Heroin is a highly addictive opioid made from morphine and is one of the most commonly abused narcotic drugs available on the streets. Heroin has become more widespread throughout our communities and is contributing to the increase of drug overdoes and deaths in the United States. Heroin dependence causes individuals psychological, emotional, and physiological distress and often leads to destructive behavioral patterns such lying, stealing and illegal behavior.

Fentanyl is a dangerous and potent opioid drug that has devastated our communities over the last few years. Many of the illegal drugs sold on the street, such as Heroin and Xanax pills, are laced with lethal doses of Fentanyl that often lead to drug overdoses and death. Additionally, fentanyl is more widespread throughout our communities and is becoming more commonly seen in professional detoxification settings as the drug of choice for opioid addicts and chronic heroin users due to its potency and strength. Fentanyl dependence causes individuals psychological, emotional, and physiological distress that often leads to destructive behavioral patterns such lying, stealing and illegal behavior.

Xanax also known on the streets as “Xanny” or “Bars” is a commonly abused Benzodiazepine. Often prescribed by Medical Doctors, Xanax is used in the treatment of anxiety related disorders. Xanax is highly addictive and is problematic and dangerous when abused. The physiological symptoms that can occur in Xanax abuse are slurred speech, blurred or double vision, tremors, headaches, and physical dependence. Psychological symptoms that can occur in Xanax abuse may include blackouts, memory loss, confusion, paranoia, hallucinations, and delusions.

Methamphetamine is an extremely toxic drug that can cause a number of psychological and physical symptoms. Symptoms of Methamphetamine abuse may include rapid weight loss, stealing, hyperactive behavior, manic episodes, psychosis, and paranoia. Methamphetamine abuse may have other long-term consequences such as homelessness, legal issues, decaying teeth, and psychological damage.

Benzodiazepines are commonly abused drugs and are often prescribed by Medical Doctors for the treatment of anxiety related disorders. Benzodiazepines are highly addictive and can be problematic and dangerous if abused. The physiological symptoms that may occur when someone abuses benzodiazepines are slurred speech, blurred or double vision, tremors, headaches, and physical dependence. Psychological symptoms that may occur when someone abuses benzodiazepines may include blackouts, memory loss, confusion, paranoia, hallucinations, and delusions.

Opiates such as Morphine, Vicodin, and Codeine are highly addictive narcotic drugs derived from opium. Opiates are often prescribed by medical doctors for the treatment of pain but are also commonly used illegally along with other opioid drugs such as heroin and fentanyl. Opiate addiction causes individuals psychological, emotional, and physiological distress that may lead to destructive behavioral patterns such as lying, stealing, illegal behavior, drug overdose and possible death. Opiates are widespread throughout our communities, contributing to the increase of drug overdoses and deaths in the United States.

Opioids are a class of drugs that work to produce a variety of effects, including pain relief. Opioids are derived from the poppy plant and created synthetically in a lab. “Synthetic” opioids include prescription medications such as Oxycontin, Percocet, Vicodin, Norco, and Fentanyl. Prescription opioid-use does not come without risks. Taking opioids on a regular basis may increase a person’s tolerance and dependence on opioids, requiring higher and more frequent doses. When opioids are taken at high-doses and/or abused, there’s a heightened risk of restricted breathing, overdose or even death. In many cases, long-term use of opioids medication leads to physical dependence and addiction .

Those who have become physically and psychologically dependent on synthetic opioids often progress into abusing opiates. Opiates such as heroin, produce a similar effect and are much more than pain killers or prescription medication.

Cocaine is a strong stimulant drug that gives an individual a boost of energy and a feeling of power and/or euphoria. Cocaine is typically used recreationally and is also referred to as coke, flake, blow, white powder, and stardust. Cocaine is an extremely toxic drug that can cause a number of psychological, emotional and physical symptoms that may lead to destructive behavioral patterns such as lying, stealing and illegal behavior. Symptoms of cocaine abuse may include but are not limited to loss of appetite, weight loss, rapid heart rate, irritability, hyperactivity, manic episodes, insomnia, paranoia and depression. Cocaine abuse may also have other long-term consequences including but are not limited to heart attack, stroke, frequent nose bleeds legal issues and may lead to organ failure, overdose and/or possible death.

Marijuana also known as “Weed”, “Mary Jane” or “The Devil's Lettuce” has been around for a very long time, and with the legalization in many states, the potency of marijuana has grown exponentially. Marijuana addiction is often overlooked in today's society despite the overall effects and symptoms of marijuana abuse. In the recovery community marijuana is often referred to as a “gateway drug”, as it often leads to the use of many other dangerous drugs. Some of the psychological symptoms of marijuana abuse include depression, anxiety, anger, mood swings, and hallucinations, as well as a psychological dependence.

Suboxone and Subutex are both FDA approved for the treatment of opioid addiction/dependence. The difference between Suboxone and Subutex is that Subutex is composed of buprenorphine whereas Suboxone is composed of both buprenorphine and naloxone. Naloxone blocks the effects of opioids and can be used to reverse the effects of drug overdose. Suboxone and Subutex are often used in opioid drug detoxification such as heroin, fentanyl and oxycodone and should only be done at a professional detoxification center or under medical supervision due to the possible side effects of taking Suboxone after opioid use. Additionally, Suboxone is used as Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) also known as Suboxone/ Subutex Maintenance Treatment for long-term treatment of opioid addiction. In some cases, individuals may abuse Suboxone/Subutex and need detoxification and stabilization. Suboxone is highly addictive and when abused, medical assistance is recommended to detox from Suboxone/Subutex.