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Alkyl nitrite, also known as poppers, is becoming more and more popular as healthcare providers are reporting an increase in hospitalizations related to the intentional inhalation or ingestion of these substances for recreational use. Poppers are vasodilators or inhalant substances that have gained mainstream popularity as an adjunct to clubbing and sexual activity.

Over the counter stimulants are a common type of over the counter medication that can be found in home medicine cabinets across the country. Over the counter medications are generally sold directly to the consumer without a prescription and are used to treat a wide variety of ailments including pain, cough, cold, diarrhea, constipation, acne and others.

Anabolic androgenic steroids are synthetically produced substances of the naturally occurring male hormone testosterone. Are steroids stimulants? No. They are a Schedule III controlled substance and fall into their own category of drug. Anabolic steroids are most often abused as users seek to promote muscle growth, enhance athletic performance, enhance another type of physical performance and improve physical appearance. When used beyond the scope of its intended purpose, it can lead to addiction.

Can songs about addiction help you through an addiction and recovery? Music is a universal language. There have been decades of scientifically proven research showing music can reduce stress, improve motivation and reduce symptoms of depression. It is a powerful tool. When it comes to recovery from substance addiction, there are significant psychological benefits of listening to music and music therapy. It can be especially helpful when listening to songs about addiction and recovery.

Scoliosis is a three-dimensional structural deformity that is diagnosed in about 3% of the American population. We often focus on the physical side effects and overlook the psychological side effects of scoliosis. It can greatly impact the quality of a person’s life in varying degrees both physically and emotionally. 

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) and serotonin syndrome are two different types of drug-induced conditions that are not commonly encountered in medical practice. Though they are rare, they both can become life-threatening conditions that require clinical attention. Is there a difference between NMS vs serotonin syndrome? They are both conditions caused by drug use but result in differing adverse reactions to the body.

Can you overdose on a benzodiazepine? Yes. But it is not a common occurrence. How do you treat a benzos overdose? Flumazenil is a benzos antagonist that is typically used to counteract the effect of benzos and is often administered during a benzos overdose emergency. A typical flumazenil dose administered to treat a benzos overdose is 0.2mg of an intravenous injection over a period of about 30 seconds. The dosage of medication can also be dependent on many varying factors.

Major depressive disorder is a serious mental health condition often referred to simply as depression. When diagnosed with depression, medications such as SNRIs and SSRIs are known antidepressants that can help treat symptoms of the condition. One brand of serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) is called Pristiq. Similar to other antidepressant medications, users of Pristiq can develop withdrawal symptoms. Even when taken as per the recommendation of a health care provider, antidepressants like Pristiq can cause withdrawal symptoms when the medication is stopped or there is a sudden change in dosage.

Psilocybin mushrooms are psychedelic compound mushrooms, which are also referred to as magic mushrooms or shrooms. It is a recreational drug commonly used to induce hallucinogenic effects. When shrooms are ingested, they metabolize in the liver quickly causing rapid onset of psychoactive effects. The effects kick in fairly quickly after initial ingestion. The impacts of shrooms can last anywhere between 3-6 hours. Shrooms are one of the drugs that are not commonly tested in drug testing panels. In the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the most commonly detected compound in the five screening panel test is amphetamines, cannabis, cocaine, opiates and PCP. Psilocybin mushrooms are most often used recreationally and though rare, it can lead to tolerance and addiction. 

Methaqualone is a sedative hypnotic drug historically used for the treatment of insomnia and anxiety. The synthetic barbiturate is an anxiolytic prescription medication that leads to drowsiness and sedation. It was first introduced as a safe method to help induce sleep, but later recognized as a highly addictive substance that could result in withdrawal. Today in most countries methaqualone is no longer in use. It has no accepted medical use and is illegal to process, manufacture and distribute. It is a very rare substance now, but can occasionally be found and confiscated coming across the boarder where it may still be legal in other countries. One of the most popular street names for methaqualone is called Disco Biscuits.