Substance abuse and addiction affect millions across the United States. Fortunately, there are a number of therapies and treatments available to address these issues and disorders, including medication-assisted treatment. For many, adding a medication into their recovery can help combat the desire to return to an abused substance. One of the most useful and most…
Tragically, the opioid epidemic is now common knowledge in American households. Everyone knows someone who has faced tragedy as a result of heroin, prescription opiates, fentanyl, and related substances. If you or someone you love is experimenting with opiates or has an opioid addiction, having naloxone (sold under the brand name Narcan) on your person…
Combining drugs is always risky. Opioids and benzos (benzodiazepines) have risks when used on their own. When mixed, prescription opiates, like hydrocodone, and Xanax, a strong benzo with a short half-life, can have intense and unpredictable side effects. If someone you know is experimenting with dangerous combinations of drugs like opioids and benzos, we encourage…
If you or a loved one are using heroin, it is important to be aware of the risks and symptoms associated with heroin withdrawal, as well as what to do if experiencing them. Heroin is a central nervous system depressant, classifying it as a downer. As an opioid, heroin binds to opioid receptors in the…
In 2017, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared the level of opioid addiction in the United States to be a public health crisis. This began in the 1990s after pharmaceutical companies assured medical professionals that their opioid painkillers were not addictive, and doctors began prescribing them more frequently. As a result, millions…
Preventing relapse is an essential aspect on the road to lasting recovery. Thankfully, nowadays, there is lots of information and resources available about the risks of opioids, what can lead to accidental overdose, and resources for relapse prevention. If you or someone you care about is struggling with opioid addiction, or you are concerned they…
Opioids are among the most abused and addictive drugs in the United States. According to a study conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, around 10 million people ages 12 and older misused opioids in 2019, primarily due to opioid addiction. Although an opioid addiction can be developed in nearly any individual,…
Detox plays an essential role in the treatment of opioid addiction. It’s important to keep in mind that once you free yourself from the cycle of addiction your mind and body will be able to start the process of healing. Because the detox process can be challenging and there is always a possibility of the…
Heroin is a highly addictive drug that can be challenging to quit. However, overcoming heroin addiction is possible, and the more you know about the factors that affect withdrawal symptoms, the better prepared you will be to detox effectively. How Long Does Heroin Withdrawal Last? The first step in overcoming heroin addiction is detoxing and…
The opioid epidemic has ravaged our country for the past three decades. Prescription painkillers like oxycodone and hydrocodone are often an unintended gateway to addiction. Tens of thousands of individuals die every year from opioid-related deaths. Due to the introduction of powerful synthetic opiates like fentanyl, the overdose rate has spiked dramatically in recent years….