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How Long to Taper Off Suboxone

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  • 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, ... Buprenorphine is also known by the brand names Subutex and Suboxone . It acts upon the opioid receptors in the body ... continue reading
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  • 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 ...

    ... 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 ... . Participate in therapy: As you taper off Suboxone, it's important to continue seeing ... 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 ...

    ... were for Adderall and Viagra combined in that same year. How Long Do I Need Them? If you “dose” at an OTP, ... taper off the drug, and this will usually be done under medical supervision. If you're prescribed Suboxone, ... continue reading
  • You Are Not Alone.

    DrugAbuse.com is a subsidiary of American Addiction Centers (AAC). We are here to help you understand your addiction treatment options

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  • How to Help an Alprazolam Addict

    Help for Alprazolam Addicts Alprazolam—marketed under the brand name Xanax —is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety and panic disorders . Similar to the effects of alcohol, alprazolam works by depressing brain functions . Abuse of this drug ...

    ... a dosage reduction should be gradually tapered off of the drug under close supervision. ... to the following questions: Do you feel as if you are no longer in control of how much alprazolam you are taking? Do you think ... 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 ...

    ... supporters believe that long-term buprenorphine treatment is a much better alternative to turning to a life of crime, unemployment, poverty and dope-sickness. Some even say Suboxone helps to stave off the chronic ... 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
  • 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 ...

    ... epidemic sweeping the country? Round and Round The Suboxone uproar seemed to have started once the U.S ... “I asked him if it was true that Wal-Mart no longer fills buprenorphine prescriptions, and he said yes, that's true. ... 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 ...

    ... can decrease by 70-80% in just a few weeks. There's also a financial impact on the revenue of Suboxone once the generic version becomes available, as there's the potential to lose its monopolization of the market. Big ... 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 ...

    ... struggling with opioid addiction, the drug is not without its risks. While critics express concerns over the long-term risks of Suboxone, namely dependency, there is also a more immediate risk of use—the dangerous ... continue reading
  • Yes, Suboxone is Sober & The Truth About Suboxone

    In 2014, almost 2 million Americans abused or were dependent on prescription pain medication. During that same time, as many as one in four people who received opioids for treatment of long-term pain in primary care settings struggled with an opioid ...

    ... four people who received opioids for treatment of long-term pain in primary care settings struggled with an ... as 40 to 60 percent . As you can see, Suboxone has numerous advantages. Even though recovery isn't a one-size ... 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 ...

    ... access to buprenorphine (Suboxone) , a medication widely used to wean people off opioids by relieving opioid ... Despite the benefits to a prisoner's short- and long-term future, officials are still dragging their feet on ... 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 ...

    ... the introduction of and eventual tapering off of certain opioid substances—used to gradually wean the patient off of opioids altogether, while minimizing withdrawal effects. Suboxone is a a common medication used ... 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 ...

    ... long-acting implant (Probuphine). It is combined with naloxone in the combination opioid addiction treatment drug Suboxone ... for insomnia. It is sometimes used off-label to manage acute alcohol withdrawal and chemotherapy ... 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, ...

    ... , which is taken daily (Bunavail, Suboxone). Long-acting implants (Probuphine) that last for 6 ... even if the person seems fine, since the effects can wear off before the buprenorphine or opioids do. 5, 15 Naloxone can ... 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, ...

    ... the idea of vaccines for addiction has long—some critics would say too long—been embraced by researchers. A vaccine ... rate of recovery. (This is why methadone and Suboxone are essential medicines.) The labs of Dr. Kim ... 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 ...

    ... (methadone, buprenorphine, Suboxone) will be delivered on a tapered schedule, meaning that ... comfortably rid it of any opioid influence over time. How long this takes depends on the user's individual reaction to withdrawal ... 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
  • 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 ...

    ... system for longer than this, so you could still experience overdose effects after naloxone wears off, and ... from OUD. 4 Medications such as buprenorphine (Suboxone, Subutex), methadone, and naltrexone (Vivitrol) are ... 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
  • 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
  • Ways of Helping Someone With Drug or Alcohol Addiction

    Seeking Drug Addiction Help If you have a loved one who is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, it can be difficult to watch them. You may be wondering how to help them with their substance abuse issues. They might be ready to quit and ...

    ... , how it works, and how it can help them get off drugs. Offer to go with them to the doctor or to ... least 1 adult who has a substance use disorder. 10 The long-term impact of alcohol and drug abuse on family members can be ... continue reading
  • Drug Abuse Policies in the United States

    What Are Drug Policies in the U.S.? In America, drug policy involves the laws that control the distribution and use of both prescription and illicit drugs. From the classification of drugs according to their potential for abuse to the legalization ...

    ... : Have moderate potential for dependency. Have less addictive potential than Schedule I or II drugs. Examples include Suboxone , ketamine , and anabolic steroids . Schedule IV drugs: Have less potential for misuse and a ... 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 ...

    ... , in hopes that newly released inmates can stay off drugs once they enter “the free world.” Vivitrol ... $1,000, whereas methadone is roughly $350 per month and Suboxone is around $400. There's also the issue of accessibility ... 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 may be wondering what medications your doctor will prescribe you. Both methadone and buprenorphine (Suboxone, Subutex) are long-acting medications that are taken daily. These drugs can be used to assist in opioid ... continue reading
  • Chicken vs. Egg: Which Came First, Heroin or OxyContin Addiction?

    For centuries, people have debated one age old question: which came first, the chicken or the egg? While both sides of this argument have their valid points, the question itself has evolved, making its way into other areas of society, including the ...

    ... to legal opioid painkillers or an addict can no longer afford to buy pills off the streets, they often transition to heroin. On ... -assisted detox. After drugs like Suboxone and Subutex hit the market and exploded ... continue reading
  • How to Help a Vicodin Addict

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

    ... A period of medically supervised detox will wean the user off the substance while managing symptoms and making the patient as ... Oxycodone Oxycontin Painkiller Percocet Suboxone Subutex Tramadol Tussionex Valium ... continue reading
  • How to Help a Heroin Addict

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

    ... rapidly it enters the brain. It has both short-term and long-term effects. Short-term effects of using heroin include: Feeling flushed. ... Oxycodone Oxycontin Painkiller Percocet Suboxone Subutex Tramadol Tussionex Valium ... continue reading
  • How to Help Someone With Alcohol Addiction

    In the United States, alcohol use is highly prevalent. According to the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, around 138 million people, or 50% of those people aged 12 and older, reported prior month use of alcohol. 1 You may be concerned ...

    ... for an adequate length of time is critical to long-term recovery, with longer stays in treatment associated with better outcomes. 9 How ... Oxycodone Oxycontin Painkiller Percocet Suboxone Subutex Tramadol Tussionex Valium ... continue reading
  • Alcohol Misuse and Addiction: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment

    What Is Alcohol Misuse? According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), alcohol is the most commonly used and misused substance in the United States. 1 Those who misuse alcohol are not necessarily addicted or ...

    ... a person's chance of developing alcohol use disorder. Certain long-term behaviors like heavy use or binge drinking will increase someone' ... Percocet Phenobarbital Ritalin Soma Suboxone Subutex Tramadol Ultram Valium ... 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 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
  • 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 ...

    ... 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
  • 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
  • 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, ...

    ... opioid. Since it is long-acting, the high produced will be much less intense than that of heroin when it is taken appropriately and not abused. Buprenorphine —available as Suboxone or Subutex. When used properly, this ... 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. ...

    ... -acting opioid agonist, this medication is taken on a daily basis and is only available at methadone clinics. Buprenorphine (Probuphine, Suboxone (buprenorphine + naloxone)): A partial opioid agonist, this drug relieves ... 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
  • 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 ...

    ... a long-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 ), ... 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
  • 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 ...

    ... the dangers that may result. Norco Long-Term Effects The most notable long-term effect of Norco abuse is addiction , ... with a medication such as buprenorphine (Suboxone(R)/Subutex(R)), along with medical supervision, in ... 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 ...

    ... remains in the user'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 ... continue reading
  • How to Help an Oxycontin Addict

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

    ... stop using the drug no matter how hard you try. It's no longer about controlling pain; OxyContin abuse or addiction is all about being out of ... Oxycodone Oxycontin Painkiller Percocet Suboxone Subutex Tramadol Tussionex ... 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 ...

    ... them and put them on the defense, so you may be better off holding a one-on-one conversation where they may be more willing to ... opiate addiction: Methadone : Methadone is long-acting synthetic opioid agonist. It reduces ... 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 ...

    ... it is injected monthly. Methadone - A long-acting synthetic opioid that reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings ... without the addictive high or the withdrawal. Suboxone - Combines buprenorphine with naloxone (a medication ... continue reading
  • How to Help a Tramadol Addict

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

    ... for addiction can restore your quality of life. Regardless of how long you've taken tramadol, getting the proper treatment can help you ... Oxycodone Oxycontin Painkiller Percocet Suboxone Subutex Tramadol Tussionex Valium ... continue reading
  • How to Help Someone With Valium Addiction

    How to Help Someone Addicted to Valium If you are addicted to Valium—a sedative-hypnotic drug—you don't have to fight your addiction alone. Treatment programs give people with addictions all the support they need to recover. Regardless of how ...

    ... addictions all the support they need to recover. Regardless of how long you've been using prescription drugs for, it's possible for ... Oxycodone Oxycontin Painkiller Percocet Suboxone Subutex Tramadol Tussionex Valium ... 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 ...

    ... one or more substances has the potential to create long-lasting changes in how a person thinks and behaves. This ... is available on an ongoing basis, with services tapering down as a person progresses in their recovery. 12 ... 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
  • 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 ...

    ... program. Detox programs can help people slowly wean off of Tussionex under medical supervision . Medications can ... be used as long-term maintenance and may be given in combination with naloxone (as Suboxone). Naltrexone: ... 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 ...

    ... mixing it with water and then injecting it. 5 Long-Term Effects of Vyvanse Abuse Chronic Vyvanse abuse can lead to ... While there are some medications designed to help people taper off of drugs such as heroin , there are no ... 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 ...

    ... the risks of withdrawal. Alternatively, you may be switched to another benzodiazepine with a longer half-life and then tapered off that medication. 8 For some individuals, an inpatient detox is the best option. 8 ... 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 ...

    ... 5 The detoxification program for barbiturates typically involves a tapering method in which individuals are given successive decreasing doses of either a long-acting barbiturate or a benzodiazepine. This gradual process ... 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 ...

    ... the strongest crystal meth and cocaine . Long-Term Effects of Flakka Use Long-term effects of Flakka use are not yet published ... programs . Family Participation Since being cut off from loved ones may be of particular ... 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 ...

    ... heart rate, and irregular heartbeat can all set off dangerous cardiovascular events , which can be deadly. ... on them by means of their families. Frequent and long-term use of amphetamines can lead to drug dependence . Drug ... 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 ...

    ... also markedly increased when the drug is mixed with alcohol or other intoxicating substances. Long-Term Effects of Vicodin Use Long-term Vicodin use has the ability to make people overlook its negative side effects while ... 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
  • 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, ...

    ... the opioid can cause discomfort, pain, and even withdrawal symptoms. 4 Oxycodone Overdose With misuse or long-term use of oxycodone, there is an increased likelihood of overdose, although overdose can occur even with the ... 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
  • 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 ...

    ... used as a long-term maintenance treatment for opiate dependence or gradually tapered over time. Buprenorphine ... the country. If you or someone you love needs help getting off Demerol, please call us for free at now. We can ... 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 ...

    ... effects of alcohol wear off, you may feel more anxious, irritable, or restless. Long-Term Effects of Alcohol Abuse ... symptoms begin to resolve, the medication is slowly tapered down until you are able to discontinue it. ... continue reading
  • You’re Fired: Police Departments Weaning K9’s Off Marijuana

    Jobs change with technology, and work tasks evolve with those advancements. New policies and developments often put people out of work. It turns out, people aren't the only ones affected by those changes. Due to new marijuana guidelines , ...

    ... the scent of marijuana . Now that it's legal to use cannabis in some cases, the K9 unit no longer needs them to focus on this drug. Instead, police departments in Oregon and Washington are training their dogs to search ... continue reading
  • Don’t Open Wide: Pulling Dentists Off the Doctor Shopping List

    Imagine you're getting your wisdom teeth removed and at the end of the procedure, your dentist hands you a prescription for a pain reliever - maybe Vicodin or Percocet . For many people, this wouldn't pose a problem. For thousands of others, ...

    ... for acute pain management.” Although there is growing support to reduce dental opioid prescriptions, their long-standing culture of prescribing likely won't change quickly. In the meantime, however, dentists need to ... continue reading
  • The Effects of Alprazolam Use—Short-Term, Long-Term and Side Effects

    Is Alprazolam Harmful? Alprazolam (trade name: Xanax ) is a sedative drug in the benzodiazepine class, indicated for the management of some forms of anxiety and panic disorders. The substance—like all benzodiazepines—has central nervous system ...

    ... at one of our facilities. Long-Term Effects of Alprazolam Use One serious long-term effect of alprazolam use is the ... typically involves a process of weaning, or tapering the body off of the drug. Weaning is when a ... 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 ...

    ... . At times, temporary administration of a longer-acting sedative—such as Valium —can be beneficial in managing seizure activity, if present. When the dosage of a sedative has been tapered down low enough for the patient ... continue reading
  • Effects of Ketamine Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, and Side Effects

    Is Ketamine Dangerous? “It's easy to get ketamine abuse wrong because of its potency; it's more powerful than speed or coke weight for weight, so it's easy to accidentally overdose.” Like its sister drug CP, ketamine is a dissociative ...

    ... damage. Once the effects of ketamine have worn off, users might experience severe abdominal pain. It can ... bladder and urinary tract, and this can force some long-term addicts to have their bladders removed as the walls are ... 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 ...

    ... offers her some ecstasy . She has never tried it before and asks how long it will affect her. With the next day off work, she's assured it will be long gone by the time she starts her next shift. Wrong. Ecstasy, or MDMA ... 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 ...

    ... result, to have a lower abuse potential. However, the longer that the drug is on the market, the more that ... result. Quotes From Recovering Addicts Recovery may seem far off to someone in the midst of a struggle with ... 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 ...

    ... quickly addressed. Detoxing from benzodiazepines usually involves tapering one's doses of the drug until ... from one benzodiazepine to another—typically a longer-acting one that requires less frequent dosing—to ease ... continue reading
  • Effects of Steroid Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment

    Are Steroids Harmful? Some steroids can be incredibly harmful to those who take them. Conversely, some types of steroids are used to help people with inflammatory conditions like chronic bronchitis, but these are categorized as corticosteroids . ...

    ... changes in the mood and behavior of a person. In the long-term, anabolic steroid abuse can cause: Anger and aggression (“roid rage ... treatment is usually done through a tapering program to minimize withdrawal symptoms, ... continue reading
  • The Effects of Adderall Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment

    What Is Adderall Used For? Adderall is a form of amphetamine prescribed for the treatment of: 1 Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Narcolepsy. It is available in 2 forms : immediate release and extended release. 1 Both forms are ...

    ... once the initial, positive effects have worn off, Adderall abuse can produce many unwanted symptoms, ... sleeping. Tremors/twitching. Decreased inhibitions. Paranoia. Long-Term Effects Of Adderall Use Chronic abuse of ... 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 ...

    ... use increases when: 1,2,3 Use continues for a period longer than 4 months. The medication is used in ways other than ... off of their current dose over the course of weeks or months. Switching to another, longer-acting ... continue reading
  • Effects of Inhalant Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment

    What Are Inhalants? There is a huge number of inhalants available for abuse, and they're fairly easy to obtain. It's unsurprising that teens in particular are susceptible to inhalant abuse, simply because these compounds can be acquired at any ...

    ... in death, and it doesn't have to be long-term abuse that causes it. Sudden sniffing death can occur even ... first stage, detox , is the process of getting you off inhalants in a safe manner. Usually, you'll be withdrawn ... 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 ...

    ... include: Drowsiness and possible intermittent dozing off. Delayed reactions, making it dangerous to ... Constipation (a telltale sign of opiate abuse ). Long-Term Effects of OxyContin Use Opiates may have severe effects ... 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 ...

    ... Ambien is intended for short-term use only, and long-term users run the risk of becoming dependent on and eventually ... to find professional help that can help you wean off Ambien and get free from addiction for good. ... 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 ...

    ... a useless quest. Truth be told, the effects of long-term meth use are far from glamorous or beneficial. Meth robs ... The Spokesman-Review . “He tears his clothes off and ties them around his head.” Physical Appearance ... continue reading
  • Effects of Crystal Meth Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, & Side Effects

    What Is Methamphetamine Used For? Methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant that can have long-lasting effects on the body. This is a man-made substance that—with the advent of other more efficacious prescription stimulants—now has limited ...

    ... term outcomes of crystal meth use, however, is sudden death from cardiac arrest or stroke . Crystal Meth Dependency and Overdose Crystal meth signals the brain to fire off an increased amount of dopamine —a chemical that ... continue reading
  • Effects of Clonazepam Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment

    What Is Clonazepam Used For? Clonazepam, commonly known by its brand name Klonopin , is a prescription medication commonly used for its anti-anxiety and anti-convulsant benefits. This medication is part of a larger group of substances called ...

    ... becomes an issue in those taking this drug for a long period of time or at higher than recommended doses, ... seek out the needed help. It is possible to get off clonazepam and live a productive and happy life without the ... 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 ...

    ... . Tremors. Vomiting. Seizures. Long-Term Effects of Soma Use The long-term effects of Soma are typically ... abrupt cessation of use. Fortunately for those seeking to get off of it, withdrawal from Soma is not as severe as ... continue reading
  • The Effects of Ritalin Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment

    What Is Ritalin Used For? Ritalin (generic name: methylphenidate) is a stimulant prescribed to reduce the effects of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It is also sometimes prescribed for the ...

    ... that are so intense that, in attempts to stave off the onset of drug withdrawal , they effectively drive ... increase the likelihood of successful recovery and long-term sobriety. Other treatment options include outpatient ... continue reading
  • Effects of Meth Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment

    Is Meth Harmful? Meth—the abbreviated colloquialism for methamphetamine—is a wildly addictive and dangerous substance. Users can rapidly become dependent on its effects, which present a number of health risks. The illegal production and ...

    ... occur . Short-term side effects may be temporary, but long-term side effects can cause irreversible damage to the body. ... skin, which can cause users to scratch the skin off or to create lesions that may become infected. ... 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 ...

    ... of the peyote cactus has circular-shaped buttons that are cut off and ingested in a variety of ways, such as by chewing ... appetite. Nausea or vomiting. Sleep difficulties. The long-term effects of peyote use on the body are ... 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 ...

    ... effects of a bad trip normally ease when the drug wears off. However, they can persist for weeks or months in some users. 2 These long-term side effects are known by the clinical terms “Persistent Psychosis” and ... 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
  • 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 ...

    ... attacks, confusion, and a sense of a loss of control. An inability to make sound decisions. Long-Term Effects of Hashish Addiction Individuals who chronically use or abuse hashish or other cannabis products may have ... 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
  • Effects of Heroin Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment

    Is Heroin Harmful? Heroin is the name for a modified version of morphine that is a very addictive and illegal opioid drug . The drug is available on the illicit market in a number of different varieties, with purer product tending to occur in white ...

    ... feet, lips, etc. The risk of death from overdose is a concern for people using heroin in the short and long term because dosing is impossible to measure due to variations in purity. Essentially, it's never a safe time to ... continue reading
  • Long-Term Effects of Molly, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment

    MDMA Drug Information Ecstasy is the more common street name for 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine—a highly addictive, illicit drug also known as MDMA , or “Molly.” This drug shares chemical structural similarities with both amphetamine and ...

    ... 12-step programs . Becoming part of a weekly group is a great and cost-effective way to support long-term recovery. 12 Find MDMA Addiction Treatment Programs When you are ready to find a treatment program, you can search ... continue reading
  • Effects of Methoxetamine Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment

    Is MXE Harmful? MXE, also known as methoxetamine, is a substance with similar chemical properties to ketamine and phencyclidine (PCP) , two illicit drugs known for their hallucinogenic and dissociative properties. 1 MXE is an odorless, white powder ...

    ... adverse reaction to MXE or may experience an MXE overdose —a condition that can be fatal. Additionally, long-term MXE use can have mounting negative effects on the body. MXE Side Effects In addition to the intoxicating ... continue reading
  • Effects of Psilocybin Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment

    Is Psilocybin Harmful? Psilocybin is a naturally occurring fungal alkaloid—a chemical compound that is found in more than 100 species of mushrooms (also known as magic mushrooms or shrooms). 1 When ingested, psilocybin is metabolized into a ...

    ... even after a single use of psilocybin, the risks of experiencing these adverse effects may be increased with long-term use: 1,2 Drug-induced psychosis, a condition in which a person's thoughts become disorganized and ... continue reading
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