What Do Opioids Do

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 ...

... , you are at increased risk for developing these issues if you misuse them. 3,4,7,11 Long-term use of opioids may also increase the risk for developing an addiction and/or lead to an overdose. 3 Signs and Symptoms of ... continue reading

Opioid Epidemic Coming for the Elderly

How Common is Opioid Abuse in the Elderly? Close your eyes and imagine an opioid addict. Who do you see? Would you think of a young, poor male injecting heroin and obsessing over how they will need to score their next hit to satisfy their compulsive ...

... You might have nausea and vomiting, cold sweats, depression, and other symptoms that make you want to turn back to opioids for relief. This is why it is a great idea to get support through this first step in the process ... 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 ...

... United States. According to the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health , 9.5 million people misused opioids in the past year; 9.3 million of those people misused prescription pain relievers, and 902,000 people used ... continue reading

Opioid Painkiller Abuse

What Are Prescription Opioids? The category of prescription painkillers covers a wide variety of opioid drugs, including morphine , codeine , oxycodone ( OxyContin , Percocet ), and hydrocodone ( Vicodin , Norco )—as controlled substances, each of ...

... , medication-managed withdrawal from the drug. 5 In addition, there needs to be an assessment to see why the opioid was taken in the first place—be it for prescription use or nonmedical misuse. If the user suffers from a ... 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 ...

... example, designed to cope with a load of powder floating around in the bloodstream, but a number of prescription opioid misusers grind up tablets, mix them with water or alcohol , and inject them. This can lead to heart ... 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 ...

... , including a rise in abuse. The CDC reported a sharp rise in the number of emergency department visits involving opioid analgesics from 2004 to 2008; visits shot up from 144,600 to 305,900. Culture of acceptance . NIDA ... continue reading

Prescription Painkiller FAQ

What Are Prescription Painkillers? Prescription painkillers are opioid medications used to manage relatively severe pain (such as pain associated with surgical procedures or more chronic issues like cancer-related pain). 1, 2 They can be safe and ...

... free to join and have helped many sustain lasting sobriety. For help finding a program to end your addiction to opioid painkillers, call us at . We can assist you in sorting through the options to find the right care for ... 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? ...

... it has a recognized potential for abuse and dependence. 2 Is Tramadol Addictive? Use of tramadol—like all opioid analgesics—presents a high risk of misuse and addiction . While it is considered to have a lower potential ... continue reading

Side Effects of ACTIQ Abuse

ACTIQ is a brand name for fentanyl, an extremely powerful opioid painkiller that is used only for severe pain such as breakthrough cancer pain 1 . Fentanyl is available in a number of formulations and delivery methods, including 2,3,4 : Tablets and ...

... consume the drug in larger amounts and/or at increased frequencies 6 . With persistently elevated levels of an opioid like ACTIQ, an individual will begin to feel as if they require the drug to function normally—a point ... 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 ...

... in the case of short-acting painkillers, and 3-4 days for relatively longer-acting ones. The full duration of opioid withdrawal can take around 7 to 10 days in total for shorter-acting painkillers and 14 days or more for ... 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 ...

... addiction or may otherwise misuse these medications. About 45 people die every day by overdosing on prescription opioids. 1 If you or a loved one struggle with compulsive prescription painkiller use, it is important to ... 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 ...

... . Just remember that a person abusing Percocet needs support in their path to a drug-free life. Opioid painkillers like Percocet can be extremely habit-forming, and it takes focus, determination, and continued support to ... continue reading

Oxycodone Abuse Signs, Symptoms, Effects, and Treatment

What Is Oxycodone Used For? “Those addicted to prescription opiates like oxycodone are 40 times more likely to develop a heroin abuse problem.” Oxycodone is a pain-relieving drug that is prescribed frequently to address moderate-to-severe pain. ...

... in a lab, oxycodone impacts the user in ways similar to other legal and illegal opioids. Also, like other opiate and opioid drugs, oxycodone is capable of delivering a powerful high—rendering it a potential drug of ... 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 ...

... opiate withdrawal and cravings. Medications used as part of MAT may include: Methadone — A long-acting synthetic opioid agonist medication. It is used to prevent withdrawal symptoms and help curb cravings. The drug has a ... continue reading

Dilaudid: Addiction and Treatment Programs

Dilaudid is a prescription opioid that is sometimes misused. 1 When Dilaudid is used in ways other than prescribed, and even when it is used as prescribed, there can be a risk of dangerous side effects and addiction. 1 Read on to learn about ...

... pain management, Dilaudid can be addictive and is dangerous when misused, even at prescribed doses. 1 Like other opioids, it can slow down breathing through its interaction with the brain. 2 Misuse of Dilaudid (in either ... 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 ...

... like symptoms, such as: Cramping. Nausea. Fever. Runny nose. Sweating. Diarrhea. Cravings. What Are the Signs of Opioid Addiction? The main symptom of opiate abuse and addiction is that you keep taking the drug no matter ... continue reading

How to Help a Loved One With Dilaudid Addiction

How to Approach a Dilaudid Addict Helping a loved one with a Dilaudid addiction can be incredibly challenging. It is important to be supportive and helpful without enabling your loved one to continue using. Some tips from the National Council on ...

... taper their dose of Dilaudid under the care of a physician in order to minimize uncomfortable opioid withdrawal symptoms and prevent opioid relapse . Depending on the severity of the addiction, detox may take place on an ... continue reading

Using Painkillers When Pregnant

Prescription painkillers, or opioids, are commonly used to treat pain. Opioid painkillers include drugs such as hydrocodone (Vicodin), oxycodone (OxyContin), codeine, and morphine. In addition to their inclusion in the many opioid analgesic ...

... drug the mother used and for how long. How well the body clears the drug out of its system. What type of opioid the mother used. Whether the baby was born early. NAS symptoms can begin 1-3 days after the baby is born. If ... continue reading

The Effects of Painkiller Use

A painkiller can be any one of a number of drugs, from over-the-counter (OTC) medications like Tylenol, ibuprofen, and aspirin, to prescribed drugs like oxycodone, codeine, morphine, Vicodin, and hydrocodone. All painkillers carry risks—even OTC ...

... be prescribed by a doctor. 11 They pose a danger when mixed with alcohol or certain other drugs. 11 Opioids pose a high risk of being habit forming. 11 Are Painkillers Harmful? Painkillers can be harmful, especially when ... 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 ...

... for a new prescription. With these limitations in place, many turned to illegal methods in order to acquire opioid painkillers, which quickly become a gateway towards heroin abuse. One pill can cost up to $80 on the ... continue reading

OxyContin Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment

What Is OxyContin Used For? OxyContin is a branded formulation of the powerful opioid painkiller oxycodone . It is prescribed to manage cases of moderate-to-severe pain. When taken as directed, it is a safe and effective medication, and it has ...

... use due to the similar effects of the two. According to one study, people suffering from addictions to prescription opioids were 19 times more likely to start abusing heroin in the year prior to the study. This may be ... 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 ...

... , so adverse effects can be both short term and lasting. Tramadol Dependence Long-term use or misuse of opioids like tramadol may lead to physical dependence. 3 Dependence occurs when the brain adapts to the presence of ... 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, ...

... other effects, such as: 1,3,4 Mild euphoria. Relaxation. Sedation. Reduced anxiety. Oxycodone, like other opioids, has therapeutic effects that may also be accompanied by a number of unwanted side effects, including: 1,3 ... continue reading

Signs & Symptoms of Hydromorphone Abuse

Hydromorphone is a prescription medication used for the long-term treatment of moderate to severe pain that cannot be managed by other pain medicines or non-pharmacologic options. Hydromorphone is an opioid pain medication that is available as a(n) ...

... to severe pain that cannot be managed by other pain medicines or non-pharmacologic options. Hydromorphone is an opioid pain medication that is available as a(n) 2 : Oral liquid. Immediate-release tablet. Extended-release ... 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 ...

... departments for problems associated with hydromorphone abuse in 2011. 2 There were 19,000 deaths due to opioid-related overdose in 2014 alone. 5 While the drug has some inherent dangers (possible side effects) even when ... continue reading

Roxy Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment

What Is Roxicodone Used For? Roxicodone (often called “roxies,” “roxy,” or “blues”) is one of the brand names for oxycodone —a powerful opioid prescription painkiller. Roxicodone is prescribed to alleviate pain that cannot be managed ...

... need for the substance. 4 In 2014 alone, almost 2 million people were dependent on or addicted to prescription opioids . 5 Signs and Symptoms of Roxy Abuse When it is taken as prescribed, the effects of Roxicodone will ... continue reading

Side Effects of Demerol Use: Short-Term Effects, Long-Term Effects and Treatment

What Is Demerol Used For? Demerol is a prescription opioid painkiller with effects similar to those of the illicit opiate drug heroin, including the production of a pleasant, euphoric state among those who use it. Demerol is a branded formulation of ...

... -dependent response to the use of opiates like heroin and, in a similar manner, to that of prescription opioid painkillers . When severe, it can result in inadequate delivery of oxygen throughout the body and may lead to ... continue reading

Why Are Prescription Opiates So Addictive?

Prescription opiates—such as Vicodin , Percocet , and OxyContin —are narcotic medications used for pain management. These drugs are often referred to as “opioids,” which are synthetic and semi-synthetic derivatives of the active “opiate” ...

... of medications commonly used in the treatment of opiate addiction: Agonists (i.e. methadone ), which fully activate opioid receptors. These drugs have long half lives (they stay in the body for between 24 and 60 hours ... continue reading

Snorting Tramadol

Tramadol is a medication prescribed to treat moderate to moderately severe pain in adults and, in its extended release forms, to manage certain chronic pain conditions. Similar to other pain medications like oxycodone, morphine, and hydrocodone, ...

... to be a risk factor contributing to non-fatal overdose 11 . In fact, people with a history of snorting opioids were 3 times more likely to overdose 11 . This occurs because when the body is flooded with the substance ... continue reading

Is Tramadol the New OxyContin?

The epidemic of painkiller addiction is well known, and OxyContin (oxycodone) has arguably been the most notorious prescription opioid at the center of this public health emergency. Drugs like OxyContin have filled the news in recent years due to ...

... or if oxycodone becomes too expensive—and both phenomena happen quite often. In fact, the transition of opioid-dependent individuals from pills to heroin has been largely blamed for the dramatic increase in heroin use in ... continue reading

Actiq Fentanyl Lollipop Addiction

Fentanyl is a prescription medication that doctors prescribe to treat pain. Fentanyl is also manufactured and sold illegally. The powerful, synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. 1 In its prescription form, fentanyl is ...

... more of the following criteria within a 12-month period: 8 Being unable to cut back or stop using opioids despite a desire to do so. Spending a significant amount of time obtaining, using, or recovering from the effects ... 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 to maintain your relief. The continued use of opioid medications often leads to tolerance . This is the need ... and dosing . You may be used to taking one opioid analgesic and your friend may be used to taking another ... continue reading

Is Fentanyl Abuse More Deadly Than Heroin?

Fentanyl, a drug previously unheard of by many, has become notorious in recent years due to the spike in overdose deaths from heroin laced with the potent prescription narcotic. It gained even more notoriety when the April 2016 death of iconic ...

... to the street, and the consequences are often deadly. Where Does Fentanyl Come From? Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. The FDA approves this ... continue reading

Hydromorphone (Dilaudid) Side Effects and Treatment Options

Hydromorphone is an opioid pain medication with a high potential for misuse and addiction. 1 Hydromorphone is intended for use in patients with moderate-to-severe chronic pain, though it is often misused due to its abilities to produce a euphoric ...

... can be incorporated into any level of care and maintained beyond treatment to help avoid a return to illicit opioid use. 5 How to Find Dilaudid Addiction Treatment Near Me It can be challenging to find the right option ... 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 ...

... 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 ... 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 ...

... or reverse the effects. 1 They may be given an overdose treatment drug called naloxone —essentially an opioid antidote used to manage adverse reactions and prevent death. 2 Signs That Someone Is Addicted to Vicodin ... continue reading

Snorting Hydrocodone

Hydrocodone is an opioid substance used in many prescription medications to treat cough and pain. Hydrocodone is available in formulations of pure hydrocodone (Hysingla, Zohydro) or in combination with other pain relievers like ibuprofen ...

... in the future. Addiction treatment therapy is available on an inpatient or outpatient basis . The abuse of prescription opioid medications in the US is an epidemic that continues to claim many lives and cause an array of ... continue reading

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 ...

... that they have a problem. Try to have an open conversation with your teen about the risks of opioid abuse. Find Opioid Addiction Treatment Programs If you or a loved one is struggling with problematic Opana use, help is ... continue reading

Dealing with Roxicodone Addiction

The risk of addiction is not limited to the use of illicit substances like heroin or cocaine. Legal drugs have the potential to cause devastating addiction, as well, even if they were initially legitimately prescribed. The Substance Abuse and Mental ...

... and longer-acting effects, it can be given without the risk of the same highs and lows that the abused opioid drug can cause. In this manner, it can reduce withdrawal symptoms and lower cravings and, in most cases, will ... continue reading

Side Effects of Morphine Misuse and Addiction

Morphine is an opioid painkiller that is prescribed for the management of severe pain (trauma, surgical and cancer related pain) where alternative treatment is not adequate to control pain. 1,2 Morphine can be used safely and effectively for pain ...

... immediate and short-term effects of morphine is a sense of euphoria, which is a reason morphine and other opioids are misused. 3 In addition to pain relief and euphoria, there are common side effects of morphine that ... continue reading

Side Effects of Tussionex Abuse

Tussionex, a prescription cough medicine, contains a mixture of hydrocodone (an opioid pain reliever) and chlorpheniramine (an antihistamine). In 2008, the FDA issued an alert regarding the dangers of misusing Tussionex, stating that abusing it can ...

... is stopped or decreased, the body must adjust to the changes and it will take time to recover normal functioning. Opioid withdrawal can begin within a few hours to a few days after the user has quit or decreased use 9,10 ... continue reading

Tussionex Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Treatment

What Is Tussionex? Tussionex is a prescription medication that includes a combination of chlorpheniramine—an antihistamine 1 —and the opioid painkiller hydrocodone . It is prescribed to treat respiratory symptoms—such as coughs—related to ...

... is a narcotic medication that suppresses coughing and relieves pain. It belongs to a class of drugs known as opioids, 2 which includes serious drugs of abuse like heroin , as well as various prescription painkillers . ... continue reading

Alternatives to Painkillers

The 2012 National Health Interview Survey estimated that 126.1 million adults reported some pain in the previous 3 months, 25.3 million adults reported suffering from daily (chronic) pain, and 23.4 million reported experiencing a lot of it overall ...

... , in March of 2016, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) released new guidelines for the prescription of opioids in the treatment of chronic pain, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced new warning labels ... 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 ...

... management of moderate to severe, chronic pain but carries a high risk of being misused or abused. Opioids are addictive not only because of their pain-relieving capabilities but because of their subsequent triggering of ... continue reading

How to Help an Ultram Addict

Substance abuse problems have the potential to negatively affect individuals, their families, and society as a whole. As addiction progresses, the sufferer's obsession with his or her preferred substance tends to outweigh concern for the ...

... abuse and addiction if it is used as prescribed and on a short-term basis. Ultram is a member of the opioid family of pain-relievers. It acts, in part, by binding to central nervous system opiate receptors to alter the ... continue reading

Codeine Addiction: Effects, Dangers, and Treatment

Codeine is a prescription opioids painkiller that, while generally safe when taken as prescribed, has a high potential for misuse and addiction. 1,2 Misusing codeine to experience a euphoric “high,” 3 increases the potential risks of developing ...

... effects, and how to seek addiction treatment can help one in achieving recovery. What Is Codeine? Codeine is an opioid that is derived from the seed of the opium plant. 4 It works by binding to receptors in the brain ... 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 ...

... continued use. As a result, it is recommended to seek professional treatment for hydrocodone (and other opioid) addiction so the individual can learn to manage withdrawal symptoms, cravings and urges. There are different ... 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 ...

... are not usually dangerous, withdrawing under medical supervision can help make you more comfortable and minimize the risk of opioid relapse . Learn more about 3-day, 5-day and 7-day detox programs . When treating an ... 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 ...

... 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 a key factor contributing to the prevalence of OxyContin abuse ... 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 ...

... either an inpatient or an outpatient basis. If you or someone you care about is seeking recovery from opioid addiction, deciding what type of treatment you prefer is the first step. Both programs have benefits, but some ... 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 ...

... abuse and addiction. Coming off Percocet under medical supervision may ensure that withdrawal symptoms don't cause an opioid relapse . The medical staff in a Percocet detox center can take you or a loved one off the ... continue reading

How to Help Someone Addicted to Oxycodone

While oxycodone is a prescription medication, it is also an opioid that can be misused. 1 In 2020, over 2.5 million people in the U.S. aged 12 and older reported having an opioid use disorder (OUD). 2 It is never too late to get help for oxycodone ...

... misused. 1 In 2020, over 2.5 million people in the U.S. aged 12 and older reported having an opioid use disorder (OUD). 2 It is never too late to get help for oxycodone addiction, and being in treatment can significantly ... 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 ...

... 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 ... 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 ...

... , including addiction, tolerance, and dependence . Short-Term Effects of Vicodin Use Since Vicodin contains hydrocodone —an opioid substance—the drug will lead to effects that are similar to those of other opiates , such ... continue reading

Hydrocodone Abuse Signs, Symptoms, Effects, and Treatment

What Is Hydrocodone Used For? Hydrocodone is an opioid analgesic (painkiller) drug included in the formulation of many narcotic prescription painkillers that are most often prescribed to control moderate-to-severe pain. As an opiate drug, it is in ...

... severe pain. As an opiate drug, it is in the same family as morphine and oxycodone; like many other opioid substances, it has a high potential to lead to dependency and addiction if it is abused. Hydrocodone is indicated ... continue reading

Tramadol Withdrawal and Detox

Tramadol is a somewhat atypical prescription painkiller, with both opioid and monoamine reuptake inhibiting pharmacological properties. 1 In the U.S., tramadol is approved for use in managing moderately severe pain and has historically been marketed ...

... Adverse effects of tramadol use include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and constipation. 1,3 As an opioid, one of the most serious side effects of tramadol use is respiratory depression which, when severe, can ... continue reading

How to Help a Demerol Addict

If you suspect that a loved one is abusing Demerol or you know someone who is trying to quit using the substance, there are ways that you can help. How to Approach an Addict It is important to understand how to address the situation in a supportive ...

... quadrupled over the last two decades. The CDC estimates that an average of 78 individuals die every day from opioid abuse in the US. While Demerol can be safely used when it is taken exactly as prescribed, it produces ... continue reading

How to Help a Codeine Addict

Helping someone overcome an addiction is sometimes an arduous process, and recovery won't happen overnight. Addiction treatment takes time and often imposes stresses on both the abuser and the people they love. While it may prove difficult, ...

... a close eye on someone experiencing these symptoms , as they may hurt themselves. Learn more about the effects of opioid use . Am I Addicted to Codeine? If you are battling any of the aforementioned signs of addiction , ... continue reading

How to Help a Morphine Addict

With approximately 52 million people in the U.S. having used prescription drugs nonmedically in their lifetime, widespread addiction to drugs like morphine is increasingly becoming a problem. When someone begins to engage in abuse morphine, it's ...

... in a 2015 press release that most current heroin users in the U.S. progressed to the drug from prescription opioid use. Help for opiate addiction typically comes in the form of one of two types of treatment : Inpatient ... continue reading

Effects of Lortab Use—Short-Term, Long-Term, and Side Effects

What Is Lortab Used For? Lortab is the combination of hydrocodone —an opiate used to manage pain—and acetaminophen , an over-the-counter analgesic and antipyretic (fever reducer) that augments the pain-relieving effects of hydrocodone . Lortab ...

... desired effects. As drug consumption increases over time, so do the risks of harmful side effects and opioid overdose . Unbeknownst to many prescription drug abusers, the excessive use of a substance such as Lortab can ... continue reading

The Effects of Fentanyl Use

Is Fentanyl Dangerous? Fentanyl may be administered through: Patches. Oral or nasal spray. Lollipops (a 'troche' or lozenge with a stick handle). Injection. Fentanyl is a potent, synthetic opioid analgesic - excellent for controlling serious pain, ...

... to a therapeutic dose of some other opiate) . Any person who uses fentanyl and doesn't have an opioid tolerance is risking his health. In other words, a first time user who decides to 'experiment' or use Fentanyl ... continue reading

Effects of Ultram Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment

Ultram (trade name: tramadol ) is an opiate analgesic typically prescribed for pain that is moderate to moderately severe. When introduced, it was regarded as having a very low potential for addiction; however, its incidence of abuse and dependency ...

... doses to kill pain and feel euphoric. Ultram addiction , which indicates continual cravings for the drug and opioid withdrawal symptoms when not using. Long-term effects of abuse and addiction to Ultram also follow the ... 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 ...

... patient's comfort during the process. Treatment in rehabilitation centers can also limit the likelihood of an opioid relapse , as a variety of behavioral interventions will be employed to increase a person's chances of ... 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 ...

... medicine when taken as directed; however, it can be abused by people seeking to get high. Hydrocodone is an opioid capable of eliciting feelings of euphoria and has a high potential for abuse and addiction 1 . You may ... continue reading

The Effects of Opana Use

Is Opana Harmful? Opana is a prescription opioid pain-reliever containing the active ingredient oxymorphone. Oxymorphone is a semi-synthetic opioid agonist, meaning it binds to the opioid receptors in your brain to elicit its effects. You may have ...

... prescribed or taking it via alternative methods like crushing and snorting) puts you at significant risk of opioid addiction, which can happen regardless of whether you have a prescription. Side Effects of Opana The most ... continue reading

Lortab Abuse Symptoms and Addiction Treatment

What Is Lortab Used For? Lortab is a brand name for the drug hydrocodone. Lortab is a semi-synthetic opiate that, in large does, produces similar effects to those of OxyContin. Taken repeatedly, it can result in dependence and addiction. Initially, ...

... ) is a leading treatment provider and has trusted rehab facilities across the country. To learn more about opioid addiction treatment options with AAC, please contact one of our caring admissions navigators free at . You ... continue reading

Oxycodone Facts, History and Statistics

Oxycodone is an opioid analgesic, or 'painkiller' drug that is most often prescribed to control moderate to severe pain that cannot be treated with other medications. It is a semi-synthetic opiate that was first created in 1916 from thebaine, a ...

... , oxycodone also has significant potential for abuse and addiction. Like all opiates, it works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, and these receptors are responsible for both: The pain-relieving ... 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 ...

... Resources Check out the following articles for more information on Ultram abuse and recovery: Prescription Opioid Addiction Tramadol Overdose Symptoms and Treatment How to Help Someone with Tramadol Addiction You can ... 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 ...

... . Norco Withdrawal Symptoms Some of the most overt symptoms of Norco abuse are those that happen during opioid withdrawal , including: Goosebumps and chills. Dilated pupils. Yawning. Rebound pain (the return of pain or ... continue reading

Morphine Abuse Signs, Symptoms, Effects, and Treatment

What Is Morphine Used For? Morphine is the primary chemical component of opium. It is an opioid analgesic drug that is used to treat severe pain, and it is regarded as the gold standard of pain relievers. Morphine use can create a high that includes ...

... for Disease Control (CDC): The rate of opioid analgesic use is highest among males between the ages ... For every unintentional overdose death related to an opioid analgesic: 9 people are admitted for addiction treatment ... 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 ...

... is taken in large doses. Vicodin Withdrawal Symptoms One of the most common problems with Vicodin is that opioid withdrawal symptoms can set in after reducing your dose even slightly or waiting a bit longer to take your ... continue reading

Tramadol Facts, History, and Statistics

Tramadol (brand name: Ultram) is an oral, opioid pain-relieving drug that is marketed under a variety of of trade names - with Ultram and Ultracet being the most widely prescribed and recognized. Tramadol is most often prescribed to treat moderate ...

Tramadol (brand name: Ultram) is an oral, opioid pain-relieving drug that is marketed under a variety of of trade names - with Ultram and Ultracet being the most widely prescribed and recognized. Tramadol is most often ... continue reading

Hydrocodone Facts, History and Statistics

What Is Hydrocodone? Hydrocodone is a powerful opiate drug that serves dual purposes when used as directed. It is both an effective cough suppressant and a pain reliever for moderate to severe pain. Studies show that hydrocodone is: More beneficial ...

... cough suppression. Virtually as potent as morphine for pain. Currently, hydrocodone is the most frequently prescribed opioid painkiller in the US. Like all opiates, hydrocodone is derived from the poppy, but this drug ... continue reading

How to Help a Norco Addict

Help for Norco Addicts Norco is an opiate prescription medication commonly used to provide relief from moderate to severe symptoms of pain, such as those which accompany dental work or surgery. Norco is a narcotic and is associated with an increased ...

... . There are medications available that may ease some of the more severe and intolerable symptoms of opioid withdrawal . The duration of the detoxification period will vary from individual to individual and usually ... continue reading

Fentanyl Abuse Symptoms, Effects, and Addiction Treatment

What Is Fentanyl Used For? Fentanyl is a synthetic opiate pain reliever. It's typically prescribed to patients for severe pain or injury , or after they have undergone surgery. It works quickly to eliminate any pain in the body. However, it can also ...

... that can cater to individual needs. You can use SAMHSA's Find Treatment tool to search for opioid addiction treatment centers. Many state government websites will also provide local drug and alcohol resources to those ... continue reading

Dextromethorphan (DXM) Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment

What Is Dextromethorphan Used For? What Is DXM? Dextromethorphan (DXM or DM) is a cough suppressant and opioid derivative used in more than 100 over-the-counter medicines. Dextromethorphan is safe for ingestion and not habit-forming when taken as ...

What Is Dextromethorphan Used For? What Is DXM? Dextromethorphan (DXM or DM) is a cough suppressant and opioid derivative used in more than 100 over-the-counter medicines. Dextromethorphan is safe for ingestion and not ... continue reading

Vicodin Addiction Symptoms and Treatment

Vicodin is a readily available narcotic drug and is prescribed by doctors to alleviate all types of pain. Vicodin addiction can have a variety of negative consequences for every person who struggles with it. The consequences of Vicodin use can be ...

... of how the drug affects the addict and those around them. The misuse of Vicodin and other opioids is particularly disturbing because many people—including friends and relatives—simply do not see an addiction as a ... continue reading

The Effects of Percocet Use

Is Percocet Harmful? When abused, Percocet can be quite harmful. Percocet is the brand name of a narcotic pain reliever containing a combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen (Tylenol) that is used to treat moderate to severe pain. The short-term ...

... to take place such as doctor shopping or prescription forgery. Lasting Health Effects Chronic use or abuse of opioids such as Percocet can impact your health and quality of life in other ways. Some of the indirect ... 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 ...

... to pay for rehab should not be a source of stress. There are a number of ways to pay for opioid addiction rehab. You will first want to consider the following factors when choosing a rehab provider: What substances you ... continue reading

Opioid Overdose Symptoms and Treatment

Opioids are a class of substances that includes many synthetic and semi-synthetic drugs manufactured from opiate alkaloid precursors found in the opium poppy. Some of the most commonly prescribed opioid medications— Vicodin , OxyContin , and ...

... , a person abusing them faces the risk of fatal overdose. “In 2015, almost 18,000 people died of an opioid medication overdose , 1 so recognizing the symptoms of an overdose could help save your life or that of someone ... continue reading

Vivitrol for Alcohol and Opioid Addiction Treatment

Vivitrol is the brand name for extended-release naltrexone, an injectable treatment for alcohol use disorder and opioid use disorder. Addiction to a substance, or a substance use disorder (SUD), is a chronic, lifelong disorder. 1 Long-term ...

... means you don't have to worry about the temptation to misuse it. 4 No physical dependence: Vivitrol blocks the opioid receptors and does not carry any risk for physical dependence. 2 If you decide to stop using it, you ... continue reading

Does Opioid Addiction Cause Sexual Dysfunction in Men?

A new study out of India has found that most men suffering from opioid addiction are also dealing with sexual dysfunction as a result. The research paper, titled “Sexual Dysfunction in Men Seeking Treatment for Opioid Dependence: A Study from ...

... were observed, 100 of whom were addicted to opioids for at least a year and 50 healthy participants ... erectile dysfunction rates were as high as 52 percent in opioid addicts. Meanwhile, a 2002 survey published in the ... continue reading

Does Methadone Treatment Suppress Testosterone in Opioid Addicts?

A new study out of McMaster University in Canada has found that common treatments for opioid addiction reduce the level of testosterone in men, but not in women. The research project, published in the journal Scientific Reports , collected data from ...

... , but not in women. The research project, published in the journal Scientific Reports , collected data from 231 opioid addicts receiving methadone treatment in Ontario, as well as 783 people in the province who don't use ... continue reading

Yay or Nay: Is the Opioid Epidemic a Conspiracy?

'Epidemic': Affecting a disproportionately large number of individuals within a population. Opioid Epidemic Statistics Each day, 2.1 million people in the U.S. abuse opioids. The CDC reports that 165,000 Americans died from prescription ...

... the med-makers. The full-force of the pharmaceutical industry has been felt in multiple states on multiple opioid-related issues. A few examples: A proposed bill in Tennessee was designed to reduce the number of newborns ... continue reading

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 ...

... as an alternative painkiller with a lower risk of respiratory depression - a potentially fatal side effect of opioids which can cause a person to stop breathing. Tramadol did not reach the German market until 1977 and ... continue reading

Public Restrooms Have Become Ground Zero in Opioid Epidemic

The opioid epidemic has impacted countless families, but according to a recent article on NPR.org , people aren't the only ones affected. Public restrooms have become the newest casualty in the midst of the drug epidemic sweeping across our country. ...

... drug paraphernalia tucked above the tiles. One even trained his baristas to use naloxone, the drug that reverses an opioid overdoses . Still, there's very little guidance on this issue. And with it being against the law ... continue reading

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 ...

... , morphine ), heroin , and illicitly manufactured fentanyl. Naloxone has no effect on a person who does not have opioids in their system, and it is not a medication or treatment for OUD. 1 Naloxone can be injected into ... continue reading

The Dilaudid Dilemma

Every day, physicians across the nation prescribe painkillers to help patients cope with pain. The types of painkillers prescribed are as varied as the type and intensity of pain levels; however, more potent painkillers - like opioids - are ...

... An estimated 1 out of 5 patients with pain not related to cancer or pain-related diagnoses are prescribed opioids in a clinical setting. Data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health show that while Dilaudid is ... continue reading

Pain Killer Protocol

It's only been 21 years since the introduction of OxyContin started what we now refer to as the “opioid epidemic,” yet the number of deaths from drug overdoses in 2016 outnumbered the number of American deaths in the Vietnam War. Opioids are ...

... -opioids-oxycontin.html https://www.cbsnews.com/news/opioids-drug-overdose-killed-more-americans-last-year-than-the-vietnam-war/ https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/fix-opioid-crisis-doctors-me-may-have-let-patients-be ... continue reading

Methadone 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 ...

... If they choose to stop taking methadone, they will experience withdrawal symptoms, just like stopping other types of opioids. For that reason, it's important to work with your treatment team or a doctor before trying to ... continue reading

Methadone Withdrawal Symptoms, Detox, Timeline, and Treatment

Methadone is a medication that is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD). It is also sometimes used to manage chronic pain. 1 An OUD is a chronic brain disease characterized by a ...

... who can help you find the best rehab program for your needs where we can help manage your medications for opioid use disorder and you can begin the journey to recovery. If you are looking for a rehab program, you can ... continue reading

Opiate Addiction Withdrawal Symptoms and Treatment

Opiates—sometimes interchangeably referred to as opioids and narcotics—are a broad class of drugs. They are widely used legally and abused illicitly, and include many substances that are synthesized from a handful of opiate precursors found in ...

... and will last for between 4 and 10 days in most situations, although someone withdrawing from a longer-acting opioid drug like methadone will require up to 21 days to end this acute withdrawal phase. 6 The symptoms of ... continue reading

Naltrexone Side Effects, Use in Addiction Treatment, and Rehab Programs

For those struggling with alcohol or opioid addiction, what's commonly referred to as MAT—short for medication-assisted treatment or medication for addiction treatment—can help people quit drinking and using drugs to maintain long-term sobriety. ...

... using it. 1 Naltrexone use can reduce your drinking and drug use by decreasing your desire to use alcohol or opioids—helping you to remain abstinent and keeping you on track with your recovery, even if you relapse. 4 It ... 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, ...

... fatal overdose . According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) , 19,000 people died in 2014 from opioid pain reliever overdose 2 . The signs of fentanyl overdose may include 2,4 : Cyanosis (blue tint to lips ... 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 ...

... of remaining drug free. Keep in mind that one attempt at treatment may not always be enough to quit opioids forever. It is common for people to try treatment multiple times before finding a program that works for them ... continue reading

Benzo Epidemic: A Killer Hiding in the Shadow of Opioids

In recent years, opioid abuse has received a lot of attention—and for good reason. In 2014, 19,000 people died from overdoses involving prescription opioids ; that's up 16% from 2013. But notice the wording; it's important: “Overdoses involving ...

... . Improper use of Xanax results in over 125,000 ER visits annually. The Lethal Cocktail The combination of opioids and benzos is particularly deadly because both classes of drugs slow down your body systems and create a ... continue reading

How Similar are Heroin and Prescription Opioids?

Heroin is an illicit street drug that produces a drowsy, euphoric high. Prescription opioids are legal medications prescribed by doctors to treat pain. Both heroin and prescription painkillers belong to the family of drugs known as opioids, which ...

... doctors to treat pain. Both heroin and prescription painkillers belong to the family of drugs known as opioids, which act upon particular receptors in the brain and body to produce their effects. Heroin and prescription ... continue reading

Fentanyl Overdose

The U.S. opioid epidemic is a national public health emergency. 1 Between January 31, 2020, and January 31, 2021, overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids, primarily illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF), increased by nearly 56%. 2 Every day, ...

... you to a treatment provider or suggest other options. You can also use our treatment locator tool to find opioid addiction treatment . You can narrow the filters by insurance, location, and type of care provided for the ... 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 ...

... and other drugs (often unbeknownst to users), some individuals seek out fentanyl because they have a raised tolerance to opioids and want a more potent drug, and overdoses due to fentanyl are on the rise. 2,3,14 While ... continue reading

12 of the Most Addictive Drugs

Addiction affects millions of lives in the U.S. It is a chronic disease that frequently includes cycles of relapse and remission, and it is progressive without treatment or participation in recovery work. It is characterized by being unable to ...

... can be fatal. An individual who stops using meth may experience withdrawal symptoms . 31 Prescription Opioids Prescription opioids are usually used to alleviate moderate to severe pain, but some can be used for diarrhea ... continue reading

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