Adderall
About Adderall
Adderall is a prescription medication and is considered a schedule II controlled substance. It is very commonly prescribed and used to treat ADHD in most cases.
Adderall does contain amphetamines, however. While it has helpful medical uses, the user can easily become addicted. Because of its effects on the brain, especially for those with ADHD, some become addicted due to the fact that it helps them function better through all aspects of life. Those who suffer from low self-esteem or motivation may also find themselves abusing Adderall, as it greatly increases self-confidence.
College students are among the most likely to suffer from an Adderall addiction, due to the fact that Adderall helps the user focus on their task at hand with little burnout. College work can become overwhelming for young adults who only recently left school, so it is common to hear stories about how college students will take Adderall and truck through their homework overnight.
Adderall withdrawal can be dangerous. When someone who uses Adderall regularly stops using it, their brain begins to depend on Adderall to provide it with the chemicals it needs. They begin to feel anxious, unmotivated and their urge to take another Adderall to reverse those feelings increases.
Treatment
It is recommended one that abuses Adderall does not stop cold turkey, but rather slowly decrease their use over time. This will soften the withdrawal symptoms while helping the brain adjust to the real world and not depend on Adderall to provide its chemicals as much.
There are two phases to Adderall recovery: withdrawal and crash. During the Adderall crash, like many substances, you will experiences feelings the complete opposite of the ones that Adderall grants. This includes anxiety, fatigue, depression and even intense dreams and sleep disturbances. The crash typically happens when Adderall leaves your system.
Adderall withdrawal is similar to the crash, but it lasts days longer and its symptoms intensify. Intense mood swings, cravings, physical pain and even paranoia can come as a result.
It’s recommended to begin Adderall treatment with supervised detox, especially if one has a long history of use. Adderall withdrawal has been known to cause strokes and cardiovascular issues, and the intense withdrawal effects may cause someone to act out dangerously. During Adderall detox, the patient will be kept in a relaxing and peaceful environment and be set up with a healthy diet. This is to reduce the more intense symptoms of withdrawal as much as possible.
Alcohol
About Alcohol
Alcohol addiction is one of the most common cases of substance abuse. Despite its legality, alcohol addiction is just as dangerous as any illegal substance due to it being socially acceptable while having similar effects to other, illegal drugs. Alcohol users are far less likely to seek addiction treatment. This is mostly due to its stigma in society, being widely advertised and not seen as an “ordinary” drug itself.
Alcohol is a depressant that has a heavy effect on neurotransmitters. It creates a numbing effect on emotions, which is often why people who abuse alcohol tend to “drink their sorrows away.” After repeated use, the brain develops a dependency on alcohol and will have trouble functioning without it.
Alcohol withdrawal comes in many different levels. Some, not all people going through alcohol withdrawal may experience headaches, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, depression and headaches. Severe symptoms can include seizures and hallucinations. When it reaches the most severe stage, it becomes a condition referred to as Alcohol Withdrawal Delirium, or AWD.
AWD usually occurs in individuals who have a history in heavy alcohol indulgence and repeated use. These symptoms occur when the user suddenly stops drinking alcohol, or greatly reduces their intake at once. There are a number of severe symptoms one with AWD may experience, including mood swings, hallucinating, trouble with muscle and body movement, disturbance and the loss of what is real and what is not.
Treatment
In severe cases, stopping alcohol cold turkey can be fatal. It is highly recommended you seek professional help when detoxing alcohol, as a specialist can examine your behaviors and determine what the right course of action should be.
If withdraw symptoms are severe enough after alcohol detox, you will likely need prescription medication to help combat the mental and physical effects. In some cases, alcohol withdrawal can lead to alcoholic liver disease and additional detoxification and treatment will be needed.
Depending on the severity of alcohol withdrawal, you may or may not have to be heavily monitored during detoxification. If you are planning on quitting alcohol have any questions, feel free to contact us below.
Amphetamine
About Amphetamine
Amphetamine is not a single drug in itself. It is a category of drugs that range from prescription medications to illegally sold substances. They are primarily used in treating ADHD.
Amphetamines stimulate the central nervous system. This essentially speeds up the human body by enhancing functions such as alertness, motivation, activity, and even one’s thought process. It is used to treat ADHD for this very reason, as those who suffer from ADHD have trouble staying focused or thinking.
College students rank high in terms of which group of people are most likely to abuse amphetamines due to the fact that they increase energy and focus, helping students breeze through long term papers or homework assignments.
As one continues to use amphetamines on a consistent basis, the brain begins to depend on the substance and no longer needs to produce the same chemicals provided by amphetamines. This is what causes amphetamine withdrawal and what drives an amphetamine user to continue taking it. If taking amphetamines is stopped immediately, you may feel symptoms of depression, anxiety, confusion, and even dizziness.
Treatment
As a stimulant, the act of taking an amphetamine can trigger a rewiring of the brain’s reward system. If a user is feeling down and unmotivated because they have not taken an amphetamine in a while, they will have the urge to continue taking it in order to feel “normal” again, as their brain and body adjusted to life with the assistance of an outside substance.
There a lot of methods to combat the withdrawal effects. Outpatient treatment programs with medical supervision is the most common, while inpatient treatment is a just as effective option. Medications are often prescribed to combat the negative withdrawal effects as well. For example, antidepressants can greatly help combat feelings of depression from the lack of amphetamines.
Benzodiazepine
About Benzodiazepine
Benzodiazepines, more commonly known as just “benzos” are a classification of drugs meant to help those who suffer from anxiety, panic attacks and seizures.
Benzodiazepines affect the GABA receptor, which is a neurotransmitter in the brain. Benzodiazepines help soothe and relax these receptors to ease anxiety. They are approved by the FDA so obtaining them is not difficult at all. Benzodiazepines are unique in the sense that they produce relaxing effects, so their withdrawal effects can be similar to drugs such as amphetamines or cocaine in small doses.
Because benzos act on brain receptors and produce pleasant feelings of relaxation, it is possible to become addicted. Like any other substance, it can rewire the brain’s reward responses. Signs of addiction include taking higher doses than what is prescribed, longer than prescribed, or snorting them to enhance its effects.
Treatment
Compared to most other substances, benzodiazepine withdrawal is not very intense. However, it can still be unpleasant and addiction treatment should still be sought out.
One dangerous symptom of benzo withdrawal is seizures. Those who are prone to seizures, and have taken benzos to help prevent them, should be very careful during the withdraw period. Because the brain relies on benzos to help prevent them, seizures become more likely. It is highly recommended anyone going through benzo withdrawal seeks a medically-supervised treatment program.
Cocaine
About Cocaine
Cocaine is a highly common party drug that drastically increases awareness and energy in those who ingest it. Those under the effects of cocaine also experience higher stimulation.
Because cocaine increases stimuli and energy, those who use it often may develop cravings for it. After cocaine wears off, the opposite effects begin to kick in. Drowsiness, weakness, and lack of motivation are among some of these effects. Some people get addicted to cocaine by using it again to combat the negative effects that come afterwards. It will also build a tolerance, requiring more next time you want to feel the same rush. This can lead to addiction and even overdosing.
Cocaine leaves the body fast, but continued use of the substance will result in it staying much longer. While cocaine may leave fast, withdraw symptoms may stay around much longer. These effects come in the form of cravings, such as intense hunger and the need for more cocaine. Other withdraw effects such as anxiety, insomnia and fatigue are also present.
Treatment
Cocaine detox is relatively short, typically lasting about one week. However, the process is very unpleasant, and the amount of time it takes can lengthen exponentially depending on the user’s history with the substance.
Often times, those who abuse cocaine also abuse other substances as well, making addiction treatment for cocaine a bit more complicated compared to others. In most cases, those who enter treatment for cocaine have other issues as well, and not just restricted to substance abuse. Behavioral therapy as well as a multitude of treatments for other similar substances are used.
It is uncommon to abuse cocaine and nothing else. Detoxing from cocaine alone has not been proven fatal. However, cocaine perpetuates the effects of other harmful drugs, making it potentially fatal if one’s body has taken too much damage from other substances. Overall, cocaine treatment largely depends on the individual, and a medical professional will be able to determine the correct course of action.
Codeine
About Codeine
Codeine is a very common narcotic found in many over-the-counter medicines used to treat mild amounts of pain such as colds or headaches. Despite how common they are, they have the potential to be very addicting.
Codeine should be used to treat mild pain in its recommended dosage, which depends on the person. If one finds themselves using codeine in higher doses than recommended, or when not in any pain at all, it is a sign of addiction. Although codeine is only used for minor to moderate pains, it still produces relaxing and sedative effects, making it a potential risk for addiction.
The inability to focus, disorientation, lack of motivation and impaired judgment are among some of the effects one may experience if they abuse codeine.
Treatment
Codeine will turn into morphine after ingested, so detoxification of codeine is similar to that of other opiates.
In addition to that, codeine itself treats physical pain, creating a very unpleasant physical and mental recovery process. Medically-assisted detox is often the method of choice for those with a codeine addiction. Supervision and prescription medication are very important for this process. The body will have to get used to other prescription medications in order to help suppress the physical effects of codeine withdrawal.
Since symptoms of opiate addiction are present with codeine, behavioral therapy is an important part of codeine addiction recovery. The brain depends on codeine for pleasure, so the act of changing one’s outlook and stigma towards the substance is a major step in breaking the addiction.
Crack
About Crack
Crack is a type of cocaine. It is smoked more often than snorted and produces effects similar to cocaine. However, crack is much more dangerous, especially due to its side effects.
When crack is used, the user will feel a rush of euphoria, energy, confidence, and cravings for more crack. Crack overloads the brain with dopamine, so much that even a single use of the substance may trigger an addiction.
Crack addiction has some of the worst side effects among any other substance, almost as if the user has been possessed. Users will overall change their default behavior, perpetuated by the cravings and lack of dopamine. This makes it difficult to maintain and form relationships. Crack cravings are so intense, they can also cause the user to begin stealing, and even resorting to violence and crime in order to obtain more crack.
In addition to mental damage, crack also causes major physical damage. Heart attacks, strokes and organ failure are among many symptoms, as well as infertility and sexual dysfunction.
Treatment
Crack addiction treatment is very intense, as crack is capable of doing high amounts of physical and mental damage. Crack addiction treatment tends to focus more on the person than the substance as a result, since crack is capable of completely rewiring how a person’s brain functions.
Because treatment is based heavily on the individual, crack addiction treatment does not tend to follow a basic set of rules. Rather, the patient is evaluated in terms of their needs, problems, mental and physical trauma, etc. In a lot of cases, childhood trauma is a huge factor in crack use, as crack intensifies what was missing from those who had to grow up from a rough childhood.
Inpatient treatment is highly recommended for crack abuse. This will allow the patient to be heavily monitored in case a physical or mental issue may arise during withdrawal. Crack also has a very high relapse rate, and beginning treatment with outpatient care only drives it higher. After inpatient treatment is completed, outpatient treatment is a viable option.
Crack addiction often creates or comes with many other psychological disorders, making this substances more complex when it comes to treatment. Although relapse rates and withdrawal effects can be discouraging, do not be intimidated or afraid to seek help.
Dilaudid
About Dilaudid
Dilaudid is a brand-name opioid used to treat intense pain. In most cases, long-term use is only recommended to those suffering from pain due to cancer.
Dilaudid is a dangerously addictive opiate due to the fact that it is used for severe pain. This means its effects are much stronger than the typical opiate, causing it to hook people on more easily. Its tolerance also stacks very early on, resulting in the need for higher doses to feel its effects. Some people have become addicted to Dilaudid after their first use.
Due to its strength, side effects of Dilaudid are similar to those of other opiates, but on way more intense levels. Some examples include seizures, mood swings, disorientation, fainting, weak breathing, and a pounding heart. The tolerance level of Dilaudid also puts many at users at risk of overdosing.
Treatment
Addiction treatment for Dilaudid can be dangerous and must be approached in a wise and careful manner. Stopping cold turkey can be fatal, especially when not under medical supervision. With high-end opioids, relapse can lead to death. If relapse occurs, the user is likely to take a dose size which they are no longer tolerant to, resulting in an overdose.
Specialists recommend that users of Dilaudid lower their doses gradually instead of quitting cold turkey to prevent the chance of a fatal relapse. The withdraw symptoms are also very severe, and will be greatly reduced through this method. Users can also use prescription medications to soften the withdraw symptoms.
It is especially recommended that those who have additional respiratory problems seek inpatient addiction treatment. The side effects of Dilaudid withdraw can be fatal to those with breathing issues.
The length of Dilaudid recovery heavily depends on the individual and their history with the substance, as well as other disorders they may have. Withdraw symptoms for Dilaudid can vary heavily depending on the person, so it may be best to see a professional, get evaluated, and have them help you decide a treatment plan that works best.
Fentanyl
About Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a very strong opioid. It is a schedule II controlled substance, meaning it has its uses in the medical field, but also have a significantly high risk of causing addiction.
Due to its strength, fentanyl is often laced with other substances to increase their effects. In fact, Fentanyl is the top cause of opioid overdose. Fentanyl is commonly used on patients that already have an opioid tolerance and need a stronger substance to feel the effects, which is why people will add fentanyl to the substances they’re selling on the street.
Because of how powerful Fentanyl is, and because its effects wear off in under an hour and a half, users will grow tolerant to it extremely fast. It also activates opioid receptors which induce strong feelings of euphoria, and even rewires how the brain interprets pain. This makes it high-risk for addiction.
In a lot of cases, most people are unaware they are taking fentanyl, as it can be used to enhance the effects of other drugs such as heroin. As a result, there have been overdoses from fentanyl than any other opioid out there.
Treatment
Like other opioids, withdrawal occurs when the brain attempts to adjust to real life without the chemicals brought in by fentanyl, which the brain has developed a dependency towards. For physical effects of fentanyl withdrawal, these include and are not limited to body aches, muscle pain, nausea, diarrhea, restlessness, anxiety and intense cravings for more fentanyl or other drugs.
Psychologically, the brain has a difficult time responding to pleasure naturally, as it has been rewired to only accept artificial spikes of dopamine as proper pleasure. Those going through fentanyl withdrawal can easily become depressed, anxious or irritable as a result, and can last for weeks if not properly treated.
Opioid Replacement Therapy (ORT) is an effective method of detoxing, similar to other opioid addictions. Methadone, which is a much weaker opioid, can be prescribed to help diminish the symptoms of withdrawal from fentanyl. The problem, however, is that fentanyl is such a strong opioid that in some cases, the patient may become addicted to these weaker opioids instead. The goal with ORT is to slowly reduce the amount of chemicals from opioids the brain receives until it is able to readjust to functioning without them.
Like other opioids, behavioral therapy is very effective in treating fentanyl addictions. Because opioids rewire the brain’s reward system, behavioral therapy counters those stigmas by finding new ways to trigger the reward receptors without abusing substances.
Heroin
About Heroin
Heroin is one of the most addictive and dangerous substances out there. It is not difficult to get a hold of and is relatively cheaper in cost compared to other illegal substances.
Heroin is a drug that is injected, and as a result, the effects of heroin are felt right away. In addition to that, heroin tolerance also goes up at an exponential rate, increasing the need for more heroin. Heroin is known to ruin communities, causing people to steal from their friends and loved ones in order to purchase more heroin.
Heroin is an opioid and works off the same receptors as prescription opioids. Because of this, a lot of people coming off opioids turn to heroin. When used, heroin causes intense feeling of pleasure and euphoria. These effects do not last long and will shortly turn into uncomfortable physical effects, such as grogginess, itching, mood swings and constipation.
Another detrimental, long-term effect heroin has is halting the effects of experiences happiness or pleasure while sober. Heroin will create a chemical imbalance in the brain, where only more heroin will be able to activate positive feelings. This fuels the heroin addiction as well, as the brain will perceive more heroin intake as rewarding.
Treatment
Heroin is among one of the most intense substances to recover from. Because heroin is fast-acting and builds tolerance very quickly, sometimes after one use of heroin, the brain will rewire itself and develop a receptor specifically for heroin. Returning the brain to normal through detox and treatment can be a very uncomfortable experience, but help is out there.
Detoxing outside of a treatment facility is not recommended when it comes to heroin. Heroin withdrawal’s effects on the body and mind can be dangerous, often compared to feeling like having influenza or a stomach virus. On the mental side, people can experience extreme anxiety and even panic attacks.
Both inpatient and outpatient treatments are viable for heroin withdraw, although supervision by a professional is highly recommended. Behavioral therapy along with medication and medication-based treatments will ensure the highest rate of success. Heroin withdraw is very unlikely to cause death, but its effects on the mind and body can cause you to act out in unsafe ways, so help should only be sought out from a professional.
Hydrocodone
About Hydrocodone
Hydrocodone is an opioid used for suppressing pain. Due to its pain-killing nature, this substance also creates strong feelings of relaxation, euphoria, and can be used as an effective sleep aid. These additional positive effects are what makes Hydrocodone addictive.
As an opioid, it contains a tolerance rate, further increasing the need to take more. This is why it is important to only take a doctor recommended dose of the substance and only at the most opportune times. Failure to follow those guidelines can result in an addiction faster than most people will realize.
If an Hydrocodone addiction gets out of control, it is not uncommon to overdose, especially due to its tolerance rate. Those who are taking the substance against the will and/or instructions of a doctor should seek help immediately before potential overdosing can occur.
Treatment
Symptoms of withdrawal from Hydrocodone include sleeping difficulty, appetite loss, restlessness, nausea and other feverish symptoms.
However, Opiate Replacement Therapy (ORT) has been proven an effective way to detox from Hydrocodone while diminishing the side effects of the withdrawal. This is done by using much weaker opioids to satisfy the brain’s needs as it gradually adjusts to returning to life without the opioid.
There are three different medications to choose from, and each may be better suited for someone depending on the person. The only drawback is that these substances also have the potential to be abused. Methadone and Suboxone are the first two substances. Methadone has a higher success rate, but also a higher rate of being abused due to being a weak opiate itself.
The other substance is Vivitrol, which is given once a month and is the safest option of the three, however in order for it to be safe, the patient must be fully detoxed of all alcohol and opiates.
Ketamine
About Ketamine
Ketamine is a powdery substance that has dissociate and relaxing effects. It is used as anesthesia for both people and animals in modern day hospitals.
When used, ketamine produces effects similar to drifting away form reality. Users may experience intense visualizations of patterns, disorientation, and disconnection to the world around them. These otherworldly experiences are what drive those to become addicted to the substance. Short-term side effects of ketamine include memory loss, nausea, vomiting, confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, among many others.
Ketamine is not known to produce any long-term physical side effects, but those addicted to the substance will find themselves craving it more and more. Ketamine also has a long-lasting tolerance, meaning that in order to feel the same effects one is looking for, they will have to ingest more ketamine each time.
Treatment
Ketamine addiction is unique compared to other substances in the sense that it is psychologically addictive rather than physically addictive. Some may become addicted to ketamine due to bewilderment or curiosity.
Recovering from a ketamine addiction is typically not very intense, unless the user has a prolonged history with abusing the substance. In cases like those, cravings for ketamine, the lack of appetite, constant dizziness, drowsiness and disturbances in sleep will likely occur.
Both inpatient and outpatient treatment to start off with are recommended for ketamine abuse. Those who have a long-term addiction to the substance may find more success with inpatient treatment.
Lortab
About Lortab
Lortab is the mixture of hydrocodone and acetaminophen. Hydrocodone is an opioid while acetaminophen is a substance that is used in many over-the-counter cold medicines.
Lortab slows down the central nervous system, giving the user a greater resistance to pain, similar to other opioids. As a combination substance, Lortab can create additional side effects that most other opioids do not. The usual mood swings, insomnia and headaches occur. Lightheadedness, lack of motivation and body aches can also occur.
The first signs of Lortab addiction comes when one begins to stop using it for its intended purpose. This includes taking above the recommended dose, taking doses at inopportune times, using after it is no longer needed and using it simply to feel its effects.
Treatment
Symptoms of withdrawal from Lortab include sleeping difficulty, appetite loss, restlessness, nausea and other feverish symptoms. Liver damage can also occur, as it contains acetaminophen.
Opiate Replacement Therapy (ORT) is an effective way to detox from opioids while diminishing the side effects of the withdrawal. This is done by using much weaker opioids to satisfy the brain’s needs as it gradually adjusts to returning to life without the opioid.
There are three different medications to choose from, and each may be better suited for someone depending on the person. The only drawback is that these substances also have the potential to be abused. Methadone and Suboxone are the first two substances. Methadone has a higher success rate, but also a higher rate of being abused due to being a weak opiate itself.
The other substance is Vivitrol, which is given once a month and is the safest option of the three, however in order for it to be safe, the patient must be fully detoxed of all alcohol and opiates.
Depending on one’s usage history, the length of Lortab detox can take anywhere between several days or months.
Methadone
About Methadone
Methadone is a prescription opioid that is weaker than most other opioids. The purpose of Methadone is actually to treat opioid addictions. Because it is a lot weaker than other opioids, it triggers the brain’s reward receptors to satisfy its opioid cravings, while being much weaker. This substance helps gradually decrease the need for other opioids to the point where they are no longer needed to satisfy.
However, methadone is still an opioid itself and has been proven to be just as addicting as other opioids. This is because even though the substance is much weaker, it can still produce euphoric feelings. There is also a more positive stigma behind it, as it is used to treat addictions, resulting in a higher chance one will be willing to keep using it.
Methadone overdose is entirely possible, and one is put at a much higher risk of overdosing if they are using other substances that affect the central nervous system in conjunction.
Treatment
Methadone is commonly used in Opiate Replacement Therapy (ORT), which is the act of using much weaker opioids to satisfy the brain’s needs as it gradually adjusts to returning to life without the stronger opioid. This is unique in the sense that a potentially addictive drug is used to help curb addictions.
Treatment for methadone addiction is similar to other opioids, and not as intense. A user has many options such as inpatient treatment and outpatient treatment. Withdrawal symptoms still occur, so it is highly recommended one seeks help from a professional when attempting to recover from methadone abuse.
Methamphetamine
About Methamphetamine
Meth, methamphetamine, or crystal meth, is a highly addictive substance that releases dopamine into the brain and effects the central nervous system.
Meth causes a surge to dopamine to be released to the brain, and is even created using pseudoephedrine, commonly found in cold medicines. Because of this, using meth sends a rush of energy and confidence to its user, potentially causing them to become addicting even after the first use.
People become addicted to meth because the influx of dopamine in the brain rewires its reward receptors, causing the meth rush to be the only way to satisfy oneself. Once a user begins craving that rush, they may take drastic measures to obtain more meth. This can lead to meth being one’s top priority at all times, causing them to neglect other important aspects of life such as hygiene.
The withdraw effects of meth can be very intense. Without meth for too long, the brain will require it to function “normally”. Those who are addicted to meth will experiences violent outbursts, paranoia and seeing things which are not actually there, the inability to fall asleep for several days, weight loss, and many other symptoms.
Treatment
Meth is one of the most difficult substances to detox and recovery from. Quitting meth cold turkey is extremely dangerous. The withdraw symptoms cause the person to act out in dangerous and reckless ways as well, and the physical symptoms only add fuel to that fire.
Meth addiction requires supervised detox. In the beginning stages, the patient will experience the crash, which is the body’s reaction when its meth cravings are not being fulfilled. These are less intense versions of withdraw effects and include mood swings, higher stress levels, and depression among others.
Once withdrawal kicks in, the patient will need to be supervised as much as possible. Some additional effects of meth withdrawal include psychosis, loss of memory, stomach pains, insomnia, depression and many others that can arise through other disorders a meth patient may have. There are no prescription medications that imitate meth, so those going through withdraw will have to depend on antibiotics to help soften the withdrawal symptoms.
Opium
About Opium
Opium is a unique substance because it is used in pain medications such as morphine and Oxycodone. It acts a suppressant to physical and mental pain, and as a result, a lot of the victims it claims have just undergone medical treatment, such as surgery.
In addition to pain relief, opium activates receptors in the central nervous system that produce pleasant effects such as euphoria. It also works as an effective sleep aid by causing drowsiness, which can easily attract bed bound patients. Those who are still bed bound after leaving the hospital may have an increased urge to use opium, since they are unable to move around and experience much else outside of their room.
There are two main signs one is abusing opium. The first is using them against the recommendation of a doctor. If someone is still using opioids after a doctor no longer advises them, or without a past prescription at all, it is a large red flag. Another sign is using opioids in greater numbers than prescribed.
Treatment
Despite similarities to heroin, opiate withdrawal is much less intense and can even be done without professional help. This is not recommended however, as the chance of relapse is very high. Opium withdrawal symptoms can occur regardless of prolonged history with the substance and it is advised you seek either inpatient or outpatient treatment.
Common symptoms of opium withdrawal feel similar to having a fever. There are a number of medications that can combat the negative effects of opium withdrawal, but are not recommended in a lot of cases, as those substances have a similar pain-killing effect to opium and users may develop a dependency with one of those instead.
It is important to seek help recovering from opium abuse as soon as possible. Opium causes hypoventilation, which is the slowing of breathing. Too much exposure to this can result in respiratory depression, which can be fatal.
Behavioral therapy has been proven to be one of the most effective treatments for opium addiction, due to the nature of the drug. Opium tends to put a positive stigma on it for the person using, and behavioral therapies can teach individuals to drop the stigma.
Oxycodone
About Oxycodone
Oxycodone is a notorious opioid considered to be the main gateway drug to harder opioids. It is a prescription medication and thus is not difficult to acquire.
Oxycodone is often prescribed to people who have suffered injuries. Uses for it include suppressing pain that may be lingering after a patient received surgery. Due to its pain-killing nature, this substance also creates strong feelings of relaxation, euphoria, and can be used as an effective sleep aid. These additional positive effects are what makes Oxycodone addictive.
It is one of the most commonly abused drugs in America. It also has a tolerance rate, further increasing the need to take more. This is why it is important to only take a doctor recommended dose of Oxycodone and only at the most opportune times. Failure to follow those guidelines can result in an addiction faster than most people will realize.
If an Oxycodone addiction gets out of control, it is not uncommon to overdose, especially due to its tolerance rate. Those who are taking Oxycodone against the will and/or instructions of a doctor should seek help immediately before potential overdosing can occur.
Treatment
Symptoms of withdrawal from Oxycodone include sleeping difficulty, appetite loss, restlessness, nausea and other feverish symptoms.
However, Opiate Replacement Therapy (ORT) has been proven an effective way to detox from Oxycodone while diminishing the side effects of the withdrawal. This is done by using other medications with similar effects to Oxycodone into making the brain believe that it is still receiving Oxycodone.
There are three different medications to choose from, and each may be better suited for someone depending on the person. The only drawback is that these substances also have the potential to be abused. Methadone and Suboxone are the first two substances. Methadone has a higher success rate, but also a higher rate of being abused due to being a weak opiate itself.
The other substance is Vivitrol, which is given once a month and is the safest option of the three, however in order for it to be safe, the patient must be fully detoxed of all alcohol and opiates.
Percocet
About Percocet
Percocet is a brand-named mixture of Oxycodone and acetaminophen. Oxycodone is an opioid while acetaminophen is a substance that is used in many over-the-counter cold medicines.
Percocet slows down the central nervous system, giving the user a greater resistance to pain, similar to other opioids. As a combination substance, Percocet can create additional side effects that most other opioids do not. The usual mood swings, insomnia and headaches occur. Lightheadedness, lack of motivation and body aches can also occur.
The first signs of Percocet addiction comes when one begins to stop using it for its intended purpose. This includes taking above the recommended dose, taking doses at inopportune times, using after it is no longer needed and using it simply to feel its effects.
Treatment
Symptoms of withdrawal from Percocet include sleeping difficulty, appetite loss, restlessness, nausea and other feverish symptoms.
Opiate Replacement Therapy (ORT) is an effective way to detox from opioids while diminishing the side effects of the withdrawal. This is done by using much weaker opioids to satisfy the brain’s needs as it gradually adjusts to returning to life without the opioid.
There are three different medications to choose from, and each may be better suited for someone depending on the person. The only drawback is that these substances also have the potential to be abused. Methadone and Suboxone are the first two substances. Methadone has a higher success rate, but also a higher rate of being abused due to being a weak opiate itself.
The other substance is Vivitrol, which is given once a month and is the safest option of the three, however in order for it to be safe, the patient must be fully detoxed of all alcohol and opiates.
Depending on one’s usage history, the length of Percocet detox can take anywhere between several days or months.
Vicodin
About Vicodin
Vicodin is the mixture of hydrocodone and acetaminophen. Hydrocodone is an opioid while acetaminophen is a substance that is used in many over-the-counter cold medicines.
Vicodin slows down the central nervous system, giving the user a greater resistance to pain, similar to other opioids. As a combination substance, Lortab can create additional side effects that most other opioids do not. The usual mood swings, insomnia and headaches occur. Lightheadedness, lack of motivation and body aches can also occur.
The first signs of Vicodin addiction comes when one begins to stop using it for its intended purpose. This includes taking above the recommended dose, taking doses at inopportune times, using after it is no longer needed and using it simply to feel its effects.
Treatment
Symptoms of withdrawal from Vicodin include sleeping difficulty, appetite loss, restlessness, nausea and other feverish symptoms. Liver damage can also occur, as it contains acetaminophen.
Common symptoms of Vicodin withdrawal feel similar to having a fever. There are a number of medications that can combat the negative effects of Vicodin withdrawal, but are not recommended in a lot of cases, as those substances have a similar pain-killing effect to opioids and users may develop a dependency with one of those instead.
Behavioral therapy has been proven to be one of the most effective treatments for opioid addictions, due to the nature of the drug. Opioids tend to put a positive stigma on it for the person using, and behavioral therapies can teach individuals to drop the stigma.
Depending on one’s usage history, the length of Vicodin detox can take anywhere between several days or months.
Xanax
About Xanax
Xanax is a prescription drug that falls under the category of benzodiazepines, which is a type of substance that affects the GABA receptor and is used to promote relaxation while relieving anxiety.
Because Xanax acts on brain receptors and produce pleasant feelings of relaxation, it is possible to become addicted. Like any other substance, it can rewire the brain’s reward responses. Signs of addiction include taking higher doses than what is prescribed, longer than prescribed, or snorting them to enhance its effects.
Xanax often hooks people through dependency. Upon taking it on a consistent basis, the brain becomes used to its effects and will crave Xanax in order to function. Functioning without Xanax after heavy use can result in anxiety, depression, and lack of confidence.
Treatment
One dangerous symptom of Xanax withdrawal is seizures. Those who are prone to seizures, and have taken benzos to help prevent them, should be very careful during the withdraw period. Because the brain relies on benzos to help prevent them, seizures become more likely. It is highly recommended anyone going through Xanax withdrawal seeks a medically-supervised treatment program.
As a benzo, Xanax stimulates the GABA receptors, and the lack of GABA receptor stimulation without the substance can result in high anxiety, stress, insomnia and memory loss among others.
Xanax can take about a month to fully recover from. During the first three days, withdrawal symptoms are the most severe, but also heavily depend on the individual’s average dosage.
Similar to opioids, taking weaker benzos can help minimize the withdrawal effects and prevent relapse. This works by adding those chemicals into the body but at a much weaker dose, reducing cravings for more Xanax and softening withdrawal symptoms.
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