Ativan (lorazepam) is a benzodiazepine drug used to treat anxiety and seizure disorders like epilepsy. While it can be effective, Ativan is not without side effects and risks, which are important to understand. Learn more about Ativan’s effects, how it makes you feel, and what you should know if you take it. What Is Ativan? Ativan, the brand name for lorazepam,…
Drinking alcohol is a common solution to social anxiety. People may drink to be more outgoing and feel at ease in social situations, but the next day’s hangover is the downside. In addition to physical symptoms like headache and nausea, hangovers can cause intense anxiety – or “hangxiety.” What is anxiety? How can it be managed? Learn more about hangover anxiety…
Ambien, a widely prescribed medication for insomnia, has long been hailed for its efficacy in promoting sleep.[1] However, alongside its utility as a sleeping aid, Ambien also carries the potential for misuse and subsequent withdrawal if used improperly or in the long term. The drug’s sedative properties, while beneficial when used as directed, can also lead to dependence and habit formation,…
A gateway drug is defined as a substance that may potentially lead to the use of more addictive or dangerous substances. These gateway drugs are often legal. This makes them more accessible and often makes people perceive them as less harmful than illegal, illicit drugs. Not everyone who uses a gateway drug will progress to using harder substances, as individual responses…
Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory drug most commonly used to reduce pain, fever, and inflammation. It works by blocking the production of specific bodily chemicals that cause inflammation and pain. Ibuprofen is available over-the-counter, which means you don’t need a prescription to purchase it. Some brand names include Advil and Motrin. It comes in multiple forms, including tablets, capsules, and liquids. The…
The term ‘dry drunk syndrome’ was coined by Alcoholics Anonymous. It is used to describe a set of symptoms that affect someone who has stopped drinking alcohol but continues to display the same dysfunctional behaviors and attitudes as they did during the height of their alcohol addiction.[1] The Causes of Dry Drunk Syndrome Dry drunk syndrome has many potential causes. Here…
ADHD is an acronym for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects people of all ages, children, adolescents, and adults. Those with ADHD often struggle with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. This can interfere with daily life and relationships. There are three types of ADHD: Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: Symptoms include difficulty focusing, organizing, and following through on tasks….
Vivitrol side effects can range from mild and manageable to serious and life-threatening. Common side effects can include nausea, drowsiness, and headache, while more serious side effects can include pneumonia, liver problems, and injection side reactions. You should be aware of the potential side effects of Vivitrol so you can weigh the risks and benefits of taking it for yourself. If…
Blacking out due to alcohol or drug use is a significant health concern that can impact individuals of various ages and backgrounds. Understanding these memory lapses and how they occur is paramount in creating and employing strategies to prevent them. What Does ‘Blacking Out’ Mean? Blacking out refers to a period in which you experience partial or complete memory loss. During…
Clonidine is a prescription medication that’s used to treat high blood pressure. It’s also used in opioid addiction treatment to alleviate some withdrawal symptoms. Clonidine is not a controlled substance and has a low potential for abuse or addiction, but it can be abused in conjunction with other drugs. Learn more about clonidine regulation, uses, and precautions, particularly as a medication…
Drug testing is often used as part of the hiring process to give employers the information they need to make a hiring decision. It’s also used in the legal process, professional sports, and other situations. If you have to take a drug test or are relying on drug test results, it’s important to know how long you may expect to wait….
The HALT acronym, which stands for Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired, is used in the mental health community, specifically with addiction recovery. These emotional states and needs are recognized as stressors that can inhibit your decision-making and judgment. In addiction recovery, it’s important to recognize stressors and triggers for relapse. HALT represents these stressors and acts as a sign to “halt” and…
NyQuil is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication used to treat symptoms of flu, colds, and other respiratory illnesses, including congestion, sneezing, and coughing. NyQuil has several active ingredients with different durations, typically lasting up to 6 hours.[1] Learn more about NyQuil, how long its effects last, and how to use it safely. What Is NyQuil? NyQuil is the brand name for an…
15mg Meloxicam Equals How Much Ibuprofen? The doses for Meloxicam vary widely from the doses for ibuprofen (both non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs), which are not directly interchangeable. However, in most cases, Meloxicam should be taken once daily, whereas ibuprofen can be administered every few hours, depending on the dose. Drug Facts for Meloxicam and Ibuprofen While both drugs are nonsteroidal,…
What Is a Sponsor? A sponsor is someone far into recovery who can offer guidance, support, and accountability to someone new to recovery. Sponsors will often share their experiences, help you tackle challenges when they arise, and stay committed to your recovery goals. It’s been shown that having a sponsor hugely benefits the recovery process.[1] The Qualifications of a Sponsor A…
Is Alprazolam A Controlled Substance? Alprazolam is a Schedule IV controlled substance that is most often prescribed for the treatment of anxiety and panic disorders.[1] It is classified as a benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines affect the central nervous system and produce a calming effect. How Alprazolam Works Alprazolam works by enhancing the effects of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitter. This reduces excessive brain…
NyQuil is a non-prescription medication primarily used to relieve common cold and flu symptoms. It reduces symptoms like coughing, sneezing, fever, or body aches.[1] There are various formulations of NyQuil, such as ‘NyQuil Severe,’ ‘NyQuil Cough,’ and ‘NyQuil Cold & Flu.’ However, the most common ingredients of NyQuil include acetaminophen, dextromethorphan HBr (DXM), and doxylamine succinate. These drugs help relieve fevers…
The Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) 12-Step program relies on several prayers and daily reflections to find strength in recovery, but the best-known prayers are The Serenity Prayer and the prayers for steps One, Three, Seven, and Eleven. The Serenity Prayer is consistent across programs, but other AA prayers may have different versions. However, they always have the same essential message to aid…
The definition of a drug is flexible depending on the use and the context. From a broad perspective, a drug can be considered as any substance that can change your body and brain functions. Put another way, anything that interacts with your body’s biochemistry and, as a result, alters your mood, perceptions, and behavior can be considered a drug. Drugs are…
Does Hydrocodone Make You Sleepy? One of hydrocodone’s side effects is that it causes you to feel sleepy and drowsy. However, it negatively impacts your sleep quality by disrupting your sleep architecture. This can have the negative side effect of making your pain feel worse. Unfortunately, for some, this results in an increase in the dosage of hydrocodone, which further exacerbates…
Codeine and hydrocodone are both opioids that are commonly prescribed for pain. They have many similarities, including side effects and risks, but hydrocodone is stronger. While they can be effective for treating pain, both codeine and hydrocodone have a high potential for misuse and addiction. Learn more about the similarities and differences between codeine and hydrocodone, their side effects and risks,…