Addictions We Treat

There are many types of prescription drugs that can lead to abuse and addiction, and the reasons people start abusing prescription drugs vary. There are clear medical uses for these drugs, but when abused, they are just as dangerous as illegal drugs. Types of Prescription Drugs that may result in addiction; opiates and opioids (codeine, oxycodone, morphine, fentanyl), benzodiazepines (alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam) and ADHD medication (Ritalin, Adderall).

Due to the unpredictable nature of synthetic drugs, their long-term health impacts are widely unknown. Different chemicals frequently appear in the list of ingredients for these drugs, and they are generally not safe for humans to consume. Some types of synthetic drugs have become more popular in recent years due to their availability in stores or on websites. The term synthetic drugs can refer to a whole list of substances such as: Synthetic cannabinoids (spice, K2), Synthetic cathinones (bath salts, flakka) and research chemicals such as 2C-I-NBOMe and other drugs of the 2C class. Medical treatment for overdose can be extremely difficult due to the unknown properties of many of these chemicals. If you or anyone you know is suffering from an addiction to a synthetic drug it is imperative that they seek effective help immediately.

The rate of heroin overdose in New Jersey is 3x the national average. Heroin is most often injected intravenously, smoked, or taken intranasally (snorted). Heroin is not typically a drug someone indulges in on occasion, because it’s highly addictive and overpowering nature turns casual users into addicts extremely quickly. Users report feeling a rush of euphoria and contentment, and then for several hours feel drowsy. People who are prescribed opioids for medical conditions can become addicted and turn to heroin in order to fulfil their need for a cheaper high. Due to its extremely addictive nature, it is recommended that you seek professional help even after using heroin a single time. Withdrawal symptoms from heroin can be severe, and it is inadvisable to attempt to quit heroin without the supervision of medical support staff.

Crack cocaine is more potent and addictive than regular cocaine, so addictions can develop very quickly, even after a single use. Being typically sold in smaller quantities than powder cocaine, crack is often used by people who are already addicted to cocaine. It is also more accessible to people in vulnerable circumstances, such as the homeless population. Given the need to consume crack frequently to avoid withdrawal symptoms, crack habits can cost between hundreds and thousands of dollars a week just to maintain. Any amount of crack cocaine use should be alarming. If you or anyone you know is using this drug it is advisable that you reach out for professional help immediately.

Addiction to ecstasy, also known as MDMA, and scientifically as methylenedioxymethamphetamine, can cause serious long-term health problems as well as mental health issues. The substances often mixed with MDMA by illegal drug manufacturers also present a serious danger to the user. Due to the unpredictable nature of the detoxification process for MDMA, it is always recommended that it takes place under medical supervision and is followed with psychotherapy to address underlying reasons for addiction.

Cocaine is a powerful stimulant which is highly addictive. The long-term health effects of cocaine are widely known to be detrimental to the cardiovascular system, and no method of ingestion is safe. Cocaine can have severe long-term health impacts if use is prolonged. The effects of cocaine on the body can be made worse if the drug is frequently mixed with alcohol, producing a substance called cocaethylene. This puts a strain on major organ systems, specifically the liver, and the cardiovascular system as a whole.

Cannabis addiction, also referred to as marijuana use disorder, can develop after habitual marijuana use. The appearance of symptoms and their severity will vary based on the individual and a number of other factors, such as their history with cannabis, how often they use it, their tolerance, and their preferred method of ingestion. It is recommended that heavy users do not try to stop alone, and instead stop using cannabis under qualified medical supervision to properly address any psychological issues that may arise.

Alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder, occurs when alcohol is drunk so frequently and in such great amounts that the body becomes dependent on it. People who suffer from alcohol use disorder will prioritize alcohol over more important things in their life, such as family, relationships, and employment. A 2018 study showed that alcohol consumption is associated with 88,000 US deaths annually in the United States.

Gambling addiction is an impulse control disorder, meaning people can’t control the impulse to gamble even when it has had extreme negative consequences on their life. Other terms associated with gambling addiction include; gambling disorder, pathological gambling, and compulsive gambling. Gambling addiction is known to affect around 1% of adults in the United States – that’s 32 million Americans. Gambling addictions are often associated with mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, as well as other addictions or disorders such as substance use disorder.

Sex addiction is when a client compulsively seeks sex, even if the circumstances they seek it can have a negative effect on the rest of their life. Sometimes sex addiction can also be in part due to a substance use disorder, childhood trauma, or deep-rooted intimacy issues that arose from previous relationships. The excessive sexual imagery in the media and constant reminders of sex are also to blame in some cases. Sexual addiction is treated as a mental disorder and it is treatable if diagnosed.