What is Ecstasy? Ecstasy, also known as MDMA or molly, is a mind-altering drug that affects a person’s perception of reality. It has a similar structure to stimulants and hallucinogens, so taking the drug can change a person’s level of energy and often distorts a person’s sense of time and...
Much careless use of medication is rooted in one of two dangerous assumptions. Many people think that any drug prescribed by a doctor must be risk-free (notwithstanding side-effects warnings or the much-publicized wave of prescription opioid addictions). And many others assume that if a drug can be purchased easily...
The human body has over 7 trillion nerves, many designed to recognize physical sensations such as pain. Nociceptive pain, which everyone recognizes, goes off when some outside intrusion triggers physical injury or illness. Unpleasant as it can be, nociceptive pain serves an invaluable purpose by warning when something needs...
When you drink alcohol regularly to excess, it impacts your body in unhealthy ways. One of the most common results is Vitamin B-1 deficiency. Vitamin B-1 is vital, as it takes the food you eat and turns it into energy. It also impacts your brain’s hypothalamus and thalamus. The...
Barbiturates used to be a common drug prescribed back in the 60s and 70s to treat anxiety, seizures, and other illnesses. Barbiturates derive from barbituric acid and are central nervous system depressants. This guide will help you learn more about their impact on the brain, common drugs, signs of...
A stimulant drug is so-called because it “stimulates” the central nervous system, causing body functions to speed up and energy levels to rise. Medically, stimulants are most commonly used in ADHD treatment because, in carefully measured doses, they improve concentration and reduce restlessness. They also reduce appetite, which can...
You may have heard that fewer than 10 percent of people keep their New Year’s resolutions. You may also have heard that recovery isn’t guaranteed. In either case, that’s the sort of pessimistic attitude that creates self-fulfilling prophecies of failure—and which can be particularly discouraging to hear when you’re...
Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder characterized by panic when confronted with a situation that makes you feel trapped. To demonstrate, you fear using an elevator since you would be in a confined space with other people. For some, this escalates until they can no longer function in day-to-day life. The...
