Tag Archives: Prescription Drug Abuse

Opiates vs. Opioids: How To Tell The Difference

The words opiate and opioid are often used interchangeably, but they refer to slightly different types of drugs. Opiate refers to the opium poppy, and the drugs which are derived directly from the plant. Opioids are synthetic drugs made in laboratories which act in a similar manner to opiates.

Use Of Opiates Throughout History

Opiates have been used to relieve pain for thousands of years. The first writings referring to opium as an analgesic compound date to the third century BC. It was used during the American Civil War as a pain reliever, and a number of soldiers became addicted to morphine. At that time, it was called “soldier’s disease,” and those affected could achieve the highs they sought with a hypodermic needle, which had been invented in 1853 by Scottish surgeon Alexander Wood. Today, opiates and opioids, are prescribed often by physicians as part of a pain management program.

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Examples Of Opiates

Opium
Heroin
Morphine
Codeine

Opium is the powder made from the dried juice of the opium poppy. When it is ingested orally, it induces a state of peaceful well-being and sleepiness. It has been used since Babylonian civilization. Codeine is a naturally occurring opium alkaloid that be made synthetically. It is especially effective at treating pain when combined with other pain relievers, such as Aspirin.

Examples Of Opioids

Hydrocodone (sold as Vicodin, Lortab)
Hydromorphone (sold as Dilaudid)
Oxycodone (Percocet, Percodan, Oxycontin)
Oxymorphone (Opana)
Meperdine (Demerol)
Fentanyl
Methadone

How Opioids Work

Opioid pain medications bind to specific proteins called opioid receptors in the brain, spinal cord and other parts of the body. They reduce the level of pain signals sent to the brain to provide relief to the user. Medications in this class may be prescribed by a doctor when other pain medications have not been successful at controlling a patient’s pain.

Opioid Addiction

Since opioids can reduce pain and produce a sense of relaxation, it’s understandable that people who are experiencing pain regularly or on a daily basis may start taking more than their prescribed dosage of opioid pain medication or taking it more often than the doctor has prescribed, due to the feelings experienced and a quick-building tolerance. From that point, it’s a slippery slope toward prescription addiction.

Signs Of Opioid Abuse And Addiction

The signs and symptoms of opiate/opioid addiction include mood, behavioral and physical symptoms and include, but are not limited to:

Mood Symptoms

Increased anxiety
Irritability
Depression
Psychosis
Improved self-esteem (while high)

Behavioral Symptoms

Using a greater amount or longer than intended
Unsuccessful attempts to decrease amount taken
Doctor shopping
Losing interest in normal activities & focus on obtaining the drug

Physical Symptoms

Increased heart beat
Decreased appetite
High blood pressure
Increased sensitivity to sensory stimulation

Side Effects

Nausea
Confusion
Chest pain
Difficulty breathing
Constipation
Dependency
Overdose

Opioid Addiction Treatment

If you or your loved one suffers from an addiction to opioids, caring and professional treatment in necessary. New Beginnings Recovery Center offers safe outpatient opiate detox and treatment programs. We focus on the entire person – mind, body and soul. If you or a loved one needs help for prescription addiction, contact us now.

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We Have A Prescription Drug Abuse Epidemic

Deaths from prescription drug use have hit an all-time high, leading the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to declare a prescription drug use epidemic. Incidents involving prescription drug abuse have been steadily on the rise for the past two decades, and are now responsible for nine out of 10 poisoning deaths.

On a daily basis, 6,748 people receive treatment in Emergency Departments for either drug abuse or misuse, and around 120 people die. The death rate from drug overdose has more than doubled in the years from 1999-2013. Over half of the 43,992 drug overdose deaths in the US were attributed to prescription drug abuse. (CDC)

What Is Prescription Drug Abuse?

Prescription drug abuse is taking a medication in a way that is different from that which the doctor originally prescribed. It includes:

Taking a larger dose than what was originally prescribed
Taking a prescription prescribed for someone else
Using the medicine for another purpose (to get high)
Using it in a different manner than as directed (crushing tablets, then snorting or injecting them)

A number of prescription medications can have similar effects to illicit drugs when they are taken in higher doses than prescribed by a doctor or when taken by people who do not have symptoms of the disorders for which they are usually prescribed.

Types Of Drugs Commonly Abused

Painkiller addiction has become a major part of the prescription drug abuse epidemic, with opioids leading the way. Chronic pain is frequently treated with this class of drugs, and their clinical use has increased over the past several years.

Opioids can create a feeling of euphoria among users. Over time, a tolerance and physical dependence leading to drug addiction can develop. When taken at high doses or in ways other than prescribed, they can have similar effects to heroin. Some people progress to a heroin addiction when they are unable to access their prescription painkiller or can no longer afford it, since heroin can actually be easier to obtain and is a cheaper alternative.

Stimulants used to treat ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) are also being abused. Drugs such as Ritalin, Adderall, and Concerta act on the brain’s neurotransmitter systems in the same way as cocaine.

Prescription drugs used for anxiety, including Xanax and Valium, have the same type of calming effect as club drugs like GHB.

All of these drugs have the potential for addiction, and the risk is higher when they are abused. As a result, some physicians are reluctant to prescribe opioids to patients living with chronic pain, even when there is a clear need for pain management. The possibility of prescription drug abuse is having an impact on some doctors when making choices about what to prescribe for their patients.

Prescription Drug Abuse Treatment

If you concerned about prescription drug abuse for yourself or a loved one, contact New Beginnings Recovery today to learn about our treatment programs. We will develop a personalized prescription drug addiction treatment plan to help you or a loved one overcome the holds of prescription drugs.

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When Painkiller Addiction Turns Into Heroin Addiction

It has been all over the news in recent months, “Prescription drug and heroin use is skyrocketing, around the country.” The rising epidemic of painkiller use has been attributed to many factors including over-prescribing by physicians, an increase in illegal sales of painkillers, and a popular opinion that prescription drugs aren’t dangerous “hard drugs,” like heroin or cocaine.

How Painkillers Are Similar To Heroin

The truth of the matter is that these prescription painkillers are opiates, just the same as heroin, methadone, morphine, and other highly addictive drugs. Even in cases where the painkillers are being prescribed for legitimate medical reason, the patient can become addicted to the drugs just as quickly as those users of illicit drugs.

Quick And Unexpected Heroin Addiction

One of the most frightening trends of addiction to opiates that has been seen recently, is the large number of painkiller addicts that are becoming addicted to heroin. In many cases these heroin addicts were formerly addicted to painkillers such as oxycodone, Vicodin, Percocet, or other prescription drugs; and some were using it legally and legitimately for medical issues. A great many of these addicted individuals never even considered using heroin in their lifetime, but ended up with an addiction to heroin anyway.

What happens to these prescription drug addicts is that their addiction to the painkillers is so strong, that they will start going through the severe and dangerous withdrawal symptoms that are often seen in heroin withdrawals. These withdrawals are so severe and agonizing to the addict, that if they cannot find prescription drugs to make the agony go away, heroin becomes an available drug that may take the withdrawals away. It is in this moment, that an addict uses heroin for the first time, and often can become addicted to the heroin form of opium after the first use. Professional and safe detox is then required to safely get you off of the drug.

Dangerous Trends With Drug Dealers

Law enforcement around the country has even seen a trend in-which drug dealers are intentionally getting teens and young adults addicted to painkillers, only to take away the painkillers and offer heroin instead, trying to force addictions on their customers that keeps them coming back for more.

All of the trends surrounding addicts transferring addictions are quite scary, and the rates are rising at an alarming rate. Law enforcement is not sure how to combat these rising rates, but are looking towards drug rehab, counseling, and more readily-available addiction help as proactive approaches to help combat this rising epidemic.

Treatment For Addiction

If you or a loved one need to detox from opiates contact New Beginnings Recover Center now at 888-840-5189. We are here to get you on the right path to happiness and freedom from addiction!