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Prescription Opioid Addiction: Pain Medication Side Effects and Treatment
What Are Prescription Painkillers? Prescription painkillers are medications used to treat moderate-to-severe pain after surgery or injury and specific medical conditions like cancer. 1 Prescription opioids have also become increasingly accepted as ...
... substance. 3,4,11 Chronic use of prescription opioids can lead to the development of an opioid use disorder (OUD). 3,4,7,8 ... prescription opioids and alcohol or benzodiazepines such as Valium (diazepam) or Xanax (alprazolam ... 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 ...
... availability of painkillers has fueled an epidemic of opioid abuse around the world. In the US, an estimated 2.1 million people ... Painkiller Percocet Suboxone Subutex Tramadol Tussionex Valium Vicodin Xanax Zolpidem 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 ...
... names for the combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone . Hydrocodone is an opioid used to treat moderate and severe pain , as well as ... Percocet Suboxone Subutex Tramadol Tussionex Valium Vicodin Xanax Zolpidem continue reading -
How to Help a Painkillers Addict
Help for Painkiller Addicts Painkillers are routinely prescribed in the United States for the management of pain , but not all of them are addictive. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often prescribed for the treatment of mild to ...
... seek help: Encourage them to see a doctor for an evaluation . Most people trust the advice of professionals. ... overdoses in 2013. More than 16,000 of these involved opioid painkillers. With this in mind, it's clear that ... 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, ...
... they may hurt themselves. Learn more about the effects of opioid use . Am I Addicted to Codeine? If you ... the battle alone; professional treatment can start anyone with an addiction on the path to a happier and healthier ... 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 ...
... in it, or else it will induce withdrawal symptoms. Naltrexone prevents you from getting high if you take an opioid, but it does not prevent cravings. It can be helpful in preventing relapse during and after formal rehab ... 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 ...
... attention that may save a life. Medical personnel can administer naloxone , a medicine that can treat an opioid overdose if given immediately. 5 Effects of Injection Drug Use Naturally, taking opiates in nonstandard ways ... 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 ...
... every single day . 1 Grandma and grandpa are not immune to this crisis. Overdose from opioids can occur accidently when an aging patient's prescriber begins a painkiller at a high dose or increases the dose too quickly ... 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 ...
... a supervised, medication-managed withdrawal from the drug. 5 In addition, there needs to be an assessment to see why the opioid was taken in the first place—be it for prescription use or nonmedical misuse. If the ... continue reading -
Prescription Painkiller FAQ
What Are Prescription Painkillers? Prescription painkillers are opioid medications used to manage relatively severe pain (such as pain associated with surgical procedures or more chronic issues like cancer-related pain). 1, 2 They can be safe and ...
... . 9 How Do I Quit Abusing Prescription Painkillers Safely? If you suffer from an addiction to prescription painkillers, help is available to you. Quitting opioids cold turkey and the resulting unmanaged withdrawal can be ... continue reading -
Can You Overdose on Painkillers?
Some of the most predominantly prescribed pain management medications are opioid analgesics (painkillers). These prescription drugs interact with opioid receptors throughout the brain, initiating a chain of events that ultimately brings pain relief ...
... areas has been the northeast. A worrying trend has been the recent appearance of fentanyl on the streets—an opioid analgesic 80-100 times more potent than morphine and much more potent than even heroin. Fentanyl has been ... continue reading -
Painkiller Detox and Withdrawal
Prescription painkillers are opioid medications that manage pain and, furthermore, exhibit activity throughout the brain's pleasure centers. Their interaction with opioid receptors in the brain results in a down-modification of the sensations of ...
... has been abusing painkillers , they may become dependent on the drug. Essentially, an opioid-dependent individual will begin needing the opioid in order to simply feel normal. This happens because the body is subject to ... 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 ...
... (15-44 years old) and who had private insurance filled a prescription written by a healthcare provider for an opioid medication. 1 The number is significantly higher in the Medicaid population, with 39% of women who were ... 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 ...
... needs. For example, if you concurrently struggle with some form of mental illness in addition to an opioid addiction, look for a center that offers specialized dual diagnosis treatment. You may also have a preference ... 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 ...
... at risk. Studies found that males aged 15-24 are almost 4 times more likely to die from an opioid overdose than their female counterparts (Calcaterra, Glanz, & Binswanger, 2013). Overdosing on Opana can lead to death. It ... continue reading -
The Effects of Painkiller Use
A painkiller can be any one of a number of drugs, from over-the-counter (OTC) medications like Tylenol, ibuprofen, and aspirin, to prescribed drugs like oxycodone, codeine, morphine, Vicodin, and hydrocodone. All painkillers carry risks—even OTC ...
... be prescribed by a doctor. 11 They pose a danger when mixed with alcohol or certain other drugs. 11 Opioids pose a high risk of being habit forming. 11 Are Painkillers Harmful? Painkillers can be harmful, especially when ... 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 ...
... abdominal pain. Hypoglycemic coma. Problems with blood clotting. About 19,000 people died in 2014 from an opioid medication overdose . 2 Hydrocodone/acetaminophen products have been linked to more deaths than any other ... 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 ...
... . Prescriptions for oxycodone exploded with the boom of “pill mills,” or clinics at which getting an opioid prescription is exceedingly easy. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), there were nearly 60 ... continue reading -
Side Effects of ACTIQ Abuse
ACTIQ is a brand name for fentanyl, an extremely powerful opioid painkiller that is used only for severe pain such as breakthrough cancer pain 1 . Fentanyl is available in a number of formulations and delivery methods, including 2,3,4 : Tablets and ...
... the drug in larger amounts and/or at increased frequencies 6 . With persistently elevated levels of an opioid like ACTIQ, an individual will begin to feel as if they require the drug to function normally—a point at ... 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 ...
... completely reverse tramadol overdoses. The Lesser-Known Dangers of Tramadol In addition to the typical dangers of an opioid drug, tramadol - with its atypical pharmacologic mechanism of action - can result in a few extra ... 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” ...
... consequences build up. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) lists criteria for an opioid use disorder , and one of the main signs is continued use despite negative impacts on physical and ... continue reading -
The Effects of Opana Use
Is Opana Harmful? Opana is a prescription opioid pain-reliever containing the active ingredient oxymorphone. Oxymorphone is a semi-synthetic opioid agonist, meaning it binds to the opioid receptors in your brain to elicit its effects. You may have ...
... to the opioid receptors in your brain to elicit its effects. You may have heard Opana referred to by numerous street names such as 'The O Bomb,' 'Blue Heaven,' and 'Mrs. O.' Opana is available as an immediate-release ... 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 ...
... . When Demerol abuse persists, a person may develop what is diagnosed as an opioid use disorder. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) lists the following diagnostic criteria commonly ... continue reading -
Actiq (Fentanyl) Lollipop Abuse
Actiq is a brand name for the opioid drug fentanyl. 3 Actiq comes as a lozenge on a handle (like a lollipop) and the fentanyl is quickly absorbed through the oral mucosa (along with fentanyl that is swallowed being slowly absorbed through the ...
... in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition , an opioid use disorder is when an individual uses opioids in a troublesome pattern that considerably distresses or impairs that individual ... 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 ...
... professional , may be used to minimize withdrawal symptoms and ease discomfort in some cases: Methadon e is an opioid agonist that can be substituted for the drug being abused. It is safely dosed and monitored and used ... 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 ...
... 's 2015 Facts & Figures: Each day, 2,500 adolescents in the United States abuse prescription opioids for the first time. An estimated 1 out of 30 seniors in high school has misused OxyContin. 1 in 30 adolescents between ... continue reading -
Dealing with Roxicodone Addiction
The risk of addiction is not limited to the use of illicit substances like heroin or cocaine. Legal drugs have the potential to cause devastating addiction, as well, even if they were initially legitimately prescribed. The Substance Abuse and Mental ...
... , and other loved ones are all vulnerable to the negative influence of addiction in their lives. If you love someone with an opioid addiction, don't wait another day to reach out and get help. Call today. How to Approach ... continue reading -
Alternatives to Painkillers
The 2012 National Health Interview Survey estimated that 126.1 million adults reported some pain in the previous 3 months, 25.3 million adults reported suffering from daily (chronic) pain, and 23.4 million reported experiencing a lot of it overall ...
... CDC) released new guidelines for the prescription of opioids in the treatment of chronic pain, and the ... , so that you can make adjustments to relieve pain. An added benefit is that you can take the exercises and stretches ... continue reading -
Snorting Tramadol
Tramadol is a medication prescribed to treat moderate to moderately severe pain in adults and, in its extended release forms, to manage certain chronic pain conditions. Similar to other pain medications like oxycodone, morphine, and hydrocodone, ...
... other pain medications like oxycodone, morphine, and hydrocodone, tramadol is an opioid and primarily produces its pain-relieving effects by interacting with opioid receptors in the body. Tramadol is known by the brand ... continue reading -
Dilaudid Abuse Symptoms and Addiction Treatment
What Is Dilaudid Used For? Dilaudid (hydromorphone) is a prescription opioid prescribed for the relief of pain. It may be prescribed as a liquid, tablet, rectal suppository, or injectable solution. In 2014, an estimated 4.3 million people used ...
... , tablet, rectal suppository, or injectable solution. In 2014, an estimated 4.3 million people used narcotic pain relievers such as Dilaudid and other opioid analgesics (painkillers) that were not prescribed to them ... 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 ...
... symptoms and prevent opioid relapse . Depending on the severity of the addiction, detox may take place on an outpatient basis or under full 24-hour medical supervision at a detox facility, hospital, or treatment ... continue reading -
Is Fentanyl Abuse More Deadly Than Heroin?
Fentanyl, a drug previously unheard of by many, has become notorious in recent years due to the spike in overdose deaths from heroin laced with the potent prescription narcotic. It gained even more notoriety when the April 2016 death of iconic ...
... for 1 , 2 : Use before surgery as an adjunct to anesthesia, and in some cases, during postoperative recovery. Treating chronic or acute pain in opioid-tolerant individuals, or those individuals who have become tolerant ... 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 ...
... that it does have abuse potential. This was done in an attempt to curb illicit use of the drug and to make ... , which indicates continual cravings for the drug and opioid withdrawal symptoms when not using. Long-term effects ... continue reading -
Snorting Hydrocodone
Hydrocodone is an opioid substance used in many prescription medications to treat cough and pain. Hydrocodone is available in formulations of pure hydrocodone (Hysingla, Zohydro) or in combination with other pain relievers like ibuprofen ...
... relapse in the future. Addiction treatment therapy is available on an inpatient or outpatient basis . The abuse of prescription opioid medications in the US is an epidemic that continues to claim many lives and cause ... 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 ...
... so do the risks of harmful side effects and opioid overdose . Unbeknownst to many prescription drug abusers, ... Dependence As touched on previously, if you use Lortab for an extended period of time, your body will begin to ... 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 ...
... Practice revealed that 28% of patients prescribed tramadol developed an addiction to the drug. Abuse of Ultram is rising ... Ultram abuse and recovery: Prescription Opioid Addiction Tramadol Overdose Symptoms and Treatment ... 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 ...
... of Norco abuse are those that happen during opioid withdrawal , including: Goosebumps and chills. Dilated ... cannot compete with. The CDC now touts opiate abuse as an epidemic . Since 1992, the recreational use of opiate ... 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, it can produce a euphoric high, which is a key factor contributing to the prevalence of OxyContin abuse ... continue reading -
Tramadol Withdrawal Symptoms and Treatment
Tramadol is an opioid medication that works to relieve moderately severe pain by changing the way that the brain and nervous system perceive and respond to pain 1,2 . The substance was prescribed more than 43 million times during 2013 according to ...
... and Ultram ER. Ultracet. ConZip. Like other pain medications including codeine, oxycodone, and hydrocodone, tramadol is an opioid painkiller and, like those other drugs, it carries the risk of abuse and dependence , ... 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 ...
... , including addiction, tolerance, and dependence . Short-Term Effects of Vicodin Use Since Vicodin contains hydrocodone —an opioid substance—the drug will lead to effects that are similar to those of other opiates , such ... 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 ...
... on a short-term basis. Ultram is a member of the opioid family of pain-relievers. It acts, in part, by binding ... can be very difficult for someone who's developed an addiction to tramadol to quit on their own. Fortunately ... 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, ...
... 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 other words, a first time user who decides to 'experiment' or use ... 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 ...
... prescription drug addiction can be just as dangerous as an addiction to street drugs and can control the life ... the U.S. progressed to the drug from prescription opioid use. Help for opiate addiction typically comes in the ... 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 ...
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 ... 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 ...
... purposes when used as directed. It is both an effective cough suppressant and a pain reliever for moderate ... pain. Currently, hydrocodone is the most frequently prescribed opioid painkiller in the US. Like all opiates, ... continue reading -
Dextromethorphan (DXM) Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment
What Is Dextromethorphan Used For? What Is DXM? Dextromethorphan (DXM or DM) is a cough suppressant and opioid derivative used in more than 100 over-the-counter medicines. Dextromethorphan is safe for ingestion and not habit-forming when taken as ...
... (DXM or DM) is a cough suppressant and opioid derivative used in more than 100 over-the-counter medicines ... Programs If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction to DXM, help is available and recovery is ... 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 ...
... surgery. Norco is a narcotic and is associated with an increased risk of abuse, dependence, and addiction . ... of the more severe and intolerable symptoms of opioid withdrawal . The duration of the detoxification period ... 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 ...
... medications, synthetic opiate drugs like it are being increasingly abused on a regular basis. In response to an alarming growth in the number of fentanyl-related deaths, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) issued a ... 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 ...
... a full dose of an opioid was taken, naloxone then blocks the brain's opioid receptors, immediately eliminating ... interactions. Benzodiazepines (“Benzos”): Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, Klonopin) are typically prescribed ... 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 ...
... a prescription anti-anxiety drug also sold as Xanax or Xanax ER. While this assessment does not replace a ... help evaluate whether you may be misusing heroin, an opioid drug derived from morphine. While this assessment does ... 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 ...
... panic disorder. Learn more about the effects of Xanax use . What Is Xodol? Xodol is a prescription painkiller formulated with a combination of an opioid (hydrocodone) and the analgesic/antipyretic acetaminophen. Xodol is ... continue reading -
The Dilaudid Dilemma
Every day, physicians across the nation prescribe painkillers to help patients cope with pain. The types of painkillers prescribed are as varied as the type and intensity of pain levels; however, more potent painkillers - like opioids - are ...
... being reported by Americans. Dilaudid (hydromorphone) is an opioid available in a variety of forms (liquid, tablet ... Xanax) could increase the potential for respiratory and cardiac arrest. Dilaudid Use and Misuse An ... continue reading -
America’s Drug Awareness
For the first time in a decade , the CDC reported that death rates in the United States have increased. While news outlets trumpet the increased violence rampant in many areas of the country, the public is largely unaware of a silent contributor - ...
... that opioids (like Vicodin, OxyContin, and Ultram) and tranquilizers (like Valium, Klonopin, and Xanax) ... use of naloxone (the life-saving drug that counters an opioid overdose) must be expanded as well. Ensure that local ... continue reading -
Xanax Addiction Side Effects, Withdrawal and Treatment
Xanax is a commonly prescribed medication used to treat specific anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder. Alprazolam is the generic name for Xanax, and this specific prescription medication belongs to the class of drugs called benzodiazepines, or ...
... around the substance. Cravings or an intense desire to use Xanax. Recurrent Xanax use resulting in a failure to ... , it is extremely dangerous to mix Xanax with alcohol or other drugs, particularly opioids . A U.S. Food and ... continue reading -
Xanax Overdose Symptoms, Signs & Treatment
What Is Xanax Used For? Xanax, also known generically as alprazolam, is a benzodiazepine medication commonly prescribed for the treatment of anxiety and panic disorders. 1 More infrequent, off-label uses for Xanax include managing agoraphobia (fear ...
... occurs whenever you consume Xanax in combination with alcohol , other sedatives, opioid pain medications, or ... drug quickly, which can lead to an overdose caused by Xanax toxicity. 3 American Addiction Centers maintains ... continue reading -
Benzo Epidemic: A Killer Hiding in the Shadow of Opioids
In recent years, opioid abuse has received a lot of attention—and for good reason. In 2014, 19,000 people died from overdoses involving prescription opioids ; that's up 16% from 2013. But notice the wording; it's important: “Overdoses involving ...
... In 30% of opioid-related deaths , it's the combination of benzos and opioids that result in an overdose. So, why ... t require long-term pharmaceutical therapy. Drugs like Xanax, Klonipin, Ativan and Valium, for example, are ... 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 ...
... increased by mixing Xanax with other drugs, especially other depressants like alcohol or opioids . 1, ... When tolerance occurs, your body requires a larger dose or an increased frequency of use to achieve the same or similar ... continue reading -
Neurontin Abuse Signs, Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment
What Is Neurontin/Gabapentin? Neurontin is the brand name for gabapentin . Neurontin is an anticonvulsant medication. Its intended use is to treat epilepsy with partial onset seizures and nerve pain related to shingles. However, the drug is ...
... like methadone, while about a quarter of illicit users combined it with both an opioid and a muscle relaxant or anxiety medication such as Xanax . 10 There are also some more recent reports that Neurontin is abused ... continue reading -
Vivitrol for Alcohol and Opioid Addiction Treatment
Vivitrol is the brand name for extended-release naltrexone, an injectable treatment for alcohol use disorder and opioid use disorder. Addiction to a substance, or a substance use disorder (SUD), is a chronic, lifelong disorder. 1 Long-term ...
... 2 This is why there is a 7- to 10-day recommendation to be opioid-free before starting Vivitrol. 2 As an opioid antagonist, Vivitrol will block your opioid receptors and cause withdrawal symptoms if your body is used to ... continue reading -
Does Opioid Addiction Cause Sexual Dysfunction in Men?
A new study out of India has found that most men suffering from opioid addiction are also dealing with sexual dysfunction as a result. The research paper, titled “Sexual Dysfunction in Men Seeking Treatment for Opioid Dependence: A Study from ...
... in both men and women. However, sexual dysfunction is far from the only symptom associated with an opioid addiction. Opioid users can suffer from a number of physical symptoms including: Vomiting Seizures Muscle spasms ... continue reading -
Public Restrooms Have Become Ground Zero in Opioid Epidemic
The opioid epidemic has impacted countless families, but according to a recent article on NPR.org , people aren't the only ones affected. Public restrooms have become the newest casualty in the midst of the drug epidemic sweeping across our country. ...
... drug paraphernalia tucked above the tiles. One even trained his baristas to use naloxone, the drug that reverses an opioid overdoses . Still, there's very little guidance on this issue. And with it being against the law ... continue reading -
The Rise of Tramadol: Exploring the Dangers and Conversations Around This Opioid
Tramadol, also known as Ultram, is a prescription opioid medication used for the treatment of postoperative pain, cancer-associated pain, and chronic pain conditions. While Tramadol is similar to other prescription opioid pain relievers such as ...
... at blocking the effects of Tramadol. And Naloxone (Narcan), commonly used as an emergency-rescue drug for those experiencing an opioid overdose, reportedly reverses only 30 percent of Tramadol's activity. Abuse of ... continue reading -
Does Methadone Treatment Suppress Testosterone in Opioid Addicts?
A new study out of McMaster University in Canada has found that common treatments for opioid addiction reduce the level of testosterone in men, but not in women. The research project, published in the journal Scientific Reports , collected data from ...
... journal Scientific Reports , collected data from 231 opioid addicts receiving methadone treatment in Ontario, as well ... If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, help is available and ... 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 ...
... basis? How long will treatment take? What if I have additional mental health issues ? Calling an Opioid Addiction Helpline for a Loved One If you are seeking services for a person other than yourself, you might ... 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, ...
... decades. 2 This page will help you learn more about what buprenorphine is and how it works, what an opioid use disorder (OUD) is and how it's treated, the benefits of buprenorphine, buprenorphine side effects, and signs ... 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 ...
... Is Naloxone Used For? Naloxone is a medication that can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose . 1 Naloxone is an opioid agonist that attaches to opioid receptors in the brain and reverses and blocks the effects of other ... continue reading -
Naltrexone Side Effects, Use in Addiction Treatment, and Rehab Programs
For those struggling with alcohol or opioid addiction, what's commonly referred to as MAT—short for medication-assisted treatment or medication for addiction treatment—can help people quit drinking and using drugs to maintain long-term sobriety. ...
... provider of addiction treatment programs and has trusted rehab facilities across the country. You can find an opioid/alcohol rehab center in your area using our drugabuse.com directory . You can also instantly verify ... continue reading -
Methadone Clinics Near Me
Why Would a Patient Take Methadone? Methadone—a prescription opioid used in the treatment of opioid dependence—is primarily used for detoxification and maintenance treatment by people struggling to overcome opioid addiction. 1 It helps to ...
... patterns and skills for long-term recovery. Like heroin and many prescription pain medications , methadone is an opioid medication. 1 The difference is that methadone has a more gradual onset and causes more stable drug ... continue reading -
Pain Killer Protocol
It's only been 21 years since the introduction of OxyContin started what we now refer to as the “opioid epidemic,” yet the number of deaths from drug overdoses in 2016 outnumbered the number of American deaths in the Vietnam War. Opioids are ...
... take your health into your own hands. Methodology We collected responses from 1,011 people prescribed an opioid-class prescription painkiller medication within the past five years at the time of our survey. Fifty-five ... continue reading -
Methadone Overdose Symptoms, Prevention, and Addiction Treatment
Methadone is a long-acting opioid agonist that works by reducing the effects of other opioids. 1 It is FDA-approved for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD), and it can be used on a short-term or long-term basis to help reduce opioid-related ...
... is a safe and effective component of OUD treatment. 1 It can reduce shorter-acting opioid use, symptoms of an opioid use disorder, infectious disease transmission, and drug-related criminal behavior. 3 While it is highly ... continue reading -
The Other Side of Suboxone
It's become a commonly prescribed medical treatment for opioid addiction . In some cases, doctors prescribe Suboxone with the intention of stabilize those struggling with continued, compulsive abuse of illicit or prescription opioids to then, one ...
... and dangers for the user. Just what is Suboxone? In a nutshell, it's an opioid substance used to treat recovery from other opioids. Suboxone's primary active component is buprenorphine. 1 Buprenorphine is a partial ... continue reading -
Naltrexone for Addiction Treatment: Side Effects and Rehabilitation
Successful addiction treatment can be life-changing, and medication for addiction treatment (MAT) is an effective tool that can promote both abstinence and long-term recovery. Naltrexone is one medication in the MAT armamentarium that is highly ...
... . Call us for free at , or visit our online treatment center directory to locate an opioid/alcohol rehab center near you. Alcohol and Drug Addiction Treatment Levels of Care Recommended Naltrexone Treatment-Related ... 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 ...
... Dangers include coma and permanent brain damage . 7 Long-term opioid use may also decrease the brain's white matter 7 ( ... medicinal, taking too much of them can cause an unnatural spike in dopamine activity. The human brain ... continue reading -
Effects of Methadone Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
Methadone is a long-acting opioid agonist that is FDA-approved to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). Methadone also has a role in pain management. When used correctly, as prescribed, methadone is safe and effective. This article will help you ...
... -term effects of using methadone. In addition, you can find out more about getting help for an opioid use disorder, including programs that offer methadone to help treat addiction. What Is Methadone Used For? Methadone ... 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 ...
... Across the U.S. In 2015, more than 73 percent of all drug-related overdoses in the U.S. involved opioid use. That's an average of 91 deaths every day. We found that certain states had a higher controlled distribution of ... 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 ...
... of reward. It is well known that long-term use of opioids leads to physical dependence . However, the side of opiate addiction ... -assisted treatment (MAT). MAT can play an important role in managing withdrawal. The 3 ... 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, ...
... that no longer respond to other narcotic medications. Like morphine, fentanyl is an opioid substance that reduces the user's perception of pain by acting on opioid receptors in the brain and body 2 . Fentanyl is one of ... 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 ...
... Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) endorses MAT as an effective method of treating heroin and other forms of opioid abuse. Signs of Heroin Withdrawal When your body has become dependent ... 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, ...
... s been a huge increase in the amount of opioid use and opioid abuse and dependence . In addition, there's ... released. It's a whopping dose of hydrocodone packed in an easy-to-crush capsule.” 15 In a letter addressed to ... continue reading -
Medications for Addiction Treatment
Addiction is a chronic and complex, but treatable disease. Like other chronic diseases, such as heart disease, it can be managed under the guidance of a trained clinician, with a variety of addiction treatment approaches available that are ...
... under the brand names Narcan and Kloxxado. 4,11 Naloxone is an opioid antagonist, which means it binds to opioid receptors, preventing other opioids from attaching to them. This both reverses and blocks the effects ... continue reading -
How to Treat Actiq (Fentanyl) Addiction
Actiq is the brand name for an analgesic lozenge (on a stick like a lollipop) that contains the opioid drug fentanyl —a powerful synthetic opioid which, when rapidly absorbed through the oral mucosa (along with being slowly absorbed through the GI ...
... GI tract), helps to relieve breakthrough pain related to cancer that is not well managed by other opioid medications. 1,2 In an ever-worsening opioid epidemic, fentanyl is playing a growing role. There were over 47,000 ... continue reading -
Snorting Percocet
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 ...
... buprenorphine or Suboxone, which can help you relieve cravings and manage unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. An approach to opioid addiction recovery that has shown success for many individuals is the use of both medication ... 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 ...
... that cause the most harm and drug-related deaths. Worldwide, roughly 69,000 people die each year from an opioid overdose . Taking the steps to quit can prevent further harm to yourself, your relationships, and those who ... continue reading -
Find a Drug and Alcohol Abuse Rehab Center in Connecticut
Connecticut, like the rest of the US, is profoundly affected by substance abuse, especially with the rising tide of opioid abuse. But the good news is that treatment can help you overcome drug dependence and addiction and restore health and ...
... , like the rest of the US, is profoundly affected by substance abuse, especially with the rising tide of opioid abuse. But the good news is that treatment can help you overcome drug dependence and addiction and restore ... 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 ...
... seeking an exemption from this statute in order to treat more people suffering with opioid dependency. ... number to prescription painkillers being a starting point for opioid dependency . He said, “In the four corners part ... 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 ...
... it may not be as effective as buprenorphine for this purpose. 9 Naltrexone , an FDA-approved opioid agonist that blocks the action of opioids. It is used to diminish cravings and block the euphoric potential of any ... 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 ...
... Turn This moral crossroads happens to many people behind bars. Women often enter the system suffering from withdrawal ... widely used to wean people off opioids by relieving opioid withdrawal symptoms . It is similar to ... 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 ...
... face of a troubling trend of new and stronger synthetic opioids being added (with or without the user's knowledge) ... some fentanyl—a common ingredient in gray death—got onto an officer's shirt at a traffic stop. Later in ... continue reading -
12 of the Most Addictive Drugs
Addiction affects millions of lives in the U.S. It is a chronic disease that frequently includes cycles of relapse and remission, and it is progressive without treatment or participation in recovery work. It is characterized by being unable to ...
... Benzodiazepines Benzodiazepines , such as Valium and Xanax, are widely prescribed to treat anxiety, ... An individual who stops using meth may experience withdrawal symptoms . 31 Prescription Opioids Prescription opioids ... 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 ...
... by disseminating naloxone and providing overdose training to their communities. Naloxone is used to reverse an opioid overdose by blocking opioid receptor sites in the brain. It can be given as a metered nasal spray or ... continue reading -
Opiate Relapse: Prevention and Addiction Treatment
Opiate abuse and addiction has become an epidemic, with a vast impact on the health and welfare of individuals and societies worldwide. 1 Statistics provided by the National Institute on Drug Abuse offer a snapshot of the epidemic that helps to ...
... that can help you get back on track after a relapse. How to Create an Effective Relapse Prevention Plan An effective opioid relapse prevention plan helps you better understand your warning signs and triggers for relapse ... continue reading -
Ibogaine: Miracle Cure or Dangerous Botanical?
We all know healthcare providers and researchers are desperate to find solutions to the opioid crisis, but are they overlooking a possible cure? The answer, according to a recent article , appears to be yes. The article, which was published by The ...
... be yes. The article, which was published by The Guardian , suggests an ancient substance called ibogaine might be the answer to opioid dependency. History of Ibogaine Ibogaine is a psychoactive alkaloid that comes from ... 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 ...
... Services Administration recently issued the 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, which stated that as the opioid crisis continues, so does the availability of MAT—but it's still not enough to meet the growing ... 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 ...
... use during pregnancy, “the risk of adverse effects has not been ruled out.” Can They Be Misused? As an opioid drug, methadone can be addictive . While it is obtained largely by prescription, methadone is also bought and ... continue reading -
Effects of Drugs on the Brain: Impact of Drugs on Neurotransmitters
For many people, addiction can be difficult to understand. Understanding how drugs affect the brain can help shed some light on how a person develops an addiction. This article will discuss how various drugs affect the chemistry of the brain and ...
... overcome by pain or fatigue. Medically, opioids are an important treatment for people who have severe ... seizures in emergency situations. Examples include: Alprazolam ( Xanax ). Lorazepam ( Ativan ). Diazepam ( Valium ). ... continue reading -
San Francisco Mayor Proposes Drug Distribution to Homeless
For San Francisco, the statistics related to opioid abuse are staggering: The Department of Public Health estimates there are 11,000 people addicted to heroin in San Francisco. It is estimated that thousands of these individuals are homeless. The ...
... unique approach to curb these numbers. He explained in an interview: “The consequences of standing still on this ... to at least 250 homeless people who are addicted to opioids. Most of these dollars would come from the city' ... continue reading -
Ruthless Drug Dealer Ordered to Pay for His Client’s Funeral
Opioid abuse is killing thousands of Americans each year. Every day, nearly 100 lives are lost to the opioid epidemic. Many of these fatalities are caused by a deadly drug that's secretly added to baggies of heroin (or cocaine) as a cheap way for ...
... cheap way for dealers to make more money, it's also an easy way to make their drug supply more potent. Of ... to Fentanyl Last year, fentanyl and other synthetic opioids took over the number one cause for overdose deaths ... continue reading -
How to Help a Methadone Addict
Help for Methadone Addicts Methadone is an opioid drug; however, it is beneficial in the treatment of heroin dependence and other forms of opiate abuse. While it is regularly used in the management of opioid dependence, methadone itself is ...
... less potent opiate, it's unable to elicit quite as intense an effect profile as that of heroin and other shorter-acting, more potent opioid receptor agonist substances—in other words, methadone use shouldn't result ... continue reading -
Why Is Heroin So Deadly Today?
For more than a century, heroin has been a dangerous drug of abuse. For years, people have been attracted to the substance's ability to produce a relatively inexpensive, rapid-onset, and intensely euphoric high. 1,2 While the drug's high holds a ...
... in this state alone. 9 Xylazine Unlike fentanyl, carfentanil, and “Pink,” xylazine is not a synthetic opioid. Instead, it is an adrenergic receptor antagonist, similar to clonidine. It is used in veterinary medicine as ... 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 fast and intense high after taking the drug. Heroin is an opioid and it belongs to the same family as prescription opioids like hydrocodone and oxycodone. Opioids all work in similar ways in the brain, but they elicit ... continue reading
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