American Addiction Centers Blog

Methylphenidate Vs. Cocaine Methylphenidate is the active ingredient in two major drugs used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): Ritalin and Concerta. Ritalin is the immediate-release form of methylphenidate, whereas Concerta is the extended-release form of the drug. Methylphenidate is classified as a central nervous system stimulant or psychostimulant medication. It is a Schedule II […]

What Does Crack Cocaine Look Like? The process of turning cocaine into crack cocaine produces crystals, called “rocks.” These range in color from clear-white or opaque white to off-white or yellow. They vary in size and shape, too. Changes in color may be related to adulterants, including caffeine, sugar, lactose, or other drugs like levamisole, […]

Cocaine is a powerful and generally illegal drug that has a long and complicated history. The intoxicant is extracted from the coca plant, which originated in the Andean highlands of South America.1 Natives chewed the leaves or brewed them into a tea to combat fatigue for thousands of years before the Spaniards arrived on their doorstep.2 […]

Adderall Adderall is the brand name of a combined form of two drugs: amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. This combination of drugs has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the sleep disorder narcolepsy (a disorder where a person may experience sleep attacks during the […]

Struggling with addiction or mental health issues can be overwhelming, and seeking professional help is crucial for recovery. However, building a supportive community can also play a vital role in the journey to sobriety and recovery. Reddit provides a platform where individuals can find solidarity, share experiences, and access valuable resources.  Here, we’ll explore some […]

Opioid Pain Management Opioids are a class of medications that interact with opioid receptors in the brain to provide pain relief. 1 Some commonly prescribed opioid painkillers include oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, and codeine.1 When people experience acute pain, such as the pain one might experience after surgery, they may be given opioid painkillers to help […]

What is Pseudoephedrine? Pseudoephedrine is a drug that has been most commonly used as an ingredient in the previously over-the-counter medication, Sudafed, which is used as a nasal decongestant. Pseudoephedrine is present in some medications without a prescription, and it is available in drugstores behind the pharmacy counter. The US Food and Drug Administration sets […]

What is a Borg? Borg, short for “blackout rage gallon,” refers to gallon-sized jugs containing a mixture of alcohol, typically vodka, and flavored water infused with electrolytes. These jugs often feature various drink mixes and flavor enhancers, aimed at reducing hangover symptoms. Originating from social media platforms like TikTok, borgs have gained popularity among college […]

Heroin is known as a powerful and illegal street drug and opiate, derived from morphine. As a Schedule I substance, it has no medical use, and it is only available illicitly. Because of this, however, nobody really knows what they will get in a substance marketed as heroin. This drug can easily be “cut” with […]

Heroin can be used in many ways, although some methods cause the drug to affect the brain and body more rapidly than others. In its purest form, heroin is a white powder that may look like cocaine or pure amphetamines. Other varieties include a brownish powder and a black tar-like substance; color and texture changes […]

Alcohol Awareness Month aims to increase public awareness about alcohol and alcohol use disorders (AUDs). As a public outreach campaign, it cultivates consciousness regarding everything from the adverse effects of alcohol and its impact on individuals and communities to alcohol use disorder prevention and treatment. So what can you do to support Alcohol Awareness Month? […]

Judging, shaming, and stigmatizing individuals are proven to be ineffective approaches for healthy, productive, and lasting change. Instead, they serve as proverbial weapons that tear at the core of an already-fragile human condition—a condition that strives to be valued, to matter, and to be loved. Pregnant women are no exception. A woman battling substance misuse […]