Tag: Drug abuse

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Schedule I substances have the highest potential for abuse of all controlled substances. This article explains **what is a number 1 controlled substance** and details the specific criteria that place a drug in this restrictive category, outlining the severe legal and medical implications of this classification.

Despite a common misconception, Xanax is not a narcotic; instead, it is a benzodiazepine and a Schedule IV controlled substance due to its potential for abuse and dependence. This critical distinction lies in the drugs' chemical structures and how they interact with the brain. Understanding the difference is vital for patient safety and proper medication use.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists hydrocodone as a prescription opioid, yet the anticholinergic drug homatropine is often confused with it because of their presence together in certain cough medicines. This article clarifies the distinct pharmacological differences and explains why homatropine is not an opioid but plays a crucial role in preventing the abuse of its opioid counterpart.

According to a 2023 press release regarding FDA approval for a drug reversing pharmacologically induced mydriasis, over 100 million thorough eye examinations involving dilating drops are performed in the United States each year. This common procedure, which intentionally causes mydriasis, highlights the significant role that various medications and substances play in affecting pupil size. Beyond clinical settings, a wide array of prescription, over-the-counter, and recreational drugs can also lead to dilated pupils.

Despite its hallucinogenic properties, the recreational use of atropine is rare and extremely hazardous. While some have attempted it, the experience is typically defined by unpleasant and dangerous side effects, not a euphoric "high". This article examines why is atropine used recreationally is a dangerous misconception and details the severe consequences of its misuse.

In 2024, an estimated 48.4 million people aged 12 or older had a substance use disorder (SUD) in the past year [1.3.1]. Answering 'What are five examples of drug abuse?' is key to understanding this public health issue, which involves the misuse of both illegal and prescription drugs [1.4.1, 1.4.3].

The cannabis plant contains over 60 natural cannabinoids, but it is primarily one chemical, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), that gets you stoned by interacting with your body's endocannabinoid system. Understanding these complex interactions is crucial for navigating the effects of cannabis and other psychoactive substances.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), drugs of abuse and other psychoactive substances flood the brain's reward system with dopamine, a chemical that regulates pleasure, motivation, and emotion. Understanding the complex pharmacology involved is key to answering the question, what is the main ingredient that gets you high?.

Central Nervous System (CNS) depressants are among the most widely used substances globally, and many are known by the slang term "**what drug is also known as downers or sedatives?**". These powerful medications, which slow down brain activity, are prescribed for various conditions, including anxiety and insomnia. However, they come with significant risks, particularly related to misuse, abuse, and dependency.

Over 40 million adults in the U.S. have taken an antidepressant in the last month, yet most are unaware that not all these medications are alike in their regulation. While common antidepressants like SSRIs and SNRIs are not controlled substances, the question, 'Are there any antidepressants that are controlled substances?', has a nuanced answer, as certain newer therapies do fall under federal scheduling. This reflects their unique mechanism of action and potential for misuse.