Author: Alex Thompson

Understanding Drug Use and Addiction DrugFacts National Institute on Drug Abuse NIDA

Prescription sleep medications, called hypnotics, help people fall asleep more quickly. Flunitrazepam, also known as Rohypnol, is a benzodiazepine that is chemically similar to Valium and Xanax. Because of its sedative properties, the drug has been used to incapacitate people and commit sexual assaults. Derived from a tree indigenous to Thailand, kratom is a drug that can relieve pain and cause mood-lifting effects.

There’s no way to even tell if it’s actually D-8 or another substance, most commonly D-9 THC. Recently D-8 THC products received a lot of attention because of a regulatory loophole that made them much more accessible than regular marijuana products. But despite lots of marketing efforts that suggest otherwise, D-8 THC is not federally legal and the DEA recently clarified that it is considered a Schedule I substance.

D-8 THC is a minor cannabinoid that appears in trace amounts in the cannabis plant, which can easily be produced semi-synthetically in a laboratory. It has shown potential for a variety of conditions and symptoms such as obesity, diabetes, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, anxiety and osteoporosis. The main consumption methods are oral, inhalation, topical (dermal), and transdermal. Potency is one of the most important aspects to consider when deciding which cannabis products to use. In the past cannabis was completely illegal, so the average consumer couldn’t gauge the potency of their joint, because it couldn’t be tested in a lab.

Potential risks of THC

The other two types either have a balanced ratio of the non-intoxicating CBD and THC (Type II), or a high ratio of CBD with only trace amounts of THC (Type III). Use of hallucinogenic and dissociative drugs began for religious purposes. But over time, people began using these drugs for recreational purposes. However, LSD is a Schedule I drug, which means it has high potential for abuse. People suffering from addiction often harbor secrets to hide their disease from loved ones.

Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Data sources include Micromedex (updated 3 Mar 2024), Cerner Multum™ (updated 4 Mar 2024), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2024) and others.

Why is marijuana illegal?

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, more than 15,400 Americans died from a heroin overdose in 2016.

The dominance reflects on which active compounds are most abundant, rather than the potency of the product. When talking about THC we usually refer specifically to delta-9 THC, but tetrahydrocannabinols are a family of cannabinoids that share a similar molecular structure. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Experience the journeys of real people who have overcome addiction on their path to happiness. Heroin is banned in the United States, but the drug continues to be abused at high rates.

1. Both THC and CBD are chemically very similar, but act extremely differently in the body.
2. One of the most important aspects to consider about cannabis products is quality.
3. Flunitrazepam, also known as Rohypnol, is a benzodiazepine that is chemically similar to Valium and Xanax.
4. The classification below mainly relates to cannabis flowers or joints, but can also be relevant for products infused with a full spectrum extraction.

Some people may also believe that crystal meth is an integral part of the LGBT community and that they must do it in order to fit in. Both statements are myths and those new to the LGBT community should understand that fun, including exciting and satisfying sex, can and does exist in the community without the use of drugs. Crystal meth has been increasing in popularity in the LGBT community, particularly in the party scene, including use during sex parties. These sex parties, which are frequently advertised on apps such as Grindr and Tinder, often offer free crystal meth. Tina is a drug that you may know by its more common names including crystal methamphetamine or crystal meth.

Why Is it Important to Know Street Names for Drugs?

People who use street names for drugs can discreetly talk about substance use without having to worry about legal consequences. However, concealing substance abuse can exacerbate addiction and delay treatment. But even in healthy people, the ECS is always active, and is crucial for memory and learning, appetite, sleep, pain perception, thermoregulation, immune system activity, and female reproductive process. This all may explain the different effects of THC/cannabis on the body. There are three main types of cannabis plants, all defined by their most abundant cannabinoids, and the most popular one is Type I, the THC dominant type.

In October 2016, the Drug Enforcement Administration reversed its decision to ban the substance in the United States. Hallucinogens are a class of drugs that can cause distortions in reality. Dissociative drugs are a subclass of hallucinogens that can lead to intense trips and temporary psychosis. Hallucinogens include LSD and DMT, while dissociative drugs include ketamine and PCP. They both play a major role in the activity of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), and they are both activated by THC. From a pharmacological perspective, it’s very similar to THC, and the very limited research that has been done on it suggests it has similar effects, just with lower potency.

Isolated THC vs full spectrum THC

Over time, benzodiazepine users can develop a physical or psychological dependence to the drugs. The practice is commonly referred to as “party ‘n’ play” (PNP or PnP) by some participants, while others use the term “high ‘n’ horny” (HnH). An academic study has labeled it “sexualized drug use” (SDU).[6] The term PnP is widely used among gay men[1][failed verification] and other men who have sex with men (MSM) in North America and Australia. Conversely, the term chemsex is more common in Europe.[7] In certain Southeast Asian countries, it is commonly known as “chem fun” (CF or Cf). As with most other chronic diseases, such as diabetes, asthma, or heart disease, treatment for drug addiction generally isn’t a cure. People who are recovering from an addiction will be at risk for relapse for years and possibly for their whole lives.

As a person continues to use drugs, the brain adapts by reducing the ability of cells in the reward circuit to respond to it. This reduces the high that the person feels compared to the high they felt when first taking the drug—an effect known as tolerance. These brain adaptations often lead to the person becoming less and less able to derive pleasure from other things they once enjoyed, like food, sex, or social activities. As a result, sleep medications may be less likely to help people fall asleep over time. Research shows that between 9 and 30 percent of marijuana users may develop some level of marijuana use disorder, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Frequent or prolonged use of Xanax can lead to dependence or addiction. These drugs can be highly addictive, and they have caused thousands of overdoses and deaths in recent years. States most affected by the epidemic include West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky. Withdrawal symptoms, which occur after suddenly ceasing barbiturate use, include insomnia, restlessness and anxiety.

CBD is a popular activator of TRPV2 receptors, but THC is considered to be the most potent cannabinoid on this target. The clinical significance of THC’s interaction with TRPV2 remains a focus of investigation. It’s highly advisable to  avoid consuming D-10 THC products as there’s no knowledge about how they may affect humans, and much like D-8 THC, no supervision over production processes. The main reason for the sudden hype around D-8 is to do with supply and demand. CBD manufacturers found themselves with lots of legal hemp, but not enough market. Since D-8 THC can be synthetically produced in a lab by using CBD, lots of CBD brands started marketing these products as well.