Sepsis From Intravenous (IV) Drug Use

Posted on June 13, 2017July 14, 2017 by dr-admin

While drug abuse of any kind can be dangerous, certain routes of administration can cause greater damage than others. Intravenous drug use, the act of injecting a water-soluble drug into one’s body, is one of the most invasive and dangerous ways an individual can administer a drug. Through continued use and repeated trauma to the injection site, IV drug abuse leads to many hazardous health effects, including sepsis.

What Is Sepsis?

While many people think sepsis is an infection itself, it’s actually a complication caused by an infection. As explained by Mayo Clinic, “sepsis occurs when chemicals are released into the bloodstream to fight the infection trigger inflammatory responses throughout the body.”

The type of infection which can cause sepsis varies. Sepsis is most heavily linked to bacteria, though certain forms of fungus or viruses may also cause it. Sepsis is commonly referred to as “blood poisoning,” as the bacteria or toxins produced by them overtake the bloodstream.

What Are The Stages Of Sepsis?

Mayo Clinic explains that sepsis is typically broken down into three stages:

Sepsis

Sepsis is diagnosed only when there is reasonable suspicion or verification of an infection, in addition to two of the following symptoms:

Body temperature above 101 F (38.3 C) or below 96.8 F (36 C)
Heart rate higher than 90 beats a minute
Respiratory rate higher than 20 breaths a minute

Severe Sepsis

Within this state, a person must have one or more of the following symptoms:

Improperly working heart
Respiratory (breathing) struggles
Pain in the abdomen
Platelet count begins falling
Rapidly altered mental states
Urine production drastically drops

Any of these symptoms indicate potential organ failure.

Septic Shock

As a person’s condition advances to this state, they will display the above signs and symptoms. But, in order to qualify as septic shock, a person’s blood pressure must remain low despite attempts to increase it with fluid replacement.

Sepsis becomes more dangerous as it progresses through these stages. To avoid the greatest danger, treatment should begin as early as possible.

How Does IV Drug Use Cause Sepsis?

Intravenous drug use can introduce numerous toxins and pathogens into a person’s veins and body at large, which pave the way for infection. Pathogens include bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Staphyloccus aureus, or MRSA as it’s better known to most of us, is the bacteria most frequently responsible for IV drug infections.

Transmission of these pathogens often occurs due to improper and unhygienic handling of needles. As a person becomes addicted, the need to use becomes so intense that they disregard their health. Because of this, some users share needles. This behavior increases the risk that a pathogen will be transmitted by blood-to-blood contact.

Even if you never share needles, you could still be at risk. Far too many drug abusers repeatedly use the same syringe. Doing so allows bacteria to grow on the needle, which could then be transmitted into your tissue and blood. Even with new needles, a person can still get an infection if they don’t properly clean the injection site. Research has found that bacteria from a person’s skin presents a greater risk than that which is present on shared needles.

Intravenous injection requires a vein, which leaves drug abusers with only so many options. Because of this, many users will repeatedly inject at the same site. This can create abscesses, track marks, or ulcers, all of which can lead to serious infection. Sometimes, a user will actually miss the vein and inject the drug into their muscle or right under the skin, raising the risk of infection in these regions. Lastly, it’s suspected that using black tar heroin increases a user’s risk of infection.

What Types Of IV Drug-Related Illness Or Disease Cause Sepsis?

Intravenous drug abuse causes a range of infections, many of which can become deadly. One of the biggest reasons why these infections endanger a person’s life is because they cause sepsis.

The following infections can lead to sepsis:

Cellulitis: This infection affects both the skin and underlying tissue, and can spread outwards across the limb.

Endocarditis: This occurs when bacteria, fungus, or viruses cause an infection within your heart’s inner lining and valves.

Necrotizing fasciitis: Often referred to as the “flesh-eating disease,” this rare but serious infection is extremely aggressive and causes your body’s soft tissues to die.

Whether you inject sporadically or chronically, you’re exposing yourself to danger. While it’s true that prolonged and chronic use increases your risk over time, it is possible to contract an infection from even one use.

What Are The Complications And Dangers Of Sepsis?

Sepsis poisons your blood and body. The more time that passes without treatment, the greater the risk of complications and fatality. Sepsis can become so severe that your organs struggle to function properly. This can lead to organ damage and/or failure. Combined with the dangers of the infections themselves, these effects even further increase the risk of death.

A person’s veins can become septic and develop blood clots, inflammation, and bacteria throughout. Injecting into the jugular or other central veins increases this risk. These states could develop into sepsis and septic emboli (bacteria and pus-filled embolisms), both of which can be life-threatening conditions.

As outlined by the Sepsis Alliance, individuals who recover from sepsis often face serious long-term effects, such as:

Amputated limbs
Chronic pain
Chronic fatigue
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Organ dysfunction

How Is Sepsis Treated?

If you suspect you have or are developing sepsis, seek medical help immediately. Left untreated, sepsis can progress rapidly to the point of threatening your life. As soon as you seek treatment, medical staff will likely administer a broad-spectrum antibiotic. This medication can address various types of infection and the bacteria which cause them. Once tests determine the specific bacteria, a more focused antibiotic may be used.

Through these stages, Mayo writes that other treatments may be initiated, such as:

Corticosteroids
Drugs to stabilize the immune system
Insulin (to stabilize blood sugar)
IV fluids
Oxygen
Painkillers (staff should proceed accordingly with opioid-addicted individuals)
Sedatives
Vasopressor medication to raise blood pressure

Advanced stages of sepsis may require:

Breathing support
Kidney dialysis
Surgery

Mayo Clinic cautions that “people with severe sepsis require close monitoring and treatment in a hospital intensive care unit. If you have severe sepsis or septic shock, lifesaving measures may be needed to stabilize breathing and heart function.”

While sepsis can be treated, we urge you to consider preventative measures to avoid this risk. Effective drug rehab can help you to overcome your IV drug addiction. Here you’ll encounter counseling, behavioral therapies, and if needed, medication-assisted treatment. Along with other dynamic modalities, these things can help you overcome your addiction.

Don’t Let IV Drug Abuse Destroy Your Health Or Claim Your Life

Contact Drugrehab.org today if your or a loved one is struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol. Our treatment specialists can help find a program that is tailored to your needs. If you suspect that yourself or a loved one may have sepsis or another serious infection as a result of intravenous drug use contact your doctor or go to a hospital immediately.

For More Information Related to “Sepsis From Intravenous (IV) Drug Use” Be Sure To Check Out These Additional Resources From DrugRehab.org:

Cotton Fever From IV Drug Use

Posted on June 12, 2017July 14, 2017 by dr-admin

When an intravenous (IV) injection drug user prepares their drug of choice, they may have to filter the substance before they fill the syringe with it. To do this, many people use makeshift filters made from cigarette filters or cotton balls. The latter material is associated with causing a flu-like illness marked by fever. Many IV drug abusers refer to this as “cotton fever.” Cotton fever hits a user 15 to 30 minutes after injection, with symptoms typically subsiding in 12 hours.

What Is Intravenous Drug Use?

People inject drugs a number of ways. The most common way is by injecting the substance directly into the vein. Many users prefer IV drug injection because it causes the most rapid effect. To do this, a person dilutes or liquefies the drug, often by heating it. After the drug becomes liquid, it’s then loaded into the syringe. Certain drugs must be filtered before this step can occur, due to the number of impurities in the substance. This is a common practice with heroin.

Again, cotton balls are commonly used for this purpose since they are so cheap and readily available. Once a drug is in liquid form, a person draws the substance through the filter and into the syringe. The forearm is a primary injection site for many users, however, other locations may also be used to “shoot up” or inject the drug.

What Is Cotton Fever?

Heroin is most closely associated with cotton fever. But a Journal of General Internal Medicine (JGIM) article notes that hydromophone or a combination of pentazocine and methylphenidate have also been linked to the condition. The article continues, reporting that “injection drug users estimate the incidence of cotton fever to about 5 % per year of use.”

Unlike many of the other medical risks associated with IV drug abuse, cotton fever is considered to be a benign syndrome. This means that the condition doesn’t become severe or life-threatening over time, even without treatment (though certain medications can be used to alleviate symptoms). Cotton fever also resolves on its own, with symptoms typically dissipating in six to twelve hours. More severe cases may last one to two days. But this does not mean that you shouldn’t seek treatment.

Intravenous drug use is associated with a host of illnesses and disease. Many of these, like cellulitis, endocarditis, and even pneumonia can cause symptoms which are similar to cotton fever. This similarity can cause two problems.

Cotton fever can be overlooked or misdiagnosed, leading to unnecessary and prolonged medical care. The JGIM article comments on this, noting that “The importance of recognizing cotton fever is paramount, as early suspicion may reduce expensive secondary evaluations and the length of hospitalization.”

Secondly, other illnesses could be misdiagnosed as cotton fever. While this is fairly rare in a medical setting, it’s important that other more serious conditions are ruled out by with appropriate testing. Also, some users may be quick to think their symptoms are only cotton fever and fail to seek medical help. Should these symptoms be tied to a different condition, a person could greatly be jeopardizing their health or even life. Without the proper treatment, certain other IV-related conditions can become quite dangerous or even deadly.

What Are The Symptoms Of Cotton Fever?

Symptoms of cotton fever hit quickly and often occur as soon as 15 or 20 minutes after using the drug. As we noted, cotton fever resembles the flu, with symptoms including:

Abdominal pain
Abnormally fast heartbeat (tachycardia)
Chills
Elevated white blood cell count (leukocytosis)
Fever
Headache
Mild distress
Muscle aches and pain
Nausea
Shortness of breath
Vomiting

According to the article “Cotton Fever: A Condition Self-Diagnosed by IV Drug Users” a patient may meet systemic inflammatory response syndrome criteria, a set of symptoms which include many of the above. These criteria could point to an underlying infection. For this reason, sepsis or other infections should be ruled out.

What Causes Cotton Fever?

While the IV drug user community has long been familiar with cotton fever, medical research is still somewhat sparse on the subject. Researchers and medical professionals are still not entirely sure what causes it.

Any contact with cotton as a drug filter is suspected, but another practice is thought to increase the risk. When a person becomes addicted to a drug, they experience an intense need to use it. Because of this, they will often go to great lengths to find the drug and will even do so in ways which could become harmful to their health. Some users report trying to extract the drug from used cotton balls when they can’t find heroin any other way. This practice has been coined “shooting the cottons.” After sitting out for some time, these cotton balls could harbor bacteria or other pathogens.

Beyond this, the aforementioned article does propose three theories which discuss possible explanations of why this cotton fever occurs:

Immunologic theory: Users have antibodies for the cotton which cause a reaction after injection

Pharmacologic theory: When the drug enters a person’s bloodstream it contains substances from the cotton which cause fever (pyrogenic substances). These substances are water-soluble, so the liquid form of the drug has a tendency to dissolve them.

Endotoxin theory: Certain Gram-negative bacteria live on the cotton plant. These bacteria produce an endotoxin which is carried through to drug and subsequently to the patient, causing fever. Blood cultures do support this theory, as certain bacteria have been found in the used cotton which was linked to the illness.

The latter theory appears to be recognized as the most probable, and the JGIM article asserts that “no evidence has been found to support the immunologic or pharmacologic theory.” Even though cotton fever will resolve on its own, it’s still important you seek medical help to confirm that this is the correct diagnosis.

How Is Cotton Fever Treated?

When a patient is first admitted or examined for cotton fever, blood tests and cultures should be done. While waiting for these results, broad-spectrum antibiotics may be administered in case the symptoms are caused by another more serious condition. Depending on the severity of the person’s substance use disorder, they may require withdrawal management during this time.

Certain over-the-counter medications may be administered to control the fever, muscle aches, nausea, and/or vomiting. If a person has become severely dehydrated they may also receive IV fluids.

Like any other illness or disease caused by IV drug use, cotton fever can be avoided. Good drug addiction treatment can help a person achieve sobriety and learn how to live a fulfilling drug-free life.

Live A Healthier Drug-Free Life

Heroin and other drugs which are injected are highly addictive. These addictions can be very hard to beat on your own. Fortunately, you don’t have to do this alone. DrugRehab.org’s compassionate staff can help you to set treatment goals and begin building a plan to obtain them. We have access to phenomenal treatment programs all across the nation. Contact us now for help.

For More Information Related to “Cotton Fever From IV Drug Use” Be Sure To Check Out These Additional Resources From DrugRehab.org:

Is Narcan Available Over-The-Counter In The United States?

Posted on June 9, 2017July 18, 2017 by dr-admin

All across our nation, opioid drug abuse continues to claim the lives of our neighbors, family members, and other loved ones. With proper prevention and/or treatment, these deaths can be prevented. Narcan is a powerful tool which can save a person’s life.

What Is Naloxone?

All opioid drugs depress the central nervous system. This results in decreased blood pressure, breathing, heart, and temperature rates. During overdose these critical life support functions slow even more, to the point where they begin to shut down. Left untreated, these circumstances can lead to death.

Naloxone hydrochloride is an opioid antagonist, which, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse means “that it binds to opioid receptors and can reverse and block the effects of other opioids.” Because of these effects, naloxone holds great success as an overdose reversal drug. This mechanism of action occurs rapidly by “restoring normal respiration to a person whose breathing has slowed or stopped as a result of overdosing with heroin or prescription opioid pain medications.” Naloxone is available in three FDA-approved formulations, one of which is Narcan.

What Is Narcan?

To stop overdose in its tracks, a medication must be administered in a form which allows the drug to begin working right away. At a time like this when every minute matters, a pill or tablet would take far too long to work. This is why naloxone is administered in rapid-release formulations for overdose, such as with Narcan.

As a nasal spray, Narcan delivers the naloxone to the sensitive tissues within your nasal cavity. These tissues are highly permeable to naloxone, allowing the drug to pass quickly so it can make its way to the brain. Each single dose contains 2 mg or 4 mg of naloxone. According to the manufacturer, this medication begins reversing overdose in two to three minutes.

Narcan:

Comes already assembled
Does not require an injection
Is available over-the-counter in certain locations

Because of these features, Narcan is a life-saving device which is easy to use for family members, friends, and caregivers of opioid drug abusers.

How Do I Use Narcan?

The minute it becomes apparent a person is overdosing, Narcan should be administered. To use this drug, the overdosed individual must be placed on their back. Narcan is then inserted and sprayed into one nostril. At this point, the drug goes to work right away.

Medscape cautions that multiple doses may be required if a person fails to begin breathing or relapses back to unconsciousness and respiratory depression. To meet these needs, each pack of Narcan comes with two dosages. Each dose has enough medication for one use and should only be used once.

Even though Narcan works within minutes to slow or stop overdose, a person isn’t necessarily in the clear. Emergency medical help should still be contacted as soon as possible. While you’re waiting for help to arrive it’s crucial that you continue to watch the individual closely. Emergency medical personnel should monitor the individual for two hours to ensure that they do not suffer from any additional respiratory complications.

Can I Purchase Narcan Over-the-counter?

Narcan is changing the face of the opioid epidemic for many reasons, namely due to its accessibility. While many emergency medical teams and first responders do carry this drug, over-the-counter (OTC) availability puts Narcan into the hands of those who need it.

Like other medications, Narcan is available with a prescription. But with the growing concerns of opioid overdose across our nation, this drug is increasingly becoming available OTC. The manufacturer’s website states “As of December 28, 2016, ten states require a prescription from your healthcare professional to obtain NARCAN® Nasal Spray.” Two nationwide pharmacies have made huge strides in promoting Narcan’s life-saving potential. In 2016, Walgreens and CVS both announced that they were expanding access to Narcan without a prescription.

Keep in mind, state legislation is always changing. As time passes, this medication may become even more widely offered OTC. For example, Narcan was recently made available over-the-counter in Michigan. This option is dependent on state-specific laws regarding the prescription and administration of Narcan.

How Do I Know If Narcan Is Available Without A Prescription In My State?

In order to obtain this drug, it’s important to know if you can purchase it this way in your state. These laws vary. Some states may only dispense Narcan without a prescription to the patient, whereas others will do so for those who wish to protect their loved ones.

The Prescription Drug Abuse Policy System offers resources on the specific legislation and broadened naloxone access laws on a state-by-state basis. Beyond this resource, the easiest way to find out would be to ask your family doctor or local pharmacist.

Who Should Carry Narcan?

Within situations of overdose, time matters. Medications like Narcan help individuals and families have a protective measure in place, should overdose occur. If you have a loved one who abuses opioid drugs, it’s recommended that you keep Narcan on hand. This will allow you to dispense treatment immediately if they start exhibiting signs of overdose.

Additionally, a person who is experiencing overdose themselves may not be able to administer the Narcan. Even then, chronic opioid abusers should keep Narcan on or near them. It’s important the user notifies those close to them of the location of this drug, so that these individuals have access to it fast. The prescribing doctor or pharmacist (if purchased over-the-counter) can walk you through using Narcan.

Can You Get In Trouble For Administering Narcan?

Unfortunately, some individuals are apprehensive of administering this drug for fear of liability should something happen. To counter this fear, many states are increasingly developing legislation to protect people who choose to use this drug. These individuals are referred to as lay people and the laws protecting them as Good Samaritan Laws. The Network for Public Health Law has published a fact sheet detailing if and how these protections are in place.

In early 2017 the National Conference of State Legislatures reported that “To encourage people to seek out medical attention for an overdose or for follow-up care after naloxone has been administered, 37 states and the District of Columbia have enacted some form of a Good Samaritan or 911 drug immunity law.”

We Can Help You Fight The Opioid Epidemic

Experiencing an opioid addiction, either personally or within a loved one’s life, can be a very frightening experience, and overdose even more so. If you’re concerned about an opioid overdose and would like to learn more about prevention or treatment options, like Narcan, let DrugRehab.org help. Opioid addictions are serious, but the good news is that they’re treatable. We can help you find a treatment program to help you recover. Contact us now.

For More Information Related to “Is Narcan Available Over-The-Counter In The United States?” Be Sure To Check Out These Additional Resources From DrugRehab.org:

Sources

DAILYMED — Label: NARCAN- naloxone hydrochloride spray
NARCAN (naloxone HCL) NASAL SPRAY 4 mg — More Questions?
National Conference of State Legislatures — Drug Overdose Immunity and Good Samaritan Laws
National Institute on Drug Abuse — Opioid Overdose Reversal with Naloxone (Narcan, Evzio)

What Is A Brompton Cocktail Addiction?

Posted on June 8, 2017 by dr-admin

Addiction may not always come as a surprise—if you use substances recreationally, you may be aware of the risks that come with them. But what about those drugs that are prescribed for conditions like severe pain and relief from suffering? Some prescription drugs are highly addictive and pose a high risk of abuse, and this is especially true when people are taking them to relieve pain.

The Brompton Cocktail is a combination of several substances originally developed to help people manage severe pain. The idea of mixing substances to help people who are suffering in extreme pain isn’t new.

The medical field has been using powerful pain-relieving combinations for centuries. The combination that was the ancestor to the Brompton Cocktail, mixing morphine and cocaine, may have began as early as the nineteenth century.

What’s A Brompton Cocktail And How Is It Used?

As previously mentioned, the Brompton Cocktail consists of a few different substances, meant to give ultimate relief from pain. Traditionally, the Brompton Cocktail consisted of morphine or heroin, cocaine, and a highly pure form of ethyl alcohol (or gin). Sometimes, the mixture also contained an anti-nausea agent, such as Thorazine.

The Brompton Cocktail was originally used to treat patients with agonizing pain conditions, but also came to be used for relief of symptoms in patients with terminal diseases, like cancer. This elixir isn’t as commonly used in present day.

However, this mixture has become popular in recreational use. Now, the name Brompton Cocktail refers to any mixture that contains alcohol, an opioid (like heroin or morphine), cocaine, and/or phenothiazine (a tranquilizer).

Why Is The Brompton Cocktail Addicting?

Using the Brompton Cocktail as a form of relief for someone suffering with a terminal disease can be quite helpful. Using it recreationally, though, can be dangerous. Why?

Each of the substances within the cocktail have a different effect:

The opioid provides nearly instant pain relief and calm, relaxing feelings
Cocaine, a stimulant, produces feelings of euphoria and well-being
Alcohol, a depressant, also produces anti-anxiety types of feelings and slows brain and motor functions

These substances are each highly addictive on their own. When you combine them, you’re at heightened risk for the dangers associated with them. All of these substances come with their own side effects and consequences, and addiction falls in both categories.

Opioids, cocaine, and alcohol all have immediate effects on your body. You get instant relief, in different ways and from different symptoms, but relief nonetheless. The result is that your body likes this relief, and your brain changes communication pathways because of it. You then start to seek the substance more and more, forming a habit, and after time, addiction.

Dangers Of Addiction

Addiction is dangerous because it consumes you. When you become addicted to a Brompton Cocktail mixture, you’re not just addicted to one substance, but several. And addiction makes you not think the same way you used to. Instead, you begin seeking the substance at any cost.

As you might guess, compulsively seeking substances can have some dire effects on your health and on your life. Each substance affects your health in different ways, but addiction to any substance can change your life from very minor effects to changes that make it hard to live your daily life.

Some of the ways addiction can alter your life include:

Changes to personal relationships
A toll on finances
Decreased performance at school or work
Loss of job or career
Permanent changes to health, affecting daily life
Lack of interest in things you used to love
Compulsive substance-seeking that doesn’t allow for much else

Consequences Of Substance Abuse: Opioids, Cocaine, And Alcohol

Addiction can cause so many consequences in your life, and one of the biggest of these is the effects to your health. Each of the substances in the Brompton Cocktail is highly addictive, which means it changes your brain chemistry to make you addicted.

But abuse of opioids, cocaine, and alcohol also greatly affect your health. Just a few of the consequences of these substances includes the following:

Opioids: this group includes powerful pain relievers and the illicit drug, heroin. Consequences include collapse of veins, infection in your heart lining or valves, pus-filled, swollen tissues, chronic constipation and stomach cramps, development of liver or kidney disease, and lung troubles, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).
Cocaine: Long-term effects of cocaine abuse depend on the method of administration. Taken by mouth, these include reduced blood flow and bowel decay. By snorting, these include nosebleeds, loss of sense of smell, chronic runny nose, and troubles swallowing. By injection, effects may include high risk of contraction of infections and infectious diseases, such as Hepatitis and HIV, and risky sexual behavior that could lead to contracting sexually transmitted diseases.
Alcohol: prolonged alcohol abuse can lead to liver problems, vision problems, and increase risk of development of cancer, among other issues.

What Treatment Is Available For Brompton Cocktail Addiction?

Treatment for any type of addiction has to be comprehensive. Addiction doesn’t just affect your physical health, but actually changes the way you think and behave, so treatment for it must address these changes and work to better them. This is especially true when dealing with addiction to more than one substance.

Addiction to opioids is different from addiction to cocaine, which is different from addiction to alcohol. At our rehab centers, we offer unique healing that works to address the differing symptoms and conditions of any and all substance use disorders. How do we accomplish this? By utilizing a multidisciplinary approach.

In short, this means we use several methods of treatment for well-rounded results. Counseling helps you work through troubling thoughts and emotions (healing of the mind). Behavioral therapy like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) help you replace suppressive behaviors associated with addiction with new, positive behaviors.

Medication assisted therapy can help you safely detox from use of substances. Since opioids, cocaine, and alcohol all come with uncomfortable bouts of withdrawal, this is an important part of Brompton Cocktail addiction treatment.

Finally, the best treatment results you’ll get can be found at inpatient, private rehab centers like the ones you’ll find at DrugRehab.org. Our rehab centers offer a superb quality of care that can be the difference between simply recovering and actually getting well.

Find The Best Rehab Center Today

The Brompton Cocktail is a powerful concoction, and addiction to it can be dangerous since it contains multiple addictive substances. You may have become addicted to this mixture because, after years of abuse, you built up a tolerance and now are scared about what will happen if you stop taking it.

When you enter drug or alcohol rehab, you don’t have to live in fear any more. We can help you find the rehab center that will work with you to design a program that fits your needs. Contact us today at DrugRehab.org to learn more.

For More Information Related to “What Is A Brompton Cocktail Addiction?” Be Sure To Check Out These Additional Resources From DrugRehab.org:

Sources

Drug Free World—What Are Opioids?
National Institute On Drug Abuse—DrugFacts: Cocaine
National Institute On Drug Abuse—DrugFacts: Heroin
U.S. National Library Of Medicine—Alcoholism And Alcohol Abuse

What Are Track Marks?

Posted on June 7, 2017July 18, 2017 by dr-admin

Injection drug abuse is one of the most dangerous ways of administering a drug. Intravenous injection delivers the drug rapidly into your system, creating what is nearly an immediate and very intense high. Because of this, it’s the most popular way to inject a drug.

What Is Intravenous (IV) Drug Use?

Injection drug use means simply that the drug is administered through a needle or syringe. It doesn’t always mean that the drug is injected into your vein. Some users choose to inject the drug into their muscle or just below their skin, whereas others shoot it directly into their bloodstream. The latter method is referred to as intravenous or IV drug use.

The most frequently used veins are those in the crook of the forearm, though other locations may be used. If a person injects into their arm, it’s typically the one opposite from the hand they write with. This makes it easier for them to inject the drug themselves. To work around this, some people may have a fellow drug abuser inject the substance for them into their dominant arm.

There are other locations which may also be used, including the hand, foot, groin, or leg. Some individuals choose different sites so that they can more easily hide the track marks. Others may be forced to move to a new location once their primary site becomes too inflamed or scarred to continue injecting in.

Once the drug of choice is loaded into the syringe, the user selects a vein for entry. Now they “tie off” near the location for injection. To do this, a belt, rubber tubing, or other strap-like item is tied tightly around their arm. This is called a tourniquet or “tie.” This causes the vein to swell, making it easier to inject the needle into. As soon as the needle is in the vein, the tourniquet is removed. Failure to do so can cause even more complications.

What Types Of Drugs Are Injected?

Many drugs of abuse can be administered more than one way, including by IV injection. Commonly injected drugs include:

Cocaine (including crack)
Heroin
Ketamine
Methamphetamine
Morphine
Opioid painkillers
PCP
Prescription stimulants

Some, like cocaine and heroin, are frequently abused together. This is called a speedball. Across the US, there are increasing reports of potent opioids being mixed with cocaine and heroin. Injecting any of these drugs, either alone or in combination, is very dangerous and can lead to a fatal outcome.

What Causes Track Marks?

Track marks are the scars which remain after a person shoots up a drug. These marks are caused by:

Chronic Abuse: Prolonged and repeated use at the same injection site increases the odds of a track mark developing. Over time, as a person continuously injects in the same spot, the vein becomes damaged and scars build up.

Old Needles: If a person keeps on using the same needle, the tip will become blunted and dull. Upon injection, this places excess pressure on the vein and damages it even more.

Impure Drugs: It’s very rare to find a pure drug on the street. Instead, the majority of illicit drugs have some form of contamination. These impurities may result from poor manufacturing processes or because the drug was purposely adulterated or “cut” with other substances. The build up of these toxins is often responsible for the darker color of the track mark.

What Do Track Marks Look Like?

Track marks are often the most tell-tale signs that a person is an IV drug abuser. Technically speaking, as we’ve explained, a track mark is a scar. However, due to the fact that many IV drug users engage in chronic substance abuse, the appearance of these marks may vary. Track marks look different depending on what stage of healing they’re in. What this means is that some people may have fresh marks layered upon or alongside of older scars.

Recent marks: These lesions may look fresh, having not yet had time to heal. Shortly after injection, they may appear as puncture marks, scabs, or bruises.

Older marks: As drug use progresses, the skin may crack, bleed, and even become infected. Track marks and scarring run the length of the vein and appear slightly raised and discolored (darker) in comparison to the rest of the skin.

Drug abusers often try to hide these marks by wearing long sleeves (even in warm weather) or even by getting tattoos over the injection site.

Track marks don’t necessarily go away once you’ve stopped abusing drugs. Medscape cites a study which found that 53 percent of former IV drug abusers had visible scars after five years. This isn’t the only serious concern associated with IV drug injection.

Are There Other Dangers Of IV Drug Use?

Track marks are only one type of damage which can occur to a person’s skin, tissues, and organs from IV drug use. Additionally, a person could also develop:

Abscesses
Bacterial, fungal, and/or viral infections
Cardiac complications
Cellulitis
Collapsed veins
Deep vein thrombosis (blood clots form in your veins)
Necrotizing fasciitis “flesh eating disease”
Organ damage

Injection drug users face increased risk of blood-borne infectious diseases, such as HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis B and C.

Intravenous drug abuse requires intensive treatment. Due to the number of serious medical complications associated with IV abuse, many users need comprehensive medical care prior to, and during, treatment. Any underlying infections or diseases must be properly cared for. Wound care, antibiotics, and/or other medications or procedures may be administered to facilitate healing. Once any acute complications are addressed and a person is stabilized, they may then continue to drug addiction treatment.

How To Overcome IV Drug Addiction

Certain drugs, like heroin and prescription opioids, typically require detoxification prior to treatment. Many inpatient drug rehabs offer detox services at their facilities. After detox is completed, a person progresses into the treatment program.

These programs utilize counseling, behavioral therapies, and a wide variety of other modalities to treat the root of a person’s addiction. In order to combat the temptation of future drug use, relapse prevention techniques will also be taught. Combined, these elements work towards preparing you or your loved one for a more stable and healthy drug-free life.

Protect Your Body And Mind

Drug abuse and addiction don’t have to rule your life. The right treatment can help you regain control over your life and health. DrugRehab.org can help you to begin building a drug-free life, so that you can achieve these goals. Our caring staff can help you find the treatment program which is best for your unique needs. Contact us now.

For More Information Related to “What Are Track Marks?” Be Sure To Check Out These Additional Resources From DrugRehab.org:

What is the Difference Between Cocaine and Crack?

Posted on June 1, 2017June 1, 2017 by dr-admin

Where Do Cocaine And Crack Come From?

The coca-bush (erythroxylum coca) is natural stimulant that’s native to South America. Its leaves are believed to have been used in ceremonies by the Incas over 4,000 years ago to speed up their heart rates and better sustain survival in high elevations. Fast forward a few thousand years, and in the 1500s, Peruvians chewed on the leaves for the natural euphoric and numbing effect they produced—this was eventually put to a halt by Spanish conquerors.

Since then the coca plant has grown in popularity among the rest of the world, especially since cocaine was first developed in 1859 by German chemist Albert Niemann. Years later, in the 1880s the coca-bush and cocaine made a name in medicine as an anesthetic, and ingredient in popular soft-drinks like Coca-Cola (Note: it’s no longer used in the beverage).

Nearly 100 years after the first appearance of cocaine, appeared crack. It was an experimental drug at first, that was born out of the 1970s and gained most of its popularity in the 1980s. Though both cocaine and crack are derivatives of the coca-bush, and widely popular in the world of drug abuse, they became popular in very different times of human existence.

What Is Cocaine And How Is It Produced?

Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant that can be snorted, injected into the bloodstream, or it can be freebased. Cocaine is usually a fine white substance and generally comes in powder form. The chemical, cocaine-chloride comes directly from the coca-bush, but when drug dealers get their hands on it they can cut or lace with other non-psychoactive substances such as “cornstarch, talcum powder, flour, or baking soda to increase their profits. They may also adulterate cocaine with other drugs like procaine (a chemically related local anesthetic) or amphetamine” (National Institute on Drug Abuse – NIDA).

What Is Crack And How Is It Produced?

Crack is a smokeable, less expensive, and more profitable version of cocaine. Crack comes further down the line from cocaine, and after it’s mixed with a legal non-euphoric substance like ammonia or baking soda it’s cooked down to remove the hydrochloride and produce a smokeable product—typically in the form of an off-white or yellow looking rock. A crack rock, unlike cocaine powder, is water insoluble. “The term crack… refers to the crackling sound heard when the mixture is smoked” (NIDA).

What Schedule Drugs Are Cocaine And Crack?

Cocaine and crack are labeled as Schedule II drugs by the DEA, because of their “high potential for abuse, with use potentially leading to severe psychological or physical dependence. These drugs are also considered dangerous.”

Can You Smoke Cocaine Or Snort Crack?

Cocaine can be mixed with marijuana; a combination referred to in some circles as a one-fifty-oner but by itself, cocaine isn’t normally smoked. Similarly, since crack comes in the form of a rock, it would be unfit to snort up one’s nose. These drugs are dangerous enough on their own as it is, and the preferred methods of use seem to be working—and no matter how a person uses the drug (unless in medicine) it’s illegal.

How Many People Are In Prison For Cocaine Or Crack?

“Over three-quarters of DWI offenders in jail reported using drugs in the past. Among jail inmates held for DWI, marijuana (73%) and cocaine-based drugs including crack (41%) were the most commonly used drugs. Thirty percent of those in jail reported drug use in the month prior to arrest” (Bureau of Justice Statistics). This source will go on to say that in 2002, 11% of U.S. prison inmates were high on cocaine or crack at the time of their arrest—a number that was down from 16% in 1996.

Is Crack More Dangerous Than Cocaine?

Both cocaine and crack are considered dangerous and can be fatal. There were approximately 7,000 cocaine fatalities from 2002 to 20015, and about 60% of those involved an opioid such as heroin (NIDA). Because most of these results were found during an autopsy, it’s inconclusive as to whether the drug being used was crack or cocaine.

Cocaine And Crack Can Be Laced With Other Drugs

Cocaine and crack are regularly laced with other drugs such as meth, marijuana, and opioids. Some people will mix cocaine or crack with heroin which makes for a less intense come-down from the heroin. This mixture of stimulant and depressant is known as a speedball and it can be a fatal combination. What tends to happen when a user mixes an upper with a downer is the drugs cancel each other out—the cocaine reduces the effects of the heroin, so users will continue using heroin to get the high their brain and addiction is seeking.

The serious issue and danger occurs when the cocaine wears off well before the heroin. After that, a user is left with an intense, and often deadly heroin high. Because of the mind blowing euphoria that comes with speedballing; addiction and overdose are much more likely to happen.

Euphoria from Cocaine and Crack

In an interview with ATTN:, clinical pharmacist Jenni Stein described the euphoria produced by cocaine and crack. “A high from snorted cocaine will hit you in about 1-5 minutes, be at its peak within 20-30 minutes, and last 1-2 hours. A high from inhaled or injected cocaine will hit you in less than a minute, be at its peak within 3-5 minutes, and last 30 minutes to an hour.”

Stein went on to describe crack; “the onset and peak occur much faster with inhaled [if smoked] and injected cocaine, and the user experiences the effects of the drug ‘all at once’—so the user will get higher than if the same amount of cocaine were snorted.”

What Are The Short And Long-Term Effects Of Cocaine And Crack?

As defined by NIDA, “cocaine prevents dopamine from recycling, causing excessive amounts to build up between nerve cells. This flood of dopamine ultimately disrupts normal brain communication and causes cocaine’s high.”

Some of the short-term effects of cocaine are:

extreme happiness and energy
mental alertness
hypersensitivity to sight, sound, and touch
irritability
paranoia—extreme and unreasonable distrust of others

Some of the long-term effects of cocaine, as described by NIDA, are:

constricted blood vessels
dilated pupils
nausea
raised body temperature and blood pressure
faster heartbeat
tremors and muscle twitches

Cocaine Versus Crack Withdrawals

Both cocaine and crack can have similar withdrawals, however one difference is that because the high from crack is an intensified version to that of cocaine, it’s over faster and adverse symptoms occur sooner. Some of the most common withdrawal symptoms of both crack and cocaine are increased appetite, anxiety, depression, nightmares, insomnia, general discomfort, and restlessness.

Do Crack And Cocaine Have Different Effects On The Health?

No matter how you use it, cocaine is a powerful drug and can lead to serious health risks whether it’s snorted, smoked, or injected. After prolonged use of cocaine or crack, it begin to take a serious toll on a person’s health. From NIDA, few of those risks include:

Snorting: loss of sense of smell, nosebleeds, frequent runny nose, and problems with swallowing.
Consuming by Mouth: severe bowel decay from reduced blood flow.
Intravenous Injection: higher risk for contracting HIV, hepatitis C, and other blood-borne diseases. However, even people involved with non-needle cocaine use place themselves at a risk for HIV because cocaine impairs judgment, which can lead to risky sexual behavior with infected partners

How To Treat An Addiction With Rehab

Finding the right kind of treatment can be the best way to live a healthy, happy, drug free life, Contact us today at 1-833-473-4227 to speak to one of our addiction specialist if you or a loved one is struggling with cocaine today.

For More Information Related to “What is the Difference Between Cocaine and Crack?” Be Sure To Check Out These Additional Resources From DrugRehab.org:

Sources

National Institute on Drug Abuse – Cocaine
National Institute on Drug Abuse – What is Cocaine?

Signs Of IV Drug Use

Posted on May 31, 2017July 18, 2017 by dr-admin

Intravenous, or IV drug use is the most common form of injection drug use. Users liquify and inject various drugs of abuse directly into their veins. The IV method requires certain tools called paraphernalia. These items can make this dangerous habit easier to spot. Over time, the drug user will begin to exhibit physical symptoms of IV drug use, such as scarred or collapsed veins. This method is highly dangerous, and can lead to addiction, disease (HIV/AIDS), coma, overdose, and death.

At a certain point in time, drug use can be surprisingly easy to hide. As use persists, however, it becomes increasingly difficult to cover up the signs of abuse. This is especially true with IV drug use, due to the method’s highly invasive nature.

What Types Of Drugs Do People Inject Intravenously?

While heroin is the most notorious drug used this way, you may be surprised to learn that drug abusers administer a wide variety of other drugs by this method. Cocaine (including crack), methamphetamine, and morphine are also frequently abused this way. Combining cocaine and heroin, or “speedballing,” is a common practice with recreational drug users.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) writes that the following drugs of abuse are also injected:

Anabolic steroids
Bath salts (synthetic cathinones)
DMT
Flakka
Ketamine
PCP

Additionally, and quite dangerously, a variety of prescription drugs are also used this way. Most of these medications come in a pill or tablet form which requires users to crush and liquify the drug.

Every form of opioid drug used in painkillers was listed by NIDA as being abused by injection. Examples include:

Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
Meperidine (Demerol)
Oxycodone (OxyContin)

Certain sedatives are also injected, such as:

Barbiturates
Benzodiazepines
“Z-drugs” (sleeping medications)

Prescription stimulants, such as those used to treat ADHD, are frequently abused this way, including:

Amphetamine (Adderall)
Methylphenidate (Ritalin)

With the rise of prescription drug abuse, commonly abused medications are increasingly being manufactured with safeguards in place. These are designed to deter abuse by injection by making it more difficult.

What Are The Behavioral Cues Of IV Drug Use?

The general behavioral cues of IV drug abuse and addiction will be similar and may include a person:

Becoming evasive or upset if you ask about drug use
Being unable to stop or limit drug use
Going out of their way to find and use the drug
Experiencing intense urges or cravings to use the drug
Ignoring important responsibilities at work or school
Losing interest in their favorite things
Needing more of the drug than before to feel good (tolerance)
Pushing people away and/or suddenly having new “friends” (fellow drug users)
Spending money they can’t afford on the drug
Thinking or talking excessively about the substance
Hoarding, hiding, or stealing the drug
Doctor shopping to procure more of the drug (in the case of prescription medications)
Wearing long sleeves to cover up track marks even in warm weather

Despite being administered the same way, each drug of abuse has a different method of action. Because of this, physical and mental signs of abuse will vary. Drugs within the same class, such as opioids, will closely mimic each other. But on the other hand, stimulants such as cocaine would create a quite different impact in comparison to the depressant effects of an opioid.

What Is Drug Paraphernalia?

When a drug abuser injects a drug, they need certain equipment. These items are collectively termed paraphernalia. Finding these objects can be a telltale sign that a person is engaging in IV drug use. The most obvious one would be a syringe (insulin syringes are frequently used). You might also find pill bottles, baggies, or balloons which contained the drugs.

It can be hard for a person to inject into the vein on their own. For this reason, some people choose to modify the syringe. If this occurs, they may replace the plunger with a bulb, such as those from an eyedropper or baby pacifier.

Paraphernalia may include:

Alcohol swabs to sterilize the injection site.
Material to filter the liquidized drug through (cigarette filters, cotton balls, or sterile filters which are made for this purpose).
Hard surface with powdery residue on it (from crushing and cutting pills). Mirrors are often used and may be in a strange place like on a bed or on the floor.
Razor blades (used to do the above).
An acidic agent (lemon juice, citric acid, or Vitamin C). These are used to help dissolve certain drugs.
A spoon or pop can for “cooking” or liquefying the drug. It may appear burnt.
A lighter used for heating the drug.
A tourniquet, such as a piece of rubbing tubing or a belt. These are used to enlarge the vein and make it more pronounced for injection.
Though more rare, some people may keep a “sharps bin” (a container for used needles) on hand.

Typically a person keeps these items all together in a kit. This may be a small box or bag. It is usually hidden out of sight, such as under the bed, in the closet, etc.

Be very careful when you’re touching these objects. In fact, we recommend that you not touch the items inside of the kit for any reason unless you absolutely have to. Injection needles can carry serious diseases. Also, certain drugs, especially those mixed with heroin, are so toxic and potent that they can absorb through the skin. This can lead to overdose and even death.

What Are The Physical Signs Of IV Drug Use?

Again, injecting a drug directly into your vein is very invasive. People most commonly inject into their forearm, however, users may also choose locations on their legs, neck, hands, feet, and groin. Soon after use, unhealed needle marks, scabs, or bruising may be evident.

Over time, a person’s skin and veins can become scarred, inflamed, and infected. They may even develop abscesses or ulcers. Receptively injecting a drug into the same site can cause vascular scarring. This is referred to as a “track mark.”

Infections can become severe and lead to cellulitis or necrotizing fasciitis, which is sometimes referred to as a “flesh-eating disease.” In both, the skin will become red, swollen, and warm. Cellulitis may make skin appear taut and glossy. In the latter, patches of skin may become dark as tissues begin to die. Both conditions are serious and require prompt medical treatment.

According to Journal of Clinical & Experimental Dermatology Research, users sometimes heat their needles just prior to injection. This leaves a dark, sooty residue at the injection site, referred to as a “sooting tattoo.” The article asserts that some people will actually get an inked tattoo to cover this up. This practice is used to hide the damage from injection sites in general.

If You See Signs Of IV Drug Abuse, Get Help

If you witness a combination of any of these signs within your loved one, be on guard: they could be abusing drugs. Don’t ignore these signs. The earlier you’re able to support them in making steps towards treatment, the better. We can help you with this. DrugRehab.org can give you more information on specific drugs of abuse and the best treatment centers for them. Reach out to one of our treatment specialists and let us help you today.

For More Information Related to “Signs Of IV Drug Use” Be Sure To Check Out These Additional Resources From DrugRehab.org:

How Do People Use Heroin?

Posted on May 30, 2017 by dr-admin

What Is Heroin?

Heroin is an opioid drug processed from morphine. In its pure form, it’s a white, bitter powder. The pure form is mainly smoked and snorted, as explained by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Powdered heroin is commonly cut, or adulterated, with other substances. When this occurs, the color of the drug changes, taking on a brownish tint.

Heroin is also found in another form called black tar heroin. The appearance is as the name suggests, thick, dark colored and either sticky or hard. The color and form occur from the impurities which result from the manufacturing process. Due to the impurities and lesser quality, many injection drug users choose to inject black tar.

How Does Heroin Work?

Opioid drugs work on your body and brain by attaching to opioid receptors. When this occurs, you experience a pain-relieving effect. Recreational drug users seek to induce another feeling from this chemical brain stimulation.

Heroin, like other opioids, creates an intensely pleasurable state of euphoria. It can also create what is termed a rush. Heroin depresses your central nervous system (CNS). This is one reason why it’s such a dangerous drug.

What Are The Signs Of Heroin Use?

Learning the signs of heroin use can help you to identify a person in need of help.

When a person uses, they may experience:

A “rush” and sense of euphoria.
Decreased pain.
Dry mouth.
Flushed and warm skin.
Heavy limbs.
Intense drowsiness and wakefulness (being “on the nod”).
Intense itching.
Nausea and vomiting.
Slowed breathing and heart functions.

If any of these seem familiar, don’t hesitate to speak up. It can be hard to have this conversation, but by doing so, you could be saving your loved one from harm and even death.

The Risks And Dangers Of Heroin Abuse

If you’re a heroin user or know someone who is, it’s pertinent you understand the risks and dangers of abuse. This information could help to save your life.

Here are some general dangers linked to heroin abuse:

Addiction
Compromised immune system
Complications of the lungs, including pneumonia
Decreased memory and decision-making skills
Endocarditis (infection of the heart’s lining and valves)
Impaired verbal and cognitive functioning
Poor impulse control
Miscarriage
Risky sexual behaviors
Withdrawal

Heroin can cause overdose, even on the first dose. Overdose occurs because your CNS becomes severely depressed. This leads to drastically reduced heart functions, blood pressure, and breathing rates. The intensity of these factors can cause coma, permanent brain damage, and may lead to death. The CDC reports that heroin-related overdoses are on the rise. Between 2002 and 2013, they rose 286 percent.

What Ways Do People Administer Heroin And What Are The Risks?

As previously mentioned, people choose to use this drug numerous ways. In addition to the above, each route of administration has specific signs of abuse and unique risks.

Injecting Heroin Intravenously (IV)

To prepare for injection, the user liquefies and dissolves the heroin by diluting and heating, or “cooking” it. It is then loaded into the syringe. Shared needles increase the risk of transmissible diseases, including HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B and C. Injection can also cause abscesses, track marks, and other infections within certain soft tissues.

When many people think of injecting heroin, they are quick to think of intravenous (IV) drug users. This means that the drug is injected directly into the vein. Before a person can do this, they tie off their arm with a piece of rubber tubing or a belt to make their vein bulge. These individuals also inject the drug at various other locations throughout their body, including the leg, neck, feet, and even groin.

Intravenous injection allows any contaminants or cutting agents within the heroin to travel throughout the bloodstream. This can lead to:

Clogged vessels
Cellular infection or death in certain organs
An immune response which can cause arthritis and similar illnesses

According to NIDA, IV heroin abuse can cause:

Collapsed veins
Scarring
Necrotizing fasciitis (sometimes referred to as flesh-eating bacteria) causes tissue death

Heroin can also be injected into into the muscle (intramuscularly) or directly beneath the skin (subcutaneously or “skin popping”).

Smoking Heroin

Users place the heroin (typically black tar) on aluminum foil or the top of a pop can and heat it with a lighter. They then inhale the vapors with a straw or hollowed out pen. This is referred to as “chasing the dragon.”

The University of Arizona outlines the following dangers of smoking heroin:

Pulmonary (lung) function becomes compromised
An uncomfortable shortness of breath (dyspnea)
Severe and repeated asthma attacks (status asthmaticus)

Smoking heroin can also cause leukoencephalopathy, a serious disorder of the CNS’s white matter. A debilitating disease, it causes parts of your brain and spinal cord to deteriorate. This can lead to slurred speech, vision loss, paralysis, and even fatalities.

Sniffing/Snorting Heroin (Insufflation)

These methods are sometimes referred to as insufflation. To prepare, users draw the drug into lines with a razor or credit card on a hard surface like a mirror. They then use a straw, hollow pen, or rolled dollar bill to inhale it into their nasal cavity. This method is very invasive. It can cause great damage to the nose and surrounding areas, including:

Bone loss
Creating a hole in the septum (area between your nostrils)
Chronic nosebleeds
Collapsed nasal passages
Constant runny nose
Perforation (hole) in the roof or back of your mouth
Saddleback nose (a broad, flattened nose)

According to the Center for Substance Abuse Research (CESAR), sniffing the liquified version of heroin through a nasal spray bottle is called “shabanging.”

Mixing Heroin With Other Drugs

Heroin is commonly abused with cocaine (including crack). Alternately snorting lines of these drugs is called “crisscrossing.” If a user injects them both at once it is called “speedballing.” Both of these methods are highly dangerous, as heroin is a depressant and cocaine is a stimulant. Because of this, your body and brain are being simultaneously pulled in two different directions. This increases your risk of overdose and death.

As the opioid epidemic increases, heroin is increasingly used in combination with other, more potent, opioid drugs. Responsible for countless overdoses, these deadly concoctions include fentanyl and carfentanil, and as of late, the lethal mystery combination termed “grey death.”

Some individuals purposely seek out these combinations, believing that they will increase their high. Others stumble into using them, as they unknowingly purchase heroin that is cut with these drugs. By either path, these powerful opioids have left a wave of destruction and overdose deaths across our nation.

Start Living A Drug-Free Life

No matter how you abuse heroin, you’re putting yourself at risk for addiction. Is heroin taking over and ruining your loved one’s life? Or maybe you’re the one struggling. Either way, we can help. It is possible to beat a heroin addiction and find sobriety. DrugRehab.org knows how to find the best heroin rehab centers for your needs. Contact us now.

For More Information Related to “How Do People Use Heroin?” Be Sure To Check Out These Additional Resources From DrugRehab.org:

Does Short-Term Disability Cover Drug Rehab?

Posted on May 26, 2017July 17, 2017 by dr-admin

If you’re trying to get sober and build a better life, every little bit matters. You’re not just looking out for yourself today and during treatment, but also in the time after. If you or a loved one is losing ground to a severe or long-term addiction, you should strongly consider inpatient drug rehab. This residential treatment grants you a better opportunity for the personal growth and healing that is so necessary for building and protecting your sobriety.

Understanding Your Financial Needs During Rehab

Inpatient treatment can become quite pricey. Financial planning is important prior to rehab as you’re stepping away from your life and job while you work on your recovery. This could be for a 28- to 30-day program, or it could be for 90 days or more. During this time it’s important that you maintain your responsibilities, including bills and looking after your family. Applying for short-term disability could help you to take care of these responsibilities or help to fund treatment.

Will Short-Term Disability Apply While I’m In Drug Treatment?

Exact coverage can vary job to job. The stipulations of your benefits are subject to the terms of the plan. Certain exclusions or limitations may apply which could affect your eligibility for disability during rehab. Some plans have a pre-existing condition limitation, which could include substance abuse. Some plans will allow you to apply your benefits during this time, while others won’t. Some may only do so under very specific circumstances.

We suggest contacting your HR representative or plan administrator to obtain a copy of the plan if you do not already have one. Also, this individual can help you go over the plan’s specific details so that you fully understand the scope of benefits you’re entitled to. Make sure to note the plan’s effective date of coverage in reference to when your condition began.

Be attentive to reading your plan’s language regarding limitations and exclusions. There should be a list of circumstances which are excluded from coverage. Be careful and don’t rush this. Look for any language or terminology that specifically references mental illness, substance abuse, or addiction recovery. We can work with you and the treatment center of your choice to help determine, if, and how, your coverage could help you to enroll in treatment.

How Is Coverage Determined?

Proper documentation of your condition will be expected. This typically requires, at minimum, a physician’s statement which supports your claim. In order for you to receive payment, you’ll likely need to be currently receiving care from a physician. In addition to these guidelines, the insurer may require that they meet with you during the claim process and/or have an independent expert evaluate your circumstances.

When you’re faced with the uncertainty and pain of addiction, it can already be difficult to manage your life and stay on track with your goals. Adding this process to the mix may seem like too much and more that you can bear. Don’t let this discourage you. Though the disability claims process takes a little work and commitment, your perseverance could pay off. If you receive short-term disability, it’s a leg up and a better opportunity to make your recovery needs a reality.

How Long Does Short-Term Disability Coverage Last?

Coverage doesn’t necessarily kick in the first day you’re not able to work. The time before this occurs is called the elimination period. According to The Balance, “coverage usually starts anywhere from one to 14 days after an employee suffers a condition that leaves them unable to work.”

The Balance also reports that before compensation coverage begins, you may be required to use any accrued sick days for your missed time off work. Once it starts, they write that short-term disability may last nine to 52 weeks from the date of eligibility. If your short-term disability benefits apply while you’re at rehab, this added flexibility can make it easier to enroll in an inpatient program.

What’s The Best Way To Use My Short-Term Disability?

Benefits you receive from short-term disability could go towards the cost of paying for rehab. You could also consider using it to help pay for bills and expenses which are due while you’re in rehab. Your short-term disability could help you to stay on top of these obligations so that you can relax more and focus on your recovery. A secure financial foundation and plan can help to make your treatment goals more attainable.

The extra stress and worry associated with paying your bills can become a trigger for relapse, both during and after treatment. Addressing these concerns helps to remove this risk. If you don’t have to come home to mountains of debt it will be easier to maintain a balanced, drug-free life. We can help you to figure out how to prepare every area of your life for rehab, so that you have the best shot at sobriety.

Are There Other Ways I Can Pay For Treatment?

Due to the price tag of rehab, you may have to get creative when it comes to financing your inpatient stay. To start with, your closest loved ones may want to help you with financial gifts or loans. Beyond this, you may qualify for a scholarship or grant, a sliding feeding, payment arrangements, financing options, or even a personal loan through a bank or credit union. Your insurance may also provide treatment coverage. Taking the time to explore these options can create more resources to invest into your recovery.

Will Going To Rehab Affect My Job?

Are you worried that leaving your job to go to rehab will affect your career? Though this is understandable, it’s definitely something that shouldn’t prevent you from seeking help. Trying to balance the tasks and responsibilities of any job, especially high-pressure careers, is exceedingly difficult under the influence of addiction.

The truth is, a drug-free life should make it easier to function and be successful within the workplace. Your focus, concentration, and performance will likely increase, while your margin of error and absenteeism from drug-related causes should decrease. If your job offers you benefits that make it easier to seek treatment, it’s an opportunity to better your life and health all around.

Get The Most Out Of Treatment

Finances and employee benefits can be overwhelming and confusing at the very least. When you’re trying to wade through the upheaval created by an addiction, these things can become even more intimidating. DrugRehab.org can help you to find a rehab which fits your unique needs. Not only this, but we’ll work with you and the facility to find out how to best utilize your benefits and finances to cover treatment costs. Contact us now to begin getting help.

For More Information Related to “Does Short-Term Disability Cover Drug Rehab?” Be Sure To Check Out These Additional Resources From DrugRehab.org:

Sources

Verywell — Short-Term Disability Insurance

Commonly Abused Benzodiazepines

Posted on May 25, 2017July 17, 2017 by dr-admin

Like a lot of drugs, there is room for abuse of benzodiazepines—which is commonly referred to as “benzos.” With drug seeking behavior often comes raiding the medicine cabinet or doctor shopping for drugs, because what treats one person’s condition can often give another person the euphoric feeling of ease and comfort. Next to opioids, benzodiazepine has become one of the most highly sought after prescription pills for abuse.

Definition Of Drug Abuse

As mentioned before, benzodiazepines are used in medicine to help treat anxiety and panic disorder by essentially slowing down brain activity. This drug can be helpful for someone who can’t stop feeling anxious or dismiss the feeling of impending doom, but some can people abuse benzos. Drug abuse is broadly defined as, “when people use illegal drugs or use legal drugs inappropriately…

This includes the repeated use of drugs to produce pleasure, alleviate stress, and/or alter or avoid reality. It also includes using prescription drugs in ways other than prescribed or using someone else’s prescription” (National Institute on Drug Abuse – NIDA).

List Of Most Commonly Abused Benzodiazepines

There are more than 25 different benzodiazepines on the market, but not all of them are as widely abused or even known about. Some are more potent than others, and therefore most likely to be abused. When a person starts abusing benzodiazepines, they might only use it a few times here and there. Over time they can build up a tolerance to the drug, and start seeking a more potent dosage. They can potentially experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using the drug.

Maybe they’re self-medicating for a self-diagnosed panic disorder—which certainly could require medication, but self-medicating can be extremely dangerous and is illegal. Some of the most commonly abused benzodiazepines are Xanax, Klonopin, Valium, Ativan, and Restoril.

Withdrawal Symptoms Of Benzodiazepines

Abusing benzodiazepines can often lead to dependence accompanied by serious withdrawal symptoms when a person tries to stop abusing them. Some of the most common withdrawal symptoms related to benzodiazepine abuse and dependence are:

Sleep Disturbance and Insomnia
Irritability
Increased Tension and Anxiety
Panic Attacks
Hand Tremor
Sweating
Difficulty Concentrating
Dry Heaving and Nausea
Weight Loss
Palpitations
Headache
Muscular Pain and Stiffness
Perceptual Changes

Can I Overdose On Benzodiazepines?

Yes, especially when the drug is mixed with other substances like alcohol or opioids. From the Food and Drug Administration, overdose symptoms “include somnolence, confusion, impaired coordination, diminished reflexes and coma. Death has been reported in association with overdoses of alprazolam by itself, as it has with other benzodiazepines. In addition, fatalities have been reported in patients who have overdosed with a combination of a single benzodiazepine.”

Xanax Abuse

Abusing Xanax can be more than just buying it on the street, crushing it up and snorting it. Prescription drug abuse can be anything from using someone else’s prescription to continuing use of your own prescription after a doctor advises you to stop—which can be a result of dependence or addiction.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), “withdrawal symptoms similar in character to those noted with sedative/hypnotics and alcohol have occurred following discontinuance of benzodiazepines, including Xanax. The symptoms can range from mild dysphoria and insomnia to a major syndrome that may include abdominal and muscle cramps, vomiting, sweating, tremors and convulsions.”

Klonopin Abuse

From the drug’s description by the FDA, Klonopin can pass into breast milk and cause dependence. Dependence to Klonopin can end in withdrawals and further cravings, and furthermore “stopping Klonopin suddenly can cause seizures that do not stop, hearing or seeing things that are not there (hallucinations), shaking, and stomach and muscle cramps.”

Valium Abuse

Valium is considered a schedule IV drug by the Drug Enforcement Administration, because of it’s lower potential abuse; however when mixed with opioids it can lead to sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. From the FDA’s description of Valium, “abuse and dependence of benzodiazepines (Valium) have been reported. Addiction-prone individuals should be under careful surveillance when receiving diazepam or other psychotropic agents because of the predisposition of such patients to habituation and dependence.”

Valium can be used to help treat acute alcoholism withdrawal symptoms, but on the other hand can lead to withdrawals of its own when dosage is increased or when the drug is abused.

Ativan Abuse

Like other benzodiazepines, Ativan can lead to dependence but it can also lead to worsening conditions of depression for someone who was previously diagnosed with a depression disorder; therefore it is highly discouraged to use Ativan if you suffer from depression or psychosis. Also similar to other benzodiazepines, “the risk of dependence increases with higher doses and longer term use and is further increased in patients with a history of alcoholism or drug abuse or in patients with significant personality disorders. The dependence potential is reduced when lorazepam (Ativan) is used at the appropriate dose for short-term treatment” (FDA).

Even in the realm of drug abuse, Ativan should be slowly tapered off of. According to the FDA, “withdrawal symptoms can appear following cessation of recommended doses after as little as one week of therapy. Abrupt discontinuation of product should be avoided and a gradual dosage-tapering schedule followed after extended therapy.”

Restoril Abuse

From Xanax to Restoril, benzodiazepines have a common theme, do not mix with opioids or alcohol—it’s dangerous and can lead to overdose and death. Some of the best ways to avoid these risks is to avoid mixing drugs; however avoiding the negative consequences of benzodiazepines can work on both sides of the pharmacy window, and from a professional aspect doctors must:

Reserve concomitant prescribing of these drugs for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate.
Limit dosages and durations to the minimum required.
Follow patients for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation.
(FDA)

More About Benzodiazepine Dependence

As is true with most mood altering drugs, dependence to benzodiazepines is possible but not certain. From the Drug Enforcement Administration, “there is the potential for dependence on and abuse of benzodiazepines particularly by individuals with a history of multi-substance abuse.” So what exactly is the relationship between abuse, dependence, tolerance, and addiction?

The FDA sums it up perfectly, “abuse is characterized by misuse of the drug for nonmedical purposes, often in combination with other psychoactive substances. Physical dependence is a state of adaptation that is manifested by a specific withdrawal syndrome that can be produced by abrupt cessation, rapid dose reduction, decreasing blood level of the drug and/or administration of an antagonist…Tolerance is a state of adaptation in which exposure to a drug induces changes that result in a diminution of one or more of the drug’s effects over time.”

“Addiction is a primary, chronic, neurobiological disease with genetic, psychosocial, and environmental factors influencing its development and manifestations.” It can be hard to stop using drugs once you’ve become dependent or addicted, and sometimes the best way to start recovery is to ask for help.

How To Find Treatment For Addiction And Substance Abuse

Benzodiazepine abuse isn’t always a death sentence, but there is no guarantee for a good life either. “More than 22,000 people die every year from prescription drug abuse, more than heroin and cocaine combined” (NIDA). If you are suffering with an addiction to prescription drugs, getting into treatment today can be one of the best things you can do for yourself. With a detoxification, behavioral therapy, peer and family support and more you will be back on your feet and on the road to recovery in no time.

Contact us today to speak to one of our addiction specialists about getting the treatment you deserve. Recovery starts with addiction treatment, and we can find it for you.

For More Information Related to “Commonly Abused Benzodiazepines” Be Sure To Check Out These Additional Resources From DrugRehab.org:

Sources

Drug Enforcement Administration – Benzodiazepines
Food and Drug Administration – Ativan
Food and Drug Administration – Klonopin
Food and Drug Administration – Restoral
Food and Drug Administration – Valium
Food and Drug Administration – Xanax

What Is A Relapse Prevention Plan?

Posted on May 19, 2017July 17, 2017 by dr-admin

Entering treatment for drug or alcohol abuse can be one of the best choices you make in your life. Once you enter the program, you have an intense road of therapy, counseling, medication, and other possible treatment methods to help you get better. But what happens once you complete treatment, and get back to your life?

Will you relapse, or fall victim to addiction again? It’s definitely a possibility. Some may see relapse as a failure, but that is simply not the case. If you look at recovery as a spectrum, then you understand that in your newfound sobriety there may be a few falls from grace, but these do not define your progress.

It’s how you handle these lapses in your recovery goals that will determine the course of your recovery journey. When you face the triggers of addiction that pull you, will you have the stamina to push them away, to step aside? You will if you have a solid relapse prevention plan.

Relapse prevention begins in treatment. In fact, relapse prevention is treatment—all of your progress in a drug rehab center works toward preventing future relapse.

Why Do People Relapse?

As the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) explains, “the chronic nature of the disease [addiction] means that relapsing to drug abuse at some point is not only possible, but likely.” However, contrary to what you may have heard or read, relapse is not a sign of treatment or recovery failure.

It’s not surprising to us when someone with other major illnesses relapse. You wouldn’t question someone having to re-enter treatment for diabetes. Addiction is a chronic illness as well. Though it is possible to effectively treat and cure addiction, relapse is simply part of the course.

“For a person recovering from addiction, lapsing back to drug use indicates that treatment needs to be reinstated or adjusted or that another treatment should be tried,” the NIDA explains.

Does Relapse Mean You Have To Go Back To Rehab?

Experiencing a relapse from sobriety is not a guarantee that you have to go back to rehab. Again, it’s all about how you handle that relapse. Life is full of substance abuse triggers. In treatment, you learn how to handle them.

When you begin going through your relapse, it’s important to call on principles, skills, and thought management processes learned during treatment. For instance, in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), you may have learned to assess a situation, identify troubling thoughts and behaviors, and confront those thoughts and behaviors through logical means.

This sort of rationale can help immensely during a relapse, but sometimes the old pull of addiction is simply too strong, or your grasp on treatment principles isn’t strong enough yet. Admitting that you need some more time in treatment to gain a stronger hold on treatment principles doesn’t make you weak. It doesn’t even mean you aren’t well.

It simply means you are still working on your recovery goals. At the end of the day, the important thing is that you’re making strides to getting well. At DrugRehab.org, we recognize that relapse is not just an unfortunate possibility, but part of your recovery and help you to work through it.

How To Design A Relapse Prevention Plan

Each person will deal with relapse in his or her own way. Prevention plans for relapse are as unique as the individuals who will use them. Unfortunately, relapse is a side effect that tends to catch you off guard. That’s why it’s so important to have a plan in place for managing relapse when it occurs, and preferably before leaving treatment.

This can be as comprehensive as a written step-by-step guide to managing triggers and emotions or thoughts that lead to relapse, or as simple as giving voice to this plan during counseling or therapy.

The best way to design a prevention plan is to take a look at some key components that lead to relapse, and measures that will help prevent it, such as:

Signs of relapse: there are many things that trigger abuse, but each is specific to the individual. For some, it may be past trauma and feelings associated with it. Whatever your triggers are, you have to recognize them and know how to manage them.
Past relapses: if you’ve been through a relapse before, you may have the advantage of knowing how and when they may happen, which can help you in handling them.
Who gives you support: whether this is family, friends, or a new support group you enter, such as a 12-step support group, having people who are behind you in your efforts can make a vast difference in handling relapse.
Designing a life that is free from addiction: this may seem obvious, but it’s important to fill your schedule with healthy, fulfilling activities that help relieve and manage stress which often leads to relapse.

Having a plan doesn’t guarantee that you’ll be more likely to relapse. It just makes you more prepared in case it happens, helping you to stay the path of sobriety.

The Importance Of Addiction Recovery

How important is recovery? If you are falling into relapse, or have fallen before, you may be wondering just how important addiction treatment is to a healthy life. The NIDA reports that people who get into treatment and successfully complete treatment programs see less criminal activity, tend to stop substance abuse, and see better social and personal functioning overall.

Addiction can lead to a myriad of consequences in your life, especially for your health. Depending on the substance of abuse, long-term substance abuse can result in troubles with a number of organs such as the heart, liver, brain, lungs, and more. Prolonged abuse can also contribute to the development of several types of cancer.

If the damage to your health wasn’t enough, addiction changes you as a person. Once you become addicted, life becomes all about seeking the substance of choice. This can lead to some risky behavior and decisions.

No one casually uses a drug thinking addiction will be the result, or crime, or even contracting infectious or sexually transmitted diseases. But these are all possible consequences of abusing substances. Even with relapse, treatment and subsequent sobriety are far better options.

Getting Help With Your Relapse Prevention Plan

Relapse is not a step back in the path to sobriety, but simply another step along the way. You don’t have to be ashamed or discouraged if you’re experiencing relapse. Achieving sobriety long enough to relapse is a victory all its own.

But if you are finding it difficult to overcome a relapse, or you want to get back into treatment to steer yourself back in the right direction, we can help. Contact us today at DrugRehab.org to learn more about relapse, treatment options, and the best drug rehab centers available.

For More Information Related to “What Is A Relapse Prevention Plan?” Be Sure To Check Out These Additional Resources From DrugRehab.org:

Sources

American Psychological Association—Preventing Relapse
National Institute On Drug Abuse—What Is Relapse?
Psychology Today—Why Relapse Isn’t A Sign Of Failure

Ambien Addiction And Treatment Options

Posted on May 18, 2017July 18, 2017 by dr-admin

Ambien (generic name zolpidem) is a medication used to treat insomnia. A sedative hypnotic, it works due to the way it reduces brain activity. Used properly, Ambien is typically safe. However, when misused, it does hold potential for abuse. Misusing your prescription or using this drug recreationally could lead to addiction. Ambien abuse is dangerous, with adverse effects ranging from withdrawal, memory loss, organ damage, overdose, and more.

Ambien was originally thought to be safer than benzodiazepines, a class of drugs commonly prescribed for sleep disorders. In line with this thinking, prescriptions for this drug climbed. Subsequently, the opportunity for misuse and drug diversion rose as well. Contrary to these beliefs, over time, widespread reports of abuse and addiction surfaced. In July of 2002, zolpidem was classified as Schedule IV, the same category as benzodiazepine drugs.

What Is Ambien?

Ambien is a “Z-drug,” or nonbenzodiazepine drug. Despite this, its mechanism of action is actually similar to that of benzodiazepine sleeping aids. This is due to the way it binds to GABA-A receptors at benzodiazepine binding sites within the brain, as explained by the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology (BJCP). It should be taken directly before sleeping and only if you’re confident you’ll be able to stay in bed for seven to eight hours.

Ambien comes in a tablet form, either as an immediate release tablet or as the controlled-release version (Ambien CR). This medication only be used for short periods of time. This is due to the fact that after two weeks the efficacy may decline. Also, after more prolonged use the risk of dependence and withdrawal climbs.

Is Ambien Addictive?

The Journal of Research in Medical Sciences writes that “zolpidem can exert abuse capability, euphoric mood, tolerance, and withdrawal syndrome,” all of which increase a person’s risk for addiction. Typically, if you use Ambien as prescribed, the drug has a limited potential for dependence and abuse. The problem arises if you begin to misuse your medication, even if you’re simply seeking to self-medicate insomnia. This is considered abuse.

Recreational users may take the drug orally or snort it and often force themselves to stay awake so that they can experience the “feel good” effects. People abuse this drug to achieve a sedated and euphoric state similar to drunkenness. Some users claim they take it to increase pleasurable feelings during sex.

Over time, these individuals may need to take more of the drug to create this effect (a tolerance). Using Ambien in these ways puts a person at a greater risk for addiction. Individuals with a history of substance abuse or a mental illness face a heightened risk for Ambien abuse and addiction.

What Are The Side Effects And Symptoms Of Ambien Abuse?

According to the FDA , prescribed Ambien use can cause abnormal thinking, behavioral changes, complex behaviors, hallucinations, thoughts of suicide, or worsening depression. Ambien abuse could intensify these adverse effects and may also cause:

Agitation
Aggression
Becoming more outgoing
Bizarre behaviors
Confusion
Daytime drowsiness
Decreased inhibitions
Delirium
Dizziness
Dry mouth
Gastrointestinal troubles
Headache
Impaired coordination
Impaired judgement
Memory lapses, amnesia, or blackouts
Nightmares
Shallow or slowed breathing
Sleepwalking
Slowed reflexes
Slurred speech

Tolerance and withdrawal are signs of abuse, though they can occur with prescribed use as well. Within addiction, these factors are accompanied by compulsive and chronic drug-seeking.

What Are The Dangers Of Ambien Abuse And Addiction?

Ambien is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. This means it slows down your heart and breathing rates. Because of this, using it with alcohol or other CNS depressants like benzos or opioid painkillers may be dangerous. According to a 2014 DAWN Report, from 2005 to 2010 “the number of zolpidem-related emergency department (ED) visits involving adverse reactions increased nearly 220 percent.” In 2010, women made up two thirds of these visits, while 50 percent involved other medications.

Ambien has been linked to an increased risk of:

Addiction
Anxiety
Depression
Falls and injury
Psychosis
Risky sexual behaviors
Stroke
Suicide
Violence
Withdrawal seizures
Other diseases and illness

The FDA cautions that driving the morning after taking Ambien could be dangerous, due to the drug’s intensely sedative effects. This is especially true with the CR version.

A BMJ Open article asserted that individuals taking sleeping pills, including zolpidem faced a four times greater risk of death and for those taking larger doses, a 35 percent higher risk of cancer. Others studies find that zolpidem is associated with a seven times higher risk of acute pancreatitis and within elderly users, reversible dementia.

The Daily Express outlined a study which found an increased risk of heart attack and life-threatening cardiac events. The news source reported that “four standard dose pills a year – 35 milligrams – send the risk soaring by around 20 per cent. People taking the equivalent of 60 tablets a year could see the threat jump by half.”

Ambien Can Be Dangerous Even While You Sleep

Even within the bounds of prescribed use an individual may experience “complex sleep-related behaviors,” including operating a vehicle, cooking or eating while sleeping, or having sleep sex. These circumstances may be very dangerous and have been reported to cause car accidents, kitchen fires, consumption of toxic chemicals, and unintended pregnancies.

A Huffington Post article chronicled bizarre and catastrophic behavior which occurred under the influence of Ambien. The most frightening circumstance included a man murdering eight people. Others included sleep driving episodes which resulted in great bodily harm to pedestrians (death could also occur). Shocking accounts of Ambien being used as a date rape drug were also detailed. Abusing larger dosages of Ambien could increase the risk of these and other complex sleep-related behaviors.

Can You Overdose From Ambien?

Like many other drugs of abuse, Ambien does have the potential to cause overdose when taken in higher dosages. This danger spikes with polydrug abuse. Women and older individuals eliminate the drug more slowly which can also heighten the risk. Signs of overdose include:

Extreme drowsiness
Decreased heartbeat
Slowed breathing
Losing consciousness
Seizure
Coma

Overdose can be life threatening. Should you suspect that yourself or someone else is at risk, contact emergency medical staff immediately.

How Is Ambien Addiction Treated?

Ambien abuse and addiction should be taken seriously. In more mild instances, outpatient treatment may be sufficient. For those who suffer from more serious cases or polydrug addiction, inpatient drug rehab is recommended. As this drug can create uncomfortable symptoms of withdrawal, it should be slowly tapered. A medically supervised detox may be advised and may include the use of certain non-addictive medications to alleviate withdrawal symptoms.

Addiction often results from a person self-medicating mental or emotional trouble. Effective rehab programs use behavioral therapy and counseling to address these concerns. These may be enhanced by treatment for co-occurring disorders, family therapy and support, and peer support groups. If you or a loved one stumbled into Ambien addiction by misusing the drug to self-medicate insomnia, treatment may help. Your recovery plan may include addressing this issue in an alternative way.

Get Help Today

If you’re fearful that your Ambien use is accelerating into abuse or addiction, reach out today. Together, we can build a plan to get your life back on track. DrugRehab.org is here to help you find and experience the freedom of sobriety. Contact us now.

For More Information Related to “Ambien Addiction And Treatment Options” Be Sure To Check Out These Additional Resources From DrugRehab.org:

Sources

MedlinePlus — Zolpidem
SpringerLink — Increased relative risk of acute pancreatitis in zolpidem users
U.S. Food and Drug Administration — Highlights of Prescribing Information
U.S. National Library of Medicine — An Increased Risk of Reversible Dementia May Occur After Zolpidem Derivative Use in the Elderly Population
U.S. National Library of Medicine — Prescription Sedative Misuse and Abuse

Gene Therapy For Addiction

Posted on May 16, 2017July 18, 2017 by dr-admin

A person’s vulnerability to addiction is based on certain developmental, environmental, and genetic components. Each person’s genetic code influences how their body and brain responds to a specific drug of abuse. Gene therapy for addiction focuses on altering certain genetic components as a way to prevent and fight addiction.

Scientists are diligently working to unlock ways to manipulate genetics to create new therapies to fight addiction. While this may seem like something out of a science fiction movie, the technology and real world applications are closer than you think.

What Are Genes?

Experts believe that each of us has roughly 20,000 to 25,000 genes. While the majority of these genes are the same person to person, it’s estimated that less than one percent are unique to each person. Genes carry information from parents to their children. Every individual’s genetic code is like a blueprint or a how-to manual that tells our brain and body how to function.

This embedded information dictates our physical, physiological, mental, and even emotional characteristics. From small things like our hair color to a life-changing predisposition for a disease (including addiction), our genes shape who we are, for better or for worse. Our genes are also like keys—they lock or unlock helpful or harmful processes within our body and brain which impact our health and wellness.

How Do Genes Influence Addiction?

According to Dr. Joni Rutter, director of the Division of Basic Neuroscience and Behavioral Research at the National Institute on Drug Abuse “genetic factors account for about 40 to 60 percent of a person’s vulnerability to drug addiction.” Put this way, it becomes clear why it’s so important to understand and research this subject.

While addiction is a disease, its genetic makeup is far more complex than many other diseases. Some diseases result from only one genetic malfunction. Addiction, on the other hand, is like a complex, interlocking puzzle which contains many genetic pieces. Scientists are still learning exactly how our genes drive biological and molecular processes linked to addiction.

What Is Gene Therapy?

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine’s Genetics Home Reference (GHR), “gene therapy is an experimental technique that uses genes to treat or prevent disease.” To create these therapies, scientists manipulate or alter DNA within certain genes. The GHR continues, telling us that gene therapy research focuses on several approaches, including:

Replacing a mutated gene that causes disease with a healthy copy of the gene.
Inactivating, or “knocking out,” a mutated gene that is functioning improperly.
Introducing a new gene into the body to help fight a disease.

Currently, research is focused on animal test subjects such as mice or rats and not humans. Eventually, researchers hope to streamline certain methods which may be used successfully within humans. Many medicines and treatments have followed similar paths before they were able to help you or a loved one within your everyday life.

How Does Gene Therapy Work?

How do scientists change these genes? After scientists isolate a certain gene they want to alter, they work to begin changing it outside of the subject’s body. Now they have to get the genetic information into the subject. Some scientists have studied how nanotechnology might help to deliver this genetic information. Another common method of gene therapy begins with a benign virus (one which can no longer cause harm or illness).

The virus acts as a transport vehicle for the altered genetic information, carrying it to the appropriate place within the body or brain, often through injection. Once there, the genetic information is like a traffic cop—it begins to start, stop, and/or direct certain processes to create the desired outcome.

Many of the chemical and genetic components which regulate addiction reside in our brains. Dopamine is a brain chemical which stimulates the reward-processing parts of our brains. Using addictive substances creates a surge of this chemical. Prolonged drug abuse actually makes it harder for the brain to produce this chemical on its own. Certain types of gene therapy focus on helping the brain produce more of this chemical. In theory, this could decrease a user’s need for an addictive substance.

What Types Of Addiction Could Gene Therapy Treat?

Because research is still progressing, it’s not certain what drugs of abuse these methods might target down the road. But scientists are hopeful these methods may someday be able to treat many aspects and types of addiction. One major focus is on turning off the pleasurable or rewarding effects of a drug so that a person doesn’t desire to keep using them.

Current research outlines some possible applications for these therapies:

Cocaine

One study outlined how an altered gene could be used to prevent relapse. Once within our bodies, this gene would produce a variant of a naturally occurring enzyme called BChE. This enzyme splits cocaine into “two harmless compounds.” According to NIDA this action “will prevent euphoria, reduce motivation for subsequent cocaine use, and shield the patient from the cocaine’s toxic and addictive effects.”

Methamphetamine

Researchers at the University of Arkansas for Medical Science conducted a study on viral-delivered gene therapy on mice. These “antimeth antibody-based therapies” isolate and block the meth from reaching the areas in the brain where the drug works to create a high.

Alcohol

Another study found that a certain gene turned off an enzyme which metabolizes alcohol. Without it, a person would experience very uncomfortable effects when they drank. This gene decreased what was essentially binge drinking by half in rats who had been bred to be heavy drinkers. Scientists believe that while this method may not create full abstinence, it could be useful in harm reduction in social drinking.

ScienceDaily reported on another study led by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Brookhaven National Laboratory. It used genetic therapy to increase dopamine receptors within rat subject’s brains. This method showed favorable results in regards to both alcohol and cocaine. In the latter, self-administration of cocaine was reduced by 75 percent. ScienceDaily reported that the study’s lead author Panayotis Thanos “hypothesized that the same would hold true with other addictive drugs.”

Is Gene Therapy Used Within Addiction Treatment?

Currently, gene therapy is not used within addiction treatment. The genetics behind addiction are so complex that these therapies are still within the research stages. The GHR cautions that gene therapy “remains risky and is still under study to make sure that it will be safe and effective.”

In 2014, NIDA’s Dr. Rutter maintained that “using gene therapy to actually treat drug addiction is a long way off, however, and probably not a main goal.” This does not mean that research on the subject won’t continue. In time, some of these methods may be refined and adapted as treatments which target addiction in humans.

We Can Help You Find Evidenced-Based Treatment

While gene therapy may not an option at this time, there are many other evidence-based addiction treatment programs that exist. Every person has different needs within treatment, and we can help you to identify these and create an individualized recovery plan. Contact one of our treatment specialists today.

For More Information Related to “Gene Therapy For Addiction” Be Sure To Check Out These Additional Resources From DrugRehab.org:

Sources

U.S. National Library of Medicine — What is a gene?
National Institute on Drug Abuse — Dr. Joni Rutter Q&A: How Basic Science Is Tackling Addiction

What Is Pseudoaddiction?

Posted on May 11, 2017 by dr-admin

The opioid epidemic has reached crisis proportions within our nation. The misuse of prescription opioid painkillers is in large part responsible for this devastation. In 2015, ScienceDaily reported that 100 million Americans live with chronic pain.

At the heart of these two trends lies an unfortunate truth—while necessary and effective, these drugs hold a massive potential for abuse and addiction. Commonly prescribed (and abused) prescription opioid drugs include fentanyl (Duragesic), hydromorphone (Dilaudid), and oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet). Because of this dual dynamic, many medical practitioners are hesitant to prescribe these drugs.

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Pseudoaddiction?

If you’ve lived with chronic pain or love someone who has, then you likely understand how it can change most every aspect of your life. Inadequately treated chronic pain may cause certain emotions or behaviors to surface. Many of these closely resemble characteristics of addiction. These include:

Isolation
Hopelessness
Depression
Anxiety
Mood instability
Fear or panic
Anger or frustration
Nervousness or irritability
Low energy or fatigue
Trouble sleeping

In addition, a person may also:

Experience relationship troubles
Withdraw from social activities
Lose interest in activities they previously enjoyed
Have thoughts of suicide

As the physical, mental, and emotional side effects of this mismanaged pain increase, a person’s behaviors begin to shift.

A person with pseudoaddiction may:

Ask for increased dosages of pain medication.
Request a different or stronger pain medication.
Worry about when they’re able to refill their prescription.
Be preoccupied with thoughts of the next dose.
Become anxious if there’s any uncertainty regarding their medication supply or dosage.
Expend great time and energy towards finding and/or maintaining access to pain medication.
Excessively think or talk about the medication or its effects.
Make sure they always have their medication on hand even if they don’t expect to need it.

To the outside observer, an individual with signs of pseudoaddiction could appear to be addicted. This incorrect diagnosis can make this already unbearable situation even more stressful and painful.

What Is The Difference Between Pseudoaddiction And Addiction?

It can be very confusing to separate the characteristics of these two concerns. Both medically prescribed use and addiction can create opioid dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal. So what makes these things different?

The main thing that separates pseudoaddiction from addiction is the motive behind the drug seeking. In the former, an individual seeks out more pain medication for self-care. Contrasting this, an addicted individual is consumed by a harmful and compulsive desire to obtain these drugs to create a feel-good effect.

In theory, you can also tell pseudoaddiction apart from addiction by observing if the drug-seeking behaviors change over time. When someone suffering from pseudoaddiction finally gets adequate pain management, drug-seeking subsides.

Why Is It Important To Recognize Pseudoaddiction?

As the opioid epidemic rises, it is important to identify these differences. Critics of the pseudoaddiction theory caution that a patient’s own feedback may not be the most accurate indication of pain. Additionally, some individuals may pretend to be in pain so that they can obtain more painkillers for illicit purposes.

Recognizing the difference between these two scenarios is key to protecting either type of patient. Understanding these distinctions can help you to advocate for a higher quality of care. Recent reports suggest that effective pain management could even save your life. Lack of access to proper pain medications has been anecdotally linked to suicide.

For those with untreated concerns of pain, treatment should be adjusted so that they can have a better quality of life. If pseudoaddiction is properly treated a person should be less inclined to misuse these drugs. By stopping this illicit use, the risk of painkiller abuse and addiction significantly declines.

On the other hand, it is important to stay alert and recognize recreational drug-seeking behaviors. This provides an opportunity to get these individuals help. If a person is feigning pseudoaddiction to get more drugs, funneling more painkillers into them will only serve to drive them deeper into addiction.

How Is Pseudoaddiction Treated?

As pseudoaddiction is not addiction, it alone does not require drug addiction treatment. Doctor-supervised treatment can help you to regain functionality within your life through better pain management. However, in certain cases, pseudoaddiction could develop into patterns of drug abuse or addiction.

Are you worried that your drug-seeking and using are becoming compulsive? Are the reasons you want pain medication less about pain management and more about creating a sense of pleasure? If any of this sounds familiar, it’s a good idea to get help right away before your drug use spirals further out of control.

Can Pseudoaddiction Turn Into Addiction?

Yes. Even prescribed medical use of opioid medications can lead to addiction. Addiction may develop because a person:

Misuses their own prescription: Pseudoaddiction can be a long and overwhelming road. This can exhaust a person. Some people who no longer needs pain management may use their leftover medication to feel good and escape. Just because the drugs were prescribed to you doesn’t mean it is safe to use them in this way.

Turns to illicit painkillers: If pseudoaddiction is not properly recognized or treated, a person may try to obtain painkillers illicitly. Without professional medical guidance, a person may begin to use too many pills too often. Painkillers purchased off the street have no regulation. These pills may not even be the drug you think they are. They could even contain other dangerous and more addictive drugs such as fentanyl. These fake prescription drugs could even cause overdose and death.

Self-medicates with other drugs: The risk of addiction isn’t only to opioids. If a person with pseudoaddiction fails to receive proper and compassionate treatment, they may turn to other types of drugs or alcohol to cope or dull the pain. They may also use these substances to mask any emotional or mental struggles.

Struggles with mental illness: Current Addiction Reports warns of this connection, writing that:

“Mental illness comorbidity is high among chronic pain patients, where psychiatric illness is a risk factor for chronic pain, analgesic abuse, and drug addiction in general…putting those who are depressed, and more likely to seek chronic pain treatment, at especially high risk for analgesic abuse.”

Regardless of how addiction develops, you or your loved one will be exposed to countless risks. Opioid painkillers can be intensely addictive. Because of this, painkiller addictions may be best treated by both a medically supervised detox and an inpatient drug rehab program. If you’re addicted and still facing concerns of pain, certain programs can help you to manage both concerns.

We Can Help You Heal From Addiction

Have prescription painkillers taken over your life? Or are you worried that they might be? Whether you’re suffering from opioid abuse or addiction, the opportunity for a better life exists. DrugRehab.org can help you to create sobriety goals, treatment plans, and the desire for a better life. Contact us now.

For More Information Related to “What Is Pseudoaddiction?” Be Sure To Check Out These Additional Resources From DrugRehab.org:

Sources

The American Academy of Pain Medicine — AAPM Facts and Figures on Pain
American Society of Addiction Medicine — Definitions Related to the Use of Opioids for the Treatment of Pain: Consensus Statement of the American Academy of Pain Medicine, the American Pain Society, and the American Society of Addiction Medicine
Medscape — “On the Meaning of “Drug Seeking”

Social Learning Theory Of Addiction Treatment

Posted on May 8, 2017July 18, 2017 by dr-admin

Addiction is shaped by biological, psychological, and social factors. The social learning theory (SLT) suggests that addiction is rooted in the way we observe and learn from our peers and role models. Treatment based on this theory can help you to break out of negative thought and behavioral patterns.

As young children, we look up to our parents, older peers, and other adults. While social learning is a primary concern with children, it doesn’t stop when we grow up. As we get older, our social influences include other family members, friends, and coworkers.

Sadly, we don’t just learn from the positive influences of people whom we admire-—negative influences throughout our lives have the capacity to shape us too. Our observations and expectations of other’s experiences with drugs and alcohol can influence the way we view and use these substances.

Is Addiction Caused By One Factor?

Unfortunately, the old cliche “do as I say, not as I do” doesn’t always hold water, especially when it comes to substance abuse. Our nature is to learn by example. Even if our parents tell us not to drink alcohol or use drugs, we’ll still form opinions and emotional reactions when we see them do these things. These reactions may influence how we relate to drugs or alcohol down the road. For addiction specialists, this phenomenon conjures up one of the oldest debates in psychology—nature versus nurture.

While social factors surely influence drug abuse, some of the most renowned experts in the field caution that addiction is far more complicated. Though science has shown us that addiction is a disease of the brain, it’s also illustrated that addiction is caused by our biology, development, and environment. The social learning theory explains how social observations alter our attitudes and behaviors in a way which could make us more vulnerable to addiction.

What Is The Social Learning Theory?

Social learning theory asserts that we can learn by watching another person, not just from our own experiences. Our behaviors, thought processes, and even our emotional reactions develop from these observations. While this type of learning can be empowering and even protect us, we are not immune to the bad influences within our lives. According to UMASS Lowell, SLT impacts us in the following ways:

Self-Regulation: Our attitudes, beliefs, expectations, and perceptions of these circumstances shape how we relate our environment to our behaviors. Our understanding of this relationship alters how we self-regulate our future behaviors.

Modeling: We learn and make decisions based on what we see our peers or role models doing. This happens by:

Acquisition: People are far more likely to use substances if they see someone else doing so.
Inhibition or dis-inhibition: Your ability to abstain from using is either built up or weakened by how you see other people resisting or giving in to drugs.
Response facilitation: The risk of using goes up when you see people around you abusing drugs or alcohol.

Expectations: If you expect positive outcomes or rewards to accompany drinking or using drugs you’re more likely to engage in these risky behaviors.

Self-Efficacy: How you view yourself and your capability to handle certain situations impacts your capacity to change or set healthy goals.

Here’s an example: Growing up your mom was really anxious and depressed. When she drank she suddenly seemed more fun, relaxed, and happy. Now, as an adult, you’ve begun to confront these issues yourself. After watching your mom drink for so many years you equate alcohol to a positive outcome (boosting mood and reducing stress). This eventually leads you to start drinking when you want to feel better.

How Is The Social Learning Theory Used Within Addiction Treatment

Fortunately, treatment can counteract these harmful perspectives within our lives. Even though we learn a lot of these mindsets in childhood, it’s also important to stay away from negative influences as adults. If a person is exposed to positive influences and experiences within treatment, they can begin to model their own behaviors in these ways.

An article from the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence outlines several behavioral therapies which are useful within SLT addiction treatment. Each of these helps a person to build better self-efficacy.

Behavioral Family Counseling (BFC): These sessions help families to resolve conflicts, build solidarity, lend support, and reward each other for abstinence.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): “Individual and group CBTs focus primarily on reducing patients’ positive expectances about substance use, enhancing their overall self-confidence and self-efficacy to resist substance misuse, and improving their skills in coping with daily life stressors, including relapse-inducing situations.”

Contingency Management (CM) and Community Reinforcement Approaches (CRA): These methods encourage abstinence with reward-based incentives and expose a person to positive role models.

Motivational Interviewing (MI)/Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET): Helps to increase a person’s motivation for and dedication to change.

Twelve-Step Facilitation Therapy: Provides abstinent role models and teaches enhanced coping and stress-management skills.

These modalities will also help you to create healthier ways to self-regulate your emotions and thoughts. As addiction is a disease, certain medications may be necessary within addiction treatment.

A good treatment program will help you to develop better interpersonal skills. You can use these to create and maintain a healthy and positive support network after treatment. Aftercare programs will also help you to keep hold of these positive social influences.

How Is The Social-Educational Model Different From The Social Learning Theory?

The social-educational theory suggests that how we’re taught to think about substance abuse creates risk or protective factors for addiction. Our social connections help us to learn about the dangers and repercussions of substance abuse. Various groups or people can shape how we think about substance abuse by motivating, punishing, or correcting our behaviors.

This influence may take the form of laws, advice, or as certain social responsibilities. Without enough of this oversight or information, a person may begin or continue to abuse drugs or alcohol. The social-educational model of addiction treatment draws from this learning process.

Sometimes we forget or ignore this information. On the other hand, maybe you’ve never had the opportunity to be educated in these ways. In either case, this leaves us more vulnerable to the risks. During treatment, therapy and classes will help you to learn or re-learn these valuable protective factors. When a person understands how drugs can destroy their life, the theory goes that they will be more motivated to change by making informed and positive choices. Also, when a person begins to understand how their substance abuse affects others, they may be more apt to seek sobriety.

Don’t Let Negative Influences Overcome Your Life

If you’re facing addiction it’s important to understand that it’s not a moral failing or character flaw. Addiction is complicated. While it can be hard to unlearn certain damaging behaviors or thought processes, we want you to know it is possible. With our help, you can find a program that’s the perfect fit for your unique needs.

DrugRehab.org can connect you to life-changing resources and compassionate care. Find sobriety, contact us now.