Tag Archive

How Does Heroin Addiction Develop? Individuals smoke, snort, sniff, or inject heroin, which enters the brain, converts to morphine, and binds to the opioid receptors.2,3 As heroin use continues, the neurons in the brain adapt to the heroin exposure, diminishing the drug’s sensitivity and making it harder for the individual to to function normally without […]

It is not meant for long-term use. Although the Drug Enforcement Administration has moved it to either Schedule II or III (depending on dose), it is also considered a Schedule V substance in extremely low doses, meaning it is not as tightly controlled as pain-relieving doses. Because codeine is an opioid drug, it is subject […]

What is Morphine, and What is Morphine Used For? Morphine is a prescription opioid that is clinically indicated for the treatment of severe pain.1 It’s available as a generic (i.e., morphine sulfate) as well as by brand names such as Duramorph PF and MS Contin.2 While there are valid therapeutic morphine uses, people also misuse […]

Despite its success in addiction treatment, over the years, an ugly side of methadone has reared its head, as more and more people find themselves addicted to the very drug meant to help them manage their addiction. The numbers are astounding; in 2012, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported that one-third of all prescription […]

What is Hydrocodone? Hydrocodone, an semisynthetic opioid medication comes in tablet form—in a variety of doses—to be taken orally.1 It is often found in combination with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Although hydrocodone can be beneficial when taken as directed under a physician’s supervision, as a Schedule II narcotic, under the Controlled Substances Act, it has a […]

What is Methadone?  Methadone is a long-acting opioid agonist that’s regularly used as a maintenance treatment for opioid use disorders (OUDs) and as an opioid withdrawal medication.1,2 Like other opioids, methadone works by activating opioid receptors in the brain. But due to its more gradual impact on these receptors, methadone effects typically don’t include the […]

When taken as prescribed, this combination of painkillers is effective at treating moderate to severe pain after an injury, surgery, or illness. When a doctor prescribes Percocet, the intention is for short-term treatment; this drug is not intended to treat long-term, chronic pain. Because Percocet enters the bloodstream quickly to relieve pain, and the effects […]

What Is Hydrocodone? Hydrocodone is a semisynthetic opioid often found in combination with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. It’s most often prescribed to manage moderate to moderately severe pain.1 Hydrocodone may be administered in both immediate- and extended-release formulations and is available in liquid solution, capsule, and tablet form.2 Other formulations combine hydrocodone with chlorpheniramine or homatropine […]

Symptoms of Dilaudid Withdrawal Symptoms of Dilaudid withdrawal typically begin within 4-8 hours after last use and may include: Nausea Restlessness Irritability Anxiety Fever Sweating Cravings for the drug Vomiting Diarrhea Chills Muscle spasms, aches, and pains Depression Confusion Suicidal ideation Cognitive issues Appetite loss Dilaudid Withdrawal Timeline There will be quite a bit of […]

What Is Oxycodone? Oxycodone is a highly addictive opioid pain reliever used to treat moderate to severe pain. This semisynthetic opiate can be found in medications by itself or in combination with other pain relievers. It’s given as a pill, capsule, or liquid solution. It comes in both immediate-release and extended-release forms. The extended-release versions […]