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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. ...
... -approved medication that is used as a part of MAT to treat opioid use disorder (OUD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) . 1 Naltrexone is available in two formulations—it can be taken daily as an oral tablet or administered ... 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 ...
... can help you end your addiction through a combination of services, including medication, therapy, and other interventions specific to you. 3 Naltrexone is one of the medications that can be used as part of your treatment ... continue reading -
Vivitrol for Alcohol and Opioid Addiction Treatment
Vivitrol is the brand name for extended-release naltrexone, an injectable treatment for alcohol use disorder and opioid use disorder. Addiction to a substance, or a substance use disorder (SUD), is a chronic, lifelong disorder. 1 Long-term ...
... . Are currently using alcohol. Toxicity to the liver is a severe side effect of taking naltrexone in larger-than-intended doses, and Vivitrol should not be taken by people with poor liver function. 2 Also, anyone who ... 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 receptor antagonist naltrexone. Naltrexone is approved for use in treating both alcohol dependence and opioid dependence ... marijuana buds and cannabis resin, hash is commonly burned and inhaled. Levels of THC may be ... continue reading -
Pregnant & Court-Ordered to Take Vivitrol: Is My Baby Safe?
It's a question many women might be asking themselves, as more and more females of childbearing age are ordered by drug courts to take Vivitrol - the injectable form of naltrexone. An opioid-antagonist, Vivitrol blocks the brain receptors that bind ...
... many women might be asking themselves, as more and more females of childbearing age are ordered by drug courts to take Vivitrol - the injectable form of naltrexone. An opioid-antagonist, Vivitrol blocks the brain ... 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, ...
... the current state of the addiction medicine cabinet. Here's a list: Alcohol : Naltrexone (Vivitrol), acamprosate (Campral) and disulfiram (Antabuse) are FDA-approved, while topiramate is showing good results in trials. 5 ... continue reading -
Medications for Addiction Treatment
Addiction is a chronic and complex, but treatable disease. Like other chronic diseases, such as heart disease, it can be managed under the guidance of a trained clinician, with a variety of addiction treatment approaches available that are ...
... withdrawal , such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, body aches, fever, chills, irritability, and anxiousness. 11 Naltrexone Naltrexone is another FDA-approved medication that can treat both opioid use disorder ... 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 ...
... to their drug use. 9 For alcohol use disorders (AUDs) , medications may include disulfiram, acamprosate, and naltrexone . 9 Disulfiram, also known as Antabuse, causes an unpleasant reaction when people drink, which may ... 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 ...
... as for the long-term management of opioid use disorder. Buprenorphine can help minimize withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings. Naltrexone . This is an opioid blocker, so it prevents you from experiencing the effects of ... 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 ...
... of opioids to discourage abuse—can be used after withdrawal symptoms have subsided to maintain recovery and minimize cravings. 7 Naltrexone is available as a pill or as a monthly injection ( Vivitrol ). Opiate Detox ... continue reading -
Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms, Detox, and Addiction Treatment
What Helps With Heroin Withdrawal? Heroin is an illicitly manufactured opioid drug and morphine derivative. Both the pain-relieving and the pleasurable properties of heroin are initiated through the drug's interaction with opioid receptors in the ...
... sensations associated with them. In order for naltrexone to be effective as a preventative medication, ... to first rid the body completely of heroin and then to carefully and comfortably rid it of any opioid influence over ... continue reading -
Alcohol Addiction Treatment and Rehab
Drinking alcohol is a common and often problematic occurrence throughout the United States, where approximately 17 million people were classified as heavy drinkers in 2020. 1 In that same year, more then 28 million people in the U.S., ages 12 and ...
... or long-term withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety , depression, and insomnia. It may be more helpful for those with a severe alcohol use disorder. Naltrexone , which is a medication that was originally developed to treat ... 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 ...
... from OUD. 4 Medications such as buprenorphine (Suboxone, Subutex), methadone, and naltrexone (Vivitrol) are FDA-approved for the treatment of OUD and can help you stay sober. 18 Find Opioid Addiction Treatment Programs ... 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 ...
... withdrawal because they can be used and supervised in inpatient and outpatient settings. Following detoxification, the drug naltrexone may be prescribed as another option. Naltrexone is a long-acting opioid antagonist ... 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 ...
... medications used as maintenance treatment for more dangerous opioids like heroin and fentanyl . 1 Other such medications are naltrexone and buprenorphine. 1 However, methadone is considered a highly effective medication ... 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 ...
... to rehab, how much it will cost, health insurance coverage , and more. Your loved one may have many obstacles to cite as to ... of the drug for a “high.” Naltrexone : Naltrexone is a synthetic opioid antagonist, meaning it ... 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 ...
... or moody, so always approach with care. If possible, try and talk to them when they are not experiencing the drug's ... - An injectable, extended-release form of naltrexone. This form is recommended for those who struggle ... 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 ...
... the euphoric effects of opioids. When taken diligently, naltrexone provides an effective tool to discourage continued drug abuse. The drug has no potential for abuse and is not addictive. As you begin your treatment ... continue reading -
Effects of Alcohol Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
While alcohol is widely used in the United States, it can have an array of harmful effects. A 2019 survey reported that 85.6% of Americans aged 18 and over had consumed alcohol at some time in their life, nearly 70% of people had consumed alcohol ...
... are three medications that are FDA-approved to treat AUD: acamprosate (Campral), disulfiram (Antabuse), and naltrexone . 5 Acamprosate can lessen lingering symptoms of withdrawal, known as protracted withdrawal. 22, 23 ... 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 ...
... the same receptors as morphine, with a less pronounced, euphoric high. Methadone can reduce urges to use other opioids and prevent withdrawal. Naltrexone —An oral medication that blocks the opioid receptors in the brain ... continue reading -
Snorting Oxycodone
Oxycodone is a prescription opioid pain reliever often sold under the brand names OxyContin, Percodan, and Percocet 1 . Oxycodone—often called “oxy”—causes users to experience a pleasurable euphoria. In seeking Oxycodone's pleasurable ...
... an opioid antagonist that prevents opioids from binding to their receptors and creating a high. Vivitrol, an injectable form of naltrexone. Buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist that partially binds to opioid receptors ... continue reading -
Concurrent Alcohol and Steroid Abuse
Anabolic steroids are synthetic drugs that mimic some of the hormonal effects that testosterone has on the body. They are sometimes used to prevent the loss of healthy body mass seen with chronic, 'wasting' conditions such as AIDS and some forms of ...
... alcohol, he or she experiences unpleasant effects such as heart palpitations and nausea. This mechanism promotes abstinence. Naltrexone : FDA-approved medication that reduces cravings for alcohol. Vivitrol : Extended ... 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 ...
... . The most common drugs used in MAT are methadone , buprenorphine , and naltrexone . MAT combines medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to help people recover from addiction. Opioid agonist (e.g. methadone ... 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 ...
... outpatient program is the least time-intensive type of care and may only require a few hours of treatment per week ... as effective as buprenorphine for this purpose. 9 Naltrexone , an FDA-approved opioid agonist that blocks ... 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 ...
... . A licensed psychiatric provider will assess patient needs for medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone that may support recovery. The provider will also determine whether education for co-occurring ... 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 ...
... withdrawal. The 3 main types of active ingredients in FDA approved medications to treat opioid dependency are methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone . 20 Studies have shown that MAT helps reduce the risk of overdose ... 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 ...
... (MAT) approach, there are a handful of treatment pharmaceuticals available on the market, including methadone, Suboxone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. They are used to help you stop abusing harmful opiates (like heroin ... 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 ...
... realized the urgent need to take action. Recently, jails and prisons around the country have started administering Vivitrol , an injectable form of naltrexone, in hopes that newly released inmates can stay off drugs once ... 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 ...
... in treating OUDs: 23 Buprenorphine Methadone Extended-release naltrexone MAT has been shown to decrease opioid use and reduce opioid-related deaths, criminal activity, and the spread of infectious disease. It has also ... 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 ...
... . 6 There are several medications that can help treat opioid disorders, including methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. 1 These medications help patients manage their opioid use disorders. In addition to the possible ... 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, ...
... may include: 6 Naltrexone: Blocks the activation of opioid receptors to decreases the likelihood of continued opioid misuse. Methadone: A long-acting synthetic opioid that helps with withdrawal symptoms and relieves drug ... 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 ...
... you can find ways to modify them towards healthier alternatives. Medication management — Methadone , buprenorphine , naltrexone , and other drugs are used during different stages to aid in heroin recovery. Some work by ... 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, ...
... 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 effective and can improve the outcomes of ... continue reading -
Side Effects of ACTIQ Abuse
ACTIQ is a brand name for fentanyl, an extremely powerful opioid painkiller that is used only for severe pain such as breakthrough cancer pain 1 . Fentanyl is available in a number of formulations and delivery methods, including 2,3,4 : Tablets and ...
... . An opioid antagonist like naltrexone , which is only used once the immediate withdrawal symptoms have subsided. Antagonists can attach to opioid receptors and block the effects of opioids and in doing so potentially ... 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 ...
... that also relieves withdrawal discomfort and reduces cravings. Probuphine , a buprenorphine implant that steadily releases the drug over a period of 6 months. Another medication— naltrexone —will block the effects of ... 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 ...
... well as help people maintain their recovery. Methadone , buprenorphine , and naltrexone can be prescribed to help individuals with tramadol withdrawal management and for the treatment of OUD so that they can stay sober ... continue reading -
How to Help a Demerol Addict
If you suspect that a loved one is abusing Demerol or you know someone who is trying to quit using the substance, there are ways that you can help. How to Approach an Addict It is important to understand how to address the situation in a supportive ...
... Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) involves the use of medications—such as naltrexone or buprenorphine —to help people cope with cravings and opioid withdrawal symptoms . MAT refers to the combination of medications ... 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 ...
... cravings and can also block the effects of other opiates. As a partial opioid agonist, buprenorphine produces similar but weaker effects when compared to opiate drugs. Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist that blocks the ... continue reading -
Why Are Prescription Opiates So Addictive?
Prescription opiates—such as Vicodin , Percocet , and OxyContin —are narcotic medications used for pain management. These drugs are often referred to as “opioids,” which are synthetic and semi-synthetic derivatives of the active “opiate” ...
... full agonists, meaning effects stop after reaching a certain plateau. Antagonists (i.e. naltrexone ), which block receptors and interfere with the rewarding effects of opiates. These medications treat prescription opiate ... continue reading -
Snorting Heroin Side Effects, Dangers, and Addiction Treatment
Heroin is a highly addictive Schedule I controlled drug. Heroin has a long history—it was first synthesized (as diacetylmorphine) in 1874 from morphine. Paradoxically, heroin was originally marketed as a safer and non-addictive form of morphine. ...
... relieves drug cravings without producing dangerous side effects. Naltrexone (Vivitrol): An opioid antagonist, this drug blocks heroin's euphoric effects and does not result in physical dependence. Please call American ... continue reading -
Snorting Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a pain-relieving substance with two main uses 1 : Treating significant acute, post-operative pain following surgery. Treating chronic or breakthrough pain in people that no longer respond to other narcotic medications. Like morphine, ...
... perception of pain by acting on opioid receptors in the brain and body 2 . Fentanyl is one of the most potent opioid ... potential for abuse. Opioid antagonists like naltrexone that diminish the impetus for continued opioid ... continue reading -
Snorting Vicodin: Side Effects, Dangers, and Addiction Treatment
Vicodin is the brand name for a prescription medication that is frequently used for the treatment of moderate to moderately severe pain. Vicodin is comprised of two active pain relievers: 1 Hydrocodone —an opioid pain reliever. Hydrocodone it is a ...
... into the bloodstream , but it will be quicker and more powerful than oral consumption. 5 When Vicodin is ... which discourages further abuse. Antagonists like naltrexone (Vivitrol), which prevent opioid receptors from ... continue reading -
Alcohol Withdrawal and Detox
Alcohol withdrawal can be an unpleasant experience that happens when a person becomes dependent on alcohol. In some cases, it can be dangerous or even fatal. 1 Since it can be uncomfortable and unsafe to try and go through alcohol withdrawal or quit ...
... therapy, or family therapy. Treatment medications can help decrease and discontinue the use of alcohol and prevent relapse. These may include naltrexone, acamprosate, or disulfiram. 6 Inpatient or outpatient Mutual ... continue reading -
Prescription Opioid Addiction: Pain Medication Side Effects and Treatment
What Are Prescription Painkillers? Prescription painkillers are medications used to treat moderate-to-severe pain after surgery or injury and specific medical conditions like cancer. 1 Prescription opioids have also become increasingly accepted as ...
... 7,17,19,21 Common medications used include the opioid agonists methadone and buprenorphine (both also potential medical detox drugs), as well as the opioid antagonist naltrexone . 2,7,10,11,17 Many studies have shown MAT ... continue reading -
Steps to Overcoming Drug and Alcohol Addiction
Addiction is a strong, negative force in the U.S. and around the world. Signs and symptoms of addiction may begin slowly and without the individual's awareness but, in a short amount of time, someone can find themselves unexpectedly in the depths of ...
... in the brain without producing the dramatic effects and withdrawal symptoms that come with opiates like heroin. Another medication used to treat opioid dependence, naltrexone , works by blocking receptors in the brain ... 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 ...
... achieved. Buprenorphine —Like methadone, this partial opioid agonist will aid in reducing withdrawals and cravings. Naltrexone —This substance works by blocking the effects of Roxicodone, reducing the temptation to use ... 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 ...
... detox centers may also provide medications —such as methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone—to alleviate the more several withdrawal symptoms and cravings in order to reduce relapse risk. Heroin Addiction Treatment Types ... 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 ...
... can also be used as long-term maintenance and may be given in combination with naloxone (as Suboxone). Naltrexone: Blocks the euphoric effects of Tussionex and helps to prevent relapse. Other medications: Your physician ... 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 ...
... not offer medications, but rather solely a supportive and abstinent environment. There are many maintenance medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone prescribed for opiate addiction that may be used ... continue reading -
The Rise of Tramadol: Exploring the Dangers and Conversations Around This Opioid
Tramadol, also known as Ultram, is a prescription opioid medication used for the treatment of postoperative pain, cancer-associated pain, and chronic pain conditions. While Tramadol is similar to other prescription opioid pain relievers such as ...
... addition to its opioid effects. Medications like naltrexone, which prevent the action of narcotic drugs ... substance abuse. Contact DrugAbuse.com today at , and begin taking your life back from addiction. Methodology ... 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 ...
... from opioids, for maintenance treatment, and/or for the treatment of opioid addiction . Can be provided in various treatment settings. Can be implemented with methadone, buprenorphine , or naltrexone , all of which are ... 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 ...
... taking a medication such as buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). This approach explores the connections between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. CBT can help a person to better ... continue reading -
Zoloft Use in Substance Abuse Treatment
What Is Zoloft Used For? Zoloft (sertraline hydrochloride) is a commonly prescribed antidepressant that belongs to a group of drugs called selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These drugs work by boosting the activity of the ...
... in 2010 looked at the efficacy of combining Zoloft (an antidepressant) with naltrexone (an opioid antagonist) to treat depressed and alcohol-dependent individuals . The study found that the combination helped to: 5 ... 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 ...
... drug cravings, obsession, anxiety or panic attacks, depression and suicidal tendencies. The treatment for PAWS can also include medications like acamprosate, naltrexone, Suboxone , or methadone . Medical specialists may ... continue reading -
Study Shows Alcohol Boosts THC Levels in Your Blood
With 4 states legalizing recreational marijuana and several others considering the possibility, driving while high on pot is becoming a much bigger concern for motorists. More Danger Behind the Wheel Plenty of marijuana users routinely get behind ...
... , the results can be especially dangerous, because mixing the 2 substances greatly increases levels of THC in the bloodstream. Alcohol and THC Levels This new finding is part of a study published in the latest issue of ... continue reading -
Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms, Detox, and Addiction Treatment Programs
Marijuana (cannabis, weed, grass, hashish) is the most widely used illicit drug in the United States. According to the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 8.4% of all Americans over the age of 12 (22.2 million people) had used ...
... withdrawal symptoms, including anti-anxiety drugs, antidepressants, sleep aids, anti-seizure drugs, mood stabilizers, and THC replacements. 11 Of these, the most promising results have come from the sleep aid zolpidem ... continue reading -
Spice Abuse Signs, Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment
What Is Spice? “Spice” is a term commonly used to refer to a blend of dried plant material that is laced with a synthetic cannabinoid. It is also regularly referred to as “synthetic marijuana.” Other names include “K2,” “Moon Rocks,” ...
... memory. Problem-solving. The ability to process and apply complex concepts. Spice (and THC) may also adversely affect attentional and decision-making processes. Teen Spice Abuse Spice is quite popular among adolescents ... continue reading -
Effects of Marijuana on Breast Milk and Smoking Weed While Breastfeeding
Cannabis (also called marijuana or 'weed') is the most commonly used drug during pregnancy. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 78,000 pregnant women reported past-month marijuana use. 1 While many feel that smoking weed ...
... first few months of life, a baby's brain goes through extremely important phases of growth and, theoretically, THC could adversely affect brain development. 4 One study demonstrated a decrease in infant motor development ... continue reading -
Hash Side Effects, Symptoms of Abuse, and Addiction Treatment
What Is Hashish? Hashish is a product extracted from the trichomes (fine hair-like outgrowths) of the cannabis plant, as well as from the flowers and fragments of leaves and stems. Hashish is typically sold in blocks of solid resinous preparations, ...
... ranges from 5-15%. Hash oil is produced by solvent extraction of hashish and/or marijuana and typically has even higher levels of THC. THC acts by binding to neurons in the brain called cannabinoid receptors. This action ... continue reading -
Marijuana Use and Abuse: Side Effects, Withdrawal Symptoms, and Treatment
What Is Marijuana? Marijuana refers to the leaves, flowers, and extracts of the plant Cannabis sativa and several closely related species—commonly known as hemp. Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States and is known by ...
... contain—varying from 3% to 20%, on average. Industrial varieties of hemp—used to make textiles and rope—contain little-to-no THC and do not produce a demonstrable high at all. Dried marijuana is most often smoked, but it ... continue reading -
Effects of Hashish Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
What Is Hashish? Hashish comes mainly from the flowers (as well as the leaves and stems) of the cannabis plant. The active ingredient in hash is the same as the active ingredient in marijuana, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). However, the ...
... whereas in blocks of hashish it ranges between 5% and 15%. Hash oil is an even more concentrated form of hashish and may have as high as 20% concentration of THC, per the Drug Enforcement Administration. When it comes to ... continue reading -
The Scary Facts About Designer Drugs and Legal Highs
Read Time: 30 minutes Introduction What Are Designer Drugs and Legal Highs? The terms “designer drugs” and “legal highs” are used to refer to substances such as synthetic marijuana and “bath salts” that are engineered in laboratories to ...
... primarily by binding to cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB 1 ) on nerve cells in the brain and body. The major difference between THC and the chemicals found in herbal incense is how strongly they bind these CB receptors. 18 For ... continue reading -
Marijuana Addiction Treatment Centers and Rehab Programs
Benefits of Rehab for Weed Addiction Marijuana addiction—otherwise known as marijuana use disorder—is estimated to occur in 10-30% of individuals who misuse marijuana. 1 Marijuana addiction has the potential to take a serious toll on a person's ...
... disorder. 6,4 Chronic marijuana use can cause changes in brain chemistry and different marijuana effects . Researchers know that THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the primary chemical that is responsible for marijuana's ... continue reading -
The Dangerous (and Deadly) Effects of Spice
Natural ingredients, legal use, lower cost…it must be healthy, right? The deadly misconception above has led to a growing number of fatalities brought on by synthetic or “designer” drugs. Use of synthetic marijuana - sold under names like ...
... chemicals, when smoked, produce effects similar to THC, the active compound found in marijuana. Attaching ... higher than those for the same time period in 2014. And these are just New York State's statistics. The New ... continue reading -
Effects of Smoking Marijuana While Pregnant and How to Quit Weed Smoking Weed
Effects of Marijuana on a Developing Fetus Although marijuana is one of the most widely used illicit drugs, there is limited data on the prevalence of marijuana use among pregnant women. One report estimated marijuana use during pregnancy to be ...
... ingredient in marijuana, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol—or THC—may put a baby at risk for developing ... that among pregnant women, 3.9% used marijuana in the past month and 7% had used it in the past 2-12 months. Past-month ... continue reading -
Concurrent Alcohol and Marijuana Abuse
Marijuana is the most popular illicit drug to use simultaneously with alcohol . It is a dried, leafy plant that has small, glistening hairs. Most often smoked, marijuana can also be consumed orally when baked into foods such as brownies or cookies. ...
... , despite recent legalization efforts. Aside from THC, the main psychoactive component, there are many ... worldwide have tried marijuana. 7.2% of adults aged 18 and older and 3.6% of adolescents aged 12 to 17 are dependent ... continue reading -
Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms and Treatment
Many substances of abuse can lead to the development of physiological dependence—especially if they are taken in large amounts and for a long period of time. When a person becomes dependent on a substance and then decides to stop using it, they ...
... . Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms Marijuana comes from dried parts of the Cannabis plant containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and other psychoactive compounds. 15 If you suddenly stop long-term, heavy use, even if ... continue reading -
The Rise and Fall of The Silk Road
Ross William Ulbricht, known as Dread Pirate Roberts, was arrested on Oct. 2, 2013 and charged with narcotics trafficking, money laundering and computer hacking. This is the story of the rise and fall of the silk road, the online drug marketplace he ...
... as Dread Pirate Roberts, was arrested on Oct. 2, 2013 and charged with narcotics trafficking, money laundering and computer hacking. This is the story of the rise and fall of the silk road, the online drug marketplace he ... continue reading -
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Assessment Test
Drug abuse is a serious problem that can lead to legal problems , financial problems , and health problems . Long-term drug abuse destroys your relationships and your body . Sadly, many people don't realize they are abusing drugs because they only ...
... abusing it. This is especially true of illegal drugs and alcohol , though it can also be true of prescription ... you than paying your bills or taking care of yourself and your family . You engage in risky behavior while on ... continue reading -
How Similar are Heroin and Prescription Opioids?
Heroin is an illicit street drug that produces a drowsy, euphoric high. Prescription opioids are legal medications prescribed by doctors to treat pain. Both heroin and prescription painkillers belong to the family of drugs known as opioids, which ...
... euphoric high. Prescription opioids are legal medications prescribed by doctors to treat pain. Both heroin and prescription painkillers belong to the family of drugs known as opioids, which act upon particular receptors ... continue reading -
Effects of Drug and Alcohol Use on Weight Change
Over time, the problematic use of both drugs and alcohol may have a detrimental impact on an individual's nutritional status—causing either unhealthy weight gain or weight loss depending on the specific substance used. This guide examines some of ...
... either unhealthy weight gain or weight loss depending on the specific substance used. This guide examines some of the metabolic pathologies and other processes that contribute to substance abuse related weight changes. continue reading -
Dilaudid: Addiction and Treatment Programs
Dilaudid is a prescription opioid that is sometimes misused. 1 When Dilaudid is used in ways other than prescribed, and even when it is used as prescribed, there can be a risk of dangerous side effects and addiction. 1 Read on to learn about ...
... is an easy-to-use method of finding the right rehab for you. Simply enter your location into the search bar, and you will be presented with a list of nearby rehabs. There may be other questions you have in the search for ... continue reading -
Crystal Meth Addiction: Stages, Dependence, Symptoms, and Treatment
What Is Crystal Meth? Crystal meth is a form of methamphetamine —a substance that is widely abused throughout the country. Its widespread illicit production dwarfs that of its pharmaceutical counterpart—marketed as Desoxyn —a stimulant ...
... can harm or kill others in the home immediately (e.g. an explosion) or over time (chronic exposure to toxins). Signs and Symptoms of Meth Addiction Once the drug is used, traces of crystal meth can stay in the body for a ... continue reading -
Vicodin Addiction Symptoms and Treatment
Vicodin is a readily available narcotic drug and is prescribed by doctors to alleviate all types of pain. Vicodin addiction can have a variety of negative consequences for every person who struggles with it. The consequences of Vicodin use can be ...
... desire to enhance one's mood or, at the very least, get to a place where the user is comfortable and relaxed. A Vicodin addiction—one of the many prescription drug addictions—involves abuse of the drug with or without a ... continue reading -
Oxycontin Addiction Signs, Symptoms and Addiction Treatment
OxyContin addiction occurs from abusing an OxyCodone prescription for pain relief. Drugs are commonly used in the medical field to treat chronic pain and other ailments of patients. Unfortunately, as is human nature, substance abuse becomes ever ...
... the effective time-release properties of the drug. Often the OxyContin addict will ingest the large dose of OxyContin and when the drug's time-release begins to affect the body, it will lead to a dangerous overdose which ... continue reading -
Tramadol Overdose Symptoms and Treatment
Tramadolis the generic name for the drug Ultram, which is an opioid painkiller medication prescribed to treat moderate to moderately severe pain in adults. 1 Opioid medications have a high addiction potential, and overdose can be deadly—in fact, a ...
... of a tolerance , meaning the user will need more and more of the drug to get the desired effects. ... prescription with someone who does not have a doctor's recommendation and never take it in a way other than intended. What ... continue reading -
Hydromorphone (Dilaudid) Side Effects and Treatment Options
Hydromorphone is an opioid pain medication with a high potential for misuse and addiction. 1 Hydromorphone is intended for use in patients with moderate-to-severe chronic pain, though it is often misused due to its abilities to produce a euphoric ...
... , but the best place to start might be the primary care physician. They have access to healthcare information and are aware of any circumstances that may complicate them. Additionally, you may want to reach out to our ... continue reading -
Magic Mushroom Abuse Side Effects, Symptoms, and Addiction Treatment
What Is Psilocybin/Magic Mushrooms? Psilocybin is a psychoactive substance contained in over 100 species of mushrooms. A number of these mushroom species produce other psychoactive substances, which act as hallucinogens in a similar manner to ...
... depression . As mentioned above, individuals who use magic mushrooms typically eat them or brew them in tea, and they may often use them in conjunction with other drugs of abuse. In order to prevent younger individuals ... continue reading -
Klonopin History and Statistics
History of Klonopin Use Klonopin (generic name: clonazepam) is a benzodiazepine drug prescribed for the management of: Seizures. Panic disorders. Certain movement disorders. Until the 1950s, barbiturates were the main prescription option for ...
... of legal prescription Klonopin, pills cost around $3 per pill, depending on the dosage (0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg pills are available). However, generic clonazepam costs anywhere from $0.30 to $1 per pill. Klonopin Street ... continue reading -
Understanding Teen Alcoholism and Finding Teen Alcohol Treatment Help
Facing teen alcoholism can be difficult for any family. Even when the teen who is abusing alcohol is ready and willing to accept help, the battle can be tough. If the family needs to stage an intervention in order to get the teen to accept help, it ...
Facing teen alcoholism can be difficult for any family. Even when the teen who is abusing alcohol is ready and willing to accept help, the battle can be tough. If the family needs to stage an intervention in order to get ... continue reading -
Codeine Addiction: Effects, Dangers, and Treatment
Codeine is a prescription opioids painkiller that, while generally safe when taken as prescribed, has a high potential for misuse and addiction. 1,2 Misusing codeine to experience a euphoric “high,” 3 increases the potential risks of developing ...
... to codeine is greater if a person takes more than prescribed by their provider. 4 Codeine Side Effects and Risks Codeine, like all opioids, is a narcotic analgesic (pain killer). In addition to blunting or blocking pain ... continue reading -
Find a Drug and Alcohol Abuse Rehab Center in Montana
Addiction to drugs or alcohol can cause an incredible amount of mental, emotional, financial, and physical suffering. Substance abuse can lead to a number of negative experiences in your interpersonal relationships, career, or schoolwork. Whether ...
... 're from Montana or considering the state as a destination for your treatment, finding the right rehab center and enrolling in a program is your best chance of overcoming these obstacles to live a sober life in recovery ... continue reading -
Six Colossal Drug Abuse Meltdowns and How to Spot the Warning Signs
It's no mystery that celebrities, as well as the everyday Joe, can have problems with drugs. Because celebrities are in the limelight, though, we often see the drug abuse meltdown of famous people more prominently. The following six meltdowns were ...
... to be on at least one kind of substance that he's abusing. He has a long history of violent, erratic behavior and a very well-documented history of drug abuse . His meltdown is seen as ongoing by Hollywood, but he has ... continue reading -
I’m a Millionaire and I Need to Go to Rehab. Where Do I Go?
You've realized you have an issue, whether it's a heroin or coke addiction or a sex addiction, so you need to find somewhere nice to attend rehab. Naturally, you want somewhere that's a little more exclusive to avoid running into someone who might ...
... a very high-powered job, you only want the best treatment, and you can afford to pay for it. So where would you ... Center offers a number of programs for addicted patients, and its $32,000 cost covers therapy for the whole ... continue reading -
Cocaine Could Mess With Your Brain's Ability to Recognize Sadness and Fear
Cocaine is a stimulant drug with a reputation for making people more social but, in reality, it tends to make users paranoid and insufferable. And according to a new study , this may be in part because people who use cocaine are less capable of ...
... drug with a reputation for making people more social but, in reality, it tends to make users paranoid and insufferable. And according to a new study , this may be in part because people who use cocaine are less capable ... continue reading -
Opiates, Overdose and Permanent Brain Damage
Permanent brain damage due to an opiate overdose is a very real, life-altering consequence of opiate abuse . The dramatic increase of opiate-related deaths is now demanding public attention, but the consequence of permanent brain damage remains ...
... oxygen to the brain. While waiting for help to arrive, tilt the victim's head back, pinch the nose, and seal their mouth with yours. Breathe out two short breaths, then one long breath every five seconds. Not only can ... continue reading -
Addiction and Your Hormones: Pointing the Finger at Estrogen
Could a hormone imbalance be to blame for your chemical dependency ? The answer might surprise you. If you're a woman, chances are you're familiar with the effects of a fluctuating estrogen level. Symptoms such as fatigue, anxiety, and depression ...
... isn't the only thing impacted. Your motivation, energy, and stress levels take a hit, too. What's worse, ... woman is in the high-estrogen phase of her menstrual cycle and she takes a certain drug - think meth or cocaine - ... continue reading -
Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers for Drug and Alcohol Abuse and Health Issues
A significant amount of people suffering with substance abuse and addiction meet the criteria for having additional psychiatric disorders, as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The phenomenon of ...
... aspects of these anxious, depressed, or psychotic conditions and begin using alcohol or drugs as a means to ... tend to have out-of-pocket costs that range between $200 and $900 per day. This cost will vary depending on the ... continue reading -
12-Step Thinking: Let's Talk About AA and the C-Word (Uncovering Alcoholics Anonymous)
No, not that c-word! To be clear, we're talking about the word cult here. If you're familiar with the world of addiction recovery, then you're no doubt acquainted with Alcoholics Anonymous—or AA as it is more commonly known. And if you've had more ...
... re programmed to believe that, if you leave the safety of the group or buck the rules, you'll be shunned and destined to fail. “By the end of your second year, you are definitely cured of your physical addiction, but not ... continue reading -
Effects of Inhalant Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
What Are Inhalants? There is a huge number of inhalants available for abuse, and they're fairly easy to obtain. It's unsurprising that teens in particular are susceptible to inhalant abuse, simply because these compounds can be acquired at any ...
... be CFCs, but now they're the more environmentally friendly butane or propane. Medical gases tend to be ethers and nitrous oxides, but nitrous oxide is also found in whipped cream as a propellant. These 3 all have effects ... continue reading -
Effects of Steroid Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
Are Steroids Harmful? Some steroids can be incredibly harmful to those who take them. Conversely, some types of steroids are used to help people with inflammatory conditions like chronic bronchitis, but these are categorized as corticosteroids . ...
... like cocaine, it can create changes to the brain over time . These changes can impact the production and supply of certain chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters . These changes in the brain can lead to changes ... continue reading -
Bath Salts Abuse Side Effects, Symptoms, and Addiction Treatment
What Are Bath Salts Used For? The drugs widely sold as bath salts and under other similar names are alleged to produce dramatic effects in their users. Perhaps one of the most famous incidents of apparent bath salts abuse involved a spate of ...
... of bath salts use, however. If a loved one is using bath salts, you might notice that they have lost their appetite and no longer eat as much as they did. If your loved one is at school, you may notice that their grades ... continue reading -
The Effects of Valium Use: Side Effects, Short- and Long-Term Effects, and Treatment
What Is Valium Used For? Valium—a popular sedative-hypnotic prescription drug—has numerous effects on the body, many of which can be dangerous when the drug is misused or abused. Valium (diazepam) is prescribed for sleeplessness, anxiety, muscle ...
... to get high from its depressant effects . Many abusers of Valium take it combination with alcohol and/or other substances. Abuse occurs when a user: Takes excess doses. Takes more frequent doses than prescribed. Takes ... continue reading -
Side Effects of Klonopin Use, Overdose and Addiction Treatment
Klonopin —known commonly by its generic name clonazepam —is a prescription drug commonly prescribed to manage panic, anxiety and seizure disorders. Klonopin belongs to the benzodiazepine class of drugs—a broad group of central nervous system ...
... Term Effects of Klonopin Use As a CNS depressant, Klonopin slows down certain processes in the body and mind and, when it is taken as prescribed, may induce effects like: Reduced worry. Decreased physical tension. Slowed ... continue reading -
Opioid Overdose Symptoms and Treatment
Opioids are a class of substances that includes many synthetic and semi-synthetic drugs manufactured from opiate alkaloid precursors found in the opium poppy. Some of the most commonly prescribed opioid medications— Vicodin , OxyContin , and ...
... SAMHSA's Find Treatment tool to search for rehab centers. Many state government websites will also provide local drug and alcohol resources to those in need. To find your state government's website, do a web search for ... continue reading -
Diazepam Abuse Side Effects, Overdose, and Addiction Treatment
Diazepam is the generic name for Valium . It is one of many benzodiazepine substances that affect the central nervous system (CNS) by amplifying the depressant effects of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, to subsequently decrease brain activity. ...
... on the illicit market. 3 Diazepam is prescribed in tablet form, as an oral liquid, as an injectable solution , and as a rectal gel. Taking diazepam in each form can be helpful when it is used as directed, but when use ... continue reading -
Barbiturate Overdose Symptoms, Risk Factors, Prevention, and Treatment
What Are Barbiturates? Barbiturates —sedative medications that include phenobarbital , pentobarbital, secobarbital, and butalbital—have historically been used as hypnotic (sleep-inducing) agents and sedating anesthetics. Though less commonly ...
... dangerous doses to achieve a high. However, their bodies may not be able to handle the amount of the drug, and an overdose may result. Also, a person's tolerance may decrease after going through a period of cessation. An ... continue reading -
Snorting Molly (MDMA) Side Effects, Risks, and Addiction Treatment
What Is Molly (MDMA)? Molly, commonly referred to as MDMA or 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, is a synthetic drug with both amphetamine and stimulant properties and mild hallucinogenic effects. It is the primary psychoactive agent found in many ...
... on how it was taken. 3 The faster a drug reaches the brain , the faster the rewarding effects are induced, and the more likely the user is to develop an addiction. 3 When swallowed, the effects of ecstasy use can be felt ... continue reading -
Sedative Withdrawal Symptoms, Detoxification, and Addiction Treatment
What Is a Sedative Drug? Sedatives are a class of drugs that depress, or slow down the central nervous system. This substance class encompasses a wide variety of drugs, the most common of which include: Benzodiazepines (treat anxiety and seizures). ...
... taking over a set period of time. This gives your body a chance to adjust to lower levels of the drug and minimizes the risk of complications like seizures that may be brought on by abrupt cessation of use. In some cases ... continue reading -
Librium Abuse Side Effects, Withdrawal, and Addiction Treatment
Librium—which is the brand name for chlordiazepoxide—is a prescription medication that belongs to a class of controlled substances called benzodiazepines. It is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, meaning it slows down brain activity. ...
... . Sudden weight loss or weight gain. Lethargy. As a parent, it's important that you're aware of the signs and symptoms of substance abuse so that you can help your adolescent get the help he or she needs to prevent or ... continue reading
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