Answer Addiction

Author: The Fix

  • Opioid Manufacturer Teva Reaches $85 Million Settlement With Oklahoma

    Opioid Manufacturer Teva Reaches $85 Million Settlement With Oklahoma

    Teva did not acknowledge any wrongdoings in the settlement. 

    The state of Oklahoma has reached an $85 million settlement with Teva Pharmaceuticals, the world’s largest manufacturer of generic drugs. 

    The settlement was announced on Sunday, ahead of a trial slated to start on Tuesday (May 28). Purdue Pharma had previously reached a $270 million settlement with the state in the case, but the trial will move forward with Johnson & Johnson and its subsidiaries, which have not reached a settlement. 

    “Today’s announcement is a testament to the state’s legal team’s countless hours and resources preparing for this trial and their dedication and resolve to hold the defendants in this case accountable for the ongoing opioid overdose and addiction epidemic that continues to claim thousands of lives each year,” Attorney General Mike Hunter said in a statement. “Nearly all Oklahomans have been negatively impacted by this deadly crisis and we look forward to Tuesday, where we will prove our case against Johnson & Johnson and its subsidiaries.”

    Teva, like Purdue, did not acknowledge any wrongdoings in the settlement. 

    “The settlement does not establish any wrongdoing on the part of the company,” Teva representatives said in a statement, according to The Oklahoman. “Teva has not contributed to the abuse of opioids in Oklahoma in any way.”

    “The company has resolved this matter in a way that benefits the people who have suffered from abuse of opioids and to help stop the effects of the opioid crisis,” the statement said. That much is true—the state will allocate the funds to combat the opioid epidemic and increase access to treatment. 

    Teva faces other ongoing opioid lawsuits, including a large suit in federal court in Ohio. 

    “While the company has long stated that the courtroom is not a place to address the crisis, Teva is pleased to put the Oklahoma case behind it and remains prepared to vigorously defend claims against the company, including the upcoming federal court trial in Cleveland where the majority of the cases are pending,” the company’s statement said. 

    Hunter told NPR ahead of the trial’s start on Tuesday that he is confident that he can make the case that Johnson & Johnson and its subsidiaries are responsible for the opioid epidemic in the state.

    “We have looked at literally millions of documents, taken hundreds of depositions, and we are even more convinced that these companies are the proximate cause for the epidemic in our state and in our country,” Hunter said.

    Richard Ausness, a law professor at the University of Kentucky, said that the settlements and outcome in the Oklahoma case will set a precedent for the federal case. 

    “Lurking in the background is the multi-state litigation in Cleveland, where there will ultimately be a settlement in all likelihood, but the size of the settlement and the terms of the settlement may be influenced by Oklahoma,” he said. 

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Hunter S. Thompson Nearly Became Sheriff Of Aspen With "Free Weed" Campaign

    Hunter S. Thompson Nearly Became Sheriff Of Aspen With "Free Weed" Campaign

    The book Freak Power: Hunter S. Thompson’s Campaign for Sheriff provides more mind-blowing insights into this bizarre campaign.

    Hunter S. Thompson, the late journalist famous for both his writing and his unabashed use of any drug he could get his hands on, ran a campaign to become the sheriff of Pitkin County, Colorado in 1970, according to a report by Leafly.

    Though he ultimately lost, it was a surprisingly tight race considering the outlandishness of Thompson’s proposed policy changes and the campaign itself.

    Digging through the Hunter Thompson archive via the UC Santa Cruz’s McHenry Library, David Bienenstock unearthed campaign posters featuring a raised fist clutching a peyote button and slogans such as “today’s pig is tomorrow’s bacon.”

    The book Freak Power: Hunter S. Thompson’s Campaign for Sheriff provides greater and more mind-blowing insight into this bizarre campaign.

    Thompson became interested in Pitkin County politics after purchasing his cabin just outside of Aspen. Shortly after he moved in, the local coal mining operation designated a spot right next to his new property for a slag heap – a pile of mining refuse and waste material. At the same time, the police were conducting a harsh campaign against what was seen as an invasion of hippies and other “undesirables” into Aspen.

    This included an incident in which the Pitkin County Sherrif himself searched every locker and bag in an entire high school because an alleged anonymous tip said someone had marijuana. No contraband was found.

    The Hunter S. Thompson for Sheriff campaign promoted policy ideas that are extreme even by today’s standards, but that were embraced by the local “Freak Power” movement that nearly propelled him to victory. The journalist promised to disarm the police, aggressively pursue land developers and mining companies, replace concrete streets with sod, and to not only decriminalize cannabis possession but to publicly shame those who would charge money for it.

    “My first act as sheriff will be to install on the courthouse lawn a platform and a set of stocks in order to punish dishonest dope dealers in a proper public fashion,” said Thompson. “It will be the general philosophy of the Sheriff’s office that no drug worth taking should be sold for money.”

    Though many viewed the campaign as an elaborate prank, something else Thompson was famous for, his ideas quickly gained momentum until he had to clarify that, “despite the natural horror of seeing myself as the main pig,” he was indeed seriously running for sheriff.

    The local Democrats and Republicans eventually banded together to defeat Thompson, but the spirit of his campaign continued. 

    “In the next election, the entire Aspen City Council was voted out and replaced by Joe Edwards and other counterculture types,” Bienenstock writes. “Then in 1976 Sheriff Whitmire was removed from his post amid accusations of misappropriating funds from the jail, and an ally of Hunter Thompson took over and enacted many of the Freak Power movement’s proposed reforms.”

    Colorado also became one of the first states to legalize recreational marijuana in 2012.

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • People Who Lost Loved Ones To Opioids Invited To Sign Heroin Spoon Sculpture

    People Who Lost Loved Ones To Opioids Invited To Sign Heroin Spoon Sculpture

    Artist Domenic Esposito is using his symbolic sculpture to confront the opioid crisis head-on.

    Since last summer, a giant 800-pound spoon—burnt and bent at the handle—has been drawing attention to the opioid crisis. The massive sculpture is a symbol recognized by people who have been affected by a loved one’s opioid and heroin use. Its sheer size and weight of its meaning make it hard to look away.

    “There’s a negative memory attached in many people’s heads because you think your loved one is doing better, you find a burned spoon and you realize they’ve relapsed,” said artist Domenic Esposito. “It’s the reality of the situation and resonates with a lot of families.”

    Now Esposito has created a brand new spoon that will tour New England—with stops in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island and New Hampshire. Esposito has invited people who have lost a loved one to the opioid crisis to come and sign the sculpture.

    “It’s a blank canvas,” said Esposito. “It becomes very therapeutic for people to be there and sign because they know someone is listening—someone is acknowledging that they’ve had to go through all this horror. It’s just like this disease that basically takes entire families with it.”

    The 10.5-foot-long guerrilla art exhibit has confronted drug companies about their role in exacerbating the epidemic of opioid abuse in the United States. Last June, the original spoon sculpture appeared outside of Purdue Pharma headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut. 

    And in February, it was placed outside Rhodes Pharmaceuticals in Coventry, Rhode Island. Last fall, the Financial Times reported that Rhodes was founded in 2007 by members of the Sackler family, who also own Purdue Pharma, just “four months after Purdue pleaded guilty to federal criminal charges that it had mis-marketed OxyContin over the previous decade.” Rhodes is “among the largest producers of off-patent generic opioids” in the U.S.

    “It was really about pointing fingers to, in my mind, the architects of the opioid epidemic,” Esposito told the Concord Monitor.

    More spoons were placed in front of the Massachusetts State House in Boston as a gift to state attorney general Maura Healey for her efforts in holding Big Pharma accountable, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

    Esposito drew from his own experience watching his brother Danny struggle with heroin addiction to create his sculptures. “The spoon has always been an albatross for my family,” Esposito said last year. “It’s kind of an emotional symbol, a dark symbol for me.”

    Through his installations, Esposito is hoping to “protest and hold accountable the people who in our minds have created this epidemic that has killed close to 300,000 people.”

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Kit Harington of "Game of Thrones" Enters Rehab

    Kit Harington of "Game of Thrones" Enters Rehab

    Harington is reportedly being treated for “stress, exhaustion and also alcohol.”

    Kit Harington, who played Jon Snow in Game of Thrones, has been in a Connecticut rehabilitation center for nearly a month.

    Page Six reported that Harington checked into rehab for exhaustion, stress, and alcohol abuse treatment. Harington had the backing of his wife, Rose Leslie, who played his love interest, Ygritte, on the HBO mega hit.

    An unnamed source claiming to be a friend of Harington told Page Six of the actor, “The end of GoT really hit Kit hard… He realized, this is it, this is the end. It was something they had all worked so hard on for so many years. He had a moment of, what next? He’s in the clinic predominantly for stress and exhaustion and also alcohol. His wife Rose is being extremely supportive. Everyone close to him really wanted him to get some rest. Right now, he just needs peace and quiet.”

    *This portion of the article contains Game of Thrones spoilers*

    Harington had recently been in the media spotlight for his emotional response at a table reading for the final episode of Game of Thrones, where he (and the rest of the cast) found out that it was his character, Jon Snow, who kills his on-air love, the dragon queen Daenerys.

    In the documentary footage of The Last Watch, Harington reads out loud the fate of the two characters, and sits back with tears in his eyes while holding his head with one hand.

    Harington has been public about how difficult ending the beloved show was for him. In a recent Esquire interview he described crying on the last day of filming, and feeling sad as the character’s costume was taken off of him.

    Harington described the tremendous emotional weight he felt when his character, Jon Snow, became the focal point of Game of Thrones. “It wasn’t a very good time in my life,” he told Variety. “I felt I had to feel that I was the most fortunate person in the world when actually, I felt very vulnerable. My darkest period was when the show seemed to become so much about Jon when he died and came back,” he explained. “I really didn’t like the focus of the whole show coming onto Jon.

    “When you become the cliffhanger of a TV show, and a TV show probably at the height of its power, the focus on you is f—ing terrifying. That was a time when I started therapy and started talking to people. I had felt very unsafe, and I wasn’t talking to anyone.”

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Ben Affleck To Star in New Addiction Drama

    Ben Affleck To Star in New Addiction Drama

    Affleck will play a former basketball star whose struggles with alcohol addiction led to the end of his marriage.

    Ben Affleck will produce and star in a new feature film about a former basketball star in recovery, slated for release during the 2019 awards season, Variety reports.

    Affleck, who is no stranger to recovery off-screen, will re-team with Gavin O’Connor, who directed him in the 2016 action film The Accountant. O’Connor co-wrote the film and will also direct. Warner Bros. has scheduled the drama, which is currently untitled, to debut in theaters on October 18, 2019.

    As Variety noted, Affleck will play a former basketball star whose struggles with alcohol addiction led to the end of his marriage. As part of his recovery, Affleck’s character takes a job as a coach for a high school basketball team at his alma mater. Affleck will star opposite Janina Gavankar (True Blood), comedian and former Daily Show correspondent Al Madrigal, and Australian actress Rachel Carpani.

    Affleck’s production company, Pearl Street, which he shares with fellow actor-writer Matt Damon, will oversee production of the drama, which was known at various times as Torrance and The Has-Been.

    People magazine reported in 2018 that the Oscar-winning actor began preparing for this film, which included daily training and meetings with a basketball coach while completing a 40-day stay in rehab for alcohol dependency. The highly publicized 2018 stint was his third go-around in treatment, following stays in 2001 and 2017.

    “Battling any addiction is a lifelong and difficult struggle,” Affleck wrote on social media after completing his treatment in 2018. “So many people have reached out on social media and spoken about their own journeys with addiction. To those people, I want to say thank you.”

    “With acceptance and humility, I continue to avail myself with the help of so many people, and I am grateful to all those who are there for me I hope down the road I can offer an example to others who are struggling.”

    Affleck, who can currently be seen in the Netflix action drama Triple Frontier, has won two Oscars—for Best Writing on Good Will Hunting, which he co-wrote with Damon, and for Best Picture on Argo, which he directed and co-produced with George Clooney and Grant Heslov. He also won a Golden Globe for Best Director on the latter film.

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Top Choices for Exalgo Rehab and Addiction Recovery

    Top Choices for Exalgo Rehab and Addiction Recovery

    Are you or your loved one struggling with an Exalgo addiction? If so, the best possible thing you can do is seek care at a substance program designed for people in your situation. 

    Table of Contents

    1. What is Exalgo and How is it Used By Doctors?
    2. Exalgo Addiction
    3. Laying the Groundwork for Active Rehabilitation
    4. Settings for Treatment
    5. Approaches to Exalgo Addiction Recovery
    6. Choosing the Best Addiction Program for Your Situation

    Effective programs may seem common. But, in truth, it can be difficult to find a facility that upholds modern standards for quality care. You may find it even more difficult to identify programs that surpass other available options.

    Fortunately, the best Exalgo rehabilitation programs can be found if you know what to look for. To make your search as productive as possible, you must learn what qualifies as suitable addiction treatment. You must also know something about the ways in which superior programs go well beyond this accepted standard.

    What is Exalgo and How is it Used By Doctors?

    Exalgo is an extended-release medication made from an opioid substance called hydromorphone or dihydromorphinone. This substance is chemically similar to morphine, another better-known member of the opioid family. Doctors follow a strict set of criteria when prescribing Exalgo hydromorphone. To receive the medication, you must have a prior history of treatment or use. You must also have severe pain that doesn’t respond to weaker opioids or other types of analgesics. In addition, that pain must affect you on a daily, 24/7 basis for long periods of time.

    Instead of Exalgo, your doctor may prescribe a generic equivalent with the same active ingredient. You may also receive Dilaudid, a brand-name product that also contains that ingredient. People who buy, sell or use Exalgo hydromorphone or Dilaudid illicitly sometimes refer to them by street names such as:

    • D
    • Footballs
    • Dillies
    • Smack
    • Juice

    Exalgo Addiction

    When used for its approved purpose, Exalgo can provide pain relief when no other options prove satisfactory. However, as a powerful hydromorphone product, it can easily foster problems with substance abuse when not taken as intended. Abuse of this (or any other) medication can follow three overlapping paths.

    People with current prescriptions can participate in abusive intake by consuming too much Exalgo hydromorphone at one time. Separately or simultaneously, they can also participate in abuse by taking doses at times that are too close together. Even one-time use qualifies as abuse in people who lack consent from their physician. Such people may also take the medication frequently or in excessive amounts.

    Opioid use disorder is the medical term used to describe cases of addicted Exalgo consumption. The same term also covers non-addicted abuse if your pattern of intake interferes with your stable, daily routine. The possible symptoms of Exalgo-related opioid use disorder are:

    • Abusive intake of Exalgo that involves excessively large doses
    • Abusive intake of Exalgo that involves doses taken too close together
    • Lack of the ability to get your habitual Exalgo consumption under control
    • Strong cravings for Exalgo hydromorphone that appear when you’re not taking it
    • Using Exalgo abuse as a main form of recreation
    • Tolerance (the need to take larger amounts of the medication to feel its effects)
    • Maintenance of an Exalgo intake pattern that has an obvious negative influence on your relationships
    • Maintenance of an intake pattern that has an obvious negative influence or your mental or physical health
    • Persistent use of Exalgo in situations that put you or others at risk for serious injury
    • Exalgo withdrawal symptoms that appear whenever your intake stops or drops rapidly
    • A level of intake that interferes with your fulfilment of important responsibilities in any area of your life

    An addiction expert or other medical professional can officially diagnose you if at least two of these Exalgo-related problems appear over the course of any 12-month time period.

    Laying the Groundwork for Active Rehabilitation

    Medical detox serves as a necessary entry point to effective Exalgo rehab. That’s because the detoxification process allows you to stop your addiction-supporting substance intake and give hydromorphone time to leave your body. For any addicted user of any opioid, withdrawal symptoms are an expected part detox. These symptoms occur because your brain, in its dysfunctional and chemically altered state, is trying to encourage you to keep up your Exalgo hydromorphone intake.

    Detox doctors are well-aware that opioid withdrawal is a two-phase process. As your blood levels of hydromorphone begin to drop, you can experience initial symptoms that include runny nose, increased output of tears and sweat, muscle aches and uncontrolled yawning. You may also experience anxiousness and disrupted sleep. As your blood chemistry continues to change, the list of additional withdrawal effects can include abdominal or stomach cramping, pupil dilatation, loose stools and nausea with or without vomiting.

    In 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a medication called Lucemyra (lofexidine) as a treatment for opioid withdrawal. Lucemyra provides a benefit by making your symptoms less severe. In turn, this action can increase your chances of successfully completing the detox process.

    All addiction specialists and public health experts place an emphasis on enrollment in a rehabilitation program as the next step after detox. Without the follow-up support of rehab, you’re vulnerable to a relapse and a return to your old patterns of opioid use. And if you take the same amount of Exalgo that you took before completing detox (or even a smaller amount), you can end up overdosing and potentially dying.

    Besides protecting you from relapsing and overdosing, rehab provides other forms of critical assistance for your recovery. For starters, it offers the perfect opportunity to learn why addiction produces such damaging, life-altering effects. Modern rehabilitation methods also help you get at the roots of your addiction-supporting actions and change your behavior in the future.

    Settings for Treatment

    A small percentage of people have problems severe enough to undergo initial Exalgo rehab in a hospital. However, the vast majority of those affected take part in a program based in a residential (i.e., inpatient) or outpatient facility. Inpatient facilities are designed to provide the services needed for a safe, medically monitored recovery process. They also give you the time and space needed to unplug from daily concerns and devote your energy to treatment.

    Outpatient Exalgo rehab programs provide the same core types of treatments as inpatient programs. The most significant difference is that they don’t require you to live onsite while receiving care. This approach can make it easier to get effective addiction assistance while going to school or working. However, its less intensive nature means that it’s only suitable for people with mild problems rather than moderate or severe problems.

    Still, it’s important to note that mild opioid-related symptoms don’t always qualify you for outpatient rehab care. For instance, you may require inpatient care if you have overlapping problems with alcohol abuse or alcohol addiction. You may also need residential care if you have substance problems combined with a diagnosable case of depression or any other major mental illness.

    Even if you could enroll in an outpatient program, you may choose an inpatient Exalgo rehab option instead. There are several common motivations for such a choice. First, inpatient care is rightly viewed as the most comprehensive level of treatment available. By enrolling in this form of care, you may increase your chances for a successful recovery. Some people choose a residential program because their home lives are too unstable to provide adequate support. Others just want to focus on getting the best rehab care available in the shortest possible timeframe.

    Approaches to Exalgo Addiction Recovery

    In the last few decades, evidence-based medication and therapy have become the time-tested cornerstones of effective opioid rehabilitation programs. The FDA has approved the use of two opioid-based medications, methadone and buprenorphine, for this purpose. It has also approved use of the non-opioid naltrexone.

    Contrary to what you might assume, methadone and buprenorphine don’t get you “high” when used appropriately for addiction rehab treatment. In addition, they don’t keep you addicted. Instead, both of these options help you avoid the depths of withdrawal while still getting your abusive substance intake under control. As an anti-opioid, naltrexone cuts off any access hydromorphone and similar substances would normally have to your brain. When taken after you complete full detox, it helps reduce your relapse motivations.

    Most of the therapies used in rehabilitation treatment belong to a diverse, modern discipline called behavioral psychotherapy. When used separately or in combination, they can help you do such things as stay the course in your recovery program, develop a healthy support community and learn how to avoid a return to substance abuse. Well-researched therapy options with verifiable usefulness include:

    • Family behavior therapy
    • Community reinforcement approach (CRA) plus vouchers
    • 12-step facilitation
    • Contingency management and other forms of motivational incentives

    Choosing the Best Addiction Program for Your Situation

    The presence of an experienced, expert staff is the hallmark of all high-quality Exalgo rehabilitation facilities. To meet your needs, all doctors, therapists and other personnel should rely on techniques proven to have a benefit for people addicted to opioids. An absolutely essential first step in active recovery is a thorough screening that assesses your physical and mental status. In addition to the number and severity of your addiction symptoms, that screening should include checks for serious mental or physical illnesses. Only consider programs that follow this protocol.

    But these are only the baseline qualifications you should look for. When you place a call for advice or information, you should receive a clear picture of what that program offers. When reviewing a rehabilitation facility’s website or brochures, look for meaningful professional credentials and testimonials of other people who have successfully completed treatment.

    All top rehab facilities maintain safe campuses that provide a sense of security at all times. In addition, they offer complementary or supportive forms of treatment that increase the effectiveness of your primary care. The available offerings may differ from program to program. However, the most common customizable options include movement-based body therapies, music therapy and relaxation or stress management courses. All of these approaches personalize your experience and contribute to an overall sense of wellness.

    When reviewing your best choices for rehabilitation, never forget that the goal of treatment is a return to a lifestyle that doesn’t revolve around substance use. With your focus on this goal, you’ll find it easier to identify programs that provide optimal support for your commitment to recovery.

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • What Are the Best Rehab Options for Norco Addiction?

    What Are the Best Rehab Options for Norco Addiction?

    Do you want to know more about Norco? Read our guide to know more about Norco’s uses, side effects, symptoms of abuse, and how to find the best luxury Norco treatment.

    Table of Contents

    1. What is Norco and What is it Used for?
    2. What are Other Names for Norco?
    3. Norco Abuse Can Lead to Addiction and Norco Rehab
    4. Norco Side Effects and Risks
    5. Do You Need Norco Rehab?
    6. How Long Does Norco Stay in Your System? Norco Rehab and Withdrawal
    7. Norco Rehab Must Begin with Detox
    8. Choose a Norco Rehab with Medical Care
    9. Selecting the Best Norco Rehab for You

    Norco rehab may be necessary if you have become addicted to this dangerous opioid and narcotic drug. While Norco does have medical uses, it is also a highly addictive painkiller. Even if you have not misused it, dependence is possible with regular use.

    To find the best rehab for Norco addiction, consider all the important factors: what it will cost, what your insurance will cover, where it is located, if you need outpatient or inpatient care, and the quality and variety of the staff and treatment services. An opioid use disorder is tough to beat, but when you better understand how this drug affects you and how addiction is treated, recovery is achievable.

    What is Norco and What is it Used for?

    Opioid drugs are narcotics that come from the natural compounds found in the opium poppy. Some, like morphine and codeine, are natural and come directly from poppies, while others are synthesized based on these substances. Norco is a combination of the synthetic opioid hydrocodone and the over-the-counter painkiller acetaminophen.

    Norco is a brand name for this particular combination of painkillers. It is prescribed to manage pain that is severe and that is not controlled well by other, non-opioid pain relievers. As an opioid, Norco effects include euphoria, relaxation, and sleepiness in addition to pain relief. These drugs are depressants and act to slow brain activity while also changing how the brain responds to pain stimuli.

    What are Other Names for Norco?

    There are several other brand names for hydrocodone/acetaminophen combination drugs. Norco is just one. Others include:

    • Anexsia
    • Ceta Plus
    • Co-Gesic
    • Dolorex Forte
    • Hycet
    • Lorcet
    • Lortab
    • Maxidone
    • Stagesic
    • Vicodin
    • Zydone

    Illicitly sold and used Norco may also go by a number of different street names. Many of these can refer to any brand or generic form of an opioid narcotic:

    • Captain Cody
    • Cody
    • Schoolboy
    • Loads
    • Monkey
    • White Stuff
    • Doors and Fours
    • China Girl
    • China White
    • Tango and Cash
    • Goodfella
    • Dance Fever
    • Dillies
    • Juice

    Norco Abuse Can Lead to Addiction and Norco Rehab

    Norco addiction help and rehab may become necessary if you misuse this drug. Hydrocodone is highly susceptible to abuse and extremely habit-forming. Using it without a prescription, or with a prescription but more often and in larger doses than recommended, is considered abuse, and this can easily lead to an addiction.

    The Drug Enforcement Administration moved hydrocodone combination products like Norco up on the controlled substances schedule from III to II in 2014. The move reflected how addictive the drug is, even when combined with the less harmful substance acetaminophen. Schedule II drugs have medical uses but are considered very risky because of addiction and the risk of side effects and overdose.

    Norco Side Effects and Risks

    Addiction is not the only risk and danger of misusing Norco, although it is an important one. There is also a risk of experiencing side effects. Some of the more common but uncomfortable Norco effects are mood swings, anxiety, a rash, lightheadedness, sleepiness, difficulty thinking, constipation, and difficulty urinating. Misuse of Norco can also increase the risk of more serious side effects like:

    • Slow, difficult breathing
    • Nausea and vomiting
    • Loss of appetite
    • Irregular menstruation
    • Sexual dysfunction
    • Agitation and confusion
    • Hallucinations
    • Fever
    • Muscle stiffness
    • Loss of coordination
    • Racing heartbeat
    • Tightness in the chest

    The more you misuse Norco, the bigger doses you take with greater frequency, the bigger the risk of side effects is. They can be worse too, causing serious physical and mental health harm.

    A Norco overdose is also a risk you run when misusing this drug. The risk is increased with larger doses and if you combine it with alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, sedatives, or other opioids. All of these substances have similar effects on brain activity and breathing, and the additive combination can lead more quickly to a fatal overdose. Signs of overdose include:

    • Pale, clammy, even bluish tinted skin
    • Limp body and unresponsiveness
    • Very slow, shallow breathing or breathing that has stopped
    • Vomiting and gurgling
    • Loss of consciousness

    An opioid overdose can quickly become fatal, so these signs should be treated as a medical emergency. Get help right away to reverse the overdose. There is an antidote medication, but it has to be administered in time.

    Do You Need Norco Rehab?

    Norco addiction symptoms may be able to tell you if you have developed an addiction and if you need rehab and treatment. Opioid use disorders are diagnosed based on 11 behaviors. If you have just a few of these you may have become addicted already.

    • Use of Norco is out of control. You want to stop or slow down but can’t.
    • You regularly take more than you wanted to or had planned to.
    • Cravings for Norco are strong.
    • Your time is increasingly spent on drug use or getting more drugs.
    • Norco use leaves you with less time for activities you once enjoyed or engaged in often.
    • Your drug use also leaves you with less time for responsibilities, which are not being met.
    • Relationships with people you care about are damaged because of drug use.
    • You continue using Norco even though you know it is harming you physically or mentally.
    • You use Norco in dangerous situations.
    • Tolerance has built up so that you need greater amounts of Norco or more frequent doses to get high or to feel normal.
    • You go through withdrawal when not using.

    If you can relate to two or more of these criteria, you need rehab. You need professional treatment to help get over substance abuse before it’s too late and Norco causes real harm and more lasting consequences.

    How Long Does Norco Stay in Your System? Norco Rehab and Withdrawal

    The time it takes for Norco to leave your system will vary depending on your health status, how long you have been misusing the drug, and the amount of the drug you last took. Generally, though, you will begin to feel the effects of withdrawal about 12 hours from the last dose. As the drug leaves your brain and is flushed from the body, you will go through a number of uncomfortable Norco withdrawal effects.

    Most of the drug should leave your body in a day or two, but your brain will still be trying to adjust. This means withdrawal can actually last for several days to weeks. Some of the Norco withdrawal side effects that you may experience are:

    • Agitation, anxiety
    • Abdominal cramping
    • Diarrhea
    • Dilated pupils
    • Insomnia
    • Goosebumps and chills
    • Nausea
    • Runny nose
    • Sweating more than usual
    • Tearing
    • Vomiting
    • Yawning excessively

    Withdrawal from Norco is not fun, and the risk is that it will lead you to relapse. This is why, although the Norco addiction side effects of withdrawal are not inherently dangerous, you should go through it with someone there to support you.

    Norco Rehab Must Begin with Detox

    If you have become addicted and experience withdrawal that keeps you going back to the drug, detox is your first step in Norco rehab. You have to detox, or go through the withdrawal process, before you can focus on treatment. Most treatment programs will not accept you until you have finished detoxing and are no longer using the drug.

    You may find a treatment program or rehabilitation center, like Cliffside Malibu, that will offer detox as an intake service. This is a good idea if you are worried that you cannot successfully detox without relapsing. An alternative is to seek the services of a facility that only offers supervised detox. Once you have completed that process, you will be ready to enter rehab and a full treatment program.

    Choose a Norco Rehab with Medical Care

    When selecting your Norco addiction treatment, make sure you choose a facility that includes medical care. Opioid drugs like Norco cause severe dependence, and sometimes medications are needed to support treatment and recovery. Three drugs are approved to treat and manage opioid addiction.

    Of these, two are opioid agonists. Buprenorphine and methadone act like opioids but to a lesser extent. So they can support recovery by managing withdrawal and reducing cravings. The third, naltrexone, is an opioid antagonist. It blocks the normal effects of an opioid like Norco. If you are on naltrexone and relapse, you’ll get no effects from Norco.

    The use of one or more medications to manage opioid addiction is proven to be a part of overall effective treatment. There is no reason to settle for a rehab that won’t provide these medicines. However, it is also important to remember that medication alone cannot cure Norco addiction. You also need therapy and supportive services.

    Selecting the Best Norco Rehab for You

    As long as you choose a rehab facility that offers Norco addiction help with medical care, expert staff, and extensive, long-term therapy, you should be in good hands. With these basic requirements met, you can choose a treatment program that best meets your needs.

    For instance, some programs provide treatment on an outpatient basis. If you want to live at home or need to continue with home or work responsibilities, this may be a good option. If you have a severe addiction, though, residential care is a better choice. This will provide you with a safe environment, a risk-free place to avoid relapse, and an intensive level of treatment.

    Other factors to consider include a good location for treatment, a price you can afford, and staff members and a facility that you like. You should feel comfortable wherever you choose to get treatment. A reputable program will let you meet the staff and ask questions before you commit to intake.

    The most important thing you can do in the face of addiction to Norco is ask for help. Rely on someone you trust if you don’t know what to do next or are struggling with the choice of rehab. As long as you get care and treatment, you have a chance at recovery and a better future.

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • How to Find the Best Zolvit Addiction Rehab

    How to Find the Best Zolvit Addiction Rehab

    Looking for information on Zolvit addiction? Our guide can help identify symptoms, effects, and luxury Zolvit rehab.

    Table of Contents

    1. What is Zolvit and What is it Used for?
    2. Other Names for Zolvit
    3. What is Zolvit Abuse?
    4. How Abuse Can Lead to Zolvit Rehab and Addiction Treatment
    5. Zolvit Rehab for Addiction – When is Treatment Needed?
    6. The Dangers and Risks of Not Going to Zolvit Rehab
    7. Zolvit Overdose – The Biggest Risk of All
    8. Detox and Withdrawal – How Long Does Zolvit Stay in Your System?
    9. How Zolvit Rehab Uses Medical Treatment
    10. Therapy Options in Zolvit Rehab
    11. What to Look for in the Best Zolvit Treatment Center
    12. Choosing Between Outpatient and Inpatient Zolvit Rehab

    Zolvit rehab centers are available right now to help you or someone you care about get into recovery. This addiction is very serious and can lead to mental and physical health problems, relationship difficulties, problems with the law and other consequences. At its worst, Zolvit addiction can lead to a fatal overdose.

    It’s important to get Zolvit addiction help, even if you aren’t sure you qualify for having a substance use disorder. Any misuse of this drug can be problematic and can quickly lead to a severe and dangerous addiction. Reach out to rehab facilities to find out what your options are and to be evaluated and given an individualized treatment plan for long-term recovery.

    What is Zolvit and What is it Used for?

    Opioid drugs are narcotic controlled substances used to manage pain. There are many different types, including those that are found naturally in the opium poppy, like morphine, and those that are derived from these natural substances, like Zolvit. Zolvit is a brand name for the synthetic opioid hydrocodone combined with acetaminophen. This latter drug is available over the counter but is often combined with opioids in prescription drug formulations.

    Zolvit is used to manage pain, but it is restricted to certain types of patients. It is approved for pain management in people who have pain that is significant enough to require opioids. In other words, when other, safer medications can’t control the pain, then opioids may be prescribed. Patients who do not tolerate other pain medications may also be given Zolvit.

    Other Names for Zolvit

    Zolvit is one brand name under which the combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen are sold. Other brand names for this combination are Anexia, Ceta Plus, Co-Gesic, Dolorex Forte, Hycet, Liquicet, Lorcet, Lortab, Maxidone, Norco, Stagesic, Vicodin, Xodol, and Zydone.

    Zolvit and other opioid drugs are often misused and bought and sold illicitly. They go by many different street names. These are some of the names you may hear used for Zolvit, hydrocodone, or any other opioid:

    • Cody or Captain Cody
    • Doors and Fours
    • Goodfella
    • Demmies
    • Dillies
    • Juice
    • China girl
    • China white
    • Pain killers
    • Perks
    • Tango and Cash
    • Loads
    • Apache
    • Murder 8
    • TNT
    • Friend
    • Jackpot

    What is Zolvit Abuse?

    Substance abuse with any drug is problematic. It can lead to addiction, mental health issues, physical health problems, relationship problems, difficulties at work, financial problems, legal trouble, and much more, even overdose and death. But abuse of Zolvit is particularly dangerous because of how addictive it is and the fact that it can more easily lead to a Zolvit overdose than many other substances of abuse.

    Zolvit abuse or misuse is any use of this drug that is outside the bounds of what a doctor has prescribed and recommended. If you use it without a prescription, that is considered abuse. Even if you have a prescription for Zolvit, if you are using larger doses, taking it more frequently or for a longer duration than recommended, using it to get high, or using it for any reason other than for what it was prescribed, you are abusing this drug.

    How Abuse Can Lead to Zolvit Rehab and Addiction Treatment

    As an opioid combination drug, Zolvit is listed by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as a schedule II controlled substance. This is the second highest scheduling, and the designation means that Zolvit is tightly controlled and regulated. Hydrocodone combination drugs were previously listed in schedule III but were recently moved up to II. The DEA made the move because of the high rate of abuse and addiction to these drugs.

    Schedule II drugs like Zolvit are considered to have medical uses but risky because of the possibility of abuse and addiction. They are known to be highly susceptible to abuse and to put any user, even those with a prescription, at a big risk for developing an addiction.

    Zolvit, like other opioids, is a useful painkiller because it changes how the brain reacts to pain. But it also causes other effects that make some people want to abuse it. The way it acts in the brain leads to a sedative effect and a powerful sense of well-being known as euphoria. People sometimes want to chase this high, abuse the drug and become addicted.

    Zolvit abuse is not the only behavior that can lead to addiction, though. Valid users of the drug—those with a prescription and following a doctor’s instructions—can also develop a Zolvit dependence. The risk is higher the longer someone has been using the drug and with higher doses. The way opioids act in the brain is to make changes over time that can make you feel as if you need them just to feel normal. This is dependence, another word for addiction.

    Zolvit Rehab for Addiction – When is Treatment Needed?

    You may need to seek rehab if you have developed a Zolvit addiction. But don’t wait to hit rock bottom to get help. If you feel troubled at all by your use of hydrocodone or another opioid, you probably already have a problem and need professional help to stop. There are some criteria, which are used to diagnosed substance use disorders, that can help you evaluate your own behaviors. Just one of these indicates you are developing a habit and could really benefit from treatment:

    • Your use of Zolvit has begun to feel out of control, and you regularly use more than you intended.
    • You have questioned your use of the drug and tried to use less, but failed.
    • You crave opioids.
    • An increasing amount of your time is spent getting drugs or using them.
    • The time you spend on drug use is taking away from other activities in your life or preventing you from fulfilling obligations and meeting responsibilities.
    • You continue to use Zolvit when you know that it is causing problems in your relationships with those you care about.
    • You also continue to use it even though it causes health problems or makes existing issues worse.
    • You keep using Zolvit in situations that put you at risk of getting hurt.
    • You have developed a tolerance to opioids and need higher doses or more frequent use to get the same effect you used to.
    • When not using, you begin to go into withdrawal.

    These are important Zolvit addiction side effects and symptoms. You need to be aware of them to know that your use of the drug has gotten out of control and that you need help.

    The Dangers and Risks of Not Going to Zolvit Rehab

    The consequences of addiction to any drug can be severe, serious, and even life-threatening. The risks of misusing Zolvit and becoming addicted to it are even higher if you do not make the commitment to rehab and treatment. Rehabilitation can help you stop using this harmful drug, but if you choose not to seek help, the risks you are taking are very real.

    One of these is the risk that you will experience the uncomfortable Zolvit side effects. Not everyone gets side effects, but by abusing the drug you make it more likely that you will and that those effects will be more severe and serious. Potential side effects of Zolvit are:

    • Agitation
    • Anxiety
    • Appetite changes and weight loss
    • Constipation
    • Difficulty thinking and concentrating
    • Difficulty urinating
    • Irregular periods
    • Lightheadedness
    • Skin rashes
    • Sleepiness
    • Sexual dysfunction
    • Nausea
    • Vomiting
    • Fever
    • Muscle stiffness
    • Poor coordination
    • A tight feeling in the chest
    • Racing heart rate
    • Hallucinations

    Other risks of failing to get help with Zolvit addiction are less physical but may be just as negative and far-reaching. Being addicted to Zolvit could irreparably harm your relationships, cause serious financial difficulties, get you in trouble with the law or even lead to incarceration, cause you to lose your job, or cause or perpetuate mental health issues, like depression, anxiety, or suicide.

    The acetaminophen in Zolvit is often overlooked when risks and dangers are discussed, but this drug can cause harm, too. It is an over-the-counter medication, but if you take more of it per day than is recommended, it can lead to serious liver damage. Also, combining this drug with alcohol can cause liver problems and long-term damage.

    Zolvit Overdose – The Biggest Risk of All

    Opioid overdoses have reached epidemic levels in the U.S. recently, mostly due to the very potent and dangerous opioid called fentanyl. But any opioid can and does lead to overdose, and this toxic amount of the drug can be fatal. There is no specific amount of Zolvit that will trigger an overdose, which makes abusing it even riskier. You can never know how much could kill you. Additionally, there is always the chance that a drug you buy illicitly will be contaminated with fentanyl.

    Continuing to abuse Zolvit and not seeking help for your addiction puts you at a very real risk of experiencing an overdose. The signs of an opioid overdose are pale skin that is clammy and cold, blue-tinted fingernails and lips, limpness and unresponsiveness, vomiting or gurgling, slow or stopped breathing, and loss of consciousness. This can be reversed, but it requires immediate action and emergency medical care.

    Anyone misusing Zolvit, whether addicted to the drug or not, is at risk for an overdose. The risk is higher if you have certain medical conditions, like reduced liver or kidney function or respiratory problems like sleep apnea or asthma.

    Combining Zolvit with other substances that produce a similar depressant or sedative effect also increases the overdose risk. Other opioids, anxiety medications like benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and any other type of sedative will add to the dangerous effects of hydrocodone and make an overdose more likely. Alcohol can also have this effect, and combining it with Zolvit is risky.

    Detox and Withdrawal – How Long Does Zolvit Stay in Your System?

    If you are misusing Zolvit and start to feel very uncomfortable, moody, and sick when not using it, you may be exhibiting withdrawal, an important sign of drug dependence. The process you go through to stop using a drug like Zolvit is called detox. The time it will take for the opioid to leave your system and for withdrawal symptoms to ease depends on many factors. The longer you have been misusing Zolvit, the larger the doses you take, and the larger the last dose, the longer detox will be. There are other individual factors too, including personal health, that can impact how long withdrawal lasts.

    Withdrawal from opioids can be painful, but it is not harmful in the long-term. The biggest risk you’ll face when detoxing is relapse. There is an increased chance that a relapse will trigger an overdose, so the safest way to go through this necessary process on the way to recovery is supervised. Let anyone you trust help you through it, but the best way to detox is with an addiction specialist.

    Early Zolvit withdrawal side effects are agitation, anxiety, achy muscles, tearing, sweating, yawning, difficulty sleeping, and a runny nose. As detox continues, you may experience some more difficult Zolvit withdrawal effects like nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, goosebumps and chills, and dilated pupils. Going through these symptoms is necessary for real treatment to begin. Do not think that detox by itself is treatment, though; it is simply the first step and what you must do in order to be ready for treatment.

    How Zolvit Rehab Uses Medical Treatment

    One of the most important types of care you will receive in Zolvit rehab is medical. Most drug addictions do not have medicines that can help with treatment, but opioids do. There are three approved drugs that can be used to treat and manage opioid use disorder. Medical treatment is not adequate treatment for this addiction, though. Medications can help, but you also need a complete, well-rounded treatment plan with therapy as well as medicine. The drugs that you may use to manage Zolvit addiction are:

    • Methadone. Methadone has long been used in maintenance therapy for heroin, an illicit opioid. It stimulates the same receptors in the brain as other opioids but produces less of an effect. Methadone can be used to wean you from opioids and to minimize withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
    • Buprenorphine. This drug is used in a way similar to methadone, but it produces even less effect and is less likely to be abused. It can help you experience less intense cravings for Zolvit and is a useful supplement to rehab and therapy.
    • Naloxone. This is the antidote administered to reverse an opioid overdose. It can also be used to block the effects of opioid drugs in order to prevent relapses during and after treatment. An injection that lasts one month protects you from relapsing, because if you try to use Zolvit during that time, you will experience none of its effects. The naloxone blocks the receptors the drug normally inhabits.

    Effective Zolvit addiction treatment includes medical care. These medications may not be appropriate for or useful for everyone, but they are proven to help reduce the risks of relapse and to complement traditional therapy. In general, the use of medications along with long-term therapy is proven to be an effective way to treat addiction.

    Therapy Options in Zolvit Rehab

    The combination of therapy and medical care is essential in effective Zolvit rehab. The real hard work of recovery will be done in the hours of therapy that give you the tools for living life drug-free. When you find the right rehab for treatment, you can expect to be offered a variety of therapy types, because some may resonate better with you than others:

    • Behavioral therapy. You can expect to go through at least some type of behavioral therapy. All are based on cognitive behavioral therapy, which relies on goal-setting, practical actions, trigger identification, coping strategies, and proactive, positive lifestyle changes to achieve lasting recovery. Variations on this include therapies that focus on accepting negative feelings, finding internal motivation, and using external motivating factors to avoid relapse.
    • Trauma-focused therapy. Addiction is often a consequence of past trauma. At intake, you may be evaluated and find that bad experiences in your past contribute to your current behavioral health issues and drug use. Therapies that revolve around remembering, processing, and reframing trauma can be important in addiction treatment.
    • Relationship therapy. Relationships can be triggers for drug use, but they can also suffer because of drug use. Therapy that teaches you better communication and social skills is helpful, as is therapy that includes your partner or other members of your family.

    The best rehab centers for Zolvit addiction will offer you different types of therapy and even variations on those. They will also have alternative therapies that can be useful supplements to these: art therapy, dance and movement therapy, writing, therapy, music therapy, animal therapy, recreation therapy, and more.

    What to Look for in the Best Zolvit Treatment Center

    As you search for the rehab facility that best meets your needs, insist on one that offers both therapy and medical care. These are the basics of Zolvit treatment for addiction. Beyond these two factors, there are other things to consider and to look for in the rehab that will offer you the best treatment.

    • A staff of caring experts who treat patients with respect
    • An initial evaluation to determine the extent of your addiction and any mental health issues
    • Treatment for any co-occurring mental illnesses
    • An individualized plan made just for you
    • A treatment plant that considers your input and preferences
    • A focus on relapse prevention
    • A variety of support services
    • The inclusion of family when appropriate
    • Aftercare programs or options for care during the transition back to the home

    These are the kinds of things that make a rehab the best and most effective for addiction treatment. Additionally, look for aspects of a facility that make you personally comfortable. You should visit if possible so that you can get a feel for a location, the staff, and the other residents before you make your final choice.

    Choosing Between Outpatient and Inpatient Zolvit Rehab

    As you search for rehab, understand that you have the option to get treatment in a residential rehab or through an outpatient program. There are pros and cons to each, but keep in mind that if your addiction is severe and you are at a big risk of relapsing, you should strongly consider inpatient treatment.

    Inpatient care gives you several benefits. For instance, it can keep you safe when cravings hit with 24-hour supervision. Rehab also provides a focused way to really put your energy into treatment and recovery. There will be fewer distractions than at home and less stress over responsibilities. Inpatient rehab is usually staffed by a number of professionals with various areas of expertise so you get more options for therapy and support.

    On the other hand, inpatient living can be stressful for some people. Being away from family, living with strangers, and being under constant supervision may be more stressful for some, which can be a detriment to treatment. If you prefer to stay home, just be sure home will be safe and that your family is supportive of your recovery.

    Choosing treatment for Zolvit addiction is a big deal. It means you have recognized that you need help and is the first step to recovery. Make your choice as quickly as possible while still taking care to select the treatment program and facility that will provide you with the best care.

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • 7 Things I Wish I Could Tell My Parents About My Addiction

    7 Things I Wish I Could Tell My Parents About My Addiction

    Here, on this motel floor, I need to know that you still love me. If it isn’t too painful for you, please visit me in rehab. When I tell you that I’m finally ready to get clean, please believe me even if it’s the 100th time.

    I constantly find myself in conversations with both of my parents about that dark time in my life. In the beginning of my sobriety, I tried to explain to them about opioid receptors and dopamine levels but it never seemed to make a difference. Many parents have a “You did this because you are weak!” mindset. They think that you can just quit. Well, Mom…

    1. I Can’t Just Quit

    I’ve been tired of this life for a long time and I have the desire to be the person you once trusted. But every time I quit, I get sick and believe that life just isn’t worth living. I’ve tried to get clean but once the fog clears I realize how much I’ve damaged my life and I go back. I wish I could snap my fingers and be normal with a job and home, but my brain has changed. I want to be the child who you loved unconditionally but I’m not, I’m sick. I don’t like sleeping outside and going to rehab every few months, but that’s what this drug has done to me. It’s a part of me now and unless I have it I can’t even get out of bed. I hate myself and what I’m putting you through, but my mind and body are broken right now.

    2. This Isn’t Your Fault

    This didn’t happen because you left me to cry it out in the crib for too long or because you weren’t strict enough. There isn’t a recipe that you followed to make me a drug addict. This happened because I tried something out of curiosity and my brain and body responded in a way that made it impossible to stop. Ever since that first time, my brain hasn’t worked the same. I am not lazy, stupid, or weak. I wish that I could sleep this off with a hot shower and an iron-rich diet but it doesn’t work like that. It started off as fun, but now I’m trapped.

    3. My Addiction Shouldn’t Be the Topic of Gossip

    I wish you could tell all your coworkers that I graduated from that expensive university we planned on me attending. I know you aren’t proud of me right now, but I’m still a person. I want you to heal and be able to talk about how much I’ve hurt you, but please don’t use me and my addiction as entertainment. I am still your child.

    You might not know much about how addiction works but I need for you to keep my most embarrassing secret close to you. Your coworkers and distant relatives don’t need to know that I’m in jail yet again. My great grandmother that lives a thousand miles away doesn’t want to hear about how I am living in a dirty motel. Unless I’m a threat to them or their belongings, I ask that you protect my dignity. People assume the absolute worst about people like me and I’m not proud of anything I’ve done to feed my addiction. Along with getting high, I have engaged in degrading behaviors and even exposed myself to disease and violence.

    When people hear, “My child is a drug addict,” they think about every negative thing they’ve ever seen in a movie or heard on the news and they will apply it to me. Why would you even want to share these awful things? Talk about the president or what movie you just saw instead. When I get better, I will have to face what I have done and accept the mistakes that I have made. I will have to face the people that you shared my humiliation with. Please don’t think that I am asking you to suffer in silence. There are support groups and therapists who have the knowledge and skills to help you get through this, too.

    4. Try to Learn About My Addiction

    Did you know that the American Medical Association classifies my addiction as a disease? I didn’t make this up to make you feel sorry for me, it really is. I made the initial choice to start using drugs but when I wanted to stop, my brain said no. It made everything else in the world unenjoyable. Could you imagine not being able to enjoy your favorite piece of cake from the best bakery in town? This is my life right now. The chemicals in my brain have been reprogrammed to want one thing only.

    If you don’t believe me, and you probably won’t, take ten minutes and do a little research on addiction. While you are clicking on different links and learning about what I’m going through, please look at all of the different treatment options too. Did you know that there is a medication you can give me in an emergency that will reverse an opioid overdose at home? It’s called naloxone and you can get it from the pharmacy and it could possibly save my life.

    I know that you want me to get better. I do, too, but it’s much harder than just saying no. It’s important that you know that there are some medications available that can help my cravings and others that will completely block the effects of opioids. Whether or not these are what’s best for me is something I will have to decide on my own but you should know about them. As long as I am seeking treatment or have even talked about how I want to get better, I am still here fighting.

    5. I Have Suffered Through Incredible Trauma

    I have seen death and loss. I have lost my dignity and self-respect. Some of my friends have died because of these drugs and I have been close to death myself.

    I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to talk about the terrible things that have happened in my addiction because I know how much it will hurt you. You might say that this is my fault and that I’m weak, but I’m not. I’m in here fighting with these memories and still waking up in the morning. When I get clean, I will need time to heal. I will need counseling and even a little bit of space.

    6. I’m Sorry

    I’m sorry I stole from you and constantly lied to you. I’m sorry I didn’t make it to Thanksgiving last year, and I’m sorry you found me unconscious. I’m sorry that I made you cry. If I had a penny for every regret, I could pay you back for everything you’ve done for me. Right now, however, I would probably spend that money on drugs because I’m sick. One day I hope that you will forgive me. I don’t expect you to forgive me soon, but hopefully you realize that your child is still in here.

    7. Please Don’t Give Up on Me

    I’m not asking you to give me money, that ship has long sailed. I’m not asking you to let me come home or even to trust me right now. Here, on this motel floor, I need to know that you still love me. I need you to call me and tell me how you are. Please be a constant in my life, even if it’s just through text messages. If it isn’t too painful for you, please visit me in rehab. When I tell you that I’m finally ready to get clean, please believe me even if it’s the 100th time. If I tell you that I’m going to start taking medication to help with my sobriety, be proud of me! Don’t tell me that I’m trading one drug for another, because I’m trying.

    Just please, don’t give up on me.

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • How to Find the Best Palladone Rehab

    How to Find the Best Palladone Rehab

    If you believe you’re dependent upon the drug Palladone, you should waste no time in seeking treatment and consider entering rehab.

    Table of Contents

    1. What is Palladone and What is it Used For?
    2. What Effects Does Palladone Have?
    3. Palladone Street Names
    4. Signs of Addiction to Palladone
    5. Signs of Overdosing on Palladone
    6. Palladone Withdrawal and Detox
    7. Getting Treatment and Rehabilitation for Addiction to Palladone
    8. Choose the Best Rehabilitation Center for Palladone

    Do you believe you’re dependent upon the drug Palladone? Perhaps you have a loved one who you believe might be suffering from an addiction to the drug. This is a serious matter and one that affects a large number of people around the world.

    Even though you might know that you aren’t alone in this battle, it does not make taking those first steps any easier. Those who are committed to dealing with their addiction and getting into recovery will find that the best option is to go through a professional medical detox and then enter a quality Palladone rehab facility. This way, they will stand a better chance of not relapsing.

    What is Palladone and What is it Used For?

    Palladone is a brand name for hydromorphone, and interestingly, it has been discontinued in the United States. However, this does not mean that the drug or generic equivalents are not still available for those who seek them out illicitly. Some of the other brand names for hydromorphone that are used in the U.S. include Dilaudid and Exalgo.

    With hydromorphone, there are three available forms. These include the solution, tablet, and extended-release tablet. All of them have the capacity to be dangerous and addictive, because they contain opioids as the active ingredient.

    Hydromorphone is used as a means to regulate moderate to severe pain. It is often used to help with migraines, bone pain, and dental pain. With the extended-release tablets, it can provide treatment for the pain around the clock, rather than only when it is needed. This works like other opioids when it comes to providing relief from pain. It alters the way the brain and the central nervous system interpret the nerve signals that the body is giving them. 

    What Effects Does Palladone Have?

    As with other types of opioids, the use of Palladone will provide not only pain relief but also a feeling of euphoria and peace. The perception of pleasure tends to be increased, as well. These feelings that those who use the drug experience are some of the reasons they continue to use it. Before long, they find that they are dependent on the drug, even if they aren’t in pain. The addiction to opioids can set in quickly, and it can be extremely difficult to break without proper help.

    For some people, there are other dangers associated with the use of Palladone and similar drugs. If it is taken with certain other drugs, it can cause major problems. Those who have used an MAO inhibitor within 14 days of taking hydromorphone could suffer a serious interaction that could include severe breathing problems. Additionally, Palladone should never be used with alcohol, as it can cause the drug to enter the bloodstream more rapidly, increasing the risk of an overdose. 

    Palladone Street Names

    Hydromorphone has several different brands, but most people who are looking for the drug do not call it by any of the brand names, or even the generic names. Instead, they have developed their own street names for the drug. The slang can vary based on location and the individual, but below are some of the most common.

    • Ds
    • Dillies
    • Heidies
    • Hydro
    • Laudies

    These are just some of the alternative names that are used for hydromorphone and Palladone.

    Signs of Addiction to Palladone

    How does a person know they are addicted to Palladone? If you are constantly thinking about the drug and how to make sure you have enough of it, it is a sign of addiction. Some of the other signs include not enjoying activities that you previously enjoyed, and not caring about obligations to work, school, and family as much as you care about the drug.

    Signs of Overdosing on Palladone

    Those who abuse Palladone or other forms of hydromorphone are at risk of overdosing. With these types of drugs, more and more will be needed as a way to provide the user with the same effects. This can put too much of the drug into the system, and an overdose may occur. Some of the signs and symptoms of overdose include:

    • Cold, clammy skin
    • Constricted pupils
    • Decreased consciousness
    • Respiratory depression

    When someone suffers an overdose, or you believe they even might have had an overdose, it is essential to contact emergency services as soon as possible. Often, the medical professionals will administer naloxone to help reverse the effects of the hydromorphone.

    Palladone Withdrawal and Detox

    When someone stops taking hydromorphone, and even if they simply reduce their doses, they will find that it can cause serious withdrawal symptoms, which can be quite painful. It is a drug that shouldn’t be quit cold turkey. Instead, the best option tends to be a medical detox. With these types of detoxifications, medical professionals will gradually reduce the amount of the drug the patient is taking. This will allow their body to get accustomed to life without the drug.

    However, that does not mean there will not be a withdrawal. There are a number of symptoms they may still face. These include:

    • Abdominal pain
    • Depression
    • Anxiety
    • Goosebumps
    • Nausea
    • Muscle and joint pain
    • Sweating
    • Vomiting

    Those who are going through withdrawal will often have a difficult time trying to enjoy their normal daily activities, as well.

    Getting Treatment and Rehabilitation for Addiction to Palladone

    There are various types of rehab programs available that can help those who are addicted to hydromorphone. Typically, you will be able to choose between inpatient and outpatient treatment options for Palladone. Those who choose an inpatient setting will find that it can provide them with around-the-clock attention and care, and it will eliminate any temptations that could cause someone to relapse. It also means that if there are any emergencies, the medical professionals will be right there to help.

    For those who have moderate to severe levels of Palladone addiction, doctors will typically recommend inpatient treatment. This is also common right after someone comes out of detox. They might spend a few days with inpatient care before they go home. However, those who have milder symptoms of addiction might be able to benefit from an outpatient Palladone rehab center right away.

    The outpatient treatment options can be quite beneficial, because they will allow the patient to continue with their normal routines with as little interruption as possible. They will still have access to all of the available treatments and therapies, but they will live at home during treatment. They can go to work and be with their family and friends. For some, this will be the more agreeable option. However, the one that is chosen should always be what is best for your recovery, not just what you want.

    The types of treatment and therapies that are offered can vary based on the patient. In some cases, the use of other, lesser opioids might be used by the doctors as a means to help patients better deal with their cravings. They can often make the withdrawal symptoms easier to bear, as well. The other medications will then be gradually reduced.

    Behavioral therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can often be valuable as well. Other therapy types might include contingency management and motivational interviewing. Some Palladone rehab facilities will also offer holistic types of treatment, such as meditation, to help the patients better deal with their recovery and their stress levels. This can help patients later who might be in danger of relapsing.

    Choose the Best Rehabilitation Center for Palladone

    The goal of a Palladone rehab is to make sure you get the help that you need to recover properly. This means that you need to find a program that can provide you with what you need for your particular treatment. You want to work with a facility that provides evidence-based treatments. Of course, you will also want to make sure they treat you or your loved one properly and with respect.

    Rather than choosing a Palladone rehab treatment center using only what you learn about the facility online, it is important to call and get in touch with them directly. You will want to ask questions about the various types of programs they offer, how they work with patients, and what credentials the therapists have. You need to know what it is about the rehab facility that will make it right for you, and you need to go deeper than just looking at a nice website.

    Ideally, you will also be able to visit the facility before making a decision. This can give you a better idea of what you can expect when you or your loved one is admitted to the rehab.

    It is very important to remember that recovery is about more than just the detox and the few weeks or months that are spent in treatment. It must also include aftercare options. What type of follow-up treatment and help options will be available through the hydromorphone rehab?

    The only way to recover is by taking the first step. Admitting there is a problem, committing to detoxing and then making your way through the recovery program might be difficult, but it will be well worth it.

    View the original article at thefix.com