How To Wean Off Opiates

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 ... alternatively, you might simply be weaned off opiates altogether. Before beginning the ... continue reading

Are Prescription Painkillers as Addictive as Heroin?

The Link Between Painkillers and Heroin According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), in 2011, 4.2 million Americans aged 12 or over had used heroin at least once in their lives. Of these users, an estimated 23% will go on to become ...

... . Confusion. Nausea and vomiting. The intensity of an opiate or opioid high is influenced not only by the drug ... to manage serious withdrawal symptoms and wean the body completely off the substance. Upon completion of ... continue reading

How to Help a Vicodin Addict

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

... dependent on Vicodin will experience uncomfortable opiate withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop ... . A period of medically supervised detox will wean the user off the substance while managing symptoms and making the ... continue reading

Why Are Prescription Opiates So Addictive?

Prescription opiates—such as Vicodin , Percocet , and OxyContin —are narcotic medications used for pain management. These drugs are often referred to as “opioids,” which are synthetic and semi-synthetic derivatives of the active “opiate” ...

... with drugs such as methadone and buprenorphine can greatly improve an opiate addict's chance of beating the addiction. Some people can taper off maintenance medication after months, whereas others have a high rate of ... continue reading

Hydrocodone Abuse Signs, Symptoms, Effects, and Treatment

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

... abuse of narcotics in general has declined since 2009, teen hydrocodone abuse remains high relative to that of other opiates . In fact: The MTF survey found that lifetime abuse of Vicodin was higher among both 10 th and ... continue reading

Is Tramadol the New OxyContin?

The epidemic of painkiller addiction is well known, and OxyContin (oxycodone) has arguably been the most notorious prescription opioid at the center of this public health emergency. Drugs like OxyContin have filled the news in recent years due to ...

... use in the US in 1994. Results from animal and human studies indicated that tramadol was less addictive than other opiates, so it was classified as a non-scheduled drug . This meant that tramadol was not regulated by the ... continue reading

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

What Is OxyContin Used For? OxyContin is an opiate that is often prescribed for moderate-to-strong post-surgical pain or more chronic pain situations. Prescription rates are high in the United States. The drug contains oxycodone —a substance that ...

... The drug contains oxycodone —a substance that derives from opiate alkaloids found in the opium poppy . As an opioid, ... include: Drowsiness and possible intermittent dozing off. Delayed reactions, making it dangerous to ... continue reading

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

What Is Demerol Used For? Demerol is a prescription opioid painkiller with effects similar to those of the illicit opiate drug heroin, including the production of a pleasant, euphoric state among those who use it. Demerol is a branded formulation of ...

... Effects of Demerol Use As a broad class of drugs, opiates have an analgesic—or painkilling—effect on the body that can ... country. If you or someone you love needs help getting off Demerol, please call us for free at now. We ... continue reading

Hydrocodone Facts, History and Statistics

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

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

Oxycodone Abuse Signs, Symptoms, Effects, and Treatment

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

... in a lab, oxycodone impacts the user in ways similar to other legal and illegal opioids. Also, like other opiate and opioid drugs, oxycodone is capable of delivering a powerful high—rendering it a potential drug of abuse ... continue reading

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

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

... other drugs of abuse, such as heroin . As many as half of heroin users begin their drug abuse with another opiate like Vicodin before moving to heroin. If you're worried about your use, please call for free at to find ... continue reading

How to Help a Fentanyl Addict

Fentanyl is an opiate narcotic used to relieve severe pain, such as breakthrough cancer pain. It is extremely potent - 50-100 times more potent than morphine and 30-50 times more potent than heroin . Fentanyl is often mixed with heroin or cocaine ...

... addiction. What are the Signs of Addiction? The signs of fentanyl abuse are similar to that of other opiates in that they can range from mild to life-threatening. Someone who is abusing fentanyl may show the following ... continue reading

Morphine Abuse Signs, Symptoms, Effects, and Treatment

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

... includes feelings of euphoria and reduced tension. As an opiate, it can be addictive. This means that: The ... detox programs and inpatient rehab, you can get off morphine under medical supervision, and your symptoms will ... continue reading

The Effects of Percocet Use

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

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

Demerol Abuse Symptoms and Addiction Treatment

What Is Demerol Used For? Demerol, also known by the street name “demmies” and the generic name meperidine , is a prescription opioid painkiller. Demerol is used to treat relatively severe pain and is available in liquid or tablet form. As a ...

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

Oxycodone Facts, History and Statistics

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

... treated with other medications. It is a semi-synthetic opiate that was first created in 1916 from thebaine, a ... significant potential for abuse and addiction. Like all opiates, it works by binding to opioid receptors in ... continue reading

The Effects of Fentanyl Use

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

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

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 ...

... 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 ... continue reading

Percocet Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment

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

... for abuse and addiction to this prescription opiate . A major sign of opiate abuse is taking more of the prescription ... detox center can take you or a loved one off the drug slowly to minimize withdrawal symptoms that can ... continue reading

How to Help a Hydrocodone Addict

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

... severity of your opioid addiction, treatment may include medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for the management of opiate withdrawal and cravings. Medications used as part of MAT may include: Methadone — A long-acting ... continue reading

Fentanyl Abuse Symptoms, Effects, and Addiction Treatment

What Is Fentanyl Used For? Fentanyl is a synthetic opiate pain reliever. It's typically prescribed to patients for severe pain or injury , or after they have undergone surgery. It works quickly to eliminate any pain in the body. However, it can also ...

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

Norco Abuse Symptoms and Addiction Treatment

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

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

How to Help a Tramadol Addict

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

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

Vicodin Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment

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

... a picture of the problem of Vicodin abuse in the United States: Hydrocodone is the most frequently prescribed opiate in the country, with more than 139 million prescriptions filled during 2010. Of all of the prescription ... 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 ...

... for the full restoration of a person's health. However, suddenly stopping use can bring about a severe opiate withdrawal syndrome that may trigger relapse . Symptoms of Vicodin withdrawal may include: 2,6 Pain throughout ... continue reading

How to Help a Norco Addict

Help for Norco Addicts Norco is an opiate prescription medication commonly used to provide relief from moderate to severe symptoms of pain, such as those which accompany dental work or surgery. Norco is a narcotic and is associated with an increased ...

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

How to Help a Morphine Addict

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

... important to consider that withdrawal from morphine and other opiates can be intense and impose stress on both the body ... overcome the difficult withdrawal symptoms and to get off morphine for good with the help of medical ... continue reading

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

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

... more and more of the drug to achieve the same high. It's important to note that the phenomenon of opiate tolerance is so pervasive that you can become tolerant to Lortab even if you are taking your Lortab as prescribed ... continue reading

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

What Is Norco Used For? Norco is a combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone —an opiate pain medication. It is intended to relieve moderate to severe pain. Because Norco contains the narcotic hydrocodone, it can be addictive and should be used ...

... in high doses, can quickly damage the liver and/or be fatal. The addictive potential of an opiate with the liver-damaging properties of acetaminophen makes for a volatile combination for abusers of Norco. Norco Short ... continue reading

Tramadol Facts, History, and Statistics

Tramadol (brand name: Ultram) is an oral, opioid pain-relieving drug that is marketed under a variety of of trade names - with Ultram and Ultracet being the most widely prescribed and recognized. Tramadol is most often prescribed to treat moderate ...

... that people with prior addictions may be more likely to abuse tramadol . Overall, the problem of people abusing opiates and other pain relievers in the US is a major problem. For information on the larger aspects of pain ... 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 ...

... in maintaining sobriety. How Addictive Is OxyContin? Like all opiates , OxyContin is potentially addictive. OxyContin attaches itself to the ... Librium Lorazepam Methadone Opana Opiate Oxycodone Oxycontin Painkiller Percocet ... 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 ...

... decrease their use. Due to the severe discomfort of opioid withdrawal , many users keep taking opiate drugs even when they want to quit. Hydromorphone withdrawal symptoms are similar to other opioid withdrawal symptoms ... continue reading

How to Help an Ultram Addict

Substance abuse problems have the potential to negatively affect individuals, their families, and society as a whole. As addiction progresses, the sufferer's obsession with his or her preferred substance tends to outweigh concern for the ...

... uncomfortable opioid withdrawal symptoms when they attempt to cut off their use, so quitting can be difficult to do alone. Treatment for addiction to Ultram and other opiates can help the user recover and may include one ... continue reading

Lortab Abuse Symptoms and Addiction Treatment

What Is Lortab Used For? Lortab is a brand name for the drug hydrocodone. Lortab is a semi-synthetic opiate that, in large does, produces similar effects to those of OxyContin. Taken repeatedly, it can result in dependence and addiction. Initially, ...

... Is Lortab Used For? Lortab is a brand name for the drug hydrocodone. Lortab is a semi-synthetic opiate that, in large does, produces similar effects to those of OxyContin. Taken repeatedly, it can result in dependence ... continue reading

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

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

... It was seen to be less potent than more typical opiate painkillers and, as a result, to have a lower ... result. Quotes From Recovering Addicts Recovery may seem far off to someone in the midst of a struggle with substance ... 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 ... continue reading

How to Help a Codeine Addict

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

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

The 5 Most Dangerous Painkiller Myths

While painkiller use is widespread, there is a vast amount of false information surrounding them. Unfortunately, many people begin using opioid painkillers knowing little about them. Given few details about these drugs - how they work, when to take ...

... more than 2 million people in the US abused opiates . Many of these individuals exhibit behaviors or have mental ... your discomfort temporarily. When the previous dose wears off, you must take more to maintain your relief. ... continue reading

Opioid Addiction: Treatment and Rehab

If you or a loved one abuses opioids, you should know that opioid addiction treatment can be a beneficial and potentially life-saving intervention. 1 It can be challenging and uncomfortable to stop using opioids on your own. 2 Opioid rehab can help ...

... if you want to know how to help someone with an opiate addiction, you should be aware of the options for opioid ... program. During this time, you may be tapered off the opioid or moved to a medication like methadone or ... 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 ...

... Demerol Desoxyn Dextroamphetamine Dilaudid Fentanyl Hydrocodone Klonopin Librium Lorazepam Methadone Opana Opiate Oxycodone Oxycontin Painkiller Percocet Suboxone Subutex Tramadol Tussionex Valium Vicodin Xanax ... continue reading

Roxy Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment

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

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

How to Help a Loved One With Dilaudid Addiction

How to Approach a Dilaudid Addict Helping a loved one with a Dilaudid addiction can be incredibly challenging. It is important to be supportive and helpful without enabling your loved one to continue using. Some tips from the National Council on ...

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

Ultram Abuse Symptoms and Addiction Treatment

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

... contradict the general belief among many that is not as addictive as other opiates . Withdrawal symptoms for someone getting off Ultram can include: Difficulty sleeping. Pain. Nausea. Diarrhea. Anxiety and panic attacks ... continue reading

Opana Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment

What Is Opana Used For? Opana is the trade name for the prescription medication oxymorphone—a semi-synthetic opioid painkiller . In various formulations, oxymorphone has been available on the U.S. pharmaceutical market since 1959. In 2006, the FDA ...

... abusing Opana, learn how to find help . Street Names Due to its potency, Opana is a highly sought-after opiate of abuse. It is sold under various street names , including: Blue heaven. Blues. Mrs. O. New blues. Octagons ... continue reading

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 ...

... this reason, many users can benefit from a professional detox program. Detox programs can help people slowly wean off of Tussionex under medical supervision . Medications can be given to help ease symptoms and make the ... continue reading

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

What Are Opioids Used For? Opioids are a class of drugs that includes prescription painkillers such as oxycodone (Oxycontin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), codeine , and morphine ; synthetic opioids including fentanyl ; and the illegal drug heroin . 1,2 ...

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

Opioid Epidemic Coming for the Elderly

How Common is Opioid Abuse in the Elderly? Close your eyes and imagine an opioid addict. Who do you see? Would you think of a young, poor male injecting heroin and obsessing over how they will need to score their next hit to satisfy their compulsive ...

... 2004. 1 Pain Management or Drug Abuse? So, we know older Americans are using opioids at higher rates, but why? First off, we know that as you get older you're more likely to live with pain and/or chronic illness. Up to ... continue reading

Tussionex Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Treatment

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

... person will likely need to be monitored to prevent a recurrence of symptoms once the medication wears off. Tussionex Statistics Opioid use has reached epidemic proportions in recent years, and Tussionex falls under this ... continue reading

OxyContin Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment

What Is OxyContin Used For? OxyContin is a branded formulation of the powerful opioid painkiller oxycodone . It is prescribed to manage cases of moderate-to-severe pain. When taken as directed, it is a safe and effective medication, and it has ...

... pills can lead to organ damage from solid pieces of the substance entering the bloodstream. Blockages may cut off blood supply to vital areas, and infection may travel throughout the body from dirty pills and otherwise ... continue reading

Opioid Painkiller Abuse

What Are Prescription Opioids? The category of prescription painkillers covers a wide variety of opioid drugs, including morphine , codeine , oxycodone ( OxyContin , Percocet ), and hydrocodone ( Vicodin , Norco )—as controlled substances, each of ...

... therapy is very effective, and it can help people work out what they need to do to get off painkillers and to cope with life without drugs. Additional therapeutic interventions will help people to make healthy changes ... continue reading

Using Painkillers When Pregnant

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

... born with a dependence on the drug at birth. After birth, the newborn's supply of drugs is abruptly cut off, potentially causing withdrawal in the newborn. 5 The severity of a baby's withdrawal depends on several factors ... continue reading

Dilaudid: Addiction and Treatment Programs

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

... care is any program in which a person can receive treatment while living at home or off-site. Traditional outpatient treatment may involve both behavioral interventions and medications and may be flexible around a ... continue reading

6 Facts You Need to Know About Opiate Withdrawal

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

... that don't provide methadone , no standard protocol was in place to help wean individuals off of methadone or other opiates. This means that a large number of newly incarcerated individuals are experiencing extremely ... 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 ...

... will begin to register less of a dopamine response when an opiate is used than it did initially. A person will need ... of use, detox may focus on slowly weaning a person off an opioid or switching to another opioid like ... continue reading

Trading Dependencies: There’s Nothing “Mild” About a Kratom Addiction

Mitragyna Speciosa, also known as Kratom, is a large tree in the Rubiaceae family native to Southeast Asia. It is said that Kratom affects the human brain similarly to an opiate , although there is no conclusive clinical data proving how the ...

... . Because of this, it has been promoted as a potential cure for opiate addicts. The idea is that Kratom, a “mild” drug, can help wean people off these “harder” drugs. What's the drawback? Kratom is physically addictive ... 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 ...

... wean the patient off of opioids altogether, while minimizing withdrawal effects. Suboxone is a a common medication used as part of MAT for opiate/opioid addiction and consists of: Buprenorphine —An opiate-derived ... 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 ...

... go-to” drug for medication-assisted treatment with opiate addiction. Unlike methadone treatment, it can be ... help you set up a plan to carefully wean your body off the drug. Going cold turkey without medical assistance ... continue reading

Gabapentin Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, Overdose, & Treatment

What Is Gabapentin Neurontin? Gabapentin Neurontin is an anticonvulsant that comes in a capsule, tablet, and oral solution. It is used to manage certain seizure disorders, as well as the neuropathic pain phenomenon known as post-herpetic neuralgia ...

... on Gabapentin? Like with opiates, you can fatally overdose on gabapentin. 4 However, unlike with opiates, there is no antidote ... medical detox helps you to slowly wean off gabapentin while under medical supervision. ... continue reading

Concurrent Alcohol and Subutex Abuse

Subutex (buprenorphine) is used to treat an addiction to opiates. However, Subutex itself is addictive. Its addictive ingredient is buprenorphine hydrochloride, which reduces symptoms of dependence on opiates . Subutex contains only buprenorphine ...

... substitute, so there are risks to taking the drug. Most doctors try to slowly wean their patients off of opiates and Subutex until they can live without drugs. There are many more readily available statistics on alcohol ... 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. ...

... wanted to get clean. While Kathy didn't go through opiate withdrawal, she still gets sick if she doesn't make ... during his decade long treatment, with no plans to wean him off the drug. He's now dependent on methadone. But ... 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 ...

... prisons each year, an estimated 15% are addicted to opiates, according to a 2009 study. However, a majority of ... (Suboxone) , a medication widely used to wean people off opioids by relieving opioid withdrawal symptoms . It ... continue reading

Effects of Alcohol and Drugs on the Male and Female Reproductive Systems

How Do Drugs Affect the Reproductive System? Substance misuse can negatively impact the reproductive health of both sexes in several ways. It may contribute to serious health problems, such as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), infertility, and ...

... common in infants exposed to heroin and other opiates, alcohol, benzodiazepines , barbiturates , and caffeine ... of methadone or morphine in order to gradually wean them off the drugs. The Agency for Healthcare Research and ... continue reading

Concurrent Alcohol and Opiate Abuse

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

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

Legalizing Marijuana Decreases Fatal Opiate Overdoses, Study Shows

According to the American Academy of Pain Medicine, more than 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain. In an effort to relieve that constant pain, the number of opiate prescriptions has nearly doubled over the last decade. Today, opiates like ...

... epidemic.” As experts scramble to come up with a plan that combats the nation's dependence on opiates , a new study published last week in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine indicates medical marijuana might be the ... continue reading

How Does Ibogaine Treat Opiate Addiction?

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

... the U.S. hasn't given Ibogaine its seal of approval. Further research and future regulations will determine if this drug will provide a safe and effective alternative for opiate addiction treatment . Image Source: iStock continue reading

Opana: The New Opiate of Choice Among Addicts?

In 1995, the Food and Drug Administration approved the opioid OxyContin for treating chronic pain. The drug netted a quick $45 million in sales its first year on the market. Ten years later, sales of OxyContin ballooned to $3.1 billion and the ...

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

Here’s a Simple Way to Decrease Opiate Cravings

We all know that getting enough sleep is important to your mood and overall health, but it also plays a crucial role in addiction recovery, too. According to a recent Penn State study , squeezing in enough shut-eye can actually lower drug cravings ...

We all know that getting enough sleep is important to your mood and overall health, but it also plays a crucial role in addiction recovery, too. According to a recent Penn State study , squeezing in enough shut-eye can ... continue reading

How Concerned Should We Be About Opiates?

Opiates are a group of drugs that manage pain by depressing the central nervous system (CNS). There are two different kinds of opiates: natural and synthetic. Natural opiates come from the dried “milk” of the poppy plant and include opium, ...

... that the pain of each and every American patient was adequately treated. 2 Unfortunately, thousands of these patients became opiate addicts in the process. “In the last about 10 years, there's been a huge increase in the ... continue reading

Free Opioid Hotline Numbers

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

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

The Effects of Opiates on the Body

Share on Twitter Share on Facebook They're potent, they're dangerous - and they could be in your medicine cabinet. In 2012, 259 million prescriptions for painkillers, such as Vicodin , OxyContin , and Opana, were written in the U.S. When used ...

... Don't wait for the potentially life-altering consequences of opiate abuse to mount - call to speak with a compassionate ... off blood flow and cause progressive damage to various organs. Intravenous administration of opiates ... 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 ...

... painkillers. And that's why we are seeing opiate-related deaths and addiction rise to epidemic proportions that ... or an addict can no longer afford to buy pills off the streets, they often transition to heroin. On the ... 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 ...

... opioid recovery will experience a relapse. 2 The study also found that at least 59% of those who had an opiate relapse would do so within the first week of sobriety, and 80% would relapse within a month after discharging ... continue reading

Concurrent Alcohol and Morphine Abuse

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

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

Kratom Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment

What Is Kratom? Kratom ( Mitragyna speciosa ) is a tree-like plant from Southeast Asia that belongs to the same family of plants as coffee and gardenias. Kratom has been used as an herbal remedy in Thailand and neighboring countries for hundreds of ...

... and neighboring countries for hundreds of years for a number of ailments. It has dose-dependent stimulant- and opiate-like effects. In addition to being used for an energy boost, as well as for some mild pain relief ... continue reading

Watch the Fahrenheit With Your Fentanyl

Fentanyl is an opiate (narcotic) pain reliever typically prescribed to people for severe, ongoing pain or after surgery. This medication is 50 times stronger than heroin and, needless to say, it can be very addictive. Fentanyl can be delivered in ...

Fentanyl is an opiate (narcotic) pain reliever typically prescribed to people for severe, ongoing pain or after surgery. This medication is 50 times stronger than heroin and, needless to say, it can be very addictive. ... continue reading

Record-Breaking Number of Overdoses Traced Back to Bad Heroin

A dangerous batch of heroin circulating throughout the city of Chicago has caused a record-breaking 74 overdoses in the span of just three days. When the numbers began to climb at such an astonishing rate, medical professionals began to suspect a ...

... times more powerful than morphine. Combined with heroin, it's a concoction that can be deadly. As an opiate, fentanyl produces a state of relaxation or euphoria. It is often used an as anesthetic and depresses, or slows ... continue reading

True or False: Ready to Put Your Fentanyl Knowledge to the Test?

Fentanyl. This potent opiate has added a whole new level of danger to the opioid crisis, causing a staggering number of overdoses and deaths. Part of its overall threat is the lack of public knowledge and awareness. So, how much do you know about ...

Fentanyl. This potent opiate has added a whole new level of danger to the opioid crisis, causing a staggering number of overdoses and deaths. Part of its overall threat is the lack of public knowledge and awareness. So, ... continue reading

Prescription Opiates: As Addictive as Heroin?

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than 21.5 million Americans aged 12 and older met the criteria for substance use disorder in 2014. Of these, 1.9 million were addicted to prescription opiate pain medications and 586,000 ...

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

Heroin Use Increasing Across New Demographics, Study Finds

The face of heroin in the US is changing. As the drug becomes more commonly abused among new racial, geographic and socioeconomic groups, the profile of those users is also evolving. The change is, in part, because heroin is becoming more ...

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

Opiates, Overdose and Permanent Brain Damage

Permanent brain damage due to an opiate overdose is a very real, life-altering consequence of opiate abuse . The dramatic increase of opiate-related deaths is now demanding public attention, but the consequence of permanent brain damage remains ...

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

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 ...

... -sickness. Some even say Suboxone helps to stave off the chronic depression that often follows detox. On the ... to have proven otherwise. In fact, many recovering opiate addicts say that Suboxone was harder to kick than ... 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 ...

... 5 million people in the U.S. reported having tried heroin at least once. Heroin is an extremely addictive opiate due to how rapidly it enters the brain. It has both short-term and long-term effects. Short-term effects ... continue reading

Yay or Nay: Is the Opioid Epidemic a Conspiracy?

'Epidemic': Affecting a disproportionately large number of individuals within a population. Opioid Epidemic Statistics Each day, 2.1 million people in the U.S. abuse opioids. The CDC reports that 165,000 Americans died from prescription ...

... examples: A proposed bill in Tennessee was designed to reduce the number of newborns who arrive addicted to opiates. Another bill in New Mexico was created to limit the initial prescription of opioids for acute pain to ... continue reading

5 Psychological Side Effects of Percocet

Percocet is a combination of acetaminophen and oxycodone, landing this medication in a family of drugs known as opioids . They're commonly prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain and work by blocking the pain signals sent to your brain. Percocet ...

... is a very powerful opioid . Abused or overused, it fogs your mind as it floods your brain's opiate receptors. As a result, thoughts are unclear and confusion sets in, making it hard to put coherent thoughts together ... continue reading

7 Signs You May Be Addicted to Tramadol

Tramadol is an opiate analgesic prescribed for the treatment of moderate to moderately severe pain. The drug works by changing the way your brain and nervous system respond to pain. Because Tramadol is a milder form of opiate medication, people ...

... the way your brain and nervous system respond to pain. Because Tramadol is a milder form of opiate medication, people falsely believe the drug is not addictive. Tramadol dependence can develop after continued use and ... continue reading

Heroin Abuse Signs, Symptoms, Effects, Overdose, and Treatment

About Heroin Abuse What Is Heroin? Heroin is a substance that is both illegal and extremely addictive . The drug derives from opium from the poppy plant before it is refined to morphine, then further chemically modified to become heroin. Despite its ...

... when the drug is used, the active opiate molecules interact with opioid receptors . These receptors ... dependent on the substance and enduring withdrawal effects. Opiate Overdose Perhaps the most serious effect of heroin ... 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 enhance its effects). Morphine is extremely similar to heroin —a notoriously addictive opiate. In fact, heroin is synthesized from morphine opiate alkaloid precursors 2 . When heroin is ingested, it enters the brain ... 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, ...

... —a substance that blocks heroin from producing a high. This drug can also be used to reverse opiate overdose . In tandem with medication-assisted treatment, behavioral therapies are shown to be helpful in ending drug ... 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 molecular modification of morphine, is more lipid soluble than its opiate precursor and, as such, has a more direct route to ... Unfortunately, the number of overdose deaths from opiates has increased over the years. As it ... 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 ...

... . After heroin detox is successfully completed, naltrexone may be used in the longer-term to discourage opiate abuse by blocking the pleasurable sensations associated with them. In order for naltrexone to be effective as ... continue reading

Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome or PAWS—Symptoms and Treatment

What Is Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome or PAWS? Post-acute withdrawal syndrome is a collection of symptoms experienced by some individuals struggling with alcohol and drug addiction after a prolonged period of withdrawal. 1 The syndrome is also ...

... opioid drugs to produce an effect. Also, the number of endorphins—the natural chemicals that activate opiate receptors—is decreased in chronic opioid drug users as the body compensates for overstimulation of this system ... continue reading

Heroin Facts, History, and Statistics

History of Heroin Heroin is a powerful opiate narcotic that has no legal medical use in the U.S. Outside of the U.S., pharmaceutical grade heroin is still produced for limited therapeutic use. It is occasionally prescribed for severe pain in ...

... , Western physicians turned their full attention to morphine and related drugs—collectively known as narcotics , opiates, or opioids . The British chemist Charles Romley Alder Wright was the first to synthesize heroin ... continue reading

Shocking Threats Swirl Around Tramadol Abuse

Though Tramadol hasn't yet achieved the publicity other opioids have in the states, it sure is making waves abroad. Earlier this month, it was revealed that tramadol, an addictive synthetic painkiller believed to be as powerful as morphine , is ...

... among developing and developed countries alike. The Spread of Tramadol and Violence Tramadol is a prescription opiate medication, but it's regularly sold as an alternative narcotic on the black market. Simply put ... continue reading

Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs and Addiction Treatment Programs

For some time now, the abuse of illicit substances such as marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin has been a persistent national problem. In more recent years, however, our country has seen an alarming rise in prescription drug abuse . ...

... The broad classes of drugs that are most prone to non-medical use or abuse are the 'painkillers'—or opiate analgesics such as oxycodone ( OxyContin )—the 'sleeping pills' or sedative-hypnotics—such as zolpidem ( Ambien ) ... 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 ...

... who were discharged after successfully completing an opiate detox program. 91% reported a relapse ... counseling. Engage in positive activities that take your mind off using. You might consider exercise, getting out of ... continue reading

Gray Death: The New Killer on the Street

While heroin adulterated with fentanyl has been in the news in recent years and the risks are well-known, there is a new danger on the streets, and it's even deadlier. It is a frighteningly powerful combination of heroin and synthetic opioids known ...

... 3 When you combine these drugs with an already potent opiate like heroin, the risks skyrocket. “Gray death” is ... . Later in his shift, the officer brushed the powder off with his hand. Unaware that he had touched fentanyl, ... continue reading

Opioids: Side Effects, Signs of Abuse, and Addiction Treatment

Opioids are substances that are known for their pain-relieving effects. They include both legal and some illegal substances that may have the potential for misuse, which can potentially lead to dependence and/or addiction. 1 If you or someone you ...

... , prescription opioids are widely used to manage many types of painful conditions. 4 Naturally occurring opiate substances such as morphine, codeine, and thebaine are derived from the poppy plant. Semi-synthetic ... continue reading

5 Naloxone Myths Debunked

Naloxone History Lesson Naloxone is not a new medication. In fact, emergency responders have used naloxone since the 1960s. Today, worried parents keep naloxone on hand, law enforcement officers carry the medication in case of life-threatening ...

... of community outreach programs now provide access to naloxone. If you or someone you know struggles with opiate addiction, help is available. Start by learning more about the latest treatment options . You can also ... continue reading

Heroin's Death Toll Hits an All-Time High in New York

New York City has a serious heroin problem on their hands and new data released by the city's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene reveals just how deep the issue goes. In fact, more people died from unintentional heroin overdoses in New York ...

... on Staten Island, overdoses from opioid pills leveled off during the same time period, with 215 deaths ... -size devices that inject naloxone. Known as the opiate antidote, naloxone saves lives by reversing the effects 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, ...

... be administered before calling 911. 4 Treatment for Hydrocodone Overdose Hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic opioid with opiate-like effects that are similar to morphine. At this time, Naloxone is the only FDA-approved ... continue reading

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