocade goes against the goal of recovery from opioid use disorder. It compromises the treatment process and makes it harder to achieve stability and recovery.
If you or someone you know is taking Sublocade and is struggling with heroin use, it is critical to seek help immediately. Contact a healthcare provider, addiction specialist, or local addiction treatment center for assistance. It’s important to communicate openly with healthcare providers about the challenges faced during recovery so that they can provide the necessary support and adjustments to the treatment plan.
What happens when you take opiates while on Suboxone?
Taking opiates while on Suboxone can have several effects, depending on the specific circumstances. Suboxone contains buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, which means it binds to the same opioid receptors in the brain as other opioids but with a weaker effect. The naloxone component of Suboxone acts as an opioid antagonist, blocking the effects of other opioids.
If a person takes opiates while on Suboxone, the naloxone component may counteract the effects of the opiates, preventing them from binding to the opioid receptors and reducing the likelihood of experiencing a full opioid high. However, it’s important to note that the naloxone in Suboxone is primarily effective when taken orally as prescribed. If Suboxone is crushed or injected, the naloxone can have a stronger effect and precipitate withdrawal symptoms.
Additionally, if someone takes opiates while on Suboxone, it can interfere with the effectiveness of the Suboxone treatment itself. The opiates may compete with buprenorphine for the opioid receptors, potentially reducing the effectiveness of Suboxone in controlling withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any other medications or substances while on Suboxone. They can provide guidance based on your individual circumstances and help you make informed decisions about your treatment. Mixing substances without medical supervision can be risky and may jeopardize your recovery and overall well-being.
Is it true that suboxone withdrawal is worse than heroin withdrawal?
Suboxone, a medication that contains a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone, is commonly used to treat opioid dependence, including dependence on heroin. Its role is to reduce the symptoms of opioid withdrawal and decrease cravings.
Comparing withdrawal from Suboxone to withdrawal from heroin can be somewhat subjective and may vary from person to person. Several factors influence the severity of withdrawal symptoms, such as the duration of use, the dose, individual physiology, and the presence of any co-occurring mental health or medical conditions.
Here are a few points to consider regarding Suboxone and heroin withdrawal:
Duration: Withdrawal symptoms from Suboxone may last longer than those from heroin. This is because buprenorphine, one of the components of Suboxone, has a longer half-life than heroin, meaning it stays in the system for a longer time. As a result, withdrawal symptoms might take longer to set in and can be more prolonged, although they might be less intense at their onset compared to heroin withdrawal.
Intensity: Heroin withdrawal symptoms can be very intense but tend to be of shorter duration. Some people might consider the acuteness of heroin withdrawal to be worse, while others might find the protracted, but less intense, withdrawal from Suboxone to be more challenging.
Medical Supervision: Suboxone should be taken under medical supervision, and ideally, cessation should also be medically supervised with a gradual tapering of the medication to minimize withdrawal symptoms.
It’s also important to note that the term “worse” can be subjective. For some, the intensity of the symptoms might define what is worse, while others might focus on the duration of the symptoms.
In either case, withdrawal from opioids, whether from heroin or Suboxone, should be managed under the care of a healthcare professional who can provide the necessary support and guidance to minimize withdrawal symptoms and address any complications that may arise. The ultimate goal is to safely help the individual overcome opioid dependence and move toward recovery.
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.
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.
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?
Hallucinogens are a diverse group of drugs that alter perception, thoughts, and feelings. They include substances like LSD, psilocybin (magic mushrooms), and PCP. The addictive potential of hallucinogens can vary depending on the specific substance, but here’s a general overview:
Physical addiction: Most classic hallucinogens (e.g., LSD, psilocybin) are not considered to be physically addictive. This means they don’t cause physical withdrawal symptoms in the same way that substances like opioids or alcohol can.
Psychological addiction: While physical dependence is less common, some individuals may develop a psychological dependence on hallucinogens. This means they might feel a strong desire to continue using these substances to escape reality, relieve boredom, or enhance creativity, even if their usage leads to negative consequences.
Tolerance: Regular use of some hallucinogens can lead to tolerance, meaning that higher doses are required to achieve the same effect. However, tolerance can be variable across different hallucinogens.
Risks: Even if not physically addictive, hallucinogens can pose significant risks, including the potential for dangerous behavior while under the influence, the possibility of experiencing distressing psychological effects (bad trips), and long-term psychiatric conditions in susceptible individuals, such as hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD) or psychosis.
It’s important to approach the use of any psychoactive substance with caution and awareness of the potential risks and to seek professional advice if you’re concerned about addiction or other negative effects.
How are Hallucinogens dangerous?
Hallucinogens are a class of psychoactive substances that can alter perception, thoughts, and feelings. While some people use them recreationally or for spiritual purposes, there are several ways in which hallucinogens can be dangerous:
Impaired Judgment and Perception: Hallucinogens can distort perception and impair judgment, which may lead users to engage in risky behavior or put themselves in dangerous situations, such as driving under the influence or engaging in unprotected sex.
Unpredictable Reactions: The psychological effects of hallucinogens are highly unpredictable and can vary depending on the individual, the dose, the setting, and other factors. Some individuals may experience severe anxiety, paranoia, or panic attacks.
Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD): Some individuals experience recurring flashbacks of visual disturbances or hallucinations long after the hallucinogen has worn off. This condition, known as HPPD, can be distressing and interfere with daily functioning.
Psychosis: In some cases, use of hallucinogens can trigger psychotic episodes, especially in individuals with a predisposition to mental health disorders like schizophrenia.
Physical Harm and Self-Injury: During a hallucinogenic experience, individuals may not be aware of their surroundings or the consequences of their actions. This can lead to accidental injuries or self-harm.
Legal Consequences: In many countries, the possession, sale, or use of hallucinogens is illegal. Being caught with these substances can result in legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment.
Dangerous Mixtures: Combining hallucinogens with other substances, such as alcohol or stimulants, can increase the risk of adverse reactions or exacerbate the effects of each substance, which can be dangerous.
Impaired Mental Health: Prolonged use of hallucinogens can lead to mood disorders, depression, anxiety, and social isolation in some individuals.
Lack of Quality Control: The purity and composition of hallucinogens obtained from illicit sources are unpredictable. There is a risk of consuming adulterated or more potent substances than expected, which can increase the risk of overdose or poisoning.
Tolerance and Psychological Dependence: While physical dependence is not common with hallucinogens, tolerance can develop with frequent use, leading individuals to take larger doses to achieve the same effect. This can increase the risk of negative consequences.
It’s important to approach the use of hallucinogens with caution and to be aware of the potential risks and consequences. If someone is struggling with the use of hallucinogens or experiencing negative effects, it’s important to encourage them to seek help from a healthcare professional or addiction specialist.
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.
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.
Addiction impacts the brain on many levels. The chemical compounds in stimulants, nicotine, opioids, alcohol, and sedatives enter the brain and bloodstream upon use. Once a chemical enters the brain, it can cause people to lose self-control of their impulses (impulse control) or cravings for 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 decision-making concerns due to sudden human brain changes affecting cognitive functions of the nervous system, leading to brain damage and other substance use disorders that can even result in death.
Is the Brain Damage Caused by Drug Abuse Minimal?
Drug abuse has devastating effects on the mind, behavior, and relationships, mental health, 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. Drug use causes more than minimal damage to the brain function.
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 result 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 areas of the brain have 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.
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 use, and nicotine. These addictive drugs 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 into their body, there is a possibility this substance could cause brain damage. Getting help for your or a loved one’s substance abuse as soon as possible is the best solution for 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 programs, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), family therapy, 12-step addiction treatment, and many other services that facilitate the recovery process of anyone with brain damage caused by drug abuse, alcohol addiction or alcohol use disorder, and any addictive behavior. 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 addiction 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?
Spotting brain damage from drugs can be complex because it often involves a combination of symptoms and medical evaluations. The effects of drug abuse on the brain can vary significantly depending on the type of drug, duration of use, and individual differences. However, some common signs and symptoms might indicate brain damage or adverse effects on the brain due to drug use. Here are several indicators:
Cognitive Impairments: Difficulties with memory, attention, and decision-making can be signs of brain damage from drugs. These impairments can manifest as forgetfulness, inability to concentrate, and poor judgment.
Mood Changes: Significant and persistent changes in mood, such as increased irritability, depression, or anxiety, can be indicative of brain damage resulting from drug abuse.
Behavioral Changes: Uncharacteristic behaviors such as impulsivity, aggression, or a lack of inhibition may signal brain damage from drug use.
Physical Symptoms: Certain physical symptoms can also suggest brain damage, including tremors, seizures, and difficulty with coordination or speech.
Changes in Consciousness: Experiencing states of confusion, hallucinations, or altered levels of consciousness can be signs of acute or chronic effects of drug use on the brain.
Social Withdrawal: A withdrawal from social interactions and activities that were once enjoyable can be a sign of brain damage or other psychological effects of drug abuse.
It’s important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by a variety of other medical conditions or factors, and not all drug use results in brain damage. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek professional medical advice. A healthcare provider can conduct a thorough evaluation, which may include neuroimaging tests like MRI or CT scans, blood tests, and neuropsychological assessments, to determine the cause of these symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment.
Can your brain recover from drugs?
Yes, the brain can recover from drugs, but the extent of recovery and the time it takes can vary significantly depending on several factors. These include the type of drug used, the duration and intensity of use, the presence of co-occurring mental health disorders, the individual’s overall physical health, age, and the support systems available to them. Here’s a breakdown of how recovery can happen:
Neuroplasticity: The brain has a remarkable ability to change and adapt, known as neuroplasticity. This means it can form new neural connections, which can help in recovering from the damage caused by drug use. Rehabilitation programs often focus on activities and therapies that promote neuroplasticity.
Detoxification: The first step in recovering from drug use is often detoxification, where the body is allowed to rid itself of the drug’s toxins. This can help reduce the physical dependence on the drug, though it can be a challenging process that sometimes requires medical supervision.
Therapy and Rehabilitation: Various forms of therapy can aid in recovery by addressing the underlying reasons for drug use, teaching coping strategies, and helping to change behavior patterns. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and group therapy are common approaches.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): For some substances, such as opioids, medication-assisted treatment can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, supporting brain recovery. Drugs like methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone are commonly used in MAT.
Healthy Lifestyle Changes: A healthy diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management can all support brain health and recovery. These lifestyle changes can improve the overall functioning of the brain and help repair some of the damage caused by drug use.
Social Support and Community Resources: Support from friends, family, and recovery groups can provide encouragement and accountability, which are vital for long-term recovery. Community resources can also offer employment, housing, and educational support, which are important for a stable recovery environment.
The recovery process can be long and challenging, and some changes to the brain may be lasting, especially with prolonged and heavy use. However, many people are able to make significant recoveries, improving their quality of life and reducing the risk of relapse. Professional help and a strong support network are crucial components of successful recovery.
How to repair brain damage from drugs?
Repairing brain damage from drugs can be a complex process and depends on various factors, including the type of damage, the specific drugs involved, and the individual’s overall health. While some brain damage can be partially reversible, other types might be permanent. However, there are steps and treatments that can support brain recovery and help manage symptoms:
1. Abstinence from Drug Use
The first and most crucial step in repairing brain damage is to stop using the substance(s) that caused the damage. Continuing to use drugs can exacerbate damage and hinder recovery efforts.
2. Medical Detoxification
For some substances, particularly those that cause physical dependence, medically supervised detoxification may be necessary. This process helps manage withdrawal symptoms safely and reduces the risk of further harm.
3. Nutrition and Hydration
Proper nutrition and staying hydrated are essential for brain recovery. Certain nutrients, like omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, can support brain health and potentially aid in the repair of damaged cells.
4. Physical Exercise
Regular physical activity can improve cognitive function and help in repairing brain damage by promoting the growth of new brain cells (neurogenesis) and improving blood flow to the brain.
5. Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy
This form of therapy is designed to help improve cognitive function damaged by drug abuse. It involves structured tasks and exercises aimed at improving memory, attention, problem-solving skills, and executive functions.
6. Medication
In some cases, medications may be prescribed to manage symptoms or conditions associated with brain damage, such as mood disorders, anxiety, or psychosis.
7. Supportive Therapies
Psychological support through therapy can be beneficial in addressing the emotional and behavioral aspects of addiction and brain injury. Counseling, group therapy, and support groups can provide emotional support and coping strategies.
8. Social Support
A strong support system of family, friends, and support groups can provide encouragement and motivation throughout the recovery process.
9. Professional Guidance
Working with healthcare professionals, including doctors, psychiatrists, and therapists specializing in addiction and brain injury, is crucial for developing an effective treatment plan tailored to the individual’s needs.
10. Neuroplasticity-Focused Activities
Engaging in activities that stimulate the brain, such as learning new skills, playing musical instruments, or practicing mindfulness and meditation, can leverage the brain’s ability to form new neural connections and pathways (neuroplasticity), aiding in recovery.
Recovery from brain damage due to drug abuse is often a long-term process that requires patience, commitment, and a comprehensive treatment approach. The ability of the brain to recover varies significantly between individuals, but adopting a healthy lifestyle and receiving professional support can maximize the potential for improvement.
Watching a loved one struggle with alcohol or drug addiction is one of the most painful experiences an individual can have. Addiction is a physically, emotionally, and psychologically devastating disease – and not just for the afflicted individual.
Close friends, family members, or significant others may watch their loved ones deteriorate and wonder WHY they can’t do anything to help. “If they really loved me, they would change.” The emotional torture of being completely and utterly helpless drives many loved ones to exacerbate a vicious cycle of enabling. While doing everything in your power to help your addicted loved one may seem to make sense at the time, things will not change until the addict hits rock bottom – and has nowhere else to go.
What is Enabling?
Essentially, enabling is the act of preventing an addict from hitting his or her personal bottom by coddling them and ‘supporting’ them in ways that are actually doing them harm. One of the most common forms of enabling is giving money to an active addict or alcoholic. If you are the parent of an individual who is battling substance dependency, offering financial support may seem like a no-brainer. Say, for example, your son – who has been struggling with heroin addiction – asks for $20 for food. “My child needs food in order to survive,” you might think to yourself. “I can’t stand by and watch him starve.” In reality, the likelihood that your son is going to spend that money on more heroin is exceptionally high.
Addiction is a disease of manipulation – those suffering will go to great lengths in order to get what they want (and what they want, in the vast majority of cases, is the next fix). While it can be easy to assume that your own child wouldn’t manipulate you, steal from you, or lie to your face, it is important to keep in mind just how insidious this disease is.
How To Say No to Giving Someone Money
Sadly, continuing to support your child financially is likely to exacerbate the illness, and – seeing as addiction is a progressive disease – it could ultimately lead to serious complications (such as overdose, or even death). Of course, saying ‘no’ will not come naturally, and setting boundaries can be difficult and painful.
For this reason, the families of addicts often choose to stage an intervention. What is an intervention? In so many words, an intervention allows the loved ones of the concerned individual to express their feelings while setting strict personal boundaries. It is absolutely crucial that interventions are organized and conducted by an experienced professional. If they are not, they may wind up doing more harm than good.
In most cases, the friends and family members of the subject of the intervention will write letters and read them in turn. These letters will explain how the symptoms of active addiction have affected them personally, and they will outline boundaries that the interventionist will help to maintain. One of the most common – and important – boundaries is that concerning money. “I will no longer give you money, no matter what you say it’s for. I am willing to help you go to treatment, but that’s the only financial support you’ll receive from me.” Once these boundaries have been established, it is important to seek the support you need in order to successfully maintain them.
Garden State Treatment Center
We at Garden State Treatment Center understand how difficult it can be to set and maintain a strict set of rules while you watch your loved one struggle. Fortunately, our team of experienced therapists, counselors, and addiction specialists are available to help. We will help you take the steps you need to get help for your loved one in a safe and effective way.
The Calvin Klein drug is not a new synthetic compound, but instead is a deadly combination of cocaine and ketamine. It’s one of the latest trending club drugs that is causing many overdoses for young adults that take these substances to party harder. Already leaving a trail of destruction in its path, this drug mixture tragically took the life of a young violinist who was a musical prodigy. The young violinist died from an accidental overdose of the drug in London on Thursday, July 11th, 2019.
What’s the story behind the name of this deadly drug cocktail? This substance is being called the ‘Calvin Klein’ drug because it goes by the initials ‘CK,’ that reference the brand. The appealing name of the drug, taken from a worldwide fashion brand, adds to its dangerous marketing appeal for young adults looking for an edgy high. The fact that it’s a combination of a stimulant and hallucinogenic causes adverse reactions that are leading to overdoses.
When mixed together, cocaine and ketamine abuse can be life-threatening, causing increased heart rate, palpitations, and possible cardiac arrest. The death of a young musical prodigy because of taking the Calvin Klein club drug was covered by the New York Post, “Katya Tsukanova, 17, a leading musician in the UK, died of an apparent overdose from a cocaine and ketamine drug cocktail — just days after performing at the Royal Opera House in the city”. This news has prompted further investigation of how dangerous this drug is. Although more evidence is needed in how cocaine and ketamine combined affects a person’s brain, there is research on the two drugs separately.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIDA, classifies ketamine as a dissociative drug similar to hallucinogens. NIDA states that the reason people take dissociative drugs is to “enable them to enter into what they perceive as a more enlightened sense of thinking or being” (NIDA). Additionally, from NIDA, “Ketamine—also known as K, Special K, or cat Valium—is a dissociative currently used as an anesthetic for humans as well as animals. Much of the ketamine sold on the street has been diverted from veterinary offices. Although it is manufactured as an injectable liquid, ketamine is generally evaporated to form a powder that is snorted or compressed into pills for illicit use…” (NIDA).
Is the new club drug called Calvin Klein dangerous?
Cocaine is considered a stimulant drug, and when added to ketamine, likely increases the effect of the Ketamine. Historically, cocaine has been mixed with many other drugs to enhance their effects. It is commonly mixed with heroin, methamphetamine, and alcohol. Tsukanova was a victim of the lethal effects of both drugs. The New York Post reported that her father, Igor Tsukanova, said his daughter was a “smart girl, and she made one bad choice.” (NY Post).
The CK drug is a popular club drug, and like other club drugs, may continue to take lives as it continues to be sold. The DEA currently does not acknowledge the drug cocktail CK as a specific drug type but does reference cocaine and ketamine in their drug schedules. The DEA classifies drugs according to how dangerous they are:
“Drugs, substances, and certain chemicals used to make drugs are classified into five (5) distinct categories or schedules depending upon the drug’s acceptable medical use and the drug’s abuse or dependency potential… the abuse rate is a determinate factor in the scheduling of the drug; for example, Schedule I drugs have a high potential for abuse and the potential to create severe psychological and physical dependence.” (DEA).
Currently, Cocaine is listed with the DEA as a schedule II drug and Ketamine a schedule III.
The fact that a young violinist died accidentally from the mixture of cocaine and ketamine is tragic. Although most experiences with dangerous drugs do not end well, cases like this are very saddening and force us to examine what our younger generations are doing when they get together. Becoming involved and educated about the types of drugs that are available in clubs and on the street is a starting point. Additionally, adults must look for warning signs and behaviors that indicate drug use and abuse, as well as supporting laws that will limit the accessibility of these drugs to be bought over the web and by illegal prescription as in the case of ketamine.
If you or a loved one are affected by addiction, Garden State Treatment Center is here to help. Our solution-focused addiction treatment programs get to the underlying causes of substance abuse. We provide personalized treatment plans that are tailored to the unique situation of each patient. Contact us around the clock for confidential help and don’t delay in reaching out.
