One of the major issues facing the United States is people abusing drugs and alcohol. Drugs have a nasty habit of ruining lives and destroying relationships we work so hard to build. The rumor mill works overtime when it comes to drugs, meaning that the amount of false information being spread is staggering. When people try a certain drug for the first time, they usually have very little knowledge about what it is and what it will do. They also have no idea about how dangerously addictive some drugs can be. It only takes a hit or two of a drug like crack or crystal meth to get someone addicted. The chemicals in the drug react with the chemicals in your brain to create a physical dependency or need for the drug. If they don’t have the money to buy more, that’s when you see people resorting to crime in order to fund their addiction. It’s important to educate yourself on which drugs have high rates of use and abuse. Below are a few drugs which carry high risks for addiction and are very dangerous when used over a long period of time.Prescription drugs are often labeled as safe because they are given to patients by a doctor and made in certified medicine laboratories. However, that does not diminish that pharmaceuticals are some of the most dangerously addictive drugs available. Painkillers such as Vicodin or Oxycontin are often prescribed to people who are in pain, such as after an accident or when you are recovering from surgery.  The chemical compounds of these drugs are very powerful and can cause someone who takes them for a longer period of time to become addicted. As a person takes painkillers more frequently, their tolerance for the drug goes up. This means that people end up taking a lot more than what is safe, causing overdoes.Heroin is another drug with a reputation for being extremely addictive. Heroin is a popular drug because can be smoked, snorted and of course via the preferred method, injection. Those who inject heroin are far more likely to overdose or contract a disease such as hepatitis or HIV through using unclean needles. Heroin is one of the toughest drug habits to kick, but it is possible with the help of an addiction treatment center such as the Christian Addiction Helpline in Buckeye, AZ. The trained addiction treatment specialists are up to date on the most recent addiction curing methods used by professionals all over the world. If you’re serious about making a change in your lifestyle, then visiting an addiction treatment center is the way to go. ...read more

One of the most popular shows on television these days is called Breaking Bad, which is currently in the midst of its fifth season. The show revolves around a high school chemistry teacher named Walter White who is diagnosed with advanced stage lung cancer. In an effort to make some money for his family before his inevitable death, White turns to the production and sale of crystal meth. Aided by a former student turned drug dealer name Jesse, Walter begins producing chemically pure crystal meth in the back of an R.V. The characters refer to the drug by many different names, including crystal, glass, ice, blue, and crank. Most users on the show smoke the drug, but it can also be snorted, injected, and swallowed. The show is known for its impressive action and captivating dialogue, but it still fails to tell the whole story. Walter and Jesse make thousands of dollars from their product yet the viewer rarely gets to see who is buying the drugs. Crystal meth is one of the most dangerous and addictive drugs out there. Methamphetamine is just as illegal as cocaine or heroin and is used and abused by people of all ages. It is comprised of various chemicals which are commonly sold as cleaning products. When combined and smoked, these chemicals are very dangerous to both mental and physical health. Since meth is cooked up by random people in basements, it̢۪s impossible to know what the chemical compound actually is. Highly concentrated forms of crystal meth can cause a person to become addicted after only one hit. It is one of the most challenging drugs to quit and a large number of users are eventually killed by the drug. The short and long term effects of crystal meth on the body are devastating. Short term effects include a false sense of energy, meaning that users will push themselves to the brink then experience a debilitating crash when the drug wears off. The drug diminished hunger so many users lose weight rapidly. It also makes sleeping difficult, which causes many people to spend multiple days awake on crystal meth benders. The long term effects include high blood pressure, stroke, memory loss, collapsed lungs and eventually death. Crystal meth addicts are also known to be extremely paranoid and difficult to deal with. If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction to crystal meth or any other drug, contact the Christian Addiction Helpline in Buckeye, AZ right away. The experienced addiction counselors are well trained in helping people reach sobriety. ...read more

The election cycle this November was significant for a number of reasons. President Barack Obama earned a second term in office, a few Congressional seats changed hands, and referendum questions changed the political landscape in a few different states. One of the controversial referendum questions appeared on the ballot for citizens in the state of Washington. Voters were asked to approve the use of marijuana for recreational use. Surprisingly, the referendum was passed, making pot legal in the state. Washington was not the only state either. Colorado also saw the legalization of marijuana get passed by voters. Obviously this raises some issues as marijuana is still very much illegal under federal law. How the government decides to handle this situation remains to be seen, as the Washington law has not fully come into effect.The debate surrounding pot has raged for generations.  As the most widely used drug in the world, marijuana has a lot of supporters, but also a lot of critics. The biggest argument against legalizing marijuana stems from the gateway drug theory, meaning that using pot opens the door for other drugs. This theory has been proven to be somewhat accurate, as studies show marijuana users have tried harder drugs in the past. Those advocating pot use claim that alcohol is just as much of a gateway drug as marijuana and alcohol is legal for those over the age of 21. The Washington law does require users to be 21 if they want to use the drug. The legality issue will continue to rage as long as some states allow pot use and others don’t. Medicinal usage has been approved in some states, but that doesn’t mean it’s legal. Those caught with marijuana without a prescription have committed a crime and should expect to pay the consequences.Even though marijuana is not considered as dangerous as other drugs, it is still a drug with adverse side effects none the less. The chances of overdosing on marijuana is virtually impossible, but it does have significant effects on memory, learning, and overall intelligence. That’s the reason that stoners in movies are often portrayed as slow or dim-witted, they’re high on marijuana.Marijuana use is not as addictive as drugs such as heroin or crack-cocaine, but it is habit forming and people can have problems trying to quit. If you or someone you know is struggling with habitual marijuana use, please contact theChristian Alcohol Addiction Helpline in Buckeye, AZand get the necessary help from trained addiction counselors. ...read more