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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 ...
... and prevent relapse once you've become medically stable. FDA-approved medications for treating opioid withdrawal symptoms and/or the treatment of opioid use disorder include: 7,10,20,21 Methadone . This medication is a ... 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 ...
... supervised detox. Depending on the severity of your opioid dependence, some programs will provide medications like methadone or buprenorphine to lessen the pain of withdrawal and lower your cravings for more. This can ... 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 ...
... , most programs offer group therapy sessions several hours each week. Before considering going through withdrawal, detox, and/or rehab for opioid addiction, it is best to first talk to your doctor about your current ... 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 ...
... create dependency in both prescription and recreational users, and withdrawal symptoms will emerge when an opioid-dependent person stops using the drug. Withdrawal symptoms will commonly present between 12 and 30 hours ... 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 ...
... as if they require the drug to function normally and will indefinitely experience a characteristic set of opioid withdrawal symptoms any time use is abruptly ended. A number of factors will influence the exact nature of ... 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 ...
... Roxicodone will need to continue taking it in order to avoid opioid withdrawal symptoms . A person's desire to avoid unpleasant roxy withdrawal symptoms is a significant contributor to continued use, making it extremely ... 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 ...
... drug exactly as prescribed—it is a more common development among those who abuse it. An opioid-dependent person will experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop or decrease their use. Due to the severe discomfort of ... 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 ...
... to learn how to do those things without the drug. Opana Withdrawal Treatment Stopping Opana abruptly can lead to significant opioid withdrawal symptoms and thus detoxing alone can contribute to increased risk of relapse ... continue reading -
Tramadol Withdrawal and Detox
Tramadol is a somewhat atypical prescription painkiller, with both opioid and monoamine reuptake inhibiting pharmacological properties. 1 In the U.S., tramadol is approved for use in managing moderately severe pain and has historically been marketed ...
... is often marked by f lu-like symptoms and strong cravings for more tramadol. 1 While opioid withdrawal symptoms usually are not life threatening, they may be uncomfortable. Because of the potentially uncomfortable nature ... 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 ...
... is stopped or decreased, the body must adjust to the changes and it will take time to recover normal functioning. Opioid withdrawal can begin within a few hours to a few days after the user has quit or decreased use 9,10 ... continue reading -
Tussionex Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Treatment
What Is Tussionex? Tussionex is a prescription medication that includes a combination of chlorpheniramine—an antihistamine 1 —and the opioid painkiller hydrocodone . It is prescribed to treat respiratory symptoms—such as coughs—related to ...
... It belongs to a class of drugs known as opioids, 2 which includes serious drugs of abuse like ... to achieve the desired effect or high. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when Tussionex use is suddenly stopped or decreased ... 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 ...
... can be given without the risk of the same highs and lows that the abused opioid drug can cause. In this manner, it can reduce withdrawal symptoms and lower cravings and, in most cases, will be slowly tapered until full ... 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 ...
... . Medications used as part of MAT may include: Methadone — A long-acting synthetic opioid agonist medication. It is used to prevent withdrawal symptoms and help curb cravings. The drug has a long history of being used to ... 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 ...
... in the same family as morphine and oxycodone; like many other opioid substances, it has a high potential to lead to dependency ... support for those experiencing opiate withdrawal symptoms after stopping taking hydrocodone. ... continue reading -
Is Fentanyl Abuse More Deadly Than Heroin?
Fentanyl, a drug previously unheard of by many, has become notorious in recent years due to the spike in overdose deaths from heroin laced with the potent prescription narcotic. It gained even more notoriety when the April 2016 death of iconic ...
... to the street, and the consequences are often deadly. Where Does Fentanyl Come From? Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. The FDA approves this ... 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 ...
... up occupational, recreational, or social activities to use opioids. Developing tolerance, meaning you need more opioids to achieve previous effects. Experiencing opioid withdrawal when you stop using the drug. (Note: For ... 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 ...
... taper their dose of Dilaudid under the care of a physician in order to minimize uncomfortable opioid withdrawal symptoms and prevent opioid relapse . Depending on the severity of the addiction, detox may take place on an ... 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 ...
... intense to push those attempting to detox into an opioid relapse . Because of this, professional treatment is often recommended to manage withdrawal symptoms and increase the comfort of the patient during the ... 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 ...
... result, it is recommended to seek professional treatment for hydrocodone (and other opioid) addiction so the individual can learn to manage withdrawal symptoms, cravings and urges. There are different levels of drug and ... continue reading -
Morphine Abuse Signs, Symptoms, Effects, and Treatment
What Is Morphine Used For? Morphine is the primary chemical component of opium. It is an opioid analgesic drug that is used to treat severe pain, and it is regarded as the gold standard of pain relievers. Morphine use can create a high that includes ...
... of successfully completing detox. Because of high rates of relapse and the many intense withdrawal symptoms associated with opioid use, detox and inpatient rehab programs are great options for people suffering from ... 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 ...
... effects. Since Vicodin is comprised of an opioid, Vicodin withdrawal will mirror symptoms associated with withdrawal from heroin. Vicodin withdrawal symptoms include: Pain throughout the body. Discomfort and restlessness ... 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 ...
... process and may include the administration of medications to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawing from opioids can be very difficult, often times leading to relapse and sometimes overdose. Supervised detoxification ... continue reading -
How to Help a Tussionex Addict
Tussionex is a combination of hydrocodone, an opioid painkiller and cough suppressant, and chlorpheniramine, an antihistamine which eases allergy symptoms 1 . As a cough medicine, Tussionex is frequently prescribed to both children and adults. It is ...
... abused by people seeking to get high. Hydrocodone is an opioid capable of eliciting feelings of euphoria and has a high ... using the drug, they may experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Detox programs are short-term ... continue reading -
Vicodin Addiction Symptoms and Treatment
Vicodin is a readily available narcotic drug and is prescribed by doctors to alleviate all types of pain. Vicodin addiction can have a variety of negative consequences for every person who struggles with it. The consequences of Vicodin use can be ...
... should not abruptly stop using the drug, as withdrawal will occur and is very dangerous to manage without ... them. The misuse of Vicodin and other opioids is particularly disturbing because many people—including friends ... 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 ...
... 6, 7 It's a full opioid agonist. Methadone helps to prevent or alleviate opioid withdrawal symptoms and staves off or reduces ... within the same organization, may have different policies or attitudes. Don't hesitate to ask ... continue reading -
Which Side of the Naloxone Debate Are You On?
With the opioid epidemic claiming nearly 78 lives each and every day, President-elect Trump has his work cut out for him in the drug arena. One of his stated policies involves increasing access to naloxone, a medication used to reverse overdose from ...
... his stated policies involves increasing access to naloxone, a medication used to reverse overdose from opioids like heroin ... entirely after 90 minutes, leaving behind an opiate withdrawal that is so brutal, it leaves users ... 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 ...
... use despite harmful consequences in order to avoid these withdrawal symptoms. 2,3 Prescription opiates affect the brain ... % of individuals who use heroin will develop an opioid addiction. 1 In 2014, 18,893 overdose deaths ... 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 ...
... eventually came forward, reporting that the new policies caused a spike in depression, panic attacks and other withdrawal problems - all thanks to the sudden stoppage of opioid meds. What Does the Future Hold for ... continue reading -
The Vicious Attack Against Suboxone Continues
Buprenorphine, the generic name for Suboxone, is a medication used to treat opiate dependence - it helps minimize withdrawal symptoms. It's often an essential part of a person's recovery plan, mainly due to its accessibility. Users can attain it ...
... used to treat opiate dependence - it helps minimize withdrawal symptoms. It's often an essential part of ... happening - especially in light of a full-blown opioid epidemic sweeping the country? Round and Round The Suboxone ... continue reading -
Opioid Overdose Symptoms and Treatment
Opioids are a class of substances that includes many synthetic and semi-synthetic drugs manufactured from opiate alkaloid precursors found in the opium poppy. Some of the most commonly prescribed opioid medications— Vicodin , OxyContin , and ...
... , a person abusing them faces the risk of fatal overdose. “In 2015, almost 18,000 people died of an opioid medication overdose , 1 so recognizing the symptoms of an overdose could help save your life or that of someone ... 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 ...
... the med-makers. The full-force of the pharmaceutical industry has been felt in multiple states on multiple opioid-related issues. A few examples: A proposed bill in Tennessee was designed to reduce the number of newborns ... continue reading -
Does Opioid Addiction Cause Sexual Dysfunction in Men?
A new study out of India has found that most men suffering from opioid addiction are also dealing with sexual dysfunction as a result. The research paper, titled “Sexual Dysfunction in Men Seeking Treatment for Opioid Dependence: A Study from ...
... were observed, 100 of whom were addicted to opioids for at least a year and 50 healthy participants ... erectile dysfunction rates were as high as 52 percent in opioid addicts. Meanwhile, a 2002 survey published in the ... 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 ...
... depression - a potentially fatal side effect of opioids which can cause a person to stop breathing. ... self-reports such as the following: “ Help. Tramadol withdrawals. ” “ Tramadol: A WARNING. Not the usual warning ... 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 ...
... is a 7- to 10-day recommendation to be opioid-free before starting Vivitrol. 2 As an opioid antagonist, Vivitrol will block your opioid receptors and cause withdrawal symptoms if your body is used to functioning with a ... continue reading -
Opioid Relapse Rates, Prevention and Recovery
Opioid addiction is a chronic relapse disease, meaning that many people who initially find recovery may experience times when they return to past behaviors and usage. This is especially common with opioids, as many nations in North America are ...
... and can result in a spiral into old patterns of abuse. First, try to remind yourself that the relapse rate for opioid addiction is as high as 91%, so you are in the majority. Then stop and think about what led to this ... continue reading -
Public Restrooms Have Become Ground Zero in Opioid Epidemic
The opioid epidemic has impacted countless families, but according to a recent article on NPR.org , people aren't the only ones affected. Public restrooms have become the newest casualty in the midst of the drug epidemic sweeping across our country. ...
... drug paraphernalia tucked above the tiles. One even trained his baristas to use naloxone, the drug that reverses an opioid overdoses . Still, there's very little guidance on this issue. And with it being against the law ... continue reading -
Free Opioid Hotline Numbers
Call Now Heroin and prescription painkiller medications are addictive narcotic drugs that are classified as opioids because they either directly derive from or are synthesized to resemble opiate alkaloid substances originally sourced from the opium ...
... are seeking help: How do I know if I am addicted to opiates? What kinds of treatments are available for opioid use disorder? Will I have go through detox ? Can I do this on an outpatient basis? How long will treatment ... 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 ...
... . It has several off-label uses, including the management of menopausal hot flashes, dysmenorrhea, and opioid withdrawal symptoms , as well as smoking cessation. Clonidine is available as both an immediate- and extended ... 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, ...
... dangerous, such as drinking while driving . Wanting to quit or trying to quit using opioids without success. Opioid withdrawal can be extremely uncomfortable, and this can make it difficult to stop using. While detoxing ... 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 ...
... and administered by appropriate medical personnel when possible. 1,15 People who regularly take opioids may have withdrawal symptoms after being given naloxone. These symptoms are not usually life-threatening and include ... 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 ...
... increase the dose gradually, carefully ensuring the patient isn't over-sedated, but also making sure to keep opioid withdrawal symptoms at bay. 3 Take-home doses may be given to the patient once they are stable and can ... 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 ...
... at risk of self-injury or suicide. Symptoms and Signs of Opioid Withdrawal Opiate withdrawal symptoms grow and change over time. Early symptoms of opioid withdrawal may include: 1,2,5 Watery eyes. Runny nose. Sweating ... 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. ...
... receptor antagonist. 1,2 Unlike buprenorphine or methadone , which are opioid receptor agonist medications used to manage opioid withdrawal and treat OUD, naltrexone binds to and prevents the activation of these same ... 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 ...
... as methadone, LAAM, or buprenorphine, symptoms may take anywhere from 1-2 days to present. 27 Withdrawal symptoms for short acting opioids usually peak within 1-3 days and taper off over the course of a week. Chronic ... 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 ...
... An estimated 1 out of 5 patients with pain not related to cancer or pain-related diagnoses are prescribed opioids in a clinical setting. Data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health show that while Dilaudid is ... 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 ...
... -opioids-oxycontin.html https://www.cbsnews.com/news/opioids-drug-overdose-killed-more-americans-last-year-than-the-vietnam-war/ https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/fix-opioid-crisis-doctors-me-may-have-let-patients-be ... continue reading -
Methadone Overdose Symptoms, Prevention, and Addiction Treatment
Methadone is a long-acting opioid agonist that works by reducing the effects of other opioids. 1 It is FDA-approved for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD), and it can be used on a short-term or long-term basis to help reduce opioid-related ...
... (OUD), and it can be used on a short-term or long-term basis to help reduce opioid-related cravings and withdrawal symptoms and improve health outcomes. 1, 2 When taken as prescribed, methadone is a safe and effective ... continue reading -
Naltrexone for Addiction Treatment: Side Effects and Rehabilitation
Successful addiction treatment can be life-changing, and medication for addiction treatment (MAT) is an effective tool that can promote both abstinence and long-term recovery. Naltrexone is one medication in the MAT armamentarium that is highly ...
... . Naltrexone may not be appropriate for people who are: 3 Currently using illicit opioids. Experiencing active opioid withdrawal. Still detoxing from alcohol . Pregnant or breastfeeding. Dealing with liver or kidney ... continue reading -
Effects of Roxicodone Addiction
Roxicodone (“Roxy”) is one available brand version of oxycodone—a powerful semi-synthetic opioid painkiller. 1,2 The medicinal effect of opioids like oxycodone is brought on by a change in the way the brain and body respond to pain. Rather ...
... in favor of using. Seeking out multiple doctors (“doctor shopping”) to get Roxicodone. Withdrawal Treatment While opioid withdrawal rarely puts the individual in danger of medical complications, the acute ... 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 ...
... and suboxone distribution - drugs used to help treat the symptoms of withdrawal from opioids . Of the top 10 states for opioid distribution per 100,000 residents, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, and West Virginia ranked ... continue reading -
The Other Side of Suboxone
It's become a commonly prescribed medical treatment for opioid addiction . In some cases, doctors prescribe Suboxone with the intention of stabilize those struggling with continued, compulsive abuse of illicit or prescription opioids to then, one ...
... mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. When this treatment drug is misused, recurrent episodes of opioid withdrawal become more likely and can take their toll on a person as they further drive a compulsive ... 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, ...
... in the process. “In the last about 10 years, there's been a huge increase in the amount of opioid use and opioid abuse and dependence . In addition, there's been a really stark increase in overdose deaths related to ... 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 ...
... -acting medications that are taken daily. These drugs can be used to assist in opioid withdrawal during what is called “ opioid detoxification ,” and as medication-assisted therapies (MAT) for long-term treatment. Both ... continue reading -
Fentanyl Overdose
The U.S. opioid epidemic is a national public health emergency. 1 Between January 31, 2020, and January 31, 2021, overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids, primarily illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF), increased by nearly 56%. 2 Every day, ...
... use disorder (e.g., methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone) can help manage cravings, ease withdrawal symptoms, and block the effects of opioids. These medications are safe and effective and can improve the outcomes of ... continue reading -
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 ...
... is when stopping (or drastically decreasing) use of the drug causes withdrawal symptoms . Being dependent on opioids does not mean that person is addicted to opioids, but it can lead to addiction for some. 2 How to ... continue reading -
Signs of Morphine Overdose & What to Do
Morphine is an opioid painkiller with a high potential for misuse and addiction. While generally safe when taken as prescribed, morphine has the potential to cause an opioid overdose, especially when taken improperly or misused. 2 Morphine overdoses ...
... or liver failure. Being 65 years or older. Signs of Morphine Overdose Recognizing the signs of morphine and other opioid overdose can be pivotal in helping to save the lives of loved ones, yourself, or others . 2 The ... continue reading -
Snorting Percocet: Dangers & Risks
Percocet is a prescription opioid containing both oxycodone and acetaminophen. While it is an effective pain reliever, as a Schedule II controlled drug it has a high potential for abuse due to the oxycodone in it. Oxycodone is a semisynthetic opioid ...
... such as buprenorphine or Suboxone, which can help you relieve cravings and manage unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. An approach to opioid addiction recovery that has shown success for many individuals is the use of both ... continue reading -
Ryan Haight Act Stands in the Way of Buprenorphine Telehealth
It's against state and federal law to use telehealth (remote medical services) to obtain buprenorphine for the first time. Buprenorphine is a medication used to treat opioid use disorder, often known by its brand names—Suboxone and Subutex. This ...
... number to prescription painkillers being a starting point for opioid dependency . He said, “In the four corners part ... at National Council, where vice president for policy and advocacy, Rebecca Farley David, has called ... 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 ...
... professionals. 1,8 Lofexidine , an FDA-approved non-opioid medication to help reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms. Studies have shown that it can ease certain withdrawal symptoms, though it may not be as effective as ... continue reading -
Warning: 3 Dangerous Suboxone Interactions to Avoid
Suboxone is a popular, prescription-only drug that effectively suppresses opioid cravings and reduces the symptoms of opioid withdrawal. Although Suboxone has assisted thousands of individuals struggling with opioid addiction, the drug is not ...
... the amount of buprenorphine in the bloodstream of a Suboxone user, which may quickly lead to opioid withdrawal symptoms. Combining cocaine and Suboxone also increases the risk of a cocaine overdose. As a depressant ... 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 ...
... that drug users have a say in the programs and policies of which they are a part. Seeing drug users as ... treatment (MAT) for people who are addicted to opioids such as heroin and prescription painkillers . The most common ... continue reading -
Find a Drug and Alcohol Abuse Rehab Center in Connecticut
Connecticut, like the rest of the US, is profoundly affected by substance abuse, especially with the rising tide of opioid abuse. But the good news is that treatment can help you overcome drug dependence and addiction and restore health and ...
... , like the rest of the US, is profoundly affected by substance abuse, especially with the rising tide of opioid abuse. But the good news is that treatment can help you overcome drug dependence and addiction and restore ... 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 ...
... heroin addiction self-assessment quiz is designed to help evaluate whether you may be misusing heroin, an opioid drug derived from morphine. While this assessment does not replace a clinical diagnosis from a professional ... continue reading -
12 of the Most Addictive Drugs
Addiction affects millions of lives in the U.S. It is a chronic disease that frequently includes cycles of relapse and remission, and it is progressive without treatment or participation in recovery work. It is characterized by being unable to ...
... drug. 22 Individuals who suddenly stop (or notably decrease) regular use of opioids can go through withdrawal. Opioid withdrawal can be extremely uncomfortable but is generally not life threatening. However, individuals ... 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 ...
... Services Administration recently issued the 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, which stated that as the opioid crisis continues, so does the availability of MAT—but it's still not enough to meet the growing ... 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 ...
... ) and return to a more stable and productive life. Though these drugs that treat opioid dependence are successful in managing withdrawal and preventing relapse, they remain underused for a variety of reasons. One factor ... continue reading -
Should We Offer Suboxone in Jails and Prisons?
Of the hundreds of thousands of people entering our country's jails and prisons each year, an estimated 15% are addicted to opiates, according to a 2009 study. However, a majority of these facilities don't provide a single medication or moment of ...
... proposed is access to buprenorphine (Suboxone) , a medication widely used to wean people off opioids by relieving opioid withdrawal symptoms . It is similar to methadone, yet harder to abuse and generally less addictive ... 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, ...
... non-profit organizations may also distribute Naloxone for free. 5 If you or a loved one is prescribed an opioid, you should request a prescription of Naloxone and tell friends or family members where you have placed it ... 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 ...
... less pronounced, euphoric high. Methadone can reduce urges to use other opioids and prevent withdrawal. Naltrexone —An oral medication that blocks the opioid receptors in the brain and prevents people from experiencing a ... continue reading -
Gray Death: The New Killer on the Street
While heroin adulterated with fentanyl has been in the news in recent years and the risks are well-known, there is a new danger on the streets, and it's even deadlier. It is a frighteningly powerful combination of heroin and synthetic opioids known ...
... the risks skyrocket. “Gray death” is the most recent face of a troubling trend of new and stronger synthetic opioids being added (with or without the user's knowledge) to batches of heroin. What Is Gray Death? Gray death ... 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 run a marathon. Also, since people who misuse opioids can control how much and how often they take the ... abnormal neurotransmitter signaling caused by the drug. Withdrawal People who regularly misuse a drug or alcohol ... continue reading -
Ibogaine: Miracle Cure or Dangerous Botanical?
We all know healthcare providers and researchers are desperate to find solutions to the opioid crisis, but are they overlooking a possible cure? The answer, according to a recent article , appears to be yes. The article, which was published by The ...
... the “miracle cure” for addiction. While recent research seems to show ibogaine can significantly reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms and temporarily eliminate cravings, its use remains illegal in the U.S. A Story of ... 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 ...
... 44 people die each and every day as a result of respiratory arrest brought on by prescription opioid overdose. The opioids depress your breathing, bring on heavy sedation and make it impossible to wake up. What's more ... continue reading -
Why Is Heroin So Deadly Today?
For more than a century, heroin has been a dangerous drug of abuse. For years, people have been attracted to the substance's ability to produce a relatively inexpensive, rapid-onset, and intensely euphoric high. 1,2 While the drug's high holds a ...
... like heroin to deter continued abuse, while others will help to manage withdrawal and cravings by eliciting similar opioid effects in a safe, controlled way. Using drugs from sources on the street or the Internet is ... continue reading -
Ruthless Drug Dealer Ordered to Pay for His Client’s Funeral
Opioid abuse is killing thousands of Americans each year. Every day, nearly 100 lives are lost to the opioid epidemic. Many of these fatalities are caused by a deadly drug that's secretly added to baggies of heroin (or cocaine) as a cheap way for ...
... the results can be catastrophically deadly. Increase in Overdoses Linked to Fentanyl Last year, fentanyl and other synthetic opioids took over the number one cause for overdose deaths in the U.S. More than 20,000 people ... continue reading -
Lean Codeine (Purple Drank): Addiction and Treatment
Codeine is an opioid painkiller that is used in a variety of medications, but which also has a high potential for misuse and addiction. In particular, prescription-strength cough medicine containing codeine may be misused in the form of a narcotic ...
... them withdraw as comfortably as possible. Though codeine is a relatively low-potency opioid drug, should the acute opioid withdrawal syndrome be significantly severe, medications such as methadone , buprenorphine, and ... continue reading -
San Francisco Mayor Proposes Drug Distribution to Homeless
For San Francisco, the statistics related to opioid abuse are staggering: The Department of Public Health estimates there are 11,000 people addicted to heroin in San Francisco. It is estimated that thousands of these individuals are homeless. The ...
... 10-person team that would ultimately prescribe the medication to at least 250 homeless people who are addicted to opioids. Most of these dollars would come from the city's general fund, with $900K reimbursed to the city ... 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 ...
... . This simple act helps relieve symptoms like nausea, insomnia, and irritability normally experienced during early opioid withdrawal . What Are the Pros of Probuphine? With an implant, you don't have to worry about ... 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 ...
... side effects. The results showed this medicine was “effective in reducing the severity of withdrawal symptoms in opioid-dependent rodents.” Another encouraging aspect about their findings: the medication didn't affect an ... continue reading -
Oxycodone Overdose Symptoms and Treatment
Oxycodone is a semi-synthetic opioid painkiller that is available in a range of doses and formulations (brand names include OxyContin, Percocet, Percodan, and Roxicet). Individuals who abuse oxycodone are at high risk of experiencing an overdose, ...
... an overdose, which can prove fatal. In 2015 alone, almost 18,000 people died due to an overdose on opioid medications like oxycodone 1 . If signs of an overdose are caught and treated quickly, however, there is a much ... continue reading -
Why Is Heroin So Addictive?
Despite its dangers and reputation for harm, use of heroin continues to escalate in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Rates of heroin use have increased across gender, socioeconomic status, age group, ...
... on the surface of neural cells called opioid receptors . Opioid receptors are located throughout the body, including ... restarts the process and delays the onset of withdrawal symptoms by a few more hours. Heroin Treatment ... continue reading -
Suboxone Debate: What Is the Big Problem with Buprenorphine?
When it comes to this nation's chemical dependence, few drugs have achieved the notoriety and reputation of opioid drugs. In fact, things have spiraled so far out of control that opiate addiction is now considered an epidemic. Despite leaving a ...
... , injected or snorted, the naloxone blocks its effects and quickly throws users into withdrawal. 1 Although buprenorphine is an opioid, its overall effects are less than those of full agonist opiates like heroin and ... 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 ...
... : 9 Having strong cravings for codeine. Needing higher doses to achieve the same effects. Experiencing opioid withdrawal side effects when you stop taking codeine, such as restlessness and anxiety , muscle aches, nausea ... continue reading -
Opiate Alternatives: Doctor’s Got a Brand New Bag
We have seen a staggering increase in both opiate painkiller and heroin abuse over the last decade. As people become dependent on opiates - physically and psychologically - a vicious cycle of misuse and abuse develops. We've got millions struggling ...
... know is in physical pain, advocating for the best care possible may be necessary. And taking a prescription opioid may not be the best option. Through close examination of your needs, doctors can weigh the many options ... continue reading -
Seized
In 2015, Border Patrol prevented more than 1.5 million pounds of marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and meth from entering the United States. 1 In the same year, the Coast Guard intercepted 72 vessels and more than 150,000 pounds of drugs. 2 These ...
... see up to $4 million in government funding over the next two years to help expand access to opioid addiction treatment. 18 Other Northeastern states have similar heroin afflictions, like New Jersey, which had the third ... 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 ...
... . If you are struggling with a Neurontin abuse disorder alongside the use of other drugs such as opioids or alcohol, withdrawal may be even more complicated and dangerous, so it is extremely important not to try to detox ... 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 ...
... receptors in the brain, which may explain kratom's reputed ability to ease opioid withdrawal. 40 Methoxetamine has been shown to act in a similar way to other dissociative drugs like PCP and ketamine by blocking NMDA ... continue reading -
A Decade of American Drug Use
In the nation's ongoing drug crisis, grim statistics abound. Each day, approximately 115 Americans die of opioid overdoses. Methamphetamine use is on the rise, reviving a scourge public health officials once thought to be improving. Simultaneously, ...
... destructive effects on the human body. But as noted earlier, chronic pain can be a precipitating factor in opioid addiction - many users seek drugs due to a pre-existing illness or injury. Moreover, Americans have turned ... continue reading -
Krantom Addiction
Kratom is a drug being used by people in increasing numbers, though the exact number is not truly known at this time. 1 Kratom is not as well-known as other substances, such as opioids or marijuana, but its potential for misuse and adverse outcomes ...
... pain, or mental health disorders. 1 Research is currently underway to study how effective kratom might be in treating opioid withdrawal. 1 Side Effects of Use You may wonder what kratom does to you when you take it. At a ... continue reading -
Study: Medical Marijuana Cuts Use of Prescription Drugs
A recent study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine revealed that medical marijuana users take fewer other medicines—such as opiates. Researchers monitored the use of prescription medications among participants ...
... conducted at The University of Georgia found that areas with marijuana dispensaries had reduced numbers of opioid overdoses . Another paper , published in a Journal of the American Medical Association, discovered that ... continue reading -
Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment and Rehab Programs
Many prescription medications have the potential to become drugs of abuse if they are misused. Misuse of prescription drugs means taking them other than as prescribed. This includes taking a larger dose, using them more frequently, or taking them ...
... safety and well-being are important. If you are misusing prescription drugs like opioids or benzodiazepines, you may be at risk for withdrawal if you stop using or cut back, which can be very dangerous without medically ... continue reading -
Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms and Treatment
Many substances of abuse can lead to the development of physiological dependence—especially if they are taken in large amounts and for a long period of time. When a person becomes dependent on a substance and then decides to stop using it, they ...
... pulse. Sweating. Hallucinations. Delirium. Increased sensitivity to light, smells, and sounds. Tremors. Seizures. Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms Opioids are a class of drugs that include illicit drugs such as heroin, as well ... 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 ...
... Emily Feinstein , the director of Health, Law and Policy at The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse. ... remember that Vivitrol is not an immediate cure to opioid dependency . However, according to those who have ... continue reading -
Countering the Myths About Methadone: Is it Right for You?
Methadone maintenance has been around for years as an effective treatment for opioid dependency. However, its use remains controversial, and there's seemingly no end to the myths and false information aimed at discouraging anyone from using it as a ...
... medication, even after several decades of use. But methadone does have side effects—as with other opioids —such as constipation and increased sweating. However, according to him, if people practice good dental hygiene ... continue reading -
Don’t Open Wide: Pulling Dentists Off the Doctor Shopping List
Imagine you're getting your wisdom teeth removed and at the end of the procedure, your dentist hands you a prescription for a pain reliever - maybe Vicodin or Percocet . For many people, this wouldn't pose a problem. For thousands of others, ...
... . For many people, this wouldn't pose a problem. For thousands of others, however, getting hooked on opioids through a valid prescription is a chilling reality. Once hooked, as a means to fuel that addiction, doctor ... 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, ...
... -approved drugs to treat alcohol, nicotine and opioid-use disorders, there are none at all for cocaine ... of Pennsylvania. 2 “You want it to take away withdrawal symptoms, you want it to reduce craving and you want ... 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 ...
... like Vicodin —may save the person's life. 7 Naloxone may put the user into an instant state of opioid withdrawal, but they are much more likely to survive the overdose. 8 Preventing Vicodin Overdose If Vicodin abuse has ... 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 ...
... abuse. There is a current epidemic involving narcotics abuse in the United States. Pain-relieving, euphoria-inducing opioids such as morphine, oxycodone, heroin, and others are misused every day. The result is a spike in ... 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 ...
... include: Analgesia (pain reduction). Drowsiness. Calm, dreamlike mental state. Cough suppression. Reduction in symptoms of opioid withdrawal . Doses of kratom greater than 15 g have effects similar to those of high doses ... continue reading -
Spotlight on ADHD Meds and Their Frightening Meth Connection
The opioid crisis has been making headlines for years, but there's another drug epidemic that has been flying under the radar: abuse of ADHD drugs. ADHD drugs, such as Adderall and Ritalin , increase levels of the brain chemical dopamine and provide ...
The opioid crisis has been making headlines for years, but there's another drug epidemic that has been flying under the radar: abuse of ADHD drugs. ADHD drugs, such as Adderall and Ritalin , increase levels of the brain ... continue reading
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