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  • Coping With Drug Withdrawal, Diarrhea, and Stomach Pain

    Coping With Drug Withdrawal, Diarrhea, and Stomach Pain

    Going through withdrawal is one of the hardest things someone could go through. Along with the constant cravings, many people experience symptoms like sweating, anxiety, insomnia, muscles aches, and blurry vision. Some of the later stage symptoms included diarrhea and stomach pain. These symptoms are inconvenient, can be incredibly uncomfortable and potentially life-threatening. If you are experiencing these symptoms, its important to monitor them and how long they last. If the symptoms persist, seek medical help to rule out an underlying viral or bacterial infection.

    Here are some tips to help you cope with the diarrhea and stomach pains associated with drug withdrawal.

    • Avoid hot drinks, acidic fruits, and spicy foods. Stick to bland foods like white toast, white rice, and bananas. These are easy on your stomach and will cause less irritation if you are unable to keep them down. 
    • Probiotics like yogurts with live/active cultures can help reduce the severity and length of your diarrhea.
    • If you are suffering from nausea and vomiting, it might be best to avoid solid food intake until the initial acute withdrawal phase passes.
    • STAY HYDRATED! It is vitally important that you replenish the fluids in your system. Continuously sip water.
    • Along with drinking water, replenish your electrolytes with Gatorades and Pedialyte. Fruit juices can also help replace electrolytes, but there is a risk they will exacerbate your diarrhea.
    • You can also make your own rehydration fluid from the following recipe:
      • 1 quart of water
      • ¾ teaspoon of salt
      • 2 tablespoons of sugar
      • Sugar-free lemonade or orange-pineapple drink powder for flavor

    You can also use over-the-counter medications like Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismal (Bismuth), or Imodium (Loperamide) to help control your diarrhea and slow down your bowel movements.

    If your symptoms persist, seek medical advice from your doctor. Some people who suffer from these symptoms return to drug use to soothe their discomfort. Talking to your doctor can prevent a relapse. They could also prescribe Gabapentin or an antispasmodic like Bentyl to help with your gastrointestinal discomfort. 

    Remember, the discomfort you experience during this stage will be worth a new life free from your addiction. IHAT can help you get the help you need to overcome opiate dependency. You shouldn’t go through this alone, seek help!

  • What You Need To Know About Opioid Use During Pregnancy

    What You Need To Know About Opioid Use During Pregnancy

    Pregnancy, whether it is planned or not, is a life changing experience. It can also be frightening and stressful, especially for women who are also dealing with an opioid addiction. Trying to do the best thing for your baby can be incredibly difficult when feel unable to control other aspects of your life. As you decide your path forward, it is important to understand the potentially deadly consequences of continuing opioid use during pregnancy.

    There are many risks associated with opioid use during pregnancy, particularly during later stages of pregnancy.

    Complications from opioid use during pregnancy include:

    • Placental abruption and insufficiency
    • Premature rupture of membranes
    • Intra-amniotic infection (inflammation of fetal membranes)
    • Preterm labor or premature birth
    • Fetal growth restrictions
    • Birth defects
    • Preeclampsia
    • Miscarriage
    • Fetal death
    • Postpartum heavy bleeding

    These complications are associated with both continued use of opioids and opioid withdrawal.

    The continued use of opioids during your pregnancy can also lead to your baby experiencing slow or ineffective breath (respiratory depression) after birth. In conjunction with these breathing problems, babies can go through withdrawal symptoms because opioids are able to cross the placenta and enter the fetal nervous system. This is called Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS).

    Signs of NOWS include:

    • Tremors
    • Jitteriness
    • Diarrhea
    • Irritability
    • High-pitched cries
    • Poor sleeping habits
    • Uncoordinated sucking reflexes

    Uncoordinated sucking reflexes is extremely dangerous because babies are unable to feed. Infants experiencing NOWS generally are kept in neonatal units in hospitals under constant medical supervision as they are weaned off the opioids in their systems. This process can take weeks, if not months. Recent studies have also found links between developmental delays and speech and language impairment in children born with opioids in their systems.

    If you are using opioids or are undergoing treatment during your pregnancy, you will likely have a team of specialists working with you to ensure the health and safety of you and your baby. These doctors may suggest frequent STI and other infectious disease testing, as well as screenings for depression and other mental health issues. Remember, your mental health is just as important as your physical health. You should have discussions with your medical team about any other substances, like tobacco or alcohol, you might also be using during your pregnancy. Your team will help you create a pain management plan for you to use during labor. They also may encourage you to breastfeed and continue to use an opioid substitution medication to help you maintain your recovery treatment plan.

    If you are experiencing acute pain during your pregnancy, get help from your medical team to help alleviate your pain. They can prescribe alternative therapies such as exercise or physical and behavioral therapy. If your pain persists, they can also find a safe method of opioid pain relief. If you are struggling with an opioid addiction, they can prescribe an opioid substitution medication such as methadone or Subutex to be use in combination with therapy to help you manage and treat your addiction. 

    Remember, there is no shame in seeking help to treat your addiction. It is one of the best things you can do for you and your baby.

  • Is Subutex Safe to Take When Pregnant?

    Is Subutex Safe to Take When Pregnant?

    Pregnancy can be a wonderful and exciting adventure. It can also be frightening, difficult, and worrying, especially if it is unexpected or comes at a difficult time in your life. Perhaps you have been thinking about getting clean and seeking help for your opioid addiction and finding out that you are pregnant has spurred you to start treatment. If that is the case, you were probably offered Subutex as a potential treatment and you are probably worried about how your addiction and treatment will affect your baby. The best thing you can do is seek help from medical professionals who have experience helping women in situations similar to yours.

    To help you in your treatment and keep you baby safe, your doctors may prescribe you Subutex. Subutex contains buprenorphine which blocks opiate receptors in the brain, helps to reduce urges, and staves off withdrawal symptoms. Staving off withdrawal symptoms is critically important for your health and your baby’s during your pregnancy. Doctors will most likely keep you on Subutex throughout your pregnancy as well as after you give birth. Your baby will receive further medical treatment which will help taper it off opioids immediately following birth.

    Is Subutex Safe For Unborn Babies?

    That is probably your primary question. Currently the FDA has labeled Subutex as a “C” class substance. This means that it is unknown if Subutex will severely harm unborn babies, or if it can contribute to neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), which can cause low birth rate, developmental challenges, and birth defects in babies. However, recent studies conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse have shown that it is safe for you and your baby. These studies have shown that Subutex is safer for your child than the traditional treatment of methadone. Both methadone and Subutex treatments during pregnancy have similar effects on key indicators of neonatal health. However, because Subutex is a partial opioid, it causes milder symptoms of neonatal opioid withdrawal, leading to a shorter recovery time for your baby.            

    If you are nervous about trying Subutex, talk to your doctors about the options available to you. Seeking some form of treatment is the best thing you can do for yourself and your baby.

  • Stages of Alcoholism: When Is It a Problem?

    Stages of Alcoholism: When Is It a Problem?

    Alcoholism is one of the most prevalent forms of addiction affecting Americans. Nearly 13.8 million Americans over the age of 18 have a drinking problem; 8.1 million of those suffer from alcoholism. If you are worried that you or someone close to you might be one of the millions suffering from this affliction, it is important to recognize the stages of alcoholism. The earlier you can recognize the problem, the easier it will be to seek treatment and change your life for the better. This post discusses the four stages of alcoholism and what the things to look for if you think you or a loved one are suffering.

    Stage One – Pre-Alcoholic

    This first stage is the hardest to identify because it looks very similar to normal, social drinking habits for the casual observer. During this stage, people tend to experiment with alcohol by trying new types, testing their limits of how much they can drink, etc. Drinking is mostly social at this point. At this stage, people’s tolerance to alcohol begins to develop, leading them to drink more to obtain the same level of “buzz”. Eventually, they will find themself being able to drink larger quantities of alcohol while still being able to function. If you are worried that you might be in this pre-alcoholic stage, ask yourself if you need a drink to feel better or if you need it to socialize. If you have a few drinks over the course of an evening out with friends, you most likely have nothing to worry about. However, if you find yourself needing a drink to feel better, avoid worrying, forget bad memories, reduce anxiety, or help with pain relief, you could be in the pre-alcoholic stage. Try going to a party or relaxing without a drink. If you find that you are unable to do, seek help. If you are worried about a loved one, see if they seem to need alcohol to relax or unwind from a stressful day or always have a drink in their hands during social events. 

    Stage Two- Early Alcoholic

    The second stage of alcoholism includes an increase in drinking as well as more stereotypical “college-aged drinking” behaviors such as binge drinking. Binge drinking is defined as 5 or more drinks for men and 4 or more drinks for women in 2 hours. Binge drinking is not safe even when done occasionally. Typically at this stage, people begin to experience alcohol related blackouts. They may find themselves drinking more consistently and frequently, shifting to drinking every weekend instead of just at social functions. Drinking starts to become an excuse to get together with people, a way to alleviate stress, combat sadness or loneliness, or something someone does out of boredom. People tend to develop a higher emotional attachment to drinking and a growing discomfort with the amount they find themselves drinking. At the same time however, they are unable to resist it. People’s tolerance continues to grow, leading them to drink larger quantities more frequently, and they begin to form an obsession with thoughts of alcohol and when they will be able to have their next drink. Many people begin lying to their loved ones about their drinking habits during this stage and begin to hide their habits by spiking sodas, coffee, etc. 

    Stage Three – Middle Alcoholic

    At this stage, the impacts of people’s habits begin to show and their drinking becomes a visible problem to their friends and family. People develop alcohol dependence with a strong attachment to alcohol, and while they are aware of the adverse effects of their drinking, they no longer have control over their consumption habits. People begin to drink at inappropriate times, such as when they are caring for children, driving, or at work. Relationship issues develop and many people have a sudden change in friends, often seeking out people with similar drinking habits. Many people experience a decrease in their social activities and difficulty conversing with strangers because of their erratic behavior and an increased irritability. Others begin missing work due to their drinking or their hangovers. High risk behaviors like drinking and driving are common at this stage, as are the legal troubles associated with them. At this later stage the physical symptoms of alcohol dependency such as facial redness, stomach bloating, sluggishness, weight gain or weight loss also begin to appear. At this point, some people become aware of their drinking problem and seek some form of help.

    Stage Four – Late Alcoholic

    This last stage is the most severe form of alcohol addiction and is typically referred to as alcohol dependence or alcoholism. People who have entered this stage have developed a high tolerance to the effects of alcohol and need to drink large quantities to even begin to feel “buzzed.” Drinking is now an all-day affair and everything else in a person’s life comes second to drinking. People in this stage no longer drink for pleasure, but need the physical and psychological effects of alcohol to live their lives, and develop compulsive behaviors to drink whenever and wherever they can. The long-term effects of alcohol abuse become apparent at this stage. Serious health problems such as dementia, paranoia, and cirrhosis of the liver develop. This is also the stage where withdrawal symptoms occur if someone attempts to stop drinking, often leading them to revert to alcohol for relief.             

    If you read this information and find yourself thinking that sounds like you, seek help. It is never too early to find treatments for your addictions. The sooner you do, the better your chances for recovery and a new, healthier lifestyle.

  • Everything You Need to Know About Suboxone

    Everything You Need to Know About Suboxone

    What is Suboxone you ask? Well, Suboxone is one of the most common drugs prescribed to help treat opioid addiction. It is commonly prescribed at the start of treatment and patients continue to take it until they have fully overcome their addictions. It helps ease the symptoms of withdrawal, particularly the harsh and violent symptoms caused by short-acting opioids like heroin and prescription painkillers. Suboxone is a combination of two drugs: buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine blocks opiate receptors in the brain, helps to reduce urges, and staves off withdrawal symptoms. Naloxone helps reverse the symptoms of an opioid overdose by blocking and reversing the effects of opioids on a person’s nervous system. Unlike other opioid replacement drugs which require a prescription from a special treatment center, Suboxone can be prescribed by your doctor.

    Now perhaps you read buprenorphine and are questioning if it is possible to get addicted to Suboxone. It is a good question, since buprenorphine is an opioid, but worry not. Suboxone adds naloxone to negate the addictive nature of buprenorphine. Suboxone works as a depressant to help your brain redirect its pleasure centers away from the endorphin highs created by using opioids, helping you find a balance between euphoric highs and devastating lows. People who have taken Suboxone experience pain relief, a sense of calmness and overall well-being, reduced levels of stress, fewer worries, and relaxation. Unlike other opioids, buprenorphine also has a “ceiling effect.” This means that you will eventually build up a tolerance to the drug, and will be unable to overcome this tolerance by taking it more often or in larger doses. Studies have shown that Suboxone has led to increased and lasting sobriety among users.

    If you are prescribed Suboxone, be sure to follow the directions on the prescription label and to read all medication guides. Do not take larger doses or use Suboxone for longer than prescribed. Communicate regularly with your doctor about how you are feeling while taking it, and let them know if you feel an increased urge to use more of the medication, as this is a sign that you are becoming addicted to Suboxone and your treatment plan needs to be updated. Do not suddenly stop your Suboxone treatment as it could cause severe withdrawal symptoms. Talk to your doctor about how to safely stop taking this medication.

    Suboxone comes in tablet form or as a film sheet that dissolves on your tongue, similar to the mouthwash film sheets you find at the store. Treatment plans vary, but typically a medical professional will give you an initial dose of Suboxone at a clinic 12-24 hours after your last dose of opioids to help mitigate the symptoms of withdrawal. For the next two days you will be given a Suboxone film sheet. The first day consists of taking a lower dose film sheet every 2 hours, and then a single higher dose sheet on the second day. Film sheets are used to minimize your exposure to naloxone and mitigate withdrawal symptoms. Following these initial doses, your doctor will prescribe you a maintenance plan consisting of either Suboxone film sheets or tablets. They will most likely also recommend frequent blood tests to check your liver function. 

    While taking the film sheets, be sure to drink water beforehand to moisten your mouth and help dissolve the film. Let it dissolve fully against your cheek or under your tongue. Do not chew or swallow it. If you are prescribed Suboxone tablets, do not crush or break them to inhale the powder or mix it with liquid to inject it. These methods have resulted in death. 

    Do not drink alcohol while on Suboxone as it can lead to death. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how Suboxone affects you.

    If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before starting Suboxone. There is a possibility your newborn could suffer from life-threatening withdrawal symptoms at birth. Tell your doctor if you notice severe drowsiness or slow breathing in your nursing baby if you’re taking Suboxone while breastfeeding. 

    Do not take Suboxone if you suffer from breathing problems, sleep apnea, an enlarged prostate, urination problems, liver or kidney disease, have problems with your gallbladder, adrenal gland, or thyroid, have had a head injury, brain tumor, or seizures. Breathing problems and sleep apnea are especially dangerous because Suboxone can cause your breathing to slow.

    There are minor side effects from starting Suboxone like dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, fever, headaches, nausea, and sweating, but these usually subside within a few days. However, if you experience the following symptoms, seek medical help immediately:

    • Weak or shallow breathing
    • Breathing stopping during sleep (sleep apnea)
    • Confusion
    • Loss of coordination
    • Dizziness 
    • Extreme weakness
    • Blurred vision
    • Slurred speech
    • Light-headed feeling, feeling like you might pass out
    • Liver problems (upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stool, jaundice)
    • Agitation
    • Hallucinations
    • Persistent nausea and vomiting

    You should talk to your doctor if you are taking a Benzodiazepine before starting Suboxone as it can interfere with the effectiveness of the drugs. Suboxone can also interact with medications taken for:

    • Cold and allergy
    • Asthma and COPD 
    • Motion Sickness
    • IBS
    • Overactive Bladder
    • Depression
    • Mood Disorders
    • Parkinson’s Disease
    • Migraines
    • Serious Infections
    • Diuretics (“water pills”)
    • Sedatives (Xanax, Valium)
    • Sleeping Pills
    • Muscle Relaxers
    • Anti-Nausea 

    If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction such as swelling in the throat and difficulty breathing, stop taking Suboxone and seek medical attention immediately.

    Taking Suboxone is the first step on your journey to recovery. It is not a miracle cure-all and should be combined with continued in-and out-patient therapeutic treatments such as counseling and group therapy.

    There is so much more to know and consider before taking Suboxone and we recommend contacting one of our medical experts who can answer any of your questions.

  • Taking Benadryl with Suboxone: What You Need to Know

    Taking Benadryl with Suboxone: What You Need to Know

    Allergy season is upon us and like the thousands of other allergy sufferers you are looking for relief from itchy eyes, congestion, runny noses, and hives. Most people will find relief with antihistamines like Benadryl. However, you also are currently taking Suboxone to help with your recovery treatment and you are worried about possible drug interactions. Internet searches only added to the confusion. Luckily, we have all the information you need right here.

    First, it is important to know what is in Suboxone and Benadryl. Suboxone is a combination of two drugs: buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine blocks opiate receptors in the brain, helps to reduce urges, and staves off withdrawal symptoms. Naloxone helps reverse the symptoms of an opioid overdose by blocking and reversing the effects of opioids on a person’s nervous system. Benadryl is a combination of acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, and phenylephrine. Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer found in over-the-counter drugs like Tylenol. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that reduces allergy symptoms, and can be used to treat motion sickness, induce sleep, and help treat certain symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Phenylephrine is a decongestant used to treaty stuffy noses and sinus congestion.

    Of the three drug components in Benadryl, diphenhydramine can cause problems when mixed with Suboxone. Taking the two drugs together can increase side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. Elderly patients in particular need to avoid mixing the two drugs as they can cause an impairment in thinking and judgment, and a loss of motor coordination. Mixing these two drugs is especially dangerous because it can lead to a depression of your respiratory and central nervous systems. These depressions severely impair your ability to breath and can lead to death.

    If you are desperately seeking allergy relief, try other drugs without diphenhydramine like Zyrtec or Allegra. If you have and they are not working, talk to your doctor to see if there is a way to safely combine your Suboxone treatment therapy with Benadryl. You can also consult with one of our addiction specialized doctors.

  • What Are The Benefits Of Outpatient Addiction Clinics?

    What Are The Benefits Of Outpatient Addiction Clinics?

    One of the first choices you will have to make when seeking treatment for your addiction is what type of clinic is best for you: inpatient or outpatient. Most people imagine rehab as an inpatient process, where they spend a few weeks away from their family, friends, and the temptations of the outside world. For many people, however, weeks away from work is financially impossible, and the stigma associated with “checking into rehab” stops them from getting the help they need. Fortunately, outpatient addiction clinics offer an alternative solution that not only cheaper, but also more private. These clinics allow you to continue working and living your life while getting the treatment you need to overcome your addiction.

    There are a variety of outpatient clinics available for anyone seeking help. They are often located at local health department offices, mental health or hospital clinics, or counselor’s offices. Many of these locations also offer medical detox treatments, which are needed before you start your rehab therapy. The medical professionals leading you through your detox can also help you through your rehab process. The continuation of care builds a trust-filled relationship between you and the medical professionals that will help you during your recovery. Because they will be with you throughout the journey, these professionals will get to know you, your triggers, and will be able to recognize if you are having a difficult time. Since these clinics are located in your local community, you won’t have to worry about arranging long distance travel or adapting to a new environment during your treatment. This alleviates a lot of stress and anxiety as you search for the best program for you.

    Outpatient clinics give patients the option to attend therapy sessions, counseling, and other detox programs tailored to fit their schedule. Some offer daily intensive treatment over a few weeks, while others take a more relaxed approach of one or two sessions a week for a couple of months. Most of these sessions are offered in the evening or in off-hours to fit around your work schedule. Group therapy and counseling sessions reduces your feelings of isolation while you learn your triggers and coping mechanisms. The group model allows you to celebrate your successes, share your fears, and ask for help from people who truly understand what you are going through. 

    Unlike inpatient programs which isolate patients from families and friends, outpatient clinics allow you to return home to the comfort of your home every night. This can be incredibly beneficial for your recovery because it allows you to maintain your relationships and lean on your support networks to help you through the process. These programs also provide guidance for your loved ones on how they can help you during your recovery, educating them about the challenges you are facing to help mitigate any shame you feel about your situation. Family therapy sessions allow you to work with your family and friends to create a new, lasting, substance-free lifestyle.

  • Common Withdrawal Symptoms of Quitting Alcohol

    Common Withdrawal Symptoms of Quitting Alcohol

    The withdrawal period of substance abuse recovery is rough. Fear of intense withdrawal symptoms often deters people from seeking help or causes them to start using again. Whether you are looking to stop using opioids, cocaine, methamphetamines, or an everyday substance like alcohol, the withdrawal period is one of the most difficult parts of the recovery process. However, understanding the symptoms of withdrawal can help you prepare and take precautions against the worst of it. In this post, we are discussing the symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal, what you need to look for, and when to seek medical help.

                Alcohol addiction, or alcoholism is a real disease that affects people from all walks of life. Because of alcohol is widely available and socially acceptable, it is often difficult to discern when your drinking habits become a problem. If you notice you are drinking more alcohol more often, have a high tolerance or a lack of “hangover’ symptoms, begin hiding your drinking, or develop a dependency on alcohol to function in everyday life, you should reflect on why that is. These are common symptoms of alcoholism. Remember, there are no specific characteristics that increase your chances of becoming an alcoholic, so it is important to look for early warning signs.

    If you are worried you might be an alcoholic and decide to stop drinking, be on the lookout for symptoms of withdrawal. The symptoms are usually self-diagnosable. This is good for your recovery process because it allows you to seek help quickly and reduce your pain and suffering. For most people, symptoms begin to develop 2-4 days after they stop drinking. However, depending on the depth of your addiction, symptoms may start as early as a few hours after your last drink. Some of the symptoms you could experience include:

    • Headaches
    • Nausea
    • Tremors
    • Anxiety
    • Shakiness
    • Sweating
    • Loss of appetite
    • Vomiting
    • Insomnia
    • Seizures
    • Hallucinations and disorientation

                The progression of alcohol withdrawal typically occurs in three stages. The first stage is the onset of mild symptoms like sweating, shakiness, nausea, and headaches. These usually occur within the first 6 hours of your withdrawal. The second stage happens 12-47 hours into the process and can include hallucinations and seizures. The final stage at 48-72 hours involves high levels of confusion, high blood pressure, heavy sweating, fevers, and a racing heartbeat. During this final stage some people may develop delirium tremens (DTs) which are vivid hallucinations and delusions. Some people can suffer these symptoms for months. The longer your alcoholism goes untreated, the worse the symptoms of withdrawal. Also, it is important to remember that you can go through withdrawal more than once if you start drinking again. If you begin to experience these symptoms, seek out a medical professional for help. They will be able to check for underlying medical conditions, and can prescribe benzodiazepines to help alleviate your symptoms. By seeking professional treatment and a rehab program that suits their needs, most people fully recovery from their alcoholism.

  • Everything You Need to Know About Fentanyl

    Everything You Need to Know About Fentanyl

    We all have seen the headlines about the current opioid crisis in America.  Whether prescription, illegal, or illegally manufactured prescription drugs, tens of thousands of Americans die every year from opioid related overdoses. One of the drugs at the center of this crisis is fentanyl. The rates of overdose deaths involving fentanyl and fentanyl analogs increased by over 16% from 2018 to 2019. These rates accelerated in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A significant factor which contributed to the rise of fentanyl overdose deaths in America is a lack of awareness among the public about the drug, how addictive it is, and the symptoms associated with a fentanyl overdose. To do our part to help fight against the opioid crisis, we here to provide answers to your questions about fentanyl and what you can do to help those closest to you who suffer from opioid addiction.

    What is fentanyl?

    Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid most commonly found in prescription painkillers such as Actiq, Duragesic, and Sublimaze. Typically given as a shot, a patch, or a lozenge to patients for pain relief before and after surgery, it also is used to help mitigate pain in cancer patients. For people who suffer from chronic pain and already have a narcotic pain treatment plan, fentanyl is used to treat flare-ups of intense pain or when they become tolerant to other, weaker opioids. 

    How does it work?

    Fentanyl works in a similar way to morphine. It blocks pain receptors in the brain and increasing the production of dopamine – the happiness-inducing brain chemical. Because fentanyl is highly addictive, a program has been set up to decrease the risk of addiction. First, your doctor needs to be enrolled in the national program to prescribe fentanyl, and your prescription has to be filled at a pharmacy also enrolled in the program. Your doctor will talk to you about the risks and benefits associated with fentanyl, as well as how to safely use, store, and dispose it. After you have been given this information and all your questions are answered, you will sign a form acknowledging that you have received the information, understand the risks, and will follow your doctor’s instructions about how to use it safely. Your doctor will then send this form to the national program and you will be able to receive your prescription. Do not use fentanyl more than four times a day. If your pain persists, call your doctor to adjust your pain management regiment. 

    Are there any side effects?

    People who are given fentanyl experience feelings of extreme happiness. However, they also can experience negative side effects like drowsiness, nausea, confusion, constipation, sedation, problems breathing, and periods of unconsciousness while using it. The negative effects are mitigated by health professionals who closely monitor patients and their pain levels while under their care. Taking certain medications with fentanyl can also increase the chances of developing serious or life-threatening problems. Be sure to tell your doctor about any other drugs or herbal supplements you are taking before taking fentanyl for pain management. If you develop unusual dizziness, lightheadedness, extreme sleepiness, difficulty breathing, swelling of the limbs, insomnia, or sudden reddening of the face, neck, or upper chest, call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical care. Be sure your caregiver or family member know about these symptoms and what to do if you being experiencing them or become unresponsive.

    Is fentanyl illegal?

    When prescribed by a medical professional, fentanyl is a legal drug. While it has similar effects to morphine, fentanyl is 50-100 times more potent. This increased potency makes is much more addictive and increases its desirability on the illegal drug market.  Illegal forms of fentanyl are known as Apace, China Girl, China White, Dance Fever, Goodfellas, He-Man, among others. They are administered as powders either dropped onto blotter papers and dissolved on the tongue, mixed into eye drops or nasal sprays, or in pill form. The ease and low cost of fentanyl manufacturing makes the drug attractive on the illegal drug market and had led to an increase in production. Not only is fentanyl sold on its own, it also is mixed with other drugs like heroin and/or cocaine to increase the potency and addictiveness of the drugs. Many people who buy these drugs are unaware that fentanyl has been mixed in. This dangerous practice and lack of awareness among users has led to higher rates of overdose and death.

    Why is fentanyl addictive?

    Fentanyl is highly addictive because it blocks the pain receptors in the brain and creates euphoric feelings in users. Its potency intensifies these feelings and causes users to seeking stronger doses as they build up a tolerance over time. People using fentanyl can also experience withdrawal symptoms such as muscle and bone pain, sleep problem, cold flashes, uncontrollable leg movements, severe cravings, diarrhea, and vomiting as early as a few hours after they have taken their last dose. The short amount of time between euphoric high and miserable withdraw symptoms leads people to use the drug more frequently and in higher doses.

    Because it is prescribed by medical professionals, many people are unaware of fentanyl’s addictiveness. This lack of awareness leads to a higher likelihood for accidental or intentional abuse. If you are concerned that someone close to you might be struggling with an addiction to fentanyl, there are several red flags you can look for in their behavior. These include:

    • Ignoring commitments and responsibilities
    • Unexplained absences
    • Sudden mood swings and changes in behavior
    • Unusual lack of motivation
    • Problems at work, school, or at home
    • Lapses in concentration or memory
    • Withdrawal from normal social contacts
    • Weight loss or changes in physical appearance
    • Being oddly secretive about parts of their personal life
    • Drastic changes in sleeping patterns

    It is important to remember that everyone is different and it might be harder to detect an addiction in some people than it is in others.

    What are the signs of a fentanyl overdose?

    It is vitally important to recognize the signs of an overdose because time is of the essence to save someone’s life. Signs of an overdose include:

    • Pinpoint pupils
    • Breathing slows or stops
    • Unconsciousness
    • Unresponsiveness
    • Blue lips, fingernails, and a blueish purple skin tone (for lighter skinned people) or a grayish or ashen skin tone (for darker skinned people)
    • A slow, erratic, or non-existent pulse
    • Vomiting
    • Awake but unable to talk

    If someone is showing any of these symptoms call 911 immediately and report a drug overdose. While you wait for medical help to arrive, try to rouse the person by speaking loudly and rubbing your knuckles vigorously up and down their sternum. Make sure the person is breathing and if they are not, administer rescue breathing (mouth-to-mouth), then turn them on their side once they resumed breathing on their own. Whatever you do, do not leave the person until medical help has arrived.

    How to treat a fentanyl overdose? One way to treat a fentanyl overdose is to administer naloxone if you have it with you and know how to administer it. During the recovery process, medical professionals will prescribe drugs like Suboxone to help mitigate withdrawal symptoms and suppress fentanyl cravings. These drugs, combined with in/out patient therapy, group support, and counseling are vital steps on the recovery process to overcoming a fentanyl addiction.

  • Is Suboxone A Good Treatment for Opiate Addiction?

    Is Suboxone A Good Treatment for Opiate Addiction?

    On your journey to recovery, you have likely been bombarded by information telling you to take this drug, use this method, try this therapy, etc., etc. It can be overwhelming, confusing, and probably feels like you’ll never find a way out. With the proliferation of information and “fake news,” you want to make sure you’re getting the best information suited for you and your circumstances. If you are looking for an easy place to start and a guarantee of relevant information for you, you should talk to your doctor. They know you and your medical history, and can help you find the right treatment plan that will lead to lasting sobriety.

    One part of the first things they will probably suggest is for you to start taking Suboxone. What is Suboxone you ask? Well, Suboxone one of the most common drugs prescribed to help treat opioid addiction. It is commonly prescribed at the start of treatment and patients continue to take it until they have fully overcome their addictions. It helps ease the symptoms of withdrawal, particularly the harsh and violent symptoms caused by short-acting opioids like heroin and prescription painkillers. Suboxone is a combination of two drugs: buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine blocks opiate receptors in the brain, helps to reduce urges, and staves off withdrawal symptoms. Naloxone helps reverse the symptoms of an opioid overdose by blocking and reversing the effects of opioids on a person’s nervous system. Unlike other opioid replacement drugs which require a prescription from a special treatment center, Suboxone can be prescribed by your doctor but should be taken only after a consultation with a specialized addiction doctor.

    Now perhaps you read buprenorphine and are questioning if it is possible to get addicted to Suboxone. It is a good question, since buprenorphine is an opioid, but worry not. Suboxone adds naloxone to negate the addictive nature of buprenorphine. Unlike other opioids, buprenorphine also has a “ceiling effect.” This means that you will eventually build up a tolerance to the drug, and will be unable to overcome this tolerance by taking it more often or in larger doses. This is great news for your journey to recovery!

    If you are prescribed Suboxone, you can take it in pill form or as a film sheet that dissolves on your tongue, similar to the mouthwash film sheets you find at the store, once a day for as long as your doctor prescribes. Suboxone works as a depressant to help your brain redirect its pleasure centers away from the endorphin highs created by using opioids, helping you find a balance between euphoric highs and devastating lows. People who have taken Suboxone experience pain relief, a sense of calmness and overall well-being, reduced levels of stress, fewer worries, and relaxation. Studies have shown that Suboxone has led to increased and lasting sobriety among users.

    There are minor side effects from starting Suboxone like fatigue, fever, headaches, nausea, and sweating, but these usually subside within a few days. People taking Suboxone should avoid alcohol. You should talk to your doctor if you are taking a Benzodiazepine before starting Suboxone or if you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction such as swelling in the throat and difficulty breathing.  

    Remember, Suboxone is only one step to overcoming opioid addiction and should be combined with in- or out-patient treatments, group support, and counseling.