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Yes, Suboxone is Sober & The Truth About Suboxone
In 2014, almost 2 million Americans abused or were dependent on prescription pain medication. During that same time, as many as one in four people who received opioids for treatment of long-term pain in primary care settings struggled with an opioid ...
... one in four people who received opioids for treatment of long-term pain in primary care settings struggled with an opioid use disorder ... Suboxone, the prescribed medication performs several functions, including: Blocking ... 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 if Suboxone tablets are crushed, injected or snorted, the naloxone blocks its effects and ... have valid points. For example, Suboxone supporters believe that long-term buprenorphine treatment is a much better ... continue reading -
The Vicious Attack Against Suboxone Continues
Buprenorphine, the generic name for Suboxone, is a medication used to treat opiate dependence - it helps minimize withdrawal symptoms. It's often an essential part of a person's recovery plan, mainly due to its accessibility. Users can attain it ...
... : “I asked him if it was true that Wal-Mart no longer fills buprenorphine prescriptions, and he said yes, that's true. I ... is blocking your access to treatment. If you or someone you know are refused Suboxone, contact ... 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 ...
... While critics express concerns over the long-term risks of Suboxone, namely dependency, there is ... blocks the brain's opioid receptors, immediately eliminating the pleasurable effects of the buprenorphine . Since Suboxone ... continue reading -
Why Don’t We Have Addiction Vaccines?
After three decades of research, people with addiction still have few medication options. While there are a handful of modestly effective FDA-approved drugs to treat alcohol, nicotine and opioid-use disorders, there are none at all for cocaine, ...
... you want it to reduce craving and you want it to block the high.” No current medication can do all three things . ... rate of recovery. (This is why methadone and Suboxone are essential medicines.) The labs of Dr. Kim ... continue reading -
7 Things to Know About Quitting Opioids
Opioids are used by millions of Americans. It seems that every day a news article is being shared on television or the Internet about opioid misuse, addiction, and, unfortunately, overdose. With new information emerging each year from research and ...
... you. Both methadone and buprenorphine (Suboxone, Subutex) are long-acting medications that are taken daily. ... a long-acting opioid antagonist that is used to prevent relapse. It produces no opioid effects and blocks the ... 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 ...
... combines buprenorphine with naloxone is available as Suboxone ; naloxone is included in the formulation ... reduce a person's risk of relapse and increase long-term recovery success. 1 Aftercare can include different types ... 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 ...
... -assisted detox. After drugs like Suboxone and Subutex hit the market and exploded ... get your life back. No one is a lost cause; no matter how long you've been living in active addiction, you can regain your sobriety. And ... 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 ... dangerous effects such as profound respiratory depression. Suboxone, a commonly used medication in the treatment ... continue reading -
Understanding Naloxone and Narcan
Naloxone—also known by brand names such as Narcan and Kloxxado—can be a lifesaving medication when used promptly in cases of opioid overdose. 1 If you or someone you care about takes prescription opioid medication or uses illicit opioids such as ...
... attaches to opioid receptors in the brain and reverses and blocks the effects of other opioids. 1 It can restore ... from OUD. 4 Medications such as buprenorphine (Suboxone, Subutex), methadone, and naltrexone (Vivitrol) are ... 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 ...
... days in most situations, although someone withdrawing from a longer-acting opioid drug like methadone will require up to 21 ... , in a branded formulation known as Suboxone . Probuphine. A recently approved version ... 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. ...
... A long-acting opioid ... Suboxone (buprenorphine + 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 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 -
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, ...
... like 8 : Taking more fentanyl than expected and for longer periods than intended. Failed attempts to stop or reduce ... like buprenorphine (or the combination product, Suboxone—buprenorphine + naloxone) that work like an ... continue reading -
7 Really Smart Ways to Save Money on Suboxone
A couple of weeks ago, I saw a Facebook post from an acquaintance of mine lamenting about the exorbitant price of Suboxone. I'd known her to have a problem with opiates in the past, but it seemed like she was doing all the right things to get her ...
A couple of weeks ago, I saw a Facebook post from an acquaintance of mine lamenting about the exorbitant price of Suboxone. I'd known her to have a problem with opiates in the past, but it seemed like she was doing all ... 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 ...
... pricey, especially without insurance. This unaffordable sum blocks access to medication-assisted treatment for people in desperate need of help. Despite this, Suboxone manufacturers Indivior have until this recent court ... 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 ...
... will make you want to stop abusing the drug. Suboxone comes in the form of a tablet and a dissolvable ... 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 -
Should We Offer Suboxone in Jails and Prisons?
Of the hundreds of thousands of people entering our country's jails and prisons each year, an estimated 15% are addicted to opiates, according to a 2009 study. However, a majority of these facilities don't provide a single medication or moment of ...
... -term future, officials are still dragging their feet on making buprenorphine available in correctional systems, citing funding and logistics concerns. For instance, methadone costs 40 cents a dose, while Suboxone costs ... continue reading -
The Other Side of Suboxone
It's become a commonly prescribed medical treatment for opioid addiction . In some cases, doctors prescribe Suboxone with the intention of stabilize those struggling with continued, compulsive abuse of illicit or prescription opioids to then, one ...
... The combination is designed to discourage users from abusing Suboxone by methods such as dissolving the drug in solution ... been taking this medication for a long period of time and they no longer receive it, they may be at ... continue reading -
How to Get Off Suboxone: 3 Steps to Take When Quitting
Approved by the FDA in 2002, buprenorphine—brand name Suboxone and Zubsolv—is now the “go-to” drug for medication-assisted treatment with opiate addiction. Unlike methadone treatment, it can be prescribed by physicians in the comfort of ...
... , abuse, and side effects. It's also long-acting, so many stable, low-dose patients don't have to take it every day. But what happens when you want to quit taking Suboxone? Booting the Buprenorphine If you've been using ... 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 ...
... is available as a sublingual tablet or a long-acting implant (Probuphine). It is combined with naloxone in the combination opioid addiction treatment drug Suboxone. What Is Butalbital? Butalbital is a barbiturate in ... continue reading -
Ryan Haight Act Stands in the Way of Buprenorphine Telehealth
It's against state and federal law to use telehealth (remote medical services) to obtain buprenorphine for the first time. Buprenorphine is a medication used to treat opioid use disorder, often known by its brand names—Suboxone and Subutex. This ...
... treat opioid use disorder, often known by its brand names—Suboxone and Subutex. This law is known as the Ryan Haight ... they are not always experts in how to maintain long-term recovery.” She feels that it's important for ... continue reading -
AmeRxica’s Most Medicated
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, over 54 million people have used prescription medication non-medically - effectively more than 20 percent of the population aged 12 and older. When our doctor puts pen to paper and hands us a ...
... taken as directed or when used for long-term pain management. Medical professionals may diagnose a ... with some of the highest concentrations of methadone and suboxone distribution - drugs used to help treat the symptoms ... continue reading -
Addiction Self-Assessment Quizzes for Drugs and Alcohol
Use the following self-assessment quizzes to better understand common signs, symptoms, and behavioral changes related to substance misuse and addiction. The questions used in the following self-assessments are based on the diagnostic criteria ...
... -assessment quiz is designed to help evaluate whether you may have a problematic usage of medication Suboxone, a drug containing the opioid buprenorphine. While this assessment does not replace a clinical diagnosis from ... 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, ...
... ). Buccal or sublingual films that combine buprenorphine/naloxone, which is taken daily (Bunavail, Suboxone). Long-acting implants (Probuphine) that last for 6 months. Extended-release subcutaneous injections (Sublocade ... continue reading -
7 Shocking Ways Drugs are Smuggled into Prisons
A Cincinnati woman and her incarcerated boyfriend are now facing criminal charges after she reportedly tried to smuggle a Bible laced with heroin into the prison. Tehani Teepe, 39, and Timothy King, 28, were charged with illegal conveyance of ...
... to the prison. Sarah Laurito sent her lover letters - letters that just so happened to contain Suboxone-laced stamps - which were worth far more than the normal postage fees. The boyfriend reportedly instructed her ... continue reading -
Here’s What You Need to Know About the Probuphine Implant
Probuphine is the very first breakthrough buprenorphine implant. What is buprenorphine, you ask? It's a common prescription for opioid addiction treatment and it prevents withdrawal symptoms. Buprenorphine is an ingredient found in Suboxone and ...
... for opioid addiction treatment and it prevents withdrawal symptoms. Buprenorphine is an ingredient found in Suboxone and Subutex. The Probuphine implant looks like 4 matchstick-sized rods, which are implanted under ... 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 ...
... addiction. Holly discovered Ibogaine has been effective in treating other addictions too, including alcohol, Suboxone, Methadone, prescription painkillers , and stimulants. She learned that it works by interrupting the ... continue reading -
Vivitrol's New and Controversial Role in Prisons
When I was in prison, the majority of inmates struggled with substance abuse. And because the prison system did very little (if anything at all) to rehabilitate us, it wasn't unusual for those who were released to almost immediately overdose or ...
... free world.” Vivitrol and the Prison System Vivitrol blocks opioid receptors in the brain, preventing an euphoric ... 000, whereas methadone is roughly $350 per month and Suboxone is around $400. There's also the issue of ... 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 ...
... 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 detox treatment ... 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 ...
... Demerol Desoxyn Dextroamphetamine Dilaudid Fentanyl Hydrocodone Klonopin Librium Lorazepam Methadone Opana Opiate Oxycodone Oxycontin Painkiller Percocet Suboxone Subutex Tramadol Tussionex Valium Vicodin Xanax Zolpidem 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 ...
... 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 for people who are ... continue reading -
Snorting Percocet: Dangers & Risks
Percocet is a prescription opioid containing both oxycodone and acetaminophen. While it is an effective pain reliever, as a Schedule II controlled drug it has a high potential for abuse due to the oxycodone in it. Oxycodone is a semisynthetic opioid ...
... Percocet in larger amounts than intended. Using Percocet for longer than intended. Spending a lot of time trying to ... prescribed stabilizing medications such as buprenorphine or Suboxone, which can help you relieve cravings ... 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 ...
... -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 as Suboxone ), which ... continue reading -
How to Help Someone With Concerta Addiction
When you love someone with an addiction, it can be hard to understand why he or she can't just stop using overnight. Addiction can take over an individual's life and produce an all-consuming desire to continue use, despite the user wanting or ...
... Demerol Desoxyn Dextroamphetamine Dilaudid Fentanyl Hydrocodone Klonopin Librium Lorazepam Methadone Opana Opiate Oxycodone Oxycontin Painkiller Percocet Suboxone Subutex Tramadol Tussionex Valium Vicodin Xanax Zolpidem 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, ...
... will begin to notice that the initial dose of the medication no longer “works,” and repeated or more frequent doses of codeine are required to ... Oxycodone Oxycontin Painkiller Percocet Suboxone Subutex Tramadol Tussionex ... continue reading -
Free, National, and 24-Hour Narcotics Hotline Numbers and Resources
Call American Addiction Centers (AAC) free at What Are Narcotics? Narcotics, commonly referred to as opioid pain relievers, are only used for severe pain if other pain relievers do not help. 1 The drugs not only help relieve severe pain but also ...
... as part of your treatment (e.g. methadone or Suboxone)? What Should I Prepare When Calling a Narcotics Hotline? ... failure etc.). History of substance use (duration e.g. long-term drug use and usual dose taken, if you know). ... continue reading -
Effects of Roxicodone Addiction
Roxicodone (“Roxy”) is one available brand version of oxycodone—a powerful semi-synthetic opioid painkiller. 1,2 The medicinal effect of opioids like oxycodone is brought on by a change in the way the brain and body respond to pain. Rather ...
... coma, and death. Some opioids like buprenorphine (Suboxone) are partial opioid agonists and have a ceiling ... in some cases be long-lasting. Dangers include coma and permanent brain damage . 7 Long-term opioid use may also ... continue reading -
Mixing Alcohol With Drugs
Mixing alcohol with prescription drugs or illicit drugs (known as polysubstance use), can have dangerous health effects that many people may not realize. Since alcohol is such a commonly used substance, it's even more important to understand how it ...
... Painkiller Percocet Phenobarbital Ritalin Soma Suboxone Subutex Tramadol Ultram Vicodin Xanax ... abuse of one or more substances has the potential to create long-lasting changes in how a person thinks and behaves. This can ... 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 ...
... friends think they are helping but they are actually hurting in the long run . The enabling behaviors serve to keep the addicted person in ... Oxycodone Oxycontin Painkiller Percocet Suboxone Subutex Tramadol Tussionex Valium ... continue reading -
San Francisco Mayor Proposes Drug Distribution to Homeless
For San Francisco, the statistics related to opioid abuse are staggering: The Department of Public Health estimates there are 11,000 people addicted to heroin in San Francisco. It is estimated that thousands of these individuals are homeless. The ...
... hit the streets, giving homeless people buprenorphine. Buprenorphine, more commonly known by its brands name Suboxone, blocks opioid receptors in the brain and prevents opioid cravings. That means people can't feel the ... continue reading -
Cocaine Addiction: Have Scientists Finally Found a Cure?
The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that an estimated 1.5 million Americans use cocaine. In 2015, our nation saw more than 6,700 cocaine-related deaths. Research indicates that around 40% of drug-related emergency department visits involve ...
... from opioid addiction. Medications like methadone, Suboxone, and Vivitrol—in conjunction with therapy — ... a medication. But this might not be the case for much longer… According to one recent study, a group of doctors from ... continue reading -
Mind Over Matter: The Psychological Grip of Addiction
For most people addicted to drugs or alcohol, the compulsive desire to use is complex. That urge is often triggered by certain environments, thoughts or past experiences. And while addiction is classically thought of as a physical dependence, the ...
... include medications like acamprosate, naltrexone, Suboxone , or methadone . Medical specialists may ... classically associated with PAWS . Related Reading: Understanding the Effects of Long Term Drug Abuse on the Brain continue reading -
Does Methadone Treatment Suppress Testosterone in Opioid Addicts?
A new study out of McMaster University in Canada has found that common treatments for opioid addiction reduce the level of testosterone in men, but not in women. The research project, published in the journal Scientific Reports , collected data from ...
... three months. She found that those who used long-acting opioids such as methadone were 5 times more likely ... showed that the rate of death among those using Suboxone and methadone as part of opioid substitution treatment ... 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 -
Vyvanse Side Effects, Short-Term and Long-Term Effects, and Treatment
What Is Vyvanse Used For? Vyvanse is a brand name for the medication lisdexamfetamine that is prescribed to treat Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and binge-eating disorders. 1,2 Vyvanse belongs to a class of medicines known as ...
... Vyvanse use it by crushing and snorting it, or mixing it with water and then injecting it. 5 Long-Term Effects of Vyvanse Abuse Chronic Vyvanse abuse can lead to numerous mental and physical health effects. Repeated use ... 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 ...
... -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 opioid agonist ... 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 -
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 -
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 -
Let’s Talk Truth: Exactly How Long Do Drugs Stay in Your System?
If you throw back a beer on Friday night, it's out of your system by Monday morning. But, what about other drugs? Most drugs linger a bit longer than alcohol. In fact, some of them stick around for a long time. This slower processing can surprise ...
... he knew it was coming. He simply planned his partying around it. Kevin now assumes he's in the clear, as long as he doesn't use cocaine at work. Cocaine stays in your system for 48 hours. After a late night of Wednesday ... continue reading -
The Damage Done: 6 Long-Term Reminders of Meth Abuse
Methamphetamine is an extremely toxic and vile drug that produces an initial rush of euphoria and a massive boost of energy. After that first encounter, users can quickly find themselves chasing that same “good” feeling over and over again, but ...
... same “good” feeling over and over again, but it's a useless quest. Truth be told, the effects of long-term meth use are far from glamorous or beneficial. Meth robs people of their physical and mental health, in addition ... 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 -
Understanding the Effects of Long Term Drug Abuse on the Brain
Drug addiction is a chronic brain disease, and it can cause you to compulsively seek out drugs even though you're aware of the harmful results taking them can cause. Initially, your choice to take drugs is voluntary. So, if someone offers you drugs, ...
... 'll need to constantly increase the dosage you take to get the same feeling as the first time. The brain undergoes long-term changes during drug abuse . If the brain has to try to compensate for the loss or alteration of ... 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 -
Long-Term Alcohol and Drug Addiction Effects
The longer an addiction to drugs or alcohol lasts, the more stress and strain it places on an individual. There is an overwhelming number of long-term physical and emotional effects that drug abuse and addiction can have on a person. The following ...
... of renal toxicity and renal complications, leading to acute or chronic renal failure. 7 Kidney failure is not uncommon among long-time users of opioids , cocaine, and alcohol . 7 The liver . Liver failure is a well-known ... continue reading -
Side Effects of Diazepam Abuse—Short-Term and Long-Term Effects
Diazepam is a benzodiazepine commonly prescribed under the brand name Valium. This substance depresses the central nervous system (CNS) to manage: 1,2 Anxiety. Muscle spasms. Seizures. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Is Diazepam Harmful? Despite ...
... . The risk of harm associated with diazepam use increases when: 1,2,3 Use continues for a period longer than 4 months. The medication is used in ways other than prescribed (higher doses, more frequent administration, or ... continue reading -
Effects of Benzodiazepine Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
Are Benzodiazepines Harmful? Benzodiazepines, or “benzos,” are drugs prescribed to help control anxiety and seizure disorders. They are central nervous depressants, which means that they slow brain activity. Taken in small doses over short ...
... or months. 4 At times, the withdrawal will involve switching from one benzodiazepine to another—typically a longer-acting one that requires less frequent dosing—to ease this process. 4 Again, all of these methods require ... continue reading -
Effects of Spice Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
Is Spice Harmful? “Spice” (synthetic marijuana) has grown in popularity in recent years. Synthetic marijuana is sold under a variety of names other than “Spice,” including: K2. Skunk. Moon rocks. Potpourri. Substances like Spice and ...
... can sometimes involves a formal detoxing period —in the case of Spice, this can often take a week or longer. Substance abuse treatment will commence after detox is completed, and it can last anywhere from 1-6 months or ... continue reading -
Effects of Soma Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
Soma (generic name: carisoprodol ) is prescribed for short-term relief of acute musculoskeletal pain . It is intended only to be used for short time periods (generally up to 3 weeks). Is Soma Dangerous? The therapeutic effect of Soma is effectively ...
... rate. Headache. Loss of coordination. Depression . Weakness. Chills. Tremors. Vomiting. Seizures. Long-Term Effects of Soma Use The long-term effects of Soma are typically reserved for those exhibiting prolonged abuse of ... continue reading -
The Effects of Concerta Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
What Is Concerta Used For? Concerta is the trade name of a central nervous system stimulant known as methylphenidate . It is prescribed mainly for the treatment of: Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ...
... users may get feelings of: Increased focus. Alertness. Euphoria. However, stimulant misuse can actually do long-term damage to the brain and body . For example, abusing stimulants can actually hamper the development of ... 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 Side Effects of Zolpidem Abuse
What Is Zolpidem Used For? Zolpidem is a hypnotic, or sleep-promoting substance found in some prescription insomnia medications, including the sleeping pill Ambien. 1 As a sedative-hypnotic substance, zolpidem use can impart a sense of euphoria and ...
... the symptoms of Ambien overdose . The Risk of Ambien Dependence Ambien is intended for short-term use only, and long-term users run the risk of becoming dependent on and eventually addicted to the drug. 3,4 A user has ... continue reading -
Effects of Peyote Abuse: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
What Is Peyote Used For? Peyote (or mescaline) belongs to a class of drugs known as hallucinogens. Mescaline is the active hallucinogenic ingredient in peyote, which is a small, spineless cactus. 1 The top, or crown, of the peyote cactus has ...
... . Muscle weakness. Impaired motor skills and coordination. Loss of appetite. Nausea or vomiting. Sleep difficulties. The long-term effects of peyote use on the body are not well known and require more research. This drug ... continue reading -
What Are Hallucinogens? Short- and Long-Term Side Effects and Treatment
Hallucinogens are drugs that alter the user's thinking processes and perception in a manner that leads to significant distortions of reality. 1 To many, the influence of these drugs represents experiences of new and even expanded consciousness and, ...
... as a general anesthetic, but because its use is associated with serious side effects, the dissociative drug is no longer used medicinally. (Learn about the history of PCP .) It's still legal for use in animals but is ... continue reading -
Effects of Stimulant Drugs: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
What Are Stimulants Used For? Stimulants are a class of substances that increase certain types of cell signaling and amplify various physiologic processes throughout the brain and body. In particular, many types of stimulant drugs are associated ...
... , they compound their risks of experiencing a number of other devastating physical and mental health issues . Long-Term Effects of Stimulants The effects of stimulant use can extend well beyond the short-term highs that ... continue reading -
Effects of Acid (LSD): Short-Term, Long-Term, and Side Effects
What Is LSD (Acid)? D-lysergic acid diethylamide, better known as LSD or “acid,” is a hallucinogenic drug made from lysergic acid, a natural chemical found in a fungus that grows on rye called Claviceps purpurea . LSD was first created in 1938 ...
... resolving on their own, and there is no widely recognized treatment. 8 In some cases, HPPD is severe, long-lasting, and has a significant negative effect on other aspects of a user's life. The distressing effects of a ... continue reading -
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Countering the Myths About Methadone: Is it Right for You?
Methadone maintenance has been around for years as an effective treatment for opioid dependency. However, its use remains controversial, and there's seemingly no end to the myths and false information aimed at discouraging anyone from using it as a ...
... remains in addiction treatment . Abstinence-based and non-medical treatments, on the other hand, carry a long-term success rate of only 5-10%. With this in mind, you can clearly see the benefits of using methadone ... continue reading -
Lorazepam Overdose
Lorazepam—a benzodiazepine also known by the brand name Ativan—is a drug commonly prescribed to alleviate symptoms of anxiety. Due to its ability to produce feelings of calmness and relaxation, lorazepam has a high potential for abuse . It is ...
... body of the drug. The initial step is to taper the drug dose or, in some cases, use a longer-acting benzodiazepine to first replace the lorazepam before tapering it. Medications help to minimize the risks of dangerous ... continue reading -
Cuffed and Stuffed: 7 Ways a DUI Will Haunt Your Life
It's common knowledge that a drinking and driving conviction can limit your freedom—whether it be jail, prison or probation. But the penalties seldom end there; the decision to get behind the wheel while you're intoxicated (or just buzzed) is one ...
... never a laughing matter. The penalties are steep and a DUI, in all likelihood, will follow you around for a long, long time. So the next time you consider getting behind the wheel after having one too many, stop! Take a ... continue reading -
Sedative Withdrawal Symptoms, Detoxification, and Addiction Treatment
What Is a Sedative Drug? Sedatives are a class of drugs that depress, or slow down the central nervous system. This substance class encompasses a wide variety of drugs, the most common of which include: Benzodiazepines (treat anxiety and seizures). ...
... , have withdrawal symptoms that begin after about 7 days and can last as long as long as 1 month or longer. Short-acting sedatives—such as alprazolam —tend to break down faster, producing withdrawal symptoms ... 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, ...
... treatment programs usually last for 30 days , 60 days, or 90 days . Some last even longer—longer stays may be recommended for severe addictions. The recovering addict lives at the facility in a controlled environment ... continue reading -
12 of the Most Addictive Drugs
Addiction affects millions of lives in the U.S. It is a chronic disease that frequently includes cycles of relapse and remission, and it is progressive without treatment or participation in recovery work. It is characterized by being unable to ...
... opioid withdrawal symptoms , reduce opioid cravings, and block the effects of heroin and other opioids. 9 ... like HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Long-term use of meth may cause serious dental issues, significant ... continue reading -
Ibogaine: Can it Cure My Addiction?
What does it take to quit using heroin or other opioids? This is a question that is very much on the minds of millions of Americans. The scientific community continues to look for the best way to quit using drugs and everyone wants to know what will ...
... fact cure your addiction. Origins of Ibogaine Use Ibogaine has a long history of use, beginning in the country of Gabon, West ... ibogaine works on receptors in the brain to block the reward centers that are believed to be ... continue reading -
Naltrexone Side Effects, Use in Addiction Treatment, and Rehab Programs
For those struggling with alcohol or opioid addiction, what's commonly referred to as MAT—short for medication-assisted treatment or medication for addiction treatment—can help people quit drinking and using drugs to maintain long-term sobriety. ...
... pill form is most often used for AUD, while the long-acting injectable is FDA-approved for treating both OUD and AUD. ... is being used, attempts to overcome its receptor blocking effects and get high by using large amounts ... continue reading -
IV Drug Abuse: 3 Potentially Deadly IV Injection Sites
The dangers of intravenous drug use are well documented. Although most available information focuses on the very high risk of overdose and the diseases associated with sharing needles (both very real dangers), injecting drugs can also be incredibly ...
... locations, such as abscesses and collapsed veins, an abscess in the neck puts serious pressure on nerves and can block your air passage. Nerve damage to the neck can also result in vocal chord paralysis. In addition, if ... 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 ...
... the effects of opioids, naloxone , may be administered. 7 Naloxone can quickly block and reverse the dangerous effects of opioid overdose , which may save the person's life. Overdose prevention begins with professional ... 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 ... is an opioid antagonist that displaces and blocks the heroin from the opioid receptors to ... 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 ...
... detox, while others, like Vivitrol, provide more long-term support. 1 There are now several medications ... temptation to misuse it. 4 No physical dependence: Vivitrol blocks the opioid receptors and does not carry any risk ... 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 ...
... interact with the brain and stop your breathing, they can conduct additional studies and figure out how to block the lethal interaction. Ultimately, they hope to develop new drugs that can be prescribed with painkillers ... continue reading -
Could This Inexpensive Medication Reduce Your Withdrawal Symptoms?
Withdrawal. It's a huge hurdle on the path to recovery. Those struggling to leave opioids behind know they'll eventually have to face the intimidating mental and physical effects of withdrawal. It's a powerful and frightening thought. Some of the ...
... brain and spinal cord. After identifying the cause of these symptoms, the team tested a drug already proven to block the effects of pannexin-1 called, Probenecid. It's an anti-gout medication that's fairly cheap and has ... 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, ...
... use disorder (e.g., methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone) can help manage cravings, ease withdrawal symptoms, and block the effects of opioids. These medications are safe and effective and can improve the outcomes of ... 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, ...
... by binding to the opioid receptors to both reverse and block the effects of opioids. 2 Naloxone comes in a ... 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 -
Methadone Withdrawal Symptoms, Detox, Timeline, and Treatment
Methadone is a medication that is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD). It is also sometimes used to manage chronic pain. 1 An OUD is a chronic brain disease characterized by a ...
... , reduce cravings for opioids, and blunt or block the euphoria-producing effects of other opioids in ... from one person to another. 9 As methadone is a long-acting opioid, the timeline for withdrawal may look like this: ... 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 ...
... substance abuse are many and can affect a person long-term. 1 IV Drug Use Complications and Dangers Drug misuse ... to blood clots that gather in the veins and block circulation. This may cause swelling and ulcers on the ... continue reading -
Effects of Drugs on the Brain: Impact of Drugs on Neurotransmitters
For many people, addiction can be difficult to understand. Understanding how drugs affect the brain can help shed some light on how a person develops an addiction. This article will discuss how various drugs affect the chemistry of the brain and ...
... , like cocaine and many antidepressants, block transporters so that neurotransmitters stay in ... they take the drug, they may get a more intense, longer-lasting “high” than is possible with natural endorphins. Depressants & ... continue reading -
Opioid Relapse Rates, Prevention and Recovery
Opioid addiction is a chronic relapse disease, meaning that many people who initially find recovery may experience times when they return to past behaviors and usage. This is especially common with opioids, as many nations in North America are ...
... Many view relapse as a significant, yet not insurmountable, stumbling block. It's all part of the recovery process and, ... opioid drugs may cause additional profound and long-lasting changes to the functioning of the brain. ... continue reading -
Cocaine Relapse Warning Signs, Prevention, and Addiction Treatment
Why Is Cocaine So Addictive? According to the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), approximately 1.3 million Americans met the criteria for cocaine addiction as outlined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ...
... as if they've been given a green light for unbridled cocaine use. Rather, relapse is a stumbling block to longer-term recovery and should signal to the individual that some changes need to be made—renewed engagement with ... continue reading -
Side Effects of ACTIQ Abuse
ACTIQ is a brand name for fentanyl, an extremely powerful opioid painkiller that is used only for severe pain such as breakthrough cancer pain 1 . Fentanyl is available in a number of formulations and delivery methods, including 2,3,4 : Tablets and ...
... Having unusual dreams . People using opioids over a long period of time may experience harm related to repeated ... subsided. Antagonists can attach to opioid receptors and block the effects of opioids and in doing so ... continue reading -
Shackled to a Methadone Clinic
She's been going to the same clinic for five years. Every day, she takes a bus, walks the last two blocks from the bus stop and gets in line for her dose of methadone. Five years ago, Kathy decided she needed help to break her Vicodin addiction. ...
... . Every day, she takes a bus, walks the last two blocks from the bus stop and gets in line for her dose of ... methadone dosage had gone up 300 percent during his decade long treatment, with no plans to wean him off the drug ... continue reading -
Pregnant & Court-Ordered to Take Vivitrol: Is My Baby Safe?
It's a question many women might be asking themselves, as more and more females of childbearing age are ordered by drug courts to take Vivitrol - the injectable form of naltrexone. An opioid-antagonist, Vivitrol blocks the brain receptors that bind ...
... injectable form of naltrexone. An opioid-antagonist, Vivitrol blocks the brain receptors that bind to opioids, making ... in my system had harmed my baby.” It has long been a principle of medical ethics that experimenting on ... continue reading -
Hash Side Effects, Symptoms of Abuse, and Addiction Treatment
What Is Hashish? Hashish is a product extracted from the trichomes (fine hair-like outgrowths) of the cannabis plant, as well as from the flowers and fragments of leaves and stems. Hashish is typically sold in blocks of solid resinous preparations, ...
... a paste-like substance to yellow or brownish or even black blocks. Hash oil is often a golden, syrupy substance. Hash ... Learn more about the effects of hashish use . Long-Term Effects of Hash Abuse Using hash over an ... continue reading -
Methadone Clinics Near Me
Why Would a Patient Take Methadone? Methadone—a prescription opioid used in the treatment of opioid dependence—is primarily used for detoxification and maintenance treatment by people struggling to overcome opioid addiction. 1 It helps to ...
... stabilize individuals by reducing withdrawal symptoms and blocking the high from other opioids, thereby ... may lead to an overdose. Even if the person is no longer feeling the effects of the last dose, the medication can ... continue reading -
What Is Addiction? Drug Abuse Information and Treatment Help
Addiction is defined as a chronic, yet treatable medical disease that is characterized by the repeated, uncontrollable use of substances. When a person has an addiction, they continue using alcohol, medications, or illicit drugs regardless of the ...
... a substance than originally was intended or taking it for a longer period of time than intended. Unsuccessful attempts to cut back ... in people with severe AUDs. Naltrexone blocks opioid receptors to prevent the rewarding ... continue reading -
An Ultimate Guide to Understanding the Dangers of Spice
“It's not bad for you, dude. It's all natural. It's just plant materials, so it can't hurt you,” a friend whispered in Dave's ear. Unfortunately for Dave, he believed his friend and they spent the next hour smoking Spice. The seizure Dave ...
... : Elevated blood pressure can cause blood clots in the arteries leading to your brain. The result is blocked arterial blood flow—a condition that's directly responsible for strokes. High blood pressure can also weaken ... continue reading -
Opioid Overdose Symptoms & Signs
Opioid overdose is a serious concern in the U.S. and around the globe. According to the World Health Organization, there were around 600,000 deaths related to drug use in 2019; around 80% of these were opioid-related, and 25% of those deaths were ...
... an easy-to-use, pre-dosed nasal spray. 6 It reverses opioid overdose by binding to opioid receptors and blocking the effects of opioids, which may help a person resume breathing. 6 Naloxone has a short duration of action ... 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), ...
... simply means “painkiller.” In short, tramadol binds with opioid receptors in the central nervous system and blocks pain signals. So, what did change? Awareness. Members of the healthcare industry began to see that ... continue reading -
Alternatives to Anxiety Medications
Anxiety disorders are some of the most commonly encountered mental health conditions. Approximately, 28.8% of adults will experience some type of anxiety in their lifetime (Kessler et al., 2005). Oftentimes, the first line of treatment for anxiety ...
... molecules. Among this group are the proteinogenic amino acids, which are those that form the building blocks of every protein in our bodies. Additionally, there are several that have been connected to anxiety reduction ... continue reading -
Heroin Relapse Warning Signs, Prevention, and Addiction Treatment
Heroin Relapse Is Common Heroin addiction is very powerful, and heroin's interaction with opioid receptors and its reinforcing influence on your brain's reward centers result in such profound feelings of euphoria and pleasure that it sometimes feels ...
... best intentions, you might feel some resistance to this idea. Some of the more common emotional and mental blocks to reentering treatment after a heroin relapse can include: 7 Feeling like a failure . Instead of viewing ... continue reading
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