Skip to content

Tag: Substance use disorder

Explore our medication guides and pharmacology articles within this category.

What are the names of some hard drugs? An Overview of Illicit Substances

7 min read
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that illicit drug use contributed to over 107,000 overdose deaths in 2023, highlighting the severe dangers associated with many substances. This article addresses the crucial question: **What are the names of some hard drugs?** by categorizing common examples based on their pharmacological effects.

What is the most mentally addictive drug?

6 min read
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, all addictive drugs affect the brain's reward circuit by flooding it with the neurotransmitter dopamine, creating a powerful sense of pleasure that reinforces repetition. This profound hijacking of the brain's chemistry is at the core of psychological dependence, prompting the complex question: **What is the most mentally addictive drug?**

What are the 5 effects of drug abuse on youth?

4 min read
In 2022, approximately 1 in 3 high school seniors reported using an illicit substance in the past year [1.3.8]. Understanding **what are the 5 effects of drug abuse on youth?** is crucial for recognizing the profound risks to their development and well-being.

Understanding the Science: Why does NOS make you high?

4 min read
Nitrous oxide, first discovered in 1772, is most famously known as 'laughing gas' due to its recreational effects. Understanding why does NOS make you high involves a complex interplay of neurotransmitters in the brain, which is crucial for recognizing the serious health risks involved.

Off-Label Insight: Why Would a Psychiatrist Prescribe Gabapentin?

4 min read
In 2020, gabapentin was the sixth most prescribed medication in the United States, yet less than 1% of these prescriptions were for its FDA-approved uses. This raises a critical question: **Why would a psychiatrist prescribe gabapentin** for conditions beyond its official indications?

Understanding Drug Abuse: What Are Five Examples of Drug Abuse?

4 min read
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].

What are considered drugs of abuse?

4 min read
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), over 48 million people in the U.S. aged 12 or older had a substance use disorder in 2022, highlighting the widespread issue of misuse. Understanding **what are considered drugs of abuse** involves recognizing that both illegal substances and commonly prescribed medications can lead to dependence and harm when used improperly.

Why is Zurzuvae Addictive? Understanding its Abuse Potential

3 min read
As a Schedule IV controlled substance, Zurzuvae (zuranolone) has a known potential for abuse, misuse, and dependence, making the question of **why is zurzuvae addictive** a critical consideration for both prescribers and patients. This classification is based on pharmacological evidence showing that its active ingredient produces subjective effects with abuse potential.