buprenorphine patch

Healing After Heroin: Does the Buprenorphine Patch Really Work?

/0 Comments/in /by

Do you need help in the battle against heroin addiction for you or a loved one?

Experts estimate that over 130 people die each day in the United States from an opioid overdose. Fortunately, arming yourself with a buprenorphine patch may keep you safe from joining this statistic.

Keep reading to learn how this patch can help you kick your heroin addiction.

Using a Buprenorphine Patch for Heroin Addiction

Medication-assisted opioid treatment may help you take your life back from addiction. Read on to learn about buprenorphine and how it can help you kick heroin to the curb.

What Is a Buprenorphine Transdermal Patch?

Buprenorphine, also called Butrans, is an opioid (narcotic) analgesic. This means that the medication works on the central nervous system to change the way the body experiences pain signals.

The patch attaches directly to the body and slowly distributes pain medication through the skin over the course of about 7 days. After removing the patch, this medication will remain in your system for anywhere between 55 and 132 hours.

Doctors often prescribe this medication for chronic pain from arthritis or injuries. It can also help treat opioid addictions.

How Does Butrans Treat Opioid Addiction?

It may seem counterintuitive to treat heroin addiction with another opioid. However, it works differently than more highly addictive opioids, like heroin.

Pharmacologists consider this drug a partial opioid agonist. This means it binds to the same receptors as drugs like heroin. But it only produces a partial reaction.

This means the drug will provide relief from the heroin cravings. Addiction changes the brain and body chemistry, making the person dependent on the drug to even feel normal.

The patch allows them to taper the drug, as they need less and less stimulation to function normally. Without relief from the intense cravings, many people relapse.

This medical patch can also help them through detox. Heroin detoxification causes symptoms, including fatigue, pain, and flu-like sickness. Buprenorphine lessens these effects and treats the pain caused by depriving the body of heroin.

Does Buprenorphine Make You High?

Critics argue that using the buprenorphine patch simply replaces one high for another. However, it does not do that exactly.

As stated above, addicts need a certain amount of the drug to even feel normal. This medication only stimulates the receptor enough to give them that feeling of normalcy. It is not, however, enough to get them high.

In fact, this medication blocks the effect of other opioids. This makes relapse much less likely in a recovering heroin addict, as they will not receive the desired side effects from the drug while taking this medication.

Side Effects

Unfortunately, most medications come with unwanted side effects. On the bright side, Butrans generally creates fewer side effects than alternative opioid treatments.

Side effects of this medication include:

  • nausea and vomiting
  • constipation
  • dry mouth
  • dizziness
  • drowsiness
  • headache
  • localized irritation
  • snoring
  • slowed heart rate
  • confusion

Patients will not feel the same euphoric feeling as most other opioids create, which makes this less addictive.

Is It FDA Approved?

The United States government classifies this medication as a schedule III drug. This means that the drug carries low to moderate potential for abuse. However, it also contains benefits for prescribing it that outweigh the potential risks.

In 2018, the FDA approved buprenorphine for medication-assisted opioid treatment. They decided that the crisis urgently required more methods to help treat opioid addiction, due to the high number of deaths the addiction causes.

Can You Overdose on Butrans?

If a person took too much, they could potentially overdose, as with anything else.

However, unlike heroin and other narcotic drugs, this drug has a ceiling on the opioid effects. This means that taking more of the medication will not produce any greater of a high. This makes it highly unlikely for a recovering addict to overdose on the buprenorphine patch.

What Will Help You Stay Sober During Butrans Treatment?

Heroin addiction treatment requires a real effort to stay sober from the recovering addict. Though buprenorphine treatment will help them stay on the road to recovery, it will not magically heal them.

To stay sober while using the patch:

Use as Directed

Whether prescribed during inpatient or outpatient treatment, you should use this patch exactly as directed to receive the full benefits. Not taking it as directed may not keep enough of the medication in your system for it to work properly.

Taking more than directed will not make you high, and may increase the unpleasant side effects. Plus, it is extremely important to change your mindset with medication, using it only for the intended purpose, if you want to succeed at recovery.

Follow the Rules

Treatment programs typically provide a hefty set of rules for you. They do so to protect you and allow you more freedoms as you become ready for them.

Do not think that the patch turns you invincible. Your effort and mindset will do more for you than any medication. Following the rules will enable Butrans to help you through.

Let the Medication Work

If you decide that nothing can help you, then nothing will. Allow this medication to work by giving it a real shot.

When people believe that medicine will not work, they subconsciously fight the effects. Understand both the limitations and the benefits of the drug so you can proceed with realistic expectations.

Surround Yourself with a Support System

Medication can only do so much for you. It works in conjunction with other therapies and tools but does not save you on its own. A healthy network will provide you support that will help you sustain your sobriety.

Leave behind the people who do not want to change. Love them from a distance, but do not allow them to weigh down your recovery success.

Instead, surround yourself with healthy-minded people who want to grow with you and help you succeed. Choose people who support your sobriety and do not tempt you to cheat the system.

Seek Treatment Today

Beating heroin addiction is no small feat. It requires serious determination and often outside help from rehabilitation centers.

Ask your doctor if the buprenorphine patch can help you. Learn more about opioid addiction on our website.

drug treatment

What are My Options for Drug Treatment? Making the Best Choice for You

/0 Comments/in /by

Opioid addiction is a national epidemic, with a devastating impact on all segments of society. Each day, more than 130 people in the United States die after overdosing on opioids.

If you or someone you care about is addicted to prescription pain relievers, heroin, or synthetic opioids like fentanyl, it is a scary situation. You may wonder which way to turn.

Luckily, there is help available. The healthcare and criminal justice systems have better information about addiction and the best ways to treat it. People once thought to be hopeless cases have received assistance and treatment.

If you are looking for drug treatment for you or someone you know, there are several different paths you can take. Below are five different routes to clean living which have helped many people. They may help you, too.

1. Detox

For an addict to get clean and stay sober, the first step is to remove all traces of dangerous substances from their systems.

This is far easier said than done. Kicking the habit is difficult and relapsing is common. Withdrawing from drugs can cause many unpleasant and painful symptoms.

Mental and emotional symptoms include anxiety, depression, insomnia, and poor concentration and memory. You might experience headaches, dizziness, difficulty breathing, heart racing, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches and tremors, and sweats. The addict can also experience seizures, a heart attack, or a stroke.

Most physicians recommend undergoing medically supervised detox. This will reduce withdrawal symptoms and the risk of dangerous complications.

Usually, you must also complete medically supervised detox before entering a treatment facility.

Many detox centers will administer medication to assist with withdrawal from the more dangerous drugs. These drugs can include methadone and buprenorphine. These drugs stop withdrawal symptoms, diminish cravings and block the high from other opioids.

2. Inpatient Rehabilitation

Many addicts find that they need to separate themselves from their former way of life.  They find it hard to quit drugs when they remain the same household or neighborhood where they used to get high.

There are thousands of different treatment centers across the country. There are also many different approaches to sobriety. Many rehab programs combine physician-supervised medications with spirituality, faith-based therapy, behavior modification, and exercise.

A common element of many inpatient treatment centers is cohabiting with other addicts. Some centers require addicts to attend group sessions. In these groups, addicts work together to overcome their shared disease.

The cost of residential treatment varies. Some programs are private pay and can be very expensive. Others may be subsidized and available to people on public assistance.

There is little correlation between how much you spend on treatment and how well it will work for you.

3. Outpatient Rehab

Other addicts may choose to enroll in a professionally supervised program that lets them stay at home. This may be a viable option for people who have young children. If you cannot take time off of work, an outpatient program may be the best option for you.

Many outpatient programs combine medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with therapeutic counseling. A doctor will prescribe a drug like Suboxone. The patient will continue taking it under medical supervision, in addition to attending therapy sessions.

Continuous monitoring of the prescribed medication helps the patient avoid becoming addicted to the new substance as a replacement for the illegal opioid.

MAT works well in conjunction with other therapies like group and family counseling. Medication helps with physical issues, but psychological counseling is necessary to address addiction’s root causes.

4. Individual Treatment

After detox and residential or outpatient treatment, a patient may wish to continue individual counseling as well. Discovering the reasons behind one’s addiction and learning to live without substances can take a long time.

Because drug addiction often runs in families, a patient may wish to engage in family counseling to address issues at home. Ongoing therapy can also address early childhood trauma and other factors, and provide healthy tools for dealing with triggers, stress, and depression.

If a patient has taken Suboxone or other medications in order to kick a drug addiction, he or she should continue seeing a medical doctor who can help them wean off this medicine in the appropriate manner and time frame.

5. Twelve Step Programs

Even alcoholics and drug addicts who have hit rock bottom can find their way back. If a patient has remained clean for three years or more, they are more likely to stay off the illegal drugs for good.

Many recovering addicts need a maintenance program to continue staying clean. They often find that the group sessions in which they engaged while in residential or outpatient treatment continue to be helpful. The support of fellow addicts is important for continued sobriety.

Some former opioid addicts find relief and companionship by attending twelve-step meetings like Narcotics Anonymous. Based on Alcoholics Anonymous, the program encourages working with other addicts and attending meetings in addition to abstinence.

Different groups have different views on medically supervised medications like Suboxone. Because each 12 step program is autonomous, one group may think you cannot be clean while taking a drug like methadone while another group may have a different opinion.

You can find a group that is right for your particular approach to sobriety. Many addicts continue attending meetings with their group many years after finally kicking the habit.

Drug Treatment: Help Is Available

You may notice that there is one option not listed above: kicking the habit by yourself. Going it alone is generally considered an ineffective way to stop taking illegal drugs. Trying to withdraw alone is often futile, and can be dangerous.

Depending on your personality, budget and preference, there are many ways to get sober. There is no right or wrong way, so long as you get help.

Because addiction is so challenging to recover from, we encourage you to get help in whatever way works best for you. Taking drugs that are recommended and prescribed by a medical profession is a viable, legal and safe way that has helped many addicts get off of heroin, oxycontin,o and other drugs.

For more information on whether MAT is the best drug treatment for you, check out our site.

is addiction genetictreatment for opioid addiction

Treatment for Opioid Addiction: Does Medication Assisted Treatment Work?

/0 Comments/in /by

The opioid epidemic claimed over 45,000 lives in 2017.


With the rise in the use of heroin and the dangerous nature of the synthetic cuts used, the nation is facing a crisis unlike anything it’s ever seen. The overdose rate has doubled in the last 20 years.

Traditional treatment doesn’t prove effective in all cases. Instead, treatment for opioid addiction is increasingly focused on the use of medications.

MAT, particularly opioid replacement therapy, is still controversial, but it’s saving lives every day. If you want the facts, read on. We’ll break down the science and studies that await the recovering addict who’s willing to try something different.

What Is Opioid Replacement Therapy?

Opioid replacement therapy has been around for some time. Methadone used to be the front line treatment, but its long half-life and the intense withdrawals led to people seeking an alternative.

For most patients coming into a MAT program, the pharmaceutical of choice is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone. Under the brand name Suboxone, carefully controlled dosages are given to addicts.

Suboxone acts on the same receptors as traditionally abused opioids like heroin. A patient who is using buprenorphine will experience fewer withdrawal symptoms and cravings for the drug.

How Does Suboxone Work for Opioid Addiction?

Suboxone combines two drugs to achieve its effect.

Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist. It produces similar effects to commonly abused drugs in this category, but in a milder form. For most people, it lacks the euphoria and “high” that comes with illicit opioid usage.

Naloxone is also contained within prescriptions for buprenorphine. You may recognize the chemical name from the news. It’s the same drug that is used to treat opioid overdoses under the brand name Narcan.

This medication effectively stops other opioids from working in a person who’s using Suboxone by blocking the effects at the receptor level.

The end effect for the addicted person can be dramatic. ORT remains controversial, but it has given many people their lives back.

Opioid replacement therapy can be either short- or long-term.

Short-term therapies can be used to wean the individual off of opioids by alleviating withdrawal symptoms.

In more extreme cases, patients may find themselves on Suboxone for the rest of their lives. It’s not the optimal outcome, but when compared to the harm to the addict when using illicit narcotics, it’s a better option.

How Effective Is Suboxone?

Suboxone and its generic versions have become one of the main treatments for opioid addiction.

For the addicted individual, ORT offers a lot of advantages. Managing withdrawal early in recovery is important as the cravings and uncomfortable symptoms associated with it can make a patient more likely to relapse.

By using a prescribed drug instead of illicit compounds off the street, many of the problems associated with overdose can be avoided as well. It’s become a common practice to cut heroin with fentanyl, leading to a game of Russian roulette for anyone who uses the drug.

In addition, those using a prescription drug in an indicated manner are often better off socially.

The stigma that surrounds illicit drug use is mostly removed. Additionally, the portion of the day that was previously associated with drug seeking can now be used for more productive purposes.

It can also help reduce the social cost that is imposed on society by addicts. Addiction is associated with higher crime rates and antisocial behavior, which ends up harming society as a whole.

What’s the Long Term Prognosis?

Suboxone treatment is relatively new, at least compared with the use of methadone.

However, the long-term effects of treatment have been studied extensively. The increased rates of abstinence from opioids for up to two years after the drug has been used in a clinical setting are pretty impressive. Studies found that there was a 38 percent retention rate during that period.

In addition, studies on the outcomes for IV-using addicts found that each year of ORT reduced their overall mortality rate by 13 percent. This shows that opioid replacement therapy can reduce the overall cost of addiction on an already overburdened healthcare system.

The truth is that Suboxone-based treatment helps far more than it harms. Even if a person will be on it for life, their chances of surviving to old age greatly increase.

So, Why the Controversy?

The controversy that surrounds Suboxone or any ORT is centered around the fact that buprenorphine is still an opioid.

When an individual runs out of their supply, they will still go into withdrawal — and some patients have abused their scripts. While a maintenance dose is unlikely to have euphoric effects, some people have taken it into their own hands to acquire more than necessary off the street.

Even when used properly, there are some segments of the recovery community, particularly in NA, that frown heavily upon it. This can lead to an addict feeling ostracized in a place they should feel welcome, especially if the particular group has a heavy emphasis on forgoing MAT.

If that’s the case where you live, it’s important to find a like-minded community to help head off the negativity that may come your way.

In the end, the simple fact is that Suboxone has given many people their lives back, regardless of the arguments raised against it.

Trying a New Treatment for Opioid Addiction

Whether it’s you or a loved one, many addicts have tried to find a treatment for opioid addiction that works and failed. MAT using Suboxone is a great option for those who’ve found that more traditional methods have failed them.

Is it a magic bullet for substance abuse?

Not quite.

However, if you’re looking to try something new with plenty of medical evidence backing it up, then Suboxone treatment may be the right choice.

Find a clinic near you today and begin a new stage in your life!

advice for parents of addicts

How Do I Help My Child? Advice for Parents of Addicts

/0 Comments/in /by

Is your child suffering from drug addiction? Are you struggling to reach out to him? Are you searching for an effective way to end the addiction?

Drug addiction is a serious problem. It takes the lives of about 70,000 people in the United States annually. This scourge affects not only adults but also children and teenagers. From 1999 to 2016, opioids have killed close to 9,000 children.

But there is a solution to addiction. It starts by providing the right kind of advice for parents of addicts.

So if you are a parent of an addict, continue reading below as we discuss important points in dealing with drug addiction.

Advice for Parents of Addicts

No matter how helpless you feel regarding your child’s situation, there is a solution. Check out these six important truths that will help free your child from bondage caused by opioid addiction.

1. Rebuild Your Relationship

Dealing with a drug-addicted child begins with rebuilding your relationship. Issues that sprout from drug addiction often strain your relationship with your child. Thus, you need to strengthen it to get things back on track.

You can do so by having open and assertive communication with your child. This involves asking the right questions. It also entails actively listening to your child.

When asking questions, stick to the open-ended ones. Make sure that your questions are nonjudgmental. Do make your child feel that you are judging him for his actions.

Asking open-ended questions will help bring out more from your child. This will give him a chance to speak his mind openly.

When talking to your child, always maintain your focus. You need to be engaging. Always maintain a kind and respectful tone.

Try to limit your negative reactions. Manage your emotions if you become upset with his responses.

2. Focus on Positive Things

You want to foster an environment that is full of hope. Thus, you need to focus on positivity.

It is likely that your child is making poor decisions because of his addiction. This may result in low self-esteem. His self-confidence is also on a downward spiral.

To counter this, you need to focus on the positives. Make them feel that they can overcome their condition. Use encouraging words to drive out their negative thoughts.

Even if addiction is partly affected by genetics, all is not lost. Engage your child in an optimistic conversation. This will open up the doors for new things that will veer him away from his addiction.

By encouraging positive behaviors, you can help improve their coping skills. You can create better peer relationships. You will help him build strength to face his challenges.

3. Set Guidelines and Parameters

You also need to set guidelines and parameters both of you should follow. This will help clear the expectations regarding your child’s behavior. The key is to develop these guidelines in the presence of your child.

You need to collaborate and agree with each and every rule. Be sure to explain the consequences clearly in the event that your child breaks a rule.

You need to be clear on what will happen if they decide not to follow the guidelines. When implementing the guidelines, you need to detach yourself from your emotions. You need to be consistent when it comes to implementation.

As for the parameters, you need to set them when your child is calm. You need to discuss the parameters while they are rational.

Children struggling with drug addiction have the tendency to test the limits of the people they love. They will try to manipulate you using emotions.

4. Stop Enabling

We know that you love your child very much. However, there is a thin line between loving them and enabling them.

Do not become an enabler.

Use the boundaries that you set to check if you are helping your child cope or if you are simply enabling him. Enabling your child means shouldering much of your child’s responsibilities. It negates the value of accountability.

Do you make excuses for your child? Do you blame yourself for their actions? Do you focus more on eliminating their short-term pain instead of entirely solving the problem?

If your answer is “yes,” then you are likely enabling your child. Turn things around by letting your child know that you are in charge.

5. Love Your Child

Even as you strictly impose your guidelines, you should never forget to express your love for your child. When was the last time you gave your child a hug? Now is the best time to do so.

Show your love by hugging and kissing them. Praise them if they successfully followed the guidelines. Never get tired of giving words of encouragement.

Always remind your child that you love him.

6. Love Yourself

Lastly, you need to love yourself by taking care of yourself. This means not letting your child’s predicament consume you.

If your child continues to be hard-headed despite your efforts, do not blame yourself. Love yourself by accepting your limits.

Dealing with drug addiction takes a lot out of you emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Do not neglect your health, as it may lead to burnout.

Once stress gets the better of you, you will likely get sick.

Be open to the idea of asking for help. There are many drug treatment centers in the country. These places provide counseling not only for the addicts but also for their parents.

But be careful when choosing the best centers. There are those tagged to be unscrupulous.

Take care of yourself as you take care of the rest of your family.

Get the Right Kind of Help, Today!

Getting the best advice for parents of addicts will not be complete without getting the best medical products. We encourage you to look into Suboxone and how it can help your child battle addiction.

We offer extensive resources for Suboxone clinics and doctors in your area. Get in touch with us today. Let’s take a huge step toward restoring your child from drug addiction.

can addiction be cured

Can Addiction be Cured? Understanding Treatment Options

/0 Comments/in /by

In just adolescents alone, substance abuse is rampant. Extrapolate that to adults, and you’ll see that drug addiction is a concerning problem in this country.

If you are a drug addict, or if someone in your family is, you know just how serious the consequences of this affliction can be. Not only is it bad for your health, but it’s bad for your relationships as well.

So can addiction be cured? If you or your loved one is ready to take the first step towards recovery, it’s possible to beat almost any addiction.

This article highlights some of the treatment options available to you.

Rehab: Inpatient vs Outpatient

If you or your loved one is aiming to beat addiction, rehab is one of the main options you should consider.

Changing your environment is an extremely important part of the recovery process. This allows you to break any negative thought patterns that were contributing to your addiction. Rehab can also help you to get away from the negative people in your life who were contributing to your addiction issues.

When it comes to rehab, you have 2 main options available to you: inpatient and outpatient rehab.

Inpatient Rehab

Inpatient rehab means you’ll actually live in the rehab facility. You’ll have round-the-clock access to the care you need.

This treatment option is the most recommended as it has the greatest chance of being successful. Inpatient rehab means you can commit 100% to your goal of getting sober.

Of course, inpatient rehab isn’t always possible. You might have responsibilities that mean you can’t simply disappear from your life. In this case, you could consider outpatient rehab.

Outpatient Rehab

When you attend an outpatient program, you continue to live at home, but you go in to visit the rehab center at regular intervals. This is great if you have unavoidable responsibilities, such as work or school.

Generally speaking, outpatient rehab is also more affordable than inpatient rehab. So if money is a concern, you could consider going to outpatient rehab over inpatient.

Medication

If you’re intending to go through rehab, you’ll also need to consider medication. In some serious cases, certain medication might be essential.

If you’re a serious alcoholic, withdrawing from alcohol could have serious consequences. For this reason, alcoholics are often given a benzodiazepine such as Valium to prevent them from having a seizure due to withdrawals.

If you are addicted to opioids such as heroin or oxycontin, you might consider suboxone treatment. If you’re trying to quit opioids, you might’ve already tried to quit before and relapsed.

Suboxone helps with addiction as it’s a partial opioid agonist. It gives a “ceiling effect.”

It won’t get you anywhere near as high as other opioids, but it’ll prevent you from going into withdrawal. This allows you to use suboxone to transition into your sober life. In the right circumstances, suboxone treatment can work very well.

It’s very important that you consult with a doctor before taking this medication as there are some circumstances in which it shouldn’t be taken. For example, if you suffer from liver damage, it’s probably not a good idea for you to take suboxone. Make sure you’re completely open with your doctor about any medical issues.

Keep Withdrawal Symptoms at Bay

It’s no secret that the withdrawal symptoms from opiates can be extremely difficult to overcome. Not only are these withdrawal symptoms extremely unpleasant, but they also make it much more likely that you’ll return to doing opiates.

Suboxone helps you to get past the initial hurdle of physical withdrawal symptoms and allows you to advance into the next stage of your recovery.

Treat the Psychological Symptoms

If you truly want to cure addiction, it’s important that more than just the physical symptoms are addressed. You also need to consider the psychological factors that led to addiction in the first place.

In many cases, addicts manage to get clean by physically detoxing, but they don’t address any of the psychological conditions that initially caused their addiction. Without addressing the psychological side of things, there’s a high risk that you’ll relapse.

Many drug addicts have undiagnosed mental illnesses such as depression or anxiety. If you truly want to start living a sober life, you’ll need to face these kinds of problems as well as your physical drug addiction.

Sober Living

Once you’ve beaten your addiction, this is only the beginning of your recovery. As you probably know, many drug addicts end up relapsing months or even years down the line. This means it’s vital that you’re proactive in maintaining your sobriety.

There are a few ways you can help with this. You might see a therapist on a regular basis to address your psychological issues. If you’ve been diagnosed with a mental illness of any kind, you should consider this part to be an essential step.

You could also consider spending some time living in a sober living facility. In a sober living facility, you’ll live alongside other ex-addicts in the same position as you.

The facilities have a strict no drugs and alcohol policy, making it an ideal environment to avoid any bad influences. Living in a sober living center helps to separate you from bad influences and people who might disrupt your recovery process.

Can Addiction Be Cured?

The answer to the question of “can addiction be cured” is this: with the right treatment options, addiction can certainly be cured. It’s important that a holistic approach to addiction treatment is taken. It’s not enough to just go to rehab; you also have to make sure the psychological aspect is taken care of as well.

Another point to consider is that you can’t ever force someone to go to rehab and get clean. If you want to cure addiction, it’s essential that the addict actually wants to get clean. If you try and force recovery onto someone who doesn’t want it, or isn’t ready, it’s almost certainly going to fail.

Recovery can also take time. For many addicts, relapse is part of the recovery process. Just because someone has relapsed, it doesn’t mean their addiction can’t still be cured. There’s always light at the end of the tunnel.

Want to know more about suboxone? Then read this page.

opioid addiction signs

Something’s Not Right: 10 Opioid Addiction Signs Families Should Know

/0 Comments/in /by

Opioid addiction is a cruel disease that claims the lives of millions every year. If you’re concerned your loved one may be struggling with an addiction, it’s never too late to get them the help they need.


Recognizing the symptoms of opioid addiction can be difficult, especially in the beginning stages. As time progresses, however, your loved one will likely start acting like less like themselves.

That’s why recognizing any of the following opioid addiction signs is critical to making sure you can confirm that your loved one is addicted and you can start getting them the help they need.

Be sure to read this guide thoroughly and know what your options are if someone you know has an opioid addiction.

Opioid Paraphernalia

One of the most common signs of opiate addiction is drug paraphernalia strewn around the spaces of a user.

If someone is abusing opiates you may find:

  • Hard surfaces with dust on them
  • Foil squares for transporting heroin
  • Pipes for smoking heroin
  • Spoons with burn marks
  • Needles for injecting heroin
  • Belts or cords to tie off the arms
  • Loose pills
  • Empty pill bottles that aren’t prescribed to them
  • Empty baggies containing dust

These signs are most likely to present themselves during the late stages of addiction. Users tend to be more cautious when they first start out.

They are More Irritable

Opioid dependency can cause many psychological changes. Chief among these can be sudden, uncharacteristic mood swings.

These mood swings can be caused by irritability, a common sign of opioid dependence. The user may also have trouble concentrating and thinking quickly.

This is because opioids are depressants. They slow down the body’s systems and cause people to become more resistant to pain.

Opioid addicts may also fall asleep more often at inappropriate times because of this system slowdown.

They’re Part of an At-Risk Demographic

Opioid addiction was once common in inner cities among poor communities of minorities.

This has changed since the late 90’s because doctors now prescribe opioids more freely.

While this has led to some good, abuse of opiates now happens more among white working class areas.

Deaths due to opioid abuse also tend to happen more often in white people.

They Have Strange New Friends

Opioid addiction and dependency tend to make for strange bedfellows. Many people who become addicted to opioids make strange friends they seem to have nothing in common with.

Often, this is because they get to know these people from buying heroin together. Some people might also have sex with their dealers in exchange for pills.

Track Marks on Their Arms

If your loved one is using heroin, there are a number of physical signs to look out for.

Track marks are small marks on the arms of people who use heroin. These marks show up because these are the sites where a person plunges the needle into their arm.

Additionally, when a person gets high on heroin, their pupils will contract, they’ll feel calm, have a sense of euphoria, experience pain relief, and feel disoriented.

Visiting Multiple Doctors

Some opioid users will visit multiple doctors in a day to get multiple prescriptions.

If your loved one is constantly visiting different doctors, and possibly going to the ER often, they might be seeking new sources of opioids.

If they ever become desperate enough, they might put themselves in harms way constantly. For example, deliberately getting into car accidents or falling from heights and breaking bones.

This way, doctors will be forced to prescribe them something to help cope with the pain.

Physical Opioid Addiction Signs

Withdrawal, immediate effects and long term effects from opioids can look a lot like other illnesses.

Nausea, vomiting, and constipation are some immediate effects of heroin use. Often, users will wave these symptoms away as being some other sickness.

Long term effects can include weight loss, impulsive decision making, insomnia, and changes to a person’s physical appearance.

Some of these include

  • Sagging skin around the face
  • Bloodshot eyes
  • Bluish tint to the skin
  • Skin infections from constant itching

If your loved one has any of these symptoms, they could have an opioid addiction.

Past Physical Injury

If your loved one has had a traumatic physical injury in the past, they may develop an opioid problem.

Chronic pain can be debilitating. Dealing with constant pain can lead to depression, anxiety, hopelessness, and desperation for the pain to go away.

Some people can turn to abuse of prescription painkillers in their need for pain relief.

They Ask to Borrow Money Constantly

Once someone gets to the later stages of opioid addiction, it can become debilitating.

Many users report feeling their mind becoming consumed with thoughts of how they could get more of the drug they wanted.

This leads them to ask friends and family for money. Often times they had no means or intention of paying it back, and their only concern was with getting more.

Family History of Opioid Addiction

There is evidence to show that opioid dependence can be influenced by genetics. If you suspect someone might have a problem with opioid dependence, it is possible that it runs in their family.

Some genes can influence a person’s brain structure. As such, some people are born with more receptors to certain kinds of chemicals.

These receptors can heighten the euphoric effects of opioids, putting them at risk for developing an addiction.

Approaching Your Loved One about their Addiction

Once you’ve gone through all the opioid addiction signs and have confirmed that someone close to you is addicted to opiates, take a moment. Make sure that you don’t confront them in a panic.

When the time is right, sit down and talk to them about how they’re feeling. Let them know that you’re aware of their addiction, and find out if they’re ready to get help.

Once they’re ready, you can help them start recovering here.

what is methadone/addiction a disease

Is Addiction a Disease? A Guide for Families and Patients

/0 Comments/in /by

40 million Americans – or more than 1 in 7 people – over the age of 12 have some sort of addiction. This is more than the number of people who suffer from heart conditions or diabetes or cancer.

And while many agree that this is a prevalent and serious problem, not everyone agrees on whether or not addiction is a disease.

Is it simply a matter of making better choices and exerting better self-control? Or is it something over which those who suffer have no choice? Is addiction a disease?

Read on and we’ll discover how and why addiction is considered a disease.

What Is Addiction?

Addiction is a brain disease. It manifests itself as a compulsive substance use despite harmful consequences and affects the functioning of the brain and body.

People with addiction use a certain substance – such as alcohol or drugs – the point and with the obsessiveness that it takes over their lives. And they keep using that substance even when they know it will cause problems in their jobs, relationships, and other parts of their lives.

Addiction shows itself in a variety of symptoms, including a severe loss of impulse control and self-control, continued substance use despite serious consequences, an obsession with getting and using the substance, failed attempts to quit using, an increase in tolerance that requires more of the substance to achieve a “high” and withdrawal when away from the substance for too long.

Addiction can be effectively treated through a combination of working with healthcare professionals, seeking out rehab facilities, and the support of family and other loved ones. It also requires the addicted person to make the decision every day to stay clean.

The Science of Addiction

Since addition is a brain disease there is a great deal of science involved. It has a biological basis and is on par with other biologic diseases like cancer, diabetes, or heart disease. It must be treated with the same seriousness and attention to detail.

There is a stigma around addiction that those who use are simply out for a good time at the expense of whatever or whoever gets in their way. But this is simply not true.

The science of addiction tells us that addiction is a disease that must be treated. It cannot simply be cured on its own.

An addict’s inability to stop using has to do with deficits in the function of the prefrontal cortex, which is the part of the brain involved in executive function. The relevant jobs that the prefrontal cortex is supposed to handle include self-monitoring, delaying reward, and mediating between what the brain wants and what the libido wants.

All of these things, when impaired, make it much easier to become addicted to a substance.

Additionally, in an addict’s brain, when the body is deprived of the drug to which it has become addicted, the addict will feel extreme negative emotions and despair. And the fact that drug use floods the brain with dopamine and other neurotransmitters means that the ability to respond to normal causes of pleasure is taken away from the addict.

Is Addiction a Disease?

Both the American Medical Association and the American Society of Addiction Medicine define addiction as a disease. And, as we’ve already seen, scientific experts consider addiction a disease of the brain.

Focusing, for example, specifically on opioid addiction it’s important to know that it starts out slowly. It generally starts with someone being prescribed some sort of opioid by their doctor which works for a while until they build up a tolerance. They then need more and more until they’re addicted to the rush that the drug gives them.

After that, most opioid addicts turn to heroin as a cheaper option than prescription drugs.

Like many other diseases – diabetes, cancer, or heart disease, for example – addiction disease is caused by a combination of a number of behavioral, environmental, and biological factors. And risk factors that a person is born or raised with gives about a 50% indication that a person may develop an addiction.

Is Addiction a Chronic Disease?

A chronic disease is defined as a long-lasting condition that can be controlled but not cured. Addiction often becomes a chronic disease because once an addict starts they find it very, very hard to stop.

For many addicts, addiction is a progressive, relapsing disease. This just means that they often have to seek treatment more than once before they’re able to stay clean.

But yes, addiction is a chronic disease because it always needs to be controlled. An addict can’t simply engage in a spot of fun with a substance like many can – they have to do away with it in their lives completely.

Additionally, treatment has to be ongoing for the rest of the addict’s life. Otherwise, they run the risk of relapsing.

Is Will Power Enough?

Will power is often – almost never – enough. While the initial decision to use the decision is a reflection of free choice on the part of the soon-to-be addict, their free will kind of goes out the window after that.

Once you’re addicted to a substance you need it to feel good, you need it to feel happy, you need it to feel anything at all. So no, will power is not enough to avoid this.

And because of how addiction works in the brain, it is often hard to stop simply because you want to. And it is even more important to remember that many addicts won’t want to stop until they hit rock bottom. And even then it will be the hardest thing they’ve ever had to do.

Why Some People Say Addiction is Not a Disease

Some people argue that addiction is not a disease because it doesn’t have much in common with other diseases like diabetes, heart disease, or cancer. Put simply, they don’t think it’s a disease because there is no infectious agent.

Addiction starts as a choice to use a drug and so many see that as a sign that addiction is not a disease it is a choice. Something that could simply be avoided if the addict had simply made different choices.

But the same can be said of some heart disease, diabetes cases, and cancer cases. There are examples of all of these where choices have helped lead to the emergence of the disease. Much as someone who drinks every day can drink themselves into liver cancer.

Final Thoughts

Is addition a disease?

Yes, addiction is a serious and deadly disease. It affects millions of people and can lead to death if not taken seriously. Luckily, treatment is an option if you’re suffering from addiction as a disease.

If you or a loved one suffers from addiction, contact us today to speak with someone who cares and get help figuring out your treatment options.

what is methadone/addiction a disease

What is Methadone? Understanding Medication Assisted Treatment

/0 Comments/in /by

24% of the US adult population has experienced the effects of addiction to heroin or other opioids. Whether it’s a sibling, friend, or spouse, the detrimental effects of addiction are long-lasting and require therapy like medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to overcome.

One of the primary drugs used in a medication-assisted treatment plan is methadone. Physicians prescribe it today to help patients fight their opioid addiction.

But what is methadone exactly? And how can it help?

Start your recovery journey today. Keep reading to learn more about methadone and how medication-assisted treatment plans can help you.

MAT: The “Whole-Patient” Approach to Recovery

You’ve likely come across the term “medication-assisted treatment” while researching treatment plans for opioid addiction. Do you wonder if it’s the plan you need?

The truth is that drug addictions are complex and need complex treatment plans to heal the layers of emotional, mental, and physical trauma. No two treatment plans are the same, and you’ll want to choose what’s best for you (or your loved one).

That’s where MAT comes in–it takes the “whole-patient” approach to recovery. Medication-assisted treatment plans include prescription medication to ease the physical effects of addiction, and it also includes psychological counseling to help patients get the mental and emotional stability they need.

It’s a treatment plan that gives patients a more rounded-out recovery plan. MAT incorporates three important elements:

1. A prescribed medication, such as methadone, that makes opioid withdrawal less painful. It normalizes brain chemistry, relieves physiological cravings, and blocks the “high” from opioids. It also blocks the emotional pain that arises during withdrawal.

2. Counseling that deals with the underlying cause of the patient’s opioid addiction.

3. Behavioral therapy to help patients overcome destructive behaviors and mentalities.

The success of behavioral counseling rests upon the success of the medication. Different types of medications and different dosages are available to patients. It’s important to choose a medication that is right for the patient’s recovery needs.

What Is Methadone?

Methadone is one of three FDA-approved drugs used for medication-assisted treatments. It’s a synthetic opioid drug that patients take instead of heroin or other addictive substances.

How Does Methadone Work?

It’s an effective painkiller and coping mechanism. It reduces heroin withdrawal symptoms and helps patients cope with emotional pain during treatment.

Once methadone reaches a high level in the patient’s blood, they begin to experience its benefits. Their heroin cravings go away and they can live a more balanced life without the chaos caused by taking heroin.

Is Methadone Safe?

Patients who use methadone as part of their MAT plan are less exposed to the physical harm caused by injecting heroin. Instead of using infected needles, patients who take methadone receive specific oral doses within a safe clinic.

And you don’t have to worry about an overdose. Dosages come in different forms: flavored syrups, tablets, or powders. Licensed nurses measure them out and give them to each patient in a safe environment.

During treatments, patients visit their doctor and therapists for check-ups. Each step in their journey is planned out and safe.

How Long Does Methadone Last?

Patients only have to take the drug once a day because the effects of methadone last longer than heroin. Instead of stopping several times during the day for a dose of heroin, individuals can focus on other activities like school or work. They don’t have to worry about when or where they’ll get their next dosage.

Methadone also levels out the extreme highs and lows of normal heroin usage. Patients can live out a more balanced lifestyle–both physically and mentally. Using methadone helps individuals return to a normal and healthy life in their own time.

Physicians will schedule treatment plans for as long as the patient needs. With success, individuals can achieve full recovery and live a healthy lifestyle both during and after treatment.

Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT)

Since 1972, thousands of individuals have taken methadone as a recovery prescription for opioid addictions. It’s not only easier for the mental and physical withdrawal pain, but it’s also safer for individuals to take.

Remember, the goal of treatment plans like methadone maintenance treatment is to achieve full recovery.

Individuals who choose methadone maintenance treatment are choosing a treatment plan that lasts long-term. With dedication, it can enable them to overcome their addiction to opioids. There is no rush to achieve full health and patients are taken care of for as long as they need.

The length of this treatment plan is different for every patient. Physicians plan out the prescription, the dosage, and other therapies needed. Once prescribed, patients must receive the dosage by a licensed nurse and attend counseling.

Recover From Opioid Addiction

Choosing the right treatment plan and medication is an important step in the healing process. In fact, your healing journey begins by asking important questions like “Which medication-assisted treatments are available for me?” or “What is methadone and how can it help?”

Methadone has been used for over 40 years to treat patients with opioid addiction, but there are other prescription drugs available as well. These drugs are safe to use and help individuals recover. Your doctor will prescribe the best medicine and treatment plan for you.

Medication-assisted treatments are available to individuals suffering from opioid addiction. In fact, there are over 14,000 rehabilitation clinics open in the US today. Speak with a doctor to find out which treatment options are available and to learn more about medications to help with opioid withdrawal.

Ready to start your recovery journey? Find a medication-assisted clinic near you.

is addiction genetictreatment for opioid addiction

Is Addiction Genetic? A Guide for Families

/0 Comments/in /by

If you love an addict, it can feel like you live your life walking on eggshells. Each time you see an unknown number calling your phone, wondering if they’ve lapsed again. Or worse – is it the police, is it the emergency department?

It’s an exhausting and emotionally draining way to live. It’s often made worse by a sense of guilt: is this my fault? If many people in your family struggle with abuse of alcohol and other drugs, you might be wondering, is addiction genetic?

To learn the answer and find out how you can best support an addict, read on.

Is Addiction Genetic?

We know you want a straight answer, but the answer is complicated. We human beings are so very individual and live in such different contexts. So the answer here is both yes, and no.

There are genetic factors at play in addiction. There are also environmental factors that alter the chance of predispositions presenting.

Genetic Factors of Addiction

Addiction does appear to run in families. The American Psychologists Association (APA) say 50% of susceptibility is due to hereditary factors. There is a particular dopamine receptor (D2), which may predict addiction to alcohol, cocaine, and heroin.

People with fewer D2 receptors seem to be more likely to become addicted than those with many of these receptors. Remember that this receptor is only a predictor, not a determinant of addiction. The propensity for addiction is not the same as destiny.

When it comes to tobacco addiction, genes account for 75% of your likeliness to start smoking. Your genes also account for 60% of your likelihood to become addicted, and 54% of your chance of quitting.

Personality Factors of Addiction

There is a personality trait known as sensation-seeking. It’s seen as the ‘risk-taking’ factor that ties a seeking-out of novel and intense experiences or sensations. Now, someone with this personality trait isn’t destined to become an addict.

They might become a pilot, a professional rock-climber, or a high-stakes stockbroker instead. Psychologists believe personality has more to do with genetics than with the environment we grow up in. So, for the moment, nature has a slight lead over nurture in the age-old nature vs nurture debate.

Environmental Factors of Addiction

Genetics and personality factors influence your likelihood to try drugs. It’s the people around you and your ease of access to the drug that most influence your likelihood to actually become addicted. The exposure a child has to drug abuse and the attitudes of those around them to drug use are other environmental factors at play.

Some advertising campaigns focus on changing parent’s attitudes toward drugs like alcohol. That’s due to their roles as influencers and role models in their children’s lives. There are a growing number of campaigns trying to remove alcohol advertising in sports for similar reasons.

Trauma as a Factor in Addiction

Psychological trauma in childhood correlates with drug abuse in adolescence. Trauma resulting from exposure to abuse or domestic violence before the age of 11, has a particularly strong effect.  The research shows that this link is independent of the presence of mental health issues.

Trauma from natural disasters, major childhood illnesses, and car accidents can lead to drug abuse. To reduce the likelihood of later addiction, mental health issues or other problematic adult behaviors we need to deal with this early.
It is more likely adolescents will try drugs if they’ve experienced trauma, not that they will necessarily become addicted.

Genetic, environmental and psychological factors combine to increase the odds of addiction. What can you do if you are worried someone you love might be high-risk for potential addiction?

Protective Factors Against Addiction

It’s important drug treatment programs address underlying psychological harm from traumatic childhood experiences. They should work with the person to help them create less harmful coping strategies to work through their stress and trauma. Early intervention as they enter adolescence can have big benefits in terms of saving them a lifetime of addiction.

The Signs of Addiction

Drug abuse can affect anyone, of any cultural background, social class, and education level. If you suspect someone you love is abusing drugs, it is important to get help right away. So what are the signs that someone might have a problem?

Some of the signs of drug abuse include:

  • irritability, aggression, lethargy and/or depression
  • changes in personality
  • criminal activity
  • bloodshot eyes or dilated or constricted pupils
  • abrupt weight changes
  • Looking untidy, and losing interest in physical appearance

It’s Not Your Fault

When a loved one is abusing or addicted to alcohol or other drugs, it is common for family or friends to feel responsible. This is an unfair emotional weight. It’s important to remember that however unwell or traumatized your loved one is, they make their own decisions.

The best way you can help them is by being steady support. Let them know they can come to you if when they need to. Tell them you are worried about their behavior and you’ll support their recovery whenever they are ready.

You can’t change their life for them. You can’t do rehab for them. They need to come to help when they are ready for it to really work.

Getting Help for Someone with Addiction

You wanted to know ‘is addiction genetic?’, and our answer is, it’s complicated. Genetics, personality, environment, and trauma all play a part. And there is also an individual making choices about consuming drugs.

Early intervention psychological support can reduce the chance of addiction and later relapse. If you suspect your loved one is having problems with addiction, connect them to help. One very effective way of treating opioid addiction is suboxone.

If your loved one is battling an opioid addiction, it’s critical they get the right intervention early. The longer they continue drug abuse, the more physical damage they will do, and the greater the risk they place to their life.

If you’re ready to stop worrying every time the phone rings, connect your loved one to a suboxone clinic today.