What are the abbreviations for drugs of abuse?
Substance abuse is a serious public health problem that can be deadly, both physically and emotionally. It often coexists with and complements other psychiatric disorders. Many substance abusers hide their habits by using slang or street names for drugs. This can be confusing for family and friends. It’s essential to understand what these drug code words mean so you can keep a close eye on your loved one.
Ecstasy
Ecstasy is an illegal drug that is abused by people at nightclubs, raves, and festivals. It can be a deadly substance, causing liver and kidney damage and other serious health problems.
It also causes physical dependence, which means that if you stop using it, you may experience withdrawal symptoms like cravings and anxiety. It is possible to treat a substance use disorder by attending an addiction treatment facility and undergoing detox.
Most rehab programs are 12-step-based, which involves going to weekly group meetings and talking with a sponsor. These sessions can help you learn how to live life without drugs and recognize signs of relapse. They are often paired with family therapy. Keeping up with these appointments can help you stay sober after you leave the facility.
PCP
PCP, or phencyclidine, is a dissociative anesthetic and hallucinogen. It was initially made as anesthesia for surgery but fell out of favor quickly because of its negative side effects.
Like all drugs, it can change the way a person thinks and feels, distorting memory and cognition. It can also cause out-of-body experiences, give a false sense of strength and security, and lead to dangerous risk-taking behavior.
PCP is often used in conjunction with other substances or drugs, such as marijuana and tobacco cigarettes. These polysubstance abuses can make it more difficult for people to detox and find treatment for their addiction.
GBL
GBL, also known as gamma-butyrolactone, is a hygroscopic, colorless, water-miscible liquid with a weak characteristic odor. It is the simplest 4-carbon lactone and is mainly used as an intermediate in the production of other chemicals.
It is a prodrug for gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) and acts as a recreational CNS depressant with effects similar to barbiturates.
Despite its legality, GBL drug addiction can present many dangers, including mental health issues and overdose risks. It can also be challenging to overcome, as the body becomes dependent on it and withdrawal symptoms occur quickly.
This makes a professional approach to GBL addiction treatment and detoxification critical, offering a number of steps to safely and sensibly withdraw from this impactful substance. Services here at Asana Lodge are tailored to your specific needs, helping you achieve long-term recovery capabilities and a sense of normality.
LAAM
Levo-alpha-acetylmethadol, or LAAM for short, is a synthetic opiate that is used in a variety of ways to treat opiate addiction. It works by creating a cross-tolerance to other opiates, blocking euphoric effects, and controlling drug cravings.
It is also a great way to help people who are having trouble detoxing from opiate use. This is because it is a more long-lasting drug, so the symptoms of withdrawal are less likely to occur.
The drug can be a great addition to any treatment program. However, it does require a little more time and effort than most other methods of getting people clean. It is a good idea to find a treatment center that specializes in this method of drug recovery. This will give you the best chance of overcoming your opiate abuse.
LSD
Lysergic acid diethylamide, or LSD, is a synthetic chemical that has been used for its psychedelic properties since the 1960s. It is a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act, meaning that it has a high potential for abuse and has no medical benefits.
Taking LSD can have a number of negative effects on the brain, including hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder (HPPD), which may lead to flashbacks or recurrences of hallucinations up to a year after the last LSD use.
Long-term use of LSD can also disrupt the balance of serotonin in the brain, which can cause mood swings and depression later on. Those who suffer from a family history of mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, have a higher risk of experiencing HPPD or flashbacks after LSD use.