How Do Opiates Affect The Brain

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” ...

... drugs according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Addictive Properties of Prescription Opiates Prescription opiates affect the brain the same way morphine and heroin do. They attach to opioid receptors found ... continue reading

How to Help an Opiate Addict

Help for Opiate Addicts Opiates are some of the most abused drugs in America, with prescription opiates accounting for up to 5.1 million cases of addiction. Around 210 million doses of opiates, including morphine , OxyContin , and Vicodin , were ...

... opium poppy. Effectively, all opiates affect the body in the same way. Opiates are prescribed for treating moderate- ... antagonist, meaning it blocks opioid receptors in the brain. This drug works to prevent opioid abuse by ... continue reading

Morphine Abuse Signs, Symptoms, Effects, and Treatment

What Is Morphine Used For? Morphine is the primary chemical component of opium. It is an opioid analgesic drug that is used to treat severe pain, and it is regarded as the gold standard of pain relievers. Morphine use can create a high that includes ...

... more and more to achieve the desired effect. Certain reinforcing brain patterns may develop as a person obsesses over the drug ... drugs like morphine . Prescription opiate abuse has affected a huge portion of our population ... 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 ...

... be prescribed. The active opioid/opiate molecules in both painkillers and heroin attach themselves to opioid receptors in the brain. This provides pain relief and affects the brain's reward pathways by triggering a large ... continue reading

Percocet Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment

Since the mid-1990s, rates of prescription drug abuse have skyrocketed. Today, the widespread abuse of prescription medication—whether this involves opioid painkillers, sedatives, or stimulants—is being recognized as a serious national health ...

... morphine, Percocet affects the brain and the central nervous system, changing the way the brain perceives pain ... abuse and addiction to this prescription opiate . A major sign of opiate abuse is taking more of the ... 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 ...

... relationships will usually suffer. Furthermore, addiction affects a person's ability to obtain and ... by binding to central nervous system opiate receptors to alter the perception of pain in the brain. Ultram is used in the ... 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 ...

... addiction. Like other opiates, it interacts with the body's opiate receptors, which are the parts of the brain that help to ... Family educational programs, which helps those affected by the addicted family member, healing ... continue reading

How to Help a Hydrocodone Addict

How to Approach a Hydrocodone Addict The abuse of hydrocodone can lead to serious health and social consequences, making the support of family and friends a priority. Loved ones can play an important role in helping an addicted individual seek ...

... pain. The medication works by altering the way your brain and nervous system respond to pain. According to the ... body relies on hydrocodone to function correctly and it's affecting you in other areas of your life, you may ... continue reading

How to Help a Percocet Addict

Help for Percocet Addicts If you're battling an addiction to Percocet (the combination of acetaminophen and oxycodone - an opiate-derived pain reliever ), you're not alone. According to the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately ...

... (the combination of acetaminophen and oxycodone - an opiate-derived pain reliever ), you're not alone. According ... “I” statements to explain how their drug abuse has affected both of your lives; for example, “I feel ... continue reading

Effects of Hydromorphone Abuse: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment

What Is Hydromorphone Used For? Hydromorphone (brand names: Dilaudid, Exalgo) is a powerful semi-synthetic opioid painkiller used in both hospital settings and as part of a long-term treatment regimen for significant pain in opioid-tolerant ...

... depression . When breathing is affected, less oxygen is available to the brain. Over time, the cumulative ... discomfort of opioid withdrawal , many users keep taking opiate drugs even when they want to quit. Hydromorphone ... continue reading

Snorting Vicodin: Side Effects, Dangers, and Addiction Treatment

Vicodin is the brand name for a prescription medication that is frequently used for the treatment of moderate to moderately severe pain. Vicodin is comprised of two active pain relievers: 1 Hydrocodone —an opioid pain reliever. Hydrocodone it is a ...

... at some point in their lives. 3 And young people are affected, as well—the DEA reported that 5.3% of 12 ... body proceeds to process the drug before it can act on the brain. 5 In most cases, snorting a drug will not provide a ... continue reading

Hydrocodone Abuse Signs, Symptoms, Effects, and Treatment

What Is Hydrocodone Used For? Hydrocodone is an opioid analgesic (painkiller) drug included in the formulation of many narcotic prescription painkillers that are most often prescribed to control moderate-to-severe pain. As an opiate drug, it is in ...

... taking the medication long enough, their body and brain can adapt to the presence of the drug in ... , teen hydrocodone abuse remains high relative to that of other opiates . In fact: The MTF survey found that lifetime abuse ... 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 ...

... Most of these differences are due to the fact that tramadol not only activates opiate receptors but also increases the brain levels of two important neurotransmitters, serotonin and norepinephrine . Tramadol's actions on ... 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 ...

... medication. Pinpoint (constricted) pupils. Constipation (a telltale sign of opiate abuse ). Long-Term Effects of OxyContin Use Opiates may have severe effects on the brain and body , and OxyContin is no exception. Long ... 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 ...

... (inadequate oxygenation of blood and tissues). Brain damage . Psychological problems, such as anxiety and depression . Physical dependence. Addiction. Research has found that opiate users are more likely to experience ... continue reading

Hydrocodone Facts, History and Statistics

What Is Hydrocodone? Hydrocodone is a powerful opiate drug that serves dual purposes when used as directed. It is both an effective cough suppressant and a pain reliever for moderate to severe pain. Studies show that hydrocodone is: More beneficial ...

... the late 1920s, officials in the United States were investigating methods to find substitutes for opiate-containing cough medicines that were leading to high levels of addiction. Researchers tested hundreds of substances ... continue reading

Oxycodone Abuse Signs, Symptoms, Effects, and Treatment

What Is Oxycodone Used For? “Those addicted to prescription opiates like oxycodone are 40 times more likely to develop a heroin abuse problem.” Oxycodone is a pain-relieving drug that is prescribed frequently to address moderate-to-severe pain. ...

... to other legal and illegal opioids. Also, like other opiate and opioid drugs, oxycodone is capable of delivering a ... . Also, dopamine is associated with the brain's reward system—meaning that people experiencing this type ... continue reading

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

What Is Vicodin Used For? Vicodin is an prescription painkiller medication that is comprised of two substances: Hydrocodone . Acetaminophen . Hydrocodone is an opiate drug that works as a pain reliever and is useful in managing multiple levels of ...

... as morphine and heroin. Opiate effects are achieved when the substance enters the body and connects to opioid receptors . These receptors are located throughout the body in areas like: The brain. The spinal cord. The ... continue reading

The Effects of Percocet Use

Is Percocet Harmful? When abused, Percocet can be quite harmful. Percocet is the brand name of a narcotic pain reliever containing a combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen (Tylenol) that is used to treat moderate to severe pain. The short-term ...

... excess doses. Side Effects The side effects are generally similar to the side effects for other opiate analgesics and may include: Nausea and vomiting. Dry mouth. Constricted pupillary diameter. Loss of appetite. Shallow ... 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 ...

... needles). Permanent brain damage due to hypoxia (insufficient oxygen to the brain). Potentially fatal respiratory ... are safer than illegal “hard” drugs, like the opiate heroin or cocaine. An article in the Journal of ... continue reading

The Effects of Fentanyl Use

Is Fentanyl Dangerous? Fentanyl may be administered through: Patches. Oral or nasal spray. Lollipops (a 'troche' or lozenge with a stick handle). Injection. Fentanyl is a potent, synthetic opioid analgesic - excellent for controlling serious pain, ...

... reserved for already opioid-tolerant patients (those already having grown tolerant to a therapeutic dose of some other opiate) . Any person who uses fentanyl and doesn't have an opioid tolerance is risking his health. In ... continue reading

Oxycodone Facts, History and Statistics

Oxycodone is an opioid analgesic, or 'painkiller' drug that is most often prescribed to control moderate to severe pain that cannot be treated with other medications. It is a semi-synthetic opiate that was first created in 1916 from thebaine, a ...

... be treated with other medications. It is a semi-synthetic opiate that was first created in 1916 from thebaine, a ... and addiction. Like all opiates, it works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, and ... 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 ...

... are up to a year long in severe cases, which opiate addiction tends to be. 12-Step programs offer lifelong support ... Per a report by the CDC, those addicted to opiate painkillers are 40 times more likely to abuse or become ... continue reading

Norco Abuse Symptoms and Addiction Treatment

What Is Norco Used For? Norco is a prescription medication that combines hydrocodone and acetaminophen . It is prescribed for the relief of moderate-to-severe pain . Taking Norco in amounts exceeding prescribed doses, for lengths of time longer than ...

... 100,000 of these being the result of products containing the narcotic in combination with another drug. Opiates accounted for 75% of pharmaceutical overdoses in 2008. 15,000 recreational users die annually as a result ... continue reading

How to Help a Tramadol Addict

Help for Tramadol Addiction If you have been struggling with an addiction to tramadol, or you know someone who has, finding the proper treatment program is essential. Treatment for addiction can restore your quality of life. Regardless of how long ...

... by doctors to relieve moderate to moderately severe pain. The medication is considered an opiate agonist, which works by changing the way your brain and nervous system sense pain. It comes in tablet form and an extended ... continue reading

Vicodin Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment

What Is Vicodin Used For? Physicians often prescribe Vicodin—a combination of hydrocodone (an opiate) and acetaminophen—for the relief of moderate-to-severe pain. It works by blocking pain receptors in the brain, but it also induces a sense of ...

... often prescribe Vicodin—a combination of hydrocodone (an opiate) and acetaminophen—for the relief of moderate-to-severe pain. It works by blocking pain receptors in the brain, but it also induces a sense of euphoria ... continue reading

How to Help a Vicodin Addict

Help for Vicodin Addiction Vicodin is one of the many brand names for the combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone . Hydrocodone is an opioid used to treat moderate and severe pain , as well as being a treatment for coughs. The acetaminophen is ...

... Symptoms People dependent on Vicodin will experience uncomfortable opiate withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop using the ... Klonopin Librium Lorazepam Methadone Opana Opiate Oxycodone Oxycontin Painkiller Percocet ... 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 ...

... —Similar to codeine, this drug is an opiate narcotic analgesic (pain reliever) and antitussive (cough ... How to Find Norco Addiction Treatment Near Me Recovery from opiate addiction is not easily done alone. There are a ... continue reading

How to Help a Morphine Addict

With approximately 52 million people in the U.S. having used prescription drugs nonmedically in their lifetime, widespread addiction to drugs like morphine is increasingly becoming a problem. When someone begins to engage in abuse morphine, it's ...

... : Inpatient rehab centers . Outpatient treatment centers. It's important to consider that withdrawal from morphine and other opiates can be intense and impose stress on both the body and the psyche, so detoxing in a safe ... continue reading

Effects of Lortab Use—Short-Term, Long-Term, and Side Effects

What Is Lortab Used For? Lortab is the combination of hydrocodone —an opiate used to manage pain—and acetaminophen , an over-the-counter analgesic and antipyretic (fever reducer) that augments the pain-relieving effects of hydrocodone . Lortab ...

... more and more of the drug to achieve the same high. It's important to note that the phenomenon of opiate tolerance is so pervasive that you can become tolerant to Lortab even if you are taking your Lortab as prescribed ... 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-damaging properties of acetaminophen makes for a volatile combination for abusers of Norco. Norco Short ... 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 ...

... two other neurotransmitter chemicals in the brain called norepinephrine and serotonin. Norepinephrine is ... to abuse tramadol . Overall, the problem of people abusing opiates and other pain relievers in the US is a major ... continue reading

How to Help an Oxycontin Addict

OxyContin is a dangerous drug when not used properly, and it's easy to fall into the trap of addiction. Fortunately, there is help out there for anyone who is addicted to the substance, and it's never been easier to get help. How to Approach an ...

... maintaining sobriety. How Addictive Is OxyContin? Like all opiates , OxyContin is potentially addictive. OxyContin attaches itself to the opioid receptors in the brain, preventing GABA from being released. GABA controls ... 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, ...

... 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 ... continue reading

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

Ultram (trade name: tramadol ) is an opiate analgesic typically prescribed for pain that is moderate to moderately severe. When introduced, it was regarded as having a very low potential for addiction; however, its incidence of abuse and dependency ...

Ultram (trade name: tramadol ) is an opiate analgesic typically prescribed for pain that is moderate to ... option. It was seen to be less potent than more typical opiate painkillers and, as a result, to have a lower abuse ... 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 ...

... triggering of dopamine release in the reward centers of the brain. The combined effect of activation on opioid receptors and ... Klonopin Librium Lorazepam Methadone Opana Opiate Oxycodone Oxycontin Painkiller Percocet ... continue reading

How to Help a Codeine Addict

Helping someone overcome an addiction is sometimes an arduous process, and recovery won't happen overnight. Addiction treatment takes time and often imposes stresses on both the abuser and the people they love. While it may prove difficult, ...

... Risk When Addiction Specialists Not Part of Care . Medline Plus. Is Codeine Addictive? Codeine is an opiate narcotic pain reliever. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has classified it as a Schedule II substance , ... 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 ...

... more than 2 million people in the US abused opiates . Many of these individuals exhibit behaviors or have mental ... not cure pain . Rather, they modify the way your brain perceives it. If your bad back is the source, ... 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 ...

... you want to know how to help someone with an opiate addiction, you should be aware of the options for ... agonist that works on the same opioid receptors in the brain as heroin, morphine, and other opioid pain medications. It ... continue reading

Roxy Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment

What Is Roxicodone Used For? Roxicodone (often called “roxies,” “roxy,” or “blues”) is one of the brand names for oxycodone —a powerful opioid prescription painkiller. Roxicodone is prescribed to alleviate pain that cannot be managed ...

... to alleviate pain that cannot be managed by non-opioid pain relievers. As a potent semi-synthetic opiate derived from morphine, 2 Roxicodone produces effects similar to those of heroin (e.g. euphoria and sedation ... continue reading

How to Help a Tussionex Addict

Tussionex is a combination of hydrocodone, an opioid painkiller and cough suppressant, and chlorpheniramine, an antihistamine which eases allergy symptoms 1 . As a cough medicine, Tussionex is frequently prescribed to both children and adults. It is ...

... around them as well. Your mental and physical health may be negatively affected by your loved one's addiction. However, you are not alone. Many ... Librium Lorazepam Methadone Opana Opiate Oxycodone Oxycontin Painkiller ... 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 ...

... and abstinent environment. There are many maintenance medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone prescribed for opiate addiction that may be used to assist with detoxification or to prevent relapse on a ... 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 ...

... abusing Opana, learn how to find help . Street Names Due to its potency, 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 ... continue reading

Ultram Abuse Symptoms and Addiction Treatment

What Is Ultram Used For? Ultram—the trade name for tramadol —is a synthetic opiate pain reliever prescribed for moderate-to-severe pain. It can be habit-forming and can produce unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ultram's potential for abuse has ...

... is rising, with many users taking excessive doses in order to simulate the euphoric effects of other stronger opiates . Signs and Symptoms of Ultram Abuse While many people abuse Ultram to produce euphoric effects, there ... 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 ...

... the body in a number of ways, from mild side effects to long-term health effects. The way they affect the brain's reward circuit is particularly significant, as it can cause a person to want to use them repeatedly, which ... continue reading

Tussionex Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Treatment

What Is Tussionex? Tussionex is a prescription medication that includes a combination of chlorpheniramine—an antihistamine 1 —and the opioid painkiller hydrocodone . It is prescribed to treat respiratory symptoms—such as coughs—related to ...

... . 7 Additionally, studies suggest that long-term opioid use can cause deterioration of the brain's white matter. 7 White matter affects a person's ability to regulate behavior, manage stress, and make decisions. 6 Other ... 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 ...

... psychological and neurological effects—including coma, permanent brain damage, and death. 3,5 In addition ... 5 Effects of Injection Drug Use Naturally, taking opiates in nonstandard ways increases their side effects. The ... 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 ...

... the following: 2 Drowsiness. Mental fog. Nausea. Constipation. Dizziness. Respiratory depression. Opioids affect the part of the brain responsible for breathing, and one of the big threats opioid painkillers pose is the ... continue reading

Side Effects of Morphine Misuse and Addiction

Morphine is an opioid painkiller that is prescribed for the management of severe pain (trauma, surgical and cancer related pain) where alternative treatment is not adequate to control pain. 1,2 Morphine can be used safely and effectively for pain ...

... euphoria, there are common side effects of morphine that affect more than 10% of people who use it, including ... result. 4 Dependence occurs when the neurons in the brain have adapted to the presence of morphine so that when ... continue reading

Prescription Painkiller Addiction: How to Get Treatment

When dealing with chronic or mild pain, patients are often prescribed painkillers. It is common to think that prescription painkillers are safe, especially when recommended by your doctor. However, many people also experience prescription opioid ...

... may develop in association with changes in the brain that may themselves reinforce ongoing, harmful drug use ... a friend or loved one's painkiller misuse begins to affect their relationships, work, and other aspects of life, ... continue reading

Using Painkillers When Pregnant

Prescription painkillers, or opioids, are commonly used to treat pain. Opioid painkillers include drugs such as hydrocodone (Vicodin), oxycodone (OxyContin), codeine, and morphine. In addition to their inclusion in the many opioid analgesic ...

... continues on how taking painkillers when pregnant may affect the fetus. While there isn't conclusive ... Spina bifida Hydrocephaly (excessive fluid in the baby's brain) Glaucoma Gastroschisis (a hole in the abdominal wall ... continue reading

Adverse Effects of Tramadol Use

Tramadol is a synthetic opioid that is prescribed for managing pain. 1 Tramadol is a somewhat atypical painkiller due to its activity within noradrenergic and serotonergic neurotransmitter systems, in addition to its effects as a weak opioid ...

... condition that occurs when you take drugs that affect serotonin levels) Very low blood pressure Slowed ... may lead to physical dependence. 3 Dependence occurs when the brain adapts to the presence of the drug so the person ... continue reading

Dealing with Roxicodone Addiction

The risk of addiction is not limited to the use of illicit substances like heroin or cocaine. Legal drugs have the potential to cause devastating addiction, as well, even if they were initially legitimately prescribed. The Substance Abuse and Mental ...

... try and determine their level of use and how it may be affecting them. Look for 2 : The amount of Roxicodone consumed. How ... the release of a neurotransmitter in the brain called dopamine . Dopamine is associated with ... continue reading

Side Effects of ACTIQ Abuse

ACTIQ is a brand name for fentanyl, an extremely powerful opioid painkiller that is used only for severe pain such as breakthrough cancer pain 1 . Fentanyl is available in a number of formulations and delivery methods, including 2,3,4 : Tablets and ...

... 2 . Dopamine is present in areas of the brain involved in the regulation of emotion, movement, and motivation ... sedation. The increased levels of dopamine in the brain provide very strong feelings of pleasure and reward. ... 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 ...

... treatment and are no longer addicted. Long-term Opana abuse can also lead to detrimental changes in both your brain and your body in that it may eventually interfere with you body's natural ability to manage pain and ... continue reading

Snorting Tramadol

Tramadol is a medication prescribed to treat moderate to moderately severe pain in adults and, in its extended release forms, to manage certain chronic pain conditions. Similar to other pain medications like oxycodone, morphine, and hydrocodone, ...

... is then transported to the heart before it is spread to organs in the body, including the brain 6 . Once in the brain, the tramadol binds to opioid receptors 5 . As with many of the opioid painkillers, tramadol interacts ... 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 ...

... above can have detrimental and potentially life-threatening consequences ranging from loss of consciousness to respiratory arrest, brain damage, and coma. 4 Can I Get Addicted Even if I Have a Prescription? Yes, you can ... continue reading

Vicodin Addiction Symptoms and Treatment

Vicodin is a readily available narcotic drug and is prescribed by doctors to alleviate all types of pain. Vicodin addiction can have a variety of negative consequences for every person who struggles with it. The consequences of Vicodin use can be ...

... . Vicodin Addiction Treatment Vicodin addiction treatment starts with imparting a thorough understanding of how the drug affects the addict and those around them. The misuse of Vicodin and other opioids is particularly ... continue reading

Tramadol Addiction Symptoms, Side Effects, and Treatment

If you or a loved one are misusing the opioid medication tramadol, this article will help you understand: What tramadol is. Signs of tramadol abuse. Symptoms of tramadol withdrawal and overdose. Treatment for tramadol addiction. What Is Tramadol? ...

... still occur, particularly if it is used for long periods of time. 4 With long-term tramadol use, a person's brain can get used to its effects. This is known as tolerance. As a person develops tolerance, they may begin to ... continue reading

Oxycodone Side Effects: Short and Long-Term

Oxycodone is a prescription opioid analgesic that is used to manage moderate to severe pain by changing the way that the brain responds to pain. 1 It is commonly prescribed as a combination product with other drugs such as acetaminophen and aspirin, ...

... to severe pain by changing the way that the brain responds to pain. 1 It is commonly prescribed as ... acetaminophen). Hypoxia (which can lead to coma, permanent brain damage). Overdose. Tolerance. Addiction. Some of the ... continue reading

Is Fentanyl Abuse More Deadly Than Heroin?

Fentanyl, a drug previously unheard of by many, has become notorious in recent years due to the spike in overdose deaths from heroin laced with the potent prescription narcotic. It gained even more notoriety when the April 2016 death of iconic ...

... 10 states, with Ohio, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania leading in the number of seizures 6 . Of those states affected, Florida and Ohio are of extreme concern due to sharp increases in the number of fentanyl deaths in ... continue reading

Dilaudid: Addiction and Treatment Programs

Dilaudid is a prescription opioid that is sometimes misused. 1 When Dilaudid is used in ways other than prescribed, and even when it is used as prescribed, there can be a risk of dangerous side effects and addiction. 1 Read on to learn about ...

... misused, even at prescribed doses. 1 Like other opioids, it can slow down breathing through its interaction with the brain. 2 Misuse of Dilaudid (in either oral solution or tablet) can lead to a risk of overdose, with ... continue reading

Snorting Hydrocodone

Hydrocodone is an opioid substance used in many prescription medications to treat cough and pain. Hydrocodone is available in formulations of pure hydrocodone (Hysingla, Zohydro) or in combination with other pain relievers like ibuprofen ...

... the absorption of or release of a drug into the system to maximize the concentration of active substance in the brain is known as “dose dumping” 5 . Dose dumping is a dangerous phenomenon in terms of increasing the risk ... continue reading

Codeine Addiction: Effects, Dangers, and Treatment

Codeine is a prescription opioids painkiller that, while generally safe when taken as prescribed, has a high potential for misuse and addiction. 1,2 Misusing codeine to experience a euphoric “high,” 3 increases the potential risks of developing ...

... opioid that is derived from the seed of the opium plant. 4 It works by binding to receptors in the brain that modulate pain, leading to feelings of pleasure and pain relief.. 5 Painkilling qualities is a main reason why ... 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 ...

... a growing problem. Opioids are chemically related and interact with opioid receptors on nerve cells in the brain and nervous system to produce pleasurable effects and relieve pain. 1 Signs of Prescription Opioid Misuse ... continue reading

Signs & Symptoms of Hydromorphone Abuse

Hydromorphone is a prescription medication used for the long-term treatment of moderate to severe pain that cannot be managed by other pain medicines or non-pharmacologic options. Hydromorphone is an opioid pain medication that is available as a(n) ...

... sleepiness. These results arise via the biomolecular interaction between hydromorphone and specific structures throughout the brain and spinal cord known as opioid receptors 5 . Once attached to the receptors, a ... continue reading

Actiq Fentanyl Lollipop Addiction

Fentanyl is a prescription medication that doctors prescribe to treat pain. Fentanyl is also manufactured and sold illegally. The powerful, synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. 1 In its prescription form, fentanyl is ...

... flavoring, and modified food starch to create a flavored medication. 3 Fentanyl rapidly crosses the blood-brain barrier and produces effects similar to morphine. 2 Actiq Misuse Prescription drugs, including Actiq, can be ... continue reading

Side Effects of Tussionex Abuse

Tussionex, a prescription cough medicine, contains a mixture of hydrocodone (an opioid pain reliever) and chlorpheniramine (an antihistamine). In 2008, the FDA issued an alert regarding the dangers of misusing Tussionex, stating that abusing it can ...

... . People can develop tolerance to Tussionex after taking it over a period of time. As the human body and brain become accustomed to the presence of the medication, it may no longer be as effective at the same dose ... continue reading

Painkiller Detox and Withdrawal

Prescription opioid misuse is a prevalent problem in the United States. In 2021, a survey of Americans aged 12 and older found that about 8.7 million people had misused prescription painkiller drugs in the previous year. 1 In this article, we will ...

... symptoms. 2 Opioid painkillers are medications that reduce the intensity of pain signal perception in the brain and spinal cord. 1 Prescription opioid painkillers include hydrocodone , oxycodone , morphine , codeine , ... 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 ...

... pleasurable effects that may promote misuse and abuse. It subdues pain and creates a euphoric feeling in the brain. With continued use, however, these effects are dulled by the development of tolerance and many users may ... 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 ...

... 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 to the user. 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 ...

... 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 the Digestive System Opiates affect the muscles of the ... 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 ...

... continuing to use despite harmful consequences in order to avoid these withdrawal symptoms. 2,3 Prescription opiates affect the brain in the same way heroin does , only the dosage is considered lower and the means of ... continue reading

How Does Ibogaine Treat Opiate Addiction?

Holly started using heroin when she was 18 - at 26, she was at the end of the line. Her whole life revolved around getting high. In the past, she had tried 12-step programs, counseling, in-patient rehab, and even drug-assisted therapy…it seemed ...

... from a West African plant. She knew it affects the brain in some way to help with heroin addiction. ... if this drug will provide a safe and effective alternative for opiate addiction treatment . Image Source: iStock continue reading

6 Facts You Need to Know About Opiate Withdrawal

The United States has the highest rate of opioid use per capita in the world. As a nation, we consume 80% of the world's opioid supply. 1 In 2014, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that 1.9 million people aged 12 or older had a ...

... receptors in the body which are associated with the brain's system of reward. It is well known that long ... person. The length of opiate withdrawal depends on several factors. Withdrawal will be affected by the half life of ... 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 ...

... chemicals in the brain. Drugs can affect brain chemistry by flooding the brain's natural circuitry, resulting ... in the brain, spinal cord, and digestive tract. Opioid medications are also known as opiates or narcotics and ... continue reading

Opiate Addiction Withdrawal Symptoms and Treatment

Opiates—sometimes interchangeably referred to as opioids and narcotics—are a broad class of drugs. They are widely used legally and abused illicitly, and include many substances that are synthesized from a handful of opiate precursors found in ...

... use a substance is called physical dependence. 4 As part of this adaptation, the brain will begin to register less of a dopamine response when an opiate is used than it did initially. A person will need to consume higher ... continue reading

Concurrent Alcohol and Opiate Abuse

Prescription opiates are effective in the treatment of pain, but they have the potential to be addictive and, in fact, many people are struggling with opiate painkiller addictions. According to the National Institutes of Health, opioids account for ...

... and mood swings. Needing to increase your usage over time due to tolerance. Coma. Permanent brain damage. Find out how to help an opiate addict when you call our helpline free at . Treatment for Co-Occurring Alcohol and ... 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), ...

... drug change? No; tramadol was and has always been an opiate - so why the sudden turn-about? Digging for the Truth ... sweating and insomnia. Due to its interactions with brain receptors, tramadol can be habit-forming. Its ... 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

I’m Having Opiate Withdrawals – Am I Addicted?

Shelly's knee surgery went great. The doctor said she'd be running again in no time. Before she'd be ready for her next 5K, she'd have to endure some fairly intense pain and a lot of physical therapy. While in the hospital, Shelly received regular ...

... to get more pills.” The Facts About Withdrawal If you take opiates (like oxycodone , tramadol , fentanyl or morphine ) every ... symptoms kick in as your body and brain try to restore balance without the medication. ... 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 ...

... on the street becomes too costly. For those who think the opiate epidemic is much ado about nothing, let's have a look ... pain, but stops the pain signals before they reach the brain. It can be used for back, neck, arm, or ... 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 ...

... of those drugs is Opana. Opana vs. Oxycontin: What You Need to Know Interacting with the brain's opiate receptors, much like morphine or heroin , Opana, otherwise known as oxymorphone, is a prescription pain medication ... 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 ...

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 ... 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 found in certain areas of the human body. These areas include the brain, spinal cord, and gastrointestinal tract. When opiate substances are introduced to the body, they attach to opioid receptors. Once attached ... continue reading

Free Opioid Hotline Numbers

Call Now Heroin and prescription painkiller medications are addictive narcotic drugs that are classified as opioids because they either directly derive from or are synthesized to resemble opiate alkaloid substances originally sourced from the opium ...

... in 47,600 deaths in 2017 alone (67.8% of all drug overdose deaths). 3 What Is an Opiate Addiction Hotline? Opiate addiction hotlines are lifelines to many who feel that their opioid addictions are out of control. Today ... 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 ...

... they significantly impact the brain and nervous system. In these areas, opiates generally: Depress breathing by ... with opioid overdoses , opiate addiction is an epidemic that touches and affects everyone. If you or ... continue reading

Concurrent Alcohol and Morphine Abuse

It is never safe to mix alcohol with other medications. Morphine—an opiate—can be particularly dangerous when mixed with alcohol, given its ability to intensify the effects of alcohol intoxication. Alcohol and morphine facts and information ...

... the United States over the age of 12 have abused opiates, including morphine. Every year, 1.3 million people are ... brain, since neurological development continues into the mid-20s and substance abuse can permanently affect ... continue reading

Opioid Relapse Rates, Prevention and Recovery

Opioid addiction is a chronic relapse disease, meaning that many people who initially find recovery may experience times when they return to past behaviors and usage. This is especially common with opioids, as many nations in North America are ...

... can help you become stronger in your sobriety than you were before. Opioid Relapse Opiates activate the mesolimbic system of the brain, which is strongly associated with reward and conditioned associations. When a person ... 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 ...

... use is the development of dependence and addiction . Some chemicals found in the drug activate opiate signaling in the brain and, in doing so, help mitigate the withdrawal symptoms caused by addictive opioid drugs such ... 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

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 ...

... it's a concoction that can be deadly. As an opiate, fentanyl produces a state of relaxation or euphoria. It ... matter of fact, many of the 74 Chicagoans recently affected were found with needles still in their arms. Naloxone ... 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

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 ...

... 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 alkaloids work in relation ... 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 ...

... the three groups, Monnat and Rigg also suggest that three unique intervention programs should be developed to address the particular needs of each group. Additional Reading: Opiates, Overdose and Permanent Brain Damage 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 ...

... , it 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 ... continue reading

Suboxone Debate: What Is the Big Problem with Buprenorphine?

When it comes to this nation's chemical dependence, few drugs have achieved the notoriety and reputation of opioid drugs. In fact, things have spiraled so far out of control that opiate addiction is now considered an epidemic. Despite leaving a ...

... have proven otherwise. In fact, many recovering opiate addicts say that Suboxone was harder to kick ... even years); during that time, the patient's severely damaged brain chemistry is given the chance to heal. It turns out ... continue reading

How to Help a Heroin Addict

More than 590,000 people had a heroin use disorder in the U.S. in 2015, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. If you or someone you love is addicted to heroin, you're not alone, and there is help available. Approaching Someone About ...

... . Is Heroin Addictive? Because of the way heroin affects the brain, it is an extremely addictive drug. In 2013, ... once. Heroin is an extremely addictive opiate due to how rapidly it enters the brain. It has both short-term ... 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 ...

... far from the truth. As an opiate, tramadol triggers changes in the brain to help relieve pain. Tramadol increases ... tramadol is needed to achieve the mood-altering affects sought by abusers. They become physically dependent ... 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 ...

'Epidemic': Affecting a disproportionately large number of individuals within a population. Opioid Epidemic Statistics Each ... the number of newborns who arrive addicted to opiates. Another bill in New Mexico was created to ... continue reading

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