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While methadone is a Schedule II substance, buprenorphine is a Schedule III substance, denoting it as a drug with a lower potential for abuse. As a result, burprenorphine is often considered to be a safer opiate treatment medication than methadone. According to the Drug Enforcement Agency, almost 16,000 physicians were certified to prescribe buprenorphine-based products, […]

What are Opioids? The opioid class of drugs includes both illegal substances (e.g., heroin) and prescription drugs (e.g., oxycodone, morphine, hydrocodone, fentanyl, etc.).2 While some of these drugs are manufactured from opiate alkaloids extracted from opium poppy plant materials, others such as fentanyl are entirely lab synthesized, with pharmacological activity similar to the plant-based versions.3 […]

OxyContin (oxycodone in its generic form) is a powerful pain medication intended for the relief of moderate to severe pain. OxyContin falls into the opioid drug classification. One of its main ingredients is thebaine, an organic chemical commonly found in opium, according to the Center for Substance Abuse Research (CESAR). It is unique because of […]

What is Codeine? Codeine is an opioid often used as a pain reliever and cough suppressant.1 Available in tablet, capsule, and liquid forms, codeine is frequently found in combination with other substances such as acetaminophen (a fever and pain medication), guaifenesin (an expectorant), and promethazine (an antihistamine).2-5 Along with therapeutic uses, codeine can be misused […]

What Is Dilaudid? An opioid narcotic medication 5-10 times more potent than morphine, according to the British Journal of Anesthesia (BJA), Dilaudid is the brand name for the drug hydromorphone, an analgesic available legally only through prescription. Hydromorphone is a pain reliever prescribed for severe pain, to treat chronic pain, or for those who are […]

What is Vicodin?: Uses & Dangers Historically, Vicodin was one of several branded formulations of hydrocodone available in combination with acetaminophen. The drug was discontinued in the U.S. market. Vicodin typically relieves pain for up to six hours, and medical professionals often prescribe this pain reliever for patients after surgery. Like any opioid pain medication, […]

What is OxyContin? OyxContin is a powerful, semi-synthetic opioid medication that is prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain due to traumatic injuries, arthritis, and cancer.1,2 People may misuse OxyContin because it can cause a euphoric feeling that resembles the high caused by heroin.1 OyxContin is a Schedule II substance, which also includes drugs like […]

What is Tramadol? Tramadol is labeled as a Schedule IV controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), meaning it has recognized medicinal use, but there is some potential for abuse and addiction.2,3 Previously unscheduled, but more recently as a Schedule IV drug, tramadol continues to be regarded as relatively safer and less addictive than […]

Every day in the United States, approximately 44 people die from a prescription opioid drug overdose, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In 2009, drug overdose fatalities surpassed motor vehicle deaths for the first time in history. By 2010, approximately 60 percent of the drug overdose deaths in America involved prescription opioids. […]

Prescription pain management medications are opioid drugs. While they have legitimate medical uses, they are sometimes misused, leading to dependence and addiction. Rehabilitation for those addicted to opiates sometimes includes the use of medications. Suboxone is one of the medications commonly used to lessen withdrawal symptoms and encourage abstinence from illicit opiate drug use. Suboxone […]