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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” ...
... Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) lists criteria for an opioid use disorder , and one of the main ... to the high rate of opioid relapse . How to Get Help for Prescription Opiate Addiction Detox and Medication ... continue reading -
Demerol Abuse Symptoms and Addiction Treatment
What Is Demerol Used For? Demerol, also known by the street name “demmies” and the generic name meperidine , is a prescription opioid painkiller. Demerol is used to treat relatively severe pain and is available in liquid or tablet form. As a ...
... ” and the generic name meperidine , is a prescription opioid painkiller. Demerol is used to treat relatively severe ... Adolescent Health lists factors that could put teens at higher risk of abusing prescription medications: ... 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 ...
... a Doctor Prescribed Them REALITY: Use and abuse of prescription opioids can lead to a slew of negative physical and mental ... misuse of prescription narcotics. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) lists opiate pain ... continue reading -
How to Help a Morphine Addict
With approximately 52 million people in the U.S. having used prescription drugs nonmedically in their lifetime, widespread addiction to drugs like morphine is increasingly becoming a problem. When someone begins to engage in abuse morphine, it's ...
... the U.S. progressed to the drug from prescription opioid use. Help for opiate addiction typically comes in ... a recreational basis. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) lists the drug as a Schedule II narcotic , indicating it ... 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 ...
... 2011. 2 There were 19,000 deaths due to opioid-related overdose in 2014 alone. 5 While the drug has ... other than pain relief. It is used without a prescription. It is combined with other substances like alcohol . NOTE ... 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) ...
... . Seizures. While many of the effects listed above may occur with normal hydromorphone use, ... to use hydromorphone and other opioid painkiller medications nonmedically. These prescription drugs are desirable to teens ... continue reading -
Actiq (Fentanyl) Lollipop Abuse
Actiq is a brand name for the opioid drug fentanyl. 3 Actiq comes as a lozenge on a handle (like a lollipop) and the fentanyl is quickly absorbed through the oral mucosa (along with fentanyl that is swallowed being slowly absorbed through the ...
... over 11 million people ages 12 and up misused prescription pain medications in the past year, including an ... listed symptoms in the span of a year. Diagnostic symptoms include: 13 Craving opioids. Frequently using opioids ... continue reading -
The Effects of Hydrocodone Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
About Hydrocodone Hydrocodone is a prescription medication sold under multiple brand names, such as: Vicodin. Norco. Lortab. The aforementioned trade names are combinations of hydrocodone and acetaminophen. Other trade formulations also exist that ...
... nervous system through interaction with your body's numerous opioid receptors. As it is a pain reliever, hydrocodone ... prescriptions for products containing hydrocodone in 2010, putting hydrocodone at the top of the list ... continue reading -
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 ...
... of Norco abuse are those that happen during opioid withdrawal , including: Goosebumps and chills. Dilated ... crown as the scariest drug on the market, so a prescription drug that mimics its effects may be more appealing to ... continue reading -
Effects of Ultram Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
Ultram (trade name: tramadol ) is an opiate analgesic typically prescribed for pain that is moderate to moderately severe. When introduced, it was regarded as having a very low potential for addiction; however, its incidence of abuse and dependency ...
... 2014, the FDA placed tramadol on the controlled substances list as a Schedule IV substance , meaning that it does ... to be found in possession of Ultram without a prescription. In essence, Ultram has been found to be far ... continue reading -
Fentanyl Abuse Symptoms, Effects, and Addiction Treatment
What Is Fentanyl Used For? Fentanyl is a synthetic opiate pain reliever. It's typically prescribed to patients for severe pain or injury , or after they have undergone surgery. It works quickly to eliminate any pain in the body. However, it can also ...
... heightened, so are the dangers. NOTE : Many prescriptions are designed to release their effects over time for ... SAMHSA's Find Treatment tool to search for opioid addiction treatment centers. Many state government websites ... 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 ...
... it out . Morphine use—like that of other prescription opiates—can quickly lead to abuse and dependency, even ... Center for Disease Control (CDC): The rate of opioid analgesic use is highest among males between the ages ... 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 ...
... 000 people used heroin. 3 In addition, an estimated 21-29% of people who receive prescription opioids for chronic pain misuse them. 4 Opioid addiction doesn't just harm the person who uses drugs. It also has a social and ... continue reading -
Prescription Opioid Addiction: Pain Medication Side Effects and Treatment
What Are Prescription Painkillers? Prescription painkillers are medications used to treat moderate-to-severe pain after surgery or injury and specific medical conditions like cancer. 1 Prescription opioids have also become increasingly accepted as ...
... 2 or more of these criteria in the past 12 months, it may be time to seek help for opioid misuse: 14 Prescription opioids are taken in larger amounts and/or over a longer period than was intended. A person has a ... 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 ...
... Unfortunately, this same study from the CDC reported that 5% of those women were misusing opioids. 7 Most prescription opioids are labeled under category C by the FDA. This categorization indicates that there is evidence ... 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 ...
... Human Services found that in 2014 alone, 28,000 people died of an opioid overdose, half of which were attributed to prescription opioids. Opioid painkillers are a problem in and of themselves. However, research is also ... continue reading -
Painkiller Detox and Withdrawal
Prescription painkillers are opioid medications that manage pain and, furthermore, exhibit activity throughout the brain's pleasure centers. Their interaction with opioid receptors in the brain results in a down-modification of the sensations of ...
... are used safely and effectively by millions of people, they also carry a high risk of abuse. As prescriptions for opioid painkillers have increased over the last decade, so has the number of people addicted to them. In ... continue reading -
Are Prescription Painkillers as Addictive as Heroin?
The Link Between Painkillers and Heroin According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), in 2011, 4.2 million Americans aged 12 or over had used heroin at least once in their lives. Of these users, an estimated 23% will go on to become ...
... the drugs make the transition to injectable heroin with relative ease. Global News The Surge in Prescription Opioid Use and Abuse Research from SAMHSA revealed that an estimated 25 million people started nonmedical use ... continue reading -
Snorting Vicodin: Side Effects, Dangers, and Addiction Treatment
Vicodin is the brand name for a prescription medication that is frequently used for the treatment of moderate to moderately severe pain. Vicodin is comprised of two active pain relievers: 1 Hydrocodone —an opioid pain reliever. Hydrocodone it is a ...
... products in 2013 alone, the misuse and abuse of Vicodin is a nationwide concern. Addiction to prescription opioids has grown to epidemic proportions and touches millions, without regard for age, gender, ethnicity, or ... 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 ...
... need for the substance. 4 In 2014 alone, almost 2 million people were dependent on or addicted to prescription opioids . 5 Signs and Symptoms of Roxy Abuse When it is taken as prescribed, the effects of Roxicodone will ... 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 ...
... increased frequencies 6 . With persistently elevated levels of an opioid like ACTIQ, an individual will begin to feel as ... supervised detoxification 9 . For someone with a prescription for ACTIQ, they may be given another ... continue reading -
Is Tramadol the New OxyContin?
The epidemic of painkiller addiction is well known, and OxyContin (oxycodone) has arguably been the most notorious prescription opioid at the center of this public health emergency. Drugs like OxyContin have filled the news in recent years due to ...
... of painkiller addiction is well known, and OxyContin (oxycodone) has arguably been the most notorious prescription opioid at the center of this public health emergency. Drugs like OxyContin have filled the news in ... continue reading -
Side Effects of Demerol Use: Short-Term Effects, Long-Term Effects and Treatment
What Is Demerol Used For? Demerol is a prescription opioid painkiller with effects similar to those of the illicit opiate drug heroin, including the production of a pleasant, euphoric state among those who use it. Demerol is a branded formulation of ...
... -dependent response to the use of opiates like heroin and, in a similar manner, to that of prescription opioid painkillers . When severe, it can result in inadequate delivery of oxygen throughout the body and may lead ... 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 ...
... of substance. Only marijuana is abused more frequently. One such prescription pain medication is Roxicodone . It is a brand name for an opioid painkiller called oxycodone . The medication is prescribed for relatively ... 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 ...
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, ... 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 ...
... pain. It belongs to a class of drugs known as opioids, 2 which includes serious drugs of abuse like heroin , as well as various prescription painkillers . Hydrocodone can produce euphoria or feelings of well-being ... continue reading -
The Effects of Dilaudid Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects and Treatment
Dilaudid Uses Dilaudid (hydromorphone) is an opioid analgesic prescribed to relieve pain. It is available in hospital settings as an injectable solution, or it may be prescribed in either an oral solution or tablet form. Its use is frequently ...
... or financial problems due to drug use. Eventual transition to other drugs like heroin . NOTE: Prescription opioid abusers are much more likely to use heroin at some point. Dilaudid Dependence Continued use of Dilaudid ... 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 ...
... In fact, in March of 2016, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) released new guidelines for the prescription of opioids in the treatment of chronic pain, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced new warning ... continue reading -
Snorting Tramadol
Tramadol is a medication prescribed to treat moderate to moderately severe pain in adults and, in its extended release forms, to manage certain chronic pain conditions. Similar to other pain medications like oxycodone, morphine, and hydrocodone, ...
... ? Yes. Snorting tramadol increases the intensity of the effects, thereby increasing the risk of overdose . Snorting prescription opioids has been found to be a risk factor contributing to non-fatal overdose 11 . In fact ... continue reading -
Dilaudid Abuse Symptoms and Addiction Treatment
What Is Dilaudid Used For? Dilaudid (hydromorphone) is a prescription opioid prescribed for the relief of pain. It may be prescribed as a liquid, tablet, rectal suppository, or injectable solution. In 2014, an estimated 4.3 million people used ...
... is sometimes abused by teens, though less commonly than other prescription opioids such as OxyContin and Vicodin . Teens most commonly obtain prescription opioids from the medicine cabinets of friends and family. They ... continue reading -
Lortab Abuse Symptoms and Addiction Treatment
What Is Lortab Used For? Lortab is a brand name for the drug hydrocodone. Lortab is a semi-synthetic opiate that, in large does, produces similar effects to those of OxyContin. Taken repeatedly, it can result in dependence and addiction. Initially, ...
... teen's Internet activity. Explain to your teen that prescription drugs can be just as dangerous and addictive as illegal ... across the country. To learn more about opioid addiction treatment options with AAC, please contact ... continue reading -
Codeine Abuse Symptoms and Addiction Treatment
Overview of Codeine Abuse “Codeine addiction is a widespread, far-reaching problem that spans across ages, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds.” Codeine is an opiate drug often found in prescription-strength cough syrups, or in a ...
... , in an attempt to feel the same high when the prescription drug source is no longer available (or too expensive), the ... is possible. Professional opioid addiction treatment can start anyone battling opioid misuse on the ... 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 ...
... may include: Methadone — A long-acting synthetic opioid agonist medication. It is used to prevent withdrawal ... to Hydrocodone How to Help Someone with Alcohol or Illicit Drug Addiction Help for Prescription Drug Abuse 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 ...
... physician in order to minimize uncomfortable opioid withdrawal symptoms and prevent opioid relapse . Depending on the severity ... its euphoric high, those taking it with a prescription are also at risk of addiction due to ... 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 ...
... overdose deaths from heroin laced with the potent prescription narcotic. It gained even more notoriety when ... Where Does Fentanyl Come From? Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 ... 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 ...
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. ... continue reading -
Snorting Hydrocodone
Hydrocodone is an opioid substance used in many prescription medications to treat cough and pain. Hydrocodone is available in formulations of pure hydrocodone (Hysingla, Zohydro) or in combination with other pain relievers like ibuprofen ...
... in the future. Addiction treatment therapy is available on an inpatient or outpatient basis . The abuse of prescription opioid medications in the US is an epidemic that continues to claim many lives and cause an array of ... continue reading -
Effects of Lortab Use—Short-Term, Long-Term, and Side Effects
What Is Lortab Used For? Lortab is the combination of hydrocodone —an opiate used to manage pain—and acetaminophen , an over-the-counter analgesic and antipyretic (fever reducer) that augments the pain-relieving effects of hydrocodone . Lortab ...
... . As drug consumption increases over time, so do the risks of harmful side effects and opioid overdose . Unbeknownst to many prescription drug abusers, the excessive use of a substance such as Lortab can be particularly ... continue reading -
Tramadol Withdrawal Symptoms and Treatment
Tramadol is an opioid medication that works to relieve moderately severe pain by changing the way that the brain and nervous system perceive and respond to pain 1,2 . The substance was prescribed more than 43 million times during 2013 according to ...
... is said to have become physically dependent on the opioid 3,4 . When a person that is ... versa. In fact, even someone taking it according to a prescription (not abusing it) may become dependent and experience withdrawal ... continue reading -
How to Help a Codeine Addict
Helping someone overcome an addiction is sometimes an arduous process, and recovery won't happen overnight. Addiction treatment takes time and often imposes stresses on both the abuser and the people they love. While it may prove difficult, ...
... and frequencies that exceed what is outlined on prescriptions , users can quickly develop dependencies on codeine ... they may hurt themselves. Learn more about the effects of opioid use . Am I Addicted to Codeine? If you are ... continue reading -
The Effects of Fentanyl Use
Is Fentanyl Dangerous? Fentanyl may be administered through: Patches. Oral or nasal spray. Lollipops (a 'troche' or lozenge with a stick handle). Injection. Fentanyl is a potent, synthetic opioid analgesic - excellent for controlling serious pain, ...
... Any person who uses fentanyl and doesn't have an opioid tolerance is risking his health. In other words, a ... can grab a hold of a user very quickly, so prescription use should be closely monitored by a patient's physician ... 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 ...
... be abused by people seeking to get high. Hydrocodone is an opioid capable of eliciting feelings of euphoria and has a high potential for ... Peyote Steroids Stimulants Help for Prescription Drug Abuse ACTIQ Adderall ... continue reading -
How to Help a Demerol Addict
If you suspect that a loved one is abusing Demerol or you know someone who is trying to quit using the substance, there are ways that you can help. How to Approach an Addict It is important to understand how to address the situation in a supportive ...
... drug-free lives. How Addictive Is Demerol? Prescription painkillers such as Demerol are some of the ... estimates that an average of 78 individuals die every day from opioid abuse in the US. While Demerol can be safely used ... continue reading -
Dextromethorphan (DXM) Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment
What Is Dextromethorphan Used For? What Is DXM? Dextromethorphan (DXM or DM) is a cough suppressant and opioid derivative used in more than 100 over-the-counter medicines. Dextromethorphan is safe for ingestion and not habit-forming when taken as ...
... (DXM or DM) is a cough suppressant and opioid derivative used in more than 100 over-the-counter ... Reinforce to your teen that the fact that a drug is prescription does not mean is not dangerous or addictive. Set clear ... continue reading -
The Effects of Morphine Use
Morphine, an opiate narcotic painkiller , is a Schedule II controlled substance, which means it has a high potential for abuse. It can be a great option for patients in pain; however, when used recreationally or in inappropriately high doses, ...
... morphine. This can be very dangerous to your health as an opioid addiction can wreak havoc on a bodily system. As you ... to control your life, causing issues such as those listed above. A change in the way one's mind ... 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 ...
... on the drug when doctors refuse to refill their prescriptions. Patients often go to relatives, co-workers, ... them. The misuse of Vicodin and other opioids is particularly disturbing because many people—including friends ... 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 ...
... personal and lifestyle changes: Compulsion to seek the drug, such as doctor shopping for prescriptions. Impaired personal relationships. Changes in physical appearance/hygiene. Rapidly changing moods. Financial problems ... continue reading -
The Effects of Dextromethorphan Use
“Abusers of DXM often underestimate the dangerous effects of DXM, as it is advertised as safe for use. However, its safety for use in therapeutic doses does not translate to safety for recreational use.” Dextromethorphan (DXM or DM) is commonly ...
... coughing. You'll find it in a number of cough syrups and in cold medications (both over-the-counter and prescription). It is also sold on the street under several different names, including: Skittles. Dex. Triple C's. Is ... 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, ...
... prescription is a chilling reality. Once hooked, as a means to fuel that addiction, doctor shopping becomes a habit. And that “shopping list ... support to reduce dental opioid prescriptions, their long-standing culture ... continue reading -
Overdosed
The United States is experiencing an epidemic of drug overdose deaths: every year, nearly 44,000 lives are tragically lost, with more than half of the fatalities caused by prescription drugs. We've analyzed the latest government data to find out why ...
... the list as well. In fact, just seven states account for the 30 counties with the highest prescription overdose rates ... than 75% of heroin addiction began with prescription opioid abuse. 6 NIDA has postulated that this ... 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 ...
... require treatment to stop. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is prescribed to manage chronic or breakthrough pain ... . It's extremely important to stress to teens that prescription drug abuse , such as opiate use , can be ... 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 ...
... which can also lead to addiction. The following is a list of the seven most addictive drugs you're likely to ... has caused many deaths 3. Demerol Demerol is an opioid some patients struggle to discontinue even when it has ... continue reading -
Common Street Names for Drugs
People actively misusing legal or illicit substances use slang terms for many reasons—ranging from avoiding detection by law enforcement to ensuring privacy in written and verbal communication. If you suspect that someone you love is misusing ...
... . The people who commonly use the drug. Below is a list of frequently used substances and their commonly used street names. 1 ... Sky White Lightning Street Names for Prescription Opioids (Painkillers) This segment covers a ... continue reading -
Drug Abuse and Cardiovascular Health Risks: How Do Drugs Affect the Heart?
What Are the Dangers of Drug Use? Both illicit and prescription drugs present many risks to individuals who misuse them. Drug abuse affects the brain in many ways that may lead to unpredictable, dangerous behaviors, social and emotional problems, ...
... bodily systems. This is true for both illicit and prescription opioids , including drugs such as: Heroin . Codeine . ... discussed in this article are only a partial list. Even drugs generally considered to have mild ... 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 ...
... The Heart of the Debate The problem is that prescription opioids like OxyContin mimic the effects of heroin in both ... in a much different way: making out your grocery list! For anyone struggling with drug or alcohol misuse, ... continue reading -
Effects of Ativan Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
Is Ativan Harmful? Ativan (generic name: lorazepam) is classified as a benzodiazepine medication used primarily for the short-term treatment of anxiety and seizure activity. It is sometimes used to manage intractable insomnia, and as a sedative for ...
... or exaggerated versions of the side effects listed above. For example, rather than experiencing ... mixing benzodiazepines with alcohol, illicit opiates or prescription opioids . For instance, according to the National ... continue reading -
Benzodiazepine Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment
Benzodiazepines (benzos) are commonly prescribed medications in the United States. In 2017, there were over 120 million benzodiazepine prescriptions dispensed throughout the country. 1 Benzos belong to a larger group of medications known as ...
... also abuse benzodiazepines. People who have a prescription for both benzos and opioids are at 15-times greater risk of ... significantly depressed, which can lead to the effects listed above. 10 If you or someone you know ... 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 ...
... prescriptions. It begs the question: How is this happening - especially in light of a full-blown opioid ... list, with a North Wilkesboro, NC, store location recently refusing to fill buprenorphine prescriptions altogether ... continue reading -
Side Effects of Diazepam Abuse—Short-Term and Long-Term Effects
Diazepam is a benzodiazepine commonly prescribed under the brand name Valium. This substance depresses the central nervous system (CNS) to manage: 1,2 Anxiety. Muscle spasms. Seizures. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Is Diazepam Harmful? Despite ...
... substances like alcohol or other CNS depressants (e.g. opioid painkillers like OxyContin). If you're abusing diazepam, don ... as: 3 Alcohol or alcoholic beverages . Prescription painkillers . Barbiturates . Certain cold or ... continue reading -
Does Methadone Treatment Suppress Testosterone in Opioid Addicts?
A new study out of McMaster University in Canada has found that common treatments for opioid addiction reduce the level of testosterone in men, but not in women. The research project, published in the journal Scientific Reports , collected data from ...
... , but not in women. The research project, published in the journal Scientific Reports , collected data from 231 opioid addicts receiving methadone treatment in Ontario, as well as 783 people in the province who don't use ... 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 -
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 ...
... of postoperative pain, cancer-associated pain, and chronic pain conditions. While Tramadol is similar to other prescription opioid pain relievers such as OxyContin and Vicodin, it has a variety of additional effects that ... 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 ...
... who arrive addicted to opiates. Another bill in New Mexico was created to limit the initial prescription of opioids for acute pain to seven days, making addiction less likely and producing fewer leftover pills. Both ... 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 ...
... . What Is Ryzolt? Ryzolt is a previously available brand formulation of tramadol, which is a prescription opioid analgesic. Ryzolt was an extended-release oral tablet. What Is Secobarbital? Secobarbital is a barbiturate ... 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, ...
... 12 or over reported misusing some type of opioid, mainly prescription drugs. 1 There were 2.7 million Americans diagnosed with an opioid use disorder in 2020. 1 Opioid use can result in a range of harmful consequences ... 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 ...
... officers (EMS, fire, and police), but also by laypeople who witness an overdose. 7 People who take prescription opioids or use illicit opioids, as well as their friends and family members, should be aware of the signs of ... 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. ...
... with different substances, including prescription and over-the-counter medications. People who are using opioid painkillers , are dependent on opioids, or are in acute withdrawal from opioids should not use naltrexone ... 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 ...
... Suboxone with the intention of stabilize those struggling with continued, compulsive abuse of illicit or prescription opioids to then, one day, slowly taper off the treatment drug itself entirely. At least, that ... 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 ...
... the body which are associated with the brain's system of reward. It is well known that long-term use of opioids leads to physical dependence . However, the side of opiate addiction that we don't hear about is the intense ... continue reading -
Medications for Addiction Treatment
Addiction is a chronic and complex, but treatable disease. Like other chronic diseases, such as heart disease, it can be managed under the guidance of a trained clinician, with a variety of addiction treatment approaches available that are ...
... and blocks the effects of other opioids in a person's system. 11 Naloxone can be administered as a nasal spray or by injection and is available by prescription or without a prescription at the pharmacy counter in most ... 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 ...
... Could Save Your Life If you think that you have an addiction to opioids, quitting could save your life. In fact, worldwide, opioids are at the top of the list when it comes to drugs that cause the most harm and drug ... 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 ...
... If you have co-occurring mental health issues—such as depression or bipolar disorder—in addition to opioid addiction , you may benefit from a specialized, integrated treatment approach for both. Sometimes referred to as ... 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, ...
... Americans—about 1 in 6—have admitted to abusing prescription drugs. 17 The Need for Treatment Is Rising Millions of Americans suffer from addictions to opioids like heroin and OxyContin but, according to research, many ... 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 ...
... 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 ... 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 -
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 ...
... the country in terms of per-capita overdoses . Nance attributes this startling number to prescription painkillers being a starting point for opioid dependency . He said, “In the four corners part of the state, there's a ... 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 -
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 ...
... can be fatal. An individual who stops using meth may experience withdrawal symptoms . 31 Prescription Opioids Prescription opioids are usually used to alleviate moderate to severe pain, but some can be used for ... 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 ...
... ; it is considered “sacred medicine.” In the mid 80's, Howard Lotsof pioneered the use of ibogaine in opioid addiction treatment. He swore to the effectiveness of the drug after personally using it two decades earlier to ... 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 ...
... buprenorphine, and naltrexone. They are used to help you stop abusing harmful opiates (like heroin) and prescription opioids (like OxyContin) and return to a more stable and productive life. Though these drugs that treat ... 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 -
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 ... 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 ...
... effect and posing significantly more dangers and risks. 2,3 The Link between Heroin and Prescription Opioid Abuse Because prescription opiates act on the brain in the same way as heroin, one might argue that they ... 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 -
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 ...
... - and the onset of painful withdrawal symptoms - are often enough to make many people give up and return to opioids for relief. But this could soon change… According to the results of a recent study, help for intense ... continue reading -
America’s Drug Awareness
For the first time in a decade , the CDC reported that death rates in the United States have increased. While news outlets trumpet the increased violence rampant in many areas of the country, the public is largely unaware of a silent contributor - ...
... 2014, 47,000 people died from drug overdoses - and more than 28,000 people died from opioid overdoses (prescription opioid pain relievers and heroin). Six percent of respondents said they themselves had a substance abuse ... continue reading -
Legalizing Marijuana Decreases Fatal Opiate Overdoses, Study Shows
According to the American Academy of Pain Medicine, more than 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain. In an effort to relieve that constant pain, the number of opiate prescriptions has nearly doubled over the last decade. Today, opiates like ...
... . Marijuana and Chronic Pain About 60 percent of the nation's fatal opioid overdoses occur among patients who have legitimate prescriptions for their medications. In states where medical marijuana is legal, however, a ... 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 ...
... 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 ... 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 ...
... you 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 ... 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 ...
... , few drugs have achieved the notoriety and reputation of opioid drugs. In fact, things have spiraled so far out ... buprenorphine and naloxone. It was the first prescription medication to target opiate addiction and works ... 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 -
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 ...
... individualized dose that could be used to help someone taper off prescription painkillers —like OxyContin . Could Marijuana Really Stop the Opioid Epidemic? Previous research conducted at The University of Georgia found ... 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 ...
... the arguments for and against the drug, it's important to remember that Vivitrol is not an immediate cure to opioid dependency . However, according to those who have used it, the drug does give people a fighting chance - ... 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 -
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 ...
... to begin your recovery journey, but your 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 ... 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, ...
... FDA-approved drugs to treat alcohol, nicotine and opioid-use disorders, there are none at all for cocaine, ... of the addiction medicine cabinet. Here's a list: Alcohol : Naltrexone (Vivitrol), acamprosate (Campral) ... 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 ...
... that naloxone ultimately saves lives, and that the nation's death toll from heroin and prescription opioids would be significantly higher without it. Advocates also point out there's no evidence indicating naloxone ... 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 ...
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 ... 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 ...
... 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 as prescription painkillers like morphine , hydrocodone (Vicodin ... continue reading
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