How Do Opiates Work

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” ...

... (i.e. naltrexone ), which block receptors and interfere with the rewarding effects of opiates. These medications treat prescription opiate addiction by working on receptors in a way that is less likely to cause harm ... 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 ...

... reasons a treatment program may not have worked the first time and suggesting that they might benefit from a different approach. Opiate Addiction Treatment Opiate addiction treatment follows a fairly standard regimen ... 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 ...

... a laboratory, still retain some natural qualities. 2. Tramadol has an uncommon, dual-acting benefit. Tramadol works as an opiate in the expected way to manage the perception of pain, but beyond that, it allows increased ... 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, ...

... for the drug hydrocodone. Lortab is a semi-synthetic opiate that, in large does, produces similar effects to ... to recover in his or her own social, family, and work environment . This can be an advantage, since this is the ... 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 ...

... . Confusion. Nausea and vomiting. The intensity of an opiate or opioid high is influenced not only by the drug ... each day's session to sleep and/or attend work or other obligations. Individuals who have relatively mild ... 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 ...

... important to consider that withdrawal from morphine and other opiates can be intense and impose stress on both the ... . It's important to find a treatment plan that works for the individual needs of the addict. Call Our ... 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 ...

... high. It's important to note that the phenomenon of opiate tolerance is so pervasive that you can become tolerant to Lortab ... time to attend to personal obligations such as work or school. Recovery Is Possible It's ... 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 ...

... to simulate the euphoric effects of other stronger opiates . Signs and Symptoms of Ultram Abuse While many ... immersive but you can continue to live at home and work. Other recovery programs , such as 12-step programs or ... 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 ...

... . The drug contains oxycodone —a substance that derives from opiate alkaloids found in the opium poppy . As an opioid, ... ve become dependent on Oxycontin, you may miss work, fall behind on bills, and experience conflicts in ... 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 ...

... the treatment center before going home, going to work, or staying with loved ones. Outpatient treatment is ... hydrocodone abuse remains high relative to that of other opiates . In fact: The MTF survey found that lifetime ... 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 ...

... is recommended, individuals may be administered medications to help manage opiate dependence, such as methadone or buprenorphine . These substances work to relieve cravings for Percocet and withdrawal symptoms from the ... 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 ...

... ensure that you take care of yourself and proactively work to prevent relapse. Attending peer support groups—such as ... How Addictive Is OxyContin? Like all opiates , OxyContin is potentially addictive. OxyContin attaches ... 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 ...

... . Acetaminophen . Hydrocodone is an opiate drug that works as a pain reliever and is ... many as half of heroin users begin their drug abuse with another opiate like Vicodin before moving to heroin. If you're worried about ... 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 ...

... It acts, in part, by binding to central nervous system opiate receptors to alter the perception of pain in the brain. ... is right for everyone. Therefore, the team will work together to design a program that is tailored to ... 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 ...

... is now consumed here. Unfortunately, oxycodone also has significant potential for abuse and addiction. Like all opiates, it works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, and these receptors are ... 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 ...

... are, which is why inpatient residential treatment works well. In addition to inpatient treatment, ... containing the narcotic in combination with another drug. Opiates accounted for 75% of pharmaceutical overdoses in 2008 ... 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 ...

... them. Given few details about these drugs - how they work, when to take them and, even, viable alternatives to ... more than 2 million people in the US abused opiates . Many of these individuals exhibit behaviors or have ... 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 ...

... dependent on Vicodin will experience uncomfortable opiate withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop ... peer support groups—such as 12-step programs —and work to improve their relationships with loved ones. A renewed ... 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, ...

... having grown tolerant to a therapeutic dose of some other opiate) . Any person who uses fentanyl and doesn't ... be showing signs of poor judgment in both work and personal situations. Additionally, with sustained fentanyl ... 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 ... For example, it's common for users to: Miss work, especially if they haven't taken Percocet, because their ... 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 ...

... ) is prescribed 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 ... 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 ...

... treatment (MAT) for the management of opiate withdrawal and cravings. Medications used as part ... management of a number of causes of pain. The medication works by altering the way your brain and nervous system respond to ... 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 ...

... discomfort of opioid withdrawal , many users keep taking opiate drugs even when they want to quit. Hydromorphone ... Declining interpersonal relationships . Decreased performance at work and school. Inability to reduce or ... 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 ...

... new struggles living up to expectations at home, work, or school. Changing interests to focus more ... However, suddenly stopping use can bring about a severe opiate withdrawal syndrome that may trigger relapse . Symptoms of ... 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 ...

... option. It was seen to be less potent than more typical opiate painkillers and, as a result, to have a lower abuse ... changes/suicidal thoughts. Decreased ability to function at work or school. Don't let addiction to Ultram ... 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 ...

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 ... 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 ...

... 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 ... 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 ...

... 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 ... 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, ...

... Plus. Is Codeine Addictive? Codeine is an opiate narcotic pain reliever. The Drug Enforcement Administration ... that the initial dose of the medication no longer “works,” and repeated or more frequent doses of codeine are ... 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 ...

... and psychological effects). The cost of treatment. That treatment hasn't worked in the past. These kinds of concerns are normal. It is ... Librium Lorazepam Methadone Opana Opiate Oxycodone Oxycontin Painkiller Percocet ... 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 ...

... -opioid pain relievers. As a potent semi-synthetic opiate derived from morphine, 2 Roxicodone produces effects similar ... periods of addiction, attendance and performance at work and school may begin to decline. Financial ... 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 ...

... as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone prescribed for opiate addiction that may be used to assist with ... on activities and hobbies due to drug use. Neglecting work or other commitments due to drug use. Losing interest ... 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 ...

... Names Due to its potency, Opana is a highly sought-after opiate of abuse. It is sold under various street names , including: ... responsibilities such as family, friends, and work. Claiming to have lost prescriptions. Lying ... 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 ...

... may cover up for the drug user by, for example, calling into work for them and telling their boss that they're sick when they're actually ... Librium Lorazepam Methadone Opana Opiate Oxycodone Oxycontin Painkiller Percocet ... 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 ... Methadone . This medication is a full opioid agonist that works on the same opioid receptors in the brain as heroin ... 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 ...

... to multi-organ failure and death . Short-Term Effects of Demerol Use As a broad class of drugs, opiates have an analgesic—or painkilling—effect on the body that can bring about a sense of relief, especially to people ... 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 ...

... 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 tramadol was not regulated by the ... 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. ...

... in a lab, oxycodone impacts the user in ways similar to other legal and illegal opioids. Also, like other opiate and opioid drugs, oxycodone is capable of delivering a powerful high—rendering it a potential drug of abuse ... 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. What are the Signs of Addiction? The signs of fentanyl abuse are similar to that of other opiates in that they can range from mild to life-threatening. Someone who is abusing fentanyl may show the following ... 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 ...

... standard of pain relievers. Morphine use can create a high that includes feelings of euphoria and reduced tension. As an opiate, it can be addictive. This means that: The body develops a tolerance to the drug and, as use ... 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 ...

... family members. They may falsely assume that prescription drugs are safer than illegal “hard” drugs, like the opiate heroin or cocaine. An article in the Journal of Adolescent Health lists factors that could put teens at ... 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

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 ...

... that can treat an opioid overdose if given immediately. 5 Effects of Injection Drug Use Naturally, taking opiates in nonstandard ways increases their side effects. The body is not, for example, designed to cope with ... 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 ...

... about the different types of treatment, how they work, and what to expect from these treatment ... loved one's painkiller misuse begins to affect their relationships, work, and other aspects of life, they may need immediate ... 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 ...

... and therapy serve as the basis of professional treatment. Talk therapy is very effective, and it can help people work out what they need to do to get off painkillers and to cope with life without drugs. Additional ... 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 ...

... of a medical detox program, patients may continue with various forms of rehabilitative care and recovery work, including addressing long-term use of tramadol. Treatment settings and various levels of care for addiction ... 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 ...

... immediate overdose, especially if someone uses their normal amount and expects the same effects. Opioids like fentanyl work directly on the respiratory center of the brainstem. This can result in a depression of a person ... 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 ...

... problem with prescription opioid use, talk to your doctor so you can find safe treatment. How Do Opioids Work? Opioids exert their painkilling effects by binding to opioid receptors in the brain. 11 For many people, the ... 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, ...

... outcomes. People addicted to tramadol will 12 : Have increased problems focusing on other life priorities like work or school. Shift their social networks towards different friends or have more conflict with loved ones ... 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 ...

... to reduce or end their use in the long term. Struggle to maintain responsibilities at home, work, or school. Someone that is specifically snorting hydrocodone may display other signs that might indicate the presence ... 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 ...

... cravings, or an intense desire, to use opioids. Being unable to fulfill obligations at home, school, or work due to opioid use. Continuing to use opioids despite having interpersonal or social problems that are caused or ... 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 ...

... . Strong cravings to use itare present. Repeated Tussionex use leads to failure to fulfill work, school, or home responsibilities. Its use continues despite physical, psychological, or interpersonal problems worsened ... 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 ...

... its effects, or obtaining more. Experiencing strong cravings to use the drug. Failing to fulfill responsibilities at work, home, or school due to Tussionex use. Continuing to use the drug even after experiencing negative ... 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 ...

... and may be flexible around a person's work or school schedule. Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) ... 6-8 hours per day of treatment throughout the work week. Aftercare is the ongoing involvement in recovery-oriented ... 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 ...

... in the long-term. 9 If pain management was the reason you began using opioids, you will need to work with your treatment team to find less risky options to alleviate your pain. This might include approaches like non ... 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 ...

... moderate-to-severe addictions. Outpatient treatment : You may live at home while receiving treatment that works around your schedule. This is a good option for those suffering from relatively mild OxyContin addictions ... 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? ...

... as medications like oxycodone and hydrocodone , it works in a somewhat unusual way compared to more standard ... adults, as long as there is another family member to work with the person in therapy. 14 If you or someone ... continue reading

How to Help Someone Addicted to Oxycodone

While oxycodone is a prescription medication, it is also an opioid that can be misused. 1 In 2020, over 2.5 million people in the U.S. aged 12 and older reported having an opioid use disorder (OUD). 2 It is never too late to get help for oxycodone ...

... . How to Get Someone into Rehab for Oxycodone Those who feel supported by loved ones while they are working through addiction often have better treatment outcomes. 5 There are different ways for how to get someone into ... 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) ...

... manipulate others for money or the substance. Struggle to perform routine activities like going to work or school. Have problems paying their bills/fulfilling financial obligations. Schedule many doctors' appointments to ... 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 ...

... planning. Outpatient treatment : You are able to live at home while attending a recovery program that works with your schedule. Individual therapy : You will meet with a therapist one-on-one to address underlying ... 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 ...

... , including: 13,14 Your physical and mental health . Your social relationships. How you function at work, school, and home. Potential financial or legal troubles. Prescription Opioid Withdrawal When you are dependent on ... 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 ...

... play in their addiction and ways that you can worsen use or improve the situation. Through CRAFT, you'll work to find the right time and place to encourage your loved one to commit to formal treatment 8 . Interventions ... 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 ...

... you can explore if you desire alternatives to medication in the treatment of your pain. The techniques that eventually work for you are likely going to depend on the type that you experience and how committed you are to ... 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 ...

... representative - someone who is an expert at helping individuals suffering from an array of addictions find the treatment that works best for them. Help is out there for those who need it as long as they are willing to ... 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 ...

... What Is Codeine? Codeine is an 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 ... 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, ...

... , Demerol, oxycodone, Vicodin, fentanyl, and methadone. Whether natural or synthetic, opiate substances are highly addictive . How Do Opiates Work? Special proteins known as opioid receptors are found in certain areas of ... 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 ...

... effect. And that's the good news. The bad news is opiate drugs also slow your breathing…and in case of an overdose, ... a group of scientists to identify exactly where opioids work in the brain and how. A tiny spot in ... 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 ... needs, doctors can weigh the many options available. Working together, the two of you can decide on ... 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 ...

... painkillers , and stimulants. She learned that it works by interrupting the pattern of addiction in the ... if this drug will provide a safe and effective alternative for opiate addiction treatment . Image Source: iStock 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 ...

... to reduce the number of newborns who arrive addicted to opiates. Another bill in New Mexico was created to limit the ... Solving Problems Drug companies argue they are working to solve problems linked to their painkillers ... 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 ...

... Parents Receiving Methadone Treatment For opiate-addicted parents receiving treatment via methadone ... ,” which meant that they were engaged in school or work, had not abused drugs, and had avoided criminal charges ... 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 ...

... 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 to the human brain. But that certainly hasn't stopped ... 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 ...

... and naloxone. It was the first prescription medication to target opiate addiction and works by virtually stopping the withdrawal symptoms caused by other opiates such as hydrocodone, heroin, codeine and OxyContin. 1 The ... 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 ...

... are especially lethal. They include the following: Alcohol + opiates (e.g. OxyContin, Percocet, Vicodin, etc.) . ... substance. Because these two types of substances work synergistically, there is an increased chance of ... 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 ...

... conclusion of the study, participants said that marijuana worked faster to relieve their pain than other prescription ... She stated, “Medical cannabis is the reason I'm opiate free now… it really gave me my life back ... continue reading

5 Things About Kratom You Need to Know

Recently, a drug called kratom, has come into the center of national controversy.Also referred to as 'ketum' or 'kakuam', taking kratom produces opiate-like effects. Kratom is legal in the U.S. and many people begin taking the drug to help with ...

... to as 'ketum' or 'kakuam', taking kratom produces opiate-like effects. Kratom is legal in the U.S. and ... of the plant to get an extra boost of energy while working in the fields. However, due to the harmful properties of ... continue reading

Closing Candy Land: Our Vets are Stuck in the VA’s Revolving Door

Across our nation, the brave men and women who defended its freedoms are suffering. The burden they bear isn't regret, loss, emotional trauma or illness…even though all of these things may be present. No, the cargo many of them carry is the weight ...

... the decision was made to wean hundreds of vets off opiate painkillers - a choice that was made for them , ... know one thing for sure: The current policies aren't working. The system is broken and our vets will continue to ... 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 ...

... 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 doses of a substance more often to ... 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 ...

... , to the point where you refuse to do one without the other. You increase the dose of your opiate medication with your doctor due to a higher tolerance to the drug. You are taking the medication in a manner different ... 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), ...

... 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 “centrally acting ... 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

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 ...

... MATs, only 34% of patients received them. 22 Fact: Many prisons don't have the systems in place to handle opiate withdrawal. The U.S. has the largest prison population in the world, with nearly 1 in 100 adults in jail ... 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 ...

... 's only one thing to do; I just have to get more pills.” The Facts About Withdrawal If you take opiates (like oxycodone , tramadol , fentanyl or morphine ) every day for more than four weeks, there's a good possibility ... 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

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 ...

... to jump from painkillers to heroin and from heroin to painkillers. And that's why we are seeing opiate-related deaths and addiction rise to epidemic proportions that far surpass those of other illicit drugs. In the end ... 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 ...

... serious liver injury, but the risks are quite real. Don't wait for the potentially life-altering consequences of opiate abuse to mount - call to speak with a compassionate treatment support specialist at , 24 hours a day ... 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 ...

... and Health, an estimated 12 million people in the United States over the age of 12 have abused opiates, including morphine. Every year, 1.3 million people are admitted to hospital emergency rooms for drug overdoses, and ... 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 ...

... and 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 ... 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 ...

... times more powerful than morphine. Combined with 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 ... 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

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 ...

... can also produce feelings of euphoria and well-being in addition to pain relief. If you abuse prescription opiates, you are probably chasing the 'high' and may need to continually up your dosage as tolerance develops and ... 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 ...

... . But for many Americans, these restrictions came too late, going into effect long after they were hooked on opiates . As a result, heroin is now impacting a completely different segment of the nation - white communities ... 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 ...

... , a vegetative state, and death The Importance of Rescue Breathing If you find someone who has overdosed on opiates , and is not breathing, it is critical to perform rescue breathing to begin circulating oxygen to the ... 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 ...

... in an effective and productive way. It has been shown to work in 7 out of 10 cases, and it involves a lot ... tried heroin at least once. Heroin is an extremely addictive opiate due to how rapidly it enters the brain. It ... 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 ...

... 43 million tramadol prescriptions were written in the U.S. For years, this drug was thought of as the safe opiate. Then, in 2010, the FDA became a bit more cautious about the drug. It advised doctors not to prescribe ... 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 ...

... commonly prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain and work by blocking the pain signals sent to your ... , it fogs your mind as it floods your brain's opiate receptors. As a result, thoughts are unclear and confusion sets ... continue reading

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