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Dosing Opiates While On Suboxone

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  • Medications for Addiction Treatment

    Addiction is a chronic and complex, but treatable disease. Like other chronic diseases, such as heart disease, it can be managed under the guidance of a trained clinician, with a variety of addiction treatment approaches available that are ...

    ... is also known by the brand names Subutex and Suboxone . It acts upon the opioid receptors in the body ... in which it reacts chemically if a person ingests alcohol while on it, causing a severe reaction of flushing, nausea, ... continue reading
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  • Concurrent Suboxone and Alcohol Abuse

    About Alcohol and Suboxone Alcohol Alcohol is the most commonly abused substance by both teenagers and adults in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). In fact, the CDC found that in any given month, 25% of high ...

    ... off of opioids altogether, while minimizing withdrawal effects. Suboxone is a a common medication used as part of MAT for opiate/opioid addiction and consists of: Buprenorphine —An opiate-derived substance that produces ... 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 ...

    ... estimated 15% are addicted to opiates, according to a 2009 ... on making buprenorphine available in correctional systems, citing funding and logistics concerns. For instance, methadone costs 40 cents a dose, while Suboxone ... continue reading
  • You Are Not Alone.

    DrugAbuse.com is a subsidiary of American Addiction Centers (AAC). We are here to help you understand your addiction treatment options

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  • 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 ...

    ... used to treat pain and reduce fevers. In large doses it can be harmful or fatal. This drug was removed ... the tongue. Learn about the effects of Suboxone use and the Suboxone detox and withdrawal process . What Is Subutex ... continue reading
  • Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms, Detox, and Addiction Treatment

    What Helps With Heroin Withdrawal? Heroin is an illicitly manufactured opioid drug and morphine derivative. Both the pain-relieving and the pleasurable properties of heroin are initiated through the drug's interaction with opioid receptors in the ...

    ... drugs (methadone, buprenorphine, Suboxone) will be delivered on a tapered schedule, meaning ... clear your body of drugs and begin a new, healthy life. While it is possible to detox alone , the heroin withdrawal syndrome can ... 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 ...

    ... supportive and not simply dismiss them as excuses. However, while addicted individuals need emotional support, they also need the kind ... Methadone Opana Opiate Oxycodone Oxycontin Painkiller Percocet Suboxone Subutex ... continue reading
  • Why Is Heroin So Addictive?

    Despite its dangers and reputation for harm, use of heroin continues to escalate in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Rates of heroin use have increased across gender, socioeconomic status, age group, ...

    ... that wreaks havoc on a user's physical health and livelihood. Someone struggling with an opiate use disorder—as ... hazardous (e.g. while driving). Becoming tolerant to the drug (needing increasing doses to get the same ... 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 ...

    ... counterpart can decrease by 70-80% in just a few weeks. There's also a financial impact on the revenue of Suboxone once the generic version becomes available, as there's the potential to lose its monopolization of the ... 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 ...

    ... lamenting about the exorbitant price of Suboxone. I'd known her to have a problem with opiates in the past, but it ... sites, I found online, the average retail price for each dose can range from $4-19 per day, with the lower ... 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 ...

    Buprenorphine, the generic name for Suboxone, is a medication used to treat opiate dependence - it helps minimize ... Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) cracked down on both Walgreens and CVS, fining them millions ... 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 ...

    ... medications, such as methadone . Suboxone Doesn't Work The opiate withdrawal process can be painful ... patients are able to remain abstinent for a full year).Suboxone, on the other hand, offers a less traumatic way to get ... 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 ...

    ... 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 on ... 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 ...

    ... always happen that way. The Scoop on Suboxone Like heroin and other opioids, Suboxone has its own risks, side effects, ... depends on the degree of physiological dependence, which itself develops as a factor of dose and ... 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 ...

    ... Suboxone and Zubsolv—is now the “go-to” drug for medication-assisted treatment with opiate addiction ... only increase to a certain extent. At moderate doses, Suboxone's effects level off. If you continue to take more ... 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 ...

    ... to treat opioid use disorder, often known by its brand names—Suboxone and Subutex. This law is known as the Ryan Haight Act, ... but we've been hearing that for quite a while now.” In the meantime, treatment options in Utah ... 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 ...

    ... whether you may have an unhealthy dependence on opiates. This class of drug encompasses both illicit ... problematic usage of medication Suboxone, a drug containing the opioid buprenorphine. While this assessment does not ... 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, ...

    ... buprenorphine alone or a combination of buprenorphine/naloxone ( Suboxone , Subutex , Zubsolv). Buccal or sublingual films ... . Buprenorphine acts on the brain to reduce symptoms of withdrawal while reducing cravings during ... 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, ...

    ... Methadone and buprenorphine (Suboxone) are FDA-approved substitute medications, while naltrexone is approved to ... the clinic (as opposed to animals) may cast doubt on the viability of the vaccine project. Nicotine : After ... continue reading
  • How to Help a Painkillers Addict

    Help for Painkiller Addicts Painkillers are routinely prescribed in the United States for the management of pain , but not all of them are addictive. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often prescribed for the treatment of mild to ...

    ... , show compassion and avoid blame or judgment. While you can express disapproval for the substance use, ... withdrawal. For example, methadone and Suboxone are options for opiate withdrawal. Once detox is complete, addiction ... 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 five years in prison if convicted on the charge. Smugglers Get Creative…and Busted But while a Bible may seem like an ... - letters that just so happened to contain Suboxone-laced stamps - which were worth far more than ... 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 ...

    ... Buprenorphine, more commonly known by its brands name Suboxone, blocks opioid receptors in the brain and ... a one-week supply, rather than the typical daily dose of methadone. As with methadone, buprenorphine must be taken ... continue reading
  • Cocaine Addiction: Have Scientists Finally Found a Cure?

    The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that an estimated 1.5 million Americans use cocaine. In 2015, our nation saw more than 6,700 cocaine-related deaths. Research indicates that around 40% of drug-related emergency department visits involve ...

    ... produce perceived positive effects on mood, motivation, and ... Suboxone, and Vivitrol—in conjunction with therapy —are used to ease opioid withdrawal symptoms and lessen cravings. While the treatment options for opiate ... 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 ...

    ... be opiate positive, less likely to be incarcerated and more likely to be working,” Feinstein said. Arguments on Both ... A single dose costs around $1,000, whereas methadone is roughly $350 per month and Suboxone is around ... 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 ...

    ... . 1 Some people may require more than one dose, depending on the type of opioid they used, but this ... recover from OUD. 4 Medications such as buprenorphine (Suboxone, Subutex), methadone, and naltrexone (Vivitrol) are FDA ... 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 ...

    ... buprenorphine with naloxone is available as Suboxone ; naloxone is included in the ... likely pay less to a preferred provider if you have a PPO, while HMOs may require you to use hospitals or healthcare facilities that 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 ...

    ... the legal opiate, prompting its removal from the market. According to data from the 2012 National Survey on Drug Use ... about medication -assisted detox. After drugs like Suboxone and Subutex hit the market and exploded in ... 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 ... 5. Relapse Is Common Your doctor may put you on opioid maintenance treatment to prevent your chances of opioid ... 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 ...

    ... ? Are there community programs I can look into while I wait for treatment? Remember, the operator might ... part of your treatment (e.g. methadone or Suboxone)? What Should I Prepare When Calling a Narcotics Hotline ... continue reading
  • Concurrent Alcohol and Heroin Abuse

    Dangers of Abusing Alcohol and Heroin The dangerous combination of alcohol and heroin gets widespread publicity every year from tragedies that remind the public how alcohol amplifies the already powerful effects of heroin on the central nervous ...

    ... is a depressant, as is alcohol. When the body takes on a double-depressant: One's heart rate can slow to ... might be attempted. Subutex (buprenorphine) or Suboxone (buprenophrine + naloxone) may alternatively be used ... continue reading
  • How to Help Someone With Alcohol Addiction

    In the United States, alcohol use is highly prevalent. According to the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, around 138 million people, or 50% of those people aged 12 and older, reported prior month use of alcohol. 1 You may be concerned ...

    ... for alcohol misuse, as well as ways to support a loved one while they are in alcohol treatment and recovery. Signs Your Loved One Has a ... Methadone Opana Opiate Oxycodone Oxycontin Painkiller Percocet Suboxone Subutex ... continue reading
  • Alcohol Misuse and Addiction: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment

    What Is Alcohol Misuse? According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), alcohol is the most commonly used and misused substance in the United States. 1 Those who misuse alcohol are not necessarily addicted or ...

    ... of alcohol are dangerous. Drinking while pregnant is dangerous because the alcohol is passed on to the baby and can cause ... Norco Opiate Oxycodone Oxycontin Painkiller Percocet Phenobarbital Ritalin Soma Suboxone Subutex ... continue reading
  • Ways of Helping Someone With Drug or Alcohol Addiction

    Seeking Drug Addiction Help If you have a loved one who is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, it can be difficult to watch them. You may be wondering how to help them with their substance abuse issues. They might be ready to quit and ...

    ... out and using it. The person keeps taking the substance, even while knowing it causes harm to their physical or mental health . The ... Methadone Opana Opiate Oxycodone Oxycontin Painkiller Percocet Suboxone Subutex Tramadol ... continue reading
  • Drug Abuse Policies in the United States

    What Are Drug Policies in the U.S.? In America, drug policy involves the laws that control the distribution and use of both prescription and illicit drugs. From the classification of drugs according to their potential for abuse to the legalization ...

    ... Substance Abuse While the 1980s brought a hardline war on drugs to the United States, the public's opinion on that ... than Schedule I or II drugs. Examples include Suboxone , ketamine , and anabolic steroids . Schedule IV ... continue reading
  • Does Methadone Treatment Suppress Testosterone in Opioid Addicts?

    A new study out of McMaster University in Canada has found that common treatments for opioid addiction reduce the level of testosterone in men, but not in women. The research project, published in the journal Scientific Reports , collected data from ...

    ... the patients are being prescribed the lowest dose of opioids including methadone for effective treatment ... showed that the rate of death among those using Suboxone and methadone as part of opioid substitution treatment is ... continue reading
  • Effects of Roxicodone Addiction

    Roxicodone (“Roxy”) is one available brand version of oxycodone—a powerful semi-synthetic opioid painkiller. 1,2 The medicinal effect of opioids like oxycodone is brought on by a change in the way the brain and body respond to pain. Rather ...

    ... coma, and death. Some opioids like buprenorphine (Suboxone) are partial opioid agonists and have a ceiling ... the next time we're in a similar situation. While opioids are responsible for the analgesic (pain-relieving) ... continue reading
  • The Effects of Dilaudid Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects and Treatment

    Dilaudid Uses Dilaudid (hydromorphone) is an opioid analgesic prescribed to relieve pain. It is available in hospital settings as an injectable solution, or it may be prescribed in either an oral solution or tablet form. Its use is frequently ...

    ... help clients slowly taper their doses down to avoid uncomfortable and ... opiate cravings. It is often combined with naloxone (as Suboxone ), which helps prevent misuse and minimizes the risk of long-term dependence on ... continue reading
  • Here’s What You Need to Know About the Probuphine Implant

    Probuphine is the very first breakthrough buprenorphine implant. What is buprenorphine, you ask? It's a common prescription for opioid addiction treatment and it prevents withdrawal symptoms. Buprenorphine is an ingredient found in Suboxone and ...

    ... Buprenorphine is an ingredient found in Suboxone and Subutex. The Probuphine implant looks ... Take Probuphine? The implant is officially FDA-approved and currently available on the market. But the $64K question is: is it ... continue reading
  • Detoxing from OxyContin: What to Expect

    What makes OxyContin so addictive? Why does the body develop dependence on OxyContin? And if you're addicted to Oxy, how do you break the vicious cycle? Here, we will explore what the drug is, what detoxification looks like and how to identify and ...

    ... cause seizures and convulsions. While many people attempt to manage these symptoms on their own, this is ... classified as an opiate like OxyContin, and can result in a transfer of addictions. Suboxone , a combination of ... continue reading
  • Mind Over Matter: The Psychological Grip of Addiction

    For most people addicted to drugs or alcohol, the compulsive desire to use is complex. That urge is often triggered by certain environments, thoughts or past experiences. And while addiction is classically thought of as a physical dependence, the ...

    ... a week, allowing drug use to be gradually tapered. While the taper relieves some physical symptoms, it does nothing for ... include medications like acamprosate, naltrexone, Suboxone , or methadone . Medical specialists may ... continue reading
  • Painkiller Detox and Withdrawal

    Prescription painkillers are opioid medications that manage pain and, furthermore, exhibit activity throughout the brain's pleasure centers. Their interaction with opioid receptors in the brain results in a down-modification of the sensations of ...

    ... and, in a dose-dependent manner, ultimately produces feelings of euphoria . While prescription painkillers are used ... in the combination treatment drug known as Suboxone. The judicious administration of medication should ... continue reading
  • How to Help Someone With Concerta Addiction

    When you love someone with an addiction, it can be hard to understand why he or she can't just stop using overnight. Addiction can take over an individual's life and produce an all-consuming desire to continue use, despite the user wanting or ...

    ... . Talkativeness. It is particularly addictive when users: Take it in doses and/or with a frequency greater than intended. Mix it with ... Methadone Opana Opiate Oxycodone Oxycontin Painkiller Percocet Suboxone Subutex ... continue reading
  • The Effects of Norco Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment

    What Is Norco Used For? Norco is a combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone —an opiate pain medication. It is intended to relieve moderate to severe pain. Because Norco contains the narcotic hydrocodone, it can be addictive and should be used ...

    ... in high doses, can quickly damage the liver and/or be fatal. The addictive potential of an opiate with the liver ... with a medication such as buprenorphine (Suboxone(R)/Subutex(R)), along with medical supervision, in order ... continue reading
  • How to Help an Alprazolam Addict

    Help for Alprazolam Addicts Alprazolam—marketed under the brand name Xanax —is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety and panic disorders . Similar to the effects of alcohol, alprazolam works by depressing brain functions . Abuse of this drug ...

    ... are best handled in a recovery center that offers medical supervision while the person detoxes. If your loved one has asked for help ... Methadone Opana Opiate Oxycodone Oxycontin Painkiller Percocet Suboxone Subutex Tramadol ... 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, ...

    ... are long-lasting, working for up to 24 hours per dose. It is used for heroin detoxification or as part ... Ignoring the Addiction Epidemic? In addition to opiates already on the market, a number of pharmaceutical companies ... continue reading
  • Why Are Prescription Opiates So Addictive?

    Prescription opiates—such as Vicodin , Percocet , and OxyContin —are narcotic medications used for pain management. These drugs are often referred to as “opioids,” which are synthetic and semi-synthetic derivatives of the active “opiate” ...

    ... on how long the person was using for and how much they were using. It is not unheard of for cravings and other mild forms of physical and mental discomfort to persist for months after successfully quitting opiates. While ... continue reading
  • Prescription Opiates: As Addictive as Heroin?

    According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than 21.5 million Americans aged 12 and older met the criteria for substance use disorder in 2014. Of these, 1.9 million were addicted to prescription opiate pain medications and 586,000 ...

    ... function normally. When you are physically dependent on opiates, you experience painful and uncomfortable withdrawal ... heroin than those who are not. 4 While prescription opiate abuse may be common among heroin users, it ... 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 ...

    ... a lot of physical therapy. While in the hospital, Shelly received regular doses of oxycodone - a powerful narcotic ... gets worse. The Withdrawal-Addiction Cycle While opiate withdrawal certainly isn't pleasant, it is ... 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 ...

    ... And that's the good news. The bad news is opiate drugs also slow your breathing…and in case of an overdose ... Many people on prescription painkillers are not as careful as they should be about drinking while taking the ... 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 ...

    ... Breathing If you find someone who has overdosed on opiates , and is not breathing, it is critical ... rescue breathing to begin circulating oxygen to the brain. While waiting for help to arrive, tilt the victim's head ... continue reading
  • Let's Talk Dirty: Opiates, Addiction and Constipation

    Although opioids are effective pain relievers, they can do a number on your health and overall body systems. One of the most negatively affected body systems is your gastric system. What's more, long-term use or addiction to opiates can paralyze ...

    ... , they can do a number on your health and overall body systems. One of the most negatively affected body systems is your gastric system. What's more, long-term use or addiction to opiates can paralyze your gut and force ... continue reading
  • The Effects of Opiates on the Body

    Share on Twitter Share on Facebook They're potent, they're dangerous - and they could be in your medicine cabinet. In 2012, 259 million prescriptions for painkillers, such as Vicodin , OxyContin , and Opana, were written in the U.S. When used ...

    ... heroin sold on the street. While 467,000 ... doses, respiratory arrest can deprive the brain and body tissues of oxygen. This can easily prove fatal, or result in debilitating organ system injury. The Effects of Opiates on ... continue reading
  • Opiate Alternatives: Doctor’s Got a Brand New Bag

    We have seen a staggering increase in both opiate painkiller and heroin abuse over the last decade. As people become dependent on opiates - physically and psychologically - a vicious cycle of misuse and abuse develops. We've got millions struggling ...

    ... who prescribe opioids. While these drugs are effective at relieving pain, opiates can have such severe ... also available in over-the-counter dosage. Higher doses can be taken with a prescription. NSAIDs include anti ... 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), ...

    ... opiates like codeine and morphine , tramadol is dangerous. People have experienced severe side effects while ... phone-in prescriptions without seeing the doctor. Limits on the length of prescriptions and number of refills ... 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 ...

    ... epidemic.” As experts scramble to come up with a plan that combats the nation's dependence on opiates , a new study published last week in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine indicates medical marijuana might be the ... continue reading
  • Which Side of the Naloxone Debate Are You On?

    With the opioid epidemic claiming nearly 78 lives each and every day, President-elect Trump has his work cut out for him in the drug arena. One of his stated policies involves increasing access to naloxone, a medication used to reverse overdose from ...

    ... 's no evidence indicating naloxone increases the use of opiates, so what's the harm in using it? ... turn their lives around on the second chance this medication gives them, while others continue on with the same destructive ... 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 ...

    ... binge” pattern. Binging is when a person uses large doses of stimulants in a short time frame. 1 Since ... in fact, a disease and not simply a moral failing. While using drugs may start out as a choice, physiologic changes ... continue reading
  • Gray Death: The New Killer on the Street

    While heroin adulterated with fentanyl has been in the news in recent years and the risks are well-known, there is a new danger on the streets, and it's even deadlier. It is a frighteningly powerful combination of heroin and synthetic opioids known ...

    ... U-47700, gray death has the potential to be the deadliest drug on the street today. Because a dose that isn't even visible to the eye can kill you (depending on what's in the batch), someone trying to take the amount of ... 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 ...

    ... You Need to Know Interacting with the brain's opiate receptors, much like morphine or heroin , Opana, ... pill mixture simply turned it into a gooey mess. While the drug's reformulation may have succeeded in some small ... continue reading
  • Here’s a Simple Way to Decrease Opiate Cravings

    We all know that getting enough sleep is important to your mood and overall health, but it also plays a crucial role in addiction recovery, too. According to a recent Penn State study , squeezing in enough shut-eye can actually lower drug cravings ...

    ... Penn State study , squeezing in enough shut-eye can actually lower drug cravings for people hooked on opioids . Researching the Connection Between Sleep and Recovery It all started when Bo Cleveland, associate professor ... 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 ...

    ... and other opiates, alcohol, benzodiazepines , barbiturates , and caffeine. Drugs that may have negative effects on infants during pregnancy include: Heroin —Women who use heroin and other opioid drugs while pregnant put ... continue reading
  • Introducing the Drug That Can Kill With a Single Dose

    Just when we'd thought we'd heard it all, an even more lethal drug concoction popped up on our radar. It's just the latest killer in the opioid epidemic ravaging our country. Dubbed “gray death” by authorities, this high-potency cocktail is ...

    ... elephants and hippos). And to top it all off, there's also U-4770 mixed in, which is a synthetic opioid known on the streets as “ Pink .” “Gray death is one of the scariest combinations that I've ever seen in nearly 20 ... continue reading
  • The Strangest Hallucinogenic Substances on Earth

    It's a funny old world as the saying goes, and nowhere is that saying more true than in the world of hallucinogenic substances. You've got a wide range of plants that produce hallucinogens, including fungi, cactuses, and weeds , but you've also got ...

    ... in lower doses. The active ingredient, ibogaine, has been used in the treatment of opiate addiction , ... you'll only see the green fairy if you drink it while watching Disney's Tinkerbell. The vast majority of toads will ... 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 ...

    ... dose also puts you at severe risk for opioid overdose, which can be fatal. Signs and Symptoms The World Health Organization describes an “opioid overdose triad” of 3 major symptoms that indicate overdose on ... . While ... continue reading
  • Effect of Drugs on the Kidneys: How Do Drugs Damage the Kidneys?

    Chronic drug and alcohol misuse can lead to severe kidney damage or failure. The damage is not always direct; some substances may indirectly cause harm to the kidneys via biologic events triggered outside of the renal system itself. These secondary ...

    ... drugs or alcohol who is often increasing their dose to counteract tolerance. What Drugs Affect the ... prevalence of HIVAN ranges from 3.5% to 12%, depending on the study, and it typically occurs in the advanced stages ... continue reading
  • Spotlight on ADHD Meds and Their Frightening Meth Connection

    The opioid crisis has been making headlines for years, but there's another drug epidemic that has been flying under the radar: abuse of ADHD drugs. ADHD drugs, such as Adderall and Ritalin , increase levels of the brain chemical dopamine and provide ...

    ... . Using 13 participants who were regular methamphetamine users, each was given a dose of either meth, Adderall or a placebo on separate days under double-blind conditions. This process was repeated over several days ... continue reading
  • Is the Trump Administration Revamping the War on Drugs?

    In 1971, President Nixon declared the “War on Drugs,” labeling drug abuse as “public enemy number one.” The creation of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) followed soon after; they were charged with enforcing federal regulations and ...

    ... trillion dollars being poured into the initiative. The opiate epidemic became a nationwide health crisis ; not a ... new administration is taking different standpoints on drug policies. On one hand, the Trump administration ... continue reading
  • Crack Cocaine’s Effect on the Brain (Simple Animation)

    “Crack is whack”—that much is widely understood and accepted. But, what exactly is crack? How is crack different from cocaine? Is it possible that crack gets a bad rap, or is it as lethal as it seems? AsapSCIENCE breaks down what we need to ...

    ... or is it as lethal as it seems? AsapSCIENCE breaks down what we need to know about this illicit drug in Your Brain on Crack Cocaine . Or, in their own words: “Is it really as whack as it's portrayed to be?” Cocaine comes ... continue reading
  • Over 1 in 10 Americans admit they would ignore social distancing rules to see friends on NYE.

    Party like it's 2019? Just 1 in 10 Americans are optimistic they will be out celebrating this NYE, reveals survey. Although it may not seem like it, the end of the year is fast approaching, which means many Americans are beginning to think about ...

    ... dense population, 21% of both Kansans and South Dakotans surveyed say that they plan to be out drinking and celebrating on the last day of what has been, by most people's accounts, a challenging year - certainly one that ... continue reading
  • Effects of Drug and Alcohol Use on Weight Change

    Over time, the problematic use of both drugs and alcohol may have a detrimental impact on an individual's nutritional status—causing either unhealthy weight gain or weight loss depending on the specific substance used. This guide examines some of ...

    ... an individual's nutritional status—causing either unhealthy weight gain or weight loss depending on the specific substance used. This guide examines some of the metabolic pathologies and other processes that contribute ... continue reading
  • How to Stay Productive at Work While Still in Recovery

    We live in a very competitive society when it comes to finding a job and keeping it. Even for a person that's never tasted a drop of alcohol, it's still a challenge to find a good job and get accepted into a workplace. It becomes even worse when ...

    ... 't need your phone for work purposes, try turning it off while you're at work or leaving it out of your sight. ... s very important to make sure that you and your boss are on the same page. If you feel that you'll need to ... continue reading
  • Alcohol Effects on Teeth: Alcohol Can Wreck Your Smile

    People who consume alcohol excessively and regularly are at great risk of developing tooth decay and periodontal disease. Even having a few drinks regularly can begin to break down the enamel on teeth. Alcohol and Tooth Decay The process goes like ...

    ... drinks regularly can begin to break down the enamel on teeth. Alcohol and Tooth Decay The process goes like ... treatment can start those battling substance use problems on the path to happy and healthy lives free ... continue reading
  • You Might Want to Cut Back on the Energy Drinks. Here’s Why…

    Years ago, I spent an entire summer behind a small desk in an upstairs room at my dad's house, studying for the Bar Exam. Cramming 18 different legal subjects into my head over the span of two months was no easy feat, and I quickly realized I needed ...

    ... to. I slowly registered, after weeks of knocking back a couple cans of Red Bull every night, I was becoming dependent on that little “buzz” the drink gave me. The effect was similar to a glass of wine, and it almost made ... continue reading
  • My Mind’s Playing Tricks on Me: How to Stop Addictive Thinking Patterns

    In prison, many of the women I met struggled with substance abuse issues. Although alcohol and drugs were no longer in endless supply in there, many of them carried on with the same addictive thoughts and behaviors. Manipulation, isolation, instant ...

    ... returning to negative habits, take the chance to get back on track today. Call one of our admissions navigators today at ... and support you need to help you get back on the road to recovery. You can also check your ... continue reading
  • Women Are More Likely to Get Hooked on Cocaine—But Why?

    Women are generally more vulnerable to cocaine addiction than men, according to a recent study published in the journal Nature Communications. They're also more likely to use cocaine at an earlier age, take drugs in larger quantities, and have ...

    ... we think about addiction research to emphasize the need to further understand female subjects, as most research on addiction has been conducted in male subjects,” Calipari said in a statement. This, in turn, will affect ... continue reading
  • Meth on the Mind: It’s a Mental Downhill Slide for Users

    Kim felt dizzy; she was confused and her speech was severely slurred. Her sister thought she'd had a stroke. Kim couldn't focus, had no energy and seemed very sleepy. It's no surprise her sister was worried, but Kim certainly wasn't suffering from a ...

    ... drug unleashes a host of dangerous effects on the brain, including the following: Aggressive ... Paranoia Difficulty learning Lack of rational thinking Delusions What's on Your Mind? Meth is one of the most dangerous ... continue reading
  • Rapper’s Shocking On-Stage Antics are Cause for Concern

    A Florida rapper by the name of “Stitches” has earned a name for himself as of late, but for all the wrong reasons. The joker-like face tattoos are enough to take most people aback, but it's the lyrics to Stitches' music and his on-stage ...

    ... tattoos are enough to take most people aback, but it's the lyrics to Stitches' music and his on-stage cocaine-fueled antics that have local parents worried. Stitches, who claims to be a former cocaine dealer, certainly ... 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 ...

    ... to note that just because a person is dependent on a drug does not necessarily mean they are addicted. ... cannot tolerate, this can lead to an overdose. While some overdoses occur after continuous use, they can also ... continue reading
  • Researcher Gets $431,700 to Study the Effects of Meth on Wounds

    It's widely known that meth use can lead to a multitude of health problems: rotten teeth, memory loss, a weakened immune system. Nobody knows this better than Luis Martinez, microbiologist and associate professor of biomedical sciences at the New ...

    ... well-known side effect of meth: skin lesions. While at a restaurant, Martinez saw a man and woman ... been injected with a combination of other substances. Based on Martinez's preliminary studies, meth has been found to ... continue reading
  • History Channel Explores “America's War on Drugs”

    No one gets a closer view of America's war on drugs than the officers and drug traffickers who stand on opposite sides of the battle line. What really goes on behind the scenes in each camp? What kind of power struggles wage? Who's really behind the ...

    ... the true compromises and consequences that many have missed while the war was raging. The first of these ... at what lies in store: “Five decades into the War on Drugs, a move to legalize marijuana gains momentum, mega- ... continue reading
  • A Straight Story on the Real Dangers of Xanax

    “Yeah, I was feeling uptight before he was about to pick me up for our date, so I popped a Xanax,” said my friend. I cringed. It seemed like everyone I knew was using benzos to calm down, chill out, get through a first date, or ace a ...

    ... but maybe that hasn't convinced you yet? How about the cognitive impairment? The way that, after you've been on benzos for a while, you can't do math. Gradually all of your brain feels like it's broken. It seems like the ... continue reading
  • Understanding the Effects of Long Term Drug Abuse on the Brain

    Drug addiction is a chronic brain disease, and it can cause you to compulsively seek out drugs even though you're aware of the harmful results taking them can cause. Initially, your choice to take drugs is voluntary. So, if someone offers you drugs, ...

    ... as others, and this is due to many factors. However, it is important to understand that taking drugs while an adolescent can have more serious consequences. This is because adolescence is a stage of growth where the ... continue reading
  • How Kids Get Hooked on Drugs at Such a Young Age

    It's every parent's fear: their kids doing drugs. In general, most kids will try something before the age of twenty, and it's a fairly natural part of experimenting with the world around them. However, some kids will have an addiction problem before ...

    ... finding something to do. Your child is dependent on you up until the age of eighteen and is reliant on you for support and guidance. While friends change and people move on, their parents remain the same and should only ... continue reading
  • 5 Reasons Driving on Benzos Is Just a Bad Idea

    Quick reflexes and sharp thinking—these are two of the most important qualities of a safe driver. If someone is sharing the road with you or if you're a passenger in their car, you want them to possess these traits, right? Well, if they're taking ...

    ... nearly impossible to react as quickly as needed while driving. A drowsy driver won't be ... driver. Reason #2 Benzodiazepines Relax Your Muscles Acting on the central nervous system , benzos cause muscle relaxation. ... continue reading
  • Your Brain on Drugs: Studying Cocaine's Effect on Blood Flow

    Stimulant drugs like cocaine can cause serious blood flow problems within the brain. When there is an insufficient flow of rich, oxygenated blood to the brain, it can result in aneurysm-like bleeding and strokes. Researchers have developed a new ...

    ... much wider range of blood flow speeds. Cocaine on the Brain Doctors and researchers are always searching for ... ways to understand drugs such as cocaine and their effects on the brain. With these new imaging methods, Pan and ... continue reading
  • Overdosing on Sleep Medication Is a Big Problem

    According to a recent survey , 69 percent of primary care patients complain of insomnia and other sleep issues. To solve the problem, doctors often prescribe sleeping pills or hypnotic medications. However, many people end up using these drugs for ...

    ... Sleeping Pill? When asked if there is a safe sleeping medication on the market, Professor Kripke says, “I've never seen ... it changes how patients think and behave, while helping to establish healthy sleep patterns. Over ... continue reading
  • Drugs on Mars and Venus

    Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus is one of the most iconic books of the '90s, having sold more than 50 million copies. Its core theory is that men and women often think and act in dramatically different ways because of fundamental differences ...

    ... might expect men to try before women. For example, men on average first use marijuana one year before women (18.9 ... 78.6%) said it was given to them by a friend, while more men got it from a stranger and more women got it ... continue reading
  • Psychedelic Drugs and Prayer Have Similar Effects on Brain

    When it comes to “out-of-body” experiences, plenty of people have reported having them during both religious awakenings and while tripping on psychedelic drugs. Although these two experiences may seem completely opposite to each other, one ...

    ... them during both religious awakenings and while tripping on psychedelic drugs. Although these two ... the morning, it's a very fuzzy world. I put my glasses on and I see the world clearly. It's possible these kind of ... continue reading
  • This Is Your Brain… When You Blackout on Alcohol

    If you've ever found yourself in a situation where you wake up the next morning without a clue as to how you got home, you might have experienced a blackout. This is right about when you start to wonder, what the heck happened last night? But have ...

    ... night? But have you ever wondered what actually went on with your brain to cause you to lose all memory ... not have realized just how inebriated you really were. While you may not have embarrassed yourself quite as badly ... continue reading
  • Is Alcohol Wreaking Havoc on Your Sexual Performance?

    Alcohol is often viewed as an aphrodisiac, but this label is far from the truth. While drinking may lower social inhibitions and increase the likelihood of poor impulse control, alcohol actually inhibits sexual performance. Believe it or not, a ...

    ... but this label is far from the truth. While drinking may lower social inhibitions and increase the ... possible. Professional treatment can start those battling addiction on the path to healthy and happy lives. You ... continue reading
  • The Effects of Meth on Your Body

    During the past two decades, illicit methamphetamine - also known as crystal meth - has presented one of the largest and most dangerous drug epidemics in America. This extremely powerful stimulant, which can be smoked, injected, snorted, or eaten, ...

    ... require more and more of the drug over time. And while meth use has decreased slightly in recent years, it ... Fair Use Feel free to share the images and information found on this page freely. When doing so, we ask that you ... continue reading
  • Over 1 in 10 Americans admit they would ignore social distancing rules to see friends on NYE.

  • Effects of Drug and Alcohol Use on Weight Change

  • The Effects of Concerta Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment

    What Is Concerta Used For? Concerta is the trade name of a central nervous system stimulant known as methylphenidate . It is prescribed mainly for the treatment of: Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ...

    ... ” or by students looking to focus on finishing a paper or test. While on the drug, Concerta users may get ... to feel the same sense of alertness and euphoria. Higher doses mean higher risk . The more you take, the more ... 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 ...

    ... in experimental aircraft took their toll on his health, and he started injecting opiates into the muscle. There is ... . He also reportedly had a religious experience while on Darvon. Either way, his drug use brought about ... continue reading
  • Concurrent Alcohol and Fentanyl Abuse

    Alcohol and Fentanyl Abuse Alcohol and fentanyl are drugs of dependence that are dangerous and highly addictive. Frequent or long-term use can result in many negative consequences, including death. Concurrent substance use disorders involving ...

    ... pain (flare-ups of discomfort or severe pain while on pain medications). It is prescribed for at-home ... to stress to teens that prescription drug abuse , such as opiate use , can be enormously dangerous, and it can evolve ... continue reading
  • What Recreational Drugs Cause Liver Damage? Drugs and Liver Disease

    The Function of the Liver The liver plays an extremely important role in the body. It ensures the removal of toxins and has numerous other functions, including: Fat metabolism: Liver cells—or hepatocytes—are able to process dietary and stored ...

    ... , which can allow damage to go unnoticed. 3 While some drugs —such as acetaminophen (also known as Tylenol)—elicit predictable and dose-dependent effects on the liver, others may have unforeseeable results, oftentimes ... continue reading
  • What Does Ecstasy do to Your Mind and Body?

    The night started off exactly like the last few Saturdays…Chloe entered the club with her girlfriends. Soon after, each of them took a bundle of ecstasy. Not long after washing down her dose with water, Chloe felt the familiar effects of the drug. ...

    ... a bundle of ecstasy. Not long after washing down her dose with water, Chloe felt the familiar effects of the drug ... Chloe's friend Parker had a different experience while on ecstasy. This is not surprising, since the drug ... continue reading
  • Countering the Myths About Methadone: Is it Right for You?

    Methadone maintenance has been around for years as an effective treatment for opioid dependency. However, its use remains controversial, and there's seemingly no end to the myths and false information aimed at discouraging anyone from using it as a ...

    ... for decades without harm. However, methadone—like any opiate—can be dangerous if taken inappropriately. Myth #4 - ... to him, if people practice good dental hygiene while on methadone, they shouldn't have any dental issues. ... 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 ...

    ... approved since 1984. 2 When using Vivitrol, you receive one opiate blocker shot once a month, rather than taking a daily pill ... you intend to take any of these medications while on Vivitrol, it is important to notify your ... continue reading
  • Effects of Clonazepam Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment

    What Is Clonazepam Used For? Clonazepam, commonly known by its brand name Klonopin , is a prescription medication commonly used for its anti-anxiety and anti-convulsant benefits. This medication is part of a larger group of substances called ...

    ... a long period of time or at higher than recommended doses, as well as for those who use the medication for ... drowsiness. Many users are unable to drive safely while on clonazepam, especially at the beginning of prescribed ... continue reading
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