Dxm And Opiates

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” ...

... of opioid use . What Does It Mean to Be Addicted to Prescription Opiates? Prescription opiates are both psychologically and physiologically addictive. Psychologically, the drugs are addictive because users will crave the ... continue reading

Is Tramadol the New OxyContin?

The epidemic of painkiller addiction is well known, and OxyContin (oxycodone) has arguably been the most notorious prescription opioid at the center of this public health emergency. Drugs like OxyContin have filled the news in recent years due to ...

... (FDA) first approved tramadol for use in the US in 1994. Results from animal and human studies indicated that tramadol was less addictive than other opiates, so it was classified as a non-scheduled drug . This meant that ... 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 ...

... . Respiratory depression is a characteristic, dose-dependent response to the use of opiates like heroin and, in a similar manner, to that of prescription opioid painkillers . When severe, it can result in inadequate ... continue reading

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

What Is OxyContin Used For? OxyContin is an opiate that is often prescribed for moderate-to-strong post-surgical pain or more chronic pain situations. Prescription rates are high in the United States. The drug contains oxycodone —a substance that ...

... programs offer the chance to find support in recovery while learning the skills to maintain sobriety and prevent opiate relapse . American Addiction Centers (AAC) is a leading provider of addiction treatment programs ... continue reading

How to Help a Fentanyl Addict

Fentanyl is an opiate narcotic used to relieve severe pain, such as breakthrough cancer pain. It is extremely potent - 50-100 times more potent than morphine and 30-50 times more potent than heroin . Fentanyl is often mixed with heroin or cocaine ...

... similarly to more commonly well-known drugs like heroin and morphine , both of which can rapidly lead to addiction. Like other opiates, it interacts with the body's opiate receptors, which are the parts of the brain that ... continue reading

The Effects of Morphine Use

Morphine, an opiate narcotic painkiller , is a Schedule II controlled substance, which means it has a high potential for abuse. It can be a great option for patients in pain; however, when used recreationally or in inappropriately high doses, ...

... The main risk associated with long-term use of morphine is the development of addiction. Opiate addiction can ravage your life and that of your loved ones. Morphine addiction can cause you to: Lose interest in family ... continue reading

Demerol Abuse Symptoms and Addiction Treatment

What Is Demerol Used For? Demerol, also known by the street name “demmies” and the generic name meperidine , is a prescription opioid painkiller. Demerol is used to treat relatively severe pain and is available in liquid or tablet form. As a ...

... for abuse or dependence on using the drugs. Overdoses from opiate painkillers quadrupled between 1999 and 2007. Teen Demerol Abuse Prescription opiate painkillers are one of the most frequently abused classes of drugs ... 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 ...

... rehab programs are an effective way to treat fentanyl abuse. However, opiate dependency is a tenacious condition with a high relapse rate, and not all treatment centers are equipped to handle fentanyl addiction. Before ... continue reading

How to Help a Norco Addict

Help for Norco Addicts Norco is an opiate prescription medication commonly used to provide relief from moderate to severe symptoms of pain, such as those which accompany dental work or surgery. Norco is a narcotic and is associated with an increased ...

... combining the following drugs: Hydrocodone —Similar to codeine, this drug is an opiate narcotic analgesic (pain reliever) and antitussive (cough suppressant). Acetaminophen —This drug is an anti-pyretic (fever-reducing ... 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 ...

... acetaminophen which, when taken in high doses, can quickly damage the liver and/or be fatal. The addictive potential of an opiate with the liver-damaging properties of acetaminophen makes for a volatile combination for ... continue reading

Tramadol Facts, History, and Statistics

Tramadol (brand name: Ultram) is an oral, opioid pain-relieving drug that is marketed under a variety of of trade names - with Ultram and Ultracet being the most widely prescribed and recognized. Tramadol is most often prescribed to treat moderate ...

... that people with prior addictions may be more likely to abuse tramadol . Overall, the problem of people abusing opiates and other pain relievers in the US is a major problem. For information on the larger aspects of pain ... continue reading

Codeine Abuse Symptoms and Addiction Treatment

Overview of Codeine Abuse “Codeine addiction is a widespread, far-reaching problem that spans across ages, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds.” Codeine is an opiate drug often found in prescription-strength cough syrups, or in a ...

... addiction is a widespread, far-reaching problem that spans across ages, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds.” Codeine is an opiate drug often found in prescription-strength cough syrups, or in a combination ... continue reading

How to Help an Ultram Addict

Substance abuse problems have the potential to negatively affect individuals, their families, and society as a whole. As addiction progresses, the sufferer's obsession with his or her preferred substance tends to outweigh concern for the ...

... , so quitting can be difficult to do alone. Treatment for addiction to Ultram and other opiates can help the user recover and may include one or more of the following: Ultram detox. Outpatient recovery options, including ... 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 ...

... relapse . Medications may be used to manage your withdrawal. For example, methadone and Suboxone are options for opiate withdrawal. Once detox is complete, addiction treatment will begin in earnest. Effective treatment ... continue reading

Are Prescription Painkillers as Addictive as Heroin?

The Link Between Painkillers and Heroin According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), in 2011, 4.2 million Americans aged 12 or over had used heroin at least once in their lives. Of these users, an estimated 23% will go on to become ...

... on either drug will mostly likely feel: Euphoria. Decreased awareness of pain. Drowsiness. Confusion. Nausea and vomiting. The intensity of an opiate or opioid high is influenced not only by the drug dosage , but by the ... continue reading

Lortab Abuse Symptoms and Addiction Treatment

What Is Lortab Used For? Lortab is a brand name for the drug hydrocodone. Lortab is a semi-synthetic opiate that, in large does, produces similar effects to those of OxyContin. Taken repeatedly, it can result in dependence and addiction. Initially, ...

... have abused or misused Lortab. Consider these other alarming statistics: Lortab and drugs in the same category (opiates) are some of the most prescribed and abused drugs in the U.S. More than 200 prescription medications ... 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 ...

... happens when they're forced to stop using drugs (e.g. physical and psychological effects). The cost of treatment. That treatment hasn't worked in ... Librium Lorazepam Methadone Opana Opiate Oxycodone Oxycontin Painkiller ... 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 ...

... . It is often used as part of a long-term maintenance plan for opiate addiction. Buprenorphine also treats withdrawal symptoms and opiate cravings. It is often combined with naloxone (as Suboxone ), which helps prevent ... 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 ...

... people refer to painkillers, they are speaking about opioid or opiate pain medications . These substances derive from opioid alkaloids found in the opium poppy, and their mechanism of action is similar to that of heroin ... 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 ...

... want to know how to help someone with an opiate addiction, you should be aware of the options for opioid addiction treatment. Keep reading to learn more about opioid treatment programs and how you or a loved one can get ... continue reading

Opana Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment

What Is Opana Used For? Opana is the trade name for the prescription medication oxymorphone—a semi-synthetic opioid painkiller . In various formulations, oxymorphone has been available on the U.S. pharmaceutical market since 1959. In 2006, the FDA ...

... , Opana is a highly sought-after opiate of abuse. It is sold under various street names , including: Blue heaven. Blues. Mrs. O. New blues. Octagons. Pink lady. Signs and Symptoms of Opana Abuse The most noticeable ... continue reading

How to Help a Loved One With Dilaudid Addiction

How to Approach a Dilaudid Addict Helping a loved one with a Dilaudid addiction can be incredibly challenging. It is important to be supportive and helpful without enabling your loved one to continue using. Some tips from the National Council on ...

... such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone prescribed for opiate addiction that may be used ... than as prescribed. More than 1 million Americans aged 12 and older have reported abusing Dilaudid at some point in their ... continue reading

Dextromethorphan (DXM) Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment

What Is Dextromethorphan Used For? What Is DXM? Dextromethorphan (DXM or DM) is a cough suppressant and opioid derivative used in more than 100 over-the-counter medicines. Dextromethorphan is safe for ingestion and not habit-forming when taken as ...

... Used For? What Is DXM? Dextromethorphan (DXM or DM) is a cough suppressant and opioid derivative used in more than 100 over-the-counter medicines. Dextromethorphan is safe for ingestion and not habit-forming when taken ... continue reading

The Effects of Dextromethorphan Use

“Abusers of DXM often underestimate the dangerous effects of DXM, as it is advertised as safe for use. However, its safety for use in therapeutic doses does not translate to safety for recreational use.” Dextromethorphan (DXM or DM) is commonly ...

... ? Most drugs that can be easily abused have negative effects on your body, and Dextromethorphan Abuse is no different. Taking high doses of DXM, for example by ingesting excess amounts of cough syrup, can lead to: A ... continue reading

How to Help a Dextromethorphan Addict

“DXM abuse is becoming especially prevalent among teens seeking a cheap high from a substance that is easy to access.” DXM is often abused for the euphoric effects that it can elicit when taken in larger-than-recommended doses. Because ...

... . Help for Addicts Addiction to dextromethorphan has been a problem since the early 1950's, but health officials are still learning to acknowledge and understand how to address and treat DXM addiction. As an over-the ... continue reading

Effects of Opioid Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment

What Are Opioids Used For? Opioids are a class of drugs that includes prescription painkillers such as oxycodone (Oxycontin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), codeine , and morphine ; synthetic opioids including fentanyl ; and the illegal drug heroin . 1,2 ...

... re easy to get hold of, readily prescribed, and very addictive—a dangerous combination. Opioid Side Effects ... Effects of Injection Drug Use Naturally, taking opiates in nonstandard ways increases their side effects. The ... continue reading

Dilaudid Abuse Symptoms and Addiction Treatment

What Is Dilaudid Used For? Dilaudid (hydromorphone) is a prescription opioid prescribed for the relief of pain. It may be prescribed as a liquid, tablet, rectal suppository, or injectable solution. In 2014, an estimated 4.3 million people used ...

... euphoric effects. Its euphoric high is similar to that of heroin and other opiates. Abuse of the drug can be dangerous and potentially fatal. Overdose and death can occur when Dilaudid is taken in high doses or when it ... continue reading

OxyContin Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment

What Is OxyContin Used For? OxyContin is a branded formulation of the powerful opioid painkiller oxycodone . It is prescribed to manage cases of moderate-to-severe pain. When taken as directed, it is a safe and effective medication, and it has ...

... pain management issues. However, many people abuse OxyContin in order to get high—a practice that can prove dangerous and even fatal. Misuse of the pills (for example by taking too many pills at once or crushing them up ... 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 ...

... out instantly if your insurance provider may be able to cover all or part of the cost of rehab and associated therapies. Why Should I Enter an Opioid Detox Program? Anyone addicted to opioids can benefit from entering a ... continue reading

Prescription Opioid Addiction: Pain Medication Side Effects and Treatment

What Are Prescription Painkillers? Prescription painkillers are medications used to treat moderate-to-severe pain after surgery or injury and specific medical conditions like cancer. 1 Prescription opioids have also become increasingly accepted as ...

... to compulsively misuse these medications, which can lead to withdrawal symptoms if they try to stop or reduce use and/or opioid use disorder. 2,3 If you or a loved one feels that you are misusing prescription pain relief ... 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 ...

... in the last 20 years, surpassing deaths caused by either heroin or cocaine (NIDA, 2014). The Department of Health and Human Services found that in 2014 alone, 28,000 people died of an opioid overdose, half of which were ... continue reading

The Effects of Opana Use

Is Opana Harmful? Opana is a prescription opioid pain-reliever containing the active ingredient oxymorphone. Oxymorphone is a semi-synthetic opioid agonist, meaning it binds to the opioid receptors in your brain to elicit its effects. You may have ...

... drug as prescribed to manage their pain. As time goes on, the body gets used to the presence of oxymorphone and you may develop a physical dependence on the drug . This does not necessarily mean you are addicted to Opana ... continue reading

Prescription Painkiller FAQ

What Are Prescription Painkillers? Prescription painkillers are opioid medications used to manage relatively severe pain (such as pain associated with surgical procedures or more chronic issues like cancer-related pain). 1, 2 They can be safe and ...

... of addiction is relatively low. Over time, you may naturally develop some level of tolerance to the medication and require a higher dose in order to alleviate pain. 4 This is a normal response to ongoing opioid therapy ... continue reading

How to Help a Demerol Addict

If you suspect that a loved one is abusing Demerol or you know someone who is trying to quit using the substance, there are ways that you can help. How to Approach an Addict It is important to understand how to address the situation in a supportive ...

... the fastest growing drugs of abuse in the US, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and their impact is disastrous. Opioid overdoses from drugs such as Demerol have more than quadrupled over ... continue reading

Opioid Painkiller Abuse

What Are Prescription Opioids? The category of prescription painkillers covers a wide variety of opioid drugs, including morphine , codeine , oxycodone ( OxyContin , Percocet ), and hydrocodone ( Vicodin , Norco )—as controlled substances, each of ...

... 12th graders reported using narcotics other than heroin in the past month. 1.7% of 12th graders, 1.1% of 10th graders, and 0.6% of 8th graders reported using Vicodin in the past year. 2.3% of 12th graders, 2.2% of 10th ... continue reading

The Effects of Painkiller Use

A painkiller can be any one of a number of drugs, from over-the-counter (OTC) medications like Tylenol, ibuprofen, and aspirin, to prescribed drugs like oxycodone, codeine, morphine, Vicodin, and hydrocodone. All painkillers carry risks—even OTC ...

... also impact the user's ability to breathe when taken at a high dose. 3 Opioid Side Effects Because opioids and their analogs interact at the various opioid receptors in the brain, they have a wide range of side effects ... continue reading

Alternatives to Painkillers

The 2012 National Health Interview Survey estimated that 126.1 million adults reported some pain in the previous 3 months, 25.3 million adults reported suffering from daily (chronic) pain, and 23.4 million reported experiencing a lot of it overall ...

... posture, so that you can make adjustments to relieve pain. An added benefit is that you can take the exercises and stretches home with you so that you can reduce it on your own. Massage therapy can be beneficial for your ... continue reading

Opioid Epidemic Coming for the Elderly

How Common is Opioid Abuse in the Elderly? Close your eyes and imagine an opioid addict. Who do you see? Would you think of a young, poor male injecting heroin and obsessing over how they will need to score their next hit to satisfy their compulsive ...

... at higher rates, but why? First off, we know that as you get older you're more likely to live with pain and/or chronic illness. Up to 76% of the elderly will complain of pain that is chronic or persistent. 2 This rate is ... 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 ...

... . 8 According to the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, of the 138.5 million people who had used alcohol ... DXM Fentanyl Hydrocodone Klonopin Lorazepam Lortab Methadone Methylphenidate Morphine Norco Opiate ... 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), ...

... due to its drug classification. Then things sort of fell apart. Did the drug change? No; tramadol was and has always been an opiate - so why the sudden turn-about? Digging for the Truth The DEA defines tramadol as a ... 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 ...

... approach for stemming runaway rates of nonintentional opioid-analgesic-related deaths,” wrote opiate abuse researchers Dr. Mark S. Brown and Marie J. Hayes in a commentary published alongside the study. Getting Down ... 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 ...

... 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 ... 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 ...

... psychological dependence gets worse. The Withdrawal-Addiction Cycle While opiate withdrawal certainly isn't pleasant, it is temporary and its symptoms can be managed. What are some of the physical withdrawal symptoms you ... 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 ...

... later, sales of OxyContin ballooned to $3.1 billion and the incredibly powerful drug accounted for a whopping 30 ... You Need to Know Interacting with the brain's opiate receptors, much like morphine or heroin , Opana, ... 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 ...

... Behaviors, marking the first time researchers were able to establish a connection between a patient's positive mood and lower-than-usual drug cravings. The Importance of Getting Some ZZZ's When you think about it, these ... 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, ...

... 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, morphine, and codeine. Heroin, for example, is made from the ... 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 ...

... Rehabs.com today to find a facility tailored to your needs. With the proper opiate help and treatment , you can escape the trap of addiction and get your life back. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Fair Use Feel free ... 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 ...

... First? At the heart of this issue, one has to wonder if it really matters which opiate addiction came first and which came second. Both drugs have the very real ability to destroy lives, making them equally dangerous ... continue reading

Kratom Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment

What Is Kratom? Kratom ( Mitragyna speciosa ) is a tree-like plant from Southeast Asia that belongs to the same family of plants as coffee and gardenias. Kratom has been used as an herbal remedy in Thailand and neighboring countries for hundreds of ...

... neighboring countries for hundreds of years for a number of ailments. It has dose-dependent stimulant- and opiate-like effects. In addition to being used for an energy boost, as well as for some mild pain relief, there ... continue reading

True or False: Ready to Put Your Fentanyl Knowledge to the Test?

Fentanyl. This potent opiate has added a whole new level of danger to the opioid crisis, causing a staggering number of overdoses and deaths. Part of its overall threat is the lack of public knowledge and awareness. So, how much do you know about ...

Fentanyl. This potent opiate has added a whole new level of danger to the opioid crisis, causing a staggering number of overdoses and deaths. Part of its overall threat is the lack of public knowledge and awareness. So, ... continue reading

Watch the Fahrenheit With Your Fentanyl

Fentanyl is an opiate (narcotic) pain reliever typically prescribed to people for severe, ongoing pain or after surgery. This medication is 50 times stronger than heroin and, needless to say, it can be very addictive. Fentanyl can be delivered in ...

Fentanyl is an opiate (narcotic) pain reliever typically prescribed to people for severe, ongoing pain or after surgery. This medication is 50 times stronger than heroin and, needless to say, it can be very addictive. ... 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 ...

... other negative consequences (e.g., blood-borne illnesses). Still, because many people develop tolerance to prescription opiates and need higher doses of the drug, many people choose to transition to heroin in order to ... 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 ...

... heroin, it's a concoction that can be deadly. As an opiate, fentanyl produces a state of relaxation or euphoria. It is often used an as anesthetic and depresses, or slows, body systems down. Heroin also depresses the ... continue reading

Heroin Use Increasing Across New Demographics, Study Finds

The face of heroin in the US is changing. As the drug becomes more commonly abused among new racial, geographic and socioeconomic groups, the profile of those users is also evolving. The change is, in part, because heroin is becoming more ...

... Rigg examined three groups of people who had reported using heroin and/or prescription opiates (via the 2010-2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health). These participants were broken down into three groups: The first ... 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 ...

... is essential to understand 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 ... continue reading

Don’t Be Fooled: Tramadol Abuse Poses Very Real Dangers

Ultram. Conzip. Rybix ODT. These name brands of tramadol have recently flooded the marketplace with their painkilling properties. Since its approval in 1995, tramadol has become a household name. In 2013 alone, over 43 million tramadol prescriptions ...

... not a health threat if abused. Others assume any risks are minimal and are willing to take them. This is far from the truth. As an opiate, tramadol triggers changes in the brain to help relieve pain. Tramadol increases ... continue reading

Trading Dependencies: There’s Nothing “Mild” About a Kratom Addiction

Mitragyna Speciosa, also known as Kratom, is a large tree in the Rubiaceae family native to Southeast Asia. It is said that Kratom affects the human brain similarly to an opiate , although there is no conclusive clinical data proving how the ...

... t stopped people from abusing this forest drug…especially among those who are trying to kick pharmaceutical opiates like OxyContin and Opana. Users be warned: Kratom is like jumping from the fire into the frying pan. You ... 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 ...

... fatal, but it can be sufficiently unpleasant to discourage recovery efforts and trigger immediate relapse. The symptoms associated with opiate withdrawal are also known as dope sickness . Supervised detoxification can ... 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, ...

... condition that wreaks havoc on a user's physical health and livelihood. Someone struggling with an opiate use disorder—as described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)—may experience some ... continue reading

Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome or PAWS—Symptoms and Treatment

What Is Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome or PAWS? Post-acute withdrawal syndrome is a collection of symptoms experienced by some individuals struggling with alcohol and drug addiction after a prolonged period of withdrawal. 1 The syndrome is also ...

... in dependent individuals when they stop taking these drugs. All opioid drugs work by activating opiate receptors in the brain and spinal cord, which modulates perceived pain levels, induces a feeling of well-being ... continue reading

5 Psychological Side Effects of Percocet

Percocet is a combination of acetaminophen and oxycodone, landing this medication in a family of drugs known as opioids . They're commonly prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain and work by blocking the pain signals sent to your brain. Percocet ...

... opioid . Abused or overused, it fogs your mind as it floods your brain's opiate receptors. As a result, thoughts are unclear and confusion sets in, making it hard to put coherent thoughts together or follow logical ... continue reading

7 Signs You May Be Addicted to Tramadol

Tramadol is an opiate analgesic prescribed for the treatment of moderate to moderately severe pain. The drug works by changing the way your brain and nervous system respond to pain. Because Tramadol is a milder form of opiate medication, people ...

... severe pain. The drug works by changing the way your brain and nervous system respond to pain. Because Tramadol is a milder form of opiate medication, people falsely believe the drug is not addictive. Tramadol dependence ... continue reading

Yay or Nay: Is the Opioid Epidemic a Conspiracy?

'Epidemic': Affecting a disproportionately large number of individuals within a population. Opioid Epidemic Statistics Each day, 2.1 million people in the U.S. abuse opioids. The CDC reports that 165,000 Americans died from prescription ...

... the argument. Studies have shown that up to 40 percent of non-cancer patients on opiates show signs of addiction and that opiates aren't an effective method of treating chronic pain . Another major push from drug makers ... continue reading

The Rise of Tramadol: Exploring the Dangers and Conversations Around This Opioid

Tramadol, also known as Ultram, is a prescription opioid medication used for the treatment of postoperative pain, cancer-associated pain, and chronic pain conditions. While Tramadol is similar to other prescription opioid pain relievers such as ...

... withdrawals. ” “ Tramadol: A WARNING. Not the usual warning. ” “ Tramadol seizure risk? ” The Opiates subreddit, which focuses specifically on opiate and opioid drugs, was a close second. It featured 1,376 total Tramadol ... 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 ...

... 3 When you combine these drugs with an already potent opiate like heroin, the risks skyrocket. “Gray death” is the most recent face of a troubling trend of new and stronger synthetic opioids being added (with or without ... continue reading

Heroin's Death Toll Hits an All-Time High in New York

New York City has a serious heroin problem on their hands and new data released by the city's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene reveals just how deep the issue goes. In fact, more people died from unintentional heroin overdoses in New York ...

... the city, noting that use hits the hardest among white and higher-income New Yorkers. Spikes were also seen among older ... devices that inject naloxone. Known as the opiate antidote, naloxone saves lives by reversing 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 ...

... 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 substance with a high potential for ... 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 ...

... process, resulting in less severe withdrawal symptoms. However, Methadone is still classified as an opiate like OxyContin, and can result in a transfer of addictions. Suboxone , a combination of buprenorphine ... continue reading

Morphine Overdose

Morphine is a powerful opioid pain medication that can have life-threatening effects in those who abuse it. It is an opiate analgesic, and one of many commonly used narcotic painkillers 1 . Morphine works to reduce severe pain by changing the way ...

... opioid pain medication that can have life-threatening effects in those who abuse it. It is an opiate analgesic, and one of many commonly used narcotic painkillers 1 . Morphine works to reduce severe pain by changing the ... continue reading

Can You Get Addicted to Heroin After the First Use?

Heroin has the reputation of being one of the most addictive illicit drugs. Many government and academic institutions report that heroin is either very addictive or highly addictive . Adding to the risk associated with the substance is the number of ...

... into motion a pattern of use that can be dangerous and deadly . What Happens the First Time You Use Heroin? ... is derived from morphine , which is the active opiate alkaloid compound found in the opium poppy plant. Heroin ... continue reading

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 ...

... . 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 similar but weaker effects compared to prescription opioids ... 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 ...

... (WHO) - something that's helped spread abuse and addiction among developing and developed countries alike. The Spread of Tramadol and Violence Tramadol is a prescription opiate medication, but it's regularly sold as an ... continue reading

5 Naloxone Myths Debunked

Naloxone History Lesson Naloxone is not a new medication. In fact, emergency responders have used naloxone since the 1960s. Today, worried parents keep naloxone on hand, law enforcement officers carry the medication in case of life-threatening ...

... substance abuse . In fact, if anything, it decreases the use of opiates. When administered, naloxone blocks the effects of opiate drugs and causes an addict to experience withdrawal symptoms . Myth #2: Naloxone Prevents ... continue reading

Concurrent Alcohol and Tramadol Abuse

Tramadol is scientifically known as tramadol hydrochloride, and it works as an acting analgesic (painkiller) affecting the central nervous system. Tramadol is also known by the brand names: Ultram. Ultracet. Alcohol also acts as a central nervous ...

... more by visiting the following articles: The Effects of Opiate Use Tramadol Withdrawal Tramadol Overdose Join the conversation on substance abuse and addiction today at our community forum . Addiction Treatment Levels ... 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 ...

... Suboxone, is a medication used to treat opiate dependence - it helps minimize withdrawal symptoms. ... forms of buprenorphine, including the films, Zubsolv, generics, etc., and he said yes, all of them… Starting to feel a ... 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 ...

... , these drugs have not been found, although drugs like buprenorphine have come close. Opiates and drugs that act on the opioid receptors are by definition addictive, and that's a sad fact of medicine. Drug Company Risks ... 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 ...

... not replace a clinical diagnosis from a professional, it can be helpful in recognizing signs and symptoms of opiate misuse. Percocet Addiction Self-Assessment Quiz This 5-minute Percocet addiction self-assessment quiz is ... continue reading

Methadone Maintenance Clinics: Everything You Need to Know

If you're addicted to opiates, a methadone clinic can provide ongoing medication maintenance to help you quit them. Committing to a methadone maintenance program for at least 1 year will likely change your life for the better and help you commit to ...

... . Don't be scared. Methadone clinics strive to foster a welcoming environment for those seeking help for opiate addiction and their goal is to help you—you can expect to be treated in a respectful manner by staff ... 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 ...

... make you feel much calmer, offering up a bonus anti-depressing effect. And that's the good news. The bad news is opiate drugs also slow your breathing…and in case of an overdose, your breathing is slowed to a virtually ... continue reading

Concurrent Alcohol and Ultram Abuse

The Problem of Alcohol and Ultram Abuse When used together, Ultram and alcohol can amplify one another's effects, leading to increased risk of serious side effects. The prescription drug Ultram (generic name: tramadol) is a pain reliever with ...

... . The prescription drug Ultram (generic name: tramadol) is a pain reliever with opiate-like effects . It is used to treat moderate-to-severe long-term pain and was originally said to have a lower addictive potential than ... continue reading

How to Help a Methadone Addict

Help for Methadone Addicts Methadone is an opioid drug; however, it is beneficial in the treatment of heroin dependence and other forms of opiate abuse. While it is regularly used in the management of opioid dependence, methadone itself is ...

... Addicts Methadone is an opioid drug; however, it is beneficial in the treatment of heroin dependence and other forms of opiate abuse. While it is regularly used in the management of opioid dependence, methadone itself is ... continue reading

The Scary Facts About Designer Drugs and Legal Highs

Read Time: 30 minutes Introduction What Are Designer Drugs and Legal Highs? The terms “designer drugs” and “legal highs” are used to refer to substances such as synthetic marijuana and “bath salts” that are engineered in laboratories to ...

... of years, either by eating the leaves or using them to make a tea, and it is used as a stimulant, a painkiller, and a remedy for opiate withdrawal . This plant has now emerged in the United States as a legal high ... continue reading

Methadone Programs: A Bad Treatment Plan for Addicted Parents?

When it comes to the negative effects of substance abuse, addiction casts a wide net. Addicted parents, in particular, are faced with a unique set of challenges, as an opiate dependency ultimately affects the whole family. For thousands of parents ...

... thousands of parents hooked on opiates like heroin and OxyContin, methadone maintenance programs promise ... , only 13.2% of parents (19 people) remained in recovery and drug-free 10 years later. Another 14 (9.7%) met the ... continue reading

Ibogaine: Miracle Cure or Dangerous Botanical?

We all know healthcare providers and researchers are desperate to find solutions to the opioid crisis, but are they overlooking a possible cure? The answer, according to a recent article , appears to be yes. The article, which was published by The ...

... had” - seemingly disappeared altogether. Eight ibogaine capsules and 24-hours later, he describes a feeling of pure ... it alleviates the extreme discomfort associated with opiate withdrawal. “For some, ibogaine does work ... 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 ...

... abuse potential than other MAT medications, such as methadone . Suboxone Doesn't Work The opiate withdrawal process can be painful and dangerous, which is why so many treatment methods are ineffective - such as quitting ... 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 ...

... Substance Abuse. “Those who do use it six months are much less likely to be opiate positive, less likely to be incarcerated and more likely to be working,” Feinstein said. Arguments on Both Sides Despite the success of ... continue reading

Gabapentin: New Drug of Abuse for People in Treatment? Risk vs. Reward

According to the Census in 2015, the United States had a total population of 321 million people. In that same year, 57 million prescriptions for gabapentin were written. Gabapentin—or its brand name Neurontin —is an anti-seizure medication which ...

... abusers say it has the power to increase euphoric effects when used in combination with drugs like opiates and benzos. In 2013 alone, gabapentin played a role in 41 deaths, mostly caused by dangerous drug interactions ... 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 ...

... body systems is your gastric system. What's more, long-term use or addiction to opiates can paralyze your gut and force stomach contents to sit undigested. What you're eventually left with is chronic constipation ... 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 ...

... . Effects include: Impaired motor coordination. Impaired judgment Reduced reaction time. While alcohol and opiates look, taste, and feel vastly different, both types of substances are central nervous system depressants ... 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 ...

... important to stress to teens that prescription drug abuse , such as opiate use , can be enormously dangerous, and it can evolve into a full-fledged addiction and the use of other drugs. In fact, NIDA reports that almost ... continue reading

Smoking Can be a Serious Pain…in the Back

If you have chronic back pain and are a long-time smoker, the latter may be causing the former, according to a study released by the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University. A New Worry for Smokers The study, which was published in ...

... and have no back pain, quit before you develop a chronic condition. What Smokers Need to Know If you are a smoker who's been relieving chronic back pain with opiate ... about enrolling in an opiate rehab program that offers ... continue reading

Concurrent Alcohol and Subutex Abuse

Subutex (buprenorphine) is used to treat an addiction to opiates. However, Subutex itself is addictive. Its addictive ingredient is buprenorphine hydrochloride, which reduces symptoms of dependence on opiates . Subutex contains only buprenorphine ...

... , so there are risks to taking the drug. Most doctors try to slowly wean their patients off of opiates and Subutex until they can live without drugs. There are many more readily available statistics on alcohol abuse. It ... continue reading

Teen Drug Abuse: The Warning Signs

It is never easy to find out your teen is using drugs. Communication is a powerful tool for reducing and preventing teen drug abuse. Talking to your teens about drug use can help them make the decision not to use in the first place or to stop using ...

... Poor coordination. Teeth clenching. Bloodshot eyes. Bruises, cuts, and sores (from falling, bumping into things, or scratching oneself). Constant scratching (a common sign of opiate use). Track marks on arms or legs from ... 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 ...

... Dextromethorphan (DXM)? Dextromethorphan (DXM) is a drug with antitussive properties and is commonly found in several cough and ... painkiller. Morphine is an opiate alkaloid derived from opium poppies and has long been used ... 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 ...

... Vivitrol—in conjunction with therapy —are used to ease opioid withdrawal symptoms and lessen cravings. While the treatment options for opiate addiction have increased, the same can't be said of other addictions. In fact ... continue reading

Study: Medical Marijuana Cuts Use of Prescription Drugs

A recent study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine revealed that medical marijuana users take fewer other medicines—such as opiates. Researchers monitored the use of prescription medications among participants ...

... her medical conditions. She stated, “Medical cannabis is the reason I'm opiate free now… it really gave me my life back and makes my pain manageable, without inebriating me or forming another dependence.” Researchers ... continue reading

Three Lethal Drug Combinations That Can Kill You

We all know that certain drugs can cause dangerous interactions when taken together, but some people either don't take the threat seriously or they're simply uninformed when it comes to specific chemicals and substances. Most Dangerous Drug ...

... of a variety of opioids, including heroin , fentanyl , carfentanil , and a lesser-known synthetic opiate known as U-47700 . It resembles concrete or gravel and is sold cheaply on the streets. In recent years, its impact ... 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 ...

... You Than Heroin Methadone is a non-toxic medication, and studies have shown that people have used it as a ... for decades without harm. However, methadone—like any opiate—can be dangerous if taken inappropriately. Myth #4 ... 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, ...

... I Find Opioid Addiction Treatment? If you are struggling with opiate addiction, opioid addiction treatment can help you refrain from substance use and gain control of your life. Different treatments, including inpatient ... 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 ... 'll have to stay tuned to see how Jeff Sessions and the rest of the Trump administration truly plan to halt ... continue reading

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