You may have heard people discuss an upper vs. downer before. Drugs may be identified by their generic name, brand name, and street names, in addition to their drug classifications. “Uppers” and “downers” are slang terms used to describe how a drug affects the central nervous system. “Uppers” are stimulants, while “downers” are defined as…
The use of light treatments like a red light therapy beds to aid healing has been employed in a variety of forms since the late 1800s. In 1896, Danish physician Niels Rhyberg Finsen developed the first light therapy for a particular type of skin tuberculosis as well as smallpox. Then, red light therapy (RLT) was…
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, as many as 1 in 6 people in the U.S. have a diagnosable substance use disorder at some point in their lives. But how does drug abuse lead to schizophrenia? And how do you recognize the signs if someone you know is abusing drugs? Read on to…
Talking to a loved one about a pain pill addiction, which is often an opioid addiction, can be difficult. Whether seeking help or trying to help someone else, it can be challenging even knowing how to begin the conversation or what needs to be discussed. Although pain pill addiction is an extremely serious matter, there…
Overcoming a cocaine addiction and avoiding cocaine relapse is never easy. An addiction to drugs like heroin, methamphetamine, or cocaine creates changes in the brain, rewiring it for addictive behavior. However, it is possible for one to overcome these changes and live a long life of sobriety. Fortunately, there are a variety of useful strategies…
Xanax, a brand name for the drug alprazolam, is a prescription medication commonly used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. While it can be highly effective when used as directed, Xanax also carries a significant risk of dependence and addiction. This raises an important question: is Xanax addictive? The answer is yes, and understanding its addictive potential…
