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Long Term Effects of Methadone Use

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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 ...

    ... hallucinations. Long-Term Effects of Hydromorphone Abuse The continued use and ... used to ease the process, such as: Clonidine , which reduces some symptoms of withdrawal without producing an intoxicating effect. Methadone ... 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 ...

    ... or other intoxicating substances. Long-Term Effects of Vicodin Use Long-term Vicodin use has the ability to ... use. At times, drugs like methadone or buprenorphine will be used to aid in the transition away from Vicodin use. ... 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 ...

    ... methadone treatment every year. For 43%, methadone use was intermittent. The Snowball Effect of Methadone While opiate addiction clearly has far-reaching negative effects ... get clean and maintain long-term recovery. How to ... continue reading
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  • Countering the Myths About Methadone: Is it Right for You?

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

    ... long-term success rate of only 5-10%. With this in mind, you can clearly see the benefits of using methadone ... methadone remains a safe medication, even after several decades of use. But methadone does have side effects ... continue reading
  • Methadone Withdrawal Symptoms, Detox, Timeline, and Treatment

    Methadone is a medication that is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD). It is also sometimes used to manage chronic pain. 1 An OUD is a chronic brain disease characterized by a ...

    ... taking methadone ... effects of opioid misuse. Inpatient programs offer a treatment program that usually involves behavioral therapy and medications for opioid use disorder. Inpatient programs may be short-term or long-term ... 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 ...

    ... Viagra combined in that same year. How Long Do I Need Them? If you “dose ... terms of buprenorphine use during pregnancy, “the risk of adverse effects has not been ruled out.” Can They Be Misused? As an opioid drug, methadone ... 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 ...

    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 ... 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 ...

    ... two to four weeks after birth. While methadone is generally safe when it is used appropriately, misusing it may lead to an overdose. Even if the person is no longer feeling the effects of the last dose, the medication ... 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 ...

    ... opioids before taking them. 1 What Are the Potential Effects of Opioids On a Fetus? Research continues on how taking ... who are pregnant. 10 Methadone maintenance therapy has a long history of use, dating back to the late ... 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 ...

    ... effect. The repeated increase in doses of Tussionex used can ... methadone, it can also be used as long-term maintenance and may be given in combination with naloxone (as Suboxone). Naltrexone: Blocks the euphoric effects ... continue reading
  • Effects of Alcohol and Drugs on the Male and Female Reproductive Systems

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

    ... periods and increased cramping. 2 Heroin and methadone use may also lead to amenorrhea (absence of a ... while pregnant can lead to serious long-term effects on infants. Alcohol use during the early stages of pregnancy—even ... 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 ...

    ... hydrocodone is required to get the same effects you are used to experiencing from a smaller dose. Dependence ... completed detox. It may be recommended for long-term hydrocodone users. During inpatient rehab, medications may ... 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 ...

    ... term effects of Opana, there are also multiple potential long-term consequences: If you suffer from respiratory arrest due to Opana use ... substitutes such as buprenorphine or methadone as well as other supportive care ... 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 ...

    ... effects like troubled relationships, being fired from work, financial worries, and legal issues. Also, heroin use is linked to many long-term ... — Methadone , buprenorphine , naltrexone , and other drugs are used during ... 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 ...

    ... today, there are no identified health risks associated with long-term use of naltrexone. 1 Naltrexone Precautions To avoid a heightened risk of adverse effects while taking naltrexone, you should not drink alcohol, take ... 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. ...

    ... help people quit drinking and using drugs to maintain long-term sobriety. 1 This evidence- ... opioid activity, naltrexone does not block many of the intoxicating effects of alcohol, such as those that affect judgment and ... 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 ...

    ... commit to staying clean. You may not be aware of any methadone clinics in your city, but rest assured that they can be ... are not completely honest about other drugs you are using, you could be placing yourself at risk for ... 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. ...

    ... on was the fact that his methadone dosage had gone up 300 percent during his decade long treatment, with no plans to wean ... , in some cases, life-threatening side effects. Methadone clinics and manufacturers are part of a ... 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 ...

    ... the long- and short-term effects of alcohol use , ... long-acting opioid, methadone can become quite dangerous when misused. Find out more about the potentially harmful effects of methadone use and how to help a methadone ... 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 ...

    ... in their ability to reduce the unwanted effects of opiate withdrawal while increasing comfort: 7,8 Methadone . A long-acting opioid, methadone is an often-used medication in opioid withdrawal treatment. This medication ... 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 ...

    ... when used for long-term pain management. Medical professionals may diagnose a true need to use controlled ... pills of controlled substances, ranging from amphetamines to methadone and oxycodone , have been prescribed in your ... 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 ...

    ... to get the same effects. Long-term use of heroin can cause ... effects are less powerful than full agonists like methadone or heroin. Buprenorphine also has a “ceiling effect” where, starting at moderate doses, the effects ... 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 ...

    ... 's system of reward. It is well known that long-term use of opioids leads to physical dependence . However, the ... be delayed for 7 days or longer for long half-life drugs such as methadone or buprenorphine. 13 Non-medical ... 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 ...

    ... year. Is This Better Than Prescribing Methadone? Buprenorphine offers advantages over methadone, the drug most frequently used to treat opioid addiction. Buprenorphine causes fewer side effects than its sister drug, and ... 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, ...

    ... is able to produce many of the same effects. The effects of methadone are long-lasting, working for up to 24 hours per dose. It is used for heroin detoxification or as part of a maintenance program. 11 OxyContin ... 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 ...

    ... to enhance the opioid effects of this drug. In an article published by National Public Radio (NPR), patients taking methadone revealed that they regularly followed methadone use with a drug cocktail of Neurontin ... 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 ...

    ... painkillers . The most common drugs used in MAT are methadone , buprenorphine , and naltrexone . ... component of Suboxone ) are opioid antagonists, and will block the effects of opioid misuse . 9 MAT can make it easier for ... 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 ...

    ... unhealthy dependency on the medication methadone, an opioid maintenance therapy drug used to help people addicted to ... synthetic drugs with effects similar to testosterone, which are often used for illicit athletic ... 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 ...

    ... lower risk of overdose than methadone . And once you take a dose, the effects last for about three ... you're using Suboxone for long-term maintenance. From this point of view, the lesson is cut-and-dry: As long as opioids ... 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 ...

    ... short-term and long-term effects. Short-term effects of using heroin include: Feeling flushed. Dry mouth. Nausea. Severe itching. Drowsiness. With long-term use, physical dependence increases. The long-term effects of ... continue reading
  • Common Street Names for Drugs

    People actively misusing legal or illicit substances use slang terms for many reasons—ranging from avoiding detection by law enforcement to ensuring privacy in written and verbal communication. If you suspect that someone you love is misusing ...

    ... substance is commonly abused for its euphoric stimulant effects . Some street names include: Blow Bump C ... ability to induce euphoria. It is sometimes used as a date rape drug . Slang terms for GHB include: G Georgia Home ... 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 ...

    ... well as for the long-term management of opioid use disorder. Methadone can eliminate or reduce withdrawal ... effects of opioids if you use them. Someone dependent on opioids cannot use naltrexone until their body no longer ... 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 ...

    ... vomiting or diarrhea, as dehydration can intensify withdrawal symptoms. As discussed above, Methadone can be used to assist in the detoxification process, resulting in less severe withdrawal symptoms. However ... 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 ...

    ... Any Side Effects of Naloxone? Naloxone is a safe medicine and side effects are rare. It has no effect on a ... 4 Medications such as buprenorphine (Suboxone, Subutex), methadone, and naltrexone (Vivitrol) are FDA-approved ... 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 ...

    ... is also used to treat opioid use disorder in maintenance/management programs. Methadone is only ... reduce a person's risk of relapse and increase long-term recovery success. 1 Aftercare can include different types of ... continue reading
  • How to Get Off Suboxone: 3 Steps to Take When Quitting

    Approved by the FDA in 2002, buprenorphine—brand name Suboxone and Zubsolv—is now the “go-to” drug for medication-assisted treatment with opiate addiction. Unlike methadone treatment, it can be prescribed by physicians in the comfort of ...

    ... best of all, buprenorphine has a “ceiling effect.” As a partial opioid agonist, Suboxone's effects are weaker than the effects of a full opioid like heroin or methadone. The effects only increase to a certain extent. At ... 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 ...

    ... widely used to wean people off opioids by relieving opioid withdrawal symptoms . It is similar to methadone, ... Despite the benefits to a prisoner's short- and long-term future, officials are still dragging their feet on ... continue reading
  • Why Don’t We Have Addiction Vaccines?

    After three decades of research, people with addiction still have few medication options. While there are a handful of modestly effective FDA-approved drugs to treat alcohol, nicotine and opioid-use disorders, there are none at all for cocaine, ...

    ... an opioid receptor antagonist, can block the intoxicating effects of alcohol and opioids—but again, only for ... people with heroin use disorder, who have the lowest rate of recovery. (This is why methadone and Suboxone are ... 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 ...

    ... ” and as medication-assisted therapies (MAT) for long-term treatment. Both methadone and buprenorphine have demonstrated success in helping treat substance use disorders. They are usually preferred over other medications ... continue reading
  • How to Help a Klonopin Addict

    Klonopin (clonazepam) is a sedative hypnotic drug of the benzodiazepine class. While it is effective for short-term treatment of anxiety, insomnia, and seizures, it has a strong potential for addiction and is widely abused. If you find that you or a ...

    ... methadone (Inaba and Cohen, 2014). Part of the addiction potential with Klonopin involves its use in attempts to increase the rewarding effects ... You take it in larger doses and over longer periods of time. You want to quit ... 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 ...

    ... drug to experience the effects that once came with ... Methadone —A long-acting opioid agonist medication that activates the same receptors as morphine, with a less pronounced, euphoric high. Methadone can reduce urges to use ... 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 ...

    ... which can lead to misuse, significant negative side effects, or even overdose. 5 Differences in how older ... need to stay clean in the long-term. 9 If pain management was the reason you began using opioids, you will need to ... continue reading
  • How to Get Into Inpatient Drug and Alcohol Rehab Without Insurance

    Navigating alcohol and drug rehab without insurance can be challenging, but it's an important step toward reclaiming your life from addiction. Fortunately, there are ways to pay for rehab without insurance. This article will help you learn how to ...

    ... in a program for a period of 6­-12 months or longer. Generally, the longer you attend rehab for, the higher the cost will be. ... . Methadone may be covered under Part A if administered at a hospital. 4 How to Use COBRA ... 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 ...

    ... consequences and improve long-term outcomes. Appropriate ... used include 9 : Methadone —This full opioid agonist provides effects similar to Roxicodone. However, with its tightly-controlled dosing and longer-acting effects ... continue reading
  • Rise of the Study Drug

    In the United States, a Schedule II drug is one that has some accepted medical use, but at the same time a high potential for abuse that may lead to severe psychological and physical dependence. Cocaine, morphine and methadone are all Schedule II ...

    ... that has some accepted medical use, but at the same time a high potential for abuse that may lead to severe psychological and physical dependence. Cocaine, morphine and methadone are all Schedule II substances. Imagine ... 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, ...

    ... effects, and signs of an opioid overdose. What Is Buprenorphine Used For? Buprenorphine is a long-acting ... works differently, making it less likely than methadone or other opioids to cause respiratory depression, therefore ... continue reading
  • A Living Nightmare: 5 Things Doctors Don’t Tell You About Benzos

    Written by Dean Dauphinais It's no secret that prescription drugs can work miracles when obtained legally and taken as directed. But do you know that some prescription meds can also make your life a living hell. Such is the case with ...

    ... even lifesaving. But when used long-term, benzos can have adverse side effects , including impaired cognitive ... , crack cocaine, crystal meth, amphetamines, and methadone. My attempt at quitting cold turkey pretty much ... continue reading
  • Did the DEA Really Abandon Its Plan to Ban Kratom?

    Several years ago, when I was living with my ex-boyfriend, I stumbled upon a package he received. The receipt said it was a bottle of kratom - a word I had never heard of before. A cursory Google search didn't pull up much either, beside the fact it ...

    ... with chronic pain. It's also used by those trying to wean themselves off opioids or alcohol, since it provides a milder painkilling effect than synthetic substances, such as methadone. On August 31, the Drug Enforcement ... 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 ...

    ... treatment program multiple times per month, like methadone requires. Although it does have the potential ... “I asked him if it was true that Wal-Mart no longer fills buprenorphine prescriptions, and he said yes, that's true. ... 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 ...

    ... addictions too, including alcohol, Suboxone, Methadone, prescription painkillers , and stimulants. She ... with Ibogaine use. (Which is why it is still illegal in the U.S.) Ibogaine can cause severe side effects , including ... 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 ...

    ... in four people who received opioids for treatment of long-term pain in primary care settings struggled with an opioid use disorder. When you factor in that heroin use has also been on the rise and heroin overdose death ... continue reading
  • Private Drug and Alcohol Rehab Centers

    Around 59.3 million Americans aged 12 and older report having used an illegal drug within one year of being surveyed. 1 A substance use disorder (SUD) is a risk for many, and this risk exists regardless of age, socioeconomic status, or cultural ...

    ... patient needs for medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone that may ... If you or a loved one is struggling with a substance use disorder, gathering more information is the first step in beginning ... 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 ...

    ... or act angry. Enable the person. What Are the Effects of Addiction on Family And Friends? Alcohol and drug ... at least 1 adult who has a substance use disorder. 10 The long-term impact of alcohol and drug abuse on family ... continue reading
  • Drug Abuse Policies in the United States

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

    ... for misuse and dependency. Examples include OxyContin , methadone , and Ritalin . Schedule III drugs: Have ... in place to help monitor people who doctor shop—a term used for when a patient sees more than one doctor to ... continue reading
  • Substance Abuse Counselors

    In 2016, more than 22 million people suffered from a substance use disorder. 1 That staggering number equates to 8.3% of the national population. 1 Also in 2016, only 2.9 million of those people—a mere fraction of those that need help—went on to ...

    ... . Hospitals. Mental health facilities. Methadone clinics. Private practice clinics. Detention ... facilities. Start the journey to recovery and find out instantly using the form below if your insurance provider may be able ... continue reading
  • Drug Abuse Careers

    Many careers exist in the field of drug abuse treatment and prevention . The drug abuse treatment field is a rewarding career choice for many people, as it makes a difference in the lives of millions of people annually. Those who work in this field ...

    ... Administration's (SAMHSA's) National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Of these 23.5 million people, only ... , the detox, the withdrawal and the after effects. They administer medications and track the physical progress ... continue reading
  • Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs and Addiction Treatment Programs

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

    ... . The survey defines 'non-medical use' as use of the drugs for the effect or feeling they produce, as opposed ... performance enhancing effects lead some to abuse them. When taken in larger doses or for longer periods than ... 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 ...

    ... cure your addiction. Origins of Ibogaine Use Ibogaine has a long history of use, beginning in the country of Gabon, ... consume it for up to 12 hours until the full effects of the plant are achieved. 3 Ibogaine in the U ... 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 ...

    ... Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse. “Those who do use it six months are much less likely to be opiate positive ... . A single dose costs around $1,000, whereas methadone is roughly $350 per month and Suboxone is around ... 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 ...

    ... and can be particularly effective in lessening the effects of drug and alcohol withdrawal , though its illegal ... detox from substances including opiates, alcohol, cocaine, methadone and benzos. 12. Meditation In the last ... 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 ...

    ... results. This also increases the negative and dangerous side effects associated with Vicodin use. Am I Addicted to Vicodin? Finding out if you ... Hydrocodone Klonopin Librium Lorazepam Methadone Opana Opiate Oxycodone ... 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 ...

    ... used as part of MAT may include: Methadone — A long-acting synthetic opioid agonist medication. It is used ... by providing a ceiling to the euphoric effects, meaning once the effects reach a certain point, taking more won ... continue reading
  • How to Help an Alprazolam Addict

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

    ... name Xanax —is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety and panic disorders . Similar to the effects of alcohol, alprazolam works by ... Hydrocodone Klonopin Librium Lorazepam Methadone Opana Opiate Oxycodone Oxycontin ... continue reading
  • Alprazolam Abuse Symptoms, Signs and Addiction Treatment

    What Is Alprazolam Used For? Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine substance better known by its brand name, Xanax. All benzodiazepines are depressant medications that slow down a user's body and mind, resulting in reduced anxiety and increased relaxation. ...

    ... to produce a sedating, tranquilizing effect . Since alprazolam additionally elicits a ... effects. When higher levels of the drug are needed or when the substance is used in combination with alcohol or opioids like methadone ... continue reading
  • How to Help Someone With Alcohol Addiction

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

    ... to the effects of alcohol, which leads to the person using more alcohol to achieve the same effects as before. ... length of time is critical to long-term recovery, with longer stays in treatment associated with better ... continue reading
  • Alcohol Misuse and Addiction: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment

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

    ... s chance of developing alcohol use disorder. Certain long-term behaviors like heavy use or binge drinking will ... a teenager acts, but it can also have adverse effects on the adolescent brain. Studies show that brain ... continue reading
  • Fentanyl Overdose

    The U.S. opioid epidemic is a national public health emergency. 1 Between January 31, 2020, and January 31, 2021, overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids, primarily illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF), increased by nearly 56%. 2 Every day, ...

    ... therapy. 4, 7 Medications for opioid use disorder (e.g., methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone) can help manage cravings, ease withdrawal symptoms, and block the effects of opioids. These medications are safe and ... 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 ...

    ... and psychological dependence. In this piece, we'll show the effects Dilaudid has on the mind and body , risk factors, and ... intake . According to the CDC , this long-term use “can be associated with abuse and overdose ... 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 ...

    ... addiction, alongside other potential adverse effects of use. Adverse effects of tramadol use include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, ... as help people maintain their recovery. Methadone , buprenorphine , and naltrexone can ... continue reading
  • Closing Candy Land: Our Vets are Stuck in the VA’s Revolving Door

    Across our nation, the brave men and women who defended its freedoms are suffering. The burden they bear isn't regret, loss, emotional trauma or illness…even though all of these things may be present. No, the cargo many of them carry is the weight ...

    ... - that includes prescriptions for oxycodone and methadone, two extremely powerful (and often fatal) ... some relief, veterans generally aren't warned about the side effects of this opioid drug and they don't understand the ... 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 ...

    ... receiving methadone maintenance for their addiction reported low testosterone levels. Opioid addiction or using long-acting opioids ... can also experience a number of side effects related to their mood, behavior and overall ... 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 ...

    ... of time getting Tussionex, using it, or recovering from its effects. Frequently failing to cut back or stop using the drug. Taking more ... Patients often transition into a longer-term recovery program to continue receiving ... continue reading
  • Quitting Smoking In Addiction Recovery

    Among patients in treatment programs for drug abuse and addiction (also known as substance use disorder, or SUD), as many as 97% also use tobacco 1 . Although the health dangers of cigarette smoking are well known, most smokers who enter drug ...

    ... heroin and methadone are associated with increased rates of tobacco use 13 . Nicotine use during ... demonstrate that stopping tobacco use is beneficial to the maintenance of long-term abstinence even though attempting ... 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 ...

    ... are many maintenance medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone prescribed for opiate addiction that may be used to assist with detoxification or to prevent relapse on a long-term basis. These are best ... 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 ...

    ... Oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet). Morphine . Codeine . Methadone . The substances work to change the perception ... to the drug's effects. They Can't Be Dangerous if a Doctor Prescribed Them REALITY: Use and abuse of ... 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 ...

    ... happens when they're forced to stop using drugs (e.g. physical and psychological effects). The cost of treatment. That ... reward centers of the brain. The combined effect of activation on opioid receptors and heightened ... continue reading
  • Free, National, and 24-Hour Narcotics Hotline Numbers and Resources

    Call American Addiction Centers (AAC) free at What Are Narcotics? Narcotics, commonly referred to as opioid pain relievers, are only used for severe pain if other pain relievers do not help. 1 The drugs not only help relieve severe pain but also ...

    ... help relieve severe pain but also produce euphoric effects, giving them potentially highly addictive properties and ... failure etc.). History of substance use (duration e.g. long-term drug use and usual dose taken, if you ... 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 ...

    ... of action, and has a short duration of effects (so continued effect requires repeated doses). 2,4 Like morphine, ... taking a medication such as buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone. Cognitive-behavioral therapy ( ... continue reading
  • Trazodone Use in Substance Abuse Treatment

    What Is Trazodone Used For? Each individual in recovery is likely to have had a somewhat unique substance abuse program experience. There are a number of therapeutic variables, including treatment center setting and program duration. However, many ...

    ... of its side effects is drowsiness; however, this is an off-label (not FDA-approved) use of this substance, ... sleep among people who took trazodone while attempting methadone maintenance therapy. 5 Whether trazodone is an ... continue reading
  • Political Parties on Drug Use

    A recent Pew Research Center survey indicated that 86 percent of Americans believe the country is more politically divided than ever before. Polarized viewpoints surrounding topics like immigration and foreign trade are broadcasted daily on ...

    ... such programs. Additionally, access to methadone maintenance programs has been “strongly related ... half the amount of media airtime, with 506 minutes. Drug use and other drug-related issues did not appear on the list ... continue reading
  • Risks of Substance Abuse While Pregnant & Treatment Options

    Drinking alcohol or using drugs while pregnant can cause a number of negative health outcomes for both mother and child. It can affect a growing fetus because substances travel easily from the placenta, creating great potential for harm. 4 While not ...

    ... safe. Cocaine and Pregnancy Tracking the negative effects of cocaine use during pregnancy is a difficult task. This ... exposure during the first trimester can lead to long-term memory problems and impaired learning, as well ... continue reading
  • Luxury Rehab Centers Near Me

    When considering inpatient treatment, there are generally 3 standard options: public inpatient rehab centers, private inpatient rehab centers, and luxury treatment centers. All usually offer the same core elements—including counseling, access to ...

    ... . There are also medications to help with ongoing treatment and relapse prevention , like methadone for opioid use disorder. 1, 2 Behavioral therapy : This may include therapies like contingency management or cognitive ... continue reading
  • Penalties and Sentencing for Drug Abuse, Selling, and Smuggling in the USA

    Problematic substance use has the potential to negatively impact every area of your life. As dependence and addiction to alcohol or other drugs develop, these substances may begin to influence your physical and mental health, significantly affecting ...

    ... like Vicodin , OxyContin , and methadone . Methamphetamine . Prescription stimulant ... amount of a substance on their person or available for their own use. 3 For simple possession to apply, there must be no intent ... continue reading
  • Mixing Alcohol With Drugs

    Mixing alcohol with prescription drugs or illicit drugs (known as polysubstance use), can have dangerous health effects that many people may not realize. Since alcohol is such a commonly used substance, it's even more important to understand how it ...

    ... side effects, in addition to other adverse short-term or long-term health problems. 8 Prescription drugs commonly used in ... DXM Fentanyl Hydrocodone Klonopin Lortab Methadone Methylphenidate Norco Opiate Oxycodone ... continue reading
  • Lean Codeine (Purple Drank): Addiction and Treatment

    Codeine is an opioid painkiller that is used in a variety of medications, but which also has a high potential for misuse and addiction. In particular, prescription-strength cough medicine containing codeine may be misused in the form of a narcotic ...

    ... long term or in sufficiently large quantities may be at risk of experiencing dangerous and, in some cases, lethal drug effects. Such health risks are compounded when it is used ... such as methadone , buprenorphine, ... continue reading
  • Heroin Overdose Symptoms, Signs, Risk Factors, Prevention, and Treatment

    How Is Heroin Consumed? Heroin is one of the most common, addictive, and lethal drugs in the world. A morphine derivative, heroin is sold illegally in the form of white or brown powder, or a sticky black substance known as “black tar heroin.” In ...

    ... effect in particular provides one explanation for why heroin is highly addictive. Some of the dangers of heroin use, including its long-term effects ... provide medications —such as methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone—to ... 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, ...

    ... drug even when they want to stop. Methods of Heroin Use and Effects Pure heroin can be smoked or snorted , but it is ... agents include: Methadone —a less potent, longer-acting opioid. Since it is long-acting, the high ... 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 ...

    ... society. He is, however, dealing with one unexpected side effect: a congenital heart problem. This is an issue he ... pre-existing heart conditions. Other side effects of ibogaine use include: Nausea and vomiting Ataxia ( ... continue reading
  • Cocaine Addiction: Have Scientists Finally Found a Cure?

    The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that an estimated 1.5 million Americans use cocaine. In 2015, our nation saw more than 6,700 cocaine-related deaths. Research indicates that around 40% of drug-related emergency department visits involve ...

    ... Medications like methadone, Suboxone, and Vivitrol—in conjunction with therapy —are used to ease ... a medication. But this might not be the case for much longer… According to one recent study, a group of doctors from Mount ... 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 ...

    ... has its own risks, side effects, and withdrawal symptoms. When used in accordance with prescribed parameters ... is unique from other treatment drugs such as methadone (and buprenorphine monotherapy) in that it is formulated ... continue reading
  • 4 Long-Term Effects of Smoking Marijuana

    4 states—Alaska, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington—and Washington D.C. have legalized marijuana. With these changes in policy, a big question on everyone's mind is, what are the long term effects of marijuana use? How does marijuana use affect ...

    ... With these changes in policy, a big question on everyone's mind is, what are the long term effects of marijuana use? How does marijuana use affect the body and mind over time? Is it safe? Unfortunately, there isn't a lot ... 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 ...

    ... overdose . What Are the Long-Term Effects of Xanax Use? When people abuse a benzodiazepine for a long period of time, it becomes less effective as tolerance increases. Long-term Xanax use can cause loss of appetite ... continue reading
  • Long-Term Effects of Molly, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment

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

    ... it carries high potential for abuse and has no accepted medical uses. 2 The drug is often encountered as a colorful tablet ... swelling due to water retention. 8 Long-Term Effects of Molly Because it enhances the release ... continue reading
  • Vyvanse Side Effects, Short-Term and Long-Term Effects, and Treatment

    What Is Vyvanse Used For? Vyvanse is a brand name for the medication lisdexamfetamine that is prescribed to treat Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and binge-eating disorders. 1,2 Vyvanse belongs to a class of medicines known as ...

    ... may go on to develop an addiction, which is characterized by problematic use despite negative consequences. Some other possible long-term effects of Vyvanse abuse include: 5,6,7 Malnutrition. Stunted height and weight ... continue reading
  • Effects of Cocaine Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, & Side Effects

    Cocaine is a Schedule II illegal stimulant drug that is highly addictive. It is often used recreationally, and there is a range of dangers associated with the use of cocaine. This page will talk about: What cocaine is and how it is used. Cocaine's ...

    ... aren't working and increasing the risk of overdose or organ damage. 2,6 Long-Term Effects of Cocaine Use Long-term side effects of cocaine can be wide-ranging and harmful, impacting physical and mental health in ... continue reading
  • Understanding the Effects of Long Term Drug Abuse on the Brain

    Drug addiction is a chronic brain disease, and it can cause you to compulsively seek out drugs even though you're aware of the harmful results taking them can cause. Initially, your choice to take drugs is voluntary. So, if someone offers you drugs, ...

    ... referred to as a tolerance, and the danger and effects of drug abuse that leads many addicts to hospitalization ... same feeling as the first time. The brain undergoes long-term changes during drug abuse . If the brain has ... continue reading
  • Long-Term Alcohol and Drug Rehab Programs

    Alcohol and drug abuse can be challenging to overcome on your own. Many people seek treatment to help them stop the cycle of substance use and start the path to recovery. Finding the appropriate long-term drug rehab center for your needs may be a ...

    ... own. Many people seek treatment to help them stop the cycle of substance use and start the path to recovery. Finding the appropriate long-term drug rehab center for your needs may be a beneficial option for obtaining ... continue reading
  • The Damage Done: 6 Long-Term Reminders of Meth Abuse

    Methamphetamine is an extremely toxic and vile drug that produces an initial rush of euphoria and a massive boost of energy. After that first encounter, users can quickly find themselves chasing that same “good” feeling over and over again, but ...

    ... same “good” feeling over and over again, but it's a useless quest. Truth be told, the effects of long-term meth use are far from glamorous or beneficial. Meth robs people of their physical and mental health, in addition ... continue reading
  • Effects of Crystal Meth Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, & Side Effects

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

    ... the severity of any dependency that may be present. Methamphetamine assessment Test Long-Term Effects of Crystal Meth Use When taken over a long period of time, crystal meth can cause severe physical and psychological ... 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 ...

    ... with existing dementia. Tolerance A common long-term effect of Ativan use is the development of tolerance to ... to Ativan , give us a call free at . Effects of Withdrawal Withdrawal from Ativan occurs soon after the last ... continue reading
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