Skip to content

Tag: Illicit drugs

Explore our medication guides and pharmacology articles within this category.

What is the drug carnival for? Debunking the Myth in Pharmacology

5 min read
While the term 'drug carnival' is not a recognized medical or pharmacological term, evidence from wastewater analysis studies in Brazil show a significant increase in the use of illicit drugs, like cocaine and cannabis, during the country's famous Carnival holiday. The phrase, therefore, has emerged in public discourse to describe large-scale, recreational substance use at festivals and other major events, rather than referring to a specific medication or therapeutic use. This confusion highlights the critical difference between colloquial language and precise medical terminology.

Understanding What Does a 14 Panel Drug Test Include?

3 min read
According to manufacturers and medical professionals, a 14-panel drug test is one of the most comprehensive drug screenings available, detecting both common street drugs and a wide array of prescription medications. This thorough analysis provides detailed insights into what does a 14 panel drug test include, covering a broader spectrum than standard 5 or 10-panel tests.

What Drugs Cause Hemorrhagic Strokes? An Essential Guide

4 min read
Approximately 10-20% of all strokes are hemorrhagic, where bleeding occurs inside the brain. Understanding **what drugs cause hemorrhagic strokes** is crucial for patients and healthcare providers to mitigate the serious risks associated with various prescribed medications and illicit substances.

What is the drug methylenedioxy used for? Understanding MDMA's effects and applications

4 min read
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), or the drug **methylenedioxy**, is a synthetic drug commonly known as ecstasy or molly that acts as both a stimulant and a mild hallucinogen. While widely used illicitly for its euphoric and empathogenic effects, researchers are also actively studying its potential therapeutic applications for severe mental health conditions. This makes the drug's use complex and multi-faceted, spanning both illegal street drug culture and clinical research settings.

What are the yellow smiley face pills? A Guide to Identifying Illicit MDMA

4 min read
Reports from health agencies have warned of high-dose MDMA tablets marked with symbols, including the 'SpongeBob' smiley face, circulating in different regions. When people ask, 'What are the yellow smiley face pills?', they are almost always referring to these unregulated and dangerous versions of the illegal street drug ecstasy, not a legitimate medication.

What drug comes from ephedrine?: Illicit & Medicinal Derivatives

3 min read
Ephedrine is a highly sought-after precursor for the illicit manufacturing of several powerful stimulants, with the most notorious example being methamphetamine. This amphetamine analog is illegally produced by chemically reducing ephedrine's hydroxyl group, a process that is now heavily regulated to combat clandestine drug production.

What drug is a stimulant?: Common examples and their effects

4 min read
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, prescription stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin are among the most commonly diverted and misused medications. The question, "what drug is a stimulant?" encompasses a wide range of substances, from common, everyday items to highly regulated and illegal compounds, all of which act to increase central nervous system activity. These substances have varying effects and risks, depending on their potency, method of use, and whether they are medically supervised or abused.

What is a Candy Pill? The Alarming Reality Behind Drug Disguises

4 min read
According to the DEA, brightly-colored "rainbow fentanyl" pills designed to look like candy or sidewalk chalk are a new method used by drug traffickers to attract young people. Understanding what is a candy pill is vital for parents and caregivers to protect children from potentially lethal drug exposure. The deceptive appearance makes it critically important to distinguish between legitimate medications and dangerous illicit substances.