Drugs Archives - Freedom Addiction

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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Clinical researchers conducting studies on cocaine use in Canada

15 Facts And Statistics On Cocaine and Cocaine Use In Canada

Mandy Sandhu
22 Sep 2022

Cocaine, also known by its street name “coke,” is one of the most notorious substances that lead to drug addiction. Discover the 15 most critical facts and figures about cocaine use in Canada. 1. Cocaine Is Made From a South American Plant Cocaine is an illicit drug made from cocoa leaves, a tropical shrub indigenous to South America. As part...

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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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5 Things to Know About “Study Drugs”

Mandy Sandhu
7 Jul 2022

Study drugs, also known as smart drugs, are prescription stimulants used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in students. While students take these drugs to enhance their focus and alertness—with the goal of improved performance—there are also potential drawbacks when they are misused. Examples of Study Drugs Study drugs come in many different forms with some of the most commonly prescribed...

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An open prescription drug bottle with pills spilling out

What Are the 3 Prescription Drug Categories?

Mandy Sandhu
10 Jan 2022

There’s a big challenge surrounding prescription drugs in Canada: how can prescription drug-related abuse be reduced while ensuring access to those who need it for medical applications? Tightening regulations further could help prevent abuse and harm. But it could also mean jeopardizing the lives of people who medically need it if they don’t get timely access. It’s a tricky issue...

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