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According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) in 2020, an estimated 21.5 million people aged 12 or older (8.2% of the U.S. population) had a substance use disorder (SUD) in the past year. Out of these, 17.7 million people had an alcohol use disorder and 7.9 million had an illicit drug use disorder. The NSDUH survey also found that in 2020, about 14.5 million people aged 12 or older were current illicit drug users, meaning they had used an illicit drug in the past month. This represents 5.7% of the population aged 12 or older.
It’s important to note that the above numbers are estimates, and the true number of people who abuse drugs in the United States may be higher, as not all drug use is reported or detected. Additionally, the number of people suffering from drug abuse is constantly changing and evolving.
With this in mind, we break down 6 random drug abuse-related questions we hear asked again and again.
It is possible to overdose on antidepressants, but it is considered less common than with other types of drugs such as opioids or stimulants. Antidepressant overdose typically occurs when a person takes more than the recommended or prescribed amount of medication. Overdose symptoms can include confusion, drowsiness, blurred vision, unsteady gait, seizures, coma, and in rare cases, death.
However, it’s important to note that overdose symptoms can vary depending on the type of antidepressant and the amount taken. It’s also important to note that some antidepressants have a lower risk of overdose than others.
It’s important to always take antidepressants as prescribed by a healthcare professional and to avoid taking them with other medications without consulting with a healthcare professional first. If you suspect that you or someone you know has overdosed on antidepressants, seek medical help immediately.
Also, it’s important to keep in mind that antidepressants alone can’t solve all the problems, it’s a combination of therapy, medication, and support from family and friends that can help a person overcome depression and other mental health issues.
The amount of time that ecstasy (MDMA) stays in your system can vary depending on several factors, including your metabolism, the amount of drug taken, and the frequency of use.
Ecstasy typically has a half-life of around 8-9 hours, which means that it takes about 8-9 hours for half of the drug to be eliminated from the body. After that, it takes about 3-4 half-lives for a drug to be eliminated from the body. Therefore, it would take 24-36 hours for ecstasy to be eliminated from the body.
However, it’s important to note that the active ingredient in ecstasy, MDMA, can be detected in the body for a longer period of time depending on the method used for detection. MDMA can be detected in urine for up to 2-4 days, in blood for up to 24 hours, and in hair for up to 90 days.
It’s also important to keep in mind that factors such as your overall health, your weight, and your liver and kidney function can also affect how long ecstasy stays in your system.
“Rush Popper” is street slang for a type of inhalant that is commonly used for recreational purposes, particularly in the gay community. They are typically liquid compounds that are sold in small bottles and are inhaled for a short-lived rush of intense feelings of euphoria and increased sexual pleasure. The active ingredient in poppers is usually alkyl nitrites, a group of chemicals that dilate blood vessels and relax smooth muscles. The most common form of alkyl nitrite is amyl nitrite.
Poppers have been around since the 1970s and have been marketed and sold under various names such as “liquid gold,” “liquid incense,” “room odorizer,” and “leather cleaner.”
Using poppers can have short-term effects such as dizziness, lightheadedness, and a sensation of warmth. They can also cause headaches, nausea, and disorientation. Long-term use may cause damage to the eyes, nose, and throat. It can also cause a decrease in blood pressure which may lead to fainting, and in some cases, it can cause an irregular heartbeat, which can be life-threatening.
It’s important to note that poppers are not regulated and their composition may vary, and some may contain other harmful chemicals. Also, poppers are not considered safe for use with other recreational drugs such as Viagra, as the combination can lead to a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
Diet pills, also known as weight loss drugs, are a diverse group of medications that can be prescribed by a healthcare professional to help people lose weight. Some diet pills are considered controlled substances, which means that they are regulated by the government and have the potential for abuse and addiction. Others are over-the-counter (OTC) medications and are available without a prescription.
The most commonly prescribed diet pills are those that are classified as controlled substances, such as Phentermine, which is a stimulant, and Orlistat, which is a lipase inhibitor. These medications are used as appetite suppressants or to increase metabolism. They are available only by prescription and are regulated by the government and are only available by prescription.
There are also some OTC diet pills available without a prescription, such as green tea extract, caffeine, and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). These supplements are not regulated by the government and may not be as effective as prescription diet pills.
It’s important to note that some of these diet pills can have side effects and can interact with other medications. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any diet pill, whether it’s a prescription or over-the-counter, and to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
It’s also important to keep in mind that diet pills alone can’t solve all the weight issues, a combination of a healthy diet, regular exercise, and a balanced lifestyle are the key to weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight.
Yes, there are drug testing laws for newborn babies in the United States. Most states have laws in place that require hospitals to test newborn babies for certain drugs, such as opioids, as part of their routine newborn screening. The purpose of these tests is to identify and intervene in cases where the mother has used drugs during pregnancy, which can have negative effects on the health of the newborn.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, all states in the U.S. test for certain metabolic disorders, genetic conditions, and hearing loss as part of the newborn screening process. Most states also have a law that enables hospitals to test for drugs in newborns, however, the specific drugs that are tested for vary from state to state.
The newborn testing results are usually reported to the state health department, and in some cases, child protective services may be notified if the test results indicate that the newborn has been exposed to drugs.
It’s important to keep in mind that the goal of these laws is to ensure that newborns receive appropriate care and treatment if they have been exposed to drugs, and to protect the health and well-being of the mother and baby. It’s also important to understand that these tests can help identify mothers who may need support and treatment for addiction and to connect them with appropriate resources.
Many drug users abuse substances in order to treat the symptoms of mental illness. Depression is the most common of these. Once sober, there are a wide range of treatments available to help.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy is a non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment for certain mental health conditions, such as major depressive disorder (MDD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). TMS therapy uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in specific areas of the brain that are thought to be involved in mood regulation and other cognitive processes.
During TMS therapy, a magnetic coil is positioned against the head, and short bursts of magnetic energy are delivered to the brain. This energy induces electrical currents in the brain, which can stimulate nerve cells and promote changes in brain activity.
TMS therapy is typically administered as an outpatient procedure, and it does not require anesthesia or sedation. A typical course of TMS therapy involves daily treatments for 4-6 weeks.
TMS therapy is considered a safe and well-tolerated treatment option for people who have not responded to other treatments for their mental health condition. It has been found to be effective in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety in some people.
It’s important to note that TMS therapy is not appropriate for everyone and it’s important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional to determine if it’s an appropriate treatment option for a specific condition. Also, TMS therapy is not a one-time treatment, it’s usually a course of treatment that has to be repeated if symptoms of depression or anxiety return.
Drug abuse is a significant public health issue in the United States, and it affects not only the individuals who use drugs but also their families, communities, and society as a whole. It’s important to increase awareness, provide education and support, and make addiction treatment accessible to those who need it. If you need help, reach out to an addiction treatment center near you!
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