Lexapro withdrawal refers to the physical and psychological symptoms experienced when discontinuing the antidepressant Lexapro (escitalopram). These symptoms occur due to the brain adjusting to the absence of the medication, which has altered its serotonin levels. According to “Going Off Antidepressants” by Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School (2018), about 20% of people who stop…
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Endorphins are naturally occurring neuropeptides produced in the brain that act as neurotransmitters. They are often referred to as the body’s natural painkillers and mood enhancers. Endorphins bind to opioid receptors in the brain to reduce pain and produce feelings of euphoria. There are different types of endorphins, but beta-endorphins are the most popular because…
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Neurotransmitter imbalance refers to the disruption in the normal levels of neurotransmitters, usually due to substance abuse. Abuse of certain substances disrupts the brain’s natural chemical balance, perpetuating the cycle of addiction. According to “Neurochemical Mechanisms of Addiction” by John H. Krystal, Neuropsychopharmacology (2009), addiction significantly alters neurotransmitter levels in the brain, often increasing dopamine…
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Fentanyl addiction is a persistent condition marked by the uncontrollable use and deep reliance on fentanyl, an opioid, despite adverse outcomes. This condition includes physical dependence and psychological cravings, making cessation challenging without intervention. Signs of fentanyl dependency include strong cravings for the drug, an inability to regulate its use, and continued use despite harmful…
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Xanax addiction is exhibited by the habitual and uncontrollable use of Xanax, a type of benzodiazepine, even when it causes harm. It involves both physical dependence and mental cravings, making it tough for individuals to quit without expert assistance. According to Cardona-Acosta, A. M.’s 2023 study, ‘Alprazolam exposure during adolescence induces long-lasting dysregulation in reward…
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Cocaine addiction is a health condition defined by uncontrollable use and dependency on cocaine despite its adverse effects. Individuals develop strong cravings and reliance on the drug, making it challenging to stop. According to Statista, 1.95% of U.S. adults used cocaine in 2021/2022, with approximately 5.2 million users nationwide and 42.2 million having tried it…
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Heroin addiction is a chronic disorder characterized by intense and compulsive heroin-seeking behavior and use despite its harmful consequences on the user. It involves a physical and mental dependence on heroin, a highly addictive opioid. According to the CDC, from 2002 to 2013, the annual average rate of past-year heroin use rose from 1.6 per…
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Stimulant addiction is a psychological and physiological dependence on substances that increase central nervous system activity, characterized by compulsive use, tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, and continued use despite harmful consequences. Types of stimulant addiction are diverse and include cocaine addiction, crack cocaine addiction, Adderall addiction, Dexedrine addiction, methamphetamine addiction, Ritalin addiction, Vyvanse addiction, modafinil addiction, nicotine…
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Steroid addiction is shown by an intense compulsion or craving to use anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) despite the harm it does to one’s health, social life, or psychological state. Individuals using steroids consume these synthetic substances to enhance their athletic ability and improve their physical appearance. Over time, the body’s dependency on these drugs leads to…
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Sedative-hypnotic addiction is an intense craving or need to consume drugs that depress the central nervous system, despite the negative impacts it has on their users. Sedatives are typically prescribed to treat anxiety and sleep disorders, but also cause dependency. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, a 2020 study, ‘Substance use in older…
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