Understanding What Cocaine Is

Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant drug (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2024). Users take it for its mood-enhancing and euphoric effects. A person can become addicted to cocaine after only one use because it is so addictive. Signs of cocaine addiction include cravings, weight loss, paranoia, lying or stealing money to get more cocaine, and failing to uphold responsibilities.

Cocaine affects dopamine, a natural chemical your brain makes, and essentially hijacks your body’s reward center. A person with a substance use disorder sees cocaine as a reward, which makes the brain want more.

It has become more common for dealers and manufacturers to “cut” the drug with chemical agents due to several reasons. For one, cocaine is a very expensive drug, and by adding in another substance, they can make it look like the user is getting more than they really are. Another reason they do this is to intensify the high so the user becomes hooked more quickly, driving them to purchase more in a shorter timeframe.

What Do People Cut Cocaine With?

Cocaine is commonly cut with a range of substances that either increase volume or enhance effects. Some additives are relatively inexpensive fillers, while others are active drugs that can increase danger. Common cutting agents include:

• Baking soda
• Laxatives
• Laundry detergent
• Boric acid
• Levamisole (a deworming medication)
• Caffeine or amphetamines
• Lidocaine or benzocaine (numbing agents)
• Fentanyl (increasingly common and highly dangerous)

Because there is no regulation of illegal drugs, users often have no way of knowing what substances are present. This unpredictability significantly increases the risk of overdose, infection, and long-term health complications.

Where Cocaine Comes From

Cocaine is made from leaves harvested from the coca plant, which is indigenous to South America (Biondich and Joslin, 2016). It has several alkaloid compounds and has been a staple of Andean life for thousands of years. Miners and others who work in the Andes chew on the leaves to help them cope with the altitude.

One of the alkaloids found in the coca leaf is cocaine, which is a stimulant. Cocaine is extracted and sold in many forms. The most common forms are a white powder as well as a crystalline form that is referred to as “crack” cocaine. Users of these substances consume them by snorting, smoking, or injecting the drug into their bodies.

The Effects of Cocaine Consumption

Cocaine creates a feeling of euphoria in users and also energizes them. In the Andes, a typical user of coca leaves might consume about 4 milligrams of alkaloids a week. However, a typical user of cocaine can consume up to 50mg in a session, and those using crack can consume even more. This can lead to blood concentrations that are 50 times greater for users of powder forms of cocaine than for those who chew the leaves.

People using cocaine or crack will experience a brief period of euphoria. During this “high,” they will feel exhilarated and energized. They may be more talkative and mentally alert. They might discover it’s easier for them to perform both mental and physical tasks, and they may find that cocaine use decreases their need for food and sleep. Some users also report feeling more sensitive to sensory inputs such as light or sound.

What Happens After the High Wears Off?

Unfortunately, this “high” seldom lasts for more than an hour, and when it’s over, users experience a deep “low.” Users find themselves craving the “high” again and will often seek more cocaine. For this reason, cocaine is extremely addictive and is classified as a Schedule II narcotic by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA, n.d.).

In addition to the perceived effects of the drug on users, there are also physiological effects such as dilated pupils and increased blood pressure. As users seek ever larger doses of the drug, they may start to exhibit erratic and even violent behavior. Many users of cocaine report feeling paranoid, restless, irritable, or anxious. There may also be physical ramifications, such as vertigo and tremors.

Tampering With or “Cutting” Cocaine

Dealers often “cut” cocaine and crack with other substances, adding to the potential for adverse side effects. These impurities can often create health hazards separate from any that are intrinsic to cocaine itself.

Because cocaine and crack are illicit drugs, there is no government oversight ensuring the purity of the product. Consumers take a risk every time they buy these drugs for recreational use. They can only hope that the vendor is selling them a pure product as advertised.

Common Reasons Cocaine Is Cut

One obvious reason for cutting cocaine is that by substituting some volume of the drug with cheaper substances, dealers can increase their profits. Therefore, those who sell drugs have a vested interest in tampering with the product.

Another reason to cut cocaine seems counterintuitive. Some dealers will add substances that actually increase the high that the user will experience. However, they typically only do this for new customers to get them more firmly hooked on the product.

Another less egregious motivation for cutting cocaine is to actually make the powder flow better, making it easier to use. Some cutting agents will change the texture of the drug, for example, making it easier to inhale. Since cocaine will often pass through many hands before getting to the end-user, many types of substances may be added to the product that is ultimately consumed.

Common Additives Used to Cut Cocaine

Substances Used to Increase Volume

• Laundry detergent
• Baking soda
• Laxatives
• Meat tenderizer
• Boric acid
• Levamisole (a cattle dewormer)
• Talcum powder

Substances Used to Intensify Effects

• Caffeine
• Amphetamine
• Creatine
• Aspirin
• Benzocaine and Lidocaine (pain relief medications)
• Procaine (a local anesthetic)

The addition of numbing agents to cocaine helps numb the nasal passages for users, thus giving them a feeling of less irritation.

One alarming trend is the increasing presence of fentanyl in cocaine, which dramatically raises the risk of overdose and death, even in small amounts (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2025).

Levamisole is another dangerous substance added to cocaine. It is normally used to deworm cattle. While doctors formerly used it to treat people for parasites, it was discontinued as it severely depletes white blood cells. By 2011, it was discovered that almost three-quarters of all cocaine tested by the DEA contained levamisole.

Other Forms of Cocaine

Dealers not only cut cocaine to better “hook” customers or to make more money from a certain volume of product, but they also alter its form in other ways. For example, some dealers may sell “freebase cocaine.” Freebasing increases the potency of cocaine by altering its structure (Santos-Longhurst, 2020). Users cannot heat or smoke cocaine in its normal form. However, once it is free-based, users can smoke it, allowing a more potent delivery system.

Treatment Options for Cocaine

Fortunately, there are treatment options for those struggling with cocaine addiction. At Granite Recovery Centers, our New Hampshire-based addiction treatment center offers the latest in both holistic and allopathic treatment options.

FAQs About Cocaine Cutting Agents

Why is cocaine cut with other substances?

Dealers cut cocaine to increase profits, enhance effects, or change the texture of the drug. This practice makes the drug more dangerous and unpredictable.

What is the most dangerous substance found in cocaine?

Fentanyl is one of the most dangerous substances found in cocaine today. It is extremely potent and has been linked to a growing number of overdose deaths.

Can you tell what cocaine is cut with?

No, it is often impossible to tell what cocaine is cut with by appearance alone. Many additives look similar to cocaine, making testing the only reliable method.

More Options for Treatment

It can be extremely challenging to overcome cocaine addiction. However, you or your loved one can do it. The important thing is that clients know they are not alone.

Reach out to Granite Recovery Centers today at (855) 712-7784.

References and Citations

1. National Institute on Drug Abuse (2024) ‘Cocaine’, National Institute on Drug Abuse, March. Available at: https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/cocaine (Accessed 24 April 2026).
2. Biondich, Amy Sue and Joslin, Jeremy David (2016) ‘Coca: The History and Medical Significance of an Ancient Andean Tradition’, Emergency Medicine International, 7 April. Available at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2016/4048764 (Accessed 24 April 2026).
3. Drug Enforcement Administration (n.d.) ‘Drug Scheduling’, Drug Enforcement Administration. Available at: https://www.dea.gov/drug-information/drug-scheduling (Accessed 24 April 2026).
4. National Institute on Drug Abuse (2025) ‘Fentanyl’, National Institute on Drug Abuse, June. Available at: https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/fentanyl (Accessed 24 April 2026).
5. Santos-Longhurst, Adrienne (2020) ‘Everything You Need to Know About Freebasing’, Healthline, 21 February. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/freebasing (Accessed 24 April 2026).

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The Adderall abuse seen on college campuses likely represents a microcosm of its more significant use.

What Is Adderall?

Adderall is made from dextroamphetamine with amphetamine. It comes in two forms: one that works right away (immediate release) and one that works slowly over time (extended-release). The FDA has warned about its dangerous side effects, which can be deadly if you take too much.

People who use it to get high often take more than they should or crush the pills to make them stronger. Because it’s so addictive and often misused, Adderall is tightly controlled as a Schedule II drug. While it helps many people when used properly, many end up in emergency rooms each year from misusing it.

Can Adderall Be Snorted?

Misusing Adderall usually involves smoking, injecting, or snorting. Snorting stimulants is one of the most common ways to use these drugs. Snorting Adderall, especially the extended-release type, gets people higher quicker.

Adderall causes the brain to make extra dopamine. Dopamine is a feel-good neurotransmitter that’s released when people do positive activities needed to live, like enjoying a meal. The ‘pleasure’ sensations make the drug more addictive, even when it’s harmful. Excess dopamine release is common with many addictive substances.

Adderall Addiction and Dependence

Continuing to use the substance even when there are bad outcomes indicates an Adderall addiction.

Physical dependence on Adderall means the body is used to the drug and can’t function normally without it. Adderall dependence can happen whether it’s prescribed or misused. When a dependent person slows down or stops using the stimulant, they will experience withdrawal symptoms, making quitting harder.

Building tolerance is part of addiction and dependence. Snorting Adderall can make individuals less affected by the drug. They may up their drug intake to get the high they felt when they first started. Continuing to consume more of the drug can harm the brain and can lead to potentially fatal side effects, like an overdose.

Health Risks of Snorting Adderall

Snorting Adderall sends potent doses straight to the brain through the blood vessels in the nose. Unlike taking a pill, snorting doesn’t give the body time to adjust and can be damaging because of this instant release.

Side effects of snorting Adderall can include:

• Dizziness
• Aggression
• Chest pain
• Confusion
• Destruction of sinus and nasal cavities
• Muscle pain or weakness
• Rapid heart rate
• Breathing issues
• Seizures
• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors

Chronic Adderall abuse can lead to permanent brain damage. It can impair memory functions. Abuse of Adderall can also alter natural brain chemicals and how these chemicals travel through the nervous system. The chemical change further creates an imbalance that only the drug can fix, leading to a cycle of misuse.

What Does Snorting Adderall Do to the Nose?

The nose lining quickly absorbs drugs in powder or spray form. Snorted drugs skip the stomach and liver and hit your system faster. Thankfully, the short-term side effects of snorting Adderall are manageable. A runny or blocked nose and inflammation can clear up in a few days, but lung infections may call for extended medical care.

Snorting drugs long-term can cause permanent nose damage. Using Adderall this way can risk nasal and lung issues and ruin the nose’s inner lining. Snorting drugs for a long time can lead to holes in the septum, the pallet, or the roof of the mouth. The nose helps clean air before it gets to the lungs, so if it’s not working properly, your lungs might be harmed.

Substances added to powdered Adderall to make it last can also be bad for your health. These may include:

• Caffeine
• Laxatives
• Talcum powder
• Boric acid
• Creatine
• Powdered detergents

Signs of Adderall Abuse

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, millions of Americans aged 12 or over abuse prescription stimulants like Adderall. Adderall addiction or abuse is usually noticeable through the following symptoms:

• Disinterest in events or things not linked to using or getting Adderall
• Having snorting paraphernalia, like rolled-up dollar bills, razor blades, straws, mirrors, and pen cases
• Riskier behaviors
• Trying to get a prescription when one is not needed
• Declining physical appearance, including drastic weight loss
• Larger need for privacy or increased secrecy
• Isolating from friends and family
• Money troubles
• Poor interactions with police or legal issues
• Oversleeping or not sleeping enough
• Powder residue around the nose, mouth, or face
• Possessing prescription bottles
• Worsened work or school performance
• Inability to keep up with obligations
• Unpredictable mood changes, such as snapping or arguing

It’s good to know what the signs of someone snorting Adderall look like. If you fear a loved one is addicted to Adderall, look into drug detox and rehab programs. These can provide medical intervention necessary for recovery.

The Dangers of Adderall Overdose

Adderall overdoses can lead to various issues:

• High blood pressure
• Confusion
• Psychosis
• Racing heart rate
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Brain damage 
• Death

Mixing other drugs or alcohol with Adderall can increase the risk. Every year, tens of thousands of Americans die because of a prescription drug overdose.

Since Adderall is a stimulant, it raises blood pressure, heart and breathing rates, and body temperature. It alters brain chemistry that affects important body functions, such as appetite, sleep, concentration, and energy. When Adderall is crushed, the entire dose immediately enters the blood. This can overwhelm the brain, making it harder for it to break down the drug.

Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms differ from side effects. Withdrawal only happens once you’ve stopped taking the drug. If Adderall misuse has gone on for a long period, the following withdrawal symptoms can occur:

• Insomnia
• Depression
• Irritability
• Nausea
• Changes in mood
• Stomach aches or cramping
• Unusual tiredness
• Vomiting

Symptoms of Adderall withdrawal can resemble a hangover or drunkenness. The longer a person has abused Adderall, the more their brain and body have depended on it. This could make getting sober from the substance harder.

You Can Break Free From Adderall Abuse

Granite Recovery Centers has helped adults dealing with alcohol and substance use disorders for more than 10 years. We have assisted people from New England and other areas. Our New Hampshire-based addiction treatment center has the best evidence-based psychotherapies supported by a 12-step curriculum.

We offer a range of care:

• Medical detox 
• Intensive outpatient program
• Medical assistant treatment
• Extended care
• Sober living
• Primary residential addiction treatment programs

The best way to fully commit to treatment is to enter a residential program. We tailor our approach to each person’s needs. Many who struggle with addiction also deal with co-occurring mental health disorders, and healing can only start when these needs are addressed. Our intensive outpatient counseling offers the type of support and flexibility needed during the early stages, especially for those with responsibilities outside of recovery.

Recovery doesn’t stop when you get clean. Many patients benefit from our sober living homes, which offer a less restrictive environment than extended care. They provide a safe space for clients to develop vital skills for post-treatment life.

Alumni Program

Our alumni program allows you to form bonds with other people and develop healthy friendships that support long-term recovery. Our community recovery blog covers many topics about addiction, treatment, and the recovery process. This information can be invaluable when understanding the difficulties faced when you or a loved one is suffering.

It can be tempting to want to overcome addiction to Adderall on your own. However, it’s easier to be successful when a person’s detox and recovery efforts are backed by experienced and caring professionals who can offer the proper therapies.

Community Support

In summary, we at Granite Recovery Centers are proud of our success in aiding people in recovery. We are also pleased with the growing community of people we have helped make addiction to Adderall and other substances a thing of the past. Many are successfully traveling the road to recovery, and so can you.

Reach Out for Professional Support

We look forward to being your partners on your journey to long-term sobriety. We welcome you to experience just how great life can be when substance abuse and substance use disorders are treated.

The post What Snorting Adderall Does to You appeared first on Granite Recovery Centers.

The drug continues to find a way into New England states and cause addiction due to the way cocaine alters the brain and other bodily physiology. Accepting that substance use disorder is a health problem is one way to combat this issue, but so is vigilance and policing.

If you suspect that someone you love may have a substance use disorder involving cocaine, it would be wise to educate yourself about the drug and the things its users say, such as slang terms.

Some people who use the substance might say “cocaine,” but not all of them will. You should know all the nicknames linked to this drug to identify it if it’s discussed in your household or anywhere else.

Nicknames Based on Appearance

People come up with names for illicit drugs for various reasons, often to conceal illegal activity surrounding purchasing, selling, or using drugs. Sometimes, names evolve from popular culture or references to a drug’s appearance.

While the plant the drug comes from is green, most people know cocaine as a white, powdery substance. This could explain some of the following nicknames:

• Big Bloke
• Flake
• Haven Dust
• Blanca
• Gold Dust
• Icing
• Bernie’s Gold Dust
• Crack
• Have a Dust
• Bernie’s Flakes
• Pearl
• Paradise White
• White Mosquito
• Sleigh Ride
• Big Flake
• Snowcones
• Snowflake
• Line
• White Powder

These are some of the more popular nicknames for cocaine that are mostly based on the drug’s appearance. These names might change at some point, and there might be additions as time moves on.

Nicknames Based on American Culture

Some American movies might attempt to tell people that cocaine is harmful, but the film industry has also glorified its usage. The drug first became popular in the 1970s, and its popularity hasn’t waned, especially in the media.

As the drug continued to rise in popularity in America, it began to earn more nicknames influenced by pop culture and entertainment, like some of the following:

• All-American Drug
• King
• Blow
• Dream
• California Cornflakes
• Foo Foo
• Girlfriend
• Florida Snow
• Late Night
• Foo Foo Dust
• Gin
• Gift-of-the-Sun-God
• Double Bubble
• Gift-of-the-Sun
• Hunter
• King’s Habit
• Move Star Drug
• Studio Fuel
• Pimp
• Stardust
• Seven-Up
• Society High
• School Boy
• Scorpion
• Star-Spangled Powder
• Love Affair

The drug has become such a big problem in the entertainment industry and so notorious in American media that much of the world thinks it is an American drug. However, cocaine is rarely grown in the United States.

Nicknames Based on Geographical Origin

Cocaine is most commonly grown in North and South America. Many countries have done their best to figure out a way to regulate the growth of this plant. The problem is that some countries don’t have the manpower to police illegal growth.

The origins of cocaine or the places where people think it comes from have helped create nicknames for this drug. The following are some of those names:

• Burnese
• Peruvian
• Peruvian Lady
• Percio
• Inca Message
• Perico
• Peruvian Flake
• Percia

Signs of Substance Use Disorder

If you hear some of these nicknames used by people you love in connection with suspicious behavior, you want to look for other clues of substance use disorder. These are common signs to watch out for:

• Excitability
• Uncontrollable mood swings
• Dilated pupils
• White residue in areas loved ones frequent
• Nosebleeds
• Financial instability that only seems to be getting worse
• Continued loss of interest in things that used to matter
• Hygiene issues

This is not something you or your loved one has to go through alone. Contact a reputable addiction recovery center to go over some of the steps you can take to encourage your loved one to seek help. Getting them into an effective program to help treat substance use disorder is essential to overcome addiction.

Nicknames Based on the Effects of Cocaine

Some of the nicknames associated with cocaine come from the effects that users say they experience. For the most part, the effects that these nicknames refer to are the most common, not the whole range of effects people might experience. Some slang terms applied to cocaine include:

• Glad Stuff
• Happy Dust
• Bouncing Powder
• Marching Dust
• Big Rush
• Happy Powder
• Bolivian Marching Powder
• Happy Trails
• Friskie Powder
• Nose Powder
• Paradise
• Marching Powder
• Happy Stuff
• Nose Candy

Some of these names have more to do with the way it’s consumed; most often, cocaine is inhaled through the nose to deliver a euphoric high. Even though some of these names sound comical, there is nothing comical about them. Street names may be clever, but we should do our best to give this drug the seriousness it deserves.

Cocaine has ruined lives, sent parents and children to jail, and even sent loved ones to their graves. This is why it’s important to encourage your loved one to seek help as soon as possible.

Nicknames Based on People and Characters

Cocaine also has nicknames based on names or characters. Sometimes, these names just play on the name of the drug. In other circumstances, there’s no way of telling how the street name came about. The following are some names or characters used to talk about cocaine without really talking about it:

• Angie
• Carrie
• Charlie
• Bernie
• Billie Hoke
• Aunt Nora
• Carrie Nation
• Cecil
• Bernice
• Jejo or Ye-yo
• Chloe
• Lady Snow
• Corrine
• Serpico21
• Chippy
• Henry VIII
• Merk or Merck
• Schmeck
• Nieve
• Mujer
• Scottie
• Her

If you suspect that your loved one might be using drugs, one sign is to watch out for a loved one talking about someone they’ve never talked about before. They might call this person a friend, but if you’ve never met this person, then it could be suspicious.

The name might refer to the drug itself or a dealer or fellow user of the drug. If this occurs with other signs of a substance use disorder, you may want to tactfully confront your loved one about your worries.

Other Slang Terms for Cocaine

Some nicknames for cocaine are just plays on the name of the drug, such as the following:

• Big C
• Coca
• Cola
• C
• Mama Coca
• Coke
• C-Game
• Lady Caine
• Coconut

Many of these names might remind you of a popular soda brand, and that’s because the brand did and continues to use the cocaine plant to make its popular drink. Of course, the company only uses an extract today that doesn’t contain any psychoactive ingredients, but this history means that the name of the soda and the name of an illicit substance might be interchanged.

Many times, people suspect that something is up with their loved one but take no additional steps until it’s too late. It’s okay to feel worried and confused. Reaching out to a reputable recovery center can help clarify some of what’s going through your mind and to provide an effective path to addiction recovery for your loved one.

Street Names With No Purpose but to Deceive

Sometimes, the street names for cocaine are completely illogical, and these are mostly spoken by users to cover up their tracks. These names can change or grow out of style, so it’s always good to keep researching names every so often, especially if you know that the problem is rising in your particular region of the country. Some of the illogical names you might come across are:

• Barbs
• Beam
• Base
• Boy
• Basa
• Baluzco
• Burese
• C-Dust
• Candy C
• Yesco
• Came
• Cholly
• Jelly
• Tardust
• Esnortiar
• Combol
• Monster
• Mosquitos
• Duct
• Zambi
• Yesca
• Carnie
• Teenager

The good thing about some of these words is that they aren’t really used in normal conversation. If you hear something that sounds like one of these words or a word you’ve never heard before, you may want to type it into a search engine to get more information.

Hopefully, all you heard was some new slang that people are using and nothing more than that, but if your loved one is displaying other signs of substance use disorder, you may want to make sure.

Nicknames for Cocaine When Mixed

Cocaine isn’t always pure; sometimes, the substance is mixed. When it’s mixed, it earns a new set of nicknames that you may want to familiarize yourself with. The following are some nicknames you should be aware of:

• Space and Whack, which is cocaine mixed with PCP
• Bazooka, which is a mix of cocaine and marijuana
• Belushi, Bombita, and Speedball, which is a mix of cocaine and heroin
• Dirty Fentanyl or Takeover, which is a mix between cocaine and fentanyl

Hopefully, you never hear these words in your household or neighborhood, but you should be aware of them. It can save the life of someone you care about.

Getting Help From a Professional Recovery Center

If you notice some of the signs of substance abuse and hear any of the slang terms for cocaine in your household or among your friend group, it’s something to take notice of.

At Granite Recovery Centers, we’ve worked with many people who’ve fallen victim to cocaine use. We know what to say and how to help guide your loved one to our doors. Our team has experienced professionals who join you and offer support.

Making sure a loved one is ready to receive help is one of the biggest hurdles. A person suffering from substance use disorder has to be willing, or at least a part of them has to be willing, to fight their addiction and enter treatment.

Some tips when considering whether to reach out to a loved one with concerns:

• Don’t try to confront the person while they are under the influence; plan to speak to them when they are sober
• Approach your family member or friend with a plan to explain how their behavior is affecting you
• Remember that family and friends of those with SUDs need support, too; don’t try to go at it alone

Start Your Recovery With Granite

Millions of people have changed their relationship with substances, cut back on how much they’re using, or stopped using altogether. You can, too. We are here to support everyone who’s hurting because of substance use disorder.

Our team will help you speak to your loved one about the importance of getting treatment. Give us a call today to learn more about our evidence-based treatment programs.

The post Slang Names for Cocaine appeared first on Granite Recovery Centers.

Uses of Vyvanse

Apart from treating ADHD and BED, Vyvanse can also help you manage other conditions. With a doctor’s prescription, you can use Vyvanse to manage lethargy, help in hypoactive delirium and boost focus if you have a neurological disorder that can cause cognitive issues.

Due to how Vyvanse metabolizes in your system, most physicians don’t like issuing it for stimulant purposes. You can also use it to treat depression or too much sleepiness during the day, but this is an off-label use.

Understanding How It Works

You can take Vyvanse as a tablet or capsule. Its dosage strengths include 20mg, 30mg, 40mg, 50mg, 60mg and 70mg. Once you swallow this drug, it gets absorbed into the blood. Over time, it will break down before it’s excreted in the urine.

After getting into your system, Vyvanse can increase your energy level, attentiveness and alertness. Vyvanse begins metabolizing almost immediately in your body; you’ll feel its effects for up to 12 hours. However, this will largely depend on the dosage you took. Given that it’s a Schedule II controlled drug in the USA with medicinal benefits, it also poses a high risk of abuse and dependence. This means it can cause both physical and psychological dependence, which is not good for your health.

What Are the Stimulant Effects of Vyvanse?

If you take a stimulant drug, it will interfere with your body and brain’s normal functions. For instance, taking Vyvanse will make you have increased heart rate and blood pressure. Some people abuse stimulants because of the drug’s ability to make them more confident and reduce appetite. A considerable percentage of people who use stimulant drugs are teens or college students who want to stay awake for more extended periods while studying.

What Happens to Your Brain or Body After Taking Vyvanse?

Vyvanse has symptoms that extend beyond its stimulant properties. It will increase the processes of your central nervous system. This is because it’s an amphetamine that changes how your brain balances some chemicals like dopamine that are responsible for your feelings of pleasure. Over time, this process becomes a routine, and you will find it hard to discontinue its use. If you use the drug for recreational purposes, expect to be anxious, irritable and sleep-deprived if you try to quit. It may also make you have hallucinations, paranoia and delusions.

What’s the Half-Life of Vyvanse?

This refers to the period in which Vyvanse takes before its concentration reduces to half. A drug is often gone from your body completely after about five half-lives. Vyvanse doesn’t have a long half-life; it can take a maximum of one hour for half of the drug to leave your system. This means it can last about 5.5 hours for the whole drug to be out of your system. However, not all the drugs will get out of your system as some metabolites remain after the process. When this happens, the metabolites will have their half-life between 9 and 11 hours. At times, though, they can stay in your body for up to two and a half days.

How Long Will It Last in Your System?

Urine sampling is the quickest way of detecting Vyvanse levels in the body. It gives more accurate results than blood tests. Smaller traces can be detected in urine, and a positive result will show up even if the patient used the drug three days prior.

Saliva tests can be carried out too. However, the positive result shows a maximum of 40 hours after use. Saliva tests still give a higher detection level than in blood.

While in your blood, Vyvanse will test positive depending on its half-life. This can take about 8 to 12 hours after use. A blood test is more difficult and expensive than doing a urine test, so prepare well if you wish to be tested.

In your hair follicles, traces can test positive 90 days after use. Hair follicles give positive results for drug use for a more extended period after use, but conducting a hair follicle test is a much more expensive affair.

Factors That Influence the Duration Vyvanse Takes in Your System

Various factors contribute to the duration in which Vyvanse stays in your body. These factors include the following:

• The amount and number of times you use it: When you take a higher dosage, the duration of Vyvanse staying in your body increases. Remember, the frequency that you use this drug will determine how long it stays in your system. For example, if you use it daily, the effects will accumulate in your body and prolong the duration it stays in your body.
• Your health and activity levels: If you’re using this drug while unhealthy and inactive, it lasts longer in your system. However, if you’re active and healthy, it will metabolize faster. Exercising affects your basal metabolic rate, which affects the time your body takes to break down various substances. Note that your health determines the duration of drug stay since Vyvanse is excreted through urine. For instance, if your kidney has problems, the time will increase, making Vyvanse stay in your body for long.
• How you administer it: You can either chew the Vyvanse tablet, swallow the pill or mix the contents from the capsules with water or yogurt. All these methods will be effective, but the drug’s duration to metabolize before excretion differs.
• The presence of alcohol or other drugs in your system: In case you are using Vyvanse alongside other medications, the time taken for the medicine to stay in your system will vary with the time taken while using Vyvanse alone. The drugs will affect the metabolic rate of Vyvanse, which can increase its bioavailability. Some of the drugs that can interfere with its metabolism include antidepressants, tricyclic and MAOI.
• Body mass index: Your body mass index can affect the duration Vyvanse is in your body. If you have a higher body mass and fat, metabolism will take place more slowly. When this happens, the detection time will increase since the drug will stay longer in your system. However, a faster metabolism will increase the rate at which the drug gets eliminated from your system.
• Your age: The more you grow old, the slower your metabolism gets. If you’re in your youth, the drug elimination process takes place faster than when you get older. Slow metabolism means the drug detection will take longer.

How to Use Vyvanse

It’s advisable to only use Vyvanse under your doctor’s prescription. It would be best to take this drug once a day in the morning since it can affect your sleep pattern. You can also take it with or without food. If you have either BED or ADHD, it’s best to start using a lower dose and increase the levels depending on your body’s response.

Since Vyvanse is a capsule or tablet, you shouldn’t have problems taking it. If you fear swallowing medication, mix the pills with juice, yogurt or water. After a period of time, your doctor might advise you to discontinue its use to check your progress and the symptoms. Some other conditions, such as kidney complications, may force your physician to cut down the dosage.

Vyvanse is a controlled drug because it may lead to abuse. For this reason, your doctor has to examine the possibilities of abuse before prescribing it. They may also check on you to ensure that you don’t become Vyvanse dependent.

If you’re using this medication, ensure that you keep it safe from people who can abuse, steal or misuse it.

Precautions When Using Vyvanse

While using this drug, avoid using it with antidepressants like monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOI. If possible, use it after 14 days from the last day of MAOI use.

If you have an allergic reaction to Vyvanse or any of its active ingredients or if you have ever reacted to any stimulant drugs, don’t use it.

How You Can Abuse Vyvanse or Become Addicted

Usually, taking this drug through following a doctor’s prescription is safe for your health. However, as a stimulant, it possesses a high risk of abuse. If you take a higher dosage than your doctor prescribed, you may experience drug tolerance. You will take more doses to feel better. With time, you could become drug-dependent or develop an addiction. If you are using this drug for weight loss or to improve your concentration, you’re more likely to meet the threshold for addiction quickly because you don’t have a doctor’s supervision.

How to Increase the Metabolism of Your System After Using Vyvanse

You can help your system to speed up the elimination of Vyvanse by doing the following. Note that these are general methods that you can use to flush out other medications, too, since there is no specific one for Vyvanse.

• You can drink a lot of water after using the drug. If you are a female, drink around 2.7 liters; a man should drink about 3.7 liters in a day.
• Stay hydrated with water and drinks rich in antioxidants like cranberry juice or tea.
• While taking Vyvanse, avoid drinking alcohol until it’s entirely out of your system. Alcohol will reduce the elimination rate of Vyvanse.
• Do aerobics to help you sweat out the drug from your system. You can also go to the sauna.
• Bathe with Epsom salts.
• Eat a balanced and healthy diet during this period to aid your body’s natural detox process.
• Increase your fiber intake to increase the chances of excreting the drug.

Signs That You Are Abusing Vyvanse

Using Vyvanse increases your risk of developing both physical and mental disorders. If you’re using it, be on the watch for addiction to avoid risking your life. Some of the signs you may notice include:

• Fatigue
• Depression
• Rapid weight loss
• Desire to snort the drug
• High levels of anger
• Difficulty sleeping

If you abuse Vyvanse for long, you may become dependent and need the assistance of a professional counselor from a drug rehab program to see you through.

Getting Assistance for Vyvanse Addiction

If you are addicted to Vyvanse, the chances of experiencing various side effects in your body are high. In order to prevent these harmful effects, it’s best to ask for assistance from a residential treatment program. You can also opt for an outpatient treatment program and get help from professional team members who will guide you through therapy.

If you need help dealing with your Vyvanse addiction, we can help you on your path to drug addiction recovery. Call us today at Granite Recovery Centers and take the first steps toward the path to wellness. Granite Recovery Centers provides medical detoxification for people who do not need immediate medical intervention, are not a danger to themselves, and are capable of self-evacuation in the event of an emergency.

The post Vyvanse: How Long is it in Your System? appeared first on Granite Recovery Centers.

Vyvanse increases focus and control while also reducing restlessness. The product works by altering the amounts of specific natural substances in your brain. Vyvanse is available in the following forms:

• Chewable tablet
• Swallowed capsule

General Instructions for Use

Take Vyvanse orally in the morning, regardless of whether you have eaten or not. Afternoon doses should be avoided due to potential insomnia. You should swallow the capsules whole or open them and mix the contents with water, juice, or yogurt. Take the resulting mixture immediately. Do not store it for later use.

Warnings and Precautions

Consider the following warnings and precautions before you take a Vyvanse prescription:

• Vyvanse has a high potential for dependence and abuse. Make sure you assess the risks before you take a prescription.
• If you have significant cardiovascular reactions, avoid the use of Vyvanse. Sudden death, myocardial infarction, and stroke have been reported in individuals with cardiac abnormalities taking Vyvanse. Doctors should assess patients who develop chest pains or syncope during Vyvanse treatment.
• Vyvanse is known to cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. Patients should be evaluated for probable hypertension and tachycardia.
• The use of Vyvanse can lead to psychotic or manic symptoms such as hallucinations or mania in patients with and without a psychotic history. If you notice such symptoms, quit using Vyvanse.
• Vyvanse can cause weight loss and can slow growth in children. Monitor growth in children treated with Vyvanse. If you notice any issue with the growth rate, consult your pediatrician for medical intervention.
• Vyvanse use is associated with peripheral vasculopathy. The effects of this condition include Raynaud’s phenomenon. Signs are usually mild and intermittent. The signs and symptoms of this condition improve after the doctor reduces the Vyvanse dose.
• When you combine the use of Vyvanse with other drugs, serotonin syndrome can occur. It is a life-threatening reaction that affects serotonergic neurotransmitter systems like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Serotonin syndrome signs include coma, delirium, nausea, tachycardia, dizziness, flushing, and hyperthermia. Discontinue treatment with Vyvanse if you observe any of these symptoms.
• Use Vyvanse once per day to minimize the chances of an overdose. Patients using other sympathomimetic drugs should proceed with caution to avoid severe side effects.
• May impair the ability of an individual to operate machinery.

Vyvanse Overdose

Dependence on Vyvance occurs when your body builds a tolerance to the drug so you need to increase the dosage to achieve the desired effect. Increasing the dosage is likely to lead to an overdose.

An overdose of Vyvanse can occur knowingly or unknowingly. An unintentional overdose may arise when you are trying to make up for forgotten dosages. In case you forget to take your dosage, take it immediately when you remember. However, if the time is close to your next dosage, skip the missed one, and go back to your ordinary schedule. Do not engage in double doses.

On the other hand, an overdose occurs knowingly when an individual with Vyvanse use disorder takes high amounts of the drug to achieve a higher effect. Vyvanse overdose can be fatal.

Observe the following dosages for various treatments to prevent cases of overdose:

• Treatment of ADHD – starting dose should be 30 milligrams once every day in the morning for individuals aged six and above. The doctor may adjust the dosage in increments of 10 milligrams or 20 milligrams weekly. The maximum dosage should be 70 milligrams per day.
• Treatment of BED in adults – a starting dosage of 30 milligrams is recommended. Afterward, your doctor administers weekly increments of 20 milligrams to achieve the required dose of 70 milligrams per day.
• Patients with renal impairment – maximum dosage should not exceed 50 milligrams per day for patients suffering from severe renal impairment. In cases of end-stage renal disease, the maximum dose is 30 milligrams per day.
• Dosage modifications because of drug interactions – some agents alter urinary pH, impacting urinary excretion and blood levels of amphetamine. Alkalinizing agents such as sodium bicarbonate raise blood levels. On the other hand, acidifying agents such as ascorbic acid reduce blood levels.

Symptoms of an Overdose

An overdose occurs when you use excessive amounts of drugs or enough to sanction a life-threatening reaction. The following are symptoms of Vyvanse overdose:

• Loss of consciousness
• Blurred vision
• Stomach cramps
• Confusion
• Violent actions
• Nervousness
• Sweating
• Restlessness
• Shaking in the hands and feet
• Muscle stiffness
• Panic
• Seizures
• Overactive reflexes
• Muscle pain
• Dizziness
• Fast breathing
• Dark-colored urine
• Circulatory collapse
• Vomiting

In some cases, the patient may experience coma, convulsions, and fatal poisoning.

What Do You Do If Someone Overdoses?

Vyvanse overdose often leads to a seizure or heart attack. The first and most crucial step when you encounter a case of Vyvanse overdose is to call 911 to ensure the patient receives immediate medical attention.

The emergency response team treats the overdose by trying to revive the cardiovascular system, engaging blood flow to the heart. Doctors will then follow these practices:

• Administering benzodiazepines for seizure control and sedation
• Restraining the patient through restraints and medications if they pose a danger to themselves or others
• Administering activated charcoal, thereby decreasing the rate of absorption of Vyvanse in the digestive tract
• Administering fluids in case the patient is suffering from dehydration

Most people survive Vyvanse overdose. However, if you have used it with other drugs, there is a risk of death. Mostly, overdose cases are due to addiction. Therefore, to reduce overdose cases, doctors treat addiction.

Addiction Signs to Look For

Common addiction signs include:

• Increased heart rate
• Loss of coordination
• Abdominal pain
• Flushed skin
• Insomnia
• Restlessness
• Increased respiratory rate
• Decreased appetite
• Anxiety
• Hyperactivity
• Blood pressure
• Dilated pupils
• Tremors
• Aggression
• Sweating
• Psychosis

Reducing the Risk of Vyvanse Use Disorder

To reduce the risk of Vyvanse use disorder, assess the associated risks before usage. If you decide to take the prescription, keep the prescription records safe. Your doctor should educate you about abuse and proper storage and disposal of Vyvanse.

Interactions with Other Drugs

Do not use certain drugs together. However, depending on the condition, your doctor may choose to prescribe them together. Chances are, there will be an interaction. If you are about to prescribe to Vyvanse, let your doctor know if you are taking any of the following medications:

• Tranylcypromine
• Furazolidone
• Sibutramine
• Iproniazid
• Selegiline
• Isocarboxazid
• Safinamide
• Linezolid
• Rasagiline
• Methylene blue
• Procarbazine
• Moclobemide
• Phenelzine
• Nialamide

Important Information

Ensure that you keep all your doctor’s appointments. This is vital because the doctor may need to evaluate your body’s response to Vyvanse. Only the doctor is supposed to change your dosage. The care and guidance of a medical profession can help reduce the chances of an overdose.

Since Vyvanse is not refillable, schedule regular appointments with your doctor to ensure you get your prescription. Keep a record of all prescription and non-prescription drugs. When you visit your doctor, carry the list with you for reference. The list also helps in case of an emergency like an overdose.

Vyvanse Use Disorder Treatment

Most overdose cases are due to addiction. For example, an individual who has developed dependence is likely to take a higher dose to achieve the desired effect. If you have developed Vyvanse use disorder, do not lose hope. At Granite Recovery Centers, we provide rehabilitation services for individuals who are addicted to Vyvanse.

We have established recovery centers that have been transforming the lives of drug-dependent adults for over a decade. We have three treatment centers in Canterbury, Effingham, and Derry. They are:

• Green Mountain Treatment Center
• Granite House
• Canterbury Behavioral Health

Our management team includes experienced professionals who are passionate about transforming your life from one of addiction to one of sobriety. We value focus, commitment, and passion. Your recovery journey begins here with us.

Our Services

We offer the following services:

• Structured sober-living programs – Our sober-living homes offer safe and supportive recovery environments. These homes are vital because addicts in early recovery can have access to a serene environment to strengthen their sobriety. Daily interaction with peers helps in the recovery process.
• Residential addiction treatment centers – Our three centers offer residential detox programs. In essence, we provide treatments for Vyvanse addiction, cocaine addiction, benzos addiction, alcohol addiction, heroin addiction, and codeine addiction. We also incorporate yoga, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), PTSD treatment, and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Granite Recovery Centers provides medical detoxification for people who do not need immediate medical intervention, are not a danger to themselves, and are capable of self-evacuation in the event of an emergency.
• Mental health program – Here, we use clinical therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help our patients overcome addiction. We provide clinical psychotherapeutic support for process groups, motivational interviewing, one-on-one individual therapy, grief and loss, and behavior therapies.
• Intensive outpatient program – For a recovery process to be successful, you need to eradicate more than just drug use. Often, there are reasons behind substance use disorder, such as fatigue, stress, depression, and so much more. We address these issues in our intensive outpatient program. We utilize a 12-step curriculum that integrates evidence-based therapies to solve any underlying motives that led to addiction.

Additional Services

Other services include:

• Alumni program – We have an extensive alumni network that includes our former patients. The program provides recreational activities like yoga and meditation, peer support and interaction, educational events and programs, and exclusive membership to our Facebook group.
• Community recovery blog – Our blog addresses various topics about addiction, the treatment process, and the road to recovery. We understand that you are going through a difficult time trying to fight through addiction, and we wish to provide vital information that may be of help along the way. Visit our blog and browse through the various topics.
• Structured client schedules
• Evidence-based clinical therapies
• Abstinence and harm reduction
• Recovery goal setting

Recovery is challenging but achievable. Since you require dependable rehabilitation services, Granite Recovery Center offer some of the best recovery services in the current industry. Seek our services today, and we will guide you to ultimate sobriety.

Closing Thoughts

Although Vyvanse has its medical advantages, we cannot overlook dependence and overdose risks. Do not take large doses or use it in a different way than advised by your doctor. If you have overused Vyvanse, do not stop taking it without consulting your doctor. Otherwise, you may suffer extreme side effects and withdrawal symptoms. Give Granite Recovery Center a call today to help you overcome your Vyvanse use.

The post Vyvanse Overdose: Symptoms & What To Do appeared first on Granite Recovery Centers.

Insomnia is a condition that essentially means a person has trouble sleeping. It also describes the inability to fall asleep after a reasonable amount of time, waking up multiple times during the night or being able to fall back asleep once you wake up. After waking up in the morning, the person afflicted with insomnia may feel tired throughout the day because they can’t get a good night’s sleep. According to the Cleveland Clinic, 50% of adults experience insomnia every once in a while.

Acute Insomnia

Acute insomnia is short-term insomnia that lasts a couple of days or weeks because of a particular event. It can be caused by stress, sleeping in a hotel or another location outside of your home or jet lag. It also occurs when there is excess noise or light in the room.

There are two types of chronic insomnia:

• Primary insomnia is when a person experiences insomnia at least three times per week for at least 30 days. Chronic primary insomnia isn’t related to a medical condition or a cause of any kind.
• Secondary insomnia is caused by a medical or psychological condition. Several medical conditions cause chronic secondary insomnia, including ADHD, anxiety, depression, central sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea, hyperthyroidism, Parkinson’s disease and diabetes. Medications that treat the disorders listed above may also be the cause of this insomnia.

Medications That Treat Insomnia

People have several medications to choose from to medically treat insomnia, and two of the most popular drugs are Ambien and Trazodone.

Ambien

Ambien is a sedative-hypnotic drug that is also known as a “depressant.” It is also called an “anxiolytic” drug for its anti-anxiety properties. This drug slows down the activity in the brain so that the person can relax. Physicians prescribe this drug so that their patients can fall asleep easier and remain asleep. It works in a manner that is similar to the stronger tranquilizers, like Valium and Xanax.

Specifically, Ambien increases the amount of GABA, the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter that is located inside the spinal cord and the brain. The parts of the central nervous system include the brain and the spinal cord, and their neurons release GABA that suppresses the actions of the brain’s or the spinal cord’s other neurons. This is what causes the person to become sedated.

Ambien works immediately because its half-life is so short. This means that the body metabolizes the medication quickly so that it doesn’t stay in the body for long periods of time. Because of this, Ambien can help a person fall asleep with a lower dose than the benzodiazepines can. Higher doses may be required if you wake up during the night and are unable to fall asleep again. Extended-release versions of this medication also work well.

After taking Ambien, people become very sleepy, and this feeling remains for a long time afterward. The medical community recommends that people plan to remain in bed for at least seven or eight hours after they take Ambien. If they wake up too soon and try to go about their day, they will feel drowsy and have difficulties with coordination, alertness and memory.

Trazodone

Trazodone was created as an antidepressant, so it works differently than Ambien. It also targets the central nervous system, but it focuses on serotonin. Serotonin is also a neurotransmitter, and Trazodone increases its presence in the brain. The medication works by preventing the neurons from taking back the serotonin after it has been released. This makes it a serotonin antagonist reuptake inhibitor. More serotonin in the brain means that the medication can suppress the symptoms of depression.

The chemical composition of Trazodone makes it ideal as a medication that mildly sedates individuals, but it doesn’t work particularly well for treating depression. That’s the reason that physicians prescribe this medication primarily as a treatment for insomnia rather than a remedy for depression.

Side Effects

Both Ambien and Trazodone cause several side effects. Ambien’s side effects include the following:

• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Tiredness
• Loss of coordination
• Gas
• Heartburn
• Dizziness
• A feeling of being drugged
• Lightheadedness
• Appetite changes
• Strange dreams
• Nausea
• Constipation
• The inability to walk steadily
• Stomach pain or tenderness
• Dry throat or dry mouth
• Muscle cramps
• Pain in the joints, neck or back
• Menorrhagia, or menstrual bleeding that lasts for longer than seven days
• Eye redness
• Ear pain, itching or ringing
• Tingling, numbness, burning or pain in the legs, feet, arms or hands
• Uncontrolled shaking
• Diarrhea

Trazodone also causes several side effects. These include the following:

• Ringing in the ears
• Red, tired and itchy eyes
• Loss of coordination
• Tingling, burning or numbness in the feet, hands, legs or arms
• Uncontrolled shaking of a body part
• Sexual dysfunction
• Libido changes
• Sweating
• Rash
• Dry mouth
• Pain in the muscles
• Nightmares
• Confusion
• The inability to concentrate
• Unsteady walking
• Dizziness
• Nervousness
• Tiredness
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• A bad taste in the mouth
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Headache

In addition to the side effects listed above, both Ambien and Trazodone may cause very serious side effects, which must be treated by your doctor immediately. The most severe side effects usually occur when people are taking larger doses of the medications. Since Trazodone doesn’t cause you to become sedated, you may tolerate it better than Ambien. Physicians usually place their patients on a dose of either drug and then wait to find out how it affects them.

Serious Side Effects That Require Medical Attention

Ambien causes the following serious side effects:

• Blurred vision
• Chest pain
• A pounding heart
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Light-colored stools
• Jaundice, or yellowing of the skin and eyes
• Shortness of breath
• Breathing or swallowing difficulties
• Feeling as if the throat is closing
• Throat, tongue, lip, face and eye swelling
• Itching
• Hives
• Rash

Trazodone causes the following serious side effects:

• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Shortness of breath
• Seizures
• Fainting
• Coma
• Irregular, pounding or fast heartbeat
• Chest pain

Men may also experience painful erections that last for a very long time if they take Trazodone. Men experiencing this condition need to be treated in the emergency room, and some may need to have surgery. A number of these men were left with lasting damage because of it.

Comparing Ambien to Trazodone

The advantages of Ambien include the following:

• It helps people fall asleep quickly, and they remain asleep for a longer period of time.
• You can purchase Ambien as an extended-release tablet that maintains your sleep.
• The generic versions of Ambien are very affordable.

The disadvantages of Ambien include the following:

• You may experience cognitive issues the next day, or it may cause you to feel tired.
• Tolerance develops rather quickly, so you need to increase the dose to obtain the same effects.
• It can produce parasomnias, or unusual behaviors during sleep.
• People with liver or kidney disorders, respiratory issues or a history of depression aren’t advised to take this medication.
• You can become physically dependent upon the drug.

The advantages of Trazodone include the following:

• It can treat your sleep issues at lower doses.
• The elderly can take it safely.
• The generic version of Trazodone is less costly than Ambien.

The disadvantages of Trazodone include the following:

• Higher doses of this medication will be required if you also need to treat depression.
• The higher doses of the medication cause the most side effects.
• It results in sexual dysfunction in men and suicidal thoughts in younger people.
• It does not sedate the person as well as Ambien and doesn’t work for everybody.

Developing a Physical Dependence

Ambien and Trazodone may both cause users to develop a physical dependence on the drugs. This results in withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking these medications without tapering off first. You must not stop taking Ambien without speaking to your doctor, but if you haven’t been taking it for at least two weeks, it is imperative that you do not stop taking it without consulting your physician.

Ceasing Ambien can result in several withdrawal symptoms, and these include seizures, uncontrollable shaking, difficulties falling asleep or remaining asleep, panic attacks, nervousness, uncontrollable crying, tiredness, flushing, sweating, nausea, muscle cramps, stomach cramps and lightheadedness. You may also experience changes in your moods or unpleasant feelings.

Deciding to stop taking Trazodone without consulting your physician first may result in withdrawal symptoms as well. These include difficulties falling sleep or remaining asleep, agitation and anxiety.

If you want to stop taking either Ambien or Trazodone, you will need to decrease the dose several times until you can stop taking it entirely. This gives your body a chance to adjust to lower doses. The withdrawal syndrome that you would experience with Ambien is worse than what you would experience with Trazodone, and the likelihood of developing the withdrawal syndrome is greater with Ambien than trazodone.

Is Ambien Better Than Trazodone?

As a sleep aid, Trazodone appears to be inferior to Ambien, but Ambien doesn’t help everyone with their sleep issues. The medication that you decide to try will depend on your medical history, the other medications that you are currently taking and your health goals.

Even so, the best remedy for insomnia doesn’t appear to be medications at all. For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy is a much better treatment for people to use long term. If you must, you can use Ambien, Trazodone, or melatonin as a sleep aid, but it should only be a short-term solution for your sleep issues. A better option is to treat the primary cause of your insomnia and learn techniques in cognitive-behavioral therapy. This will help you fall asleep naturally so that you don’t have to endure any of the side effects and withdrawal symptoms listed above.

Getting Help at Granite Recovery Centers

If a mental health disorder was the cause of your sleep issues, you may want to stop taking the medication that was prescribed for your sleep disorder. However, this is not something that you can do on your own. At Granite Recovery Centers, we can place you in our medication-assisted treatment program. Our medical professionals will administer medications so that the detoxification process can be completed without extreme discomfort. Granite Recovery Centers provides medical detoxification for people who do not need immediate medical intervention, are not a danger to themselves, and are capable of self-evacuation in the event of an emergency.

After the drugs have been removed from your system, we will place you in an inpatient treatment program or an outpatient treatment program where you can receive cognitive-behavioral or other therapies.

If the underlying reason for your insomnia is a mental health disorder, we can also treat this at the same time that we treat your substance use disorder. The benefit of treating both of these conditions at the same time is that each disorder can improve with the other so that neither one can influence the other in a negative way.

If you or a loved one need help with a substance use disorder, contact us at Granite Recovery Centers today.

The post Trazodone vs. Ambien appeared first on Granite Recovery Centers.

What Is Viagra?

As men age, sexual functioning begins to slow down. It takes them longer to achieve an erection, and it takes them longer to reach orgasm. Older men also require more time between erections, and after an orgasm, their erections tend to deflate much faster than they did when they were younger.

In 1998, Pfizer began to market Viagra to men experiencing erectile dysfunction, and sales exploded. Researchers discovered that this medication causes blood vessels in the sexual organs to become dilated, and this makes it easier for a man to obtain an erection.

Younger Men and Viagra

Now, younger men are taking Viagra, but they are mixing it with cocaine so that they can experience increased feelings of euphoria.

People choose cocaine as a partner for Viagra because of the short-term effects. Immediately after taking cocaine, the user begins to experience euphoria and feels more energetic. The user begins to talk a lot more and is also more mentally alert. This person will also be more sensitive to touch, sight, and sound.

Cocaine causes several short-term effects that are on the negative side, such as a higher body temperature, an increased heart rate, and hypertension. The drug also constricts the blood vessels and dilates the pupils.

Part of the allure of cocaine is the fact that it can increase a person’s desire to engage in sexual activity. This makes Viagra an attractive companion to cocaine.

The Dangers of Mixing Viagra and Cocaine

The dangers of mixing these two substances include the following:

1. Cardiovascular dangers – When people take cocaine, they are taking serious risks with their health. Negative cardiovascular effects are very common when people ingest Viagra. For example, some people have had heart attacks because of cocaine consumption. They have even experienced headaches, seizures, and strokes. Others have fallen into comas.
2. Acute aortic dissection – When people mix Viagra and cocaine, it has been known to cause heart attacks as well as acute aortic dissection. The heart contains a large blood vessel, and when it tears, this is known as an acute aortic dissection. This condition is very serious. When blood begins to flow from the tear, the middle and the inner layers of the aorta dissect or separate, causing death when the organs in this area rupture.
3. Priapism – Priapism is a condition in which a man’s erection lasts for several hours or even several days. This occurs when the blood is unable to return to the circulatory system because of damage in the area. As the erection lasts, the penile tissues are being deprived of oxygen, so if the erection lasts longer than six hours, this is considered to be a medical emergency because it causes the tissues to degenerate.
4. Serotonin syndrome – The nerve cells in the body produce serotonin, which has several functions, including digesting your food, helping you sleep, and stabilizing your moods. Having too much serotonin in your blood isn’t good. It can cause headaches, diarrhea, confusion, and a rapid heartbeat.

Some signs of serotonin syndrome can be life-threatening, and they include the following:

• Unconsciousness
• An irregular heartbeat
• A high temperature
• Seizures

Mixing Viagra and cocaine can result in serotonin syndrome and could lead to death.

What Is a Psychological Dependence?

Someone can be physically dependent upon substances. But you can also have a psychological dependence on some substances. A psychological dependence refers to the emotional triggers that keep people embroiled in a substance addiction. This is characterized by an individual’s inability to think of anything other than the substance. It can also mean that the person experiences cravings.

Someone is dependent on a substance when the mind and the body develop a need to continue feeling the way that the substance makes him or her feel. When people are dependent upon substances, they will experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking the substance.

The symptoms of a psychological dependence include:

• Users spend the majority of their time using the substance. If they are not spending this time using the substance, they are thinking about using it.
• Users with a psychological dependence lose interest in the things that used to be important to them.
• Users experience emotional cravings when they are not using the substance.
• Users must take the substance in order to be able to participate in other activities, such as sleeping, socializing, or engaging in their normal functions.

What Is Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome?

Post-acute withdrawal syndrome occurs when someone is experiencing a psychological dependence, and it may occur after the signs of a physical dependence have subsided.

These symptoms include:

• Difficulties in personal relationships
• Difficulties keeping stress under control
• Difficulties making decisions, concentrating, or keeping memories
• Difficulties controlling emotions
• Difficulties sleeping
• Low energy levels
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Mood swings

Psychological withdrawal symptoms can last for a very long time. Some people experience these symptoms for several weeks or even months. These symptoms may be mildly annoying, but others may have some that are extremely troublesome.

If men are using Viagra when they don’t need it, they risk developing a psychological dependence on the drug. When they also add cocaine to the mix, some men can develop a fear of not being able to perform in the bedroom if they don’t take both Viagra and cocaine.

If you or a loved one is psychologically addicted to Viagra, we can help you at Granite Recovery Centers. We treat substance use disorders for many substances, and we will be able to help you with your dependence on cocaine and Viagra.

What Is Herbal Viagra?

Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra were approved by the FDA and are available via a prescription. But they are also expensive. Therefore, manufacturers developed “herbal Viagra” to compete with these medications by advertising them as “natural” and less expensive versions.

The medications that need a prescription increase the amount of blood in the penis when the man is sexually aroused. The herbal solutions also increase the amount of blood that flows to this area. The difference is that the herbal supplements do not single out the penile blood vessels. Because these medications do not focus on the penile area, they can cause the men taking them to have extremely low blood pressure.

A Current Example

We have a well-known example of a time when someone mixed cocaine and Viagra, and it didn’t work out well for him. In 2015, basketball star Lamar Odom ingested cocaine as well as 10 doses of an herbal substance that was supposed to be similar to Viagra.

Workers at the Love Ranch had to call emergency services for Odom because he was “close to not breathing.” The brothel’s manager also told the dispatcher that Odom had “white stuff” coming from his mouth and blood coming from his nose. They had to make at least two calls before help arrived. According to another representative of the brothel, Odom was breathing but was unresponsive.

It turned out that Lamar Odom took the herbal supplement known as “Reload 72-Hour Strong Sexual Performance Enhancer for Men” over the three days that he was at the brothel.

The brothel supplies visitors with the herbal supplement, but they do not allow visitors to bring drugs onto the premises. Odom would have been able to bring cocaine to the brothel because the staff does not search its patrons when they arrive. A female worker at the brothel said that Odom told her that he used cocaine before he arrived there. In addition to the drugs, Odom also consumed the majority of a bottle of cognac.

How to Take Viagra Correctly

It’s important to take Viagra only as your doctor prescribes it. Otherwise, there can be serious complications, like the one described in the Lamar Odom story. The medication is supposed to be taken to help with sexual activity. You can take it between 30 minutes and four hours before you engage in sexual activity. The ideal time to take it is one hour before.

If Viagra users are taking herbal supplements of any kind, they must inform their doctors before they combine the medications. If a medical professional has ever advised someone not to engage in sexual activity because of a heart issue, the doctor prescribing the Viagra needs to know. That’s because sexual activity strains the heart muscle, and if the person has heart disease, the danger of straining your heart is even greater. Your physician should also be aware if you have ever experienced chest pain while you were engaged in sexual activity.

If Viagra users begin to experience nausea, dizziness, or chest pain, they must stop all sexual activity and contact their physicians.

If you or a loved one believes that you are psychologically addicted to Viagra, we want to help you at the Granite Recovery Centers. You aren’t likely to experience withdrawal symptoms if you miss a dose of Viagra, so you will not need to go through the detoxification process for Viagra. However, you may still be dependent upon Viagra and taking it in a manner in which your doctor did not prescribe.

Cocaine Withdrawal

If you have been mixing cocaine with Viagra, you may be physically addicted to cocaine, so the detoxification process will be necessary. That’s because people often experience a “crash” after they stop ingesting cocaine. This crash begins with a strong craving for the drug and may also include anxiety, sleepiness, a lack of pleasure, fatigue, and agitation.

People also experience cocaine withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms do not include shaking and vomiting like with other drugs, but they can be unpleasant and unbearable.

Cocaine withdrawal symptoms include:

• Nightmares
• An increase in hunger
• Generalized discomfort
• Fatigue
• Depressed mood
• Restlessness

If you have been taking cocaine for a long time, cocaine withdrawal can be particularly troublesome for several reasons. Strong cravings to consume the drug and depression can last for several months. Some people even have suicidal tendencies when they are withdrawing from cocaine.

If you ingest cocaine during the withdrawal period, the high may not be as good as before withdrawal. Instead of euphoria, cocaine use during withdrawal causes people to experience fear and suspicion. However, the cravings at this time remain particularly powerful.

Granite Recovery Centers

The drug detox program becomes necessary at this point. To conquer the psychological addiction, you are also going to need treatment for a substance use disorder. Our professional staff can diagnose a substance use disorder and mental health disorder if you have one and develop treatments for them. Granite Recovery Centers provides medical detoxification for people who do not need immediate medical intervention, are not a danger to themselves, and are capable of self-evacuation in the event of an emergency.

If you or a loved one need help with your cocaine and Viagra dependencies, the best place to have those issues treated is in our treatment program at Granite Recovery Center. Whether you need to enter the detox program first or not, we will diagnose and treat your substance use disorder and get your life back on track. Just contact us today, and we will get started.

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What Is Cocaine?

Cocaine is a Schedule II controlled substance that carries a high risk for abuse. Users can easily become both physically and psychologically dependent on it. This powerful stimulant is made from the leaves of the coca plant. While there are some limited medical uses, such as a local anesthetic, it is primarily considered to be an illegal recreational street drug.

Coca leaves are processed into a powder that is usually snorted or mixed with water and injected into a vein. With a little more processing, the smokable variant known as crack is formed. The drug is commonly used in binges where the user will ingest a large quantity in a short period of time. During a cocaine binge, the user will require increasing doses to maintain the high that they seek.

How Long Does the High Last?

In contrast with other addictive substances, the cocaine high is relatively short. When the drug is introduced through smoking, the high will only remain for an average of five to 15 minutes. If the drug is snorted, the high usually lasts for an average of 30 minutes. For the chronic user, the short high is expected, leading them to use ever-increasing quantities to maintain the initial euphoria.

How Does Cocaine Affect You?

Cocaine introduces a feeling of euphoria in the user. They will feel mentally alert and wide awake. Those who may be normally shy will feel more confident. Some users may become sexually aroused. Most users become talkative during the time that they are high. Chronic cocaine users will feel a sense of invincibility.

From a more physiological perspective, the user will exhibit the following physical signs when they are high:

• Dilated pupils
• Elevated blood pressure
• Rapid pulse
• Constricted blood vessels
• Irregular heartbeat
• Elevated body temperature
• Tremors
• Restlessness

Once the high has ended, the user tends to crash relatively quickly. A crash will leave the user feeling severely depressed and agitated. They will experience mood swings and anxiety. Finally, they will be exhausted and might sleep for extended periods of time.

The Potential for Overdose

From the very first time a user tries cocaine, there is a possibility of overdose as the drug affects everyone differently. Those who binge on the drug can find themselves at higher risk for overdose. When mixed with other substances, the effects of cocaine can become even more lethal. For example, one would think that mixing cocaine with alcohol would minimize the effects of both substances because of their opposite effects of stimulant and depressant. Instead, the two substances metabolize in the liver to become a chemical called cocaethylene.

These days, cocaine can be cut with other drugs or substances so that it is more profitable for the dealer. However, the products that are being used might make it even more dangerous, and it might take even less of the cocaine to reach levels of overdose. If you or a loved one is chronically using cocaine, you should try to get them help quickly to prevent them from doing further damage to their body.

Long-term Effects

Common long-term effects on the chronic cocaine user include weight loss, liver damage, kidney damage, memory loss, and damage to the nose that includes the drug eating a hole in the septum that separates the two nasal passages. Chronic users will also suffer from frequent sinus infections and gastrointestinal responses such as nausea, vomiting, and frequent diarrhea. Many of these long-term effects are not only a result of the cocaine use itself but also the ingestion of any filler substances that are commonly added to it.

How Cocaine Works in the Body

It takes approximately 30 minutes to enter the bloodstream when cocaine is taken orally. When the drug is snorted, large amounts of the drug enter the bloodstream through the thin nasal membranes. When the drug is snorted the high typically lasts for about 15 to 30 minutes.

The drug enters your lungs and is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream if you are smoking cocaine in the form of crack. This approach gives you a high that lasts an average of five to 15 minutes.

When you administer cocaine intravenously, the drug enters the bloodstream immediately. The drug then travels through the circulatory system and becomes distributed throughout the body’s tissues. Highs from intravenous administration tend to last up to an hour or more.

Cocaine acts on the dopamine that exists in brain cells. Normally, dopamine is released and then recycled by the same brain cells. Once the cocaine reaches your brain tissue, it gives you the feeling of a rush by blocking the reuptake of dopamine, the feel-good chemical, which then keeps dopamine levels high. This allows for an ongoing stimulation of the receptors as the dopamine continues to build up between brain cells.

When cocaine reaches the liver, it is metabolized into different metabolites. Benzoylecgonine is the primary metabolite. Cocaine then reaches the kidneys for processing. Approximately 1-5% of the drug is excreted through urine. The whole process of using cocaine from ingesting it to it being excreted takes an average of an hour to an hour and a half.

What Happens to the Metabolites?

The metabolites will continue to process through the system at rates that depend on factors such as age, weight, and the amount of the drug you have done. In general, benzoylecgonine levels are found in drug tests within five days of use. This number should be considered for the occasional user who is younger, in good physical shape, of average weight, and generally healthy. There are situations where benzoylecgonine levels are detected long after the drug is used.

When you have blood, urine, saliva, and hair drug tests, it is the metabolites that bring a positive result. For a healthy individual who uses the drug rarely, a positive drug test for cocaine can be received within the following timeframes:

• Blood test: Cocaine is detectable for 24 hours.
• Saliva test: Cocaine is detectable for one to two days.
• Urine test: Cocaine is detectable for one to three days, but benzoylecgonine can be detectable for up to two weeks.
• Hair test: Cocaine is often detectable for months and sometimes years.

Detection Times When Cocaine Is Mixed With Alcohol

The chemical cocaethylene metabolizes in the liver when you mix alcohol with cocaine. Studies have shown that the presence of alcohol will slow the elimination of the drug, and cocaethylene is detected in drug tests long after cocaine would have been eliminated by the body without the presence of alcohol. The cocaethylene metabolite remains in your system for up to five times longer than cocaine alone.

What Are Detection Timeframes for Heavy Users?

Detection of metabolites related to cocaine use is much different for heavy users of the drug. The following factors can influence the time that the metabolites remain in your system:

• Frequency of use: Chronic users will retain metabolites in their system longer than those who only use the drug intermittently.
• Quantity: Higher doses stay in your system longer, so when coming off a binge, the metabolites will be present for an extended period of time.
• Age: As you get older, your metabolism slows down, and it takes longer for your body to eliminate the metabolites.
• Health: Your overall health matters. Those individuals who suffer from any degree of kidney or liver disease will be slower to metabolize cocaine. The kidneys and liver are the locations in the body where the blood is filtered and where toxins are eliminated.
• Exercise: People who exercise frequently and live an active lifestyle usually have a higher metabolic rate, so cocaine is metabolized quickly. Those who live a more sedentary lifestyle will retain the metabolites for a longer period of time.
• Body Mass: Cocaine is fat-soluble. A body with a higher fat percentage will retain the metabolites in the fat tissue for a longer period of time than in a body with a lower body mass.
• Purity of the Drug: Most of the cocaine on the street is cut with other substances, such as cornstarch, laxatives, methamphetamine, and even fentanyl, among other things, to be more profitable to dealers. The higher the percentage of pure cocaine, the longer it will stay in your system.

Granite Recovery Centers

Our treatment program at Granite Recovery Centers offers a customized treatment option for everyone. Our founders have been where you are and they are well-versed in the recovery process. We offer an evidence-based treatment program that is highly effective for helping you begin your sober journey.

When you first enter treatment, you will be medically evaluated and placed in a medically supervised detox program where you will remain for approximately one week or longer if necessary. Granite Recovery Centers provides medical detoxification for people who do not need immediate medical intervention, are not a danger to themselves, and are capable of self-evacuation in the event of an emergency. Following detox, you enter inpatient treatment where you will attend group therapy, individual counseling, and 12-step meetings. There will also be daily exercise and time spent learning how to channel your energy into positive behaviors such as meditation. You will also learn how to incorporate healthier nutritional habits into your lifestyle.

Granite Recovery Centers will work with you to determine the amount of time that you will need to remain in the inpatient program. You might be able to transition to our intensive outpatient program depending on your circumstances. Following inpatient and/or outpatient treatment, you will have options to help you stay on your path of recovery. It is highly recommended that you stay in an aftercare program where you will continue to receive counseling. We also offer options for sober living so that you can live in an environment where your peers are as focused on recovery as you are.

Give us a call today to take the first step on the road to recovery.

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