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Understanding Naloxone and Narcan
Naloxone—also known by brand names such as Narcan and Kloxxado—can be a lifesaving medication when used promptly in cases of opioid overdose. 1 If you or someone you care about takes prescription opioid medication or uses illicit opioids such as ...
... 1 Naloxone is an opioid agonist that attaches to opioid receptors in the brain and reverses and blocks the ... your system for longer than this, so you could still experience overdose effects after naloxone wears off, ... 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 ...
... to experience withdrawal when the drug is no longer used. 2,4 When opiate drugs are used, they are eventually shuttled ... film and may be administered in combination with naloxone , an opioid antagonist, in a branded ... 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 ...
... when other opiates are used. And if Suboxone tablets are crushed, injected or snorted, the naloxone blocks its ... was also marketed as a safe treatment for long-term maintenance. According to Reckitt Benckiser, doctors can ... continue reading -
Why Is Heroin So Addictive?
Despite its dangers and reputation for harm, use of heroin continues to escalate in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Rates of heroin use have increased across gender, socioeconomic status, age group, ...
... include: Methadone —a less potent, longer-acting opioid. Since it is long-acting, the high produced will be much ... Naloxone —a substance that blocks heroin from producing a high. This drug can also be used to reverse opiate ... continue reading -
Which Side of the Naloxone Debate Are You On?
With the opioid epidemic claiming nearly 78 lives each and every day, President-elect Trump has his work cut out for him in the drug arena. One of his stated policies involves increasing access to naloxone, a medication used to reverse overdose from ...
... indicating naloxone increases the use of opiates, so what's the harm in using it? Naloxone users have ... medication will continue to play a significant role as long as the opioid epidemic continues to ravage our country. ... continue reading -
Hydrocodone Overdose
Hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic opioid that is prescribed for moderate to severe pain or as a cough suppressant. 1 There are many generic versions of hydrocodone on the market; the most common generic brand is Lortab and before its discontinuation, ...
... synthetic opioid with opiate-like effects that are similar to morphine. At this time, Naloxone is the only ... in changes in the brain's chemistry that can be present long after a person quits using the drug. 6 The result of ... continue reading -
Taking Action: How to Intervene During an Overdose
Drug overdoses are now the leading cause of accident death in the United States. According to the Centers of Disease Control (CDC), 43,982 drug overdose deaths occurred in 2013 across the nation. That's two times the amount of overdose deaths a ...
... Then give one long breath every five seconds. Step #3 Administer Naloxone Naloxone (Narcan) is a life-saving drug that reverses the depressing effects of opiates on the central nervous system. Naloxone kits are available ... continue reading -
Buprenorphine for Addiction Treatment
Opioid addiction can be very difficult to overcome, especially due to severe withdrawal symptoms and cravings that can occur during the recovery process. Buprenorphine is a prescription medication that is used to treat opioid withdrawal symptoms, ...
... combine buprenorphine/naloxone, which is taken daily (Bunavail, Suboxone). Long-acting implants ( ... Opioid Addiction Treatment? If you are struggling with opiate addiction, opioid addiction treatment can help you refrain ... continue reading -
Methadone Overdose Symptoms, Prevention, and Addiction Treatment
Methadone is a long-acting opioid agonist that works by reducing the effects of other opioids. 1 It is FDA-approved for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD), and it can be used on a short-term or long-term basis to help reduce opioid-related ...
... and it can be used on a short-term or long-term basis to help reduce opioid-related cravings and withdrawal ... an opioid overdose. 10 Naloxone works by attaching to opioid receptors and blocking or reversing the effects of ... continue reading -
Medications for Addiction Treatment
Addiction is a chronic and complex, but treatable disease. Like other chronic diseases, such as heart disease, it can be managed under the guidance of a trained clinician, with a variety of addiction treatment approaches available that are ...
... use disorders, are chronic, which means they are long-lasting, and they are not “curable.” However, ... This both reverses and blocks the effects of other opioids in a person's system. 11 Naloxone can be administered as ... continue reading -
Harm Reduction
The concept of 'harm reduction' refers to a set of policies, programs, and practices that aim to reduce the health, social, and economic consequences of drug and alcohol abuse. 1,2 Strategies might include providing a safe environment for heroin use ...
... the previously abused opioid drug. Other treatment drugs (e.g. naltrexone and naloxone —the latter a component of Suboxone ) are opioid antagonists, and will block the effects of opioid misuse . 9 MAT can make it easier ... continue reading -
Heroin Overdose Symptoms, Signs, Risk Factors, Prevention, and Treatment
How Is Heroin Consumed? Heroin is one of the most common, addictive, and lethal drugs in the world. A morphine derivative, heroin is sold illegally in the form of white or brown powder, or a sticky black substance known as “black tar heroin.” In ...
... of the dangers of heroin use, including its long-term effects on the brain, remain unclear. Others, however ... their own, continue monitoring them until help arrives. 7 Naloxone will typically work for 30-90 minutes, 7 so ... continue reading -
Fentanyl Overdose
The U.S. opioid epidemic is a national public health emergency. 1 Between January 31, 2020, and January 31, 2021, overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids, primarily illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF), increased by nearly 56%. 2 Every day, ...
... of an opioid overdose can save a life. Have naloxone available, especially if you or someone you know is at ... help manage cravings, ease withdrawal symptoms, and block the effects of opioids. These medications are safe ... continue reading -
Signs of Morphine Overdose & What to Do
Morphine is an opioid painkiller with a high potential for misuse and addiction. While generally safe when taken as prescribed, morphine has the potential to cause an opioid overdose, especially when taken improperly or misused. 2 Morphine overdoses ...
... is the standard of care for treating opioid overdoses. 5 However, it's important to note that naloxone's effects may only be temporary, and additional doses may need to be given after 30-90 minutes later. That's why ... 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 ...
... morphine, side effects of the drug, effects of long-term use of morphine, the dangers and symptoms of morphine ... may help until medical professionals arrive to administer Naloxone. 2 Morphine Withdrawal Symptoms If you or a ... continue reading -
Let's Talk About the Elephant Tranquilizer in the Room
It's 10,000 times more potent than morphine. It's 100 times more powerful than fentanyl . What is it? Carfentanil. Designed as a tranquilizer for elephants, this deadly substance has made its way into our nation's illegal drug market. It's often ...
... stops your breathing and/or stops your heart. First responders are finding that even multiple doses of naloxone aren't always capable of bringing someone back from an overdose when carfentanil is involved. With overdoses ... 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 ...
... the Rescue Emergency responders in Chicago treated the overdoses with the opiate overdose antidote known as naloxone. Paramedics in the city are faced with enough opiate overdose cases that the drug is now kept on-hand ... continue reading -
9 Mind-Blowing Facts About W-18
Just when we thought things couldn't get any worse than fentanyl … The street-drug market has a new player - and it's even deadlier than previous killers. W-18 won't deliver a great high; it will, however, deliver death. Introducing W-18 Here are ...
... This makes W-18 10,000 times stronger than classic opiates. Contact Kill: “You only need a tiny speck ... strength of W-18 there is little evidence to suggest naloxone would have an effect in treating an overdose.” No Trace ... continue reading -
Concurrent Suboxone and Alcohol Abuse
About Alcohol and Suboxone Alcohol Alcohol is the most commonly abused substance by both teenagers and adults in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). In fact, the CDC found that in any given month, 25% of high ...
... of withdrawal and helps curb cravings. Naloxone —An opiate antagonist that counters the effects of opiate overdose. When misused, the naloxone in Suboxone initiates opiate withdrawal symptoms, discouraging abuse. While ... 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 ...
... lead to tolerance. 1 When tolerance develops, the medication no longer produces the same effects at the same dose, which can ... Poor reflexes. Pale, blue, or cold skin. Naloxone (also known by the brand name Narcan) can ... continue reading -
Drugs A-Z
What Is Acamprosate? Acamprosate is thought to help recovering alcoholics stay sober by balancing inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmission. Acamprosate may be combined with behavioral therapy to decrease a person's chances of relapse and ...
... tablet or a long-acting implant (Probuphine). It is combined with naloxone in the combination ... archetypal painkiller. Morphine is an opiate alkaloid derived from opium poppies and has long been used to relieve pain. ... continue reading -
Good News: Dr. Reddy's Will Produce a Cheaper Generic Form of Suboxone
Suboxone—a medication used to treat opioid use disorder—is sadly inaccessible to a lot of people due to one simple factor: cost. But this is about to change. Last month, a supplier of generic drugs—Dr. Reddy's Laboratories—was allowed by a ...
... Suboxone films. The generic name for Suboxone is buprenorphine-naloxone. Suboxone films tend to cost about 9 or 10 ... especially without insurance. This unaffordable sum blocks access to medication-assisted treatment for ... continue reading -
Public Restrooms Have Become Ground Zero in Opioid Epidemic
The opioid epidemic has impacted countless families, but according to a recent article on NPR.org , people aren't the only ones affected. Public restrooms have become the newest casualty in the midst of the drug epidemic sweeping across our country. ...
... . A model restroom, according to him, would be well-lit with stainless-steel surfaces and be stocked with naloxone in case of an overdose occurrence. It would have a biohazard box for needles and bloodied swabs. It would ... continue reading -
Heroin Addiction Treatment Centers and Rehab Programs
Heroin addiction can negatively impact certain aspects of your life and have dangerous health repercussions. Here, we will help you understand heroin addiction, how addiction is treated, and what you should know about heroin rehab centers, including ...
... that combines buprenorphine with naloxone is available as Suboxone ; naloxone is included in the ... reduce a person's risk of relapse and increase long-term recovery success. 1 Aftercare can include different types of ... continue reading -
Methadone and Suboxone: What’s the Difference Anyway?
An estimated 1.9 million people in the U.S. are addicted to prescription opioid drugs. Although there is no magical drug to treat opiate addiction, as part of a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) approach, there are a handful of treatment ...
... Although there is no magical drug to treat opiate addiction, as part of a medication-assisted ... than sales were for Adderall and Viagra combined in that same year. How Long Do I Need Them? If you “dose” at an OTP, you ... continue reading -
Codeine Overdose Symptoms, Prevention, and Addiction Treatment
A national crisis, opioid abuse includes a wide range of drugs—from heroin to any number of prescription medications. Nearly 4 million Americans older than 12—1.4% of the population—abuse prescription pain relievers, including codeine. Half a ...
... coma. The most common cause of death from opiate overdose is respiratory failure, wherein the user simply ... a drug in the stomach by using activated charcoal. Naloxone —an opioid antidote—may be given to reverse life- ... continue reading -
Tramadol Overdose Symptoms and Treatment
Tramadolis the generic name for the drug Ultram, which is an opioid painkiller medication prescribed to treat moderate to moderately severe pain in adults. 1 Opioid medications have a high addiction potential, and overdose can be deadly—in fact, a ...
... addressed as required. Sometimes the use of a medicine that blocks the effects of opioids, naloxone , may be administered. 7 Naloxone can quickly block and reverse the dangerous effects of opioid overdose , which may ... continue reading -
Vicodin Overdose Symptoms and Treatment
Vicodin is the brand name for an opioid painkiller medication that contains hydrocodone and acetaminophen. 1 Opioids can be very addictive for individuals who abuse them. This can include taking more than the prescribed dose, taking them in a way ...
... period of abstinence, they may find that their body no longer has the tolerance built up to withstand the high dose. ... like Vicodin —may save the person's life. 7 Naloxone may put the user into an instant state of opioid ... continue reading -
Warning: 3 Dangerous Suboxone Interactions to Avoid
Suboxone is a popular, prescription-only drug that effectively suppresses opioid cravings and reduces the symptoms of opioid withdrawal. Although Suboxone has assisted thousands of individuals struggling with opioid addiction, the drug is not ...
... its risks. While critics express concerns over the long-term risks of Suboxone, namely dependency, there is also ... full dose of an opioid was taken, naloxone then blocks the brain's opioid receptors, immediately eliminating ... continue reading -
The Rise of Tramadol: Exploring the Dangers and Conversations Around This Opioid
Tramadol, also known as Ultram, is a prescription opioid medication used for the treatment of postoperative pain, cancer-associated pain, and chronic pain conditions. While Tramadol is similar to other prescription opioid pain relievers such as ...
... are only partially effective at blocking the effects of Tramadol. And Naloxone (Narcan), commonly used as an ... or may have even experienced seizures. Similarly, the Opiates subreddit, which nearly tied with the Drugs forum ... continue reading -
Oxycodone Overdose Symptoms and Treatment
Oxycodone is a semi-synthetic opioid painkiller that is available in a range of doses and formulations (brand names include OxyContin, Percocet, Percodan, and Roxicet). Individuals who abuse oxycodone are at high risk of experiencing an overdose, ...
... tolerance resets. This means your body can no longer tolerate the high levels it had once become accustomed ... has stopped, a drug called naloxone may be administered 6 . Naloxone blocks opioid receptors to instantly stop ... continue reading -
Snorting Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a pain-relieving substance with two main uses 1 : Treating significant acute, post-operative pain following surgery. Treating chronic or breakthrough pain in people that no longer respond to other narcotic medications. Like morphine, ...
... Fentanyl is up to 100 times more powerful than morphine , an opiate that is addictive in its own right 1,3 . In recent ... the individual is given a medication called naloxone . This opioid antagonist (blocker) reduces the ... 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 ...
... severe opiate withdrawal ... acting and less euphoric range of effects that facilitate scheduled dosing and eventual tapering. Partial opioid agonists like buprenorphine (either as monotherapy, or in combination with naloxone ... continue reading -
Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms, Detox, and Addiction Treatment
What Helps With Heroin Withdrawal? Heroin is an illicitly manufactured opioid drug and morphine derivative. Both the pain-relieving and the pleasurable properties of heroin are initiated through the drug's interaction with opioid receptors in the ...
... be used in the longer-term to discourage opiate abuse by blocking the pleasurable sensations associated with ... intramuscular injection). Suboxone (buprenorphine and naloxone )—Specifically designed to discourage heroin ... continue reading -
Can You Get Addicted to Heroin After the First Use?
Heroin has the reputation of being one of the most addictive illicit drugs. Many government and academic institutions report that heroin is either very addictive or highly addictive . Adding to the risk associated with the substance is the number of ...
... is derived from morphine , which is the active opiate alkaloid compound found in the opium poppy plant. ... early. Some communities hit hard by heroin use dispense naloxone kits in the hope of preventing overdose deaths. Why ... 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 ...
... Long-time users who stop taking oxycodone suddenly often suffer from classic symptoms of opiate withdrawal ... consequences, especially because the traditional opiate antidote, naloxone, does not completely reverse tramadol ... continue reading -
Methadone for Addiction Treatment
Methadone is a highly effective treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) when taken correctly and under the supervision of a medical practitioner. 1 Methadone can reduce or eliminate withdrawal symptoms and cravings to use opioids, and studies show ...
... long-acting opioid agonist, which means it curbs opioid withdrawal symptoms , as well as blunting or blocking ... about rehab and treatment options with AAC. Opiate Addiction Treatment Levels of Care Inpatient Rehab Programs ... 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 ... Suboxone - Combines buprenorphine with naloxone (a medication that blocks opioid receptors and can reverse ... continue reading -
First Responders Worry About Accidental Fentanyl Exposure
Fentanyl. It's known to be 50 times more potent than heroin, and a speck the size of a few grains of salt can kill. By now, you've probably heard of this beast and the toll it's taken on so many lives around the country. A whopping 5554 people ...
... Safety Precautions First responders are also being trained on how to self-administer the anti-overdose drug naloxone , just in case of accidental exposure. They're also being educated on the risks associated with ... continue reading -
Heroin Abuse Signs, Symptoms, Effects, Overdose, and Treatment
About Heroin Abuse What Is Heroin? Heroin is a substance that is both illegal and extremely addictive . The drug derives from opium from the poppy plant before it is refined to morphine, then further chemically modified to become heroin. Despite its ...
... between periods of being awake and asleep. Signs of Long-Term Heroin Use With continued use over a period of time ... brain damage . Coma. Death. A medication called naloxone —brand name Narcan —is approved to reverse the ... continue reading -
Percocet Overdose
What is Percocet? Percocet is an opioid painkiller medication containing oxycodone and acetaminophen 1 . When abused, it has a high potential for deadly overdose . In fact, in 2015 nearly 18,000 people died due to overdose on opioid painkillers like ...
... dose and unintentionally overdose because their body no longer has the same tolerance for the drug. Other ... monitored and treated to ensure their safety. Sometimes naloxone will be administered, which is a medication that ... continue reading -
Opioid Overdose Symptoms and Treatment
Opioids are a class of substances that includes many synthetic and semi-synthetic drugs manufactured from opiate alkaloid precursors found in the opium poppy. Some of the most commonly prescribed opioid medications— Vicodin , OxyContin , and ...
... synthetic and semi-synthetic drugs manufactured from opiate alkaloid precursors found in the opium poppy. ... monitored and treated as needed. In severe cases, naloxone —a medication used as an “antidote” to reverse ... continue reading -
Snorting Morphine
Morphine is a prescription opioid medication used to treat relatively severe pain 1 . Morphine is prescribed in a variety of forms, including liquid solution, tablets, and capsules, and is only intended to be used under the supervision of a medical ...
... to feel and function normally—they will face a long list of withdrawal symptoms and will often be unwilling ... abuse, combines buprenorphine with naloxone, an opioid antagonist that blocks opioid activity at the receptor ... continue reading -
Detoxing from OxyContin: What to Expect
What makes OxyContin so addictive? Why does the body develop dependence on OxyContin? And if you're addicted to Oxy, how do you break the vicious cycle? Here, we will explore what the drug is, what detoxification looks like and how to identify and ...
... . However, Methadone is still classified as an opiate like OxyContin, and can result in a transfer of addictions. Suboxone , a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone, is another option for medically-assisted opioid ... continue reading -
IV Drug Use: Signs, Dangers, and Treatment
Injection is a method used by individuals who misuse drugs to obtain a quick and powerful effect. 1 Intravenous (IV) injection, or injection into a vein, is the practice referred to throughout this article as IV drug use. Injection into a vein or ...
... intravenous substance abuse are many and can affect a person long-term. 1 IV Drug Use Complications and Dangers Drug misuse ... on safer injection techniques. Availability of naloxone kits and overdose prevention sites. STI ... continue reading -
Gray Death: The New Killer on the Street
While heroin adulterated with fentanyl has been in the news in recent years and the risks are well-known, there is a new danger on the streets, and it's even deadlier. It is a frighteningly powerful combination of heroin and synthetic opioids known ...
... When you combine these drugs with an already potent opiate like heroin, the risks skyrocket. “Gray death” ... . A gray death overdose might require multiple doses of naloxone (Narcan) . Some people will need up to 10 ... 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 ...
... call 911 immediately. If you are trained to use naloxone (Narcan) and have some on-hand, administer it ... to build the skills you need to stay clean in the long-term. 9 If pain management was the reason you began using ... continue reading -
Snorting Heroin Side Effects, Dangers, and Addiction Treatment
Heroin is a highly addictive Schedule I controlled drug. Heroin has a long history—it was first synthesized (as diacetylmorphine) in 1874 from morphine. Paradoxically, heroin was originally marketed as a safer and non-addictive form of morphine. ...
... soluble than its opiate precursor and, as ... naloxone)): A partial opioid agonist, this drug relieves drug cravings without producing dangerous side effects. Naltrexone (Vivitrol): An opioid antagonist, this drug blocks ... 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 ...
... of opioids can be treated with an opioid antagonist, naloxone, to reverse some of the potentially lethal drug ... unusual dreams . People using opioids over a long period of time may experience harm related to repeated ... continue reading -
America’s Drug Awareness
For the first time in a decade , the CDC reported that death rates in the United States have increased. While news outlets trumpet the increased violence rampant in many areas of the country, the public is largely unaware of a silent contributor - ...
... prescribing medications. Increase access to treatment for people who use drugs. Expand the availability and use of naloxone (the life-saving drug that counters an opioid overdose) must be expanded as well. Ensure that ... 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 other central nervous system depressants. 1 With misuse, the risk of overdose may greatly increase. 1 Narcan (naloxone) can save a person's life in the event of overdose with Dilaudid or other opioids. 1 What Is ... continue reading -
Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome or PAWS—Symptoms and Treatment
What Is Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome or PAWS? Post-acute withdrawal syndrome is a collection of symptoms experienced by some individuals struggling with alcohol and drug addiction after a prolonged period of withdrawal. 1 The syndrome is also ...
... neurotransmitters (serotonin and norepinephrine) in the brain by blocking their reabsorption by nerve cells. The exact mechanism of ... antidepressant medications. Opioids Long-term symptoms of opiate withdrawal are commonly ... continue reading -
Concurrent Alcohol and Subutex Abuse
Subutex (buprenorphine) is used to treat an addiction to opiates. However, Subutex itself is addictive. Its addictive ingredient is buprenorphine hydrochloride, which reduces symptoms of dependence on opiates . Subutex contains only buprenorphine ...
... contains only buprenorphine hydrochloride, while other drugs designed for opiate dependence may contain naloxone and other ingredients intended to prevent drug abuse. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant ... continue reading -
Concurrent Alcohol and Heroin Abuse
Dangers of Abusing Alcohol and Heroin The dangerous combination of alcohol and heroin gets widespread publicity every year from tragedies that remind the public how alcohol amplifies the already powerful effects of heroin on the central nervous ...
... 's system, other forms of detoxification might be attempted. Subutex (buprenorphine) or Suboxone (buprenophrine + naloxone) may alternatively be used as part of recovery from heroin. Any quality rehab center will ensure ... 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 ...
... may save a life. Medical personnel can administer naloxone , a medicine that can treat an opioid overdose ... them. This can lead to heart problems , including long-term heart infections, as well as pulmonary embolisms. 9 A ... continue reading -
Effects of Prescription Opioid Painkillers
If you use or misuse prescription painkillers, you should understand the potential for painkiller side effects that may occur with use, misuse, and addiction. Learning more about the short- and long-term side effects of painkiller medications, ...
... time and with chronic use, people may also have a risk of long-term effects on the body and brain, such as: Worsening pain, ... overdose. 2 Overdose can be reversed with naloxone, providing that it is promptly administered. ... continue reading -
Vivitrol for Alcohol and Opioid Addiction Treatment
Vivitrol is the brand name for extended-release naltrexone, an injectable treatment for alcohol use disorder and opioid use disorder. Addiction to a substance, or a substance use disorder (SUD), is a chronic, lifelong disorder. 1 Long-term ...
... 1984. 2 When using Vivitrol, you receive one opiate blocker shot once a month, rather than taking a ... temptation to misuse it. 4 No physical dependence: Vivitrol blocks the opioid receptors and does not carry any risk for ... continue reading -
Why Is Heroin So Deadly Today?
For more than a century, heroin has been a dangerous drug of abuse. For years, people have been attracted to the substance's ability to produce a relatively inexpensive, rapid-onset, and intensely euphoric high. 1,2 While the drug's high holds a ...
... Whether it is their first use of heroin or the person has a long history with the substance, the next hit could be the last. There ... best tool used in managing overdose is naloxone (Narcan) . Administered via an injectable ... continue reading -
Political Parties on Drug Use
A recent Pew Research Center survey indicated that 86 percent of Americans believe the country is more politically divided than ever before. Polarized viewpoints surrounding topics like immigration and foreign trade are broadcasted daily on ...
... more lenient drug laws, including treatment, criminal justice reform, and allowing first responders to carry naloxone, a drug that can prevent opioid overdoses from being fatal. A similar percentage of Independent voters ... 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 ...
... of detox. Like methadone, it can also be used as long-term maintenance and may be given in combination with naloxone (as Suboxone). Naltrexone: Blocks the euphoric effects of Tussionex and helps to prevent relapse. Other ... 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 ...
... is helpful in achieving long-term sobriety from opiates. Withdrawal from opiates can be uncomfortable and ... : Naltrexone is a synthetic opioid antagonist, meaning it blocks opioid receptors in the brain. This drug works to ... 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 ...
... other intoxicating substances. Long-Term Effects of Vicodin Use Long-term Vicodin use has the ... as half of heroin users begin their drug abuse with another opiate like Vicodin before moving to heroin. If you're worried ... 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 influence of the 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 ... 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, ...
... withdrawal symptoms. 4 Oxycodone Overdose With misuse or long-term use of oxycodone, there is an increased likelihood ... These medications may include: 6 Naltrexone: Blocks the activation of opioid receptors to decreases ... 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 ...
... and/or be fatal. The addictive potential of an opiate with the liver-damaging properties of acetaminophen makes for ... dangers that may result. Norco Long-Term Effects The most notable long-term effect of Norco abuse is ... continue reading -
The Effects of Dextroamphetamine Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
What Is Dextroamphetamine? Dextroamphetamine is a prescription stimulant used in the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Dextroamphetamine is commonly found under the brand names Dexedrine and ProCentra, as ...
... periods of time, taken without a prescription, or combined with other substances. Long-Term Effects of Abusing Dextroamphetamine Long-term use of this substance can lead to mood changes and depression . Chronic misuse ... continue reading -
Effects of Flakka Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
Is Flakka Harmful? Flakka is a street drug with origins in South Florida. One of the newer chemicals in the booming category of synthetic or designer drugs, Flakka is typically made from a synthetic version of an amphetamine-like stimulant in the ...
... crystal meth and cocaine . Long-Term Effects of Flakka Use Long-term effects of Flakka use are not ... the drug can do to the body and brain in the long term. The following video brings attention to the serious dangers ... continue reading -
Barbiturates Side Effects: Short-Term, Long-Term, and Addiction Treatment
What Are Barbiturates Used For? Barbiturates are members of a broad class of drugs called sedatives that have historically been prescribed for the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. However, prolonged use at increasing doses may have ...
... , significant brain and other organ damage , or death due to respiratory suppression. Long-Term Effects of Barbiturates Long-term use and abuse of barbiturates can lead to a number of different complications, including ... continue reading -
Effects of Amphetamine Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
What Are Amphetamines Used For? While amphetamines have clinical use, their potential for abuse and dependency is high. Legitimate use may turn into addiction. Amphetamines such as Adderall and non-amphetamine stimulants like Ritalin are gaining in ...
... from their friends. Another 20.4% get their hands on them by means of their families. Frequent and long-term use of amphetamines can lead to drug dependence . Drug dependence thresholds are different for different people ... continue reading -
Effects of Marijuana Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, & Side Effects
Is Marijuana Dangerous? Marijuana may indeed be harmful. There is a link between long-term marijuana use and increased rates of schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety . Marijuana also increases a person's heart rate for up to three hours after use, ...
... young may experience cognitive impairment as adults, even when no longer using the drug. The long-term effects of marijuana can be unpredictable. Long-term marijuana use can lead to a number of other unwanted effects ... continue reading -
Effects of Desoxyn Abuse: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
What Is Desoxyn Used For? Desoxyn is a prescription drug that is indicated to treat two conditions: 1,2 Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children 6 and older. Exogenous obesity (obesity due to overeating) in individuals 12 years ...
... . Auditory, visual, and tactile hallucinations. Violence. Extreme weight loss. Stroke. Heart attack. Death. Long-Term Effects on the Brain Long-term Desoxyn use can affect the way the brain functions . As one of its ... continue reading -
Long-Term Alcohol and Drug Rehab Programs
Alcohol and drug abuse can be challenging to overcome on your own. Many people seek treatment to help them stop the cycle of substance use and start the path to recovery. Finding the appropriate long-term drug rehab center for your needs may be a ...
... facilities across the country. If you (or someone you care about) is struggling and you think you may benefit from a long-term program, AAC is here to help. You can call us free at to locate a rehab near you. You can ... continue reading -
Effects of Cocaine Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, & Side Effects
Cocaine is a Schedule II illegal stimulant drug that is highly addictive. It is often used recreationally, and there is a range of dangers associated with the use of cocaine. This page will talk about: What cocaine is and how it is used. Cocaine's ...
... is and how it is used. Cocaine's effects on the brain and why it is so addictive. Short- and long-term effects of cocaine use. How the way it is ingested can impact the side effects of cocaine use. Cocaine overdose ... continue reading -
Take My Breath Away: A Deadly Warning About Opiates
You've just taken an opioid painkiller . The medication travels to your brain, making the pain sensations stop. The same opiates also make you feel much calmer, offering up a bonus anti-depressing effect. And that's the good news. The bad news is ...
... . And that's the good news. The bad news is opiate drugs also slow your breathing…and in case of an overdose, ... conduct additional studies and figure out how to block the lethal interaction. Ultimately, they hope to ... 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 ...
... be used as a long-term maintenance treatment for opiate dependence or gradually tapered over time. Buprenorphine can decrease withdrawal symptoms and cravings and can also block the effects of other opiates. As a partial ... continue reading -
Why Are Prescription Opiates So Addictive?
Prescription opiates—such as Vicodin , Percocet , and OxyContin —are narcotic medications used for pain management. These drugs are often referred to as “opioids,” which are synthetic and semi-synthetic derivatives of the active “opiate” ...
... Nausea. Constipation. Confusion. Long-Term Opiate Effects Sexual dysfunction. Depression . ... which block receptors and interfere with the rewarding effects of opiates. These medications treat prescription opiate addiction ... 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 ... opioid receptors in the central nervous system and blocks pain signals. So, what did change? Awareness ... 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 -
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, ...
... treated. 2 Unfortunately, thousands of these patients became opiate addicts in the process. “In the last about ... many of the same effects. The effects of methadone are long-lasting, working for up to 24 hours per dose. It ... continue reading -
Opiates, Overdose and Permanent Brain Damage
Permanent brain damage due to an opiate overdose is a very real, life-altering consequence of opiate abuse . The dramatic increase of opiate-related deaths is now demanding public attention, but the consequence of permanent brain damage remains ...
... Breathing If you find someone who has overdosed on opiates , and is not breathing, it is critical ... with yours. Breathe out two short breaths, then one long breath every five seconds. Not only can rescue breathing save ... 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 ...
... in lasting brain damage and/or coma . 3 Long-term opioid abuse is also potentially linked to impaired: 3 ... period of 6 months. Another medication— naltrexone —will block the effects of opioids, but it should only be ... 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 ...
... your health. Read on to learn how the human body reacts to abuse of opiates and heroin. A multitude of health consequences can accompany long-term opiate abuse, but many of the dangers are seen more acutely. Even a first ... 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 -
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 ...
... alcohol abuse but use them anyway. Combined Effects and Dangers There are short-term and long-term effects that can be felt when you take opiates and drink alcohol at the same time. If you have a concurrent alcohol and ... continue reading -
Let's Talk Dirty: Opiates, Addiction and Constipation
Although opioids are effective pain relievers, they can do a number on your health and overall body systems. One of the most negatively affected body systems is your gastric system. What's more, long-term use or addiction to opiates can paralyze ...
... One of the most negatively affected body systems is your gastric system. What's more, long-term use or addiction to opiates can paralyze your gut and force stomach contents to sit undigested. What you're eventually left ... 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 ...
... known that long-term use of opioids leads to physical dependence . However, the side of opiate addiction ... prisons don't have the systems in place to handle opiate withdrawal. The U.S. has the largest prison population ... 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 ... improving physical healing and relieving pain long-term. Massage, Acupuncture and Chiropractic Care Some ... 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 ...
... acetaminophen in Lortab as well. Lortab Long-Term Effects In addition to the potentially ... same high. It's important to note that the phenomenon of opiate tolerance is so pervasive that you can become tolerant to Lortab ... 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 ...
... recreational drug and for the self-management of pain and opiate withdrawal (a practice advised against by most medical professionals). You may be wondering, 'how long does a kratom high last?' The effects of kratom are ... 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 ...
... the U.S. hasn't given Ibogaine its seal of approval. Further research and future regulations will determine if this drug will provide a safe and effective alternative for opiate addiction treatment . Image Source: iStock continue reading -
Effects of Ativan Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
Is Ativan Harmful? Ativan (generic name: lorazepam) is classified as a benzodiazepine medication used primarily for the short-term treatment of anxiety and seizure activity. It is sometimes used to manage intractable insomnia, and as a sedative for ...
... associated with existing dementia. Tolerance A common long-term effect of Ativan use is the development ... the case of mixing benzodiazepines with alcohol, illicit opiates or prescription opioids . For instance, according ... continue reading -
Effects of Methadone Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
Methadone is a long-acting opioid agonist that is FDA-approved to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). Methadone also has a role in pain management. When used correctly, as prescribed, methadone is safe and effective. This article will help you ...
... the side effects of methadone, and the short- and long-term effects of using methadone. In addition, you can find out ... uses opioids. 2 Methadone reduces opioid cravings and blocks the effects of opioids . 2, 3 It is ... 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 ...
... and before you know it, you're less likely to care as much about staying clean or about your long-term future. Getting enough sleep is important; these findings demonstrate how sleep disturbance is a risk factor in drug ... 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 ...
... OxyContin may not be the epidemic's drug of choice any longer, there are a select number of drugs poised to be ... You Need to Know Interacting with the brain's opiate receptors, much like morphine or heroin , Opana, ... continue reading -
Effects of Hashish Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
What Is Hashish? Hashish comes mainly from the flowers (as well as the leaves and stems) of the cannabis plant. The active ingredient in hash is the same as the active ingredient in marijuana, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). However, the ...
... marijuana products ranges between 1% and 5%, whereas in blocks of hashish it ranges between 5% and 15%. Hash ... . An inability to make sound decisions. Long-Term Effects of Hashish Addiction Individuals who chronically ... continue reading -
Effects of Alcohol Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
While alcohol is widely used in the United States, it can have an array of harmful effects. A 2019 survey reported that 85.6% of Americans aged 18 and over had consumed alcohol at some time in their life, nearly 70% of people had consumed alcohol ...
... 1 These can include: AUD: One of the major risks of long-term alcohol use is developing an AUD. 9 Cancer: Alcohol is known ... the brain that make drinking feel rewarding, and blocks cravings to drink. 22, 23 Many addiction ... 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 ...
... treatment option. It was seen to be less potent than more typical opiate painkillers and, as a result, to have a lower abuse potential. However, the longer that the drug is on the market, the more that analysts worry ... continue reading -
The Effects of Dexedrine Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, and Side Effects
What Is Dexedrine Used For? Dexedrine is a brand name for the prescription drug dextroamphetamine and is used to treat pediatric attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy in both children and adults. By increasing neural ...
... that the improved focus it provides for people with ADHD will help them study more effectively and for longer periods of time. There is no evidence to support that abusing study drugs actually leads to improved academic ... continue reading -
4 Long-Term Effects of Smoking Marijuana
4 states—Alaska, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington—and Washington D.C. have legalized marijuana. With these changes in policy, a big question on everyone's mind is, what are the long term effects of marijuana use? How does marijuana use affect ...
... of young people and their marijuana use through adulthood (NIDA, 2016). Not only will this study examine the long-term effects of marijuana and THC, but it will provide insight on how the drug affects an adolescent's ... continue reading -
The Side Effects of Xanax: Pill Use and Short-Term and Long-Term Effects
What Is Xanax Used For? Xanax (generic name: alprazolam) is a powerful benzodiazepine drug that is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain. 1,2 The medication comes in the form of a pill that quickly ...
... effects. 2 The dangers of Xanax use should not be underestimated. You don't have to use it for a long time to begin experiencing some of the negative effects of the medication. The side effects of Xanax—both physical and ... continue reading
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