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Norco Abuse Symptoms and Addiction Treatment
What Is Norco Used For? Norco is a prescription medication that combines hydrocodone and acetaminophen . It is prescribed for the relief of moderate-to-severe pain . Taking Norco in amounts exceeding prescribed doses, for lengths of time longer than ...
What Is Norco Used For? Norco is a prescription medication that combines hydrocodone and acetaminophen . It is prescribed for the relief of moderate-to-severe pain . Taking Norco in amounts exceeding prescribed doses, ... continue reading -
Concurrent Alcohol and Norco Abuse
Norco, which is the brand name for hydrocodone , is a narcotic pain reliever. If you are misusing Norco, your body may be dependent on the drug, ultimately resulting in addiction. Concurrent alcohol and Norco abuse occurs when someone is using both ...
... pain reliever. If you are misusing Norco, your body may be dependent on the drug, ultimately resulting in addiction. Concurrent alcohol and Norco ... Norco. It is among the top most used and abused prescription medications . ... 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 ...
... analgesic) and acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol). This medication is used to treat moderate-to-severe pain. Learn about the effects of Norco use . What Is OxyContin? OxyContin is a branded formulation ... continue reading -
Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs and Addiction Treatment Programs
For some time now, the abuse of illicit substances such as marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin has been a persistent national problem. In more recent years, however, our country has seen an alarming rise in prescription drug abuse . ...
... of Abuse Prescription Painkillers - Most prescribed pain medications have an opiate or opiate-derived ( ... -severe pain relief. Drugs in this class include: Codeine Demerol Dilaudid Fentanyl Hydrocodone ( Lortab , Norco , ... continue reading -
Hydrocodone Abuse Signs, Symptoms, Effects, and Treatment
What Is Hydrocodone Used For? Hydrocodone is an opioid analgesic (painkiller) drug included in the formulation of many narcotic prescription painkillers that are most often prescribed to control moderate-to-severe pain. As an opiate drug, it is in ...
... brand names, including Vicodin , Lortab , and Norco . Many opioid painkillers are a combination of hydrocodone ... relieves pain, but it also can cause side effects in users—especially among those abusing this medication by ... continue reading -
Concurrent Alcohol and Hydrocodone Abuse
The Problem of Alcohol and Hydrocodone Abuse Both alcohol and hydrocodone are relatively safe when used appropriately and in moderation. When used excessively or when combined, these substances can create volatile and unpredictable outcomes. Alcohol ...
... name forumulations , like: Hycodan. Lortab. Lorcet-HD. Norco. Vicodin. Vicoprofen. This substance is only available with a ... counseling and individual therapy , possible medication management , and encouragement to engage ... 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 ...
... prescriptions has outpaced that of other opioid pain relief medications such as oxycodone/acetaminophen (Percocet) as well as hydrocodone/acetaminophen ( Vicodin, Lortab, Norco ). One reason for this disparity may ... continue reading -
Using Painkillers When Pregnant
Prescription painkillers, or opioids, are commonly used to treat pain. Opioid painkillers include drugs such as hydrocodone (Vicodin), oxycodone (OxyContin), codeine, and morphine. In addition to their inclusion in the many opioid analgesic ...
... prescription written by a healthcare provider for an opioid medication. 1 The number is significantly higher in the ... OxyContin, Percocet). Methadone. Hydrocodone (Lortab, Norco, Vicodin). When a pregnant woman uses ... 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 ...
... in several commonly prescribed opioid analgesics such as Lortab, Norco and Vicodin - for the short-term management of a number of causes of pain. The medication works by altering the way your brain and nervous system ... 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 ...
... OxyContin , Percocet ), and hydrocodone ( Vicodin , Norco )—as controlled substances, each of these drugs have ... and stabilization, which involves a supervised, medication-managed withdrawal from the drug. 5 In addition ... continue reading -
Mixing Alcohol With Drugs
Mixing alcohol with prescription drugs or illicit drugs (known as polysubstance use), can have dangerous health effects that many people may not realize. Since alcohol is such a commonly used substance, it's even more important to understand how it ...
... lead to unnecessary health risks, even when therapeutic medication is otherwise used as prescribed. 2 When alcohol is ... opioids like heroin to increase the euphoric and pain-relieving effects of the drug, but it can also ... 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 ...
... opioids, along with sudden, uncontrollable vomiting; antiemetic medication may be required in order to treat this. ... doses of many prescription painkillers such as Lortab, Norco and Vicodin. Adding alcohol to the mix - ... continue reading -
Addiction Self-Assessment Quizzes for Drugs and Alcohol
Use the following self-assessment quizzes to better understand common signs, symptoms, and behavioral changes related to substance misuse and addiction. The questions used in the following self-assessments are based on the diagnostic criteria ...
... you may have a problematic usage of the painkiller hydrocodone, a prescription opioid found in medications such as Vicodin, Norco, Zohydro, and Lortab. While this assessment does not replace a clinical diagnosis from a ... continue reading -
Alcohol Misuse and Addiction: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment
What Is Alcohol Misuse? According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), alcohol is the most commonly used and misused substance in the United States. 1 Those who misuse alcohol are not necessarily addicted or ...
... . 2,19,20 Treatment with behavioral therapy and possibly medication should follow detox. 20 Treatment centers are designed to ... Lortab Methadone Methylphenidate Morphine Norco Opiate Oxycodone Oxycontin Painkiller ... continue reading -
Hydrocodone Overdose
Hydrocodone (brand names include Anexsia, Vicodin, Vicoprofen, Norco) is an opioid painkiller medication that is available by prescription. It is the most frequently prescribed opioid analgesic in the United States, and it is diverted and abused at ...
Hydrocodone (brand names include Anexsia, Vicodin, Vicoprofen, Norco) is an opioid painkiller medication that is available by prescription. It is the most frequently prescribed opioid analgesic in the United States, and ... continue reading -
Smoking Can be a Serious Pain…in the Back
If you have chronic back pain and are a long-time smoker, the latter may be causing the former, according to a study released by the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University. A New Worry for Smokers The study, which was published in ...
... a chronic condition. What Smokers Need to Know If you are a smoker who's been relieving chronic back pain with opiate medications, it's not a good idea to simply quit the meds cold turkey. If you've already developed a ... continue reading -
Pain Killer Protocol
It's only been 21 years since the introduction of OxyContin started what we now refer to as the “opioid epidemic,” yet the number of deaths from drug overdoses in 2016 outnumbered the number of American deaths in the Vietnam War. Opioids are ...
... , and whether alternative treatments can help you manage your pain. Finding the proper information doesn't have to be a ... com/drug-medication/news/20180419/opioids-still-overprescribed-after-surgery-study#1 https:// ... continue reading -
Could This Inexpensive Medication Reduce Your Withdrawal Symptoms?
Withdrawal. It's a huge hurdle on the path to recovery. Those struggling to leave opioids behind know they'll eventually have to face the intimidating mental and physical effects of withdrawal. It's a powerful and frightening thought. Some of the ...
... in opioid-dependent rodents.” Another encouraging aspect about their findings: the medication didn't affect an opioids' ability to relieve pain. Previous research hadn't explored this avenue, and this investigation has ... continue reading -
Drug Use and the Pancreas: What Medications Affect the Pancreas?
The pancreas plays a major role in the body's digestive system. From blood sugar regulation to digestion, the pancreas is constantly hard at work. However, the pancreas can become inflamed and, over time, accumulate scarring and damage as a result ...
... , ethanol abuse, and genetics, pancreatitis caused by medication is less common. In fact, it only accounts ... to lifestyle and diet may be able to help relieve pain during the early stages of the condition. After years ... continue reading -
The 7 Most Addictive Prescription Medications
Prescription drugs are commonly given to people suffering from with injuries or illnesses. They're legal when you've been prescribed the medication by a legitimate medical provider. However, these drugs still can be addictive when taken as ...
... the section of the brain that controls pain. Serious withdrawal symptoms such as fever, chills, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and depression can make this medication a difficult drug to discontinue. However, carefully ... continue reading -
Is This New Drug the Holy Grail of All Pain Relievers?
Millions of Americans suffer daily from chronic pain. Factor in all the people managing temporary pain after accidents or surgeries and you have a massive number of people on prescription painkillers. Abuse of morphine, an extremely powerful and ...
... , they did not exhibit the same behaviors with the new drug. Hope For the Future With fewer side effects and great pain-relieving results, this new drug could have a huge impact on the millions suffering from chronic ... continue reading -
Are We Creating a Generation of Addicts With ADHD Medication?
During his freshman year, Jack's grades started slipping. He found it hard to keep up. He knew several classmates who used uppers for extra boosts when they needed them. In hopes of finding an endless supply of energy (and improving his grades), ...
... He doesn't eat much on the days he takes his medication, and he has a lot less personality now, but his ... reaction is to medicate, children get the impression that self-medication is no big deal. How to Find Help for Drug ... continue reading -
Warning: This Medication May Cause…Uncontrollable Urges?
Jim gained ten pounds in two weeks, though he'd been slim and fit his whole life. Gary lost $20K at the casino in Friday night - he'd never bought a lottery ticket up to that point. Linda had sex with three different people in one week, even though ...
... receptors in the brain. If you or someone you love currently takes Abilify and you're worried the medication might be causing compulsive or out-of-the-ordinary behaviors , speak with your doctor as soon as possible ... continue reading -
Overdosing on Sleep Medication Is a Big Problem
According to a recent survey , 69 percent of primary care patients complain of insomnia and other sleep issues. To solve the problem, doctors often prescribe sleeping pills or hypnotic medications. However, many people end up using these drugs for ...
... dosage of zolpidem for women. Is There a “Safe” Sleeping Pill? When asked if there is a safe sleeping medication on the market, Professor Kripke says, “I've never seen evidence for it yet. Our understanding of the brain ... continue reading -
Alternatives to Anxiety Medications
Anxiety disorders are some of the most commonly encountered mental health conditions. Approximately, 28.8% of adults will experience some type of anxiety in their lifetime (Kessler et al., 2005). Oftentimes, the first line of treatment for anxiety ...
... side effects. You have a history of substance or drug abuse and addiction and are worried about taking medications with a potential for abuse and dependence. You feel that a better fit for you involves a more holistic ... continue reading -
Am I Addicted to Painkillers? How Can I Quit Safely?
If you've been taking painkillers for an extended time, particularly after the pain that originally prompted their use has subsided, you might well wonder whether you're addicted to painkillers. Though many people take painkillers following a ...
... . If you have determined you have a problem, there are a few ways to get off a prescription pain medication: Contact a medical provider to discuss your options for inpatient or outpatient therapy for drug abuse or misuse ... 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 ...
... damage in some cases. The physical health risks are only the beginning, as prolonged abuse of opioid pain medication can contribute to mental health issues as well. Use of painkillers (especially at high doses) triggers ... continue reading -
The Effects of Painkiller Use
A painkiller can be any one of a number of drugs, from over-the-counter (OTC) medications like Tylenol, ibuprofen, and aspirin, to prescribed drugs like oxycodone, codeine, morphine, Vicodin, and hydrocodone. All painkillers carry risks—even OTC ...
... , either intentional or accidental, poses a very real risk when taking any OTC or prescription pain medication. Taking a higher dose than recommended of acetaminophen can be dangerous and lead to acetaminophen toxicity ... continue reading -
Percocet Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment
Since the mid-1990s, rates of prescription drug abuse have skyrocketed. Today, the widespread abuse of prescription medication—whether this involves opioid painkillers, sedatives, or stimulants—is being recognized as a serious national health ...
... Use The Monitoring the Future study, conducted by the University of Michigan, documents the alarming rates of pain medication abuse in teens. In 2015, 8.4% of seniors in high school reported having tried narcotic ... 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 ...
... . Conclusion Data show us that opioids, especially Dilaudid, can cause severe addiction for those struggling with pain. These medications are not intended to be a curative or long-term treatment, but a way to temporarily ... continue reading -
Signs & Symptoms of Hydromorphone Abuse
Hydromorphone is a prescription medication used for the long-term treatment of moderate to severe pain that cannot be managed by other pain medicines or non-pharmacologic options. Hydromorphone is an opioid pain medication that is available as a(n) ...
... Dangerous is Hydromorphone? Opioids like hydromorphone can wreak havoc on a user. Consider these statistics 5 : Opioid pain medications caused 19,000 deaths in the U.S. during 2014. Among people age 15-24, men account ... continue reading -
America’s Pill Mills
For the past 20 years, the U.S. has been in the midst of an invisible and deadly battle. Prescription opioids. Once thought to be a safe treatment for chronic pain with little to no risk of addiction , they've now caused more than 47,000 overdose ...
... growing volume of painkiller prescriptions has resulted in excess. Many patients are illegally sharing their prescribed pain medications. Out of the respondents who know someone who has overdosed, 50 percent have taken a ... continue reading -
Yes, Suboxone is Sober & The Truth About Suboxone
In 2014, almost 2 million Americans abused or were dependent on prescription pain medication. During that same time, as many as one in four people who received opioids for treatment of long-term pain in primary care settings struggled with an opioid ...
... “full” opioids, including the high from using and any pain relief. Due to these reasons, Suboxone has a substantially lower abuse potential than other MAT medications, such as methadone . Suboxone Doesn't Work The opiate ... continue reading -
AmeRxica’s Most Medicated
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, over 54 million people have used prescription medication non-medically - effectively more than 20 percent of the population aged 12 and older. When our doctor puts pen to paper and hands us a ...
... across the U.S., rates of heroin usage have nearly doubled since 2007. Hydrocodone, another opioid pain medication, had almost 33 million grams prescribed, and GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate) - a central nervous depressant ... 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 ...
... periods of time—often post-surgery, or in cases where other pain medications are ineffective. While morphine effectively reduces feelings of pain, its use is sometimes accompanied by pleasurable effects, which makes it ... 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 ...
... a powerful drug like ACTIQ is difficult to ignore. In 2014, nearly 4.3 million people reported recent abuse of pain medications like 5 . Per the DEA 3 : About 20,000 people presented to emergency rooms for issues related ... continue reading -
Flexeril Overdose Signs, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Prevention, and Treatment
What Is Flexeril? Flexeril, a branded form of cyclobenzaprine, is a muscle relaxant that can treat musculoskeletal pain and stiffness, such as that which is associated with muscle spasms. This drug works by decreasing somatic motor activity , 1 ...
... that 2 million American adults use muscle relaxants, with 2/3 of this group taking additional medication to manage some sort of pain. 4 While Flexeril is intended for short-term use, muscle relaxants are often used ... 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 ...
... establish healthy patterns and skills for long-term recovery. Like heroin and many prescription pain medications , methadone is an opioid medication. 1 The difference is that methadone has a more gradual onset and causes ... 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 ...
... activates the same receptors that other opioids act on, including inhibition of pain transmission, making it an effective medication for neuropathic pain as well. 5 Given that it does not create the euphoria that ... continue reading -
Closing Candy Land: Our Vets are Stuck in the VA’s Revolving Door
Across our nation, the brave men and women who defended its freedoms are suffering. The burden they bear isn't regret, loss, emotional trauma or illness…even though all of these things may be present. No, the cargo many of them carry is the weight ...
... pills it prescribes. On the other hand, a growing number of complaints are voiced about the VA withholding pain medication. It would certainly appear we have a lack of consistency; some VA locations pass out plenty of ... 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 ...
... 2.16 million times in 2022 and is indicated for use when other pain medications, including other opioids, do not effectively reduce pain. 2 People misuse hydromorphone for a variety of perceived benefits of taking the ... continue reading -
Naltrexone Side Effects, Use in Addiction Treatment, and Rehab Programs
For those struggling with alcohol or opioid addiction, what's commonly referred to as MAT—short for medication-assisted treatment or medication for addiction treatment—can help people quit drinking and using drugs to maintain long-term sobriety. ...
... withdrawal from opioids should not use naltrexone. 5 Certain cough medications can contain opioid pain medications, so you should discuss the use of these medications with your doctor or pharmacist. 6 In addition, people ... 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 ...
... full opioid agonist that works on the same opioid receptors in the brain as heroin, morphine, and other opioid pain medications. It does so more slowly than other opioids, in a way that doesn't make someone who is opioid ... 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 ...
... 2014 as a result of opioid or opiate overdose , which includes overdoses on heroin and prescription pain medications. Quitting opiates can be challenging—attempts to slow or abruptly stop use often precipitate the onset ... continue reading -
Drug and Alcohol Rehab for Veterans
Veterans frequently face a range of challenges as they readjust to civilian life after separation from the military. Substance use, mental health disorders, service-related injuries, and chronic pain are common among veterans. 1 Veterans are at ...
... . 3 There are several reasons why veterans use substances. Service-related injuries and chronic pain are often managed with pain medications , which can lead to opioid abuse. 1,3 Veterans with mental health disorders may ... continue reading -
Kratom Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment
What Is Kratom? Kratom ( Mitragyna speciosa ) is a tree-like plant from Southeast Asia that belongs to the same family of plants as coffee and gardenias. Kratom has been used as an herbal remedy in Thailand and neighboring countries for hundreds of ...
... of kratom and O-desmethyltramadol, a chemical otherwise encountered as a metabolite of the pain medication tramadol (Ultram.) This combination increases the depressive effects on the central nervous system and ... continue reading -
Concurrent Alcohol and Fentanyl Abuse
Alcohol and Fentanyl Abuse Alcohol and fentanyl are drugs of dependence that are dangerous and highly addictive. Frequent or long-term use can result in many negative consequences, including death. Concurrent substance use disorders involving ...
... is a synthetic opioid that is prescribed to manage chronic or breakthrough pain (flare-ups of discomfort or severe pain while on pain medications). It is prescribed for at-home use as lozenges, tablets, patches, and ... 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 ...
... is also bought and sold on the black market. Over the years, prescriptions for methadone as a pain medication have increased and, perhaps unsurprisingly, so have deaths from overdose. Because methadone is a long-acting ... continue reading -
Xanax Overdose Symptoms, Signs & Treatment
What Is Xanax Used For? Xanax, also known generically as alprazolam, is a benzodiazepine medication commonly prescribed for the treatment of anxiety and panic disorders. 1 More infrequent, off-label uses for Xanax include managing agoraphobia (fear ...
... risk of death occurs whenever you consume Xanax in combination with alcohol , other sedatives, opioid pain medications, or illicit opiates, such as heroin. Another risk factor for Xanax overdose is building a tolerance ... continue reading -
Concurrent Alcohol and Lortab Abuse
Substance abuse experts indicate that it is never safe to mix alcohol and Lortab . Although Lortab is a relatively harmless pain reliever when used appropriately and alcohol is safe in moderation, the combined effects of mixing Lortab and alcohol ...
... Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) states that as many as 4.3 million people used prescription pain medications such as Lortab for non-medical purposes in the month before taking the survey. Alcohol addiction is also ... continue reading -
Opana: The New Opiate of Choice Among Addicts?
In 1995, the Food and Drug Administration approved the opioid OxyContin for treating chronic pain. The drug netted a quick $45 million in sales its first year on the market. Ten years later, sales of OxyContin ballooned to $3.1 billion and the ...
... Drug Administration approved the opioid OxyContin for treating chronic pain. The drug netted a quick $45 million in ... otherwise known as oxymorphone, is a prescription pain medication that provides a “rush” similar to ... continue reading -
Prescription Opiates: As Addictive as Heroin?
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than 21.5 million Americans aged 12 and older met the criteria for substance use disorder in 2014. Of these, 1.9 million were addicted to prescription opiate pain medications and 586,000 ...
... criteria for substance use disorder in 2014. Of these, 1.9 million were addicted to prescription opiate pain medications and 586,000 were addicted to heroin. 1 With massive increases in opiate-related overdose deaths and ... 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 ...
... ), or use illicit opioid drugs . Some cough syrups may contain opioid pain medication, so it is important to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking. 1 You shouldn't take naltrexone if you have opioids ... continue reading -
5 Naloxone Myths Debunked
Naloxone History Lesson Naloxone is not a new medication. In fact, emergency responders have used naloxone since the 1960s. Today, worried parents keep naloxone on hand, law enforcement officers carry the medication in case of life-threatening ...
... in case of life-threatening emergencies, and doctors prescribe the overdose antidote to patients taking opiate pain medications . Thanks to the increased availability, the CDC reports more than 10,000 overdose reversals ... continue reading -
Lethal Drug Combinations to Avoid
What Are the Deadliest Drug Combos? Combining drugs (“polysubstance abuse”) is both common and potentially dangerous. There are various reasons why individuals use substances in combination. For some, the activity is done haphazardly, without ...
... opiate precursor substances such as morphine and thebaine. Common synthetic opioids are prescription pain medications like hydrocodone, oxycodone, and tramadol. Opioids , including heroin and painkillers like OxyContin ... continue reading -
How to Help a Fentanyl Addict
Fentanyl is an opiate narcotic used to relieve severe pain, such as breakthrough cancer pain. It is extremely potent - 50-100 times more potent than morphine and 30-50 times more potent than heroin . Fentanyl is often mixed with heroin or cocaine ...
... facilities). Is Fentanyl Addictive? While fentanyl may not be as well known as more commonly prescribed pain medications, synthetic opiate drugs like it are being increasingly abused on a regular basis. In response to ... continue reading -
30 Famous Athletes Who Have Battled Drug Addiction and Alcoholism
1. Michael Phelps Eight-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer Michael Phelps has not only plunged into the water, but also into drugs. In 2009, he lost his endorsement contract with Kellogg's after a photo emerged of him taking a hit of marijuana . 2. ...
... with cocaine and alcohol misuse . 4. Derek Boogaard NHL enforcer Derek Boogaard became addicted to prescription pain medication . A mix of oxycodone and alcohol led to his May 2011 death. 5. Diego Maradona Midfielder ... continue reading -
Penalties and Sentencing for Drug Abuse, Selling, and Smuggling in the USA
Problematic substance use has the potential to negatively impact every area of your life. As dependence and addiction to alcohol or other drugs develop, these substances may begin to influence your physical and mental health, significantly affecting ...
... Drugs that have approved medical uses but still have a strong potential for abuse and dependence. Cocaine . Many opioid pain medications like Vicodin , OxyContin , and methadone . Methamphetamine . Prescription stimulant ... continue reading -
Opioid Epidemic Coming for the Elderly
How Common is Opioid Abuse in the Elderly? Close your eyes and imagine an opioid addict. Who do you see? Would you think of a young, poor male injecting heroin and obsessing over how they will need to score their next hit to satisfy their compulsive ...
... without your doctor's knowledge or approval. Using the medication for pleasure instead of pain relief. Mixing the medication with other drugs or alcohol. Taking a medication that was not prescribed for you. About 35% of ... continue reading -
Alternatives to Painkillers
The 2012 National Health Interview Survey estimated that 126.1 million adults reported some pain in the previous 3 months, 25.3 million adults reported suffering from daily (chronic) pain, and 23.4 million reported experiencing a lot of it overall ...
... Guide As you can see, there are many avenues you can explore if you desire alternatives to medication in the treatment of your pain. The techniques that eventually work for you are likely going to depend on the type that ... continue reading -
Watch the Fahrenheit With Your Fentanyl
Fentanyl is an opiate (narcotic) pain reliever typically prescribed to people for severe, ongoing pain or after surgery. This medication is 50 times stronger than heroin and, needless to say, it can be very addictive. Fentanyl can be delivered in ...
Fentanyl is an opiate (narcotic) pain reliever typically prescribed to people for severe, ongoing pain or after surgery. This medication is 50 times stronger than heroin and, needless to say, it can be very addictive. ... continue reading -
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 ...
... , such as at parties or with friends. Those who suffer from chronic pain may misuse and abuse a hydrocodone-containing medication to alleviate pain. No matter the reason someone uses Tussionex, abusing it can bring about ... continue reading -
I’m Having Opiate Withdrawals – Am I Addicted?
Shelly's knee surgery went great. The doctor said she'd be running again in no time. Before she'd be ready for her next 5K, she'd have to endure some fairly intense pain and a lot of physical therapy. While in the hospital, Shelly received regular ...
... reached the point of dependency. Behavioral signs can include: Taking more medication than prescribed Taking opiates even when not needed for pain Going to multiple doctors to get more Getting opiates from someone other ... continue reading -
Roxy Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment
What Is Roxicodone Used For? Roxicodone (often called “roxies,” “roxy,” or “blues”) is one of the brand names for oxycodone —a powerful opioid prescription painkiller. Roxicodone is prescribed to alleviate pain that cannot be managed ...
... take more Roxicodone to achieve the same level of pain reduction and/or high. Dependence —the body's ... as well as ways to properly store and count medication. Youth prevention education provided in the school setting ... continue reading -
How Concerned Should We Be About Opiates?
Opiates are a group of drugs that manage pain by depressing the central nervous system (CNS). There are two different kinds of opiates: natural and synthetic. Natural opiates come from the dried “milk” of the poppy plant and include opium, ...
... Demerol is a narcotic analgesic similar to morphine. It is used as a pain reliever and pre-operative medication. Side effects include confusion, convulsions, dizziness, drowsiness, low blood pressure, and slow heartbeat ... continue reading -
Take My Breath Away: A Deadly Warning About Opiates
You've just taken an opioid painkiller . The medication travels to your brain, making the pain sensations stop. The same opiates also make you feel much calmer, offering up a bonus anti-depressing effect. And that's the good news. The bad news is ...
You've just taken an opioid painkiller . The medication travels to your brain, making the pain sensations stop. The same opiates also make you feel much calmer, offering up a bonus anti-depressing effect. And that's the ... continue reading -
Gabapentin: New Drug of Abuse for People in Treatment? Risk vs. Reward
According to the Census in 2015, the United States had a total population of 321 million people. In that same year, 57 million prescriptions for gabapentin were written. Gabapentin—or its brand name Neurontin —is an anti-seizure medication which ...
... the withdrawal period. Alternatively, when people who struggle with opiate dependence take the medication, it helps to alleviate nerve pain and restless legs, both of which are associated with opiate withdrawal. Risk vs ... continue reading -
Actiq Fentanyl Lollipop Addiction
Fentanyl is a prescription medication that doctors prescribe to treat pain. Fentanyl is also manufactured and sold illegally. The powerful, synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. 1 In its prescription form, fentanyl is ...
... than prescribed, such as snorting. Taking someone else's medication, even for a legitimate medical complaint, such as pain. Taking a medication for its subjective effects, such as “getting high.” Misusing prescription ... 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 ...
... This is because they are deemed necessary for pain management and for their use in palliative care, anesthesia, and treating opioid dependence. Opioid analgesic medications on the WHO's Model List of Essential Medicines ... 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 ...
... at controlling pain, and they're relatively cheap. Prescription opioids can relieve pain and lead ... skills, and continue additional forms of treatment (such as medication). 5 How to Find Help for Opioid Addiction If ... continue reading -
The Effects of Percocet Use
Is Percocet Harmful? When abused, Percocet can be quite harmful. Percocet is the brand name of a narcotic pain reliever containing a combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen (Tylenol) that is used to treat moderate to severe pain. The short-term ...
... -Term Effects of Percocet Though Percocet and other oxycodone-containing medications were originally used only for acute (short-term) pain, changes in government recommendations and aggressive marketing by pharmaceutical ... continue reading -
The Effects of Vicodin Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
What Is Vicodin Used For? Vicodin is an prescription painkiller medication that is comprised of two substances: Hydrocodone . Acetaminophen . Hydrocodone is an opiate drug that works as a pain reliever and is useful in managing multiple levels of ...
... Used For? Vicodin is an prescription painkiller medication that is comprised of two substances: Hydrocodone . Acetaminophen . Hydrocodone is an opiate drug that works as a pain reliever and is useful in managing multiple ... continue reading -
Effects of Drugs on the Brain: Impact of Drugs on Neurotransmitters
For many people, addiction can be difficult to understand. Understanding how drugs affect the brain can help shed some light on how a person develops an addiction. This article will discuss how various drugs affect the chemistry of the brain and ...
... or fatigue. Medically, opioids are an important treatment for people who have severe pain that cannot be controlled with other medications. Individuals who misuse illicit or prescription opioids may do so because these ... 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 ...
... of a long-term treatment regimen for significant pain in opioid-tolerant individuals. Depending on the ... people who use substances as a form of self-medication will only conceal their underlying mental health concerns. Use ... continue reading -
Am I Addicted to Prescription Drugs? How Can I Quit Safely?
If you've been using prescription drugs in a way that was not intended by your doctor, then it is possible that you are dependent on them, and dependency often leads to addiction. While addiction can be frightening, the good news is there's plenty ...
... the drug even after detoxing from it. Furthermore, just because you need an increasing dose of medication to control your pain does not mean that you are addicted. You may need an increased dose because the underlying ... 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, ...
... 6 Heavy sweating. 3, 5 Injection site reactions, such as pain, itching, or redness. 5 Insomnia. 3, 5 Nausea or ... event of a possible opioid overdose. 5 This medication will temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid ... continue reading -
The Effects of OxyContin Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
What Is OxyContin Used For? OxyContin is an opiate that is often prescribed for moderate-to-strong post-surgical pain or more chronic pain situations. Prescription rates are high in the United States. The drug contains oxycodone —a substance that ...
... relatively short-acting, but this new formulation would slowly dissolve and release the medication over time to prolong the duration of pain relief. In an attempt to bypass this time-release mechanism, users seeking an ... continue reading -
Tramadol Addiction Symptoms, Side Effects, and Treatment
If you or a loved one are misusing the opioid medication tramadol, this article will help you understand: What tramadol is. Signs of tramadol abuse. Symptoms of tramadol withdrawal and overdose. Treatment for tramadol addiction. What Is Tramadol? ...
... and overdose. Treatment for tramadol addiction. What Is Tramadol? Tramadol is an opioid analgesic medication prescribed for pain relief. 1 When it is used as prescribed, tramadol can be effective in managing moderate ... 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, ...
... always a chance of side effects, even when the medication is taken as prescribed. However, some of those ... 4 The absence of the opioid can cause discomfort, pain, and even withdrawal symptoms. 4 Oxycodone Overdose With ... continue reading -
Side Effects of Hydrocodone Misuse & Addiction
Hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic opioid that has a similar effect to morphine and is prescribed as a cough suppressant or to manage specific types of pain. 1 The most commonly known brands of hydrocodone are Vicodin and Lortab. 1 In this article, you ...
... as a cough suppressant or to manage specific types of pain. 1 The most commonly known brands of hydrocodone are ... that may include group therapy, individual therapy, and medication management. IOP is a part-day program with ... 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” ...
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 ... 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 ...
... in the brain that modulate pain, leading to feelings of pleasure and pain relief.. 5 Painkilling qualities is ... . 7 In a handful of states, these medications can be dispensed in small amounts by pharmacists without ... continue reading -
Chicken vs. Egg: Which Came First, Heroin or OxyContin Addiction?
For centuries, people have debated one age old question: which came first, the chicken or the egg? While both sides of this argument have their valid points, the question itself has evolved, making its way into other areas of society, including the ...
... is that there are some serious misconceptions about medication-assisted detox , the most pressing being that you ... is still one of the most frequently prescribed pain-relieving opioids in the U.S. Its main ingredient ... continue reading -
Neurontin Abuse Signs, Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment
What Is Neurontin/Gabapentin? Neurontin is the brand name for gabapentin . Neurontin is an anticonvulsant medication. Its intended use is to treat epilepsy with partial onset seizures and nerve pain related to shingles. However, the drug is ...
... the brand name for gabapentin . Neurontin is an anticonvulsant medication. Its intended use is to treat epilepsy with partial onset seizures and nerve pain related to shingles. However, the drug is frequently prescribed ... continue reading -
How to Get Help for Ketamine Addiction
About Ketamine Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic—a chemical cousin of PCP. Its use as a recreational drug can increase a person's risk of developing addiction and hasten the emergence of long-term psychological effects, including: Memory ...
... you sustained any injuries because you felt indifferent to pain while on ketamine? Have you stolen ketamine or ... may need more intensive treatment, a change in medication, or changes in your personal and social life ... 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 ...
... 't end once you leave a program. Is Percocet Addictive? Doctors prescribe Percocet to relieve a variety of significant pain presentations. The medication works by altering the way your brain and nervous system respond to ... continue reading -
Codeine Overdose Symptoms, Prevention, and Addiction Treatment
A national crisis, opioid abuse includes a wide range of drugs—from heroin to any number of prescription medications. Nearly 4 million Americans older than 12—1.4% of the population—abuse prescription pain relievers, including codeine. Half a ...
... of drugs—from heroin to any number of prescription medications. Nearly 4 million Americans older than 12—1.4% of the population—abuse prescription pain relievers, including codeine. Half a percent of adolescents between ... continue reading -
Ambien Overdose Symptoms, Risk Factors, Prevention, and Treatment
What Is Ambien Used For? Ambien—also known by the generic name zolpidem—is a non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic medication frequently prescribed to people who suffer from insomnia. Ambien works by slowing certain brain activity, encouraging ...
... or not fully awake (including driving). Stomach pains. Uncontrollable tremors or shaking . Unsteady gait ... 1 Precautions to Take Do not take any other medications while taking Ambien unless they are approved by your ... continue reading -
Can You Overdose on Painkillers?
Some of the most predominantly prescribed pain management medications are opioid analgesics (painkillers). These prescription drugs interact with opioid receptors throughout the brain, initiating a chain of events that ultimately brings pain relief ...
Some of the most predominantly prescribed pain management medications are opioid analgesics (painkillers). These prescription drugs interact with opioid receptors throughout the brain, initiating a chain of events that ... 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 ...
... with being slowly absorbed through the GI tract), helps to relieve breakthrough pain related to cancer that is not well managed by other opioid medications. 1,2 In an ever-worsening opioid epidemic, fentanyl is playing a ... continue reading -
Oxycodone Abuse Signs, Symptoms, Effects, and Treatment
What Is Oxycodone Used For? “Those addicted to prescription opiates like oxycodone are 40 times more likely to develop a heroin abuse problem.” Oxycodone is a pain-relieving drug that is prescribed frequently to address moderate-to-severe pain. ...
... People are at risk of these phenomena even when the medication is taken as prescribed and, over time, addiction to ... . Desirable Oxycodone Effects Perceptions of less physical pain. Feelings of joy and happiness—referred to ... continue reading -
How to Help a Vicodin Addict
Help for Vicodin Addiction Vicodin is one of the many brand names for the combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone . Hydrocodone is an opioid used to treat moderate and severe pain , as well as being a treatment for coughs. The acetaminophen is ...
... loved one about their problem with Vicodin can be intimidating—especially if they began taking the medication to manage pain. Try to remain optimistic and positive, because you could very well help them into treatment ... continue reading -
What Are the Effects of Ambien Use?
What Is Zolpidem/Ambien Used For? Ambien is the brand name for zolpidem tartrate, a sedative-hypnotic. When you take Ambien correctly, it can make you feel relaxed, comfortable, and sleepy. The United States Drug Enforcement Agency classifies the ...
... : Skin rash. Hives. Trouble breathing. Chest pains. Long-Term Side Effects of Ambien Use One of the more serious effects of taking Ambien is developing a tolerance to the medication. If you have an increased tolerance to ... continue reading -
Methadone Withdrawal Symptoms, Detox, Timeline, and Treatment
Methadone is a medication that is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD). It is also sometimes used to manage chronic pain. 1 An OUD is a chronic brain disease characterized by a ...
Methadone is a medication that is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD). It is also sometimes used to manage chronic pain. 1 An OUD is a chronic brain ... continue reading -
What Recreational Drugs Cause Liver Damage? Drugs and Liver Disease
The Function of the Liver The liver plays an extremely important role in the body. It ensures the removal of toxins and has numerous other functions, including: Fat metabolism: Liver cells—or hepatocytes—are able to process dietary and stored ...
... drugs. Below are just a few of the many medications that can cause drug-induced hepatitis: 5 Acetaminophen ... of liver damage include: 5,18 Dark urine. Fever. Pain in the abdomen. Nausea. Vomiting. Headache. Diarrhea. White ... continue reading -
The Effects of Opana Use
Is Opana Harmful? Opana is a prescription opioid pain-reliever containing the active ingredient oxymorphone. Oxymorphone is a semi-synthetic opioid agonist, meaning it binds to the opioid receptors in your brain to elicit its effects. You may have ...
... released into your system so that you can remain pain-free for a sustained duration of time without having to take ... dose to counter any tolerance that developed to the medication or simply because you liked the way it ... 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 ...
... not have opioids in their system, and it is not a medication or treatment for OUD. 1 Naloxone can be injected into muscle ... 6,12 Those who take prescription opioids for pain management, especially those who take high doses ... continue reading -
Free, National, and 24-Hour Narcotics Hotline Numbers and Resources
Call American Addiction Centers (AAC) free at What Are Narcotics? Narcotics, commonly referred to as opioid pain relievers, are only used for severe pain if other pain relievers do not help. 1 The drugs not only help relieve severe pain but also ...
... involving narcotics abuse in the United States. Pain-relieving, euphoria-inducing opioids such as morphine, ... . Those questions could include: Can I get addicted to medication that is prescribed to me? How do I know if ... 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 ...
... . 2 This includes: 2 Some cough and cold solutions. Antidiarrheal remedies. Opioid pain medicines. If you intend to take any of these medications while on Vivitrol, it is important to notify your prescribing doctor or ... continue reading -
Gabapentin Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, Overdose, & Treatment
What Is Gabapentin Neurontin? Gabapentin Neurontin is an anticonvulsant that comes in a capsule, tablet, and oral solution. It is used to manage certain seizure disorders, as well as the neuropathic pain phenomenon known as post-herpetic neuralgia ...
... the neuropathic pain phenomenon known as post-herpetic neuralgia (lasting nerve and skin pain caused by ... taking it with an opioid, muscle relaxant, or anxiety medication. 8.6% were using it with other illicit substances. ... continue reading
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