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Life After Opiates

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  • 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 ...

    ... for Hydrocodone Addiction Although rarely life-threatening, opiate withdrawal symptoms can be extremely ... detox support for those experiencing opiate withdrawal symptoms after stopping taking hydrocodone. Inpatient ... 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 ...

    ... Street Names Due to its potency, Opana is a highly sought-after opiate of abuse. It is sold under various street names , including: ... on the path to a happier and healthier life. Rehab programs are located throughout the U. ... 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 ...

    ... you stop taking Vicodin? Do people in your life tell you that you are behaving differently? Have your ... Addiction Treatment Recovery and rehabilitation can begin after detox and will generally include individual and ... continue reading
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  • 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 ...

    ... discomfort of opioid withdrawal , many users keep taking opiate drugs even when they want to quit. Hydromorphone ... symptoms can begin a few hours or a few days after last use, depending on how the substance was used. ... 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 ...

    ... you want to know how to help someone with an opiate addiction, you should be aware of the options for ... . It can be helpful in preventing relapse during and after formal rehab treatment. Lofexidine . This drug is not ... 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 ...

    ... recovery as an ongoing process that doesn't end after initial treatment. Understanding that relapse is not only possible ... methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone prescribed for opiate addiction that may be used to assist ... continue reading
  • Other matching results

  • 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 ...

    ... at to find help today. It's never too late to start a new life. Physical Vicodin Effects A number of the health risks of opiate abuse stem directly from their effects on the nervous system. Additionally, when Vicodin is ... 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 ...

    ... standard of pain relievers. Morphine use can create a high that includes feelings of euphoria and reduced tension. As an opiate, it can be addictive. This means that: The body develops a tolerance to the drug and, as use ... 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 ...

    ... assisted treatment (MAT) for the management of opiate withdrawal and cravings. Medications used as part ... Addiction tends to affect every aspect of a person's life. You might notice that a hydrocodone user is beginning to ... 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
  • 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 ... symptoms will commonly present between 12 and 30 hours after the last dose if one abruptly quits painkiller use ... 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 ...

    ... opioid pain relievers. As a potent semi-synthetic opiate derived from morphine, 2 Roxicodone produces effects ... the individual. However, while they are not life-threatening, the intensity of roxy withdrawal symptoms can ... continue reading
  • How to Help a Tussionex Addict

    Tussionex is a combination of hydrocodone, an opioid painkiller and cough suppressant, and chlorpheniramine, an antihistamine which eases allergy symptoms 1 . As a cough medicine, Tussionex is frequently prescribed to both children and adults. It is ...

    ... Addiction doesn't just affect the Tussionex addict. It impacts the lives of those around them as well. Your mental and physical health may ... Librium Lorazepam Methadone Opana Opiate Oxycodone Oxycontin Painkiller Percocet ... 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 ...

    ... . What type of opioid the mother used. Whether the baby was born early. NAS symptoms can begin 1-3 days after the baby is born. If doctors believe that the baby may be at risk for more complications, they may have the ... 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 ...

    ... Opana you may encounter legal, financial, and social consequences . These effects can linger for a long time even after you have gone through treatment and are no longer addicted. Long-term Opana abuse can also lead to ... 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 ...

    ... illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF), is made in clandestine labs. NPF is sold illegally, and it is highly sought after because it produces heroin-like effects 1 and can be cheap for manufacturers to make. On the street ... 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 ...

    ... friends, family, coworkers, 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 ... continue reading
  • Tramadol Withdrawal and Detox

    Tramadol is a somewhat atypical prescription painkiller, with both opioid and monoamine reuptake inhibiting pharmacological properties. 1 In the U.S., tramadol is approved for use in managing moderately severe pain and has historically been marketed ...

    ... While opioid withdrawal symptoms usually are not life threatening, they may be uncomfortable. Because ... recovering user has, living conditions, etc. What Happens After Tramadol Detox? A focus of tramadol detox will often ... 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 ...

    ... use. Continuing to use the drug even after experiencing negative interpersonal, psychological, or physical ... child neglect. Tussionex doesn't have to control your life. Call American Addiction Centers' (AAC's) free ... continue reading
  • Vicodin Addiction Symptoms and Treatment

    Vicodin is a readily available narcotic drug and is prescribed by doctors to alleviate all types of pain. Vicodin addiction can have a variety of negative consequences for every person who struggles with it. The consequences of Vicodin use can be ...

    ... services provided in a program. Vicodin Addiction Treatment Centers Vicodin addiction can take away the things in life that you love most—your family, friends and happiness. American Addiction Centers (AAC) is a leading ... continue reading
  • Actiq Fentanyl Lollipop Addiction

    Fentanyl is a prescription medication that doctors prescribe to treat pain. Fentanyl is also manufactured and sold illegally. The powerful, synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. 1 In its prescription form, fentanyl is ...

    ... An Actiq overdose may occur in an individual who takes enough of the drug to cause life-threatening symptoms. 1 Combining opioids with other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, such as alcohol or benzodiazepines ... continue reading
  • Side Effects of Hydrocodone Misuse & Addiction

    Hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic opioid that has a similar effect to morphine and is prescribed as a cough suppressant or to manage specific types of pain. 1 The most commonly known brands of hydrocodone are Vicodin and Lortab. 1 In this article, you ...

    ... drug rehab may be the next step for some patients after they have completed detox. It may be recommended for ... hydrocodone and will teach you skills to live a life in recovery. Partial hospital programs (PHP) or Intensive ... 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 ...

    ... ability to function and maintain one's daily life. While physical dependence and addiction differ greatly, ... withdrawal can begin within a few hours to a few days after the user has quit or decreased use 9,10 . Since ... 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 ...

    ... addiction, or they might think no one could become addicted to a prescribed medication. And after having lived a long and successful life, they may feel too ashamed to admit they're now struggling with drug abuse. Of ... continue reading
  • Related results

  • 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, ...

    ... was adequately treated. 2 Unfortunately, thousands of these patients became opiate addicts in the process. “In the last about 10 ... to similar opioid medications, and too many lives have been lost.” 16 Despite the growing ... 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 to ... withdrawal symptoms can begin between 12 and 30 hours after last use and will last for between 4 and ... 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 ...

    ... length of opiate withdrawal depends on several factors. Withdrawal will be affected by the half life of the ... more convenient option for some individuals. Fact: Relapse after withdrawal is common. When a person has a ... 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 ...

    ... 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 ... answer to her prayers. What is Treatment Like? After receiving one dose of Ibogaine, she experienced a ... 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 ...

    ... can persist long after opiate use has stopped.” Unfortunately, chronic use of opiates create changes in ... . This can be daily stress that builds slowly or a life-changing event, including the death of a friend or loved one ... 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 ...

    ... you can get clean by substituting OxyContin for heroin. After all, prescription painkillers can't be as dangerous ... diseases. In short, heroin is a life-altering—and often life-ending —opiate that doles out much more than ... 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 ...

    ... ? Are they making money at the expense of American lives? OxyContin manufacturer Purdue Pharma made $2.4 billion in profits from opiates last year - that was after paying more than $600 million in fines for “misleading ... continue reading
  • Methadone Programs: A Bad Treatment Plan for Addicted Parents?

    When it comes to the negative effects of substance abuse, addiction casts a wide net. Addicted parents, in particular, are faced with a unique set of challenges, as an opiate dependency ultimately affects the whole family. For thousands of parents ...

    ... Parents Receiving Methadone Treatment For opiate-addicted parents receiving treatment via ... years later. Another 14 (9.7%) met the criteria for recovery after 5 to 10 years. 10 could not be located or contacted. And ... continue reading
  • Taking Action: How to Intervene During an Overdose

    Drug overdoses are now the leading cause of accident death in the United States. According to the Centers of Disease Control (CDC), 43,982 drug overdose deaths occurred in 2013 across the nation. That's two times the amount of overdose deaths a ...

    ... (Narcan) is a life-saving drug that reverses the depressing effects of opiates on the central nervous system ... takes effect. If the person is still unresponsive after three to five minutes, administer another dose of ... continue reading
  • Which Side of the Naloxone Debate Are You On?

    With the opioid epidemic claiming nearly 78 lives each and every day, President-elect Trump has his work cut out for him in the drug arena. One of his stated policies involves increasing access to naloxone, a medication used to reverse overdose from ...

    ... that it does little in helping them turn their lives around and make some much-needed changes. Some ... off shortly after it is administered and dissipate entirely after 90 minutes, leaving behind an opiate withdrawal that ... continue reading
  • The 9 Most Expensive Drugs in America

    Each year, Americans spend nearly $100 billion on illegal drugs such as cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. These figures do not even account for the billions of dollars that are spent on prescription drugs each year—about $374 billion according ...

    ... and sold on the streets. Other costs of prescription opiates include accidents, health issues, and crime. It may ... most expensive price is that of a person's life—heroin poses a serious risk of overdose and the spreading ... 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 ...

    ... may have even experienced seizures. Similarly, the Opiates subreddit, which nearly tied with the Drugs ... to Tramadol can place substance users at risk of life-threatening symptoms, especially when taken with other drugs. If ... 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 ...

    ... of ailments. It has dose-dependent stimulant- and opiate-like effects. In addition to being used for an energy ... from inconvenient to dangerous. Like the sought-after effects listed above, the side effects of kratom ... continue reading
  • Big Pharma: Are They Advertising Addiction?

    Pharmacological companies do not have a good rap. They've been known to bury bad news, which has had an effect on people's health, and therefore their lives. Whether it's not testing drugs properly, as with the case of thalidomide (caused defects in ...

    ... had an effect on people's health, and therefore their lives. Whether it's not testing drugs properly, as with the ... opiate that is as effective as morphine will control the drug market for up to twenty years. After ... 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 ...

    ... drugs. Although there is no magical drug to treat opiate addiction, as part of a medication-assisted treatment ( ... birth defects, newborns may undergo some withdrawal shortly after birth if you have been taking it during ... continue reading
  • Concurrent Alcohol and Ultram Abuse

    The Problem of Alcohol and Ultram Abuse When used together, Ultram and alcohol can amplify one another's effects, leading to increased risk of serious side effects. The prescription drug Ultram (generic name: tramadol) is a pain reliever with ...

    ... (generic name: tramadol) is a pain reliever with opiate-like effects . It is used to treat moderate-to-severe ... to prevent relapse upon integration back into your daily life. Outpatient care allows you to seek care and ... 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. ...

    ... Methadone a chance, after all she wanted to get clean. While Kathy didn't go through opiate withdrawal, she still ... muscle pain and, in some cases, life-threatening side effects. Methadone clinics and manufacturers are ... continue reading
  • Snorting Percocet: Dangers & Risks

    Percocet is a prescription opioid containing both oxycodone and acetaminophen. While it is an effective pain reliever, as a Schedule II controlled drug it has a high potential for abuse due to the oxycodone in it. Oxycodone is a semisynthetic opioid ...

    ... Oral ingestion. Snorting crushed tablets. Injection of drug after dissolution of tablets. Snorting Percocet—or “percs” ... treatment. Withdrawal from opiates is uncomfortable but not life-threatening. If you have developed ... continue reading
  • The Scary Facts About Designer Drugs and Legal Highs

    Read Time: 30 minutes Introduction What Are Designer Drugs and Legal Highs? The terms “designer drugs” and “legal highs” are used to refer to substances such as synthetic marijuana and “bath salts” that are engineered in laboratories to ...

    ... used as a stimulant, a painkiller, and a remedy for opiate withdrawal . This plant has now emerged in the United States ... these physical effects can be dangerous—or even life-threatening. When in doubt, it is important to ... continue reading
  • 20 Genius Minds and the Drugs They Were Addicted To

    Intelligence doesn't preclude people taking drugs any more than fame does. When those who are under stress need to relax, some turn to drugs or drink as an escape from reality. Others do it because they believe it enhances their creativity or allows ...

    ... . However, he did take a lot of opiates throughout his life, perhaps to quell his mind initially. However ... by his heavy heroin habit . Nirvana split up soon after. 8. Marilyn Monroe By Corpus Christi Caller Marilyn Monroe ... continue reading
  • History of Drug Abuse and Addiction in the U.S. and Throughout the World

    What Is the History of Substance Abuse Rehabilitation? As drugs have been abused for hundreds of years all over the world, their effects have been felt for just as long. For as long as drugs have been used, there have been those who have abused ...

    ... widespread drug of abuse. Heroin and other opiates were synthesized and marketed as nonaddictive alternatives to ... now find the help they need to lead healthy lives. While early 20th-century society saw drug addiction as ... continue reading
  • 25 Harmful Effects of Morphine

    Morphine is an effective pain reliever. It's administered frequently by healthcare professionals. It's prescribed to manage moderate to severe pain after an accident, post-surgery, or for a chronic condition. It's accepted for common use throughout ...

    ... It's prescribed to manage moderate to severe pain after an accident, post-surgery, or for a chronic ... anyone battling addiction the tools needed to face life's challenges without the use of substances. Contact American ... 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 ...

    ... opiates, there is no antidote that you can administer in the case of a gabapentin overdose. Because of the drug's long half-life ... Step support groups : Before, during, or after treatment, you may attend 12-Step meetings ... 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 ...

    ... users often rely on as the sole means of calming down after a stressful day, when they are feeling anxious, or when they ... . Combining alcohol, other benzodiazepines, and opiates/opioids is extremely risky. 2 All three ... continue reading
  • Getting Sober: 17 Ways You Probably Didn’t Know About (#8 is Controversial)

    The 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous are so dominant in addiction recovery culture that it can be easy to forget there are other ways to get sober. If AA or NA works for you, that's wonderful. If not, there are plenty of alternative tools and ...

    ... though in other countries it's used to treat addiction to opiates, alcohol, and other drugs. It's thought to work by ... the healing or even holy experiences people report after a good trip are thought to have lasting ... continue reading
  • Effects of Ativan Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment

    Is Ativan Harmful? Ativan (generic name: lorazepam) is classified as a benzodiazepine medication used primarily for the short-term treatment of anxiety and seizure activity. It is sometimes used to manage intractable insomnia, and as a sedative for ...

    ... the case of mixing benzodiazepines with alcohol, illicit opiates or prescription opioids . For instance, according to ... . Effects of Withdrawal Withdrawal from Ativan occurs soon after the last dose is taken and places an ... continue reading
  • Newsflash: Tramadol Really is an Opiate

    For years, tramadol was thought of as a safe alternative to opiates . It was viewed as less habit-forming and easier to tolerate than its “stronger” counterparts like oxycodone. Doctors handed out free samples of Ultram (tramadol's brand name), ...

    ... drug change? No; tramadol was and has always been an opiate - so why the sudden turn-about? Digging for the Truth ... refilled up to five times within a six-month period after the prescription is written. At this point, a new ... continue reading
  • I’m Having Opiate Withdrawals – Am I Addicted?

    Shelly's knee surgery went great. The doctor said she'd be running again in no time. Before she'd be ready for her next 5K, she'd have to endure some fairly intense pain and a lot of physical therapy. While in the hospital, Shelly received regular ...

    ... days home. The Pain is Gone - the Pills Remain After a week, the pain was much less intense, but Shelly ... get more pills.” The Facts About Withdrawal If you take opiates (like oxycodone , tramadol , fentanyl or morphine ) ... continue reading
  • Opiate Alternatives: Doctor’s Got a Brand New Bag

    We have seen a staggering increase in both opiate painkiller and heroin abuse over the last decade. As people become dependent on opiates - physically and psychologically - a vicious cycle of misuse and abuse develops. We've got millions struggling ...

    ... heroin as a “more affordable” alternative once buying pills on the street becomes too costly. For those who think the opiate epidemic is much ado about nothing, let's have a look at the latest numbers, shall we? In 2014 ... 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
  • 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 ...

    ... -threatening situation—such as in the case of opioid overdose —call 911 for emergency medical assistance. For non-emergency issues, you can reach several other opiate addiction help numbers for information about opioid ... 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 ...

    ... non-medically started using heroin within the next 5 years after abusing opioid painkillers. 4 Although prescription opiates may arguably be as addictive as heroin, heroin still poses more significant risks for users ... 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 ...

    ... use. Some end up in the ER as a result of overuse. Others, unaware of the addictive nature of the opiate drug , are seen for symptoms they do not even recognize as withdrawal. Symptoms of withdrawal are similar to those ... 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 ...

    ... -monitoring programs. 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 ... 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 ...

    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 ... 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 ...

    ... addiction is now considered an epidemic. Despite leaving a mountain of destruction and broken lives in its wake, opiate addiction continues to stump scientists —a suitable cure has yet to be discovered. What scientists ... 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 ...

    ... having tried heroin at least once. Heroin is an extremely addictive opiate due to how rapidly it enters the brain. It has both ... and guidance while learning to live sober lives. Group meetings can supplement other types of ... continue reading
  • Don’t Be Fooled: Tramadol Abuse Poses Very Real Dangers

    Ultram. Conzip. Rybix ODT. These name brands of tramadol have recently flooded the marketplace with their painkilling properties. Since its approval in 1995, tramadol has become a household name. In 2013 alone, over 43 million tramadol prescriptions ...

    ... S. For years, this drug was thought of as the safe opiate. Then, in 2010, the FDA became a bit more cautious ... she needs the drug to cope with day to day life. This psychological dependence results in anxiety if the drug ... 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 ...

    ... of opiate medication, people falsely believe the drug is not addictive. Tramadol dependence can develop after ... like you need it to cope with the stress of everyday life, with its “ups and downs.” #6. Drug seeking ... 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 ...

    ... —a notoriously addictive opiate. In fact, heroin is synthesized from morphine opiate alkaloid precursors 2 . ... liver or lung disease. Return to morphine use after a period of abstinence, during which opioid tolerance ... 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, ...

    ... the withdrawal symptoms that present at some point after the last high fades and the substance leaves ... high. This drug can also be used to reverse opiate overdose . In tandem with medication-assisted treatment, behavioral ... 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 ...

    ... to be as powerful as morphine , is claiming more lives in Northern Ireland than any other drug - including ... Spread of Tramadol and Violence Tramadol is a prescription opiate medication, but it's regularly sold as an ... 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 . ...

    ... to non-medical use or abuse are the 'painkillers'—or opiate analgesics such as oxycodone ( OxyContin )—the 'sleeping pills ... on the path to a healthier and happier life. Rehab programs are located throughout the U.S ... 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, ...

    ... Hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic opioid with opiate-like effects that are similar to morphine. At ... changes in the brain's chemistry that can be present long after a person quits using the drug. 6 The result of these ... continue reading
  • What You Need to Know About ‘Zombie Drug’ Krokodil

    Krokodil (Crocodil) is a homemade version of a synthetic drug called desomorphine. As the name deso-morphine suggests, the chemical is in the opiate family and closely mimics the effects of heroin and morphine. Pure desomorphine is a very addictive ...

    ... of the similar symptoms. In the U.S. there was a major health scare last year after an Arizona man was hospitalized. He was an opiate addict who had injected himself with a homemade batch of Krokodil. Although there were ... continue reading
  • Detoxing from OxyContin: What to Expect

    What makes OxyContin so addictive? Why does the body develop dependence on OxyContin? And if you're addicted to Oxy, how do you break the vicious cycle? Here, we will explore what the drug is, what detoxification looks like and how to identify and ...

    ... in the detoxification process, resulting in less severe withdrawal symptoms. However, Methadone is still classified as an opiate like OxyContin, and can result in a transfer of addictions. Suboxone , a combination 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 ...

    ... notorious substances—from suggestions that you can become addicted after the first use to the high risk of overdose ... When you combine these drugs with an already potent opiate like heroin, the risks skyrocket. “Gray death ... 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 ...

    ... rates among participants who were discharged after successfully completing an opiate detox program. 91% reported a ... include thoughts such as, “I can't handle life without using,” or “life is no fun if I don't use.” Enter ... continue reading
  • Heroin’s Effects on Pregnancy

    Heroin is an illegal and highly addictive substance that may be injected, smoked, or snorted. This powerful opiate drug can easily harm any user, and it can cause numerous problems for a pregnant mother and her developing baby. Unfortunately, heroin ...

    Heroin is an illegal and highly addictive substance that may be injected, smoked, or snorted. This powerful opiate drug can easily harm any user, and it can cause numerous problems for a pregnant mother and her ... continue reading
  • The Vicious Attack Against Suboxone Continues

    Buprenorphine, the generic name for Suboxone, is a medication used to treat opiate dependence - it helps minimize withdrawal symptoms. It's often an essential part of a person's recovery plan, mainly due to its accessibility. Users can attain it ...

    ... for Suboxone, is a medication used to treat opiate dependence - it helps minimize withdrawal symptoms. It' ... both Walgreens and CVS, fining them millions after violating federal rules for dispensing controlled substances ... 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 clinical diagnosis from a professional, it can be helpful in recognizing signs and symptoms of opiate misuse. Percocet Addiction Self-Assessment Quiz This 5-minute Percocet addiction self-assessment quiz is designed ... continue reading
  • Take My Breath Away: A Deadly Warning About Opiates

    You've just taken an opioid painkiller . The medication travels to your brain, making the pain sensations stop. The same opiates also make you feel much calmer, offering up a bonus anti-depressing effect. And that's the good news. The bad news is ...

    ... effect. And that's the good news. The bad news is opiate drugs also slow your breathing…and in case of an overdose, ... ? Pain relief without respiratory arrest and thousands of lives saved each year. Image Source: iStock continue reading
  • Methadone Maintenance Clinics: Everything You Need to Know

    If you're addicted to opiates, a methadone clinic can provide ongoing medication maintenance to help you quit them. Committing to a methadone maintenance program for at least 1 year will likely change your life for the better and help you commit to ...

    ... 're addicted to opiates, a methadone clinic can provide ongoing medication maintenance to help you quit them. Committing to a methadone maintenance program for at least 1 year will likely change your life for the better ... continue reading
  • Codeine Overdose Symptoms, Prevention, and Addiction Treatment

    A national crisis, opioid abuse includes a wide range of drugs—from heroin to any number of prescription medications. Nearly 4 million Americans older than 12—1.4% of the population—abuse prescription pain relievers, including codeine. Half a ...

    ... to loss of life and injury from trauma (falls, automobile accidents), non-fatal opiate overdose can damage ... and overdose from simply ingesting too much or after a cumulative intake of narcotics and other substances ... continue reading
  • Yes, Suboxone is Sober & The Truth About Suboxone

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

    ... is a partial opioid agonist. Which means each time Suboxone is taken, it gets “stuck” in the brain's opiate receptors for an entire day, stopping any chance of getting high from its' use. Buprenorphine also blocks the ... continue reading
  • Teen Drug Abuse: The Warning Signs

    It is never easy to find out your teen is using drugs. Communication is a powerful tool for reducing and preventing teen drug abuse. Talking to your teens about drug use can help them make the decision not to use in the first place or to stop using ...

    ... (to cover up track marks). Burns on fingers or lips (from joints). Pinpoint pupils (a common sign of opiate use). Smelling like drugs, alcohol, or other unusual odor. Other Signs to Look For There are several other ... continue reading
  • Vivitrol's New and Controversial Role in Prisons

    When I was in prison, the majority of inmates struggled with substance abuse. And because the prison system did very little (if anything at all) to rehabilitate us, it wasn't unusual for those who were released to almost immediately overdose or ...

    ... Vivitrol injection once per month for six months were opiate-free 90 percent of the time, said Emily Feinstein , ... applying for Medicaid so they can continue the shots after release. But in some cases, newly released ... continue reading
  • Gabapentin: New Drug of Abuse for People in Treatment? Risk vs. Reward

    According to the Census in 2015, the United States had a total population of 321 million people. In that same year, 57 million prescriptions for gabapentin were written. Gabapentin—or its brand name Neurontin —is an anti-seizure medication which ...

    ... . However, drug abusers say it has the power to increase euphoric effects when used in combination with drugs like opiates and benzos. In 2013 alone, gabapentin played a role in 41 deaths, mostly caused by dangerous drug ... 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 ...

    ... on to describe his personal ibogaine experience. An hour after taking the first dose, he felt like his withdrawals - ... it alleviates the extreme discomfort associated with opiate withdrawal. “For some, ibogaine does work ... 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 ...

    ... . Heroin addiction takes a heavy toll on the user's life. Find out more about heroin overdose , help for heroin ... considered the archetypal painkiller. Morphine is an opiate alkaloid derived from opium poppies and has long ... continue reading
  • The Strangest Hallucinogenic Substances on Earth

    It's a funny old world as the saying goes, and nowhere is that saying more true than in the world of hallucinogenic substances. You've got a wide range of plants that produce hallucinogens, including fungi, cactuses, and weeds , but you've also got ...

    ... produce these chemicals to ward off pests and larger animals. After all, a tripping cow is unlikely to want to eat the ... , has been used in the treatment of opiate addiction , although clinical trials are still pending ... 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, ...

    ... no effect. 15 You should still call 911 after administering naloxone, even if the person seems fine ... Opioid Addiction Treatment? If you are struggling with opiate addiction, opioid addiction treatment can help you refrain ... continue reading
  • A Look at the Physical Anatomy of an Overdose

    A drug overdose occurs when the body has been overloaded with either prescription medication or an illicit substance. Under normal circumstances, our body's metabolism would be able to detoxify the substance in order to avoid its potentially harmful ...

    ... symptoms of an accidental or intentional overdose could save a life. With that in mind, let's take a look ... are mixed with alcohol, or other drugs such as opiates or barbiturates. A sedative overdose may begin with ... continue reading
  • Study: Medical Marijuana Cuts Use of Prescription Drugs

    A recent study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine revealed that medical marijuana users take fewer other medicines—such as opiates. Researchers monitored the use of prescription medications among participants ...

    ... used to treat her medical conditions. She stated, “Medical cannabis is the reason I'm opiate free now… it really gave me my life back and makes my pain manageable, without inebriating me or forming another dependence ... continue reading
  • Ways of Helping Someone With Drug or Alcohol Addiction

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

    ... therapies in treating addiction. Addiction develops after a person uses or misuses substances and ... negatively affecting their home, work, school, and/or family life. 4 This loss of control is often fueled by the ... continue reading
  • Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms and Treatment

    Many substances of abuse can lead to the development of physiological dependence—especially if they are taken in large amounts and for a long period of time. When a person becomes dependent on a substance and then decides to stop using it, they ...

    ... . 3 While opiate withdrawal symptoms aren't typically life-threatening, there may ... Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment Programs? Continuing addiction treatment after withdrawal management, or detox, is an important step ... continue reading
  • 5 Things About Kratom You Need to Know

    Recently, a drug called kratom, has come into the center of national controversy.Also referred to as 'ketum' or 'kakuam', taking kratom produces opiate-like effects. Kratom is legal in the U.S. and many people begin taking the drug to help with ...

    ... referred to as 'ketum' or 'kakuam', taking kratom produces opiate-like effects. Kratom is legal in the U.S. and ... and symptoms. Kratom takes effect within 5 to 10 minutes after you take it and you can feel the effects for ... continue reading
  • Ibogaine: Can it Cure My Addiction?

    What does it take to quit using heroin or other opioids? This is a question that is very much on the minds of millions of Americans. The scientific community continues to look for the best way to quit using drugs and everyone wants to know what will ...

    ... Office previously claimed that ibogaine helped treat opiate , cocaine , and poly-drug dependence ... illegal in the U.S. Side Effects of Ibogaine After having ibogaine therapy , you might experience visual and auditory ... continue reading
  • Three Lethal Drug Combinations That Can Kill You

    We all know that certain drugs can cause dangerous interactions when taken together, but some people either don't take the threat seriously or they're simply uninformed when it comes to specific chemicals and substances. Most Dangerous Drug ...

    ... , fentanyl , carfentanil , and a lesser-known synthetic opiate known as U-47700 . It resembles concrete or ... , the rules of science always apply. Don't risk your life with lethal drug combinations; it's never worth it. If ... continue reading
  • Countering the Myths About Methadone: Is it Right for You?

    Methadone maintenance has been around for years as an effective treatment for opioid dependency. However, its use remains controversial, and there's seemingly no end to the myths and false information aimed at discouraging anyone from using it as a ...

    ... decades without harm. However, methadone—like any opiate—can be dangerous if taken inappropriately. Myth #4 ... Edwin Salsitz , methadone remains a safe medication, even after several decades of use. But methadone does have ... continue reading
  • Is the Trump Administration Revamping the War on Drugs?

    In 1971, President Nixon declared the “War on Drugs,” labeling drug abuse as “public enemy number one.” The creation of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) followed soon after; they were charged with enforcing federal regulations and ...

    ... one-trillion dollars being poured into the initiative. The opiate epidemic became a nationwide health crisis ; not a ... , they may never have the chance to rebuild their lives. We'll have to stay tuned to see how Jeff ... continue reading
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