Substance abuse can simply be defined as a pattern of harmful use of any substance for mood-altering purposes. “Substances” can include alcohol and other drugs (illegal or not) as well as some substances that are not drugs at all. “Abuse” can result because you are using a substance in a way that is not intended …
In a new study, researchers found how cancer survivors could develop opioid addictions. The research was done by a team at the University of California San Diego and elsewhere. Opioids play an important role in how cancer patients manage pain, but the ongoing opioid epidemic has raised concerns about their potential for abuse. …
America’s Covid-19 epidemic is likely making its drug overdose epidemic even worse. While there’s no good national data for the year yet, local and state jurisdictions have reported increases in overdose deaths. According to the American Medical Association, as of July 20, more than 35 states have reported increases in drug-related deaths and other concerns with drug use …
Drug overdoses were increasing before Covid-19. The pandemic made things worse. Read More »
When the Covid-19 pandemic forced much of the US to lock down in the spring of 2020, officials and experts worried the necessary social distancing measures would make another public health crisis — the opioid epidemic — worse. Addiction treatment is traditionally done in person, and restrictions on gatherings and closed businesses would make it much less accessible. So …
Wash your hands. Practice social distancing. This often repeated and important public health messaging is critically important as the nation seeks to contain COVID-19. Recently, CDC officials encouraged people to have a 2-week stock of their medications. Unfortunately, for people taking medications for opioid use disorder, this simply may not be possible — without critical federal intervention. …
Nation’s opioid addiction treatment system during COVID-19 needs reform Read More »
Suboxone and Subutex are two drugs that have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of opiate addiction. Both medications work to eradicate opiates’ influence on the brain, and both medications allow opiate addicted users to stop taking drugs such as heroin (or pills such as OxyContin or Vicodin) without experiencing painful withdrawal …
Suboxone Vs. Subutex: What’s The Difference? (And Which One Is Right For You?) Read More »
Vox is investigating addiction treatment in America. Here’s our first story. By German Lopez@germanrlopezgerman.lopez@vox.com Sep 3, 2019, 7:00am EDT SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vermont — Kim Blake keeps a folder in her house, swollen with papers. Each document represents yet another try at helping her son Sean recover from a decade of drug addiction. Some papers are certificates …
She spent more than $110,000 on drug rehab. Her son still died. Read More »
The study helps show that the drug overdose crisis was fueled by too many opioid painkiller prescriptions.By German Lopez@germanrlopezgerman.lopez@vox.com Jul 9, 2019, 9:30am EDT A new study provides more evidence that America’s ongoing opioid epidemic was fueled by doctors prescribing more painkillers than patients needed — leading to what’s now the deadliest drug overdose crisis in US history. For …
Study: if a family member is prescribed opioids, you have a higher risk of overdose Read More »
In a new study, researchers found being mindful is key to recovering from substance addiction, such as opioid abuse and alcohol abuse. The findings suggest people who suffer from addiction may try activities that increase mindfulness. The team also found that mindfulness could fight against trauma. The research was conducted by researchers from the University …
Long-term use of opioids for reducing pains may increase people’s risk of opioid addiction. It has become a big burden for public health, and scientists and doctors are looking for effective ways to treat the condition. Jonathan Morrow, M.D., Ph.D., an assistant professor of psychiatry and a certified addiction specialist with the University of Michigan …
These 3 medications may help treat opioid addiction Read More »
