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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 ...
... drug is considered safe, with no potential for abuse and virtually no risk of overdose . 5 Buprenorphine Buprenorphine is an FDA-approved medication for the treatment of opioid use disorder that comes in multiple forms ... continue reading -
How to Get Off Suboxone: 3 Steps to Take When Quitting
Approved by the FDA in 2002, buprenorphine—brand name Suboxone and Zubsolv—is now the “go-to” drug for medication-assisted treatment with opiate addiction. Unlike methadone treatment, it can be prescribed by physicians in the comfort of ...
... medications to help treat withdrawal symptoms as you begin the weaning process. Slowly taper off the drug: Health experts recommend gradually reducing your buprenorphine dosage. Over a period of three weeks (or more ... 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 ...
... increased and the underlying condition worsening. Weaning off of benzos should be done gradually ... off and do not increase with dose increases, which decreases the risk of side effects, misuse, and dependency. Buprenorphine ... continue reading -
How to Help an Opiate Addict
Help for Opiate Addicts Opiates are some of the most abused drugs in America, with prescription opiates accounting for up to 5.1 million cases of addiction. Around 210 million doses of opiates, including morphine , OxyContin , and Vicodin , were ...
... detox, you may be switched to an alternative opioid like methadone or buprenorphine; alternatively, you might simply be weaned off opiates altogether. Before beginning the process of detoxification and treatment, a ... 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 ...
... . Detox programs can help people slowly wean off of Tussionex under medical supervision . Medications ... used as long-term maintenance to prevent relapse. Buprenorphine: Treats withdrawal symptoms, decreases urges to use, ... 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 ...
... With longer acting drugs such as methadone, LAAM, or buprenorphine, symptoms may take anywhere from 1-2 days to ... no standard protocol was in place to help wean individuals off of methadone or other opiates. This means ... 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 ...
... work for different individuals. One form of opioid treatment proposed is access to buprenorphine (Suboxone) , a medication widely used to wean people off opioids by relieving opioid withdrawal symptoms . It is similar to ... 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, ...
... still call 911 after administering naloxone, even if the person seems fine, since the effects can wear off before the buprenorphine or opioids do. 5, 15 Naloxone can be obtained through a pharmacy in most states and you ... 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 ...
... sickness. Some even say Suboxone helps to stave off the chronic depression that often follows detox. On ... 's no way your brain chemistry can heal while on buprenorphine,” says Dr. Scanlan. “You're continuing to give someone ... 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 ...
... Chernyak, is the only provider in the state certified to treat Utah's current number of 275 patients with buprenorphine. This can result in up to 2 days travel, along with cost inefficiencies, to treat a new patient. She ... 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 ...
... choice. Once the implant is inserted, it's with you for 6 months. The daily decision to take buprenorphine instead of using opioids is removed. This could be a great treatment option for incarcerated patients. What Are ... 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 ...
... relatively low risk of overdose when using buprenorphine . Buprenorphine is available in 2 forms: the uncombined ... are ready to stop using methadone you will slowly taper off the drug, and this will usually be done under ... 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 ...
... with appropriate treatment of a potentially fatal illness; he just repeated Wal-Mart had decided not to stock buprenorphine at all.” Interestingly enough, DEA spokesman Rusty Payne says the agency is not the one to blame ... 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 ...
... can also receive a one-week supply, rather than the typical daily dose of methadone. As with methadone, buprenorphine must be taken regularly to work, but this extended supply can make a huge difference for those living ... continue reading -
Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms, Detox, and Addiction Treatment
What Helps With Heroin Withdrawal? Heroin is an illicitly manufactured opioid drug and morphine derivative. Both the pain-relieving and the pleasurable properties of heroin are initiated through the drug's interaction with opioid receptors in the ...
... may or may not be accompanied by the administration of treatment medication . Medications like methadone and buprenorphine work to decrease the severity of withdrawal symptoms and are associated with lower relapse rates ... 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 ...
... prescription opioids to then, one day, slowly taper off the treatment drug itself entirely. At least, ... from other treatment drugs such as methadone (and buprenorphine monotherapy) in that it is formulated in combination ... 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 ...
... sedate the central nervous system, which slows heart rate, lowers blood pressure, and depresses breathing. The buprenorphine in Suboxone also functions as a depressant drug. When taken together, the effects of each drug ... 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 ...
... for insomnia. It is sometimes used off-label to manage acute alcohol withdrawal and chemotherapy ... is sometimes diverted and abused. Compulsive misuse of buprenorphine can be dangerous, so getting help for Subutex ... 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 ...
... . Studies have shown that it can ease certain withdrawal symptoms, though it may not be as effective as buprenorphine for this purpose. 9 Naltrexone , an FDA-approved opioid agonist that blocks the action of opioids. It ... 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 ...
... a formal opioid rehab program. During this time, you may be tapered off the opioid or moved to a medication like methadone or buprenorphine, both of which can reduce or eliminate cravings and opioid withdrawal symptoms ... continue reading -
Understanding Naloxone and Narcan
Naloxone—also known by brand names such as Narcan and Kloxxado—can be a lifesaving medication when used promptly in cases of opioid overdose. 1 If you or someone you care about takes prescription opioid medication or uses illicit opioids such as ...
... not include maintenance with methadone , buprenorphine , or naltrexone . Those who ... can feel the effects of opioid overdose return after the naloxone wears off. 1 Some people may require more than one dose, depending on ... continue reading -
Addiction Self-Assessment Quizzes for Drugs and Alcohol
Use the following self-assessment quizzes to better understand common signs, symptoms, and behavioral changes related to substance misuse and addiction. The questions used in the following self-assessments are based on the diagnostic criteria ...
... to help evaluate whether you may have a problematic usage of the medication Subutex, also known as buprenorphine, and intended to treat opioid dependence. While this assessment does not replace a clinical diagnosis from ... continue reading -
Yes, Suboxone is Sober & The Truth About Suboxone
In 2014, almost 2 million Americans abused or were dependent on prescription pain medication. During that same time, as many as one in four people who received opioids for treatment of long-term pain in primary care settings struggled with an opioid ...
... ” in the brain's opiate receptors for an entire day, stopping any chance of getting high from its' use. Buprenorphine also blocks the effects of “full” opioids, including the high from using and any pain relief. Due 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 ...
... or, if they do, their insurers don't cover the cost of Suboxone films. The generic name for Suboxone is buprenorphine-naloxone. Suboxone films tend to cost about 9 or 10 dollars per strip—added together, a month of this ... 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 ...
... Medications Can Help You may be wondering what medications your doctor will prescribe you. Both methadone and buprenorphine (Suboxone, Subutex) are long-acting medications that are taken daily. These drugs can be used to ... continue reading -
Opioids: Side Effects, Signs of Abuse, and Addiction Treatment
Opioids are substances that are known for their pain-relieving effects. They include both legal and some illegal substances that may have the potential for misuse, which can potentially lead to dependence and/or addiction. 1 If you or someone you ...
... as directed to stabilize someone during detox, it should not elicit a rewarding euphoria of its own. Buprenorphine . This medication acts similarly to methadone as an induction or stabilizing detox medication to reduce ... 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 ...
... prescribe methadone, they may be able to prescribe buprenorphine or naltrexone , which can also be used to ... education or support you in choosing how to get off methadone. 7 Those taking methadone should be especially ... 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. ...
... is taken on a daily basis and is only available at methadone clinics. Buprenorphine (Probuphine, Suboxone (buprenorphine + naloxone)): A partial opioid agonist, this drug relieves drug cravings without producing ... continue reading -
Snorting Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a pain-relieving substance with two main uses 1 : Treating significant acute, post-operative pain following surgery. Treating chronic or breakthrough pain in people that no longer respond to other narcotic medications. Like morphine, ...
... a more controlled way to reduce addictive behaviors. Opioid partial agonists like buprenorphine (or the combination product, Suboxone—buprenorphine + naloxone) that work like an agonist but create a less intense response ... continue reading -
Snorting Oxycodone
Oxycodone is a prescription opioid pain reliever often sold under the brand names OxyContin, Percodan, and Percocet 1 . Oxycodone—often called “oxy”—causes users to experience a pleasurable euphoria. In seeking Oxycodone's pleasurable ...
... opioid agonist that decreases cravings and withdrawal symptoms in opioid-addicted individuals. Probuphine, a form of buprenorphine that is implanted under the skin and slowly releases the drug into the body over a span ... 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 ...
... combination with naloxone as Suboxone ), which activate opioid receptors, but to a lesser degree. Buprenorphine has a ceiling to its effects, which discourages further abuse. Antagonists like naltrexone (Vivitrol), which ... 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 ...
... people maintain their recovery. 7,17,19,21 Common medications used include the opioid agonists methadone and buprenorphine (both also potential medical detox drugs), as well as the opioid antagonist naltrexone . 2,7,10 ... 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 ...
... avoiding the intense highs and lows encountered with the particular type of substance abuse being treated. Buprenorphine - Mimics the effects of opioids without the addictive high or the withdrawal. Suboxone - Combines ... continue reading -
Tramadol Addiction Symptoms, Side Effects, and Treatment
If you or a loved one are misusing the opioid medication tramadol, this article will help you understand: What tramadol is. Signs of tramadol abuse. Symptoms of tramadol withdrawal and overdose. Treatment for tramadol addiction. What Is Tramadol? ...
... pressure. 10 Some medications can be used to assist with tramadol withdrawal. These include: 11 Buprenorphine —a partial opioid agonist which can help to manage opioid withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. Methadone ... continue reading -
Oxycodone Side Effects: Short and Long-Term
Oxycodone is a prescription opioid analgesic that is used to manage moderate to severe pain by changing the way that the brain responds to pain. 1 It is commonly prescribed as a combination product with other drugs such as acetaminophen and aspirin, ...
... synthetic opioid that helps with withdrawal symptoms and relieves drug cravings. Buprenorphine: A partial opioid agonist drug, buprenorphine can also stabilize someone in opioid withdrawal and decrease cravings. The ... 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 ...
... would make a fortune. At the moment, though, these drugs have not been found, although drugs like buprenorphine have come close. Opiates and drugs that act on the opioid receptors are by definition addictive, and that ... 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. ...
... substances and have undergone alcohol detox. 1 Naltrexone is an opioid receptor antagonist. 1,2 Unlike buprenorphine or methadone , which are opioid receptor agonist medications used to manage opioid withdrawal and treat ... continue reading -
Private Drug and Alcohol Rehab Centers
Around 59.3 million Americans aged 12 and older report having used an illegal drug within one year of being surveyed. 1 A substance use disorder (SUD) is a risk for many, and this risk exists regardless of age, socioeconomic status, or cultural ...
... assessment . A licensed psychiatric provider will assess patient needs for medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone that may support recovery. The provider will also determine whether education for co ... 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, ...
... medications; replacement therapies include the patch, spray, gum and lozenges. 6 Opioids : Methadone and buprenorphine (Suboxone) are FDA-approved substitute medications, while naltrexone is approved to treat cravings. 7 ... continue reading -
How to Get Into Inpatient Drug and Alcohol Rehab Without Insurance
Navigating alcohol and drug rehab without insurance can be challenging, but it's an important step toward reclaiming your life from addiction. Fortunately, there are ways to pay for rehab without insurance. This article will help you learn how to ...
... 20%. Prescription medications are covered under Part D. However, Part D will not cover methadone or buprenorphine for treating addiction. Methadone may be covered under Part A if administered at a hospital. 4 How ... continue reading -
Lean Codeine (Purple Drank): Addiction and Treatment
Codeine is an opioid painkiller that is used in a variety of medications, but which also has a high potential for misuse and addiction. In particular, prescription-strength cough medicine containing codeine may be misused in the form of a narcotic ...
... opioid drug, should the acute opioid withdrawal syndrome be significantly severe, medications such as methadone , buprenorphine, and clonidine may be administered to manage symptoms. 9 If you are ready to get treatment ... continue reading -
Naltrexone for Addiction Treatment: Side Effects and Rehabilitation
Successful addiction treatment can be life-changing, and medication for addiction treatment (MAT) is an effective tool that can promote both abstinence and long-term recovery. Naltrexone is one medication in the MAT armamentarium that is highly ...
... (OUD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD). Medications used to treat OUD include: 5 Methadone . Buprenorphine . Prescription medications used for AUD include: 5 Disulfiram. Acamprosate. Medications are used as part of ... continue reading -
Methadone Clinics Near Me
Why Would a Patient Take Methadone? Methadone—a prescription opioid used in the treatment of opioid dependence—is primarily used for detoxification and maintenance treatment by people struggling to overcome opioid addiction. 1 It helps to ...
... treatment settings. Can be implemented with methadone, buprenorphine , or naltrexone , all of which are ... prevent or alleviate opioid withdrawal symptoms and staves off or reduces cravings by powerfully binding to opioid ... continue reading -
Effects of Roxicodone Addiction
Roxicodone (“Roxy”) is one available brand version of oxycodone—a powerful semi-synthetic opioid painkiller. 1,2 The medicinal effect of opioids like oxycodone is brought on by a change in the way the brain and body respond to pain. Rather ...
... oxygen, coma, and death. Some opioids like buprenorphine (Suboxone) are partial opioid agonists and have ... accompanied with a number of side effects that start off as uncomfortable and with increased use, can become harmful ... continue reading -
How to Treat Actiq (Fentanyl) Addiction
Actiq is the brand name for an analgesic lozenge (on a stick like a lollipop) that contains the opioid drug fentanyl —a powerful synthetic opioid which, when rapidly absorbed through the oral mucosa (along with being slowly absorbed through the GI ...
... for more Actiq or other opioid drugs. This involves taking a medication such as buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). This approach explores the connections between thoughts ... continue reading -
Prescription Painkiller Addiction: How to Get Treatment
When dealing with chronic or mild pain, patients are often prescribed painkillers. It is common to think that prescription painkillers are safe, especially when recommended by your doctor. However, many people also experience prescription opioid ...
... is completely cleared of the substance(s). 6 Specific medications—including opioid agonists such as buprenorphine or methadone —may be initiated to manage uncomfortable opioid withdrawal symptoms. 6 Finally, fostering ... continue reading -
Snorting Percocet
Percocet is a prescription opioid containing both oxycodone and acetaminophen. While it is an effective pain reliever, as a Schedule II controlled drug it has a high potential for abuse due to the oxycodone in it. Oxycodone is a semisynthetic opioid ...
... your treatment program. If this is the case, you may be prescribed stabilizing medications such as buprenorphine or Suboxone, which can help you relieve cravings and manage unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. An approach to ... continue reading -
Painkiller Detox and Withdrawal
Prescription opioid misuse is a prevalent problem in the United States. In 2021, a survey of Americans aged 12 and older found that about 8.7 million people had misused prescription painkiller drugs in the previous year. 1 In this article, we will ...
... withdrawal, and medications are used to aid in this process. 4 Opioid agonist medications, such as buprenorphine or methadone , may be used to alleviate some of the symptoms associated with withdrawal from prescription ... continue reading -
Steps to Overcoming Drug and Alcohol Addiction
Addiction is a strong, negative force in the U.S. and around the world. Signs and symptoms of addiction may begin slowly and without the individual's awareness but, in a short amount of time, someone can find themselves unexpectedly in the depths of ...
... . Each medication will work differently on the brain. For example, drugs like methadone and buprenorphine reduce cravings and reduce withdrawal symptoms by activating opioid receptors in the brain without producing the ... continue reading -
Effects of Opioid Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
What Are Opioids Used For? Opioids are a class of drugs that includes prescription painkillers such as oxycodone (Oxycontin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), codeine , and morphine ; synthetic opioids including fentanyl ; and the illegal drug heroin . 1,2 ...
... and counseling. 6 There are several medications that can help treat opioid disorders, including methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. 1 These medications help patients manage their opioid use disorders. In addition ... 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 ...
... abuse include: Drowsiness and possible intermittent dozing off. Delayed reactions, making it dangerous to operate ... on another 'stabilizing' opiate regimen, such as buprenorphine , in order to manage your symptoms and ... continue reading -
Drug and Alcohol Abuse Treatment Programs
If you or someone you care about is struggling with addiction, you may be considering potential drug and alcohol treatment options. Seeking treatment is a courageous choice and an important first step in the recovery process, but it might not always ...
... has not yet specifically approved medications for pregnant women with opioid use disorder, methadone or buprenorphine maintenance and behavioral therapy can help improve outcomes for the unborn baby of women who abuse ... continue reading -
Adverse Effects of Tramadol Use
Tramadol is a synthetic opioid that is prescribed for managing pain. 1 Tramadol is a somewhat atypical painkiller due to its activity within noradrenergic and serotonergic neurotransmitter systems, in addition to its effects as a weak opioid ...
... for the patient to become medically stable and abstinent from substances. 5 Opioid agonist medications such as buprenorphine may be used to stabilize someone in opioid withdrawal—helping to alleviate cravings and other ... continue reading -
Percocet Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment
Since the mid-1990s, rates of prescription drug abuse have skyrocketed. Today, the widespread abuse of prescription medication—whether this involves opioid painkillers, sedatives, or stimulants—is being recognized as a serious national health ...
... Percocet detox center can take you or a loved one off the drug slowly to minimize withdrawal symptoms that can be ... manage opiate dependence, such as methadone or buprenorphine . These substances work to relieve cravings ... continue reading -
The Effects of Vicodin Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
What Is Vicodin Used For? Vicodin is an prescription painkiller medication that is comprised of two substances: Hydrocodone . Acetaminophen . Hydrocodone is an opiate drug that works as a pain reliever and is useful in managing multiple levels of ...
... —helping to minimize the risk of opiate relapse or continued drug use. At times, drugs like methadone or buprenorphine will be used to aid in the transition away from Vicodin use. This process varies in time 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 ...
... and help curb cravings. The drug has a long history of being used to treat opioid-addicted individuals. Buprenorphine — A synthetic opioid that works as a partial agonist, meaning that it only partially activates opioid ... continue reading -
Side Effects of Hydrocodone Misuse & Addiction
Hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic opioid that has a similar effect to morphine and is prescribed as a cough suppressant or to manage specific types of pain. 1 The most commonly known brands of hydrocodone are Vicodin and Lortab. 1 In this article, you ...
... with someone who specializes in addiction medicine. It also includes maintenance treatment with methadone or buprenorphine for those in recovery from hydrocodone. Each person entering treatment will have different needs ... 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 ...
... Methadone is a synthetic opiate that reduces the withdrawal symptoms associated with ending heroin use. Buprenorphine is another prescription medication that has similar effects to methadone. While these can be addictive ... 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 ...
... so that you can find ways to modify them towards healthier alternatives. Medication management — Methadone , buprenorphine , naltrexone , and other drugs are used during different stages to aid in heroin recovery. Some ... continue reading -
Detoxing from OxyContin: What to Expect
What makes OxyContin so addictive? Why does the body develop dependence on OxyContin? And if you're addicted to Oxy, how do you break the vicious cycle? Here, we will explore what the drug is, what detoxification looks like and how to identify and ...
... as an opiate like OxyContin, and can result in a transfer of addictions. Suboxone , a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone, is another option for medically-assisted opioid detox treatment. If you or someone you know ... continue reading -
Am I Addicted to Painkillers? How Can I Quit Safely?
If you've been taking painkillers for an extended time, particularly after the pain that originally prompted their use has subsided, you might well wonder whether you're addicted to painkillers. Though many people take painkillers following a ...
... a problem, there are a few ways to get off a prescription pain medication: Contact a medical provider to ... correctly. Use drugs to help manage withdrawal, such as buprenorphine , which can help you take less of the drug ... continue reading -
The Effects of Norco Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
What Is Norco Used For? Norco is a combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone —an opiate pain medication. It is intended to relieve moderate to severe pain. Because Norco contains the narcotic hydrocodone, it can be addictive and should be used ...
... professional help . Effective addiction treatment involves reducing withdrawal symptoms with a medication such as buprenorphine (Suboxone(R)/Subutex(R)), along with medical supervision, in order to increase the patient's ... continue reading -
You’re Fired: Police Departments Weaning K9’s Off Marijuana
Jobs change with technology, and work tasks evolve with those advancements. New policies and developments often put people out of work. It turns out, people aren't the only ones affected by those changes. Due to new marijuana guidelines , ...
Jobs change with technology, and work tasks evolve with those advancements. New policies and developments often put people out of work. It turns out, people aren't the only ones affected by those changes. Due to new ... 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, ...
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 ... continue reading -
Off the Booze
1 in 10 Americans have given up alcohol since the start of the ...
1 in 10 Americans have given up alcohol since the start of the pandemic. continue reading -
The Effects of Lorazepam Use
About Lorazepam Lorazepam is an anti-anxiety medication that promotes relaxation by tempering excitatory brain activity. Also marketed under the brand name Ativan , it is only available by prescription. Lorazepam is most commonly orally ingested as ...
... As such, many medical professionals advise tapering off lorazepam gradually. Short-Term Effects The primary ... gradually decreased amounts. This process of weaning off ensures that the medical and psychological dangers ... continue reading -
5 Alarming Facts About Benzo Addiction
People tend to use benzodiazepines because they work, plain and simple. A group of prescription sedatives, benzodiazepines are classified as Schedule IV in the Controlled Substances Act and are most commonly prescribed to treat anxiety, namely under ...
... , for those who determine to quit, following closely a doctor's recommended guidelines for slowly weaning off the benzo was most effective—if still painful. 3. Using Often Creates Cognitive Impairment As increasing ... continue reading -
Gabapentin Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, Overdose, & Treatment
What Is Gabapentin Neurontin? Gabapentin Neurontin is an anticonvulsant that comes in a capsule, tablet, and oral solution. It is used to manage certain seizure disorders, as well as the neuropathic pain phenomenon known as post-herpetic neuralgia ...
... function and avoid a potentially perilous withdrawal syndrome. Getting medical detox helps you to slowly wean off gabapentin while under medical supervision. Inpatient treatment : If your gabapentin addiction is severe ... continue reading -
Valium History and Statistics
History of Valium Use Diazepam—better known by the trade name Valium—is a prescription medication that belongs to a group of chemically similar sedative and anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) drugs called benzodiazepines (sometimes abbreviated as 'BZDs' ...
... potentially dangerous seizures and convulsions. Once the addicted individual is safely weaned off of alcohol or another drug, they can more easily be tapered off of Valium. Who's Abusing Valium? The number of admissions ... continue reading -
The Side Effects of Xanax: Pill Use and Short-Term and Long-Term Effects
What Is Xanax Used For? Xanax (generic name: alprazolam) is a powerful benzodiazepine drug that is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain. 1,2 The medication comes in the form of a pill that quickly ...
... in an outpatient or inpatient setting, depending on the individual's needs. During medical detox, you may be slowly weaned off of Xanax over the course of several weeks or even months in order to give your body a chance ... continue reading -
Am I Addicted to Klonopin? How Can I Quit Safely?
Klonopin is a brand name for the drug clonazepam . It's a benzodiazepine that affects the way chemicals in the brain work. It helps reduce anxiety , can treat seizure disorders, and may be used to treat panic disorders. Those taking it sometimes ...
... do a tapering program at home under the guidance of a medical doctor. With a taper program, you will slowly be weaned off the drug. You should make sure to keep in contact with your doctor and advise if you have any side ... continue reading -
Long-Term Side Effects of Zolpidem Abuse
What Is Zolpidem Used For? Zolpidem is a hypnotic, or sleep-promoting substance found in some prescription insomnia medications, including the sleeping pill Ambien. 1 As a sedative-hypnotic substance, zolpidem use can impart a sense of euphoria and ...
... having problems with zolpidem use, please call AAC free at to find professional help that can help you wean off Ambien and get free from addiction for good. There are also free prescription drug helpline numbers you can ... continue reading -
Concurrent Alcohol and Soma Abuse
The Problem of Alcohol and Soma Abuse Abusing Soma (a muscle relaxant) and alcohol (a depressant) together can compound the negative health effects of both. Treatment is vital for someone abusing these drugs. Soma (generic name: carisoprodol) is a ...
... may be asked to switch over to a long-acting benzodiazepine (like diazepam or clonazepam), then be slowly weaned off of the replacement drug at a rate that is clinically determined to be the most safe and effective for ... continue reading -
The Effects of Alprazolam Use—Short-Term, Long-Term and Side Effects
Is Alprazolam Harmful? Alprazolam (trade name: Xanax ) is a sedative drug in the benzodiazepine class, indicated for the management of some forms of anxiety and panic disorders. The substance—like all benzodiazepines—has central nervous system ...
... and confidentially. Withdrawal from an alprazolam addiction typically involves a process of weaning, or tapering the body off of the drug. Weaning is when a medical professional continues to provide the substance to you ... 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 ...
... arise. There are several medically managed approaches to diazepam withdrawal treatment . These include: 7 Weaning the individual off of their current dose over the course of weeks or months. Switching to another, longer ... continue reading -
What Is Ativan? Is Ativan Addictive? Dangers of Ativan Abuse
Ativan is one of the top 10 psychiatric drugs used in America. Many have taken it; many have abused it. What do you know about it? If you're like most people, your knowledge of Ativan is limited. Even those who use it are often unaware of its ...
... is available. To begin treatment, you will slowly reduce the amount of Ativan you take. This gradual weaning is the safest way to beat an Ativan addiction since no pharmacological treatments are currently available. This ... continue reading -
Closing Candy Land: Our Vets are Stuck in the VA’s Revolving Door
Across our nation, the brave men and women who defended its freedoms are suffering. The burden they bear isn't regret, loss, emotional trauma or illness…even though all of these things may be present. No, the cargo many of them carry is the weight ...
... - some weren't even written a prescription at all. Somewhere along the line, the decision was made to wean hundreds of vets off opiate painkillers - a choice that was made for them , not with them . Period. Even the vets ... continue reading -
Shackled to a Methadone Clinic
She's been going to the same clinic for five years. Every day, she takes a bus, walks the last two blocks from the bus stop and gets in line for her dose of methadone. Five years ago, Kathy decided she needed help to break her Vicodin addiction. ...
... fact that his methadone dosage had gone up 300 percent during his decade long treatment, with no plans to wean him off the drug. He's now dependent on methadone. But, no alternatives are offered at the clinic; so they ... continue reading -
Baclofen Abuse Side Effects, Symptoms, and Addiction Treatment
What Is Baclofen Used For? Baclofen is a prescription skeletal muscle relaxant indicated for the treatment of muscle spasms and spasticity related to conditions such as multiple sclerosis. Baclofen is commonly prescribed to treat symptoms associated ...
... : Detox is typically the first step in treating a substance use disorder. During this time, you slowly wean yourself off baclofen and any other drugs you are taking so that your body can get used to no longer having ... continue reading -
Did the DEA Really Abandon Its Plan to Ban Kratom?
Several years ago, when I was living with my ex-boyfriend, I stumbled upon a package he received. The receipt said it was a bottle of kratom - a word I had never heard of before. A cursory Google search didn't pull up much either, beside the fact it ...
... in the U.S. for those coping with chronic pain. It's also used by those trying to wean themselves off opioids or alcohol, since it provides a milder painkilling effect than synthetic substances, such as methadone. On ... continue reading -
Trading Dependencies: There’s Nothing “Mild” About a Kratom Addiction
Mitragyna Speciosa, also known as Kratom, is a large tree in the Rubiaceae family native to Southeast Asia. It is said that Kratom affects the human brain similarly to an opiate , although there is no conclusive clinical data proving how the ...
... as a potential cure for opiate addicts. The idea is that Kratom, a “mild” drug, can help wean people off these “harder” drugs. What's the drawback? Kratom is physically addictive, too. The same properties that make ... continue reading -
Depression and Substance Abuse: Symptoms, Statistics, and Treatment Programs
Depression and addiction often go hand in hand. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) found that, in 2020, an estimated 17 million American adults experienced both substance use conditions and mental health concerns. 1 Having more than one ...
... management, supported housing, and support groups. 1 Detoxification : This process tapers or weans an individual off a substance under the supervision of trained medical staff. 1 Inpatient rehabilitation : Facilities ... 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 ...
... with which a substance is used. The goal is to manage serious withdrawal symptoms and wean the body completely off the substance. Upon completion of detox, various behavioral therapy interventions will usually begin as ... continue reading -
Valium Abuse Symptoms and Addiction Treatment
What Is Valium Used For? Valium is a benzodiazepine prescribed by medical doctors and psychiatrists to treat anxiety and panic attacks. Historically, Valium has been a popular pharmaceutical agent—it has been widely used for its muscle relaxant, ...
... usually begins with the detoxification process , wherein medical staff will prescribe a tapering schedule to wean the patient off of Valium in a way that minimizes withdrawal symptoms. This can be accomplished in a ... 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 ...
... typically the first step in the treatment process. A period of medically supervised detox will wean the user off the substance while managing symptoms and making the patient as comfortable as possible. Other substances ... continue reading -
5 Smart Ways to Prepare for Your Friend’s Intervention
Krista is worried about Becca. They've been friends for years, so Krista can tell when something is “off” with her friend. And lately, something seems off. Krista has noticed Becca being a lot less social. She spends more time at home alone. ...
... your friend about such a sensitive issue will likely create an emotionally charged situation. That makes it easy to get off track and leave out a lot of the things you'd planned to say. Try writing it all down. Compose ... continue reading -
The Forefathers of Modern Illicit Drugs
While illicit drugs are a major concern in today's society, many of them didn't start off as recreational. On the contrary, many started off with medicinal and anesthetic purposes. Here's a look at some of the forefathers of modern illicit drugs, ...
... 1888. It wasn't until 1913 that its addictive qualities were officially discovered and it was swiftly taken off the market. John Pemberton - The Forefather of Cocaine Following injuries he sustained as a Colonel in the ... continue reading -
Is Your Friend High? Here’s How to Tell…
Your friend seems a little “off.” Is he simply having a bad day? Did he not sleep well? Is he sick? Or is he high? To the untrained observer, it can be hard to tell. But it's important to discern. Depending on the circumstances, it could affect ...
Your friend seems a little “off.” Is he simply having a bad day? Did he not sleep well? Is he sick? Or is he high? To the untrained observer, it can be hard to tell. But it's important to discern. Depending on the ... continue reading -
Is There Ever a Good Time to Use Benzos?
Carol had a severe panic disorder. It started when she was assaulted at age 34. She'd tried many medications, but only Xanax helped. She worked closely with her doctor and never abused them, but over time she felt the negative cognitive effects of ...
... they're highly addictive and easily abused. Tapering Off Xanax…Slowly Carol wanted to stop taking them ... life seemed too difficult to manage. But as she came off the medication, she gradually felt her brain coming back. ... continue reading -
4 Hangover “Cures” You Need to Ignore
The lights are too bright. The noises are too loud. Your head's spinning. Your stomach's in turmoil. No, it's not the flu. You have a hangover. You had a few too many yesterday, and now you're paying for it. Beware the Miracle Remedy So, what can ...
... per hour. Coffee doesn't speed up this detoxification, it just makes you wide awake for the process. Wash it off: Surely a brisk shower will send a shock to your system that helps you get rid of this hangover? Nope. No ... continue reading -
Pregnant & Court-Ordered to Take Vivitrol: Is My Baby Safe?
It's a question many women might be asking themselves, as more and more females of childbearing age are ordered by drug courts to take Vivitrol - the injectable form of naltrexone. An opioid-antagonist, Vivitrol blocks the brain receptors that bind ...
... An opioid-antagonist, Vivitrol blocks the brain receptors that bind to opioids, making it impossible to get high off of drugs like heroin, OxyContin, and Vicodin. In its injectable form, Vivitrol lasts for about a month ... 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 ...
... or an addict can no longer afford to buy pills off the streets, they often transition to heroin. On the ... longer an option, people are forced to start buying pills off the street . And with black market pills going for ... continue reading -
7 Famous Stoners Who Got Sober
Throughout the years, tons of famous names have been connected with marijuana use. And while a number of celebs continue abusing weed, plenty of them have chosen to leave the drug behind. For some, having children and growing older served as ...
... Green Cee Lo Green, a six-time Grammy award winner, only needed one bad weed encounter to make him swear off the drug for life. In November 2010, Green revealed that he had suffered a weed-induced anxiety attack back in ... continue reading -
Heroin Facts—Because Knowing Is Half the Battle
“Smack” - “Junk” - “H” Heroin is a drug that goes by many names but, no matter what you call it, it's still the same potent, potentially deadly drug. While its name really isn't that important, knowing some basic facts about heroin can ...
... there's more product to go around—and more money to be made. Once cut, the powder takes on a brown or off-white color. “Black tar” is another form of heroin and—as the name implies—it is dark brown or black in color. It ... 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 ...
... they believe it enhances their creativity or allows them to stay awake when needed. Of course, some go nuts and cut off their ear in a drunken rage. Just because you are a genius doesn't mean you're sensible. 1. Aleister ... 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 ...
... oddest ones. Some plants produce these chemicals to ward off pests and larger animals. After all, a tripping cow ... addition, these chemicals can act as insecticides, killing off bugs that eat the leaves or fruit. Nutmeg is ... continue reading -
Taking Action: How to Intervene During an Overdose
Drug overdoses are now the leading cause of accident death in the United States. According to the Centers of Disease Control (CDC), 43,982 drug overdose deaths occurred in 2013 across the nation. That's two times the amount of overdose deaths a ...
... Tilt head back and spray half of the naloxone (1cc) into each nostril. Injectable Naloxone : Pry the orange top off the naloxone vial. Draw 1cc of naloxone into syringe and inject into a major muscle (buttocks, thighs or ... continue reading -
Effects of Ketamine Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, and Side Effects
Is Ketamine Dangerous? “It's easy to get ketamine abuse wrong because of its potency; it's more powerful than speed or coke weight for weight, so it's easy to accidentally overdose.” Like its sister drug CP, ketamine is a dissociative ...
... need to seek help. Ketamine Withdrawal Treatment Ketamine withdrawal treatment aims to help you get off the drug and stay off it. First, you'll likely undergo withdrawal. Some of the literature in the addiction treatment ... continue reading -
Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Symptoms, Medications, and Addiction Treatment
What Are Benzodiazepines? Benzodiazepines, or “benzos,” are central nervous system depressants commonly prescribed to manage a variety of conditions, including anxiety, panic disorders, muscle spasms, seizures, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, and ...
... proper care can set the stage for long-term recovery. To find a program that will help you get off benzodiazepines for good, call AAC free now at . American Addiction Centers maintains a strong partnership with a large ... continue reading -
Sedative Withdrawal Symptoms, Detoxification, and Addiction Treatment
What Is a Sedative Drug? Sedatives are a class of drugs that depress, or slow down the central nervous system. This substance class encompasses a wide variety of drugs, the most common of which include: Benzodiazepines (treat anxiety and seizures). ...
... stabilize the patient and mitigate their risk of severe rebound agitation and seizures. They will then be tapered off benzos over the course of a several days to weeks as detox progresses, before their use is eventually ... continue reading
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