Author name: Stephanie Ballard PhD, LPCC, CADC

Benzodiazepines, also known as benzos, are medications that act as sedatives to treat depression and anxiety. These medications, such as Klonopin, Valium, and Xanax, are prescribed by a medical profession and produce a calming effect to the central nervous system. Benzos are the most frequently abused drug and play a huge part in the drug

Alcohol imposes serious health complications to your body physically, physiologically, and mentally. Alcohol makes an impact on major organs in the human body including the nervous system. Alcohol abuse can lead to liver damage, kidney failure, lung infections, and puts a person at an increased risk of several types of cancer. Alcohol and the brain

The human body has organs that function together to keep a person alive. These organs need to stay healthy and are essential to survival. Addiction can lead to heart complications, liver failure, kidney disease, and changes brain chemistry. The brain is a complex organ that controls the way you feel, move, and talk. The brain

Dextromethorphan (DXM) is an active ingredient found in most cough medicines and is used as a cough suppressant. DXM is a legal drug that can be purchased by anyone, including preteens in most states. Over-the-counter medications, such as Vicks, Robitussin, and NyQuil contain DXM and are used to relieve a cold-related cough. Misusing medications containing

There is a difference between addiction and dependence to drugs or alcohol. Addiction is a behavior that continues despite any harmful consequences. Drug or alcohol misuse can lead to serious physical and mental health problems. It can cause heart attack, liver failure, seizures, ulcers, hallucinations, psychosis, overdose, and early death. The substances take the brain