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  • How to Help an Opiate Addict

    Help for Opiate Addicts Opiates are some of the most abused drugs in America, with prescription opiates accounting for up to 5.1 million cases of addiction. Around 210 million doses of opiates, including morphine , OxyContin , and Vicodin , were ...

    ... for managing relationships and encouraging treatment. NOTE : If your loved one has been in rehab for opiate addiction and relapsed , continue to assure them that you will support them through additional recovery efforts ... 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 ...

    ... damage . Psychological problems, such as anxiety and depression . Physical dependence. Addiction. Research has found that opiate users are more likely to experience common mental health disorders and problem drug use ... continue reading
  • The Effects of OxyContin Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment

    What Is OxyContin Used For? OxyContin is an opiate that is often prescribed for moderate-to-strong post-surgical pain or more chronic pain situations. Prescription rates are high in the United States. The drug contains oxycodone —a substance that ...

    ... situations. Prescription rates are high in the United States. The drug contains oxycodone —a substance that derives from opiate alkaloids found in the opium poppy . As an opioid, it can produce a euphoric high, which is ... continue reading
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  • 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 ...

    ... to these sites, a cascade of chemical events transpires—ultimately producing the desired ... as half of heroin users begin their drug abuse with another opiate like Vicodin before moving to heroin. If you're worried about ... 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 ...

    ... drugs are safer than illegal “hard” drugs, like the opiate heroin or cocaine. An article in the Journal of Adolescent ... and Cold Medicines Prescription Opioids and Heroin: Research Report You can also check out our related ... continue reading
  • How to Help a Percocet Addict

    Help for Percocet Addicts If you're battling an addiction to Percocet (the combination of acetaminophen and oxycodone - an opiate-derived pain reliever ), you're not alone. According to the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately ...

    ... Percocet Addicts If you're battling an addiction to Percocet (the combination of acetaminophen and oxycodone - an opiate-derived pain reliever ), you're not alone. According to the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and ... 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 ...

    ... assisted treatment (MAT) for the management of opiate withdrawal and cravings. Medications used as part of ... for an extended amount of time to develop a chemical dependency to the medication, eventually fostering the onset ... 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 ...

    ... 100,000 of these being the result of products containing the narcotic in combination with another drug. Opiates accounted for 75% of pharmaceutical overdoses in 2008. 15,000 recreational users die annually as a result ... 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 ...

    ... for the full restoration of a person's health. However, suddenly stopping use can bring about a severe opiate withdrawal syndrome that may trigger relapse . Symptoms of Vicodin withdrawal may include: 2,6 Pain throughout ... continue reading
  • How to Help a Tramadol Addict

    Help for Tramadol Addiction If you have been struggling with an addiction to tramadol, or you know someone who has, finding the proper treatment program is essential. Treatment for addiction can restore your quality of life. Regardless of how long ...

    ... moderately severe pain. The medication is considered an opiate agonist, which works by changing the way your brain ... tramadol. This is because the body develops a chemical dependency to the drug. It actually needs the ... continue reading
  • Vicodin Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment

    What Is Vicodin Used For? Physicians often prescribe Vicodin—a combination of hydrocodone (an opiate) and acetaminophen—for the relief of moderate-to-severe pain. It works by blocking pain receptors in the brain, but it also induces a sense of ...

    ... a picture of the problem of Vicodin abuse in the United States: Hydrocodone is the most frequently prescribed opiate in the country, with more than 139 million prescriptions filled during 2010. Of all of the prescription ... 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 ...

    ... is common because the substance activates an increase of a chemical in the body called dopamine . Dopamine is a ... dependent on Vicodin will experience uncomfortable opiate withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop ... 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 ...

    ... decrease their use. Due to the severe discomfort of opioid withdrawal , many users keep taking opiate drugs even when they want to quit. Hydromorphone withdrawal symptoms are similar to other opioid withdrawal symptoms ... continue reading
  • Side Effects of Percocet Misuse & Addiction

    Percocet is the brand name for a powerful pain relief medication that is generally prescribed to address acute pain and is not intended to be taken for long periods of time. 1 Most often, Percocet is prescribed to address the type of pain someone ...

    ... treatment (MAT) can also be an effective part of the detox, treatment, and aftercare approaches that treat opiate addiction. 9 There are 3 prescription medications that are most commonly used to assist with the treatment ... continue reading
  • How to Help an Oxycontin Addict

    OxyContin is a dangerous drug when not used properly, and it's easy to fall into the trap of addiction. Fortunately, there is help out there for anyone who is addicted to the substance, and it's never been easier to get help. How to Approach an ...

    ... in maintaining sobriety. How Addictive Is OxyContin? Like all opiates , OxyContin is potentially addictive. OxyContin attaches itself to the ... Librium Lorazepam Methadone Opana Opiate Oxycodone Oxycontin Painkiller Percocet ... continue reading
  • Percocet Addiction: Side Effects and Treatment

    Percocet is a brand name for a painkiller combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen. 1 Although it may be used safely when taken as directed under a doctor's supervision and can be effective for its intended uses, it has a high potential for misuse ...

    ... medication that contains a combination of oxycodone, a strong opioid painkiller, and acetaminophen, a non-opiate analgesic and fever-reducing medication. 1, 3 Doctors may prescribe Percocet to people suffering from ... 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 ...

    ... Demerol Desoxyn Dextroamphetamine Dilaudid Fentanyl Hydrocodone Klonopin Librium Lorazepam Methadone Opana Opiate Oxycodone Oxycontin Painkiller Percocet Suboxone Subutex Tramadol Tussionex Valium Vicodin Xanax ... 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 ...

    ... more than 2 million people in the US abused opiates . Many of these individuals exhibit behaviors or have ... high release of dopamine - a “feel good” chemical in the brain essential to feeling pleasure. As painkiller ... 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 ...

    ... Demerol Desoxyn Dextroamphetamine Dilaudid Fentanyl Hydrocodone Klonopin Librium Lorazepam Methadone Opana Opiate Oxycodone Oxycontin Painkiller Percocet Suboxone Subutex Tramadol Tussionex Valium Vicodin Xanax ... 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 ...

    ... and abstinent environment. There are many maintenance medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone prescribed for opiate addiction that may be used to assist with detoxification or to prevent relapse on a ... 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 ...

    ... abusing Opana, learn how to find help . Street Names Due to its potency, Opana is a highly sought-after opiate of abuse. It is sold under various street names , including: Blue heaven. Blues. Mrs. O. New blues. Octagons ... continue reading
  • Ultram Abuse Symptoms and Addiction Treatment

    What Is Ultram Used For? Ultram—the trade name for tramadol —is a synthetic opiate pain reliever prescribed for moderate-to-severe pain. It can be habit-forming and can produce unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ultram's potential for abuse has ...

    ... is rising, with many users taking excessive doses in order to simulate the euphoric effects of other stronger opiates . Signs and Symptoms of Ultram Abuse While many people abuse Ultram to produce euphoric effects, there ... continue reading
  • Opioid Effects: Short- and Long-Term and Treatment

    Opioid use, misuse, and addiction come with a variety of side effects. In this article you'll learn about opioids and their short- and long-term effects. We'll also discuss opioid addiction and overdose, effects of injection drug use, opioid ...

    ... term effects such as physical dependence and addiction . 4,5 Effects of Injection Drug Use Naturally, taking opiates in nonstandard ways increases their side effects. The body is not, for example, designed to cope with a ... 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 ...

    ... 4 . NPF is often laced with heroin or cocaine without the buyer's knowledge. This phenomenon of adding chemical adulterants to street drugs contributes to the rising number of fentanyl-related deaths in the United States ... 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 ...

    ... body . Long-term Tussionex use can lead to the following: Increased drug tolerance : Repeated Tussionex abuse causes chemical changes in the brain as it adapts to the presence of the drug. An individual who has developed ... 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 ...

    ... of which were attributed to prescription opioids. Opioid painkillers are a problem in and of themselves. However, research is also suggesting a link connecting the abuse of prescription opioids to heroin. Per the CDC ... continue reading
  • Side Effects of Prescription Painkiller Abuse

    If you use or misuse prescription painkillers, you should understand the potential for painkiller side effects that may occur with use, misuse, and addiction. Learning more about the short- and long-term side effects of painkiller medications, ...

    ... rehab facilities across the country. No matter how things might seem right now, there is always hope. Research shows that treatment can help people with OUD stop using opioids, maintain a drug-free lifestyle, and achieve ... continue reading
  • Oxycodone Addiction and Treatment

    Oxycodone is a prescription opioid medication that is used for moderate to severe pain relief. 1 Even though oxycodone can treat certain types of pain, it is a schedule II substance with a high potential for misuse and addiction. 1,2 This page will ...

    ... you to search for the type of treatment that is best suited for your needs. From there, you can research the various oxycodone addiction treatment facilities . If you plan on using insurance for rehab, you can also use ... continue reading
  • Related results

  • Amphetamine Addiction Signs, Symptoms, Effects, and Treatment

    Amphetamines are prescription medications or illegal substances that are also known as stimulants, as they speed up your metabolism and increase your alertness. When legally prescribed, they are typically used to treat attention-deficit ...

    ... that is often referred to as the reward chemical because the body naturally releases it in response ... of inpatient and outpatient rehab for amphetamine addiction. Research has found behavioral therapy to be an effective ... continue reading
  • Concurrent Alcohol and Opiate Abuse

    Prescription opiates are effective in the treatment of pain, but they have the potential to be addictive and, in fact, many people are struggling with opiate painkiller addictions. According to the National Institutes of Health, opioids account for ...

    ... , to the point where you refuse to do one without the other. You increase the dose of your opiate medication with your doctor due to a higher tolerance to the drug. You are taking the medication in a manner different ... continue reading
  • The Effects of Opiates on the Body

    Share on Twitter Share on Facebook They're potent, they're dangerous - and they could be in your medicine cabinet. In 2012, 259 million prescriptions for painkillers, such as Vicodin , OxyContin , and Opana, were written in the U.S. When used ...

    ... 't wait for the potentially life-altering consequences of opiate abuse to mount - call to speak with a ... by providing a link back to this page, so your readers can learn more about this project and the related research. continue reading
  • Concurrent Alcohol and Morphine Abuse

    It is never safe to mix alcohol with other medications. Morphine—an opiate—can be particularly dangerous when mixed with alcohol, given its ability to intensify the effects of alcohol intoxication. Alcohol and morphine facts and information ...

    ... and Health, an estimated 12 million people in the United States over the age of 12 have abused opiates, including morphine. Every year, 1.3 million people are admitted to hospital emergency rooms for drug overdoses, and ... continue reading
  • Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs and Addiction Treatment Programs

    For some time now, the abuse of illicit substances such as marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin has been a persistent national problem. In more recent years, however, our country has seen an alarming rise in prescription drug abuse . ...

    ... The broad classes of drugs that are most prone to non-medical use or abuse are the 'painkillers'—or opiate analgesics such as oxycodone ( OxyContin )—the 'sleeping pills' or sedative-hypnotics—such as zolpidem ( Ambien ) ... continue reading
  • Opioid Use: Signs of Misuse, Adverse Effects, and Treatment

    Opioids are substances that are known for their pain-relieving effects. They include both legal and some illegal substances that may have the potential for misuse, which can potentially lead to dependence and/or addiction. 1 If you or someone you ...

    ... , prescription opioids are widely used to manage many types of painful conditions. 4 Naturally occurring opiate substances such as morphine, codeine, and thebaine are derived from the poppy plant. Semi-synthetic ... continue reading
  • How to Help a Heroin Addict

    More than 590,000 people had a heroin use disorder in the U.S. in 2015, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. If you or someone you love is addicted to heroin, you're not alone, and there is help available. Approaching Someone About ...

    ... 5 million people in the U.S. reported having tried heroin at least once. Heroin is an extremely addictive opiate due to how rapidly it enters the brain. It has both short-term and long-term effects. Short-term effects ... continue reading
  • Snorting Heroin Side Effects, Dangers, and Addiction Treatment

    Heroin is a highly addictive Schedule I controlled drug. Heroin has a long history—it was first synthesized (as diacetylmorphine) in 1874 from morphine. Paradoxically, heroin was originally marketed as a safer and non-addictive form of morphine. ...

    ... a molecular modification of morphine, is more lipid soluble than its opiate precursor and, as such, has a more direct route to ... Unfortunately, the number of overdose deaths from opiates has increased over the years. As it ... continue reading
  • Heroin Abuse Signs, Symptoms, Effects, Overdose, and Treatment

    About Heroin Abuse What Is Heroin? Heroin is a substance that is both illegal and extremely addictive . The drug derives from opium from the poppy plant before it is refined to morphine, then further chemically modified to become heroin. Despite its ...

    ... when the drug is used, the active opiate molecules interact with opioid receptors . These receptors ... dependent on the substance and enduring withdrawal effects. Opiate Overdose Perhaps the most serious effect of heroin ... continue reading
  • What You Need to Know About ‘Zombie Drug’ Krokodil

    Krokodil (Crocodil) is a homemade version of a synthetic drug called desomorphine. As the name deso-morphine suggests, the chemical is in the opiate family and closely mimics the effects of heroin and morphine. Pure desomorphine is a very addictive ...

    ... ) is a homemade version of a synthetic drug called desomorphine. As the name deso-morphine suggests, the chemical is in the opiate family and closely mimics the effects of heroin and morphine. Pure desomorphine is a very ... continue reading
  • Heroin's Death Toll Hits an All-Time High in New York

    New York City has a serious heroin problem on their hands and new data released by the city's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene reveals just how deep the issue goes. In fact, more people died from unintentional heroin overdoses in New York ...

    ... NYC police officers are being armed with portable pocket-size devices that inject naloxone. Known as the opiate antidote, naloxone saves lives by reversing the effects of heroin. Learn more about the dangers of heroin ... continue reading
  • 5 Naloxone Myths Debunked

    Naloxone History Lesson Naloxone is not a new medication. In fact, emergency responders have used naloxone since the 1960s. Today, worried parents keep naloxone on hand, law enforcement officers carry the medication in case of life-threatening ...

    ... become a go-to prevention tool in the fight against opiate -related overdose deaths. Myth #1: Naloxone Encourages Addicts to Take More Drugs Truth: Research has shown that naloxone does not encourage more substance abuse ... continue reading
  • Snorting Fentanyl: Long-Term Effects & Dangers

    Fentanyl is a pain-relieving substance with two main uses 1 : Treating significant acute, post-operative pain following surgery. Treating chronic or breakthrough pain in people that no longer respond to other narcotic medications. Like morphine, ...

    ... only for use in opioid-tolerant patients 3,4 . Fentanyl is up to 100 times more powerful than morphine , an opiate that is addictive in its own right 1,3 . In recent years, fentanyl has become a major health concern, as ... continue reading
  • Heroin’s Effects on Pregnancy

    Heroin is an illegal and highly addictive substance that may be injected, smoked, or snorted. This powerful opiate drug can easily harm any user, and it can cause numerous problems for a pregnant mother and her developing baby. Unfortunately, heroin ...

    Heroin is an illegal and highly addictive substance that may be injected, smoked, or snorted. This powerful opiate drug can easily harm any user, and it can cause numerous problems for a pregnant mother and her ... 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 ...

    ... many recreational Tramadol users are aware of this risk or may have even experienced seizures. Similarly, the Opiates subreddit, which nearly tied with the Drugs forum for overall Tramadol mentions on Reddit, also was ... continue reading
  • Concurrent Suboxone and Alcohol Abuse

    About Alcohol and Suboxone Alcohol Alcohol is the most commonly abused substance by both teenagers and adults in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). In fact, the CDC found that in any given month, 25% of high ...

    ... Suboxone is a a common medication used as part of MAT for opiate/opioid addiction and consists of: Buprenorphine —An opiate-derived substance that produces similar but weaker effects compared to prescription opioids and ... continue reading
  • Concurrent Alcohol and Tramadol Abuse

    Tramadol is scientifically known as tramadol hydrochloride, and it works as an acting analgesic (painkiller) affecting the central nervous system. Tramadol is also known by the brand names: Ultram. Ultracet. Alcohol also acts as a central nervous ...

    ... Services CDC.gov You can also learn more by visiting the following articles: The Effects of Opiate Use Tramadol Withdrawal Tramadol Overdose Join the conversation on substance abuse and addiction today at our community ... continue reading
  • Big Pharma: Are They Advertising Addiction?

    Pharmacological companies do not have a good rap. They've been known to bury bad news, which has had an effect on people's health, and therefore their lives. Whether it's not testing drugs properly, as with the case of thalidomide (caused defects in ...

    ... with nonaddictive alternatives. When a patient is prescribed morphine, that patient runs the risk of being addicted to the opiate . It's not much of a win-win situation for the doctor. On the one hand, the doctor doesn ... continue reading
  • Methadone for Addiction Treatment

    Methadone is a highly effective treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) when taken correctly and under the supervision of a medical practitioner. 1 Methadone can reduce or eliminate withdrawal symptoms and cravings to use opioids, and studies show ...

    ... more serious consequences of opioid use. Research has shown that methadone treatment can save ... more about rehab and treatment options with AAC. Opiate Addiction Treatment Levels of Care Inpatient Rehab Programs Outpatient ... continue reading
  • How to Help a Methadone Addict

    Help for Methadone Addicts Methadone is an opioid drug; however, it is beneficial in the treatment of heroin dependence and other forms of opiate abuse. While it is regularly used in the management of opioid dependence, methadone itself is ...

    ... significant, inherent risk for abuse and addiction development. Because methadone is a longer-acting, relatively less potent opiate, it's unable to elicit quite as intense an effect profile as that of heroin and other ... continue reading
  • Alcohol Misuse and Addiction: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment

    What Is Alcohol Misuse? According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), alcohol is the most commonly used and misused substance in the United States. 1 Those who misuse alcohol are not necessarily addicted or ...

    ... Codeine Concerta DXM Fentanyl Hydrocodone Klonopin Lorazepam Lortab Methadone Methylphenidate Morphine Norco Opiate Oxycodone Oxycontin Painkiller Percocet Phenobarbital Ritalin Soma Suboxone Subutex Tramadol Ultram ... continue reading
  • Smoking Can be a Serious Pain…in the Back

    If you have chronic back pain and are a long-time smoker, the latter may be causing the former, according to a study released by the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University. A New Worry for Smokers The study, which was published in ...

    ... by smoking, according to another body of research published in October in JAMA Internal Medicine . ... you are a smoker who's been relieving chronic back pain with opiate medications, it's not a good idea to simply quit the ... 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 ...

    ... measure since numbers are lower. It's extremely important to stress to teens that prescription drug abuse , such as opiate use , can be enormously dangerous, and it can evolve into a full-fledged addiction and the use of ... continue reading
  • Lethal Drug Combinations to Avoid

    What Are the Deadliest Drug Combos? Combining drugs (“polysubstance abuse”) is both common and potentially dangerous. There are various reasons why individuals use substances in combination. For some, the activity is done haphazardly, without ...

    ... are especially lethal. They include the following: Alcohol + opiates (e.g. OxyContin, Percocet, Vicodin, etc.) . ... and dangerous toxic compound called cocaethylene , a chemical that forms in the liver when these drugs ... continue reading
  • Concurrent Alcohol and Subutex Abuse

    Subutex (buprenorphine) is used to treat an addiction to opiates. However, Subutex itself is addictive. Its addictive ingredient is buprenorphine hydrochloride, which reduces symptoms of dependence on opiates . Subutex contains only buprenorphine ...

    ... , so there are risks to taking the drug. Most doctors try to slowly wean their patients off of opiates and Subutex until they can live without drugs. There are many more readily available statistics on alcohol abuse ... continue reading
  • Concurrent Alcohol and Lortab Abuse

    Substance abuse experts indicate that it is never safe to mix alcohol and Lortab . Although Lortab is a relatively harmless pain reliever when used appropriately and alcohol is safe in moderation, the combined effects of mixing Lortab and alcohol ...

    ... info. and statistics, please visit http://www.niaaa.nih.gov . For more information on alcohol and opiate abuse, see: The Need-to-Knows Surrounding Alcohol Abuse Opioid Overdoses Statistics and History of Hydrocodone Use ... 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 ...

    ... “ inhalants ” is used to designate a variety of chemical compounds that are inhaled through the mouth or nose as ... considered the archetypal painkiller. Morphine is an opiate alkaloid derived from opium poppies and has long ... continue reading
  • The Strangest Hallucinogenic Substances on Earth

    It's a funny old world as the saying goes, and nowhere is that saying more true than in the world of hallucinogenic substances. You've got a wide range of plants that produce hallucinogens, including fungi, cactuses, and weeds , but you've also got ...

    ... a look at some of the oddest ones. Some plants produce these chemicals to ward off pests and larger animals. After all, a tripping ... has been used in the treatment of opiate addiction , although clinical trials are still ... continue reading
  • Ways of Helping Someone With Drug or Alcohol Addiction

    It can be frustrating to see a loved one struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, especially if one feels as though they should be helping their loved one find treatment or recovery. Many may try to help their addicted loved ones by encouraging ...

    ... a drug or alcohol addiction by speaking with a doctor, doing research on what help is available and discussing these options with your friend ... Librium Lorazepam Methadone Opana Opiate Oxycodone Oxycontin Painkiller ... 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 ...

    ... its own adjustments (i.e. neuroadaptations) to counter the chemical changes brought about by that specific substance. 6 However, ... when use is stopped. 3 While opiate withdrawal symptoms aren't typically life-threatening ... 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 ...

    ... of Vicodin abuse is becoming when it's illustrated on a very popular TV show. Vicodin is an opiate-based painkiller that can cause euphoric effects when it's abused. It also causes serious withdrawal symptoms, so ... continue reading
  • Concurrent Alcohol and Norco Abuse

    Norco, which is the brand name for hydrocodone , is a narcotic pain reliever. If you are misusing Norco, your body may be dependent on the drug, ultimately resulting in addiction. Concurrent alcohol and Norco abuse occurs when someone is using both ...

    ... % of the people abusing prescription drugs, including Norco, were originally prescribed the drug. Learn more about prescription opiate misuse . Teen Drinking and Norco Abuse If you have found your teen abusing Norco and ... continue reading
  • Quitting Smoking In Addiction Recovery

    Among patients in treatment programs for drug abuse and addiction (also known as substance use disorder, or SUD), as many as 97% also use tobacco 1 . Although the health dangers of cigarette smoking are well known, most smokers who enter drug ...

    ... 33% were due to drugs or alcohol 6 . A 24-year study of more than 400 people in treatment for opiate addiction found that the death rate among those who smoked was greater than 4 times higher than those who did not 6 ... continue reading
  • What Could Illicit Drug Synthesis Expose You To?

    For the 44 million Americans aged 12 and older who used illicit drugs in 2014, the associated health risks are grave. But there's another risk that accompanies illegally manufactured substances - the exposure to hazardous chemicals. Clandestine drug ...

    ... t volunteer to be exposed to the hazardous chemicals in substances such as nail polish remover, ... spike in blood pressure to seizure risk. A fast-acting opiate, heroin can be injected, sniffed/snorted, or smoked. ... continue reading
  • Signs and Symptoms of Commonly Abused Drugs

    When you suspect that you or a loved one is struggling with a substance abuse problem, it's important to know some of the signs and symptoms of addiction to that drug. You can find a brief overview of the major drugs of abuse below. For a full list ...

    ... effects of substance abuse can be extremely serious. Anti-anxiety medication (such as benzodiazepines) and opiate painkillers (such as hydrocodone and oxycodone) are the most commonly misused types of prescription drugs ... continue reading
  • Concurrent Alcohol and Hydrocodone Abuse

    The Problem of Alcohol and Hydrocodone Abuse Both alcohol and hydrocodone are relatively safe when used appropriately and in moderation. When used excessively or when combined, these substances can create volatile and unpredictable outcomes. Alcohol ...

    ... even some forms of cancer . Hydrocodone Hydrocodone can lead to signs and symptoms that are similar to other opiates like morphine , heroin , and oxycodone . They include: Changed perceptions of pain. Slowed heart rate ... continue reading
  • Effects of Methadone Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment

    Methadone is a long-acting opioid agonist that is FDA-approved to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). Methadone also has a role in pain management. When used correctly, as prescribed, methadone is safe and effective. This article will help you ...

    ... with an admissions navigator who can help you learn more about your options and answer questions about paying for treatment. Opiate Addiction Treatment Levels of Care Recommended Methadone Treatment-Related Articles continue reading
  • How to Help Someone With Valium Addiction

    How to Help Someone Addicted to Valium If you are addicted to Valium—a sedative-hypnotic drug—you don't have to fight your addiction alone. Treatment programs give people with addictions all the support they need to recover. Regardless of how ...

    ... Demerol Desoxyn Dextroamphetamine Dilaudid Fentanyl Hydrocodone Klonopin Librium Lorazepam Methadone Opana Opiate Oxycodone Oxycontin Painkiller Percocet Suboxone Subutex Tramadol Tussionex Valium Vicodin Xanax ... continue reading
  • How to Help an Alprazolam Addict

    Help for Alprazolam Addicts Alprazolam—marketed under the brand name Xanax —is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety and panic disorders . Similar to the effects of alcohol, alprazolam works by depressing brain functions . Abuse of this drug ...

    ... Demerol Desoxyn Dextroamphetamine Dilaudid Fentanyl Hydrocodone Klonopin Librium Lorazepam Methadone Opana Opiate Oxycodone Oxycontin Painkiller Percocet Suboxone Subutex Tramadol Tussionex Valium Vicodin Xanax ... continue reading
  • How to Help Someone With Alcohol Addiction

    In the United States, alcohol use is highly prevalent. According to the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, around 138 million people, or 50% of those people aged 12 and older, reported prior month use of alcohol. 1 You may be concerned ...

    ... for rehab . You can begin by speaking with your family doctor or researching treatment programs on your own. 15 When trying to choose a rehab ... Librium Lorazepam Methadone Opana Opiate Oxycodone Oxycontin Painkiller ... continue reading
  • The 25 Best Sources for Drug Addiction Research

    1. Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) : Aims to bring effective substance abuse prevention to every community; works to improve accessibility to and quality of substance abuse prevention services. 2. Center for Substance Abuse Treatment ...

    ... to reduce substance abuse and help people live drug-free. 21. RAND Drug Policy Research Center (DPRC) : Provides firm research on substance abuse to help public officials and community leaders effectively deal with drug ... continue reading
  • Risk of Counterfeit and Laced Drugs

    Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that approximately 27 million people aged 12 and older were current illicit drug users. This figure amounts to 1 in every 10 people having used illegal drugs in the past month. With ...

    ... drug does not ensure its safety. Certain websites will sell drugs of questionable legality—such as “research chemicals”—with varying ingredients and simply label them “not for human consumption.” Other websites will sell ... continue reading
  • MXE Drug Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment

    What Is MXE? Methoxetamine—also known as MXE—is a drug similar to ketamine and known for its hallucinogenic and dissociative properties. 1 MXE (sometimes called “Mexxy,” “M-ket,” “Special M,” or “legal ketamine”) is commonly sold ...

    ... “Mexxy,” “M-ket,” “Special M,” or “legal ketamine”) is commonly sold on the internet as a “research chemical” and labeled as “not for human consumption” in order to avoid federal regulations. 2 MXE is often falsely ... continue reading
  • Symptoms of Date Rape Drugs: Effects & Signs of Being Roofied

    Rape is a serious criminal act, with the potential for severe and lasting repercussions on the victim's life. Rape involves sexually taking advantage of another person without their consent, and this includes having sex with a person who is ...

    ... with alcohol, making it a dangerous substance in the hands of a would-be rapist. 11 “Research Chemicals” Many substances with similar effects to these date rape drugs are being developed every day. These drugs ... continue reading
  • Concurrent Alcohol and Bath Salts Abuse

    Bath Salts: A Dangerous Synthetic Drug Even though few people mention “bath salts” when they discuss addictive drugs, this new drug has grown astronomically in popularity over the past several years. “Bath salts” are far from the salts you ...

    ... called “bath salts” because they resemble those harmless crystals. Another misleading name for these drugs is “ research chemicals .” In fact, these substances act as a sort of “fake cocaine,” with similar effects felt ... continue reading
  • 20 Genius Minds and the Drugs They Were Addicted To

    Intelligence doesn't preclude people taking drugs any more than fame does. When those who are under stress need to relax, some turn to drugs or drink as an escape from reality. Others do it because they believe it enhances their creativity or allows ...

    ... their toll on his health, and he started injecting opiates into the muscle. There is no doubt he was ... , so subjects could float in complete isolation. This research on consciousness was expanded to include drugs in the ... continue reading
  • MDMA/Ecstasy Dangers of Use, Addictive Potential, and Treatment Options

    Ecstasy is an illicitly manufactured, synthetic drug used by many people for different reasons, such as to increase feelings of well-being or feel emotional closeness to others. Although ecstasy initially became popular for use at raves or parties, ...

    ... largely due to its impact on different chemical messengers, or neurotransmitters, in the brain, ... U.S., and it has a high potential for misuse. 3 Research is not yet conclusive as to whether ecstasy is addictive, and there ... continue reading
  • History of Drug Abuse and Addiction in the U.S. and Throughout the World

    What Is the History of Substance Abuse Rehabilitation? As drugs have been abused for hundreds of years all over the world, their effects have been felt for just as long. For as long as drugs have been used, there have been those who have abused ...

    ... widespread drug of abuse. Heroin and other opiates were synthesized and marketed as nonaddictive alternatives to ... people to abuse the drug. Thanks to increased chemical and drug development in the 20th century, more ... continue reading
  • What Are Hallucinogens? Short- and Long-Term Side Effects and Treatment

    Hallucinogens are drugs that alter the user's thinking processes and perception in a manner that leads to significant distortions of reality. To many, the influence of these drugs represents experiences of new and even expanded consciousness and, ...

    ... 1938 by chemist Albert Hofmann, who was conducting research with ergot, a fungus, to develop its potential ... 18 and many illegal samples contain PCC, a toxic chemical which releases cyanide and can cause poisoning. 17 ... continue reading
  • Common Neurological Risks of Drug Abuse

    Brain Damage From Drugs While substance misuse may cause a user to feel short-lived euphoria or impart a sense of temporary wellbeing, the adverse effects of drugs can be dangerous and, in some instances, may lead to permanent brain damage. Chronic ...

    ... s disease, and that the risk may be higher for women. 4 Furthermore, research has revealed that abusing methamphetamine, as well its chemical cousin MDMA (“ ecstasy ”), can have neurological consequences similar to those ... continue reading
  • Who Manufacturers All these Crazy Semi-Legal Designer Drugs?

    Designer drugs have been subject of much media attention of late, as the Internet has made obtaining them easier than in the past. In many cases, it's simpler to order designer drugs online than to try to obtain street drugs. Designer drugs can be ...

    ... that since these substances were not specifically banned, it was legal to sell them. American Chemical Supply, Duncan Labs, and LTK Research were also shut down by the DEA. The largest raid on synthetic drugs occurred in ... continue reading
  • Do Women Pay a Higher Price for Smoking Weed?

    Tetrahydrocannibinol, better known as THC, is the most potent component of marijuana. It's the chemical that causes feelings of euphoria and makes users feel “high.” When someone uses marijuana, THC quickly travels into the bloodstream, through ...

    ... the most potent component of marijuana. It's the chemical that causes feelings of euphoria and makes users feel ... and Weed Craft and her Washington State University research team set out to examine and compare levels of ... 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 ...

    ... system begins to adjust to its presence and chemical influence. This adjustment serves to lowers the perceived ... case of mixing benzodiazepines with alcohol, illicit opiates or prescription opioids . For instance, ... continue reading
  • Effects of Methoxetamine Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment

    Is MXE Harmful? MXE, also known as methoxetamine, is a substance with similar chemical properties to ketamine and phencyclidine (PCP) , two illicit drugs known for their hallucinogenic and dissociative properties. 1 MXE is an odorless, white powder ...

    ... the impact of chronic use. While little is known about the long-term effects of MXE use, research on its chemical cousin— ketamine —provides cause for concern. Chronic use of ketamine is linked to: 5 Kidney dysfunction . ... continue reading
  • How to Help an Inhalant Addict

    What Is Inhalant Abuse? Inhalant abuse can be defined as the intentional inhalation of vapors through sniffing or huffing from chemical products to become intoxicated, or achieve a high. These chemical products are commonly found in everyday ...

    ... or huffing, there is now a greater amount of research on the epidemiology of inhalant misuse, its treatment, ... to seek help as soon as possible. Inhaling these chemicals can cause a state of intoxication that is similar ... continue reading
  • Effects of Alcohol and Drugs on the Male and Female Reproductive Systems

    How Do Drugs Affect the Reproductive System? Substance misuse can negatively impact the reproductive health of both sexes in several ways. It may contribute to serious health problems, such as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), infertility, and ...

    ... common in infants exposed to heroin and other opiates, alcohol, benzodiazepines , barbiturates , and caffeine ... wean them off the drugs. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality National reports that a baby is born ... continue reading
  • Alternatives to Anxiety Medications

    Anxiety disorders are some of the most commonly encountered mental health conditions. Approximately, 28.8% of adults will experience some type of anxiety in their lifetime (Kessler et al., 2005). Oftentimes, the first line of treatment for anxiety ...

    ... . Inositol. This vitamin-like substance with a chemical structure similar to glucose may have a beneficial ... your symptoms, it is important to note that the current research for most of them is very limited and some even ... continue reading
  • Understanding the Effects of Long Term Drug Abuse on the Brain

    Drug addiction is a chronic brain disease, and it can cause you to compulsively seek out drugs even though you're aware of the harmful results taking them can cause. Initially, your choice to take drugs is voluntary. So, if someone offers you drugs, ...

    ... the way they should be. Drugs cause this to happen in two ways. First, a drug can imitate the natural chemicals of the brain, which will trick the body into reacting in a different way. For instance, if the drug mimics ... continue reading
  • Treatment for LSD Abuse: How to Treat LSD Addiction

    Psychoactive substances, by definition, change the way people think and feel. Hallucinogens do this in a unique way, by altering the way that humans sense and perceive the world—making false visual, auditory, and tactile sensations seem real. One ...

    ... negative consequences that such use brings. While research investigating the addictive qualities of hallucinogens is ... is that its use does not precipitate the chemical changes in the brain responsible for the development ... continue reading
  • Arkansas Woman Drowns after Huffing Duster

    Duster, also known as canned or compressed air, is used to clean pieces of electronic equipment or other sensitive devices. Unfortunately, duster is also a product commonly abused. Known as “ huffing ,” users inhale the chemical-laden compressed ...

    ... to a lack of oxygen to the brain. Huffing duster does serious damage to the human body. On inspiration, chemical gasses fill up the lungs and prevent oxygenated air from getting in. The body's oxygen levels are deceased ... continue reading
  • Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms, Detox, and Addiction Treatment Programs

    Marijuana (cannabis, weed, grass, hashish) is the most widely used illicit drug in the United States. According to the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 8.4% of all Americans over the age of 12 (22.2 million people) had used ...

    ... voluntarily entered treatment to recover from marijuana abuse. 2 New research shows that one of the biggest hurdles standing in the ... of most other drugs because the main chemical that produces marijuana's effects , delta- ... continue reading
  • Joints vs. Edibles: How Marijuana Affects the Body

    The primary psychoactive component of marijuana (cannabis)—what deliver the “high,” in other words—is the substance tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). 1 THC's powerful, mind-altering effects derive from its interaction with and activation of the ...

    ... from the lungs into the bloodstream, which quickly carries the chemical to the brain. 8 By smoking a joint, an individual ... is needed to better define these risks. Research shows that while cigarette smoking has been ... continue reading
  • Long-Term Effects of Molly, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment

    MDMA Drug Information Ecstasy is the more common street name for 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine—a highly addictive, illicit drug also known as MDMA , or “Molly.” This drug shares chemical structural similarities with both amphetamine and ...

    ... , or “Molly.” This drug shares chemical structural similarities with both amphetamine and certain ... 2 People who regularly use MDMA may suffer enduring effects. Research shows that prolonged MDMA use can also lead to: ... continue reading
  • Alcohol Effects on Teeth: Alcohol Can Wreck Your Smile

    People who consume alcohol excessively and regularly are at great risk of developing tooth decay and periodontal disease. Even having a few drinks regularly can begin to break down the enamel on teeth. Alcohol and Tooth Decay The process goes like ...

    ... Mouth A recent article in Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research indicates that the maintenance of soft and hard teeth tissue is largely determined by the chemical make-up of salivary glands that can serve as a ... continue reading
  • Holiday Highs and Lows

    For many Americans, the end of the year brings images of happy families gathered around a Christmas tree, big dinners of turkey and stuffing, holiday music, and cozy fires. For others, the holidays can be a much darker and more difficult time - a ...

    ... alcohol and drug-related deaths during the holiday season. Research has found that there is a strong link between ... more specifically, it decreases serotonin, a chemical that researchers say regulates mood, hunger, memory ... continue reading
  • Ill Inventory: Drug Theft and Loss in the United States

    Every year, countless people become reliant on pharmaceuticals. And every year, drugs go missing. Despite extensive efforts to curb addiction and abuse, America's war on drugs is far from over. Guidelines for improving opioid prescribing practices ...

    ... considered “controlled substances” by the DEA - we used the CDC's WONDER database . Specifically: prescription opiates, also labeled “other opioids,” multiple-cause-of-death code T40.2; benzodiazepines, code T42.4; other ... continue reading
  • Effects of Benzodiazepine Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment

    Are Benzodiazepines Harmful? Benzodiazepines, or “benzos,” are drugs prescribed to help control anxiety and seizure disorders. They are central nervous depressants, which means that they slow brain activity. Taken in small doses over short ...

    ... Relaxation. Sedation. Benzos influence the activity of a chemical in the brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid, or ... sedation and anxiety relief. 3 More recent research indicates that benzos also increase dopamine release in ... continue reading
  • Snorting Vyvanse: Effects and Addiction Treatment

    What Is Vyvanse Used For? Vyvanse is the brand name of a medication prescribed to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and binge-eating disorder (BED). 1 This substance is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that interacts with ...

    ... the risk of abuse and addiction varies between each medication version. While Vyvanse was developed with unique chemical properties with the hope of minimizing abuse liability, 4 it still poses a serious risk to those ... continue reading
  • Effects of Psilocybin Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment

    Is Psilocybin Harmful? Psilocybin is a naturally occurring fungal alkaloid—a chemical compound that is found in more than 100 species of mushrooms (also known as magic mushrooms or shrooms). 1 When ingested, psilocybin is metabolized into a ...

    ... ? Psilocybin is a naturally occurring fungal alkaloid—a chemical compound that is found in more than 100 species ... the drug. Drug Dependence and Problematic Use One research review concluded that the risk of developing a ... continue reading
  • Bath Salts Overdose Signs, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Prevention, and Treatment

    What Are Bath Salts? Synthetic cathinones —commonly referred to as “bath salts”—belong to a group of drugs health officials call “new psychoactive substances.” These are psychoactive drugs that mimic the effects of existing illegal drugs ...

    ... investigated. However, due to the chemical similarities between methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV—another ... salts in the global drug market, there is little research on the factors that contribute to bath salts overdose. ... continue reading
  • How to Help an Ativan Addict

    If you struggle with an addiction to a drug like Ativan, it is important to remember that you don't have to fight your battle alone . Finding a rehab facility that offers Ativan addiction help is not difficult. In fact, it's as easy as calling a ...

    ... taken the first step in their journey towards recovery. Research shows that drugs actually change the brain. This is ... four months. Once your body has developed a chemical addiction to this stimulant , your body doesn't ... continue reading
  • Effects of Acid (LSD): Short-Term, Long-Term, and Side Effects

    What Is LSD (Acid)? D-lysergic acid diethylamide, better known as LSD or “acid,” is a hallucinogenic drug made from lysergic acid, a natural chemical found in a fungus that grows on rye called Claviceps purpurea . LSD was first created in 1938 ...

    ... is a hallucinogenic drug made from lysergic acid, a natural chemical found in a fungus that grows on rye called Claviceps ... is known about treating hallucinogen abuse and more research is needed. Currently, there are no ... continue reading
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