Oxycontin is a time-released formulation of oxycodone, a drug derived from opium, that is prescribed for moderate to severe pain. Because Oxycontin is time-released and intended to be taken only twice a day, it comes in dosages that are much higher than immediate release formulations containing oxycodone like Percocet. As a result, individuals who abuse this drug often develop a very high tolerance and require a large amount of the drug everyday in order not to experience withdrawal.

Many food-related addictions and disorders are associated with a negative body image.

For the same reason that pharmacists are trained to know which prescription drugs can work together and which prescription medicines could cause serious problems when mixed, you should be aware of the potential dangers of mixing substances if you or someone you know does so or is considering doing so in the future.

What should I do if I am facing a lawsuit or other legal matter related to a minor’s possession or consumption of alcohol or another substance?

For some people, certain bodily functions are no easier to mention out loud than they were in 2^nd grade. But there are as many reasons to be completely honest with your primary care physician and other medical professionals about your diet, behaviors, and health habits as there are reasons why people aren’t always honest.

If you are a recovering alcoholic, you may have experienced feelings of social anxiety at some point.  For example, perhaps you wanted to ask someone new on a date but put it off because you weren’t sure where to go that wouldn’t have the expectation of drinking alcohol, or you were worried that they might wonder why you weren’t drinking at a club and lose interest in you.  You may also fear rejection once they find out that alcoholism is in your past because of lingering stigmas about addi

If you are considering drug or alcohol rehab (or rehab for an addictive behavior disorder like sex or gambling) for yourself or someone you know, one of your first questions will probably be, “What exactly am I signing up for?” Although the exact program will vary depending on the facility and other factors, most drug addiction, alcoholism, and behavior disorder rehab programs have many similar elements.

Before it was better understood, alcoholism and addiction carried negative social stigmas in America. Although there are still lingering remnants of these stigmas, a recent study indicates that Americans’ perceptions of addicts and addiction are changing for the better as Americans become more educated about addiction (Read How Americans Perceive Addicts & Addiction). This article will address some of the lingering myths about addicts and addiction, some of which help perpetuate negative social stigmas.

As of the date that this article was written, the results from Michael Jackson’s autopsy are inconclusive and a declaration of the cause of death as a prescription drug overdose would still be premature. Even so, Michael Jackson’s problems with OxyContin and Demerol – two extremely addictive prescription medications – have brought attention to and raised awareness of the problem of prescription drug abuse in the United States.