Drugs Archives - Freedom Addiction

Clinical researchers conducting studies on cocaine use in Canada

16 Facts About Cocaine Use in Canada

Mandy Sandhu
26 Mar 2025

Cocaine is one of the most well-known and dangerous drugs worldwide, notorious for its addictive properties and severe health consequences. Despite being illegal in Canada, many people engage in its use and suffer from cocaine abuse. In this article, we’ll explore 16 facts about cocaine, including cocaine statistics and insights into cocaine use in Canada. 1. Cocaine Is Made From...

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narcotic overdose dispensing pharmacy sign

What Happens If You Give Someone Narcan Who Doesn’t Need It?

Mandy Sandhu
26 Feb 2025

Narcan (Naloxone) is safe to use—even if opioids aren’t present in the person’s bloodstream. This is vital because if an opioid overdose is suspected, Narcan can reverse potentially fatal effects within minutes, making it a critical first-aid tool. If you administer Narcan to somebody unconscious/unresponsive (for an unknown reason), you can rest assured that no ill effects will arise as...

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A first responder wearing a latex glove holds the hand of someone receiving medical assistance

What is Narcan Used For?

Mandy Sandhu
8 Oct 2024

OTC Narcan, or over-the-counter Narcan, is an essential tool to reverse the effects of overdoses and make communities safer. At Freedom From Addiction, our mission is to help people with substance abuse disorders relearn the skills they need to cope with stressors and avoid relapse in the future. One of the tools easily accessible to anyone needing help with opioid...

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Creative visualization of a woman experiencing DMT side effects.

Everything You Need to Know About DMT

Kate Pindera
17 May 2024

What is DMT, and how does it affect individuals who abuse it? N, N-dimethyltryptamine or DMT is a popular and powerful psychedelic substance with a Schedule III classification under Canada's Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Dealers also call DMT drugs "the spirit molecule" or "the businessman's trip." What Does DMT Look Like? DMT is a naturally occurring substance in plants...

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A woman who is unable to sleep sits in a dark living room with pills on the table

How Do Drugs Affect Sleep?

Mandy Sandhu
18 May 2023

High-quality sleep keeps you physically and mentally healthy. Getting a good night’s rest is refreshing, helps you think more clearly, and improves your mood. However, if you or someone you know has ever struggled with drug addiction, then you’ve experienced or seen first-hand how it affects sleep quality. Those living with substance use disorder also often find themselves suffering from...

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What Does Having An “Addictive Personality” Really Mean?

Mandy Sandhu
13 Apr 2023

Your idea of someone with an “addictive personality” is probably inaccurate. In pop culture, this persona is associated with specific traits or characteristics that are recognizable just by looking at someone. However, in reality, having addictive tendencies and living with addiction is hardly so simple. Unfortunately, as is so often the case, much of the conversation surrounding addiction is clouded...

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What is Harm Reduction and How Does it Work?

Mandy Sandhu
30 Mar 2023

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating patients with addiction. Addiction is a complicated, multi-faceted illness that can arise from several different causes. It can take many forms and manifest in various ways. Harm reduction addresses these issues by offering inclusive and flexible solutions. By allowing people who use drugs (PWUD) to recover and thrive on their own terms, harm...

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A poppy plant, the natural source of opium.

Opiate vs Opioid: Key Differences

Mandy Sandhu
8 Mar 2023

Opioids and opiates are drugs used in the treatment of moderate to severe pain. The main difference between the two is that opiates are naturally-derived, while opioids are synthetic. However, they are both powerful analgesics with serious risks and side effects. Because of this, they are often reserved for severe cases despite their widespread effectiveness in treating patients of all...

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a bottle of opioids spill out over a drug test result form

How Long Do Opioids Stay in Your System?

Mandy Sandhu
21 Nov 2022

One of the early steps in seeking help for opioid abuse is to confirm that misuse is happening. Do opioids show up in drug tests? Yes, and conducting a drug detection test is often the best way to confirm opioid abuse. With that said, there are some things you should know about how long opioids stay in your system as...

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The 7 Drug Categories Explained

Mandy Sandhu
11 Aug 2022

Countless factors contribute to each person’s addiction story, and the types of drugs they use is one of them. To effectively understand the nature of a loved one’s addiction, you have to go beyond identifying whether it’s a recreational or prescription drug that led to their substance use disorder. It’s crucial to learn more and delve deeper into the different...

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