Signs of Speedball (Heroin with Cocaine) Use

Posted on September 26, 2017October 12, 2017 by dr-admin

When a person mixes heroin with cocaine, they may seem anxious, uncoordinated, stupored, and drowsy. This mixture of depressant and stimulant is referred to as a speedball. A lot of people concurrently use heroin and cocaine to counter any side-effects from either drug, but it can also result in consequences such as respiratory failure, overdose, and coma.

What Is A Speedball And Why Is It Dangerous?

A speedball refers to a mixture of depressants and stimulants; it’s a form of polysubstance abuse. A few examples of a speedballing are alprazolam with methamphetamine, alcohol with amphetamines, or the most common speedball, heroin with cocaine.

People may use heroin with cocaine for the intense rush, or to minimize the negative side-effects or “come-down.” But the reality is the effect that mixing heroin with cocaine has on the body is unpredictable, and can be fatal.

How Cocaine Works

Cocaine works by stimulating a person’s central nervous system. It causes a flush of dopamine in a their brain, and increases their heart rate. The euphoric effect makes the user feel energetic, extremely happy, and often sleepless. Cocaine also acts on the parasympathetic nervous system which is responsible for regulating a person’s fight or flight response.

How Heroin Works

Heroin, on the other hand, works by depressing the central nervous system. Once it’s in the blood stream, heroin rushes to the brain and binds to opioid receptors—these are responsible for feelings of pain and pleasure, but also affect breathing, sleeping, and heart rate. Unlike cocaine, heroin affects the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body’s rest and digestion.

Mixing Heroin With Cocaine

When cocaine and heroin are mixed, their opposite effects can create a system debacle. This is because when both the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems mentioned above, are attacked, the brain responds by sending a mixed signal of what to do. Another, perhaps more practical danger is that the effects of cocaine wear off much faster than heroin, which can easily result in respiratory failure.

Most of the time heroin and cocaine are diluted with non mood altering substances such as starch, sugar, flour, powdered milk, talcum powder, or even rat poisoning. So there isn’t always a way to tell what either drug has been cut with, thus the purity of each drug isn’t always clear. An amount that proved to be “safe” last time someone mixed heroin and cocaine, could be a fatal dose this time.

In 2015, heroin alone killed 12,989 people. That same year, cocaine killed 6,784 people. From 2010-2015, heroin and cocaine related deaths more than doubled with a combined total that escalated from 8,408 deaths in 2010 up to 21,823 deaths in 2015.

Mixing cocaine and heroin isn’t only dangerous, it’s part of a growing epidemic in the United States. Without a serious change, and the right help, a lot more lives may be lost to addiction.

Signs Of Speedball Use

Some of the signs of speedballing will be harder to point out than others, but it may help to be able to recognize the signs of heroin and cocaine abuse.

That’s because many of the side-effects of heroin and cocaine are, “associated with the abuse of either one individually,” (NIDA for Teens).

The side-effects of speedballing heroin and cocaine may include:

anxiety
high blood pressure
strong or irregular heartbeat
drowsiness
suppression of breathing
general confusion
incoherence
blurred vision
stupor
drowsiness
paranoia
mental impairment
uncontrolled and uncoordinated motor skills
risk of death from:
- stroke
- heart attack
- aneurysm
- respiratory failure

Why Mix Heroin With Cocaine?

The reasons that someone mixes heroin with cocaine can vary, but there are a lot of people who inject a mixture of the two to chase the perfect euphoria. Others may combine the heroin with cocaine to counter the drug side-effects like anxiety, depression, or even a crash.

Heroin is a mentally and physically addictive drug that can be extremely difficult to quit cold turkey. A lot of people are met with the challenge of intense mental and physical withdrawals when they finally do stop using heroin.

Everybody’s different, and there so there’s no clear-cut reason that people will mix depressants and stimulants. There are also people who use cocaine as a sort self-medication for heroin withdrawal.

Heroin withdrawal can include the following symptoms:

restlessness
severe muscle and bone pain
sleep problems
diarrhea and vomiting
cold flashes with goose bumps
uncontrollable leg movements
severe heroin cravings

(NIDA)

Treatment For Addiction To Heroin And Cocaine

Finding an evidence-based inpatient rehab center is the usually the best first step to get help for someone struggling with an addiction to heroin and/or cocaine.

Some of the unique treatment programs offered at rehab centers include:

Evalulation
Detoxification
Medication-Assisted Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Contingency Management
Individual and Group Therapy

Find An Addiction Treatment Program That Works

If you or someone you love is struggling with an addiction to cocaine and heroin, contact DrugRehab.org to speak to an addiction treatment specialist about how to get help. Your recovery is important to us, and your call will be completely confidential.

For More Information Related to “Signs of Speedball (Heroin with Cocaine) Use” Be Sure To Check Out These Additional Resources From DrugRehab.org:

Sources

National Institute on Drug Abuse: National Center for Health Statistics – Overdose Death Rates
National Institute on Drug Abuse – Cocaine
National Institute on Drug Abuse – Heroin
National Institute on Drug Abuse – How Effective is Drug Addiction Treatment?
NIDA for Teens – Real Teens Ask About Speedballs

The Dangers of Mixing Alcohol with Valium (Diazepam)

Posted on September 22, 2017 by dr-admin

Some people mix Valium with alcohol to intensify the calming effects of each drug unaware of the dangers they present. Mixing alcohol with Valium can increase the chances of overdose, liver problems, cardiovascular problems, and memory problems.

Why Is My Loved One Abusing Alcohol And Valium?

Many people drink alcohol to help them relax or unwind, and mixing it with Valium can actually intensify those effects—in a negative way. That’s because alcohol is considered a depressant and so is Valium.

Valium is the most common brand name of diazepam, which belongs to a drug class called benzodiazepines. These depressant are most commonly used to treat anxiety, insomnia, panic disorders, and muscle spasms. When dosage is being supervised by a physician, Valium can be also be a safe way to manage some of the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.

Alcohol and Valium reduce the activity in a person’s central nervous system, which is why when someone drinks they often feel drowsy, sleepy, or lightheaded. Mixing the two can be dangerous, because each drug, no matter how potent, is intensified by the other.

Not everyone mixes alcohol with Valium to intensify the effects of each drug—sometimes it happens by accident. If it is on purpose, it might be easier to understand why they did it, if you know more about their background. That’s because addiction can have genetic, psychological, physiological and social factors that contribute to each individual’s illness and symptoms.

The fact is, it isn’t always easy to tell if someone you love is abusing drugs or alcohol. They may get defensive when confronted, change the subject, or seem distant. Here are some of the other things to tell if a loved one is abusing drugs or alcohol, they might:

spend a lot of time alone
lose interest in their favorite things
get messy—for instance, not bathe, change clothes, or brush their teeth
be really tired and sad
be very energetic, talk fast, or say things that don’t make sense
be nervous or cranky (in a bad mood)
quickly change between feeling bad and feeling good
sleep at strange hours
miss important appointments
have problems at work
eat a lot more or a lot less than usual

National Institute on Drug Abuse

Addiction is an illness characterized by a person’s inability to stop using drugs. That’s why some people are able leave substances alone, while others are not. A lot of people require an individualized treatment based on their needs, in order to stop using drugs.

Understanding An Addiction To Depressants

Addiction to benzodiazepines can result from past trauma, undertreated anxiety disorders, and also from excessive use of the drug. A lot of people start using depressants like Valium or alcohol to feel normal. But normal may be a term used for feeling relaxed, getting enough sleep, and so on. Using a drug to feel normal is a type of unhealthy coping, and it can be extremely dangerous. This type of coping has potential to lead to dependence, tolerance, lack of control, and co-occurring disorders.

As time goes on, a people might become unable to handle reality without a drug. They might take the drug so much, that they start building up a tolerance, which means that they need more of the drug than when they first started using it. After a person develops a tolerance to depressants, they become more likely to also develop a dependence.

When a lot of people become physically dependent upon drugs, they also begin having intense cravings, and may not be able to control of the amount they’re using, or when they’ll stop. Alcohol dependence is also referred to as alcoholism. Valium may have originally been used to treat a legitimate medical purpose, but when it’s abused, it can become a vice, and a person may not be able to find balance without it.

The same goes for alcohol—when a person drinks moderately, they may not have an issue with alcohol abuse or alcoholism, but as they continue binge drinking, or drinking too much, they may find that they’re unable to stop once they pick up the first drink.

What Happens When You Mix Valium With Alcohol?

An overdose is caused when a person takes too much of a drug and their body is unable to metabolize it fast enough. Mixing alcohol and Valium can increase the risk of overdose. It often leads to unintended, and unpredictable symptoms; an overdose can be fatal.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism not only does mixing depressants increase the chance of overdose, it can:

slow down heart rate
slowed or difficulty breathing
impaired motor control
unusual behavior
memory problems

As previously mentioned, some people mix Valium with alcohol without understanding the danger. Many will develop an addiction to both of these drugs. This is known as polysubstance addiction or polysubstance use disorder.

Polysubstance refers more than one drug, and is outlined by the Australian Government Department of Health as when “people who are trying to cut down their use of one drug find that they start to use more of another drug to help manage withdrawal symptoms. It’s important to be careful in these situations because the person might find they develop a problem with two drugs rather than one.”

Mixing alcohol with Valium also damages the liver, which is essentially the body’s filter. Liver damage can end with other, sometimes fatal, conditions such as cirrhosis, or hepatitis. When Valium is being prescribed to treat symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, be sure that your loved one is leaving enough time in between the two substances to avoid danger.

How Long After Taking Valium Is It Safe To Drink Alcohol?

The half-life of Valium is fairly long, and can be anywhere from 20 to 80 hours. Let’s say someone is fairly healthy in most respects, and the half-life of Valium in their body is 24 hours. This means that after 24 hours, half of the drug is still in their system. After 24 more hours, there will be a quarter of the drug left in their system. And so on…

On average, for a healthy person, there will have been up to 150 hours passed by the time Valium is completely out of their system—that’s just over six days. Mixing alcohol into that time frame can be extremely dangerous. A lot of people don’t realize this, but alcohol with Valium in the system can be fatal.

It’s different taking Valium after alcohol, because alcohol is out of the system at a relatively fast rate. Generally, it takes your body about 1 hour to process 1 standard alcoholic drink. For someone with a slower metabolism, alcohol might be in their system longer. The previously mentioned time frame of alcohol metabolism can also vary based on a person’s weight, age, amount consumed, and height.

Keep in mind that no matter what, it isn’t safe to mix substances, and if you’re having a hard time stopping, there’s help. In fact, there are people who make it their life’s work to help others recover from addiction. If you’re unsure about what to do to stop abusing drugs or alcohol, sometimes the safest thing to do is ask.

What To Do If You Can’t Stop Using Drugs

In 2009, 23.5 million persons aged 12 or older needed treatment for an illicit drug or alcohol abuse problem. Of these, only 2.6 million received it at a specialty facility.

It’s true, not everybody gets help for an addiction, even though it might be risky to continue living with one. It’s especially hard to lose a loved one to drugs or alcohol, if you didn’t know that they had an issue in the first place. If you think someone you love is suffering from a drug addiction, don’t give up hope, and don’t ignore the problem.

“About 570,000 people die annually in the U.S. due to drug use,” (NIDA for Teens). The fact is that there are too many good people lost to drug addiction, and the United States is currently in the middle of a drug epidemic.

One of the best ways to ensure your safety is to take an active approach towards recovery. There are a lot of different addiction treatments that help people overcome the mental and physical addictions caused by Valium and alcohol.

The first part of treatment is known as detoxification. This is essentially the removal of unwanted chemicals and substances, as well as management of withdrawal symptoms. The withdrawal symptoms of alcohol and benzodiazepines can be painful and uncomfortable—they also have potential to increase the chance of relapse. Once a medical detox is complete, the mental healing can begin.

Oftentimes, a mental addiction can be treated at an inpatient or outpatient rehab, with one of the following behavioral therapies:

Medication Assisted Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Mindfulness and Stress Management
Motivational Interviewing
Group and Individual Therapy

Find The Best Treatment To Help You Stop Using Drugs

If you’re ready to overcome addiction, but don’t know where to begin, contact a treatment specialist at DrugRehab.org. We want to help you or your loved one find treatment, figure out how to fund it, and where to go for it. Call today to learn more.

For More Information Related to “The Dangers of Mixing Alcohol with Valium (Diazepam)” Be Sure To Check Out These Additional Resources From DrugRehab.org:

Sources

Australian Government Department of Health – Polydrug Use
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism – Mixing Alcohol with Medicines
National Institute on Drug Abuse – Signs of Drug Use and Addiction
Treatment Statistics
NIDA for Teens – Drug Facts Chat Day: Drug Use

National Recovery Month

Posted on September 7, 2017September 7, 2017 by dr-admin

In an effort to raise awareness surrounding addiction and recovery, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has made September National Recovery Month. Every September, SAMSHA assigns a theme to the campaign and promotes their mission in communities across the country in an attempt to bring more understanding and erase the stigma surrounding addiction.

National Recovery Month 2017

This year’s theme is “Join the Voices for Recovery: Strengthen Families and Communities”. The basis around this theme is uniting families and communities together to fight addiction and support recovery. SAMSHA has chosen to focus on uniting families and communities in the wake of the opioid epidemic that has been sweeping across the nation in previous years.

With the opioid epidemic beginning largely with prescription opioids, SAMSHA is urging parents to talk to their kids about the dangers of medications, including prescription opioids, and educate families on keeping their prescription medications locked up and out of reach to children. For more information on this year’s National Recovery Month theme, visit https://www.recoverymonth.gov/.

What’s New This Year?

While drug addiction is not a new ailment to our country, we have seen some recent changes in trends across the United States. With a growing number of individuals affected by the opioid epidemic, experts have noticed increasing trends in addiction among rural and non-city residents. This is a newer trend that makes it more difficult to detect and track the distribution and sale of the drug. Many rural areas have far fewer people per square mile than cities do, leaving miles of un-patrolled roads and communities open for trafficking.

Previously, anti-drug campaigns were centered around inner-city schools, community centers, churches, and other city-wide organizations. However with the increase in addiction rates in rural communities, National Recovery Month is urging communities to work together in fighting the opioid epidemic, among other addictions, as it potentially creeps into their communities and schools.

Education is one of the best methods for fighting opioid addiction. Beginning drug education with kids, even at a young age, can be key to helping them make the right decisions down the road. However, kids are not the only ones who can benefit from drug education. Many grown adults are unaware of the dangers that some unsuspecting drugs, such as prescription medications, can carry with them. When communities are educated on drug addiction, they are better equipped to handle situations like the opioid epidemic.

Be Socially Inclusive

SAMSHA is fighting hard to remove the stigma associated with drug addiction and abuse. For this year’s National Recovery Month, SAMSHA challenges communities to be socially inclusive in their efforts to educate residents on the dangers of drug use, as well as celebrate those who have made it to recovery.

SAMSHA takes the time to highlight individuals who may suffer from mental illness, urging communities to involve them in their fight against drug addiction. Providing support and education to individuals suffering from mental illness could help prevent them from reaching for drugs in the future, or encourage them to reach out if they already struggle with a drug addiction. Did you know: One study done by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that over 50% of individuals suffering from a mental illness also struggle with a substance abuse problem?

Being socially inclusive also includes supporting individuals who are currently struggling with a substance abuse issue, and celebrating with those who are in recovery. Instead of shielding children from the facts and faces of drug abuse, it is important to include everyone in educational efforts throughout the community. Even allowing an individual who has previously struggled with drug addiction to be a part of the education process can be immensely beneficial, both for that individual and for the community they are educating.

Getting Everyone Involved

It is important to put a face to addiction, especially in communities that think “that never happens here”. Often times residents are shocked to learn that it does happen here, and it happens to people just like you and I. Removing the stigma associated with drug addiction can help bring people forward to tell their stories share in their recovery success.

Community organizations can help too. Schools are a great place for drug education to begin, but it doesn’t have to stay there. Fire departments, police departments, local churches, food banks, homeless shelters, and even book clubs and country clubs can join in on the mission. Addiction affects everyone, not just the shadowy figures depicted in movies. Supporting drug education in your area means you are supporting the entire community, not just a select group of people. Everyone has a chance to get involved and make a difference!

Get Help Today

Have you suffered from an addiction in your past? Do you have a loved one that is suffering from addiction? We are here to support you, your loved ones, and your community, and want to answer any questions you may have about addiction or treatment. Our goal is to get clients set up with the professional help and support they need to treat their addiction.

Our addiction treatment specialists are specifically trained to help you find treatment that fits your needs or the needs of your loved one and their addiction. Our addiction treatment specialists are available around the clock, and your call is always confidential. Give us a call today and let us help you.

For More Information On “National Recovery Month” Be Sure To Check Out These Additional Resources From DrugRehab.org:

Sources

American Psychiatric Association – Implementing Dual Diagnosis Services for Clients With Severe Mental Illness

The Dangers Of Mixing Alcohol With Hydrocodone (Vicodin)

Posted on September 5, 2017 by dr-admin

Vicodin is a prescription medication used to treat moderate to severe pain which contains both the opioid hydrocodone and paracetamol (acetaminophen). Combining alcohol with an opioid such as hydrocodone can lead to devastating consequences. Both drugs are central nervous system (CNS) depressants. Combining them magnifies these effects in a way which can lead to respiratory depression, brain damage, coma, and death. Used together they can also cause kidney damage and acute liver failure.

What Is Vicodin?

Vicodin is a combination medication, that is, it actually consists of two drugs, hydrocodone and acetaminophen, both of which are painkillers. Vicodin is used to treat moderate to severe pain, either for the purpose of temporary relief or for ongoing chronic pain management.

When the drug is used properly, as prescribed, it is for most extents and purposes safe. But this safety is fleeting if Vicodin is taken in a way other than prescribed and/or with another drug.

While the acetaminophen is meant to somewhat act as an abuse deterrent, some individuals still choose to misuse their prescription or use Vicodin recreationally. Doing so can lead to dependence, tolerance, withdrawal, addiction, and overdose. Even individuals who misuse their own prescription to self-medicate can stumble onto this treacherous path.

Is It Dangerous To Combine Alcohol And Vicodin?

Alcohol causes the sedative qualities of opioid drugs to intensify. This can create an intoxicated state much faster than a person anticipates. Even using a small amount of alcohol with opioids can do this. This is why it’s dangerous to drink alcohol if you’ve been prescribed Vicodin or if you use it illicitly.

In these states a person will become uncoordinated with poor balance, which leads to a higher risk of falls and injuries. Memory loss will occur and a person will become too impaired to drive a vehicle.

Alcohol And Vicodin Have A High Potential For Overdose

As depressants, Alcohol and Vicodin both change the way your brain and CNS regulate your heart, breathing, blood pressure, and temperature rates, causing them to slow down. When you drink alcohol with Vicodin (even in small amounts), these life-sustaining functions can become seriously compromised and in certain cases begin shutting down.

If a person uses one or both drugs to excess, they face an even greater peril of progressing to a fatal overdose. When this happens your organs and life-support systems begin to shut down. This is just from the effects of the alcohol and hydrocodone.

The acetaminophen in the Vicodin can also cause overdose if a person consumes too much. MedLine Plus cautions that any amount reaching or surpassing 7,000 mg can initiate acute overdose.

What Are The Signs Of An Alcohol And Vicodin Overdose?

If your loved one is taking both alcohol and Vicodin, understanding the signs of overdose could help to save their life.

Signs of overdose include:

Cold skin
Decreased cognitive functions
Excessive dizziness
Extreme confusion
Irregular and falling heart rate
Irregular, slowed, or stopped breathing
Nausea and vomiting
Passing out
Seizures
Stupor
Weak pulse

One of the most dangerous side effects of overdose is respiratory depression. As a person’s breathing continues to plummet their brain is deprived of oxygen. When this happens, other organ systems follow suit and begin to shut down. The lack of oxygen can also lead to brain damage. During overdose a person can completely stop breathing, fall into a coma, and/or die.

Overdose is not something you can afford to take your time on. When a person is overdosing there’s a good chance they could lose their life unless they get prompt medical attention.

If you at all suspect that yourself or a person near to you is overdosing, or in jeopardy of doing so, contact emergency medical services immediately.

Using Vicodin And Alcohol Together Can Harm Your Organs

Both alcohol and Vicodin can, when abused separately, be harmful to your liver. When these drugs are used together the damage to your liver is compounded. Chronic drinkers should try to abstain from using any acetaminophen-containing product for these reasons.

Your liver is responsible for metabolizing alcohol. When you drink too much, such as within patterns of binge drinking or chronic use, this organ cannot keep up. This causes an immense strain on your liver, one, which over time, can lead to liver damage.

Vicodin abuse can also damage your liver. “Taking too much acetaminophen…is the most common cause of acute liver failure in the United States,” warns Mayo Clinic. Acute liver failure can, according to DailyMed, lead to liver transplant and death.

Using acetaminophen can lead to acute liver failure by one of two ways, either by taking:

A single dose of the drug which is too high
Doses higher than the daily recommendation for several consecutive days

For individuals who abuse Vicodin, this is a very real concern. Drug abusers use Vicodin in both of these patterns.

One scientific survey determined that this drug interaction can harm your kidneys too. It found that “Respondents who reported taking both acetaminophen and drinking lightly or moderately had a more than two-fold higher risk for kidney dysfunction.”

How Much Vicodin Is Too Much?

The FDA established that the maximum amount of acetaminophen per day is 4,000 mg. To put this in perspective, Harvard Medical reports that liver damage can begin occurring just beyond this, at 5,000 mg. This equates to just over 16 Vicodin a day (containing 300 mg of acetaminophen each). While this may seem like a lot, surpassing this amount can come quite easily to individuals who abuse this drug on a regular basis, especially for those who have a tolerance.

Tolerant individuals need higher doses of the drug to create the high or pain-relieving effects they seek. This, in turn, means they’re far more likely to take these toxic amounts of Vicodin. The range of Vicodin an addicted individual takes per day can vary, but some people may take 40 or more tablets a day. When the alcohol is added to the mix, it takes far less Vicodin to create these devastating effects.

Even light to moderate use of alcohol paired with prescribed dosages of Vicodin can begin to damage your organs and create an intoxicated state. The risk of overdose escalates when you increase your consumption of either drug. The bottom line is that combining these drugs in any quantity is harmful to your health.

How Do I Get Help For My Addiction?

If you’re addicted to one or both of these drugs you need to get help as quickly as possible in order to protect your body and brain. Fortunately, there are inpatient drug rehab programs all across the country which can help you with these needs.

Alcohol and Vicodin addictions often require a medical detox to treat the physical addiction. After you’ve progressed through detoxification it’s best to proceed directly to treatment. The most comprehensive programs offer both of these services under one roof.

During your program, medication-assisted treatments, behavioral therapies, counseling, and a wide-range of other modalities will be implemented to help you reach a sober state. Aftercare programs typically follow, which will help you to stay strong in your commitment to sobriety.

Don’t Let Your Addiction Go Any Further

If you’re concerned that someone you care about is mixing alcohol and Vicodin in a way which could harm their health, reach out to us at DrugRehab.org today. Our confidential assessment will get you started on the path to a healthier, drug-free life.

For More Information Related to “The Dangers Of Mixing Alcohol With Hydrocodone (Vicodin)” Be Sure To Check Out These Additional Resources From DrugRehab.org:

Sources

DailyMed — LABEL: Vicodin HP
Harvard Health Publications — Overdosing Acetaminophen
MedLine Plus — Acetaminophen overdose
MedLine Plus — Hydrocodone Combination Products

Long-Term Effects Of Taking Methadone

Posted on June 30, 2017 by dr-admin

Methadone is a prescription opioid medication used to manage opioid drug withdrawal and cravings or as a maintenance medication during recovery. It also has a lesser known use to treat pain. Due to methadone’s potency as an opioid, some individuals choose to abuse this drug. Prescribed and recreational use may lead to a variety of long-term adverse health effects, including tolerance, dependence, withdrawal, addiction, and overdose. Physical effects include constipation, sexual dysfunction, sleep disruption, respiratory problems, and more.

Why Do People Use Methadone?

As an analgesic, methadone is used as an alternative to morphine and other opioid painkillers for the treatment of chronic and severe pain. In these instances, it’s often used for people who haven’t had a good response to other opioid medications. It is also used to treat pain around the clock.

As a pharmacotherapy, or medication to treat drug abuse, methadone is used as part of medication-assisted treatment (MAT). As explained by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, this approach entails the use of various behavioral therapies, ensuring for a “whole patient” approach.

Within these programs, it can be used during detox to treat withdrawal and cravings, or for long-term use as a maintenance medication. In the latter case, methadone blocks illicit opioids from creating their pleasurable effects and “allows people to recover from their addiction and to reclaim active and meaningful lives,” as explained by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. As a maintenance drug, it can only be prescribed by a physician in a heavily-monitored program.

Unfortunately, as an opioid, there is still potential for abuse and addiction. Methadone’s opioid effects are such that if misused at a higher dose or frequency, user’s can create a high or pleasurable effect. Despite the fact that this is a prescribed medication, this misuse is considered abuse and could lead to addiction and numerous adverse health effects.

How Long Do People Typically Take Methadone For?

The duration of methadone use varies and is dependent on why the drug is being used.

Detox: Within detox, methadone is used for the short-term, with use gradually being decreased through a taper. This may take up to several weeks or even months.

Maintenance: According to NIDA “for methadone maintenance, 12 months is considered the minimum, and some opioid-addicted individuals continue to benefit from methadone maintenance for many years.”

Pain relief: When used as an analgesic, duration of use varies dependent on the individual’s specific needs. Some people may be prescribed methadone for a matter of months or years, while others report taking it for a decade.

Recreational use: The length of time a recreational drug user abuses methadone for varies. However, as methadone is extremely addictive, frequent use could quickly lead to an addiction. As with any drug addiction, the longer a person uses for, the greater the dangers and severity of adverse side effects. Without treatment, a person’s addiction could continue for years.

As you can see, the latter three categories could place a user within long-term patterns of use.

Can Long-Term Use Be Beneficial?

Drug addiction and recovery can be rocky and confusing times. For many users, the concept of using an opioid drug to treat an opioid addiction may seem only as if you’re trading one addiction for another. This is not true.

When used properly as prescribed, methadone can be part of an effective treatment and recovery program. Also, as noted by the director of NIDA, when used this way it does not cause a person to become sedated, intoxicated, or “high,” effects associated with drug abuse and addiction. An archived NIDA resource comments on this, asserting that “methadone is medically safe even when used continuously for 10 years or more.”

Long-term methadone use can positively impact a person’s life by reducing cravings and blocking the euphoric effects of opioids, thereby reducing or stopping illicit opioid drug use. Further, methadone has been shown to increase treatment retention rates and decrease both relapses and addiction-related deaths.

As individuals begin building a more solid foundation from these positive impacts, their overall health, well-being, and social functioning begin to improve. Self-care, nutrition, relationships, and a general sense of life fulfillment are all reported to become more enhanced, as individuals begin to become more invested within their lives.

From this, as explained by a Western Journal of Medicine article “There is increasing evidence that long-term methadone use in patients who are dependent on opiates has substantial societal benefits, including diminishing illicit opiate use, reducing the transmission of HIV and hepatitis, and decreasing criminal activity and healthcare costs in this population.” Not only does it reduce criminal activity overall, but NIDA also reports that it decreases the number of individuals who return back to criminal enterprises as well.

Lastly, treatment outcomes are better for the babies of opioid-addicted women who are treated with methadone. Specifically, when used within MAT, the time within the hospital is shorter and neonatal abstinence syndrome becomes less severe.

But, like any medication, methadone does carry certain side effects which could affect a user within long-term, prescribed use.

What Are The Side Effects Of Long-Term Methadone Use?

From prolonged periods of use, individuals taking methadone for prescribed purposes may experience certain side effects. These could include:

Dry mouth
Cognitive changes
Constipation
Decreased levels of certain vitamins
Dependency
Disruption to menstrual cycle
Fatigue
Fluctuating weight
Harmful drug interactions
Opioid-induced hyperalgesia
Sleep troubles
Respiratory and lung complications
Reduced libido
Sexual dysfunction
Tolerance
Withdrawal

Also, the Center for Substance Abuse Research also notes that there could be “pregnancy complications if users reduce dosage levels during pregnancy.”

Addicted individuals will likely face many of these side effects in addition to those which accompany opioid addiction in general. A person’s executive functions could decline, impacting their memory, cognitive functioning, and attention. Rates of methadone-related overdose climb as well, including coma, brain damage, and death. Users also face greater risks of methadone-related illness and disease, such as infectious disease and organ damage.

Discover Your Treatment Options

If you’d like to learn more about methadone as a treatment option for an opioid addiction, contact us now. Your call is confidential, and DrugRehab.org’s compassionate advisors can direct you to the best treatment today for your or your loved one.

For More Information Related to “Long-Term Effects Of Taking Methadone” Be Sure To Check Out These Additional Resources From DrugRehab.org:

Sources

National Institute on Drug Abuse — Effective Treatments for Opioid Addiction
PLOS ONE — Long-Term Effects of Methadone Maintenance Treatment with Different Psychosocial Intervention Models

Signs of Librium Abuse

Posted on June 16, 2017July 14, 2017 by dr-admin

What Is Librium?

Often prescribed for anxiety or insomnia, Librium belongs to a group of sedatives known as benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines work by increasing the effect of the human body’s natural neurotransmitters in your brain to produce the calming effect that can help some of the symptoms of anxiety and insomnia.

This calming effect generally takes place shortly after taking Librium, and can provide short-term relief for many symptoms associated with anxiety. In some cases, Librium can be prescribed to help treat symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.

Librium Dependence and Abuse

The potency of Librium, like other benzodiazepines, is compromised over periods of prolonged use. Because Librium works to increase the effectiveness of neurotransmitters in the brain, the body will respond to this by producing less of that neurotransmitter to adapt to the change. This is known as tolerance. Tolerance can be a tell-tale sign of Librium abuse. This is the body’s way of responding to a constant input, causing each typical dose of Librium to become less effective and pushing the user into larger or more frequent doses.

Librium abuse occurs when a user feels a dependence on the drug. This dependence can feel innocent enough, something as simple as needing a dose to fall asleep after a stressful day is a good example of behavior that could turn into Librium abuse.

Is Librium Addictive?

Like other benzodiazepines, Librium can be a habit-forming drug. Even when used exactly as prescribed, it is possible to develop a dependence, or addiction, on Librium.

When Librium is linked to daily routines such as falling asleep or taking an extra dose to relax, it can become habit forming very quickly and can be difficult to break. Similar to other dependencies, such as alcohol dependence, one’s behavior surrounding the use of the drug can be the biggest giveaway that their ‘habit’ has crossed the line into an addiction.

It can become easy for someone who is prescribed Librium to make legitimate excuses as to why they are taking it. For example, a prescribed individual who takes their Librium dose in the morning may find it necessary to take an additional dose in the evening when they are feeling particularly anxious and finding it difficult to fall asleep.

This would be considered a dependence when the individual finds it difficult to fall asleep without taking an additional dose of Librium. If you or a loved one find it difficult or impossible to accomplish daily routines, such as falling asleep, without the assistance of Librium, then you may be suffering from a drug dependency.

Signs Of Librium Abuse

Librium abuse can present itself through different behaviors in users. While it can sometimes be easy to conceal, a shift from normal behaviors or routines can indicate drug abuse.

Individuals suffering from Librium abuse may find themselves searching for prescriptions from multiple doctors, also known as ‘doctor shopping,’ to avoid suspicion from their primary physician who typically prescribes their medications.

Librium abusers may also take higher doses than recommended on a regular basis in order to combat the tolerance their body has built up to the drug. As the abuse continues, these doses will need to continue to grow in order to feel the same effects as before.

Other signs of Librium abuse may include:

Obtaining Librium illegally, or without a prescription
Struggling to financially afford Librium
Having a desire to quit Librium, but are unable to do so
Needing Librium to get through a typical day
Lying to friends or family regarding Librium use
Using Librium as a coping mechanism
Inability to perform routine tasks without Librium

Who Is At Risk For Librium Abuse?

Anyone can be a at risk for Librium abuse, however it can be more prevalent in some populations than others. Studies for Librium abuse alone are few and far between, however many studies have been done on benzodiazepine abuse and trends.

Overall, benzodiazepine use was almost twice as prevalent in women as it was in men. This could be due to a wider social acceptance of women speaking with a psychiatrist about emotional issues than men, however it could also be linked to other environmental factors.

A study performed on the LifeLink LRx Longitudinal Prescription database in 2008 showed that there was a correlating trend between increasing age and prevalence of benzodiazepine use. In other words, the older an individual was, the more likely they were to be prescribed a benzodiazepine.

When asked if their benzodiazepine use was long-term, more patients aged 65-80 years stated their use was chronic or long term as opposed to younger age groups. Across the board for all age groups, about 25% of benzodiazepine users stated their use was long-term – making them more at risk for benzodiazepine abuse.

Get Help Today

If you or a loved one is suffering from Librium abuse or dependency, you don’t have to fight it alone. Our rehab centers offer personalized treatment plans to fit you specifically. Contact one of our compassionate treatment specialists today. All calls are 100% confidential.

For More Information Related to “Signs of Librium Abuse” Be Sure To Check Out These Additional Resources From DrugRehab.org:

Sources

U.S. National Library of Medicine – Benzodiazepine Use In The United States
Mayo Clinic – Chlordiazepoxide And Metabolite, Serum
RX List – Drug Description: Librium
Web MD – Drugs & Medications: Librium Capsule

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:

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?

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

Using Naltrexone To Treat Opioid Addiction

Posted on April 19, 2017July 18, 2017 by dr-admin

Naltrexone is an evidence-based medication used to treat opioid use disorders. This drug prevents an individual from experiencing the euphoria that is associated with opioid drug abuse. Used properly this medication, along with therapy, can help to prevent relapse and ensure continued sobriety for those with a history of opioid dependence.

By abusing opioids you are risking your life. The CDC puts this danger in perspective, cautioning that “since 1999, the number of overdose deaths involving opioids (including prescription opioids and heroin) quadrupled.” Theses deaths are preventable. A good rehab program is a key component in protecting a person’s life. Naltrexone can be a valuable part of this treatment, both during and after.

What Are Opioids?

Opioids are a class of drugs which include heroin and prescription painkillers. Opioid drugs change the way a person thinks and actually alters the way their brain functions. When a person abuses an opioid drug, it is most commonly to self-medicate or to create a high or euphoric state. These feelings of pleasure occur when the drug attaches to opioid receptors within your brain. This connection creates a rush of dopamine, a chemical that creates a sense of reward and pleasure.

Due to these intense effects, the potential for opioid abuse and addiction is high. Opioid drug abuse can lead to intense withdrawals and multiple risks, including respiratory depression, various diseases, coma, overdose, and death. To counter the many dangers associated with abuse and addiction, it is important a person take the proper steps towards treatment and sobriety. Medications can be a good defense against opioid addiction.

What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?

Medication-assisted treatment combines a medication to treat substance abuse with behavioral therapies. For most individuals, this combined approach yields better results. As addiction and cravings are largely psychological, various therapies are important in addressing these concerns.

What Is Naltrexone?

Naltrexone is a long-acting opioid receptor antagonist. What this means is that the drug occupies opioid receptor sites and prevents the abused opioid from doing so. Due to this, euphoria and other effects are blocked, regardless of how the user administers the abused drug. This works to prevent relapse and decrease the potential for addiction. Instead, if a person takes an opioid while naltrexone is in their system, it could precipitate prolonged opioid withdrawal. For this reason, an individual needs to complete detox prior to taking this medication.

Naltrexone, like every drug, does have side effects. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), these include:

Diarrhea
Headache
Joint or muscle pain
Nervousness
Sleep problems/tiredness
Upset stomach or vomiting

Despite these adverse effects, for many, the benefits of naltrexone outweigh the negatives. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) elaborates on the positives, noting that “naltrexone itself has no subjective effects following detoxification (that is, a person does not perceive any particular drug effect), it has no potential for abuse, and it is not addictive.”

How Is Naltrexone Used?

This drug may be administered during rehab and also during recovery as a way to support a sober life. When used orally (ReVia), a person can take naltrexone daily or three times a week, depending on their unique needs. In addition, naltrexone may be injected in a long-acting form once a month. This preparation is called Vivitrol. Naltrexone can be used to reverse an opioid overdose, however some experts believe that naloxone (Narcan) is safer for this purpose. While a naltrexone implant does exist, it is not yet proven to be a safe or effective method of treatment. Also, it is not approved by the FDA. Some programs use naltrexone for ultrarapid detox, however this method can be highly risky.

How Is Naltrexone Used For Relapse Prevention?

The main reasons why drug abusers use a drug is to self-medicate, to experience the sense of reward and pleasure we spoke about, or to relieve a craving. If a user can’t fulfill these, it would make sense to think they would stop abusing the drug. Clarifying this, NIDA writes that “the theory behind this treatment is that the repeated absence of the desired effects and the perceived futility of abusing opioids will gradually diminish craving and addiction.”

As triggers and cravings are two of the primary reasons why a person relapses, addressing these concerns is crucial. Informing us how naltrexone benefits these goals, SAMHSA states that “research has shown that naltrexone decreases reactivity to drug-conditioned cues and decreases craving.”

One downfall to the oral route is that some individuals are not compliant. This means that they do not properly adhere to taking the medication. For a former opioid drug abuser this might mean that they stop taking naltrexone so that they can abuse an opioid. In addition to the risks of relapse, this can be very dangerous should prolonged withdrawal occur. In order to better protect a person from these risks, naltrexone should be used adjacent to other relapse prevention techniques.

What Other Techniques Are Used For Opioid Relapse Prevention?

Both opioid addiction treatment and relapse prevention require an individualized approach for optimal results. Both may include:

Practicing self-care
Creating a relapse prevention plan
Learning what your triggers are and how to avoid them
Practice saying “no” for when you can’t
Counseling
Behavioral therapies
Treatment co-occurring disorders
Peer support groups (i.e. Narcotics Anonymous)
Stress management techniques
Enhancing interpersonal skills
Mindfulness techniques
Family support and therapy

While these modalities and pharmacologies like naltrexone can play a crucial role within recovery, it’s important you look after yourself in other ways too. Relapse prevention can also include:

Staying close to people who are positive influences
Maintaining a support network
Positive goal-setting
Accountability
Staying involved in treatment aftercare programs (if available)
Getting involved in local aftercare services

Recovery can be hard. But don’t forget—even in these difficult moments it’s still far better, more healthy, and offers you far more potential than a return to drug abuse ever could. Protect your life and happiness; take the steps to stay sober.

Don’t Let Opioids Rule Your Life

No matter where you are within the treatment and recovery process, it’s important to make sure you’re doing everything you can to build a sober life. Recovery is a journey. Though this road can be hard at times, medications like naltrexone can make it more bearable and successful. If you’re interested in learning more about how naltrexone might help you or a loved one, reach out. DrugRehab.org can provide you with resources on treatment, relapse prevention, and aftercare support. Contact us today.

For More Information Related to “Using Naltrexone To Treat Opioid Addiction” Be Sure To Check Out These Additional Resources From DrugRehab.org:

Sources

MedlinePlus — Naltrexone
National Institute on Drug Abuse — Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (Third Edition)
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration — Naltrexone

Is Tramadol An Opioid Analgesic?

Posted on April 6, 2017July 19, 2017 by dr-admin

Tramadol is an opioid analgesic, which means it’s a medication prescribed for pain. Typically used to treat moderate to severe pain, people taking it feel relief within an hour. When used as prescribed, Tramadol can be a safe, effective medication.

However, opioid analgesics like Tramadol present great risk of abuse. This is because they are highly addictive, so using these medications for longer than prescribed can result in addiction.

How Does Tramadol Work?

Tramadol and other prescription opioids work by depressing the central nervous system (CNS). What exactly does this mean?

We all have opioid receptors in various places throughout the body: in the brain, gastrointestinal tract, spinal cord, and other organs. Opioids bind to these receptors, reducing our perception of pain. After just a few subsequent doses of opioid medications, the brain can adapt its response to pain—it learns to seek the ease of pain and euphoria opioids produce.

Tramadol Side Effects

As with any medication, side effects vary by person. Some side effects may be worsened by abuse, and can include:

Constipation
Drowsiness
Euphoria
Loss of consciousness
Nausea
Slowed breathing
Vomiting
In extreme cases, coma

Tramadol Abuse

If you’ve ever taken prescription opioids, you may be surprised to find that they can easily be abused. People fall victim to prescription drug abuse with medications like Tramadol for the simple fact that they don’t realize the drug’s potential for abuse.

Too often, we think drugs prescribed by a doctor are safe and free from risk. While many medications can be taken safely, especially when taken as directed, some pose risk of abuse even if taken for just a few days. This is especially true for opioids.

Tramadol is only prescribed for a few days. Taking the drug for longer than that can lead to addiction. If your body becomes tolerant to the effects of the drug, or begins depending on it, you are at heightened risk for addiction.

Tolerance happens when your body doesn’t get the same effects when taking a drug as you did the first time. Eventually, you may take more and more of it to achieve the same effects. When you don’t have access to the drug any more, you may experience signs of dependence (withdrawal).

Signs Of Opioid Withdrawal

The U.S. National Library of Medicine explains that physical dependence, “means that a person relies on the drug to prevent withdrawal symptoms.” The early signs of withdrawal can range from moderate to severe, and include:

Aching muscles
Agitation
Anxiety
Excessive yawning
Increased tearing
Insomnia
Perspiration (sweating)
Runny nose

As withdrawal becomes more severe, or with prolonged absence of the drug, symptoms can escalate. Later symptoms of withdrawal may be:

Diarrhea
Goose bumps
Nausea
Pupil dilation
Stomach cramps
Vomiting

Who Is Affected?

Most people obtain medications like Tramadol first through a prescription (the drug can only be prescribed by a doctor). However, if someone has been taking Tramadol, develops an addiction, and no longer has access to the medication, that person may seek other ways to get it.

Tramadol may present great risk of abuse for those who already struggle with addiction, or have mental health issues, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Prescription opioids like Tramadol also greatly affect both youth (ages 12 to 17) and women, who are more likely to seek care for chronic pain, get high doses of opioid medications, and develop a resulting addiction.

Scope Of Prescription Drug Abuse

Abuse of prescription pain relievers may be the addiction you never knew was possible. However, if you’re struggling with this, you’re far from alone.

In 2015, 2 million Americans age 12 and above had a substance use disorder caused by prescription opioids, as reported by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM). This number is troubling, but just as troubling is knowing that prescription opioid abuse often leads to heroin abuse or addiction.

When people lose access to prescriptions and can’t obtain drugs of abuse, they tend to find alternatives to avoid withdrawal. Heroin is another narcotic, an opioid, and is far less expensive and easier to obtain than prescription opioids like Tramadol.

Trading one drug of abuse for another means taking on a whole new set of side effects, risk of withdrawal or overdose, and other problems. Fortunately, we at DrugRehab.org can connect you with some of the best treatments available to fight the cycle of addiction.

Treatment for Opioid Abuse

Opioid abuse treatment should be comprehensive, as addiction to opioids affects both your body and mind. First comes detoxification, a necessary first step that allows your body to flush out toxins. With that completed, you’ll be ready to begin healing.

Detoxification from opioids can be dangerous if attempted alone. That’s why our rehab centers offer medically supervised detox support, and medication when needed. Medication assisted therapy is just one facet of treatment; with inpatient treatment you’ll have access to a number of therapies and other treatment modalities.

Just some of the research-based services offered at our rehab centers include:

Treatment specific for men
Treatment specific for women
Adventure therapy
Holistic therapy
Dual diagnosis treatment
Counseling
Help with aftercare

Finding a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs makes a world of difference in recovery success. When you make the decision to change your life and fight opioid addiction, our rehab centers can help you achieve your goals.

Get Treatment For Tramadol Abuse Today

It’s never easy to admit that you may need help, especially to overcome something that was supposed to be helping you, like pain relief medication. If you are struggling with opioid abuse, know you’re not alone in this fight. Many people suffer with prescription drug abuse and addiction every year, but not all receive help.

Reach out today to learn more about Tramadol abuse, treatment options, and to hear about how inpatient rehab centers can make a difference in your recovery. Contact us at DrugRehab.org today.

For More Information Related to “Is Tramadol An Opioid Analgesic?” Be Sure To Check Out These Additional Resources From DrugRehab.org:

Sources
Food And Drug Administration—Important Drug Warning: Ultram
Mayo Clinic—Tramadol (Oral Route)
National Institute On Drug Abuse—Prescription Opioids And Heroin
U.S. National Library Of Medicine—Opiate And Opioid Withdrawal

Common Street Names For Illegal Drugs

Posted on March 21, 2017July 20, 2017 by dr-admin

Illegal drugs sold on the street are often marketed or discussed under different names. These code names were devised to dissuade authorities (such as parents, police officers, or others) from evidence of drug abuse. Knowing the common street names for illegal drugs can be useful to those who suspect someone they know is abusing drugs. Treatment for illegal drug abuse or addiction requires comprehensive healing plans and professional support.

Have you ever heard a drug called by a name that’s unrelated to the drug itself? Or, maybe you suspect someone you know is abusing drugs, but aren’t sure and would like to find out.

Knowing the common street names for illegal drugs can help you learn how drugs are regarded on the street—sometimes the street name hints at the drug’s intended effects. An overview of street names for drugs can also help you identify them in conversation if someone close to you is at risk of abusing them.

The best recourse for abuse of drugs, and addiction to them, is treatment. DrugRehab.org can connect you with the resources necessary to find treatment that works for you or your loved one.

Why Street Names?

In simple terms, street names were developed for common use in conversation about illegal drugs. What do you do if you don’t want authorities, parents, teachers or others to know about drug abuse? You speak in a sort of code.

Some street names may have entered mainstream vernacular (everyday language). Others are used mostly by those abusing or trafficking drugs. Either way, if you suspect someone you know is abusing illegal drugs, it can be useful to know the everyday names for them.

Common Street Names

Cocaine:

Aunt Nora
Bernice
Binge
Blow
Bump
C
Candy
Charlie
Coke
Dust
Flake
Mojo
Nose Candy
Paradise
Rock
Sneeze
Sniff
Snow
Toot
White

Crack cocaine:

24-7
Apple jacks
Badrock
Ball
Base
Beat
Candy
Chemical
Cloud
Cookies
Crack
Crumbs
Crunch and munch
Devil drug
Dice
Electric kool-aid
Fat bags
French fries
Glo
Gravel
Grit
Hail
Hard ball
Hard rock
Hotcakes
Ice cube
Jelly beans
Kryptonite
Nuggets
Paste
Piece
Prime time
Product
Raw
Rock(s)
Rockstar
Roxanne
Scrabble
Sleet
Snow coke
Sugar block
Topo (Spanish word)
Tornado
Troop

Depressants (prescription sedatives)

Barbiturates:

Barbs
Phennies
Red birds
Reds
Tooies
Yellow jackets
Yellows

Benzodiazepines:

Rohypnol (AKA Flunitrazepam):
- Circles
- Date rape drug
- Forget pill
- Forget-me pill
- La Rocha
- Lunch money
- Mexican Valium
- Mind eraser
- Pingus
- R2
- Reynolds
- Rib
- Roach
- Roach 2
- Roaches
- Roachies
- Roapies
- Rochas Dos
- Roofies
- Rope
- Rophies
- Row-shay
- Ruffies
- Trip-and-fall
- Wolfies

Other names for Benzodiazepines:
- Benzos
- Candy
- Downers
- Sleeping pills
- Tranks

Sleep medications:

Forget-me pills
Mexican valium
R2
Roche
Roofies
Roofinol
Rope
Rophies

Hallucinogens

Ketamine:

Cat Valium
Green
K
Jet
Special K
Super acid
Super C
Vitamin K

LSD:

Acid
Battery acid
Blotter
Bloomers
Blue heaven
California Sunshine
Cid
Cubes
Doses
Dots
Golden dragon
Heavenly blue
Hippie
Loony toons
Lucy in the sky with diamonds
Microdot
Pane
Purple Heart
Superman
Tab
Window pane
Yellow sunshine
Zen

Mescaline (AKA Peyote):

Buttons
Cactus
Mesc

PCP:

Angel dust
Boat
Hog
Love boat
Peace pill

Psilocybin:

Little smoke
Magic mushrooms
Purple passion
Shrooms

Ecstasy (aka MDMA):

Adam
Beans
Cadillac
California sunrise
Clarity
E
Essence
Elephants
Eve
Hug
Hug drug
Love drug
Love pill
Lover’s speed
Molly
Peace
Roll
Scooby snacks
Snowball
Uppers
X
XE
XTC

Heroin

Inhalants

Air blast
Ames
Amys
Aroma of men
Bolt
Boppers
Bullet
Bullet bolt
Buzz bomb
Discorama
Hardware
Heart-on
Hiagra-in-a-bottle
Highball
Hippie crack
Huff
Laughing gas
Locker room
Medusa
Moon gas
Oz
Pearls
Poor man’s pot
Poppers
Quicksilver
Rush snappers
Satan’s secret
Shoot the breeze
Snappers
Snotballs
Spray
Texas shoe shine
Thrust
Toilet water
Toncho
Whippets
Whiteouts

Khat:

Abyssinian tea
African salad
Catha
Chat
Kat
Oat

Kratom:

Biak-biak
Herbal speedball
Ketum
Kahuam
Ithang
Thom

Marijuana:

Astro Yurf
Bhang
Blunt
Bud(s)
Blaze
Dagga
Dope
Dry high
Ganja
Grass
Green
Hemp
Herb
Home grown
J
Joint
Mary Jane
Pot
Puff
Reefer
Roach
Sinsemilla
Skunk
Smoke
Texas tea
Trees
Weed
White widow

Hashish:

Boom, Chocolate, Gangster, Hash, Hemp

Methamphetamine

Beanies
Brown
Crank
Chalk
Chicken feed
Cinnamon
Crink
Crypto
Crystal
Fire
Get go
Glass
Go fast
Ice
Meth
Methlies quick
Mexican crack
Redneck cocaine
Speed
Tick tick
Tweak
Wash
Yellow powder

Crystal meth:

Batu, blade, cristy, crystal, crystal glass, glass, hot ice, ice, quartz, shabu, shards, stove top, Tina, ventana

Over-the-counter drugs

CCC
DXM
Poor man’s PCP
Robo
Robotripping
Skittles
Triple C

Prescription opioids (AKA Painkillers)

Codeine:

Captain Cody
Cody
Doors and fours
Lean
Loads
Pancakes and syrup
Purple drank
Schoolboy
Sizzurp

Fentanyl:

Apache
China girl
China white
Dance fever
Friend
Goodfella
Jackpot
Murder 8
Tango and Cash
TNT
Hydrocodone or Dihydrocodeinone:
Vike
Watson 387

Hydromorphone:

D
Dillies
Footballs
Juice
Smack

Meperidine:

Demmies
Pain Killer

Methadone:

Amidone
Fizzies
(Mixed with MDMA) Chocolate chip cookies

Morphine:

M
Miss Emma
Monkey
White stuff

Oxycodone:

O.C.
Oxy 80
Oxycat
Oxycet
Oxycotton
Oxy
Hillbilly heroin
Percs
Perks

Oxymorphone:

Biscuits
Blue heaven
Blues
Heavenly blues
Mrs. O
O bombs
Octagons
Stop signs

Prescription Stimulants

Amphetamine (Adderall, Benzedrine):

Bennies
Black beauties
Crosses
Hearts
LA Turnaround
Speed
Truck drivers
Uppers

Methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin):

Diet coke
JIF
Kiddie cocaine
Kiddie coke
MPH
Poor man’s cocaine
R-ball
Skippy
Skittles
Smarties
The Smart Drug
Vitamin R

Synthetic Drugs

Synthetic Marijuana:

K2
Spice

Synthetic stimulants (AKA Bath Salts):

Arctic blasts
Aura
Avalance or Avalanche
Bliss
Blizzard
Bloom
Blue silk
Bolivian bath
Cloud nine
Cotton cloud
Drone
Dynamite or Dynamite plus
Euphoria
Glow stick
Hurricane Charlie
Ivory snow
Ivory wave or Ivory wave ultra
Lunar wave
Mexxy
Mind change or Mino Charge
Monkey dust
Mystic
Natural energy powder
Ocean snow
Purple wave
Quicksilver
Recharge
Red dawn
Red dove
Rock on
Rocky Mountain High
Route 69
Sandman Party Powder
Scarface
Sextasy
Shock wave
Snow day
Snow leopard
Speed freak miracle
Stardust
Super coke
Tranquility
UP energizing or UP Supercharged
Vanilla Sky
White burn
White China
White dove
White lightning
White rush
White Sands
Wicked X or XX
Zoom

Treatment For Addiction To Drugs

Reading this list, you may feel a bit overwhelmed at the possibility of addiction in our nation and elsewhere. The important thing to remember is that treatment for illegal drug abuse and addiction is ever-growing.

In fact, treatment for addiction in recent decades has improved. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) states, “most people who get into and remain in treatment stop using drugs, decrease their criminal activity, and improve their occupational, social, and psychological functioning.”

Treatment works, and getting to treatment could make a vast difference in your life. Methods of treatment are changing, focusing on healing a person as a whole—mind, body, and spirit—rather than just targeting symptoms of addiction.

How To Get Help With Addiction

If you or someone you know is addicted to illegal drugs, you may be uncertain about the next step. You can find help and the treatment you need with our help. Contact us today at DrugRehab.org, and we will help you find a rehab center that fits your needs with a treatment plan that suits your specific goals.

For More Information Related to “Common Street Names For Illegal Drugs” Be Sure To Check Out These Additional Resources From DrugRehab.org:

Sources

Drug Free World—The Drug Facts
National Institute On Drug Abuse—Commonly Abused Drug Charts
National Institute On Drug Abuse—DrugFacts: Heroin

The Effects of Drugs and Alcohol on the Kidneys

Posted on February 27, 2017March 13, 2017 by dr-admin

The kidneys are responsible for removing excess waste and fluids from the body through the urine. Every single drug a person uses goes through your kidneys. Drugs like heroin, alcohol, and inhalants can cause kidney damage and failure “from dangerous increases in body temperature and muscle breakdown,” National Institute on Drug Abuse. A person suffering from a substance abuse disorder is at a greater risk for developing kidney problems.

Our bodies are made up of tools for every step of processing food, developing muscle, pushing out toxins, and recovering from illnesses. When foreign substances like drugs and alcohol, serving little purpose for the body, are added to our daily intake–they can cause damage to our bodies built in filters known as the kidneys. The kidneys are responsible for removing excess waste and fluids from the body through the urine. Additionally, the kidneys aid in the production of red blood cells, regulating blood pressure, and balancing the level of minerals in the blood. Excessive sugars, salty foods, drugs and alcohol can lead to kidney failure.

“Kidney failure, also known as end-stage kidney disease, occurs when the kidneys are no longer able to adequately remove waste from your blood and control the level of fluid in the body. Kidney failure can happen suddenly or gradually. People with kidney failure need dialysis or a transplant to stay alive,” (Victoria State Government).

What Are The Signs Of Kidney Failure?

So abusing drugs and alcohol can lead to kidney failure and kidney disease–but what does this mean? According to the Victoria State Government, the symptoms of kidney failure can include:

Tiredness
Loss of Appetite
Difficulty Sleeping
Headaches
Lack of Concentration
Shortness of Breath
Nausea and Vomiting
Changes in the amount and number of times urine is passed.
Changes in the appearance of urine or blood in the urine.
Puffiness in the Legs and Ankles
Pain in the Kidney Area

Drugs That Cause Kidney Damage

Along with a tremendous list of adverse effects, drugs and alcohol can contribute to damage to vital body parts such as the liver, heart, lungs, brain, and kidneys. Since the kidneys are used for removing waste from the body, much like the brain, liver, and heart, they see every drug on its way through the body. Some of the drugs that can cause kidney damage are:

Ibuprofen and Aspirin
Heroin
Cocaine
Alcohol
Phencyclidine–PCP
Amphetamines

Effects Of Heroin On The Kidneys

Heroin can indirectly harm the kidneys… Heroin use can start off with something as small as irregular bowel movements, but prolonged use can lead to serious infection from repeated injections, high blood pressure (leading to kidney failure), severe withdrawals, panic attacks, and death. As heroin is cut and sold, it is often laced with other less dissolvable substances that can cause even further problems. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, this will “result in clogging the blood vessels that lead to the lungs, liver, kidneys, or brain.”

Short-term heroin use “can cause high blood pressure, stroke, heart failure and even death,” (National Kidney Foundation). Long-term heroin use can lead to liver and kidney disease–and even circulatory collapse and death.

Effects Of Alcohol On The Kidneys

The kidneys and the liver work together to process waste in the body; the waste products travel from the liver to the kidney and then out. Chronic Liver Disease and Cirrhosis took the lives of 38,170 people in 2014… And about 10 to 15 percent of people suffering from alcoholism develop cirrhosis. Once the liver is tainted, the kidney function goes with it. When the liver isn’t doing its job, the kidney has to work double-time, and simply cannot keep up with waste management.

Chronic alcohol use has detrimental effects on the kidney which can lead to death. Alcohol use can also “disrupt the hormonal control mechanisms that govern kidney function. By promoting liver disease, chronic drinking has further, detrimental effects on the kidneys.” (National Institute on Drug Abuse) Alcohol abuse also leads to swollen kidneys, and larger than normal cells. Scientists discovered that under a microscope, after being fed alcohol, the kidneys had “increased amounts of protein, fat, and water.”(National Institute on Drug Abuse).

Effects Of PCP On The Kidneys

Phencyclidine (aka PCP, or “Angel Dust) is a hallucinogen which is typically ingested by snorting, smoking (by mixing with other drugs), or by injecting directly into the bloodstream. The kidneys are indirectly damaged through use of PCP, through high blood pressure. High doses of PCP lead to high blood pressure, which leads to damaged, hardened, or inflamed blood vessels in the kidneys; the kidneys then don’t get enough blood and are no longer supported. When the kidneys don’t get enough blood, they aren’t able to function as they should.

Effects Of Amphetamines On The Kidneys

Amphetamines can be used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, and can include (but are not limited to) adderall, ritalin, methamphetamines, ecstasy (MDMA) and concerta. Amphetamines work by stimulating the central nervous system, and are often abused by people to get high. Drugs like adderall are commonly used in the “higher education” community as a sort of “academic cocaine”–college students abuse such drugs to increase information retention and stay awake without feeling tired.

Use of MDMA “can be associated with liver injury and distinctive forms of clinically apparent liver injury,” (NIDDA). In some cases, with chronic use of MDMA, hepatitis C with fibrosis was discovered in the liver. So, as previously established, damage to the liver means damage to the kidneys. Each organ in the body is responsible for doing its part–the kidneys deal with filtering the blood and regulating electrolytes, and maintaining fluid balance in the blood. If the liver isn’t doing its part–the kidneys are unable to function.

More On Substance Abuse And Addiction

Substance abuse adversely affects each part of the body–not just the heart, or the brain. Something that can be difficult to understand for a drug user, until it’s too late, is that regularly abusing drugs leads to addiction. Addiction can be a losing battle–and consequences to the liver and the kidneys can almost be expected as a result.

Treatment For Substance Use Disorders

Substance abuse disorders and addiction are treatable, even though they can seem hopeless, there is absolutely hope. Not every person who abuses drugs will have to get a kidney or liver transplant, but it’s always a possibility. If you are worried about your drug or alcohol use, or a person you know might be suffering from a substance abuse disorder–contact us today! Your body doesn’t have to suffer, call us for help.

For More Information Related to “The Effects of Drugs and Alcohol on the Kidneys” Be Sure To Check Out These Additional Resources From DrugRehab.org:

Sources

National Institute on Drug Abuse- Medical Consequences of Drug Abuse
National Kidney Foundation – Which Drugs are Harmful to Your Kidneys?
Center For Disease Control – Chronic Liver Disease and Cirrhosis
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism – The Epidemiology of Alcoholic Liver Disease
U.S. Library of Medicine – Phencyclidine Overdose

Drug-Induced Hypertension

Posted on February 20, 2017 by dr-admin

Substance use disorders may cause a person to develop temporary or chronic high blood pressure, or hypertension. This condition may cease if the drug of abuse is stopped, however, it is still very dangerous when present. Hypertension may cause aneurysm, heart attack, and stroke, among other things, and may become deadly. Various medications, such as benzodiazepines may be used to treat acute and severe cases, while other medications may be used for reoccurring forms. Substance abuse treatment should be strongly considered to alleviate this, and other adverse health effects associated with drug abuse and addiction.

Drugs, whether illicit or prescribed, exert a profound impact on the user’s body. The effects are dependent on the drug, but typically include a variety of adverse health effects. Side effects range from those that may be merely annoying, to those that are worrisome and potentially problematic to an individual’s health and well-being. While numerous prescribed medications, used as directed may cause this, substance abuse poses the threat as well. Many forms of drug abuse spike a person’s blood pressure, termed hypertension. Withdrawal from certain drugs of abuse may also cause this condition. Drug-induced hypertension may cause aneurysm, irreversible renal failure, heart attack, heart failure, or stroke.

What Is Hypertension?

Hypertension, or high blood pressure (HBP), is condition which occurs when the force of your blood pushing against the arterial walls is higher than normal. A blood pressure reading is made up of two numbers, which together give a person’s overall blood pressure. These numbers directly correlate to your heart, with the first, or top number, being the systolic number (the pressure reading when your heart beats or pumps blood) and the second, or lower number, being the diastolic number (the pressure reading when your heart is at rest). According to MedlinePlus, blood pressure that is at, or lower, than 119/79 is considered normal, while that which is at, or over, 140/90 is considered high.

Drug-induced hypertension is a form of secondary high blood pressure. Fortunately, secondary blood pressure may resolve if the medication (or drug of abuse) is ceased, however, this is not true in every case.

In more rare cases, and most often when levels become critical, a variety of symptoms may accompany high blood pressure, including chest pain, headaches, nausea, nosebleeds, and shortness of breath. However, typically high blood pressure is usually asymptomatic (without symptoms); for this reason, it is often referred to as the “silent killer.”

What Are The Risks Of Hypertension?

Hypertension can be deadly. In instances of drug abuse, it may be temporary, or in situations of chronic abuse, prolonged. Mayo Clinic outlines the severe and sometimes life-threatening conditions which may result, cautioning that “The higher your blood pressure and the longer it goes uncontrolled, the greater the damage.” If untreated and uncontrolled, hypertension may cause:

Aneurysm: High blood pressure may diminish the strength of blood vessels, causing them to bulge. If this ruptures, a person’s life may be jeopardized.

Cognitive difficulties: A person may have a hard time learning, retaining, or accessing information and struggle to think or understand things.

Heart attack: Prolonged high blood pressure can cause the arteries to thicken and harden, referred to as atherosclerosis. This in turn may cause a heart attack.

Heart failure: As blood pressure rises, your heart has to contend with this increased resistance and thickens in order to pump the blood, which may eventually cause the heart to struggle. This results in insufficient amounts of blood reaching your body.

Metabolic syndrome: This is a group of conditions surrounding and influencing your body’s metabolic state, including “increased waist circumference; high triglycerides; low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, the “good” cholesterol; high blood pressure; and high insulin levels.” Combined, these may contribute to other, serious risks, including diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

Stroke: High blood pressure is the number one cause of stroke and is caused by the same complications as a heart attack, as well as from a ruptured vessel near or within the brain due to HBP.

Vascular complications in the eyes: Dysfunction within these important sensory organs may occur due to “thickened, narrowed or torn blood vessels in the eyes.”

“Weakened and narrowed blood vessels in your kidneys”: These factors may lead the kidneys to function abnormally, with additional sources citing that irreversible renal failure may occur in the most serious of instances.

Other sources report that hypertension may cause hypertensive encephalopathy, a condition which results when a person’s blood pressure quickly rises, resulting in detriment to a person’s brain functions. Though rare, and typically reversible, this may lead to seizure, coma, or if untreated, death. The American Heart Association also warns that aortic dissection (tearing of the aorta’s inner lining), angina (unstable chest pain), pulmonary edema (fluid accumulation in the lungs), or eclampsia (seizures or coma in a pregnant woman) may occur.

How Does Substance Abuse Create This Effect?

Substance abuse affects the central nervous system, a critical system within your body which is tasked with relegating critical regulatory systems that are responsible for life support, such as respiration, heart rhythms, and blood pressure. According to an article presented by The American Journal of Medicine, drug-induced hypertension may occur from a variety of ways, including, that the drug may:

Interfere with medications used to lower blood pressure
Cause a person to retain higher than average amounts of sodium or the fluid volumes
outside of the cells markedly increases
Activate the sympathetic nervous system
Affect the arteriolar smooth muscles (muscles within these vessels)
Not have a specific or clearly defined impact

In addition, other sources report that changes to certain neurotransmitters, which commonly occurs from drug abuse, may cause hypertension.

Mayo cites various risk factors that may put an individual at a heightened risk for HBP, including: age, family history, weight gain (becoming overweight or obese), physical inactivity, potassium or vitamin d intake is too low, sodium intake is too high, race, stress, and various other chronic health conditions. Additionally, those who use tobacco or consume an excess of alcohol face increased risks. For individuals experiencing these factors, the necessity in gaining control over their drug abuse is even more pressing. If a person already has a preexisting hypertension, the risk is compounded, and made more dangerous, by the drug abuse.

What Drugs Cause These Changes?

While not all drugs of abuse may cause blood pressure levels to rise, several of the most commonly abused drugs present these risks. Changes in blood pressure, especially spikes, are so commonly attributed to substance abuse, that labile blood pressure is considered a “red flag” for substance abuse. Labile blood pressure occurs when a person’s blood pressure rapidly, and suddenly, changing from normal to elevated levels. The following drugs of abuse have been linked to concerns of high blood pressure:

Alcohol: Hypertension is associated with chronic alcohol abusers and binge drinking. Some theories also attribute HBP to chronic states of withdrawal in those displaying alcohol addictions.

Amphetamines: Hypertension is exceedingly common with these drug users, with stroke being one of the most predominant concerns.

Cannabinoids: Including, marijuana and hashish, within twenty minutes after smoking, hypertension occurs, which may be of particular danger for those who already experiencing cardiovascular concerns, as explained by the California Society of Addiction Medicine.

Cocaine: Hypertension is common with cocaine users, but may be reduced if other side effects attributable to cocaine are decreased, according to a University of Pennsylvania (Penn) publication which states: “Resolution of anxiety, agitation, andischemia will often lead to resolution of the hypertension.”

Phencyclidine (PCP): Linked to decreases of two neurotransmitters, epinephrine and norepinephrine, which then intensify sympathetic nervous system functioning.

Methylated amphetamines: Often referred to as designer drugs, such as Ecstasy, these hallucinogens may create a hypertensive crisis, a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when blood pressure spikes rapidly to critical levels.

Lastly, withdrawal from certain drugs of abuse which do not normally pose a threat of hypertension during active abuse, may occur.

How Is This Treated?

When blood pressure is so high that it may become dangerous, treatment may entail a variety of medications geared towards both decreasing the blood pressure and other conditions which may aggravate it, such as anxiety. One of the most common treatments are benzodiazepine drugs, (sedatives that are commonly prescribed for anxiety), due to the way they reduce both the blood pressure and pulse rate. According to the Penn article, for certain drugs, such as cocaine, if this sedation is ineffective, either sublingual or intravenous nitroglycerin or intravenous phentolamine may be administered. Aside from this, if it is a reoccurring condition, various medications may be used to balance the blood pressure on a day-to-day basis.

If the underlying cause of hypertension is substance abuse or addiction, we strongly urge you to seek treatment, so that you can protect yourself from further risks of hypertension and any number of other serious and life-threatening illnesses and diseases linked to substance use disorders.

We Can Help You Lower Your Risk Of Poor Health

Substance abuse and addiction create an array of negative health effects, illness, and disease, many of which, such as hypertension, hold the potential to be deadly. If you’re just beginning to abuse drugs, and would like information or support to aid you in quitting, let us help you. If you’ve found yourself already lost within addiction, we have countless resources to support you in finding sobriety. DrugRehab.org can help you choose individualized treatment that addresses your personal health needs and sobriety goals. Contact us today.

Sources

The American Journal of Medicine — Drug-induced Hypertension: An Unappreciated Cause of Secondary Hypertension
California Society of Addiction Medicine — How to spot illicit drug abuse in your patients
Medscape — Alcohol Consumption and Hypertension
U.S. National Library of Medicine — Effect of phencyclidine (PCP) on blood pressure and catecholamine levels in discrete brain nuclei
Merck Manual — Amphetamines

Co-Occurring Disorders: Autism And Addiction

Posted on February 13, 2017 by dr-admin

Autism is a disorder which affects three million Americans, and tens of millions worldwide, according to Autism Speaks. With one in 68 children in the U.S. identified as having an autism disorder every year, much research has been focused on finding ways for those with autism to cope. Some of this research has shown that those with autism are more likely to become addicted to substances. As found in one study reported by Psychology Today, people with autism symptoms are no more likely than those without autism to abuse drugs or alcohol. But if they are already abusing drugs or alcohol, autistic people may be more likely to form addiction.

What Is Autism?

Autism is a disease which may be characterized by troubles with social interaction, difficulty with verbal and/or nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviors. Autism was previously identified by many offshoots of the disorder, each with its own name, but now all autism disorders are known as an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Each disorder is somewhere on the autism spectrum. Due to the characteristics of ASDs, autism may also be associated with intellectual disabilities, troubles with motor coordination or attention, and physical health issues. Some health issues include issues with sleep and disruption of the gastrointestinal (digestive) system. However, those with ASDs may also see exceptional performance or success in other areas, such as art, math, music, and visual skills.

Who Does Autism Affect?

Autism is much more common today than it was in past decades. The current number of children affected by autism is a ten-fold increase from forty years ago, according to Psychology Today. Research suggests autism gets its start in early brain development; one of the suggested ways to prevent autism for pregnant mothers is a diet high in folic acid. However, autism may be diagnosed in children two to three years of age—when symptoms tend to become obvious. Autism is also more common in boys than in girls.

How Is Autism Linked To Addiction?

Autism is not typically associated with alcohol or drug abuse. Psychology Today explains that people with autism are traditionally not drawn to alcohol abuse because they tend to have a “preference for low risk and avoidance of social situations.” But the newest findings point to a heightened risk of addiction for those with autism. When two disorders occur together, they are called co-occurring disorders. People affected by an ASD may fall victim to addiction simply because of the symptoms of their disorder. If a person with autism begins drinking or abusing drugs, he or she will have a high likelihood of repeating that behavior, fostering addiction. Also, autistic tendencies may be a risk factor for developing substance abuse disorders, such as avoidance of social interaction and communication difficulty.

How Is Autism Treated?

Treating autism helps lessen the severity of some of the symptoms, which could lessen the likelihood of developing an addiction. Early prevention efforts work to dispel some of the more severe behavioral characteristics. Treatment of autism involves family support, professional interaction, and therapy. As children grow, different levels of treatment may aid for their differing developmental needs. With early prevention, adolescents and adults who have autism may have established a set of treatment methods which work to target their specific symptoms.

Treating Autism And Addiction

The goal for those with autism is often to move them into a manageable state of the disorder, and some reach this level. For those who don’t, and who develop addiction to drugs or alcohol, treatment is the best help available. Inpatient residential treatment at a rehab center may be the most beneficial for those with autism and addiction. Treatment centers which recognize a person’s co-occurring disorders may provide the best chance for recovery.

Treating co-occurring disorders such as autism and addiction requires a comprehensive treatment plan. Treatment approaches must address the symptoms of both disorders, while still attending to the patient’s overall needs. Some methods for treating autism are similar to those for addiction, such as counseling, therapy for the individual, family, or group, and behavioral therapy.

Treatment approaches for co-occurring disorders in the past have often fallen short; usually one disorder is properly diagnosed and treated while the other is left untreated. As Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) explains, “the consequences of undiagnosed, untreated, or undertreated co-occurring disorders can lead to a higher likelihood of experiencing homelessness, incarceration, medical illnesses, suicide, or even early death.” With adequate treatment for both sides of a co-occurring disorder, a person can begin to heal.

How To Find Treatment For Co-Occurring Disorders

One out of 42 boys and one in 189 girls are diagnosed with autism every year in the United States. Autistic tendencies may make a person more susceptible to addiction. Treatment is the most effective way to help a person recover from co-occurring disorders, and we at DrugRehab.org have the resources you need to get help for your loved one. To learn more about treatment options and to have your concerns heard, call us today.

Sources

Autism Speaks—How Is Autism Treated?
Autism Speaks—What Is Autism?
Psychology Today—Autistic Symptoms Make Higher Risk For Substance Abuse
Substance Abuse And Mental Health Services Administration—Co-Occuring Disorders
Washington University In St. Louis—People With Autistic Tendencies Vulnerable To Alcohol Problems