Psychotropic, or psychoactive drugs, alter your mood. Other names for these drugs are sedatives, tranquilizers, antipsychotics and antidepressants. They may make you less anxious or more alert, improve your ability to concentr...
However, a research paper published in "Neuropsychopharmacology: 5th Generation of Progress" states that caffeine is arguably one of the most "robust forms of drug self-administration known to man." Like oth...
Occasional fights mar even the most robust marriages. In an article on arguments in healthy relationships in "Psychology Today," authors Charles and Elizabeth Schmitz point out the need to argue "effectively and ...
According to an article in the March 2006 issue of the journal "Obesity," voluntary physical activity and exercise training can favorably influence brain plasticity by facilitating neurogenerative, neuroadaptive, and ...
You may have consumed bromated flour without ever knowing about it. Bromated flour is so-called because it contains potassium bromate, which is a potential cancer-causing chemical. The long-term health impact is hard to determi...
Natural bodybuilding can be an exhilarating and satisfying sport. Changing the physique and strength of your body is an amazing feat. The changes you make to your body can produce both beneficial and harmful long-term effects. ...
Maggots are the worm-like larvae of flies. According to the textbook, "Biology: Life on Earth with Physiology," the term is most commonly applied to housefly and blowfly larvae. Maggots play an important role in the e...
Swimming is an effective form of exercise, a competitive sport, a skill that could save your life and is suitable for young and old exercisers alike. As the water supports your body weight, swimming to a low- to no-impact exerc...
Dextrose is a simple sugar, also called glucose, which supplies energy to your body. It is used in a variety of medications and health conditions for providing fluids with sugar to your body, as a transport for other injectable...
Many fans watch football just for the devastating tackles and hits. What the average fan doesn't see, however, is the long-term adverse effects of this brutal contact sport. Despite its status as the most popular sport in Ameri...
It's not only in regular coffee, but it is also in many of the sodas, teas, chocolate products and energy drinks that taste good and provide a boost of energy. However, the attraction to caffeine may be a problem. Caffeine is a...
Football can be a brutally physical game. Physical collisions between players are part of any regular game. Only recently has research conclusively shown, with some help from the courts, that playing football for a long period ...
It may be difficult to believe that a beloved treat like a steamy cup of your favorite coffee, a cool and refreshing soda beverage, or a rich, chocolaty candy bar actually contains a drug. Hidden inside many of those seemingly ...
The body is a complex system that requires the macronutrients of protein, carbohydrates and fats, as well as the micronutrients of vitamins and minerals, for optimum health. An important feature of micronutrients is their role ...
Swimming pools are commonly chlorinated for sanitation purposes. Chlorine kills harmful microorganisms that can cause rashes, diarrhea and many other health problems. According to the American Chemistry Council, chlorine is use...
Aluminum is a metallic element that makes up about 8.2 percent of the earth’s crust. Since the discovery of cheap processes to extract aluminum from compounds like aluminum oxide and bauxite in the late 1800s, aluminum ha...
Much of the discussion of cutting weight in wrestling -- on both the pro and con sides -- focuses on the short-term effects of the practice. However, research into eating habits and disorders indicates that cutting weight may h...
Building your muscles through strength training doesn't just produce an attractive physique. It also effects a variety of health benefits and serves as a complement to aerobic activity. According to Dr. Edward Laskowski, a reha...
A pantry that is well-stocked with basic non-perishable foods is convenient for cooking last-minute meals and essential in the event that a natural disaster or other emergency disrupts daily routine. Keep a supply of foods that...
Doctors face growing challenges treating infant addicts and their mothers. In 2010 Maine's two largest hospitals reported treating or observing 276 infants for neonatal abstinence syndrome -- withdrawal from opiates to which th...
Melatonin, a naturally occurring hormone, is also synthetically produced and available to people who have difficulty falling asleep because it helps adjust sleep-wake cycles. Some parents give melatonin to their children if the...
Your body makes human growth hormone, HGH, to facilitate development and healing. Chemists can synthesize this substance making it readily available to patients. Doctors use HGH to treat a broad range of ailments, according to ...
Eating grapefruit or consuming other grapefruit products while taking simvastatin to lower your cholesterol can lead to serious and dangerous side effects. Grapefruit interferes with an enzyme in the intestine that helps break ...
The teenage years can be challenging for both teens and their parents. Teens face several challenges and obstacles through growth, peer pressure, and learning how to become responsible adults. While the focus is often on what t...
Parents who give too much too often to their children are spoiling them. Parents who spoil children are meeting their own needs, while damaging their children developmentally. Spoiled children do not have to learn to solve thei...
Food storage can keep your family from going hungry during a natural disaster, such as a hurricane or earthquake, or help see you through a tough financial time. However, if not stored properly, stocking food long term can lead...
Growing up in an environment filled with loud voices can cripple your mental health. Consider that "good" things are rarely shouted, while negative, soul-crushing epithets are lifted to the heavens. A child has no choice but to...
Your body relies on three main types of tissue when it comes to movement -- muscles, ligaments and tendons. However, these tissues can become tight over time, resulting in a reduced range of motion and a higher risk for injury....
Zinc is essential for your health and well-being. Zinc's importance in human nutrition was not really known until the 1960s, when scientists discovered that adolescent males in Iran and Egypt were suffering from delayed growth ...
A 2011 study from Yale University's Rudd Center for Obesity Research and Policy showed that food addiction is real. In fact, certain people have the same brain reaction to food that drugs addicts have to drugs. If you find your...
Insulin is a peptide hormone that is secreted by the pancreas. It regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates and fat in the body, and promotes protein synthesis and glucose utilization. Designed for use by people with insulin di...
A woman's hormones differ from a man's, and so she doesn't react to caffeine the same way a man does. If you're a woman, it doesn't appear that you have to worry about drinking a cup of coffee in the morning. But the caffeine c...
Diet plays a key role in overall health and longevity, and medication affects how your body digests, absorbs and utilizes the nutrients in the foods you consume. If you take one or more prescription medications to manage a heal...
Exercise is a stress to your body that elicits changes to your physiology. These changes make it possible for your body to perform the activities you ask of it more effectively and efficiently. However, these changes take time ...
Although the use and sale of monosodium glutamate has the approval of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, some research suggests that there may be dangers associated with frequent consumption. Until further studies prove its...
Lysine is an essential amino acid that your body cannot produce and that you must acquire through food or supplementation. Lysine helps form many different enzymes and is needed in several key biochemical reactions, such as pro...
In addition to having a higher risk of drug and alcohol addiction themselves, the children's normal development is interrupted, which puts them at higher risk for physical, emotional and mental health problems.
Avoiding unhealthy fats commonly found in fried foods and baked goods can help you to maintain your weight and prevent chronic health conditions. However, consuming a moderate amount of healthy fats such as polyunsaturated fats...
Yohimbe comes from an evergreen tree native to several West African countries. In the United States, promoters advertise it as an aphrodisiac for men and women. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center notes that this use of ...
A 2008 study published in the medical journal "Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Review" found that rats consuming sugar develop symptoms similar to those seen in animals given addictive drugs such as nicotine and cocaine. People ...
Although an isolated drink on occasion is unlikely to have long-term effects on your metabolism, chronic drinking will, over time. If you force your body to metabolize alcohol over and over again, it can eventually interfere wi...
While jogging may have its place in the fitness world, it does carry drawbacks and is not always ideal for everybody. Jogging can cause one to consume more calories, inhibit protein synthesis and increase cortisol levels and i...
Laxatives can help relieve occasional constipation. However, long-term use of some types of laxatives is not recommended. Senna is a medicinal plant used for its laxative capabilities. It is in a class known as stimulant laxati...
Methadone is a synthetic opioid and pain killer used to treat opioid dependence. It binds to the same brain receptors as morphine and heroin and alleviates withdrawal from those drugs. Unfortunately, methadone itself can create...
You have probably seen the advertisements on television: A woman shows off her slim body in a swimsuit while the announcer says, "Susan lost 54 pounds on Nutrisystem." Nutrisystem claims to use science in the form of the gylcem...
Opioids, such as morphine and heroin, are addictive drugs that bind to brain receptors and give you a feeling of euphoria. Methadone is a synthetic opioid that acts on the same brain receptors and helps addicts break their drug...
Alli, a lower dose of the prescription drug Orlistat, hit the over-the-counter market and has been utilized for weight loss since 2007. Even though the Food and Drug Administration has approved Alli for weight loss, there are s...
Xanax is the trade name for alprazolam, a benzodiazepine drug usually prescribed for anxiety disorders, panic disorders and mild depression. As with other psychoactive drugs, Xanax may cause dependence, and you can experience w...
Psyllium is made from the seeds of plants in the Plantago genus, commonly found in India. The seeds and seed husks provide a type of soluble fiber called mucilage, making them popular for use in fiber supplements. These supplem...
The Food Addict's Diet was designed by Food Addicts Anonymous, or FAA, to control food cravings and binging that are associated with blood sugar changes and insulin surges. By planning a carefully balanced, nutritious diet, fre...
Opiate abuse in the United States ranges from the street drug heroin to medicines such as hydrocodone and oxycodone. Opiates are considered to be highly addictive, and when the drugs are discontinued, withdrawal symptoms, inclu...
The ingredients in food often have a similar effect on your brain and its chemical reactions as drugs, according to the American Society of Addiction Medicine. The neurological components of food addiction are not as physically...
Acid reflux, also called heartburn, occurs when the acid normally present in your stomach washes back into your esophagus. The acidic stomach juices can irritate the lining of your esophagus and cause discomfort. If you experie...
Acidophilus, formally known as Lactobacillusacidophilus, is a friendly type of bacteria. Healthy bacteria like acidophilus live in the intestines and vagina, where they protect against bad bacteria that can cause disease, accor...
The idea that moderate chocolate consumption could be part of a healthy diet has gained recent acceptance. According to researchers in the December 2009 issue of "Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology," the reason is because o...
Caffeine is a stimulant found in coffee, tea and many popular soft drinks. Caffeine stimulates blood flow to the brain and body and also speeds the path of sensory messages through the nervous system, and it temporarily aids in...
Foods such as soy milk, soybean paste or miso, tofu and tempeh have become popular meat and dairy substitutes for vegetarians and those who want to cut back on animal-based proteins. Soy flour is also often added to bread, cere...
In general, running or any other form of vigorous activity is strongly recommended by the American Heart Association. As the AHA says, "Physical inactivity is a major risk factor in developing coronary artery disease." Healthy ...
Not long after aspartame's discovery in 1965, reports of carcinogenic effects emerged. After years of exhaustive review of the safety concerns related to aspartame, or NutraSweet, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration declared ...
Spirulina, or blue-green algae, is used as a source of food in some parts of the world, but in the United States is more commonly sold as a supplemental source of protein, minerals and vitamins. Spirulina supplements should be ...
Senna is an herbal supplement the FDA has approved as a nonprescription laxative. It has more uses than this, however, they are uses for which the FDA does not offer approval. Weight loss is one example. Known by a variety of n...
When you have a simple goal for your fitness routine, like "trim down waistline," workout lingo can confuse the process. That is, if all you want to do is whatever it takes to make your pants looser, gym-speak about training yo...
Maca is a root vegetable traditionally cultivated and used in Peru, and sometimes referred to as the "Peruvian ginseng." According to the New York University Mangone Medical Center, Maca has been used as a traditional remedy to...
A physical therapist develops a treatment program to help a patient regain mobility, minimize discomfort and strengthen his body to help prevent future disability. A therapist supplements her hands-on techniques with targeted e...
One of the main problems with these foods and beverages is their addictive potential.
You might be familiar with some of the immediate benefits of fitness, such as weight loss, increased energy and sense of well-being, better sleeping patterns, and reduced stress. As you exercise regularly, you will begin to see...
DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, is naturally produced in the body and converted in the bloodstream to make androgen and estrogen, which are hormones that affect sexual development and function. Synthetic DHEA is available as a...
Alli is a nonprescription product approved for use as a weight loss aid. It contains 60 mg of the drug orlistat, which assists weight loss by preventing approximately 25% of ingested fat from being absorbed into the bloodstream...
Every year, millions of Americans develop chronic wounds, or wounds that the body can't heal well on its own devices, according to the Ohio State University Medical Center. Fortunately, a rehab program can help treat your wound...
Missing your regular exercise for one day, eating poorly one night or suffering through a single night of insomnia might not adversely effect your health, but doing any of these on a consistent basis could set you up for poor ...
Spurlock's rising kidney enzymes, expanding waistline and declining health graphically revealed the physical toll of a fat-laden, low-nutrient diet. Over time, Spurlock claimed to develop a craving for the food that was damagin...
Shaken baby syndrome is the result of repeated brain trauma from the snapping of the head and neck, a condition that can cause serious brain injury and death. Boxing subjects the head and neck to almost identical trauma, albeit...
About 200 to 300 mg -- or two to four cups of coffee per day -- is generally considered safe; but more than 500 to 600 mg of caffeine may be too much, says MayoClinic.com. Although, individuals addicted to caffeine may experien...
Substance abuse can occur when you take too much of illegal or legal drugs, including over-the-counter medications and substances such as tobacco or alcohol. Nutritional deficiencies can occur for a number of different reasons ...
You've seen people that act addicted to food. You might notice the same patterns in yourself -- obsessing about food, sneaking to the refrigerator after supper, gobbling down heaping portions, feeling ashamed for overeating whi...
When rehabbing a shoulder, pitchers should begin with rest and then move onto a strength-training program. They will then begin throwing the ball again as they move closer to recovery.
Caffeine and nicotine are stimulant drugs that activate your nervous system. Although these substances are legal, their use can result in adverse effects. For some, addiction can develop, and for others, abrupt but temporary ph...
Weightlifting is one of the safest sports, according to a 1994 article in the "Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research." Injuries to weightlifters and power lifters rarely result in missed training time. Weightlifting str...
There are four major ligaments in the human knee, including the anterior cruciate ligament, commonly referred to as the ACL. Injuries to the ACL are extremely common in athletes. Small ACL injuries such as strains may be able t...
People use nutritional supplements to increase the dietary intake of a particular vitamin, mineral or other nutrient to avoid deficiencies, reduce risks of diseases or manage conditions. People use prescription drugs to treat d...
Food addiction is similar to alcohol and narcotic addiction in that it leads to physical and emotional dependency. Unlike other addictions, though, you cannot survive without food. Instead, treatment for food addiction aims at ...
Prior to 1960, food dyes used to color any product ingested or used in cosmetics did not have to undergo safety testing. Even dyes with current U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval may cause health problems, though. In Ma...
The society estimates that up to 1 million Americans are addicted to heroin. Herbs may be a helpful adjunct therapy in treating your opiate addiction, but you should discuss the use of herbs for this purpose with your doctor be...
Epimedium is a traditional Chinese remedy that consists of 60 herbal plants. Used for several diseases but also to evoke sexual desire, this medicine is commonly known as horny goat weed. Most of these herbal plants are native ...
Sennosides are a popular over-the-counter laxative used for the treatment of occasional constipation. Patients who suffer from constipation can experience pain, bloating and discomfort. Although generally safe, senna is a stimu...
You may experience withdrawal symptoms when you are recovering from an addiction, including drug, alcohol and tobacco addictions. Substance abuse, notes the World Health Organization, can lead to dependence syndrome -- a group ...
Nettle is well-known for its stinging properties. Its use as a medicinal plant dates back to ancient Greece where it was used most commonly as a diuretic and laxative. Today, nettle is used to manage a wide variety of medical c...
Hawthorn is a tree that grows throughout temperate areas of the United States and Europe. Ancient Greeks and Romans believed that the berries and flowers of this tree could enhance fertility, according to Michael Castleman, aut...
If you've taken a fish oil supplement, chances are you've been perplexed by the "DHA" and "EPA" levels noted on the supplement bottle. DHA -- or docosahexaenoic acid -- and EPA -- or eicosapentaenoic acid -- are two types of om...
Aloe vera has been used medicinally for thousands of years in the traditional medicine systems of Egypt, Greece and India. It is currently a popular herbal remedy throughout the world. While aloe vera use is often unsupervised ...
A home-based workout program, Malibu Pilates promises to tone your body and sculpt your muscles in less than an hour per day. According to the official website, people of all ages, genders, sizes and fitness levels can use the ...
Some substance-abuse treatment programs include yoga practice because of its documented mental health benefits. Of particular significance to people recovering from drug addiction, yoga may help reduce stress, provide an outlet...
Anxiety is a mental health condition that can interfere with work, school or sleep. Common symptoms include feelings of powerlessness, increased heart rate, sweating and fatigue. Standard treatments include prescription antidep...
The iFit Live workouts are interactive fitness programs endorsed and instructed by television personality and personal trainer Jillian Michaels. The program incorporates online map technology to create real-life routes, which c...
Certain substances, such as drugs and nicotine, affect the dopamine systems in our brain. Scientists think that the disruption in dopamine systems plays a major role in addiction. Nora Volkow, the director of the National Insti...
If you are fighting a problem with addiction, talking to your doctor should be your first course of action. Treatment may include outpatient or inpatient therapy, and medication to help battle withdrawal side effects if necessa...
Food addiction can be fairly compared to drug and alcohol addictions. Addicts feel the need to eat as a form of comfort or enjoyment. In return, the excess food causes weight gain and lowered self-esteem, which make you feel wo...
Bloodroot is a wildflower that can offer valuable health benefits. Modern science recognizes bloodroot's usefulness in the medical field. It's used in tooth care products to fight cavities, as a soother for the throat in the fo...
Turmeric is commonly used to flavor cooking, such as curry dishes, and as a fabric dye. Its active ingredient, curcumin, may have anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and anti-tumor effects. As such, it is sometimes used as an al...
The Rosmarinus officinalis plant has an interesting history. More commonly known as rosemary, medieval mourners sprinkled this herb into graves as a sign of respect for the dead. Traditional healers used rosemary for rejuvenati...
In recent years, it has been acknowledged that obesity is not the result of a bad character. Rather, it is a response to anxiety, depression or a stressful environment. Overeating is very addictive, so it only takes a few weeks...
Twelve-step weight-loss programs help overweight and obese individuals address the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of weight loss. Typically associated with behavioral issues such as compulsive eating and overeating, ...
Introducing an exercise regimen to your life is a big commitment. Vague reasons for doing so such as, toning up, losing weight or feeling better, are not defined enough to be called goals. According to "Nutrition: The Complete ...
Effexor, or venlafaxine, is a medication used to treat clinical depression, anxiety and panic disorder. Weaning yourself off Effexor takes time, and you may experience withdrawal symptoms, which can be frustrating and discourag...
Food addiction is different from other eating disorders. It does not involve eating spells for a couple of hours at a time nor is it in response to an emotional event such as a death of a family member. Food addiction causes ov...
Long-term memory may last anywhere from a few days to as long as decades. It is divided into two major types, procedural memory and declarative memory. Procedural memory deals with body movements and use of objects. Declarative...
Lymphedema is a condition that causes swelling in the arms or legs. According to the Mayo Clinic, lymphedema is caused by a blockage in the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune and circulatory system in your body. The ...
You can use an aloe gel for topical use or take a substance orally made from dried aloe or aloe juice to treat certain conditions. Although proponents recommend aloe for everything from minor skin irritations to cancer preventi...
Also known as Diskets, Dolophine and Methadose, this controlled substance requires a prescription and comes in liquid, tablet and injectable forms. Methadone is used to treat heroin addiction because it does not create the "hig...
Hawthorne's medicinal use dates back to the first century but there is inconclusive scientific proof that it is effective. Furthermore, hawthorn can interact with certain prescription medicines as well as other herbs and supple...
A March 2010 study at Scripps Research Institute found that sugary foods have many of the same addictive qualities as illegal drugs, such as heroin and cocaine. When you eat junk food, the pleasure centers in the brain become o...
An addiction is similar to an obsession because it involves the preoccupation with something. Addictions have mental and often physical effects. They are also characterized by dependencies and a perceived inability to give up...
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice are known to have interactions with many different drugs. In the intestinal wall, components in grapefruit called furanocoumarins inhibit a certain enzyme system, known as cytochrome P450 3A4. Su...
With the obesity epidemic plaguing the United States, you may have heard claims that fast food chains use addictive ingredients to keep the masses coming back for more. Although poor eating habits and a general lack of physical...
At one time, overeating was considered an eating disorder stemming from emotional problems. It was treated through psychotherapy or counseling. These days, though, true food addiction is recognized as a biochemical condition, o...
Running can be an easy, inexpensive and effective way to burn calories, but it can also lead to joint pain. The hips, knees, ankles and feet take a pounding when running. The long-term effects of running on the joints can vary ...
Food addiction may explain the rising rates of obesity in the United States. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, obesity is defined as a body mass index of 30 or more. Your body mass index is determined ...
When the high wears off, food addicts may go back to feeling depressed or ill. Although many food addicts understand their behaviour is unhealthy and are ashamed about their weight, they are not able to stop the cycle of addit...
Pectin, a component of the cell walls of plants, is a form of soluble fiber. Pectin forms a gel-like consistency, making it a useful additive in the production of jams and jellies. Citrus fruits contain particularly high levels...
Vitex negundo, commonly known as chastetree, is a large, aromatic flowering shrub that possesses anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal and analgesic properties potentially useful in the treatment of superficial injuries,...
Vitamin B-12, also known as cyanocobalamin, assists red blood cell production, DNA synthesis and maintenance of healthy nerve cells. Animal foods such as milk, dairy products, eggs, meat and fish contain vitamin B-12. B-12 is a...
Finding a physical rehabilitation program is a daunting task for mild to moderate problems, let alone a severe condition such as paralysis. When you look at a rehabilitation center, you have to take many aspects into account. S...
You've probably heard that it's best to avoid prescription drugs during pregnancy. Actually, this is true of all pharmaceuticals -- prescription and over the counter -- because many pharmaceuticals can cross the placenta and af...
A food addiction is similar to an addiction to drugs or alcohol, in that the person is unable to control his consumption. That lack of control can take several forms, including eating when you are depressed, eating secretly, hi...
Illicit drugs can have consequences for users that affect every aspect of their lives. Perhaps one of the most devastating effects of drug abuse is the strain it puts on families. Several organizations offer support to the love...
If you are struggling with food addiction, you are not alone. Humans are evolutionarily wired to seek nutrition and have developed strong reward systems to reinforce eating behavior. The phrase "comfort food" refers to the comm...
Drugs and alcohol prevent proper absorption of nutrients leading to an undernourished state. Proper nutrition is an important aspect of any recovery program. Eating right can reduce drug or alcohol cravings and make you feel be...
The physical and psychological symptoms of nicotine withdrawal can be difficult to handle for both the person who is quitting and the people who are close to him. When you're trying to quit smoking, some people may even encoura...
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 70 percent of the smokers in America wish to give up the habit completely, and more than 47 million Americans have managed to kick the habit. Unfortunately, the physi...
Overeaters Anonymous offers a 12-step program for weight loss based upon the spiritual principles of willingness, humility, honesty, hope and spiritual awareness, according to the organization's website. The program is offered ...
Fresh and frozen shrimp, dried fruits, wine and various other foods contain sulfites, which are substances that have been linked to allergies and sensitivities, as well as asthma, according to MayoClinic.com. Sensitivities to s...
Smoking can cause cancer, heart and lung disease, and increase your risks of a number of different life-threatening conditions. However, Medline Plus, an online resource of the National Institutes of Health, estimates that more...
Many Americans struggle with excess weight. In 2004, Lester Crawford, then acting commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, testified before Congress that two-thirds of adults in the United States were overweight and 31...
Diabetes is classified into two different types. Type I diabetes results from a lack of insulin. Type II diabetes results from the cells of the body not responding well to insulin. Insulin is a protein hormone released by the p...
Substance abuse harms your body with toxins and the poor lifestyle choices that accompany the substance abuse, such as an unhealthy diet and lack of exercise. Substance abuse recovery can also harm your body because it places s...
When you make a habit of eating foods that are high in white sugar, you can develop a sugar addiction. The brain releases dopamine, the "feel good" chemical, when you eat sugar. There are other chemicals responsible for sugar a...
Opiates are drugs that are typically used to reduce physical pain or achieve a state of euphoria. They include codeine, morphine, methadone and heroin, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Withdrawal from opi...
Drug addiction is a condition that occurs when your body becomes accustomed to a foreign substance to the point that it cannot function properly without the substance. When you stop taking a drug, your body must go through a wi...
Mark Gold, chief of addiction medicine at the McKnight Brain Institute at the University of Florida, defines a food addiction to "USA Today" as eating despite the consequences, being preoccupied with food, feeling guilty about ...
The average daily intake of caffeine in the United States is 280 mg. This is equivalent to 17 oz. of brewed coffee or a medium size cup in many coffee shops. Studies have shown that just 100 mg of coffee per day can produce sy...
Smoking cigarettes is dangerous for your health. Cancer, heart disease and lung diseases are all hazards of smoking. If you quit smoking, the risk of these conditions will decline over time. Smoking cessation, or the process of...
Alaskan Amber is the signature beer of the Alaskan Brewing Company, located in Juneau. This malt beer uses a traditional German ale recipe that the founders discovered while researching Alaska's brewing history, according to th...
Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin that plays key roles in the formation of red blood cells, neurological function and DNA synthesis. It is obtained from a variety of animal food sources, including red meat, fish, poultry, egg...
Drug addiction is a condition in which your body adapts to the presence of drugs to the point where it cannot function properly without the drug, according to Dr. James Balch and Phyllis Balch, authors of "Prescription for Nutr...
According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, probiotics are used as natural supplements to treat a number of health problems. For example, they are often taken to help regain the balance of the i...
Whether you are discontinuing a strong prescription drug or have an addiction to street drugs, you might need help detoxing your body from the effect of the drug and supporting the life changes you are making. Herbal teas might...
Progesterone is a natural hormone in women and plays a balancing game with estrogen to keep menstruation cycles operating properly. Some women are not able to produce enough of it on their own, so a synthetic progesterone was d...
Liquid oxygen, commonly abbreviated LOX, is a concentrated from of oxygen that allows greater amounts of the element to be stored in a smaller space. Liquid oxygen is used as a part of oxygen therapy in hospitals and is also av...
Xanthine is a compound found in the body and in several plant foods. Chemically similar to caffeine, dietary sources of xanthine act as mild stimulants on the central nervous system. Xanthine also might provide therapeutic bene...
Methamphetamine, a drug also known as "meth," can harm your baby during your pregnancy. Pharmacies legally dispense methamphetamine in small quantities as "Desoxyn" to treat attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, but it ...
Bilberry is a plant whose fruit and leaves are used medicinally, according to MedlinePlus. The most common uses for bilberry are to improve vision and treat certain eye conditions, but little research evidence supports most of ...
In recent years, the common use of pharmaceutical Hormone Replacement Therapy or HRT, for perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms has been called into question by some experts. According to American Family Physician, this overal...
Whatever the situation, substance abuse not only affects the person who is addicted but also the entire family. Due to its extensive nature, addiction needs to be addressed by the household as a whole. This means everyone needs...
Chitosan is a derivative of chitin, a material that's extracted from lobster, shrimp and clams. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, chitosan is used to manufacture supplements to treat open skin wounds and ...
Acrylic fingernails are harder than natural fingernails and more resistant to wear and damage. Millions of women go to nail salons to receive nail treatments, assuming the salons won't do anything that will endanger their natur...
The food addict's diet may bear some resemblance to other restrictive calorie weight loss programs, but by framing the diet in terms of addiction, the diet presumes there are problems with food that go beyond simply managing fo...
Over 200 types of products have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to test for drug use, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. These tests vary in the methods they use, what drugs the te...
Methadone, a synthetic opioid related to morphine, is long-lasting. Although opioids tend to have a negative connotation, clinical studies published in 2002 in the journal "Pain Medicine" suggested that methadone has the potent...
Drug rehabilitation centers accommodate medical treatment for dependency on alcohol, prescription drugs and street drugs like cocaine, heroin and amphetamines. The ultimate goal of these treatment centers is to eliminate a pati...
Like the original 12-step program, Overeaters Anonymous and similar diet programs encourage adherents to work their way through the 12 steps of addiction recovery.
Prescription medications enter the body and work on a specific location, depending on the disease or condition. After a certain period of time, the medication is broken down, or metabolized, and eliminated from the body. The pr...
The difficult part of identifying drug use in a loved one or coworker is that so many signs can have other, more innocent causes. In teenagers, normal adolescent stress can create behavioral changes that might be mistaken for s...
Physical abuse in childhood can have effects that last longer than any physical injuries. A child who has suffered physical abuse--which can include neglect or sexual abuse--is more likely to develop problems with substance abu...
Constipation, defined as three or fewer bowel movements per week and/or hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass, affects both adults and children. It is considered the leading abdominal complaint among children and accounts...
Drug addiction is a disease with behavioral and physiological symptoms. Drug addiction begins with compulsive drug use that progresses until patients feel they need their drug of choice to function. Over time, addicts require h...
Drug addiction is a complex neurobiological disease that leads to profound drug cravings and abnormal behavior. Drug addicts typically suffer from several effects of their disease: loss of employment, financial difficulties and...
The resultant disruption of normal brain chemistry causes psychological and physiologic effects that can lead to repeated use of the drug and, eventually, to dependence and addiction.
For example, heavy smokers are more likely to become heavy drinkers, according to a 2007 report, "Alcohol and Tobacco," published by the federal National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. If you have an addictive perso...
Approximately 20 percent of the U.S. population have taken prescription drugs for a nonmedical reason at least one time in their lives, according to the National Institutes of Health. Although prescription medications are consi...
Sports can provide a free ticket to an education, and a sizable paycheck for professionals. High school athletes who are star performers can earn college athletic scholarships. Athletes who excel in college can earn very high p...
According to the National Institute of Health, methadone was first used in the 1960's to treat addiction to heroin. Since heroin and methadone are both opiates, heroin addicts who replace their heroin use with methadone do not...
Percocet is trade name for a fixed-dose combination of the pain medications acetaminophen, or Tylenol, and oxycodone. Oxycodone is a type of opioid or narcotic, and as such had a high potential for abuse. Because Percocet is on...
Oil burners can be very efficient for heating your home. However, there are serious dangers to using these types of burners, including explosions, carbon monoxide poisoning and ignition problems. Each of these problems pose a p...
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Cocaine, heroin, marijuana, methamphetamine, PCP and prescription drugs top the DEA lists of New Jersey drug busts. Heroin use in 18- to 25-year-olds doubled the national average in New Je...
Drug rehabilitation centers in Tennessee provide an array of services to patients suffering from addiction to promote successful recovery. Treatment plans and recovery programs vary in length and approach from outpatient counse...
Methadone modifies the interactions in the brain and the nervous system so that the pain experienced by the patient is lessened. One common use of methadone is to prevent withdrawal symptoms in patients who are addicted to opia...
When someone takes drugs, he is generally looking for a benefit or a reward. The motivators behind the initial drug use can lead to addiction. There are several social and emotional factors that increase the chances of developi...
Those who suffer from an addiction to gambling might see that their lifestyle can have a devastating effect on their relationships. Problem gambling can be associated with lying, loss of trust, loss of money and loss of motivat...
According to the National Youth Network, 1.1 million young adults between the ages of 12 and 17 meet the clinical diagnostic criteria for drug dependence. Teenagers who are at risk for substance abuse may be depressed, have low...
Methadone is used as both a painkiller when morphine is not appropriate and as a means to help transition drug addicts off of the street drug heroin, according to Patient UK. While it's clinically helpful, methadone is itself a...
According to Helpguide.org, there is a strong correlation between depression and substance abuse. In many cases individuals may abuse drugs in an effort to self-medicate an existing mental health disorder, and in other cases dr...
Ibuprofen can be helpful in reducing aches and pains. The convenience of buying pain relievers over-the-counter, coupled with the effectiveness in reducing pain, makes it easy to take an ibuprofen frequently and whenever discom...
Take methadone exactly as prescribed. Combining it with alcohol, tranquilizers, sedatives or other narcotics can be life-threatening. Don't stop taking methadone abruptly; like all narcotics, it is physically addictive. If you ...
Cefprozil is an antibiotic used to treat mild to moderately severe bacterial infections of the throat, ears, sinuses, respiratory tract and skin. Cefprozil belongs to a class of antibiotics known as cephalosporins. Cefprozil i...
Tylenol, also known as paracetamol and acetaminophen, is an over-the-counter medication used for pain and fever reduction. Similar to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, like ibuprofen and aspirin, Tylenol should b...
The short-term effects of drug abuse can feel positive. Euphoric highs, feelings of invincibility, and lush visions may all seem attractive. However, drug abuse over time can impact multiple areas of health and wellness, so all...
Valium, one of the brand names for diazepam, is a member of the benzoziazepine class of drugs commonly prescribed for anxiety relief, muscle relaxing to stop convulsions or sedative needs according to Net Doctor. It is availabl...
Drug rehabs can be very effective and beneficial to the addict looking to overcome these addictions and begin a life of recovery. The recovery process begins with detoxification off the drugs that were abused. The detoxificatio...
As of 2010, the long-term effects (10 to 20 years) of LASIK surgery are largely unknown because of the relative newness of the procedure. In the United States, the first LASIK device received Food and Drug Administration approv...
Prescription drugs can be primarily classified by type or mode of action in the body, active ingredient and chemical type. A medication may belong to more than one class and each class has several subclasses or groups. All pres...
More than 23 million people in the United States are drug or alcohol addicts, reports the University of Texas. In Texas alone, more than 50,000 people entered drug and alcohol treatment centers in 2003. Drug use increases the i...
According to the PubMed Health, quinine, whose brand name is Qualaquin, belongs to a class of medications known as anti-malarials. Anti-malarials are drugs used to treat malaria. Quinine may also be used to treat other conditio...
Lindane is a drug used to treat scabies and lice, but it does not stop patients from getting scabies or lice. It belongs to a class of medications called scabicides and pediculicides. Lindane is available as a lotion that is a...
Repetition can enhance learning and memory for a child. However, long term memory is a complex process and many functions of the brain play a role in how new information is encoded, stored and later retrieved. Repetition exerci...
The Gardasil vaccine protects against infection with HPV, the human papillomavirus, which causes cervical, vulvar and vaginal cancer as well as genital warts, reports Drugs.com. Gardasil was approved in 2006 and by May 2010, mo...
People who build up a tolerance to a drug develop drug dependence. They face the difficulty of going through withdrawal symptoms when abruptly stopping use of the drug. Drug dependence can result from abuse of illicit drugs or ...
Lots of folks smoke pot. More than 40 percent of those over the age of 12 have smoked weed at some point in their lives, according to a survey conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in 2009. Treatment ...
Drug abuse often affects not only the abuser, but also the people and environment the abuser comes into contact with. Because of this, many businesses, schools, hospitals and other organizations conduct drug testing to keep the...
Drug addiction has social, physical and psychological repercussions that destroy lives and place a burden on society. Given the well-known consequences of drug abuse, it's sometimes difficult to comprehend the persistent natur...
Methamphetamine abuse has challenges not associated with other forms of drug abuse, and so the treatment of this addiction requires some unique approaches.
