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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 ...
... symptoms. 9 However, many factors impact the severity and duration of methadone withdrawal symptoms, including: 9 How long the person has been using methadone or other opioids. How long it has been since the last use of ... continue reading -
Methadone for Addiction Treatment
Methadone is a highly effective treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) when taken correctly and under the supervision of a medical practitioner. 1 Methadone can reduce or eliminate withdrawal symptoms and cravings to use opioids, and studies show ...
... . How to find help for opioid addiction near you. What Is Methadone Used For? Methadone is a long-acting opioid agonist, which means it curbs opioid withdrawal symptoms , as well as blunting or blocking the effects of ... continue reading -
How to Help a Methadone Addict
Help for Methadone Addicts Methadone is an opioid drug; however, it is beneficial in the treatment of heroin dependence and other forms of opiate abuse. While it is regularly used in the management of opioid dependence, methadone itself is ...
... for abuse and addiction development. Because methadone is a longer-acting, relatively less potent opiate, it' ... methadone's potential to cause an addictive euphoric rush, negative side effects , and unpleasant withdrawal ... 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 ...
... say, heroin or methadone. Like methadone, it helps you during withdrawal because it reduces or ... than sales were for Adderall and Viagra combined in that same year. How Long Do I Need Them? If you “dose” at an OTP, you ... 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 ...
... can be used on a short-term or long-term basis to help reduce opioid-related cravings and withdrawal symptoms and improve health outcomes. 1, 2 When taken as prescribed, methadone is a safe and effective component of OUD ... continue reading -
Effects of Methadone Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
Methadone is a long-acting opioid agonist that is FDA-approved to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). Methadone also has a role in pain management. When used correctly, as prescribed, methadone is safe and effective. This article will help you ...
... dependent upon it, which means that you may experience methadone withdrawal symptoms if you stop using it suddenly. 8 Methadone, however, is safe for long-term use. 9 It is important to not focus on discontinuing ... continue reading -
Concurrent Alcohol and Methadone Abuse
It's important to know the facts about drinking and using methadone. Alcohol and methadone can both cause a range of profound effects, and both substances have the potential to lead to addiction. Combining these two substances can be even more ...
... . Long-term addictive consumption of alcohol can also cause damage to the body and brain, especially to memory and liver function . Methadone is a prescription drug used to assist individuals with heroin withdrawal . ... 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 ...
... 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 will aid the ... 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 ...
... which have a shorter half-life, and are shorter-acting, withdrawal symptoms can begin 6-12 hours after the last dose. With longer acting drugs such as methadone, LAAM, or buprenorphine, symptoms may take anywhere from 1 ... continue reading -
Effects of Opioid Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
What Are Opioids Used For? Opioids are a class of drugs that includes prescription painkillers such as oxycodone (Oxycontin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), codeine , and morphine ; synthetic opioids including fentanyl ; and the illegal drug heroin . 1,2 ...
... to stop using opioids gradually in order to avoid withdrawal discomfort. 6 One of the best-known side ... them. This can lead to heart problems , including long-term heart infections, as well as pulmonary embolisms. 9 ... continue reading -
Oxycodone Side Effects: Short and Long-Term
Oxycodone is a prescription opioid analgesic that is used to manage moderate to severe pain by changing the way that the brain responds to pain. 1 It is commonly prescribed as a combination product with other drugs such as acetaminophen and aspirin, ...
... opioid receptors to decreases the likelihood of continued opioid misuse. Methadone: A long-acting synthetic opioid that helps with withdrawal symptoms and relieves drug cravings. Buprenorphine: A partial opioid agonist ... 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. ...
... provided a way to help keep his withdrawal symptoms at bay. What Peter wasn't focused on was the fact that his methadone dosage had gone up 300 percent during his decade long treatment, with no plans to wean him ... 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 ...
... for long-term recovery. Like heroin and many prescription pain medications , methadone is ... It's a full opioid agonist. Methadone helps to prevent or alleviate opioid withdrawal symptoms and staves off or reduces cravings ... 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 ... and to be able to monitor you for severe withdrawal symptoms. If, however, you are considered a low ... 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 ... withdrawal—helping to minimize the risk of opiate relapse or continued drug use. At times, drugs like methadone ... 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 ...
... . 8 Methadone Methadone is a synthetic opioid that can prevent or reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms , ... diseases like HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Long-term use of meth may cause serious dental issues, significant ... continue reading -
Why Are Prescription Opiates So Addictive?
Prescription opiates—such as Vicodin , Percocet , and OxyContin —are narcotic medications used for pain management. These drugs are often referred to as “opioids,” which are synthetic and semi-synthetic derivatives of the active “opiate” ...
... if the user genuinely wants to do so. Withdrawal From Prescription Opiates When addicted users go some ... Studies have shown that long-term maintenance treatment with drugs such as methadone and buprenorphine can greatly ... 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 ...
... be used as long-term maintenance to prevent relapse. Buprenorphine: Treats withdrawal symptoms, decreases urges to use, and shortens length of detox. Like methadone, it can also be used as long-term maintenance and may ... 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, ...
... and withdrawal symptoms. According to Kampman, other potential advantages of vaccines are the long ... who have the lowest rate of recovery. (This is why methadone and Suboxone are essential medicines.) The labs of Dr. Kim ... 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 ...
... syrup, antihistamines), those who consume it in the long term or in sufficiently large quantities may be at ... the acute opioid withdrawal syndrome be significantly severe, medications such as methadone , buprenorphine, and ... continue reading -
How to Help a Percocet Addict
Help for Percocet Addicts If you're battling an addiction to Percocet (the combination of acetaminophen and oxycodone - an opiate-derived pain reliever ), you're not alone. According to the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately ...
... who struggle with taking daily medications since it is injected monthly. Methadone - A long-acting synthetic opioid that reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings by providing a controlled dose of opioid effects while ... continue reading -
AmeRxica’s Most Medicated
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, over 54 million people have used prescription medication non-medically - effectively more than 20 percent of the population aged 12 and older. When our doctor puts pen to paper and hands us a ...
... taken as directed or when used for long-term pain management. Medical professionals may diagnose a ... concentrations of methadone and suboxone distribution - drugs used to help treat the symptoms of withdrawal from opioids ... 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 ...
... may need medicines such as morphine and methadone to help treat their withdrawal symptoms. In some cases, a second ... women who are pregnant. 10 Methadone maintenance therapy has a long history of use, dating back to ... 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 ...
... opioid dependence. As an opioid receptor agonist medication, methadone helps stabilize people in acute opioid withdrawal, as well as maintain them throughout longer-term recovery. As a full opioid receptor agonist drug ... continue reading -
Opioids: Side Effects, Signs of Abuse, and Addiction Treatment
Opioids are substances that are known for their pain-relieving effects. They include both legal and some illegal substances that may have the potential for misuse, which can potentially lead to dependence and/or addiction. 1 If you or someone you ...
... coma, or death due to a lack of oxygen. Long-term effects of opioid use can include: 14 An increased risk ... to help reduce certain types of opioid withdrawal symptoms. Methadone . When used as directed to stabilize someone ... continue reading -
How to Help an Opiate Addict
Help for Opiate Addicts Opiates are some of the most abused drugs in America, with prescription opiates accounting for up to 5.1 million cases of addiction. Around 210 million doses of opiates, including morphine , OxyContin , and Vicodin , were ...
... play an important role in treating opiate addiction: Methadone : Methadone is long-acting synthetic opioid agonist. It reduces cravings and alleviates symptoms of withdrawal in order to prevent relapse. Buprenorphine : ... 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 ...
... to kick than methadone—and methadone is no joke. At higher doses over long periods of time, ... you can expect serious problems—namely in the form of precipitated withdrawal. How to Find Help for Drug Misuse If you or a ... 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 ...
... it enters the brain. It has both short-term and long-term effects. Short-term effects of using heroin include: Feeling ... may be used: Methadone is a synthetic opiate that reduces the withdrawal symptoms associated with ... 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 ...
... feel high. It can be used during withdrawal and formal rehab treatment, as well as for the long-term management of opioid use disorder. Methadone can eliminate or reduce withdrawal symptoms as well as cravings. It is ... continue reading -
Effects of Hydromorphone Abuse: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
What Is Hydromorphone Used For? Hydromorphone (brand names: Dilaudid, Exalgo) is a powerful semi-synthetic opioid painkiller used in both hospital settings and as part of a long-term treatment regimen for significant pain in opioid-tolerant ...
... in lasting brain damage and/or coma . 3 Long-term opioid abuse is also potentially linked to impaired: ... of withdrawal without producing an intoxicating effect. Methadone , a full opioid agonist that alleviates withdrawal ... continue reading -
Side Effects of Demerol Use: Short-Term Effects, Long-Term Effects and Treatment
What Is Demerol Used For? Demerol is a prescription opioid painkiller with effects similar to those of the illicit opiate drug heroin, including the production of a pleasant, euphoric state among those who use it. Demerol is a branded formulation of ...
... be administered at specialized clinics. Methadone may be used as a long-term maintenance treatment for opiate dependence or gradually tapered over time. Buprenorphine can decrease withdrawal symptoms and cravings and can ... 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, ...
... This only restarts the process and delays the onset of withdrawal symptoms by a few more hours. Heroin Treatment: ... agents include: Methadone —a less potent, longer-acting opioid. Since it is long-acting, the high ... 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 ...
... Isn't Effective According to a recent article, methadone maintenance has success rates ranging from 60 to 90%, with long-term outcomes improving the longer someone remains in addiction treatment . Abstinence-based and ... continue reading -
Does Methadone Treatment Suppress Testosterone in Opioid Addicts?
A new study out of McMaster University in Canada has found that common treatments for opioid addiction reduce the level of testosterone in men, but not in women. The research project, published in the journal Scientific Reports , collected data from ...
... 81 men who took opioids for at least three months. She found that those who used long-acting opioids such as methadone were 5 times more likely to have low testosterone levels than those who used short-acting opioids ... 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 ...
... according to a 2011 study . Of the 144 parents in methadone treatment , only 13.2% of parents (19 people) ... if a person is able to get clean and maintain long-term recovery. How to Find Help for Drug or Alcohol Misuse ... 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 ...
... . The user can also receive a one-week supply, rather than the typical daily dose of methadone. As with methadone, buprenorphine must be taken regularly to work, but this extended supply can make a huge difference ... 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 ...
... , more than half combined it with an opioid like methadone, while about a quarter of illicit users combined it ... use of other drugs such as opioids or alcohol, withdrawal may be even more complicated and dangerous, so ... 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 ...
... supervised injection site for drug users in 2003. The health of drug users improved, and the number of people on methadone treatment went from 12% in 1996 to 54.5% in 2008. There were also fewer new infections of HIV and ... 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 methadone misuse. Ketamine Addiction Self-Assessment Quiz This 5-minute ketamine addiction self-assessment quiz is designed ... 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 ...
... can be used to assist 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 ... continue reading -
Ill Inventory: Drug Theft and Loss in the United States
Every year, countless people become reliant on pharmaceuticals. And every year, drugs go missing. Despite extensive efforts to curb addiction and abuse, America's war on drugs is far from over. Guidelines for improving opioid prescribing practices ...
... . In 2014, more people died from synthetic narcotics than from any other drug across the board. The synthetic drug methadone may be partially to blame for the high death rate in New Hampshire. When it comes to seeking ... 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 ...
... People who regularly take opioids may have withdrawal symptoms after being given naloxone. These ... OUD. 4 Medications such as buprenorphine (Suboxone, Subutex), methadone, and naltrexone (Vivitrol) are FDA-approved for the ... continue reading -
Heroin Addiction Treatment Centers and Rehab Programs
Heroin addiction can negatively impact certain aspects of your life and have dangerous health repercussions. Here, we will help you understand heroin addiction, how addiction is treated, and what you should know about heroin rehab centers, including ...
... may include: Methadone , an FDA-approved opioid agonist that helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings ... a person's risk of relapse and increase long-term recovery success. 1 Aftercare can include different types ... 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 ...
... the effects of a full opioid like heroin or methadone. The effects only increase to a certain extent. ... expertise and assistance that's available. You'll suffer less withdrawal and you'll be more likely to succeed in your ... 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 ...
... people off opioids by relieving opioid withdrawal symptoms . It is similar to methadone, yet harder to abuse and ... the benefits to a prisoner's short- and long-term future, officials are still dragging their feet on ... 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 ...
... be used to assist in opioid withdrawal during what is called “ opioid detoxification ,” and as medication-assisted therapies (MAT) for long-term treatment. Both methadone and buprenorphine have demonstrated success in ... 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 ...
... program for a period of 6-12 months or longer. Generally, the longer you attend rehab for, the higher the cost will ... Part D will not cover methadone or buprenorphine for treating addiction. Methadone may be covered under ... continue reading -
7 Shocking Ways Drugs are Smuggled into Prisons
A Cincinnati woman and her incarcerated boyfriend are now facing criminal charges after she reportedly tried to smuggle a Bible laced with heroin into the prison. Tehani Teepe, 39, and Timothy King, 28, were charged with illegal conveyance of ...
... the jail through alternate methods. Underwear A Kentucky inmate died last August after allegedly overdosing on methadone-soaked underwear. Michael Jones, an inmate who was out of jail on a court-ordered furlough, was ... continue reading -
Tramadol Addiction Symptoms, Side Effects, and Treatment
If you or a loved one are misusing the opioid medication tramadol, this article will help you understand: What tramadol is. Signs of tramadol abuse. Symptoms of tramadol withdrawal and overdose. Treatment for tramadol addiction. What Is Tramadol? ...
... can help to manage opioid withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. Methadone —a long-acting full opioid agonist. Like buprenorphine, methadone can help to reduce withdrawal symptoms and control cravings for tramadol ... 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 ...
... at success. It is also important to undergo withdrawal in a facility where medical staff are present and ... of other drugs: You take it in larger doses and over longer periods of time. You want to quit and have tried to ... 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 ...
... a high potential for abuse that may lead to severe psychological and physical dependence. Cocaine, morphine and methadone are all Schedule II substances. Imagine, then, opening Twitter one morning to be greeted by tweets ... 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 ...
... provide medications like methadone or buprenorphine to lessen the pain of withdrawal and lower your ... to build the skills you need to stay clean in the long-term. 9 If pain management was the reason you began using opioids ... 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 long-acting opioid agonist medication that activates the same receptors as morphine, with a less pronounced, euphoric high. Methadone can reduce urges to use other opioids and prevent withdrawal. Naltrexone —An ... continue reading -
What Is Addiction? Drug Abuse Information and Treatment Help
Addiction is defined as a chronic, yet treatable medical disease that is characterized by the repeated, uncontrollable use of substances. When a person has an addiction, they continue using alcohol, medications, or illicit drugs regardless of the ...
... than originally was intended or taking it for a longer period of time than intended. Unsuccessful attempts to cut ... medications such as methadone and buprenorphine are effective in reducing withdrawal symptoms, as well ... 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 ...
... heavier menstrual periods and increased cramping. 2 Heroin and methadone use may also lead to amenorrhea (absence of a ... the drugs their mothers take and go through withdrawal shortly after birth. This is common in infants ... continue reading -
Concurrent Alcohol and Heroin Abuse
Dangers of Abusing Alcohol and Heroin The dangerous combination of alcohol and heroin gets widespread publicity every year from tragedies that remind the public how alcohol amplifies the already powerful effects of heroin on the central nervous ...
... without help. Methadone may be used in the treatment of heroin addiction. Methadone dosages must be ... or inpatient rehab center . All research shows that withdrawal from heroin is extremely difficult during the first 12 ... 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, ...
... long-term sobriety, taking buprenorphine can reduce or eliminate withdrawal symptoms and raise the chances of success in long-term ... differently, making it less likely than methadone or other opioids to cause respiratory ... 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. ...
... pill form is most often used for AUD, while the long-acting injectable is FDA-approved for treating both OUD and AUD ... or methadone , which are opioid receptor agonist medications used to manage opioid withdrawal and ... 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 ...
... some pills, and my withdrawal symptoms stopped. But I was right back where I started. 3. Long-term use can be harmful. ... crack cocaine, crystal meth, amphetamines, and methadone. My attempt at quitting cold turkey pretty ... 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 ...
... off opioids or alcohol, since it provides a milder painkilling effect than synthetic substances, such as methadone. On August 31, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced its intention to classify the plant as ... 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 ...
... used to treat opiate dependence - it helps minimize withdrawal symptoms. It's often an essential part of a ... assisted treatment program multiple times per month, like methadone requires. Although it does have the potential ... 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 ... never had before. Afterwards, she felt no cravings or withdrawal symptoms. She was happy to feel free and was ready ... 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 ... medications, such as methadone . Suboxone Doesn't Work The opiate withdrawal process can be painful ... 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 ...
... drug and alcohol rehab settings may include: 2 Withdrawal management . Although not a solution for substance ... assess patient needs for medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone that may support ... 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 ...
... is taken away (or the dose significantly reduced) withdrawal symptoms emerge as the body re-adjusts to not ... 1 adult who has a substance use disorder. 10 The long-term impact of alcohol and drug abuse on family members can ... 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 ...
... . Schedule II drugs: Have strong potential for misuse and dependency. Examples include OxyContin , methadone , and Ritalin . Schedule III drugs: Have moderate potential for dependency. Have less addictive potential ... 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 ...
... may work in places such as: Educational centers. Hospitals. Mental health facilities. Methadone clinics. Private practice clinics. Detention centers. Drug rehabilitation centers . Therapeutic communities. Detox ... 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 ...
... facilities, educational centers, hospitals, methadone clinics, private practices, detoxification ... that come along with the addiction, the detox, the withdrawal and the after effects. They administer medications and track ... 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 . ...
... ( Lortab , Norco , Vicodin ) Methadone Morphine Oxycodone ( OxyContin , Percocet ) Oxymorphone ... get the same effect) , as well as a marked withdrawal syndrome should they be stopped. Both of these phenomena can ... 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 ...
... know what will help curb cravings and decrease withdrawal side effects. Some individuals have looked back far ... That is roughly one per year. In comparison, Methadone —a common method of treating opioid addiction —accounted ... 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 ...
... is by far the most expensive medication treatment for opioid dependency. A single dose costs around $1,000, whereas methadone is roughly $350 per month and Suboxone is around $400. There's also the issue of accessibility ... 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 ...
... high doses it's thought to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It's been found to help with rapid detox from substances including opiates, alcohol, cocaine, methadone and benzos. 12. Meditation In the last few years ... continue reading -
Mixing Alcohol With Drugs
Mixing alcohol with prescription drugs or illicit drugs (known as polysubstance use), can have dangerous health effects that many people may not realize. Since alcohol is such a commonly used substance, it's even more important to understand how it ...
... one or more substances has the potential to create long-lasting changes in how a person thinks and behaves. This ... seem challenging because of the often more complicated withdrawal management that needs to take place, as ... 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 ...
... use medications as part of your treatment (e.g. methadone or Suboxone)? What Should I Prepare When Calling a Narcotics ... etc.). History of substance use (duration e.g. long-term drug use and usual dose taken, if you know). ... 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 ...
... naltrexone, or you run the risk of experiencing opioid withdrawal symptoms . 1 After you stop taking naltrexone, your ... Medications used to treat OUD include: 5 Methadone . Buprenorphine . Prescription medications used for ... 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 ...
... stopping (or drastically decreasing) use of the drug causes withdrawal symptoms . Being dependent on opioids does not mean ... 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 ...
... among people who took trazodone while attempting methadone maintenance therapy. 5 Whether trazodone is ... of the medication may result in trazodone withdrawal symptoms , such as anxiety and difficulty sleeping ... 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 ...
... in HIV seroprevalence” compared with areas that haven't installed such programs. Additionally, access to methadone maintenance programs has been “strongly related” to decreased mortality rates, both from natural causes ... 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 ...
... they are helping but they are actually hurting in the long run . The enabling behaviors serve to keep the addicted ... using the drug, they may experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Detox programs are short-term ... 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 ...
... in addictive behaviors 12 . Opioids like heroin and methadone are associated with increased rates of tobacco use 13 ... use is beneficial to the maintenance of long-term abstinence even though attempting to quit smoking ... 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 ...
... after taking the first dose, he felt like his withdrawals - what he described as “the worst flu you' ... of pure elation. He states, “You discover you're no longer addicted to anything. Even a cup of tea with sugar tastes ... 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 ...
... methadone, Suboxone, and Vivitrol—in conjunction with therapy —are used to ease opioid withdrawal ... 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 ...
... is unique from other treatment drugs such as methadone (and buprenorphine monotherapy) in that it is formulated ... a long period of time and they no longer receive it, they may be at risk of developing withdrawal symptoms ... continue reading -
How to Help an Oxycontin Addict
OxyContin is a dangerous drug when not used properly, and it's easy to fall into the trap of addiction. Fortunately, there is help out there for anyone who is addicted to the substance, and it's never been easier to get help. How to Approach an ...
... symptoms. Even though the symptoms of withdrawal are not usually dangerous, withdrawing under medical ... the drug no matter how hard you try. It's no longer about controlling pain; OxyContin abuse or addiction is all about ... continue reading -
Prescription Painkiller Addiction: How to Get Treatment
When dealing with chronic or mild pain, patients are often prescribed painkillers. It is common to think that prescription painkillers are safe, especially when recommended by your doctor. However, many people also experience prescription opioid ...
... 6 Specific medications—including opioid agonists such as buprenorphine or methadone —may be initiated to manage uncomfortable opioid withdrawal symptoms. 6 Finally, fostering entry into continued treatment prepares the ... continue reading -
Drug and Alcohol Abuse Treatment Programs
If you or someone you care about is struggling with addiction, you may be considering potential drug and alcohol treatment options. Seeking treatment is a courageous choice and an important first step in the recovery process, but it might not always ...
... alcohol use with the help of detox programs and withdrawal management; it's also about learning to maintain sobriety ... pregnant women with opioid use disorder, methadone or buprenorphine maintenance and behavioral therapy ... continue reading -
How to Help a Tramadol Addict
Help for Tramadol Addiction If you have been struggling with an addiction to tramadol, or you know someone who has, finding the proper treatment program is essential. Treatment for addiction can restore your quality of life. Regardless of how long ...
... Tramadol History and Statistics Tramadol Long-Term Side Effects Tramadol Overdose Tramadol Withdrawal How to Help Someone with ... Fentanyl Hydrocodone Klonopin Librium Lorazepam Methadone Opana Opiate Oxycodone Oxycontin ... continue reading -
How to Help Someone With Valium Addiction
How to Help Someone Addicted to Valium If you are addicted to Valium—a sedative-hypnotic drug—you don't have to fight your addiction alone. Treatment programs give people with addictions all the support they need to recover. Regardless of how ...
... support they need to recover. Regardless of how long you've been using prescription drugs for, it's ... to find help for a Valium addiction, dependency, or withdrawal. Simply call our helpline free at for more information on ... continue reading -
Percocet Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment
Since the mid-1990s, rates of prescription drug abuse have skyrocketed. Today, the widespread abuse of prescription medication—whether this involves opioid painkillers, sedatives, or stimulants—is being recognized as a serious national health ...
... prescribed one of these drugs. Credit: Consumer Reports Long-Term Side Effects of Percocet Abuse Percocet abuse can lead ... methadone or buprenorphine . These substances work to relieve cravings for Percocet and withdrawal ... 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 ...
... of this, professional treatment is often recommended to manage withdrawal symptoms and increase the comfort of the patient during the ... Hydrocodone Klonopin Librium Lorazepam Methadone Opana Opiate Oxycodone Oxycontin ... 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 ...
... medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for the management of opiate withdrawal and cravings. Medications used as part of MAT may include: Methadone — A long-acting synthetic opioid agonist medication. It is used to prevent ... 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 ...
... the individual cuts back on their use or quits, withdrawal symptoms emerge. Addiction, which is characterized by a compulsive ... It also includes maintenance treatment with methadone or buprenorphine for those in recovery ... 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 ...
... heroin recovery is enduring withdrawal symptoms that begin when the substance is no longer in the user's ... them towards healthier alternatives. Medication management — Methadone , buprenorphine , naltrexone , and other ... 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 ...
... dependence on alprazolam will likely suffer multiple withdrawal symptoms that can be severe upon ... the following questions: Do you feel as if you are no longer in control of how much alprazolam you are taking? Do you ... 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. ...
... is used in combination with alcohol or opioids like methadone, there is increased risk of overdose , which can ... effects can be diminished, leading to a safer withdrawal process where any complications can be addressed. It ... 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 ...
... alcohol than you originally intended, or drink for a longer time than you originally planned? Do you have strong ... may continue drinking to stop these symptoms of withdrawal from occurring. 10 How to Help Someone With ... 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 ...
... chance of developing alcohol use disorder. Certain long-term behaviors like heavy use or binge drinking will ... hazardous, such as before driving . Going through withdrawal when not drinking . Alcohol Combined With Other ... 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 ...
... tripled - that includes prescriptions for oxycodone and methadone, two extremely powerful (and often fatal) ... caused a spike in depression, panic attacks and other withdrawal problems - all thanks to the sudden stoppage of ... continue reading -
Mind Over Matter: The Psychological Grip of Addiction
For most people addicted to drugs or alcohol, the compulsive desire to use is complex. That urge is often triggered by certain environments, thoughts or past experiences. And while addiction is classically thought of as a physical dependence, the ...
... require it. If the body doesn't receive it, withdrawal effects can take place that include nausea, headaches or ... acamprosate, naltrexone, Suboxone , or methadone . Medical specialists may also prescribe antidepressants ... continue reading
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