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Side Effects of Morphine Misuse and Addiction
Morphine is an opioid painkiller that is prescribed for the management of severe pain (trauma, surgical and cancer related pain) where alternative treatment is not adequate to control pain. 1,2 Morphine can be used safely and effectively for pain ...
... decision for your personal journey. If you or a loved one is struggling with misuse or addiction to morphine, help is available. Search for a treatment center near you or instantly verify whether coverage is offered by ... continue reading -
Snorting Morphine
Morphine is a prescription opioid medication used to treat relatively severe pain 1 . Morphine is prescribed in a variety of forms, including liquid solution, tablets, and capsules, and is only intended to be used under the supervision of a medical ...
... for abuse and addiction 3 . People who continually abuse morphine will likely develop a tolerance to the drug, where they ... effects such as profound respiratory depression. Suboxone, a commonly used medication in the ... continue reading -
Snorting Heroin Side Effects, Dangers, and Addiction Treatment
Heroin is a highly addictive Schedule I controlled drug. Heroin has a long history—it was first synthesized (as diacetylmorphine) in 1874 from morphine. Paradoxically, heroin was originally marketed as a safer and non-addictive form of morphine. ...
... heroin, it can carry over to other drugs such as morphine, oxycodone, and hydrocodone. Because heroin can vary in ... at methadone clinics. Buprenorphine (Probuphine, Suboxone (buprenorphine + naloxone)): A partial opioid ... continue reading -
Snorting Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a pain-relieving substance with two main uses 1 : Treating significant acute, post-operative pain following surgery. Treating chronic or breakthrough pain in people that no longer respond to other narcotic medications. Like morphine, ...
... 3,4 . Fentanyl is up to 100 times more powerful than morphine , an opiate that is addictive in its own right 1,3 ... like buprenorphine (or the combination product, Suboxone—buprenorphine + naloxone) that work like an ... continue reading -
Understanding Naloxone and Narcan
Naloxone—also known by brand names such as Narcan and Kloxxado—can be a lifesaving medication when used promptly in cases of opioid overdose. 1 If you or someone you care about takes prescription opioid medication or uses illicit opioids such as ...
... g. oxycodone/Oxycontin , hydrocodone , fentanyl , morphine ), heroin , and illicitly manufactured fentanyl. Naloxone ... from OUD. 4 Medications such as buprenorphine (Suboxone, Subutex), methadone, and naltrexone (Vivitrol) ... continue reading -
Opiate Addiction Withdrawal Symptoms and Treatment
Opiates—sometimes interchangeably referred to as opioids and narcotics—are a broad class of drugs. They are widely used legally and abused illicitly, and include many substances that are synthesized from a handful of opiate precursors found in ...
... opium poppy, such as: 1,2 Heroin . Codeine . Morphine . Hydrocodone ( Vicodin ). Oxycodone ( OxyContin / Percocet ). ... antagonist, in a branded formulation known as Suboxone . Probuphine. A recently approved version of ... continue reading -
Signs of Morphine Overdose & What to Do
Morphine is an opioid painkiller with a high potential for misuse and addiction. While generally safe when taken as prescribed, morphine has the potential to cause an opioid overdose, especially when taken improperly or misused. 2 Morphine overdoses ...
... in helping to save the lives of loved ones, yourself, or others . 2 The signs and symptoms of morphine overdose may include: 2 Loss of consciousness (e.g., the person cannot be awakened). Slowed, shallow, or stopped ... continue reading -
25 Harmful Effects of Morphine
Morphine is an effective pain reliever. It's administered frequently by healthcare professionals. It's prescribed to manage moderate to severe pain after an accident, post-surgery, or for a chronic condition. It's accepted for common use throughout ...
... our vision and change our ability to see colors. Painful Urination —As it affects our entire digestive tract, morphine can cause the process of urinating to become less than pleasant. Weight Loss —While to some this may ... continue reading -
Drugs A-Z
What Is Acamprosate? Acamprosate is thought to help recovering alcoholics stay sober by balancing inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmission. Acamprosate may be combined with behavioral therapy to decrease a person's chances of relapse and ...
... ? Kadian is a brand name for the generic drug morphine sulfate. It is an extended-release capsule intended for oral ... or in the recovery room. What Is Suboxone? Suboxone is an FDA-approved combination drug used as ... continue reading -
How Concerned Should We Be About Opiates?
Opiates are a group of drugs that manage pain by depressing the central nervous system (CNS). There are two different kinds of opiates: natural and synthetic. Natural opiates come from the dried “milk” of the poppy plant and include opium, ...
... made from the sap-like opium of poppy plants. Once cultivated, the opium resin is refined to make morphine, before being transformed into different forms of heroin. Synthetic opiates, on the other hand, are man-made in ... continue reading -
The Forefathers of Modern Illicit Drugs
While illicit drugs are a major concern in today's society, many of them didn't start off as recreational. On the contrary, many started off with medicinal and anesthetic purposes. Here's a look at some of the forefathers of modern illicit drugs, ...
... a look at some of the forefathers of modern illicit drugs, without whom heroin, cocaine, LSD, meth, and morphine would either be less popular in our culture or not even exist. Charles Romley Alder Wright - The Forefather ... continue reading -
Is This New Drug the Holy Grail of All Pain Relievers?
Millions of Americans suffer daily from chronic pain. Factor in all the people managing temporary pain after accidents or surgeries and you have a massive number of people on prescription painkillers. Abuse of morphine, an extremely powerful and ...
... have developed a new drug that delivers the same pain relief without the addictive qualities and other lethal effects of morphine. A Drug That Doesn't Take Your Breath Away One of the major concerns with opioids is their ... continue reading -
Let's Talk About the Elephant Tranquilizer in the Room
It's 10,000 times more potent than morphine. It's 100 times more powerful than fentanyl . What is it? Carfentanil. Designed as a tranquilizer for elephants, this deadly substance has made its way into our nation's illegal drug market. It's often ...
It's 10,000 times more potent than morphine. It's 100 times more powerful than fentanyl . What is it? Carfentanil. Designed as a tranquilizer for elephants, this deadly substance has made its way into our nation's ... continue reading -
Ibogaine: Can it Cure My Addiction?
What does it take to quit using heroin or other opioids? This is a question that is very much on the minds of millions of Americans. The scientific community continues to look for the best way to quit using drugs and everyone wants to know what will ...
... rats had a bottle in their cage where they could self-administer morphine, meaning they had the freedom to get a “fix” of ... , ibogaine works on receptors in the brain to block the reward centers that are believed to be the ... continue reading -
What You Need to Know About ‘Zombie Drug’ Krokodil
Krokodil (Crocodil) is a homemade version of a synthetic drug called desomorphine. As the name deso-morphine suggests, the chemical is in the opiate family and closely mimics the effects of heroin and morphine. Pure desomorphine is a very addictive ...
... suggests, the chemical is in the opiate family and closely mimics the effects of heroin and morphine. Pure desomorphine is a very addictive substance with a high potential for abuse . The opiate epidemic of the last ... continue reading -
Big Pharma: Are They Advertising Addiction?
Pharmacological companies do not have a good rap. They've been known to bury bad news, which has had an effect on people's health, and therefore their lives. Whether it's not testing drugs properly, as with the case of thalidomide (caused defects in ...
... ? However, are they advertising drug addiction ? After all, if someone is addicted to a drug like oxycodone or morphine , that person then has to obtain more drugs, which have to be paid for by someone. So wouldn't ... continue reading -
The Dilaudid Dilemma
Every day, physicians across the nation prescribe painkillers to help patients cope with pain. The types of painkillers prescribed are as varied as the type and intensity of pain levels; however, more potent painkillers - like opioids - are ...
... of Dilaudid before being discharged from the ER. This is equivalent to 60 to 70 milligrams of morphine. Unfortunately, the patient went into cardiac arrest shortly after and died at a nearby emergency department. Outside ... continue reading -
Closing Candy Land: Our Vets are Stuck in the VA’s Revolving Door
Across our nation, the brave men and women who defended its freedoms are suffering. The burden they bear isn't regret, loss, emotional trauma or illness…even though all of these things may be present. No, the cargo many of them carry is the weight ...
... staff, psychiatrist David Houlihan, a.k.a. the “Candy Man,” prescribed, an average of 25,000 mg of morphine to each and every patient he saw in 2012. Meanwhile, public awareness of the addictive qualities of opioids was ... continue reading -
Addiction Self-Assessment Quizzes for Drugs and Alcohol
Use the following self-assessment quizzes to better understand common signs, symptoms, and behavioral changes related to substance misuse and addiction. The questions used in the following self-assessments are based on the diagnostic criteria ...
... may be misusing heroin, an opioid drug derived from morphine. While this assessment does not replace a clinical ... you may have a problematic usage of medication Suboxone, a drug containing the opioid buprenorphine. ... continue reading -
Here’s What You Need to Know About Pink
After a simple search online, Ryan Ainsworth and Grant Seaver ordered a bag of U-47700, a.ka. “ pink .” The powder arrived from Shanghai at their friend's house, as planned. What happened next was not planned. The two 13-year-old best friends ...
... the Upjohn Company as part of research efforts to create new and improved painkillers. It is derived from morphine —but about eight times stronger—and the Food and Drug Administration never approved it for human use. And ... continue reading -
Fentanyl Overdose
The U.S. opioid epidemic is a national public health emergency. 1 Between January 31, 2020, and January 31, 2021, overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids, primarily illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF), increased by nearly 56%. 2 Every day, ...
... opioid that is 50-100 times more potent than morphine. 4 There are two kinds of fentanyl: pharmaceutical ... can help manage cravings, ease withdrawal symptoms, and block the effects of opioids. These medications are safe ... continue reading -
Opioid Overdose Symptoms & Signs
Opioid overdose is a serious concern in the U.S. and around the globe. According to the World Health Organization, there were around 600,000 deaths related to drug use in 2019; around 80% of these were opioid-related, and 25% of those deaths were ...
... , or greater than 50 MME (milligram morphine equivalent). Using opioids by injection. Resuming ... It reverses opioid overdose by binding to opioid receptors and blocking the effects of opioids, which may help a person resume ... continue reading -
Heroin Facts—Because Knowing Is Half the Battle
“Smack” - “Junk” - “H” Heroin is a drug that goes by many names but, no matter what you call it, it's still the same potent, potentially deadly drug. While its name really isn't that important, knowing some basic facts about heroin can ...
... . Farmers collect the sap and deliver it to a broker who then takes the opium to a morphine refinery. Heroin is 2 to 3 times stronger than morphine , it is classified as a Schedule I Drug and it has no medical use. #2 ... continue reading -
Trafficking Statistics
Drug abuse is a major problem in the United States, and individuals seeking to abuse drugs generally have little trouble finding those substances. Abuse of prescription and nonprescription opioids continues to be the public health crisis of our ...
... more potent than heroin and roughly 100 times more potent than morphine. 1 Acetyl fentanyl is closely related to fentanyl and has ... the U.S. in kilogram or pound-sized blocks, they are usually taken to an apartment or ... continue reading -
Rise of the Study Drug
In the United States, a Schedule II drug is one that has some accepted medical use, but at the same time a high potential for abuse that may lead to severe psychological and physical dependence. Cocaine, morphine and methadone are all Schedule II ...
... same time a high potential for abuse that may lead to severe psychological and physical dependence. Cocaine, morphine and methadone are all Schedule II substances. Imagine, then, opening Twitter one morning to be greeted ... continue reading -
Why Is Heroin So Deadly Today?
For more than a century, heroin has been a dangerous drug of abuse. For years, people have been attracted to the substance's ability to produce a relatively inexpensive, rapid-onset, and intensely euphoric high. 1,2 While the drug's high holds a ...
... cancer. 6 Fentanyl is up to 100 times more potent than morphine and up to 50 times stronger than heroin . 5,6 Due ... substance is an opioid antagonist that displaces and blocks the heroin from the opioid receptors to reverse ... continue reading -
How to Treat Actiq (Fentanyl) Addiction
Actiq is the brand name for an analgesic lozenge (on a stick like a lollipop) that contains the opioid drug fentanyl —a powerful synthetic opioid which, when rapidly absorbed through the oral mucosa (along with being slowly absorbed through the GI ...
... is very addictive. Fentanyl has a strong addiction potential because it is 50-100 times more potent than morphine, has a quick onset of action, and has a short duration of effects (so continued effect requires repeated ... continue reading -
AmeRxica’s Most Medicated
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, over 54 million people have used prescription medication non-medically - effectively more than 20 percent of the population aged 12 and older. When our doctor puts pen to paper and hands us a ...
... lethal dosage, making it 80 to 100 times stronger than morphine. From 2014 to 2015, the death rate from fentanyl ( ... some of the highest concentrations of methadone and suboxone distribution - drugs used to help treat the ... continue reading -
Using Painkillers When Pregnant
Prescription painkillers, or opioids, are commonly used to treat pain. Opioid painkillers include drugs such as hydrocodone (Vicodin), oxycodone (OxyContin), codeine, and morphine. In addition to their inclusion in the many opioid analgesic ...
... minimizing noise around the baby. When babies are born with severe NAS, they may need medicines such as morphine and methadone to help treat their withdrawal symptoms. In some cases, a second medicine such as clonidine ... continue reading -
Actiq Fentanyl Lollipop Addiction
Fentanyl is a prescription medication that doctors prescribe to treat pain. Fentanyl is also manufactured and sold illegally. The powerful, synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. 1 In its prescription form, fentanyl is ...
... a flavored medication. 3 Fentanyl rapidly crosses the blood-brain barrier and produces effects similar to morphine. 2 Actiq Misuse Prescription drugs, including Actiq, can be misused in several ways, including: 4 Taking ... continue reading -
20 Genius Minds and the Drugs They Were Addicted To
Intelligence doesn't preclude people taking drugs any more than fame does. When those who are under stress need to relax, some turn to drugs or drink as an escape from reality. Others do it because they believe it enhances their creativity or allows ...
... . Freud was aware of cocaine's uses as an anesthetic, but he also claimed it cured a friend's morphine addiction —one that was demonstrated not to be true a few months later. Freud would also regularly take cocaine ... continue reading -
Get the Facts on Substance Abuse
Substance abuse is a major issue in the United States. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 40.3 million people aged 12 or older had a substance use disorder (SUD) in 2020—with 28.3 million struggling with an ...
... million people aged 12 or older abused these medications at least once in 2017. 3 Opioids—including morphine, OxyContin (oxycodone), and Vicodin (hydrocodone)—killed almost 50,000 Americans as a result of an overdose in ... continue reading -
Buprenorphine for Addiction Treatment
Opioid addiction can be very difficult to overcome, especially due to severe withdrawal symptoms and cravings that can occur during the recovery process. Buprenorphine is a prescription medication that is used to treat opioid withdrawal symptoms, ...
... less of a high than other opioids such as morphine, as well as causing less potent opioid withdrawal side ... alone or a combination of buprenorphine/naloxone ( Suboxone , Subutex , Zubsolv). Buccal or sublingual films ... continue reading -
12 of the Most Addictive Drugs
Addiction affects millions of lives in the U.S. It is a chronic disease that frequently includes cycles of relapse and remission, and it is progressive without treatment or participation in recovery work. It is characterized by being unable to ...
... opioid withdrawal symptoms , reduce opioid cravings, and block the effects of heroin and other opioids. 9 ... Some common prescription opioids include oxycodone, morphine, hydrocodone, fentanyl, oxymorphone, and codeine ... continue reading -
Shocking Threats Swirl Around Tramadol Abuse
Though Tramadol hasn't yet achieved the publicity other opioids have in the states, it sure is making waves abroad. Earlier this month, it was revealed that tramadol, an addictive synthetic painkiller believed to be as powerful as morphine , is ...
... this month, it was revealed that tramadol, an addictive synthetic painkiller believed to be as powerful as morphine , is claiming more lives in Northern Ireland than any other drug - including heroin and cocaine. And ... continue reading -
Record-Breaking Number of Overdoses Traced Back to Bad Heroin
A dangerous batch of heroin circulating throughout the city of Chicago has caused a record-breaking 74 overdoses in the span of just three days. When the numbers began to climb at such an astonishing rate, medical professionals began to suspect a ...
... , a frighteningly strong opiate narcotic. Fentanyl is used in extreme situations; it's 50 times more powerful than morphine. Combined with heroin, it's a concoction that can be deadly. As an opiate, fentanyl produces a ... continue reading -
Opiates, Overdose and Permanent Brain Damage
Permanent brain damage due to an opiate overdose is a very real, life-altering consequence of opiate abuse . The dramatic increase of opiate-related deaths is now demanding public attention, but the consequence of permanent brain damage remains ...
... the risks involved with an overdose. How An Overdose Causes Brain Damage Opiates and opioids (heroin, morphine, OxyContin, Fentanyl) are depressants, meaning the drugs slow down your breathing and heart rate. As such ... continue reading -
Could This Inexpensive Medication Reduce Your Withdrawal Symptoms?
Withdrawal. It's a huge hurdle on the path to recovery. Those struggling to leave opioids behind know they'll eventually have to face the intimidating mental and physical effects of withdrawal. It's a powerful and frightening thought. Some of the ...
... rats which had been given two potent opioids, morphine and fentanyl . The team identified the glycoprotein, ... these symptoms, the team tested a drug already proven to block the effects of pannexin-1 called, Probenecid. It's ... continue reading -
Opioid Addiction: Treatment and Rehab
If you or a loved one abuses opioids, you should know that opioid addiction treatment can be a beneficial and potentially life-saving intervention. 1 It can be challenging and uncomfortable to stop using opioids on your own. 2 Opioid rehab can help ...
... . This medication is a full opioid agonist that works on the same opioid receptors in the brain as heroin, morphine, and other opioid pain medications. It does so more slowly than other opioids, in a way that doesn't ... continue reading -
4 Physical Signs You're Addicted to Ritalin
Ritalin is a stimulant drug used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and narcolepsy. It's classified by the Drug Enforcement Administration as a Schedule II narcotic—meaning it's in the same ...
... by the Drug Enforcement Administration as a Schedule II narcotic—meaning it's in the same class as cocaine, morphine and amphetamines. By some accounts, the number of 26- to 34-year-olds taking drugs like Ritalin rose ... continue reading -
9 Mind-Blowing Facts About W-18
Just when we thought things couldn't get any worse than fentanyl … The street-drug market has a new player - and it's even deadlier than previous killers. W-18 won't deliver a great high; it will, however, deliver death. Introducing W-18 Here are ...
... tested on lab mice. Deadly Potency: W-18 is 100 times stronger than fentanyl. Fentanyl is 100 times stronger than morphine . This makes W-18 10,000 times stronger than classic opiates. Contact Kill: “You only need a tiny ... continue reading -
Injecting Drugs: 9 Hidden Dangers
Did you know that injecting drugs into your body can increase your risk for a number of health problems? Additionally, did you know that injection-related injuries not only include bruising, scarring, and venous injury, but also infectious diseases ...
... in the user when compared to standard intravenous (IV) injection by 5 times. Stronger drugs such as morphine and fentanyl are commonly injected using the skin popping method. Puffy Hand Syndrome Some PWIDs may experience ... continue reading -
Hydrocodone Overdose
Hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic opioid that is prescribed for moderate to severe pain or as a cough suppressant. 1 There are many generic versions of hydrocodone on the market; the most common generic brand is Lortab and before its discontinuation, ...
... opioid with opiate-like effects that are similar to morphine. At this time, Naloxone is the only FDA- ... works by binding to the opioid receptors to both reverse and block the effects of opioids. 2 Naloxone comes in a nasal ... continue reading -
Lorazepam Overdose
Lorazepam—a benzodiazepine also known by the brand name Ativan—is a drug commonly prescribed to alleviate symptoms of anxiety. Due to its ability to produce feelings of calmness and relaxation, lorazepam has a high potential for abuse . It is ...
... slowed breathing. Unresponsiveness. Coma. Death, especially if combined with opioid drugs , such as codeine or morphine. Even just a few of these symptoms may indicate that someone has overdosed on lorazepam. Risk ... continue reading -
I’m Having Opiate Withdrawals – Am I Addicted?
Shelly's knee surgery went great. The doctor said she'd be running again in no time. Before she'd be ready for her next 5K, she'd have to endure some fairly intense pain and a lot of physical therapy. While in the hospital, Shelly received regular ...
... to get more pills.” The Facts About Withdrawal If you take opiates (like oxycodone , tramadol , fentanyl or morphine ) every day for more than four weeks, there's a good possibility you'll develop some degree of physical ... continue reading -
Newsflash: Tramadol Really is an Opiate
For years, tramadol was thought of as a safe alternative to opiates . It was viewed as less habit-forming and easier to tolerate than its “stronger” counterparts like oxycodone. Doctors handed out free samples of Ultram (tramadol's brand name), ...
... with opioid receptors in the central nervous system and blocks pain signals. So, what did change? Awareness ... Structurally similar to other opiates like codeine and morphine , tramadol is dangerous. People have experienced ... continue reading -
Am I Addicted to Painkillers? How Can I Quit Safely?
If you've been taking painkillers for an extended time, particularly after the pain that originally prompted their use has subsided, you might well wonder whether you're addicted to painkillers. Though many people take painkillers following a ...
... the drug to work properly. Over time, you can become addicted to opioid-based painkillers such as Vicodin , morphine , or OxyContin . Opioids, which come from the opium plant, are also the basis for certain illegal drugs ... continue reading -
Effects of Alcohol and Drugs on the Male and Female Reproductive Systems
How Do Drugs Affect the Reproductive System? Substance misuse can negatively impact the reproductive health of both sexes in several ways. It may contribute to serious health problems, such as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), infertility, and ...
... , seizures, and stomach problems. Infants with NAS may be treated with small amounts of methadone or morphine in order to gradually wean them off the drugs. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality National ... continue reading -
The 5 Most Dangerous Painkiller Myths
While painkiller use is widespread, there is a vast amount of false information surrounding them. Unfortunately, many people begin using opioid painkillers knowing little about them. Given few details about these drugs - how they work, when to take ...
... that of heroin . Examples of opioid pain medications include: Hydrocodone (Vicodin, Lortab). Oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet). Morphine . Codeine . Methadone . The substances work to change the perception of pain in the ... continue reading -
How to Help an Opana Addict
How to Approach an Opana Addict Opana is the brand name for oxymorphone, a semi-synthetic opioid painkiller . Over the past decade, increased availability of painkillers has fueled an epidemic of opioid abuse around the world. In the US, an ...
... a semi-synthetic opioid analgesic with roughly 5 times the potency of morphine. It is used solely for the management of moderate to severe ... Oxycodone Oxycontin Painkiller Percocet Suboxone Subutex Tramadol Tussionex Valium ... continue reading -
Effects of Drugs on the Brain: Impact of Drugs on Neurotransmitters
For many people, addiction can be difficult to understand. Understanding how drugs affect the brain can help shed some light on how a person develops an addiction. This article will discuss how various drugs affect the chemistry of the brain and ...
... drugs, like cocaine and many antidepressants, block transporters so that neurotransmitters stay in the ... -known illicit and prescription opioids include: Heroin . Morphine . Oxycodone ( OxyContin ). Percocet . Hydrocodone . ... continue reading -
Snorting Tramadol
Tramadol is a medication prescribed to treat moderate to moderately severe pain in adults and, in its extended release forms, to manage certain chronic pain conditions. Similar to other pain medications like oxycodone, morphine, and hydrocodone, ...
... forms, to manage certain chronic pain conditions. Similar to other pain medications like oxycodone, morphine, and hydrocodone, tramadol is an opioid and primarily produces its pain-relieving effects by interacting ... continue reading -
Snorting Hydrocodone
Hydrocodone is an opioid substance used in many prescription medications to treat cough and pain. Hydrocodone is available in formulations of pure hydrocodone (Hysingla, Zohydro) or in combination with other pain relievers like ibuprofen ...
... effects similar to other opioids, including oxycodone and morphine 3. It is the most frequently prescribed opioid pain ... of medications can benefit those in recovery by blocking the effects of opioids (to deter future use ... continue reading -
Side Effects of ACTIQ Abuse
ACTIQ is a brand name for fentanyl, an extremely powerful opioid painkiller that is used only for severe pain such as breakthrough cancer pain 1 . Fentanyl is available in a number of formulations and delivery methods, including 2,3,4 : Tablets and ...
... many other opioids—between 50 and 100 stronger than morphine—so ACTIQ must be administered carefully. When people abuse ... . Antagonists can attach to opioid receptors and block the effects of opioids and in doing so ... continue reading -
Signs & Symptoms of Hydromorphone Abuse
Hydromorphone is a prescription medication used for the long-term treatment of moderate to severe pain that cannot be managed by other pain medicines or non-pharmacologic options. Hydromorphone is an opioid pain medication that is available as a(n) ...
... will last for about 5 hours , and the drug has a potency that is several times greater than morphine 2 . While the opioid effects will be similar, substances containing hydromorphone are more potent than many other ... continue reading -
Alcohol Overdose Symptoms and Treatment
Alcohol misuse is prevalent across the country and consequences of alcohol abuse can be felt on an individual and societal level. Alcohol misuse and excessive alcohol use include both binge drinking and heavy drinking. The Centers for Disease ...
... . The amount of food you have eaten. Your tolerance level. Combining alcohol and opioids (morphine and oxycodone). Drinking alcohol while taking antihistamines. Using sleep medication and/or anti-anxiety medication ... continue reading -
Overdosed
The United States is experiencing an epidemic of drug overdose deaths: every year, nearly 44,000 lives are tragically lost, with more than half of the fatalities caused by prescription drugs. We've analyzed the latest government data to find out why ...
... . Prescription opioid analgesics, such as hydrocodone (e.g., Vicodin, Lortab), oxycodone (e.g., OxyContin, Percocet), morphine, and codeine, are used to control pain and are highly addictive. In fact, 73% of prescription ... continue reading -
Lethal Drug Combinations to Avoid
What Are the Deadliest Drug Combos? Combining drugs (“polysubstance abuse”) is both common and potentially dangerous. There are various reasons why individuals use substances in combination. For some, the activity is done haphazardly, without ...
... derive from opiate precursor substances such as morphine and thebaine. Common synthetic opioids are prescription ... use results, in part, from the stimulant drug blocking the reabsorption of extra dopamine from the synaptic ... continue reading -
Drug Use and the Pancreas: What Medications Affect the Pancreas?
The pancreas plays a major role in the body's digestive system. From blood sugar regulation to digestion, the pancreas is constantly hard at work. However, the pancreas can become inflamed and, over time, accumulate scarring and damage as a result ...
... and different types of medicines to treat your symptoms. Additionally, doctors may prescribe opioids —such as morphine —to relieve pain. Effects of Pancreatitis The effects of pancreatitis can be severe. People suffering ... continue reading -
Can You Overdose on Painkillers?
Some of the most predominantly prescribed pain management medications are opioid analgesics (painkillers). These prescription drugs interact with opioid receptors throughout the brain, initiating a chain of events that ultimately brings pain relief ...
... been the recent appearance of fentanyl on the streets—an opioid analgesic 80-100 times more potent than morphine and much more potent than even heroin. Fentanyl has been linked with numerous fatalities in the northeast ... continue reading -
Fentanyl Abuse Symptoms, Effects, and Addiction Treatment
What Is Fentanyl Used For? Fentanyl is a synthetic opiate pain reliever. It's typically prescribed to patients for severe pain or injury , or after they have undergone surgery. It works quickly to eliminate any pain in the body. However, it can also ...
... can also be very addictive. Fentanyl is much more potent than heroin and 100x more potent than morphine . Fentanyl was originally synthesized by Paul Janssen of Janssen Pharmaceuticals in 1960. It works to relieve pain ... continue reading -
Opana: The New Opiate of Choice Among Addicts?
In 1995, the Food and Drug Administration approved the opioid OxyContin for treating chronic pain. The drug netted a quick $45 million in sales its first year on the market. Ten years later, sales of OxyContin ballooned to $3.1 billion and the ...
... . Opana vs. Oxycontin: What You Need to Know Interacting with the brain's opiate receptors, much like morphine or heroin , Opana, otherwise known as oxymorphone, is a prescription pain medication that provides a “rush ... continue reading -
Free, National, and 24-Hour Narcotics Hotline Numbers and Resources
Call American Addiction Centers (AAC) free at What Are Narcotics? Narcotics, commonly referred to as opioid pain relievers, are only used for severe pain if other pain relievers do not help. 1 The drugs not only help relieve severe pain but also ...
... . Pain-relieving, euphoria-inducing opioids such as morphine, oxycodone, heroin, and others are misused every ... as part of your treatment (e.g. methadone or Suboxone)? What Should I Prepare When Calling a Narcotics Hotline ... continue reading -
Naltrexone for Addiction Treatment: Side Effects and Rehabilitation
Successful addiction treatment can be life-changing, and medication for addiction treatment (MAT) is an effective tool that can promote both abstinence and long-term recovery. Naltrexone is one medication in the MAT armamentarium that is highly ...
... It works in the brain by binding to and blocking opioid receptor activation to diminish the rewarding effects of alcohol ... , take opioid medications (such as codeine , morphine , hydrocodone , and oxycodone ), or use ... continue reading -
Mixing Alcohol With Drugs
Mixing alcohol with prescription drugs or illicit drugs (known as polysubstance use), can have dangerous health effects that many people may not realize. Since alcohol is such a commonly used substance, it's even more important to understand how it ...
... painkillers , such as oxycodone , hydrocodone , or morphine , are combined with alcohol, some of the amplified ... Painkiller Percocet Phenobarbital Ritalin Soma Suboxone Subutex Tramadol Ultram Vicodin Xanax Mixing ... continue reading -
Effects of Hydromorphone Abuse: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
What Is Hydromorphone Used For? Hydromorphone (brand names: Dilaudid, Exalgo) is a powerful semi-synthetic opioid painkiller used in both hospital settings and as part of a long-term treatment regimen for significant pain in opioid-tolerant ...
... similar to that of many other opioids (such as morphine and heroin ). 3 When the substance enters the system ... period of 6 months. Another medication— naltrexone —will block the effects of opioids, but it should only be ... continue reading -
Is Fentanyl Abuse More Deadly Than Heroin?
Fentanyl, a drug previously unheard of by many, has become notorious in recent years due to the spike in overdose deaths from heroin laced with the potent prescription narcotic. It gained even more notoriety when the April 2016 death of iconic ...
... From? Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. The FDA approves this powerful painkiller for 1 , 2 : Use before surgery as an adjunct to anesthesia ... continue reading -
Roxy Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment
What Is Roxicodone Used For? Roxicodone (often called “roxies,” “roxy,” or “blues”) is one of the brand names for oxycodone —a powerful opioid prescription painkiller. Roxicodone is prescribed to alleviate pain that cannot be managed ...
... pain that cannot be managed by non-opioid pain relievers. As a potent semi-synthetic opiate derived from morphine, 2 Roxicodone produces effects similar to those of heroin (e.g. euphoria and sedation)—especially when it ... continue reading -
5 Genius Minds Who Dabbled in Drugs
For hundreds and thousands of years, human beings have experimented with drugs. Some people used illicit substances to celebrate the gods; some used drugs to “communicate” with the other side. As time went on, people began using drugs for a ...
... to his fiancée, Freud said: “I expect (cocaine) will win its place in therapeutics by the side of morphine … I take very small doses of it regularly against depression and against indigestion and with the most brilliant ... continue reading -
Legalizing Marijuana Decreases Fatal Opiate Overdoses, Study Shows
According to the American Academy of Pain Medicine, more than 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain. In an effort to relieve that constant pain, the number of opiate prescriptions has nearly doubled over the last decade. Today, opiates like ...
... prescriptions has nearly doubled over the last decade. Today, opiates like hydrocodone , oxycodone , and morphine flood the streets, driving up addiction rates and fatal opiate overdoses. The Centers for Disease Control ... continue reading -
Yes, Suboxone is Sober & The Truth About Suboxone
In 2014, almost 2 million Americans abused or were dependent on prescription pain medication. During that same time, as many as one in four people who received opioids for treatment of long-term pain in primary care settings struggled with an opioid ...
... counseling and behavior therapies. When undergoing MAT, specifically Suboxone, the prescribed medication performs several functions, including: Blocking the euphoric effects of opioids Relieving physiological cravings ... continue reading -
Suboxone Debate: What Is the Big Problem with Buprenorphine?
When it comes to this nation's chemical dependence, few drugs have achieved the notoriety and reputation of opioid drugs. In fact, things have spiraled so far out of control that opiate addiction is now considered an epidemic. Despite leaving a ...
... brings on withdrawal symptoms when other opiates are used. And if Suboxone tablets are crushed, injected or snorted, the naloxone blocks its effects and quickly throws users into withdrawal. 1 Although buprenorphine is ... continue reading -
Good News: Dr. Reddy's Will Produce a Cheaper Generic Form of Suboxone
Suboxone—a medication used to treat opioid use disorder—is sadly inaccessible to a lot of people due to one simple factor: cost. But this is about to change. Last month, a supplier of generic drugs—Dr. Reddy's Laboratories—was allowed by a ...
... pricey, especially without insurance. This unaffordable sum blocks access to medication-assisted treatment for people in desperate need of help. Despite this, Suboxone manufacturers Indivior have until this recent court ... continue reading -
The Vicious Attack Against Suboxone Continues
Buprenorphine, the generic name for Suboxone, is a medication used to treat opiate dependence - it helps minimize withdrawal symptoms. It's often an essential part of a person's recovery plan, mainly due to its accessibility. Users can attain it ...
... it's legal or not, refusing a legitimate prescription is blocking your access to treatment. If you or someone you know are refused Suboxone, contact your prescribing physician or your treatment program case manager ... continue reading -
Warning: 3 Dangerous Suboxone Interactions to Avoid
Suboxone is a popular, prescription-only drug that effectively suppresses opioid cravings and reduces the symptoms of opioid withdrawal. Although Suboxone has assisted thousands of individuals struggling with opioid addiction, the drug is not ...
... full dose of an opioid was taken, naloxone then blocks the brain's opioid receptors, immediately eliminating the pleasurable effects of the buprenorphine . Since Suboxone does include an opioid, taking other drugs while ... continue reading -
7 Really Smart Ways to Save Money on Suboxone
A couple of weeks ago, I saw a Facebook post from an acquaintance of mine lamenting about the exorbitant price of Suboxone. I'd known her to have a problem with opiates in the past, but it seemed like she was doing all the right things to get her ...
A couple of weeks ago, I saw a Facebook post from an acquaintance of mine lamenting about the exorbitant price of Suboxone. I'd known her to have a problem with opiates in the past, but it seemed like she was doing all ... continue reading -
Methadone and Suboxone: What’s the Difference Anyway?
An estimated 1.9 million people in the U.S. are addicted to prescription opioid drugs. Although there is no magical drug to treat opiate addiction, as part of a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) approach, there are a handful of treatment ...
... give rise to very unpleasant and severe withdrawal symptoms , which will make you want to stop abusing the drug. Suboxone comes in the form of a tablet and a dissolvable film that is placed under the tongue. How Do I ... continue reading -
Should We Offer Suboxone in Jails and Prisons?
Of the hundreds of thousands of people entering our country's jails and prisons each year, an estimated 15% are addicted to opiates, according to a 2009 study. However, a majority of these facilities don't provide a single medication or moment of ...
... re released and help them stick to a treatment plan. Plus, it would cut down on the amount of Suboxone being smuggled into prisons and jails. Buprenorphine is currently the most common contraband drug found in prison and ... continue reading -
The Other Side of Suboxone
It's become a commonly prescribed medical treatment for opioid addiction . In some cases, doctors prescribe Suboxone with the intention of stabilize those struggling with continued, compulsive abuse of illicit or prescription opioids to then, one ...
... from experiencing the effects of an opioid drug. 4 The combination is designed to discourage users from abusing Suboxone by methods such as dissolving the drug in solution for injection since they will not achieve a high ... continue reading -
How to Get Off Suboxone: 3 Steps to Take When Quitting
Approved by the FDA in 2002, buprenorphine—brand name Suboxone and Zubsolv—is now the “go-to” drug for medication-assisted treatment with opiate addiction. Unlike methadone treatment, it can be prescribed by physicians in the comfort of ...
... a full opioid like heroin or methadone. The effects only increase to a certain extent. At moderate doses, Suboxone's effects level off. If you continue to take more, it doesn't create any additional effects. This reduces ... continue reading -
San Francisco Mayor Proposes Drug Distribution to Homeless
For San Francisco, the statistics related to opioid abuse are staggering: The Department of Public Health estimates there are 11,000 people addicted to heroin in San Francisco. It is estimated that thousands of these individuals are homeless. The ...
... hit the streets, giving homeless people buprenorphine. Buprenorphine, more commonly known by its brands name Suboxone, blocks opioid receptors in the brain and prevents opioid cravings. That means people can't feel the ... continue reading -
Why Don’t We Have Addiction Vaccines?
After three decades of research, people with addiction still have few medication options. While there are a handful of modestly effective FDA-approved drugs to treat alcohol, nicotine and opioid-use disorders, there are none at all for cocaine, ...
... you want it to reduce craving and you want it to block the high.” No current medication can do all three things . ... rate of recovery. (This is why methadone and Suboxone are essential medicines.) The labs of Dr. Kim ... continue reading -
Heroin Addiction Treatment Centers and Rehab Programs
Heroin addiction can negatively impact certain aspects of your life and have dangerous health repercussions. Here, we will help you understand heroin addiction, how addiction is treated, and what you should know about heroin rehab centers, including ...
... combines buprenorphine with naloxone is available as Suboxone ; naloxone is included in the formulation ... opioid agonist that blocks the action of opioids. It is used to diminish cravings and block the euphoric potential ... continue reading -
Harm Reduction
The concept of 'harm reduction' refers to a set of policies, programs, and practices that aim to reduce the health, social, and economic consequences of drug and alcohol abuse. 1,2 Strategies might include providing a safe environment for heroin use ...
... opioid drug. Other treatment drugs (e.g. naltrexone and naloxone —the latter a component of Suboxone ) are opioid antagonists, and will block the effects of opioid misuse . 9 MAT can make it easier for people who are ... continue reading -
Chicken vs. Egg: Which Came First, Heroin or OxyContin Addiction?
For centuries, people have debated one age old question: which came first, the chicken or the egg? While both sides of this argument have their valid points, the question itself has evolved, making its way into other areas of society, including the ...
... system, which is the area that controls emotions. Block the transmission of pain signals that are normally delivered ... about medication -assisted detox. After drugs like Suboxone and Subutex hit the market and exploded in ... continue reading -
Ryan Haight Act Stands in the Way of Buprenorphine Telehealth
It's against state and federal law to use telehealth (remote medical services) to obtain buprenorphine for the first time. Buprenorphine is a medication used to treat opioid use disorder, often known by its brand names—Suboxone and Subutex. This ...
... for the first time. Buprenorphine is a medication used to treat opioid use disorder, often known by its brand names—Suboxone and Subutex. This law is known as the Ryan Haight Act, which is upheld by the DEA—and also ... continue reading -
Naltrexone Side Effects, Use in Addiction Treatment, and Rehab Programs
For those struggling with alcohol or opioid addiction, what's commonly referred to as MAT—short for medication-assisted treatment or medication for addiction treatment—can help people quit drinking and using drugs to maintain long-term sobriety. ...
... relatively lower doses than those previously used. While naltrexone is being used, attempts to overcome its receptor blocking effects and get high by using large amounts of opioids also pose the risk of opioid toxicity ... continue reading -
IV Drug Abuse: 3 Potentially Deadly IV Injection Sites
The dangers of intravenous drug use are well documented. Although most available information focuses on the very high risk of overdose and the diseases associated with sharing needles (both very real dangers), injecting drugs can also be incredibly ...
... locations, such as abscesses and collapsed veins, an abscess in the neck puts serious pressure on nerves and can block your air passage. Nerve damage to the neck can also result in vocal chord paralysis. In addition, if ... continue reading -
Vivitrol's New and Controversial Role in Prisons
When I was in prison, the majority of inmates struggled with substance abuse. And because the prison system did very little (if anything at all) to rehabilitate us, it wasn't unusual for those who were released to almost immediately overdose or ...
... free world.” Vivitrol and the Prison System Vivitrol blocks opioid receptors in the brain, preventing an euphoric ... 000, whereas methadone is roughly $350 per month and Suboxone is around $400. There's also the issue of ... continue reading -
7 Things to Know About Quitting Opioids
Opioids are used by millions of Americans. It seems that every day a news article is being shared on television or the Internet about opioid misuse, addiction, and, unfortunately, overdose. With new information emerging each year from research and ...
... will prescribe you. Both methadone and buprenorphine (Suboxone, Subutex) are long-acting medications that are taken ... prevent relapse. It produces no opioid effects and blocks the effects of opioids for 24-48 hours. Some ... continue reading -
Tramadol Overdose Symptoms and Treatment
Tramadolis the generic name for the drug Ultram, which is an opioid painkiller medication prescribed to treat moderate to moderately severe pain in adults. 1 Opioid medications have a high addiction potential, and overdose can be deadly—in fact, a ...
... the effects of opioids, naloxone , may be administered. 7 Naloxone can quickly block and reverse the dangerous effects of opioid overdose , which may save the person's life. Overdose prevention begins with professional ... continue reading -
Side Effects of Demerol Use: Short-Term Effects, Long-Term Effects and Treatment
What Is Demerol Used For? Demerol is a prescription opioid painkiller with effects similar to those of the illicit opiate drug heroin, including the production of a pleasant, euphoric state among those who use it. Demerol is a branded formulation of ...
... produces similar but weaker effects when compared to opiate drugs. Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist that blocks the pleasurable effects of Demerol to promote abstinence. Clonidine is typically prescribed for high blood ... continue reading -
Vivitrol for Alcohol and Opioid Addiction Treatment
Vivitrol is the brand name for extended-release naltrexone, an injectable treatment for alcohol use disorder and opioid use disorder. Addiction to a substance, or a substance use disorder (SUD), is a chronic, lifelong disorder. 1 Long-term ...
... . This means you don't have to worry about the temptation to misuse it. 4 No physical dependence: Vivitrol blocks the opioid receptors and does not carry any risk for physical dependence. 2 If you decide to stop using it ... continue reading -
Side Effects of Tussionex Abuse
Tussionex, a prescription cough medicine, contains a mixture of hydrocodone (an opioid pain reliever) and chlorpheniramine (an antihistamine). In 2008, the FDA issued an alert regarding the dangers of misusing Tussionex, stating that abusing it can ...
... also be used as long-term maintenance and may be given in combination with naloxone (as Suboxone). Naltrexone: Blocks the euphoric effects of Tussionex and helps to prevent relapse. Other medications: Your physician may ... continue reading -
7 Shocking Ways Drugs are Smuggled into Prisons
A Cincinnati woman and her incarcerated boyfriend are now facing criminal charges after she reportedly tried to smuggle a Bible laced with heroin into the prison. Tehani Teepe, 39, and Timothy King, 28, were charged with illegal conveyance of ...
... to the prison. Sarah Laurito sent her lover letters - letters that just so happened to contain Suboxone-laced stamps - which were worth far more than the normal postage fees. The boyfriend reportedly instructed her ... continue reading -
Take My Breath Away: A Deadly Warning About Opiates
You've just taken an opioid painkiller . The medication travels to your brain, making the pain sensations stop. The same opiates also make you feel much calmer, offering up a bonus anti-depressing effect. And that's the good news. The bad news is ...
... interact with the brain and stop your breathing, they can conduct additional studies and figure out how to block the lethal interaction. Ultimately, they hope to develop new drugs that can be prescribed with painkillers ... continue reading -
Methadone Withdrawal Symptoms, Detox, Timeline, and Treatment
Methadone is a medication that is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD). It is also sometimes used to manage chronic pain. 1 An OUD is a chronic brain disease characterized by a ...
... opioid that can reduce or eliminate opioid withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings for opioids, and blunt or block the euphoria-producing effects of other opioids in someone who is physiologically dependent on opioids. 1,3 ... continue reading -
IV Drug Use: Signs, Dangers, and Treatment
Injection is a method used by individuals who misuse drugs to obtain a quick and powerful effect. 1 Intravenous (IV) injection, or injection into a vein, is the practice referred to throughout this article as IV drug use. Injection into a vein or ...
... . Injection into the legs (and sometimes the arms) can lead to blood clots that gather in the veins and block circulation. This may cause swelling and ulcers on the limbs (usually one leg) and become life-threatening if ... continue reading -
Opioid Relapse Rates, Prevention and Recovery
Opioid addiction is a chronic relapse disease, meaning that many people who initially find recovery may experience times when they return to past behaviors and usage. This is especially common with opioids, as many nations in North America are ...
... the road to recovery to relapse at least once. Many view relapse as a significant, yet not insurmountable, stumbling block. It's all part of the recovery process and, should relapse occur, it need not fuel the idea that ... continue reading -
Cocaine Relapse Warning Signs, Prevention, and Addiction Treatment
Why Is Cocaine So Addictive? According to the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), approximately 1.3 million Americans met the criteria for cocaine addiction as outlined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ...
... as if they've been given a green light for unbridled cocaine use. Rather, relapse is a stumbling block to longer-term recovery and should signal to the individual that some changes need to be made—renewed engagement ... continue reading
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