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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. ...
... disorder (OUD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) . 1 Naltrexone is available in two formulations—it can be taken daily as ... as: 1 Localized pain and inflammation at the injection site. Liver inflammation . Drug allergy (e.g ... 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 ...
... 2011 after the city opened Insite, the country's first supervised injection site for drug users in 2003. The health of drug users ... drug. Other treatment drugs (e.g. naltrexone and naloxone —the latter a component of ... 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 ...
... moderate-to-severe. Demerol may be administered via injection or as an oral tablet. Learn about the effects ... Is Vivitrol? Vivitrol is a branded formulation of naltrexone—an opioid receptor antagonist used in the treatment ... 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 ...
... may be able to cover all or part of the cost of rehab and associated therapies. Can Medications Help With Opioid ... minimize cravings. 7 Naltrexone is available as a pill or as a monthly injection ( Vivitrol ). Opiate ... 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 ...
... started administering Vivitrol , an injectable form of naltrexone, in hopes that newly released inmates can ... at least one study, participants who received a Vivitrol injection once per month for six months were opiate-free ... 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 ...
... of Medicine said, “There are a few case studies — perhaps a total of 14 women — who were on naltrexone throughout their pregnancy without any negative outcomes. But this is not the same thing as safety.” Believe it or ... 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, ...
... opioid receptor. 11 Most clinical trials of naltrexone's efficacy for alcohol use disorders studied the medication ... Taking a new drug from early development to market costs $2.6 billion, according to the most recent ... 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 ...
... . 12 The pill form is prescribed only for alcohol misuse, whereas the injection can be used to treat either type of substance use disorder. 12 Naltrexone blocks the effects of opioids so that if a person uses opioids ... 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 ...
... can vary in their offerings, but they typically cost less and are less structured than inpatient treatment ... the effects of opioids. Unlike methadone and buprenorphine, naltrexone can be used only after the person is fully ... continue reading -
Opioid Addiction: Treatment and Rehab
If you or a loved one abuses opioids, you should know that opioid addiction treatment can be a beneficial and potentially life-saving intervention. 1 It can be challenging and uncomfortable to stop using opioids on your own. 2 Opioid rehab can help ...
... in it, or else it will induce withdrawal symptoms. Naltrexone prevents you from getting high if you take an opioid, ... 25 It's also possible that you'll have different costs depending on whether you choose an in- or out- ... 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, ... by mouth or as a monthly intramuscular injection). Suboxone (buprenorphine and naloxone )—Specifically designed ... 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 ...
... for those with a severe alcohol use disorder. Naltrexone , which is a medication that was originally ... to quit drinking. 17 How Much Does Alcohol Rehab Cost? The cost of paying for treatment at an alcohol rehab facility ... 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 ...
... receive prescriptions for injectable naloxone/Narcan injections can receive instructions on how to ... such as buprenorphine (Suboxone, Subutex), methadone, and naltrexone (Vivitrol) are FDA-approved for the treatment of ... 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 ...
... 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 that is used to prevent relapse ... 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 ...
... to the euphoric effects, meaning once the effects reach a certain point, taking more won't do any good. Naltrexone — A synthetic opioid antagonist that blocks the euphoric effects of opioids. When taken diligently ... 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 ...
... , causing uncomfortable symptoms if you consume alcohol, such as flushing, nausea, and heart palpitations. 22, 23 Naltrexone binds to receptors in the brain that make drinking feel rewarding, and blocks cravings to drink ... 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 ...
... brain and prevents people from experiencing a pleasurable high if opioids are abused. Naltrexone is also available as a monthly injection under the brand name Vivitrol. Buprenorphine —A medication that helps to reduce ... continue reading -
Alcohol Relapse Warning Signs, Prevention, and Treatment
Addiction to alcohol can have negative consequences, affecting every aspect of your life including work, school, and relationships. Fortunately, with treatment, you can end your addiction to alcohol and live a high quality of life in recovery. ...
... commonly used to reduce drinking behavior and help maintain sobriety, and they include: 6 Naltrexone: Naltrexone helps reduce heavy drinking by blocking the euphoric effects of alcohol. Disulfiram: Encourages abstinence ... 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 ...
... behavioral therapy and sober support 3 . Medications used to treat oxy addiction include 3,11 : Naltrexone, an opioid antagonist that prevents opioids from binding to their receptors and creating a high. Vivitrol, an ... 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 ...
... : FDA-approved medication that reduces cravings for alcohol. Vivitrol : Extended-release version of naltrexone that is given intravenously once a month. Treatment Programs There are a number of recovery programs ... 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 ...
... physician may not meet the requirements to prescribe methadone, they may be able to prescribe buprenorphine or naltrexone , which can also be used to effectively treat opioid use disorder. Even though methadone is an ... 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 ...
... such as where they'll go to rehab, how much it will cost, health insurance coverage , and more. Your loved one may have ... abuse 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 ...
... the rewarding feelings associated with the Percocet high. Vivitrol - An injectable, extended-release form of naltrexone. This form is recommended for those who struggle with taking daily medications since it is injected ... 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 ...
... be as effective as buprenorphine for this purpose. 9 Naltrexone , an FDA-approved opioid agonist that blocks the ... facility with public funding . There are free and low-cost options, and states have money set aside to help ... 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 ...
... and critical time. 4 Private drug and alcohol rehab costs may be covered by health insurance or may be paid ... for medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone that may support recovery. The provider will ... 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 ...
... opioid use disorder, contributing to over $72 billion in medical costs. 3,5 Opioids are the world's oldest known drugs and ... opioid dependency are methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone . 20 Studies have shown that MAT ... 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 ...
... 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) and prescription opioids ... 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 ...
... the liver and kidneys . Collapsed veins from repeated injections. If you or someone you love has been displaying ... . Medication management — Methadone , buprenorphine , naltrexone , and other drugs are used during different ... 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, ...
... and behavioral therapy. 4, 7 Medications for opioid use disorder (e.g., methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone) can help manage cravings, ease withdrawal symptoms, and block the effects of opioids. These medications ... 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 ...
... a supportive and abstinent environment. There are many maintenance medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone prescribed for opiate addiction that may be used to assist with detoxification or to prevent ... 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 ...
... be due to Tramadol's unique mechanisms of action in addition to its opioid effects. Medications like naltrexone, which prevent the action of narcotic drugs at the body's opioid receptors, are only partially effective ... 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 ...
... . 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. Therapy ... 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 ...
... medications —such as methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone—to alleviate the more several withdrawal symptoms ... , and they usually provide 24-hour care at a lower cost. However, you may not find the same amenities as you ... 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. ...
... like OxyContin and eventually transition to heroin due to cost and accessibility. For example, in a survey ... drug cravings without producing dangerous side effects. Naltrexone (Vivitrol): An opioid antagonist, this drug ... 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, ...
... but create a less intense response, thus minimizing the potential for abuse. Opioid antagonists like naltrexone that diminish the impetus for continued opioid abuse by blocking the opioid high. Behavioral therapies ... 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 ...
... degree. Buprenorphine has a ceiling to its effects, which discourages further abuse. Antagonists like naltrexone (Vivitrol), which prevent opioid receptors from being activated by other substances. When it comes to ... 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 ...
... in the mouth. Patches that are affixed to the skin. Injections. ACTIQ is different, however. This substance is what's known ... for 6 months. An opioid antagonist like naltrexone , which is only used once the immediate ... 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 ...
... options. Other Treatment Methods 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 ... 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 ...
... partial opioid agonist, buprenorphine produces similar but weaker effects when compared to opiate drugs. Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist that blocks the pleasurable effects of Demerol to promote abstinence. Clonidine ... 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 ...
... can help decrease and discontinue the use of alcohol and prevent relapse. These may include naltrexone, acamprosate, or disulfiram. 6 Inpatient or outpatient Mutual support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Aftercare ... 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 ...
... 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 to be effective. MAT can: 10,21,22 ... 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 ...
... and withdrawal symptoms that come with opiates like heroin. Another medication used to treat opioid dependence, naltrexone , works by blocking receptors in the brain so that other opioids , like heroin or fentanyl ... 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” ...
... the same extent as 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 ... 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 ...
... treating OUDs: 23 Buprenorphine Methadone Extended-release naltrexone MAT has been shown to decrease opioid ... have a good chance of finding a payment arrangement and cost that is right for you. A few options include: ... 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 ...
... opioid overdose if given immediately. 5 Effects of Injection Drug Use Naturally, taking opiates in nonstandard ways ... disorders, including methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. 1 These medications help patients manage ... continue reading -
Effects of Percocet
Percocet is the brand name for a powerful pain relief medication that is generally prescribed to address acute pain and is not intended to be taken for long periods of time. 1 Most often, Percocet is prescribed to address the type of pain someone ...
... that are most commonly used to assist with the treatment of opioid addiction: methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. 7 A physician can help determine which medication will be the best fit. 7 Aftercare As someone ... 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, ...
... FDA-approved drugs commonly used in treating opioid use disorders. These medications may include: 6 Naltrexone: Blocks the activation of opioid receptors to decreases the likelihood of continued opioid misuse. Methadone ... 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 ...
... again, so they continually pursue them—despite the heavy cost. Addicts can easily lose everything that once held meaning ... PAWS can also include medications like acamprosate, naltrexone, Suboxone , or methadone . Medical ... continue reading -
Fentanyl: The Newest Lethal Injection Ingredient
Fifty times stronger than heroin , the synthetic opioid fentanyl is flooding the drug market - and heightening the danger of overdose. In search of cheaper mixes and stronger highs, dealers now lace heroin and cocaine with this potent drug. We've ...
... home. Believe it or not, policy makers have chosen to add fentanyl to the cocktail mixture used for lethal injections. Yep, people are voluntarily taking a drug that's literally being used to kill people . Nevada's New ... continue reading -
IV Drug Abuse: 3 Potentially Deadly IV Injection Sites
The dangers of intravenous drug use are well documented. Although most available information focuses on the very high risk of overdose and the diseases associated with sharing needles (both very real dangers), injecting drugs can also be incredibly ...
... the groin, the veins are shallow enough to tempt some intravenous drug users to use this location. This injection site is very dangerous. The femoral vein runs incredibly close to the femoral artery and the femoral nerve ... continue reading -
How to Get Into Nonprofit, Low-Cost, and Free Drug and Alcohol Rehab Centers Near Me
For individuals with no health insurance and unable to pay the costs of drug or alcohol addiction treatment, there is the option to seek the services of a low-cost or free addiction treatment program. Nonprofit rehab centers or free drug and alcohol ...
... Can I Get Free Rehab if I Am on Probation? In most cases, the defendant is responsible for the costs of court-ordered substance abuse rehab. The court will never be required to pay for someone's drug addiction treatment ... continue reading -
The Cost of Drugs in the NFL
Athletes playing in professional sports leagues often seek every available opportunity to gain a competitive edge. With so much pressure placed on winning, performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) such as steroids present a tempting shortcut to elevate ...
... costly for professional football players and non-players alike, ending careers and denting finances. Don't wait for the costs of substance abuse - financial, health related, or to any other area of your life - to accrue ... continue reading -
IV Drug Use: Signs, Dangers, and Treatment
Injection is a method used by individuals who misuse drugs to obtain a quick and powerful effect. 1 Intravenous (IV) injection, or injection into a vein, is the practice referred to throughout this article as IV drug use. Injection into a vein or ...
... access to and proper disposal of sterile syringes and injection materials for people who inject drugs. 12 These programs usually also provide low-cost or free services for vaccination, disease testing, and connection ... continue reading -
Injecting Drugs: 9 Hidden Dangers
Did you know that injecting drugs into your body can increase your risk for a number of health problems? Additionally, did you know that injection-related injuries not only include bruising, scarring, and venous injury, but also infectious diseases ...
... that if you are right-handed, you will probably inject in your left arm and vice versa. Other common locations of injection include the back of the knee joint, the groin, and the veins that are on top of your feet. From ... continue reading -
Opana Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment
What Is Opana Used For? Opana is the trade name for the prescription medication oxymorphone—a semi-synthetic opioid painkiller . In various formulations, oxymorphone has been available on the U.S. pharmaceutical market since 1959. In 2006, the FDA ...
... can be dissolved in water and drawn up through a syringe, and needle sharing is all-too-common among injection users. The number of injections a person may take in a day typically ranges from 4 to 15, with the number of ... 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 . ...
... count. Impotence. Since anabolics steroids are typically liquids that are injected into areas of muscle, some might notice injection sites with infections or swelling . If a steroid cream is being used, there may be a ... continue reading -
Dangers of IV Drug Use: What You Need to Know About Track Marks
Certain drugs can be injected into the muscle, under the skin, or directly into a vein. The later is the most popular method, as the intense effects of the drug occurs very quickly. Those that use this method will begin to show marks on their body ...
... Track Marks? Track marks are the tell-tale signs of chronic intravenous drug use . The act of drug injection is often referred to as “jacking up,” “shooting up” or “slamming” and is typically identified with the use of ... continue reading -
Facts About Krokodil (The “Zombie Drug”)
What Is Krokodil? Desomorphine (dihydrodesoxymorphine) or Krokodil, is an injectable opioid derivative of codeine. On the street and online, the drug is known as: Krokodil. Crocodile. Croc. Krok. Russian Magic. Poor Man's Heroin. The name ...
... addicted individuals who have gangrene or eschars (dead patches of skin) on their bodies. The skin of krokodil injection users can become black, grey, green, and scabby and can flake off—resembling the skin of a reptile ... continue reading -
How to Help Someone Addicted to Cocaine
Knowing how to help a friend, family member, peer, or coworker with an addiction to cocaine is difficult. Addiction can take a serious toll on relationships, making a conversation about addiction treatment even more challenging. While this type of ...
... , as well as infections and other issues associated with injection drug use. How to Tell if Somebody Is on Coke ... may be able to cover all or part of the cost of rehab and associated therapies. Call free at to speak ... continue reading -
The Effects of Opiates on the Body
Share on Twitter Share on Facebook They're potent, they're dangerous - and they could be in your medicine cabinet. In 2012, 259 million prescriptions for painkillers, such as Vicodin , OxyContin , and Opana, were written in the U.S. When used ...
... of chronic liver disease - as well as the lung infection tuberculosis. Further, this can also spread HIV, and injection drug users are one of the highest risk groups for transmission of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS ... continue reading -
Health Effects of Drug Misuse and Addiction
Substance misuse and addiction can have serious short- and long-term effects. 1 The physical effects of drugs and alcohol vary according to the type of substance, duration of use, and method of administration. 1 Recovering from addiction can be a ...
... use. 3 Long-term effects of cocaine use may include nasal structural damage, gastrointestinal injury, infections from injection use, and psychotic features such as paranoia. 4 Many of cocaine's toxic effects are due to ... continue reading -
Opioid Painkiller Abuse
What Are Prescription Opioids? The category of prescription painkillers covers a wide variety of opioid drugs, including morphine , codeine , oxycodone ( OxyContin , Percocet ), and hydrocodone ( Vicodin , Norco )—as controlled substances, each of ...
... endocarditis (infection of the heart muscle), as well as Hepatitis-C, or HIV. Other effects of injection may include sepsis and gangrene. Depression . Painkiller Misuse Statistics Results from the Substance Abuse and ... continue reading -
What Drugs Cause the Most Insane Behavior?
Many substances that are addictive cause mental changes or unusual behavior. Even if a substance does not inherently have mind-altering properties, people who are addicted to it may display strange behavior if they need the drug are unable to obtain ...
... powder into the gums, by chewing the coca leaf, by snorting the powder into the nose, by injection, by inhalation, and even by suppository. Cocaine is a serotonin-norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor, which is one ... continue reading -
How to Help an Opana Addict
How to Approach an Opana Addict Opana is the brand name for oxymorphone, a semi-synthetic opioid painkiller . Over the past decade, increased availability of painkillers has fueled an epidemic of opioid abuse around the world. In the US, an ...
... drugs (e.g. physical and psychological effects). The cost of treatment. That treatment hasn't worked in the past ... onset. Using Opana in alternate ways such as injection not only increases other health risks, such as ... 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, ...
... , or pale. Tiny (pinpoint) pupils. Using Naloxone for an Opioid Overdose If you have access to naloxone (Evzio injection or Narcan nasal spray), you can administer it as soon as possible in the event of a possible opioid ... continue reading -
Drug Abuse and Cardiovascular Health Risks: How Do Drugs Affect the Heart?
What Are the Dangers of Drug Use? Both illicit and prescription drugs present many risks to individuals who misuse them. Drug abuse affects the brain in many ways that may lead to unpredictable, dangerous behaviors, social and emotional problems, ...
... heart palpitations, suggesting that this drug causes a high degree of cardiovascular distress. 8 Effects of Injection Drug Use People who inject different types of drugs can be exposed to additional risks. Regardless of ... continue reading -
Cocaine Addiction Side Effects, Symptoms, Withdrawal, and Treatment
Cocaine is a powerfully addictive stimulant drug that comes in the form of a white powder which is commonly snorted, smoked, or injected. 1 Its popularity as a recreational substance is in part due to its perceived positive effects on mood, ...
... bloodborne infectious conditions such as HIV and hepatitis C (HCV). These risks are primarily related to the injection of cocaine and the adverse effects of non-sterile needle use. 1,5,9 Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms ... continue reading -
Can You Get Addicted to Heroin After the First Use?
Heroin has the reputation of being one of the most addictive illicit drugs. Many government and academic institutions report that heroin is either very addictive or highly addictive . Adding to the risk associated with the substance is the number of ...
... markedly reduces its addictive quality , but this is not the case. (It is true, though, that avoiding injection use reduces the risk of hepatitis and HIV/AIDS.) Whether smoked, snorted, or injected, heroin acts quickly ... continue reading -
Why Are Amphetamines So Addictive?
Amphetamines are a class of synthetic drugs that stimulate the central nervous system (CNS). They are prescribed for legitimate use in the management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy and, rarely, in cases of extreme ...
... 2012 TEDS, 8% of prescription stimulant abusers inhale the drugs as their primary method of use. Injection of amphetamines is the most complicated and dangerous method of administering amphetamines—not only due to the ... continue reading -
Effects of Ketamine Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, and Side Effects
Is Ketamine Dangerous? “It's easy to get ketamine abuse wrong because of its potency; it's more powerful than speed or coke weight for weight, so it's easy to accidentally overdose.” Like its sister drug CP, ketamine is a dissociative ...
... hour. It starts around 2 to 5 minutes after the dose has been smoked or swallowed. With injection, it happens around 30 seconds after the injection has occurred. The first feeling of the high that the user will get is an ... continue reading -
OxyContin Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment
What Is OxyContin Used For? OxyContin is a branded formulation of the powerful opioid painkiller oxycodone . It is prescribed to manage cases of moderate-to-severe pain. When taken as directed, it is a safe and effective medication, and it has ...
... due to the fact that heroin is more easily accessible and costs less than opioid painkillers, due in part to the 2013 ... Perforated nasal septum. Sinusitis. A note about injection use: While OxyContin tends to be crushed and ... continue reading -
Drug Abuse Statistics
Statisticians analyze numerical information on subjects as varied as medicine, politics and even commercial retail sales - allowing researchers to investigate trends and test new ideas. As the phenomenon of substance abuse stubbornly continues to ...
... use across a spectrum of substances, including alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, and heroin. Credit: TEDx Talks Costs of Substance Abuse The abuse of tobacco, alcohol, prescription, and illicit drugs is economically taxing to ... continue reading -
The Price Tag of Heroin in America: $51 Billion
If you're hooked on heroin, you'll spend an average of $150 a day to support your habit. That's nearly $55,000 per year. Heroin abuse comes with a pretty hefty price tag, unfortunately personal financial burden isn't the only cash-flow issue left in ...
... over $248 billion, but that breaks down to just $11,148 per person. At more than $50K per user, heroin's cost blows those two diseases out of the water. The U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime reported in 2016 that heroin use ... continue reading -
The Financial Toll of Addiction
If you've ever known someone who has suffered from addiction or have been that person yourself, you'll know how much of an emotional toll it can have on you and your loved ones. It can put a strain on your relationships and affect both your personal ...
... first place can be costly, but there are additional expenses when it comes to healthcare, legal fees, and other social costs. Let's not forget that often those addicted to drugs may end up with a loss of income. Let's ... continue reading -
7 Really Smart Ways to Save Money on Suboxone
A couple of weeks ago, I saw a Facebook post from an acquaintance of mine lamenting about the exorbitant price of Suboxone. I'd known her to have a problem with opiates in the past, but it seemed like she was doing all the right things to get her ...
... , but it seemed like she was doing all the right things to get her life back on track. Yet, the high cost of her medication was now jeopardizing her sobriety. Was she just supposed to go cold turkey and hope for the best ... continue reading -
Luxury Rehab Centers Near Me
When considering inpatient treatment, there are generally 3 standard options: public inpatient rehab centers, private inpatient rehab centers, and luxury treatment centers. All usually offer the same core elements—including counseling, access to ...
... more accessible. Other options may include: Insurance coverage : Many insurance plans cover some or all of the cost of addiction treatment; however, check with your insurance provider, as they may not cover all types of ... continue reading -
Does VA Insurance Cover Addiction Treatment?
If you or a loved one is a veteran living with a substance use disorder, help is available through VA insurance. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), all insurance plans, including VA insurance, must cover some or all of the cost of mental health ...
... accept Medicaid. If you're considering an AAC facility, you can quickly verify your benefits to determine what costs will be covered by Medicaid or other types of insurance plans. Medicare If you are a veteran and have ... continue reading -
Good News: Dr. Reddy's Will Produce a Cheaper Generic Form of Suboxone
Suboxone—a medication used to treat opioid use disorder—is sadly inaccessible to a lot of people due to one simple factor: cost. But this is about to change. Last month, a supplier of generic drugs—Dr. Reddy's Laboratories—was allowed by a ...
... to a lot of people due to one simple factor: cost. But this is about to change. Last month, a ... when a generic version of a medication becomes available, the cost of its brand name counterpart can decrease by 70-80% ... continue reading -
How to Find Government- or State-Funded Drug and Alcohol Rehab Centers Near Me
Many individuals struggling with drug abuse and alcohol addiction do not seek treatment because of the cost. However, even for addicts and alcoholics in need who have no health insurance or who cannot pay for the overall costs of rehab, there are ...
... lower than that of a private facility, and many programs are offered to individuals for free. The actual cost of rehab treatment will depend on an individual's qualification for the program and the types of addiction ... continue reading -
How to Help a Steroid Addict
Help for Steroid Addicts People who are addicted to steroids may need professional help to stop taking the drugs. While the dependency that develops as a result of their use may be different from that of other, more commonly abused substances, ...
... steroids. A person taking steroids may have track marks from injections . There may be bottles of pills lying around in ... insurance provider may be able to cover all or part of the cost of rehab and associated therapies. continue reading -
Here’s What You Need to Know About the Probuphine Implant
Probuphine is the very first breakthrough buprenorphine implant. What is buprenorphine, you ask? It's a common prescription for opioid addiction treatment and it prevents withdrawal symptoms. Buprenorphine is an ingredient found in Suboxone and ...
... . What Are the Pros of Probuphine? With an implant, you don't have to worry about taking a pill or an injection every day. There's no risk of forgetting to take your medication. You also can't lose it and it can't ... continue reading -
Yay or Nay: Is the Opioid Epidemic a Conspiracy?
'Epidemic': Affecting a disproportionately large number of individuals within a population. Opioid Epidemic Statistics Each day, 2.1 million people in the U.S. abuse opioids. The CDC reports that 165,000 Americans died from prescription ...
... pills harder to crush or dissolve. The goal here is to prevent abuse through the snorting or injection of painkillers. These efforts seem to demonstrate the drug companies' concern for public welfare, but creating new ... continue reading -
Crystal Meth Addiction Treatment Centers and Rehab Programs
Methamphetamine in all forms, including crystal meth, is a frequently abused drug throughout the United States. In fact, the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) reported that an estimated 2.5 million people aged 12 and older had used ...
... with stroke and methamphetamine-related brain atrophy. Movement disorders (e.g. choreoathetosis). Non-sterile injection-associated diseases such as HIV/AIDS or hepatitis. Individuals who are addicted to methamphetamine ... continue reading -
Teenage Addiction Guide for Parents
The possibility that your teen may be struggling with addiction or a substance use disorder (SUD) can feel confusing and devastating. You may be overwhelmed with questions, such as: How can I be sure what's going on before talking to my child? How ...
... , or uncontrolled shaking of the head or extremities. Blank stares. Marks in the inner elbow (from needle injection ). Raw, dripping nostrils (from snorting cocaine ). Scratching or picking at skin and hair. Unusual ... continue reading -
Common Signs and Symptoms of Substance Abuse
How to Tell if Someone Is Using Drugs Drug use affects people across all walks of life and levels of socioeconomic status. Whatever reason a person starts taking drugs for—whether recreationally or as prescribed—tolerance, patterns of increased ...
... sleeping or sleeping too much. Signs will vary based on the substance and the method used (i.e. smoking, injection , etc.). What Are the Behavioral Signs of Drug Abuse? Drug use tends to significantly alter a person's ... continue reading -
Drug Abuse Treatment Programs
Why Choose Treatment? Drug abuse treatment programs provide valuable help to thousands of individuals struggling with drug misuse. Substance abuse of any kind affects people of all ages, genders, and cultural backgrounds. Despite the large ...
... including program type, length, location, and level of luxury. You may be able to locate free and low-cost treatment programs or state-funded rehab centers . In general, inpatient programs tend to be more expensive than ... continue reading -
Residential Alcohol and Drug Treatment Centers
Addiction is a chronic, complex medical condition that's characterized by the repeated misuse of substances even in the face of potentially harmful consequences. It can cause long-term changes in the way the brain responds in situations involving ...
... methods : Check that the facility offers treatment that aligns with the level of care needed. Cost : The cost of residential treatment programs varies depending on amenities, services, and type of treatment. You may be ... continue reading -
The 12 Most Expensive / Luxury Rehabs in the US
You don't need to be a millionaire to go to rehab, but a person with a little extra money to spend and the desire to get sober can choose from many expensive or luxury rehabs in the United States. Southern California, specifically picturesque ...
... 's been sober for 30 years. The Dunes allows computers and cell phones so patients can stay connected to work. Patient cost is $65,000 for the first 30 days , with a 90-day outpatient program for $2,000 per month. Total ... continue reading -
Workplace Drug Abuse
The Problem of Workplace Drug Abuse Of all drug users, 68.9% are employed and active in the workplace, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) . Additionally, 1/3 of all employees are aware of illegal sale of drugs ...
... or dangerous accidents occur, but substance abusers also cost employers money and hurt them financially. Substance ... an estimate of how much addiction may be costing their company. This tool can help encourage employers ... continue reading -
Hydrocodone Overdose
Hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic opioid that is prescribed for moderate to severe pain or as a cough suppressant. 1 There are many generic versions of hydrocodone on the market; the most common generic brand is Lortab and before its discontinuation, ...
... receptors to both reverse and block the effects of opioids. 2 Naloxone comes in a nasal spray or an injection that can be administered into the muscle, the vein, or under the skin. 2 Naloxone may require a prescription ... continue reading -
The Dilaudid Dilemma
Every day, physicians across the nation prescribe painkillers to help patients cope with pain. The types of painkillers prescribed are as varied as the type and intensity of pain levels; however, more potent painkillers - like opioids - are ...
... takes to reach peak effect. However, this comes with its own risks, which include infection at the injection site, tissue damage from poor needle placement, or communicable diseases (like hepatitis and HIV) from sharing ... continue reading -
Vicodin Overdose Symptoms and Treatment
Vicodin is the brand name for an opioid painkiller medication that contains hydrocodone and acetaminophen. 1 Opioids can be very addictive for individuals who abuse them. This can include taking more than the prescribed dose, taking them in a way ...
... overdose is the method they use to ingest Vicodin. Faster methods of ingestion, such as snorting/insufflation or injection , may be associated with a higher risk of overdose than that of the intended route of swallowing ... continue reading -
What You Need to Know About ‘Zombie Drug’ Krokodil
Krokodil (Crocodil) is a homemade version of a synthetic drug called desomorphine. As the name deso-morphine suggests, the chemical is in the opiate family and closely mimics the effects of heroin and morphine. Pure desomorphine is a very addictive ...
... . The agents don't dissolve completely into the circulatory system, but rather, they linger around the injection site to attack the surrounding flesh. This causes a blackish-green, scaly appearance of the skin ... continue reading -
Drug and Alcohol Misuse and Cancer Risk
What Causes Cancer? Despite declines in the death rate over the last 20 years, cancer continues to be one of the most prevalent public health issues in the U.S. According to the National Cancer Institute: 1 About 1,806,590 new cases of cancer would ...
... of use, the mixture, and the manufacturing can indirectly expose the user and others to increased cancer risk. Injection Drug Use Most substances of abuse can be ingested in a variety of ways. Smoking, snorting , and ... continue reading -
How to Help a Dextroamphetamine Addict
How to Approach an Addict If someone in your life is struggling with an addiction to dextroamphetamine, you may be experiencing a lot of emotions, such as fear, concern, anger, and frustration. You may be willing to try anything to get them into ...
... runny nose (if pills are crushed and snorted ). Track marks (in the case of injection use ). Dextroamphetamine Addiction Treatment Dextroamphetamine addiction involves a withdrawal syndrome that can include depression , ... continue reading -
The Effects of Dextroamphetamine Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
What Is Dextroamphetamine? Dextroamphetamine is a prescription stimulant used in the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Dextroamphetamine is commonly found under the brand names Dexedrine and ProCentra, as ...
... . Tooth decay from dry mouth. Sleep disturbances. Circulatory problems. Cardiovascular problems such as arrhythmias. Injection use of dextroamphetamine introduces an entirely different set of dangers, such as the risk of ... continue reading -
The 5 Most Dangerous Painkiller Myths
While painkiller use is widespread, there is a vast amount of false information surrounding them. Unfortunately, many people begin using opioid painkillers knowing little about them. Given few details about these drugs - how they work, when to take ...
... transitioning to heroin . According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, about half of young injection heroin users abused painkiller medications prior to using heroin. Taking More of Them Will Cure the Pain ... continue reading -
The “Hitting Rock Bottom” Myth
Misinformation and myths surrounding addiction are incredibly problematic in the world of substance misuse, addiction, and recovery. Misinformation and myths can result in missed opportunities for treatment, worsening conditions, and significant ...
... (e.g. from stimulant use). Transmission of blood borne diseases like HIV and hepatitis from injection use . Dental and skin deterioration (common among methamphetamine users). Respiratory depression (common to users ... continue reading -
Effects of Flakka Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
Is Flakka Harmful? Flakka is a street drug with origins in South Florida. One of the newer chemicals in the booming category of synthetic or designer drugs, Flakka is typically made from a synthetic version of an amphetamine-like stimulant in the ...
... residential treatment programs will frequently be higher than those of outpatient centers. Luxury drug rehab centers can cost as much as tens of thousands of dollars per month to attend. This being said, it is important ... 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 ...
... similar to those caused by ingesting or smoking marijuana: 8 Euphoric high. Increased relaxation. Conjunctival injection (red eyes). In addition to these effects, there are dangerous side effects specific to synthetic ... continue reading
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