Whitney Houston: Cocaine and Heart Disease
In March 2012, the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office reported that Whitney Houston’s official cause of death was accidental drowning. Cocaine use and heart disease were contributing factors in her death.
The coroner believes that cocaine use caused Whitney to suffer heart problems (she already had heart disease), which led her to become unconscious. Bruises on her forehead, chest, and upper lip suggest that she fell into the bathtub, where she drowned.
The six-time Grammy winner also had marijuana, the prescription drugs Xanax and Flexeril, and the over-the-counter medicine Benadryl in her bloodstream, though the cor...
Source: NIDA Drugs and Health Blog - April 25, 2012 Category: Addiction Authors: Sara Bellum Source Type: blogs
Alcohol and Drugs Don't Mix
A recent episode of the hit TV show “Glee” focused on the problem of underage drinking. Called “Blame It on the Alcohol,” the episode depicted glee club members narrowly avoiding school suspension for drinking on school grounds—never a smart idea!
Not only is it illegal to drink before age 21, but drinking too much alcohol can impair brain function and motor skills and lead to addiction. Mixing alcohol with illicit or other drugs—even legal ones—greatly increases the dangers:
Combining alcohol with another central nervous system depressant like Xanax or painkillers like Vicodin can slow your heartbeat and bre...
Source: NIDA Drugs and Health Blog - April 8, 2011 Category: Addiction Authors: Sara Bellum Source Type: blogs
Word of the Day: Depressants
What’s the first thing you think of when you hear the word “depressants?” Maybe “depressed” or “sad?” But the drugs called depressants aren’t called that because they’re depressing in the emotional sense.
Depressants slow down (or “depress”) the normal activity that goes on in the brain. Alcohol is a depressant.
Doctors often prescribe central nervous system (CNS) depressants to patients who are anxious or can’t sleep. When used as directed, CNS depressants are safe and helpful for people who need them.
Types of CNS Depressants
CNS depressants can be divided into three main groups:
Barbiturates, wh...
Source: NIDA Drugs and Health Blog - February 1, 2011 Category: Addiction Authors: Sara Bellum Source Type: blogs
