Answer Addiction

Author: The Fix

  • Guide to Finding Multiplan Coverage for Mental Health and Addiction Treatment

    Guide to Finding Multiplan Coverage for Mental Health and Addiction Treatment

    If you are dealing with addiction alongside other mental health issues, this helpful guide can help

    1. What counts as addiction?
    2. Does Multiplan cover mental health treatment?
    3. Multiplan PPO
    4. Why should you consult with Multiplan psychiatrists?
    5. What is the Multiplan substance abuse criteria?
    6. How can you find the best substance abuse coverage?
    7. Does Multiplan offer aftercare services?
    8. Multiplan mental health coverage
    9. Find the best treatment for addiction and mental illness

    Addiction acts as a monster that can get its claws deeply embedded into your mind and body, and getting that monster off you can be quite a daunting task. However, it’s not impossible and is often made easier with the help of the right professionals and the right health networks. Addiction treatment usually includes all types of addictions, though primarily drugs and alcohol.

    When you check into the right rehab, you’re taking the first step towards taking care of yourself and being in charge of your lifestyle choices. Checking into a rehab facility can create an ideal environment for anyone who is suffering from addiction because can leave them with a long-term focus and good knowledge of self-care. Multiplan Mental Health, Addiction Treatment, and Drug Rehab Coverage is an excellent option for anyone who is considering rehab and wants to start their journey towards sobriety. Under this coverage, you can undergo rehab in complete privacy, which can minimize it from affecting your professional or social life. 

    What counts as addiction?

    Addiction takes over someone when they engage with a substance or behavior that grants them instant gratification. This condition usually has a lasting effect on a person, and it can encourage them to pursue the substance or behavior repeatedly, while ignoring the severe consequences. Addiction can come from different sources, including drugs like cocaine, heroin, opioids, nicotine, and alcohol, and with behaviors like gambling. 

    When you engage in substance abuse, mental health disorders can be triggered. Some of the prominent mental issues associated with addition include depression and anxiety. Addiction is a behavioral health disorder that can be characterized as overdoing the use of drugs and alcohol. While getting addicted to a substance is not a choice, using them, however, is most often a conscious decision. To overcome this disease, it can be beneficial to seek professional help from the medical field. 

    Does Multiplan cover mental health treatment?

    Mental health is a fragile thing, and if affected by drugs or alcohol, it needs to be dealt with in a delicate manner. The degree to which insurance can cover an individual plan varies, but overall, but some people use Multiplan mental health care. The mental health treatments usually depend on the condition of the patients who are treated for addiction and substance abuse. 

    Multiplan also offers its insurance holders essential addiction and mental health resources. They have a comprehensive guide and an education series that is great for giving the reader information that will help them recognize the signs of addiction and also provide helpful tips for the patients and their families. The Multiplan mental healthcare program encourages your friends and family to come forward and participate in their family and group counseling session, so that everyone around you understands the importance of mental health and can extend their support to you or anyone else who might be suffering. 

    Patients who are under Multiplan providers need to find out if the treatment they want is covered by the insurance policy that they chose. It’s important that every person admitted into rehab knows the treatment they have chosen and if it’s viable with their insurance policy. They need to know the requirements and if they will have to take on any additional costs that may not be covered by the insurance company. 

    Multiplan PPO

    PPOs are a hot topic, but not many people know what they are. PPO stands for Preferred Provider Organization. With a PPO you can see providers without a prior referral from your primary physician and your plan will pay for all or part of it as long as the provider is in the network. If your provider is outside the network, you will have to pay more. A PPO is quite flexible, and it gives you more variety and a good selection of care. With a PPO, you can choose the doctor you want without any repercussions; the only issue is you will have to shell out a bit more cash if you wish to access that privilege. Additionally, you need to ensure that you meet the monthly premiums so that you get uninterrupted treatment that you have paid for. 

    Multiplan PPO and insurance work hard and consistently to help ensure that the policyholders are always treated well and that the cost of their services is accessible to everyone. 

    Why should you consult with Multiplan psychiatrists?

    An addiction psychiatrist is a doctor who focuses on treating patients that have any addictive or mental health disorder. They usually suggest medications like antidepressants and antipsychotics to help them cope with withdrawal and anxiety episodes. While many psychiatrists suggest that you take meds without really listening intently to your problems, the Multiplan psychiatrists are meant to ensure that your issues are heard and to listen to everything you have to say, which can better the treatment options. They often suggest a lifestyle change that can help you overcome your addiction as well as prescribe you with the right medication that will serve to improve your mental health with minimal side effects. 

    What is the Multiplan substance abuse criteria?

    There are many substance abuse hurdles one must climb over before they attain sobriety. If you contact any of Multiplan’s Mental Health and Addiction Treatment services, you will need to meet the following substance criteria:

    • Inpatient treatment 
    • Detoxification
    • Long-term residential programs 
    • Outpatient treatment and care

    When you contact Multiplan’s treatment referral center, you will be directed to professionals who can help you choose the best plan for you based on your needs. They will help you along with an insurance benefits review and then suggest rehab treatment facilities as well as what procedure you must follow. 

    How can you find the best substance abuse coverage?

    While you can opt for Multiplan substance abuse providers and the coverage they offer, you should ask yourself if this is the best option for you and if it’s vital in the long run for your treatment at the rehab center. Patients who are looking for rehab insurance must first contact the network providers that work with the insurance company and look for the plan and facility of their choice. The patients should ensure that they get a center that has professional psychiatrists, the best facilities, and the right type of care that they will need. 

    The treatment that you receive as a patient is important, especially if you’re admitted because of mental health and addiction. The care that a patient receives can have an impact on them in the long run. So, it would help if you put in much thought before making the decision; each patient should select the treatment plan that will suit them the best and the one they are most comfortable with. The Multiplan substance abuse providers will help you choose a plan that will meet your needs and help sustain your sobriety in the long run. 

    Does Multiplan offer aftercare services?

    Multiplan substance abuse counseling is one of the many highlights that come with applying for an insurance policy, but aftercare is also a part of the healing process and should not be avoided; therefore, insurance companies like Multiplan cover most aftercare services. For patients who seek residential treatment, their aftercare sessions will include staying at the center for a month or visiting the rehab center under strict supervision and daily medication. For people who don’t have a safe place to get better and are surrounded by potential elements that can trigger their addiction, they are recommended to go for inpatient treatment. 

    Both the treatments offer one-on-one therapy, where you learn to live without the addiction to alcohol or drugs. If you go for residential treatment, you will get more benefits, like having access to medical care and a choice between alternative therapies, along with family and group therapies. When you go for residential treatment, you will receive loads of benefits from a team of professionals whose sole purpose is to help you get better. 

    Multiplan mental health coverage

    When you go for substance abuse and addiction coverage, mental health is usually covered within that. This is a good aspect, because when a patient is suffering from addiction, their mental health can take a serious toll. Substance abuse can lead to withdrawal and depression, along with bouts of anxiety. Rehab centers acknowledge these issues, and the best treatments are often the ones that identify and recognize the connection between addiction and mental illnesses. Before you start your journey towards sobriety, you need to know your diagnoses, which has to be given to you by professionals. It is not a good idea to diagnose yourself. Once you’re diagnosed, you can choose the treatment that can best suit your situation and the one that can offer you the most effective results too. 

    Multiplan mental health coverage includes the diagnosis of your mental illness from a professional psychiatrist and a prescribed treatment plan. Patients who have been properly diagnosed are entitled to a mental health coverage plan that deems appropriate care. Just like addiction treatment, mental health coverage can demand residential treatment if needed or even outpatient therapy (if needed).

    Find the best treatment for addiction and mental illness

    While Multiplan approved substance abuse facilities are available, you probably want to plan your treatment according to the diagnosis, and the plan that you choose has to be important. As mentioned before, it’s best to contact the in-network providers and look for a facility that has experience and will provide you with the appropriate care that you need. 

    The facility and treatment that you choose can be vital for your well-being and recovery, and it is often best a decision that is well thought out and not spontaneous.

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Luxury Rehab Guide for Methadose Addiction

    Luxury Rehab Guide for Methadose Addiction

    Use this handy guide to find out everything you need to know about Methadose

    1. What is Methadose?
    2. What are the slang terms for Methadose?
    3. How do you use Methadose?
    4. What are the consequences of a Methadose overdose?
    5. What should you avoid when using Methadose?
    6. Methadose side effects
    7. What are the other drugs that can negatively interact Methadose?
    8. What is Methadose addiction?
    9. How long does Methadose stay in your system?
    10. What is Methadose withdrawal?
    11. What is Methadose rehab, and is it useful?
    12. How can you choose the right rehab center?

    What is Methadose?

    Methadose is an opioid that is used to treat moderate to severe pain. The synthetic painkiller can have several health risk factors that can lead to respiratory disorders when abused. Methadose reduces pain by directly acting on the brain stem and can suppress an individual’s autonomic respiratory drive. This medicine is strictly regulated, and is only available through a valid prescription provided by your doctor or pharmacist.

    What are the slang terms for Methadose?

    Many opioids have code names or slang terms. These code names are often used when painkillers are sold illegally. Medical professionals need to know about painkillers and their slang terms so that they can diagnose the symptoms of Methadose overdose before the situation gets worse. Here are some of the standard slang terms that are used for Methadose:

    >> Amidon

    >> Dollies

    >> Dolls

    >> Fizzies

    >> Mud

    >> Red Rock

    >> Tootsie Rolls

    How do you use Methadose?

    To get the most positive Methadose effects, you have to follow the dosage and instructions that are provided by yout doctor. Methadose usually comes in tablet form for oral consumption. One dose of Methadose is equivalent to 40 mg. As mentioned before, it’s prescribed for pain management that is caused from injuries and terminal diseases like cancer. Methadose is also used to help patients who suffer from opioid dependence to detox. Unlike other opioids which may have short half-lives and require frequent dosing, Methadose’s long duration and slow onset enable it to remain in a person’s system for up to thirty hours once ingested. This means that the patient will have to take a dose only once a day.

    Here are some crucial points you should know before you take Methadose:

    >> Avoid taking the medication if you have severe asthma or breathing problems

    >> Avoid taking the medication if you have any stomach or intestine problems

    Methadose side effects can result in a life-threatening heart rhythm disorder, and it’s necessary that you get your heart checked regularly during treatment.

    You must inform your doctor beforehand if you have any of the following conditions:

    • Heart problems
    • Lung disease
    • Head injury, seizures, or a brain tumor
    • Any mental illness or substance addiction
    • Liver or kidney problems
    • Urinary issues
    • Gallbladder or pancreatic diseases

    Avoid using this medicine during pregnancy because there are chances that your baby will become dependent on the drug as well. This will be dangerous for the baby once it’s born because it can experience life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, and may need medical treatment for many weeks. If you’re taking Methadose after giving birth, then you must avoid breastfeeding because the drug can pass into breast milk and cause drowsiness and breathing problems for the baby.

    When you receive your Methadose prescription, ensure that you follow the medication guide that comes with the drug. Avoid using Methadose for longer than necessary or taking a larger dose than prescribed. You should consult your doctor if your current dose is ineffective.

    Never share your painkillers with another person; your painkiller has a dosage that is specially formulated based on your current health and current condition. If you misuse Methadose, it can lead to addiction or overdose which, in extreme cases, can cause death. You should keep the medicine in a place where children cannot gain access to it easily. Selling the drug without a prescription is against the law. Ensure that you consult your doctor in case you have any questions about the medication or the dosage. 

    This medication is available in liquid form, and to consume it orally, you have to use a marked spoon or medicine cup that comes with the bottle. Do not use a household spoon for taking the medicine because the dosage will not be correct.

    Methadose can cause addiction when taken for a prolonged period.  Cessation can cause withdrawal as well. If you stop using the drug suddenly, then the withdrawal symptoms can be intense, so ask your doctor to taper the dosage. This way, the withdrawal won’t hit as hard.

    If, in any case, you miss a dose, then you will need to take it as soon as possible. Nevertheless, if you missed your dose and it’s almost time for your next dose, then you can skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosage schedule. Avoid double doses. If you miss the treatment for three days in a row, then you should consult your doctor immediately because you may need to start with a low dose again.

    What are the consequences of a Methadose overdose?

    During a Methadose overdose, you should contact emergency services and poison control right away. An overdose, of any kind, can be fatal, especially if the patient is left unattended. The symptoms for overdose include the following:

    • Slow heart rate
    • Drowsiness
    • Muscle weakness
    • Clammy skin
    • Shallow breathing

    What should you avoid when using Methadose?

    Avoid Methadose abuse (using it for non-medical reasons), you should also avoid combining it with alcohol because this can cause dangerous side effects and can lead to death. Once the medicine begins to take effect, you should avoid operating any heavy machinery. The drug can make you tired, and operating any heavy machinery can cause accidents and serious injuries. Also, avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit products because they can cause adverse side effects.

    Methadose side effects

    If you begin to notice any side effects or allergic reactions when you take Methadose, like hives, difficulty in breathing, inflammation of your face, lips, throat or tongue, you should seek emergency help immediately.

    Side effects can include:

    • Shallow breathing
    • Constipation
    • Dizziness
    • Fainting
    • Heart palpitation
    • Nausea
    • Vomiting

    What are the other drugs that can negatively interact Methadose?

    Painkillers can react with many other drugs, and they can result in intense side effects. If these side effects are not resolved, then they can lead to death.

    >> Any other narcotic painkillers or cough suppressants

    >> Sedatives like Valium or Xanax

    >> Drugs that make you drowsy

    >> Drugs that affect the serotonin levels of your body

    You should also inform your doctor if you are currently taking any antibiotic, antifungal, heart, blood pressure, seizure, or hepatitis C medicines. Any over-the-counter drugs and vitamins should also be mentioned when consulting your doctor

    What is Methadose addiction?

    Addiction does not happen suddenly. Instead, it happens gradually over time. When you’re on a medication, it’s vital that you update your doctor on any issues that you’re facing. This way, your doctor can monitor your progress while on the dose he has given you. If you feel that your pain has not improved, then you will have to consult your doctor once again to adjust your dose. 

    It’s illegal to give your medicine to someone else. So, keep the unused medicine away from children and in a safe and secure location. If you show signs of overdose, get help as soon as possible.

    Patients who take Methadose have a high chance of getting addicted to the drug. The severity of the addiction depends on the dosage of the opioid. Methadose tends to create a mental and physical dependency on the drug.

    Because Methadose comes with a high risk of addiction, it’s classified as a schedule 2 substance in the United States. It’s categorized as a schedule 1 drug in Canada, and other countries as well. It’s illegal to use any methadone-based drugs in Russia.

    How long does Methadose stay in your system?

    Methadose takes a long time to clear your system. The way your body reacts to the drug, along with the duration of its stay in your system, depends, in part, on your physiology and medication history. It can take anywhere from 8 to 59 hours for the drug to metabolize. Urine tests can identify Methadose from 24 hours to 7 days after the last dose. Blood tests can detect Methadose for three days after the last dose.

    Methadose requires a prescription and you must only take the amount required. If you excede the prescribed dose, there can be big problems; people can get addicted to this drug easily, especially if there is no medical reason for them to use it anymore. An addict can experience increased dependency on the drug, and this means that their situation goes from bad to worse.

    What is Methadose withdrawal?

    Methadose is a type of methadone hydrochloride medication. When taken in moderate doses, it helps with pain and has a positive effect on the patient’s well-being. However, this does not negate the fact that the drug can be addictive and dangerous when taken more than prescribed. Methadose requires medical supervision and should not be taken without a doctor’s prescription.

    Once you know the severity of addiction and withdrawal symptoms, you will probably notice that any attempt at self-treatment is pointless. It’s hard to have a level of commitment to stop the addiction by yourself, without any help or support. Substance abuse can lead to addiction which is a behavioral disorder that often requires professional help, and it’s rarely something that can be cured immediately. Prescription drugs that are used for recreational purposes, more often than not, lead to addiction. When substance abuse takes over a major portion of your life, then it’s helpful to accept that you have a problem and that you need help.

    Common withdrawal symptoms are:

    >> Sedation

    >> Insomnia

    >> Vomiting

    >> Low blood pressure

    >> Swelling of the hands and feet

    >> Mood swings

    The symptoms of Methadose withdrawal can appear as flu-like symptoms. Withdrawal can cause emotional complications as well. During withdrawal, you will experience intense drug cravings, and this is where you will usually experience a relapse. The first step towards recovery is admitting you have a problem. From there, accepting professional therapy and medication often becomes easier, and the results can be positive as well.

    Many factors can lead a person into addiction. Here are some of the common risk factors for addiction:

    • Friends or family members who have struggled with addiction
    • Abusive or traumatizing domestic atmosphere
    • Mental health illnesses
    • Use of alcohol or drugs at an earlier stage in life

    Addiction is not a lost cause, and just like any behavioral disease, it can be treated with the right facilities, medication, and professionals. The journey of sobriety is not comfortable, and many obstacles may come your way. Your mind might rebel through most of the detox process, and your restraint and willpower will be tested to what may feel like a breaking point. Nevertheless, once you get through the dark and tedious phases, you will most likely feel that sobering up is the best decision you’ve made.

    What is Methadose rehab, and is it useful?

    Once a patient has accepted that they have a problem, it is easier for them to accept help. Rehabilitation centers benefit many patients who are addicted to drugs and are trying to overcome substance abuse. To begin an effective rehab treatment, you will probably have to detox. Detoxification causes withdrawal, and the process can be brutal. If you go through detox on your own, there is a high likelihood that you will cave and relapse into addiction once again. 

    Hence, having professional and medical help when going through detox can be important because the chances of relapse are lower.

    When you go for Methadose addiction treatment, the first step is creating a plan. The only way this plan can be effective is if you accept that you have a substance abuse problem. Once you do, you have to have the conviction to go through the withdrawal and recovery process. It’s never too late to get help; the earlier you accept that you have an addiction problem, the better it is for you. Rehabilitation centers are one of the many options that help with addiction and mental health recovery.

    Rehabilitation treatment will guide you through the recovery process with the help of detoxification and therapy. They will also assist when you’re going through the withdrawal process and help ensure that you don’t give in to your cravings. Self-treatment is not the best course of action, especially when you’re going through intense withdrawal symptoms.

    Listed below are three types of rehabilitation centers that are available for addiction and substance abuse treatment:

    Inpatient Rehab centers:

    Inpatient treatment involves a patient being admitted in a hospital-like scenario. Once admitted, they usually have to undergo intense therapy for a set period with 24/7 supervision. This includes medical counseling, medication, and medical assistance. This treatment will require the patient to be admitted into the center so that they can fully and safely recover.

    Outpatient facilities:

    In this treatment option, the patient can visit the center whenever they have an appointment. These facilities don’t require constant supervision or guidance. They are perfect for patients that don’t have a severe addiction and can survive through their daily routine without being triggered into a relapse. These sessions are done with the help of professionals, and they help ensure that you’re on the right path to recovery.

    Residential treatment centers:

    These are quite similar to inpatient treatment facilities, except that they are held in a residential complex. The environment and facilities of a residential center are really different from a hospital rehab center and more like a home. The approach of such rehab centers is all-inclusive, and the patient gets to live in a secure environment that takes them from the detoxification process which is carried out under supervision and on to treatment which includes therapy and, perhaps, medication. Staff and medical professionals help you get by and encourage you to complete your journey through sobriety. A residential program provides a solid foundation for recovery for the patient and is strongly recommended for Methadose treatment. Residential treatment is the most popular treatment plan, however, this plan can be expensive. 

    You can opt for rehab insurance policies, and they help with any expenses you may incur while receiving treatment. It’s important that you find out if your treatment plan is included in the policy and if you have to pay any additional costs.

    How can you choose the right rehab center?

    Every patient is different; this means there is no specific treatment plan for everyone. You need to find a rehabilitation center that will suit your needs and enable the recovery you require. It all begins with meeting your doctor and formulating a plan. Through a well-structured plan, you can make an informed decision about the rehab center you choose.

    Listed below is a typical rehabilitation process from start to finish; this process is what most centers tend to follow:

    >> Admission into the center:

    This is the starting point of your journey to sobriety, and here, you will have to contact the rehab center and enroll in the facility. Treatment facilities are aware of the overwhelming thought process that patients go through when they want to admit themselves. So, they make the enrollment process as quick and comforting as possible because the last thing they want to do is overwhelm or intimidate the patient. All you have to do is contact the admission center and book your treatment.

    >> Intake

    When you enter the facility for the first time, you have to go through an administrative process. Here, you will be asked basic questions about your lifestyle, and you will be searched for forbidden items like drugs, alcohol, or weapons. The intake process serves as an orientation for the new patients, and they are introduced to the facility and the staff. This process aims to make the experience as friendly and comfortable as possible.

    >> Assessing the patients:

    This is where the professionals begin interacting with the patients. Medical and clinical staff members will begin the process by interviewing you and determining if you have any specific needs during your stay at the center. During the assessment, the patient is asked about their addiction, the drug they are addicted to, the duration of the addiction, and if they suffered from any other mental health problems before and during their addiction. This step is quite important because it helps the staff to create a customized plan that is designed for you and will help you get better.

    >> Detox:

    The detoxification process enables your body to eliminate any toxins that are present because of your addiction. This process will lead to withdrawal, and as your body begins to adjust and balance itself chemically, you will feel a certain amount of discomfort and pain. The staff at the rehab center will make your detox process as comfortable as possible and help you through this tough time, the length of which will vary, but expect it to last a week or so. Once the detox is done, the patient feels better and calmer. You will be ready to heal yourself physically and mentally once your system is clean.

    >> Patient Care:

    Once the detox stage is complete, you’re now ready for inpatient care. During this stage, there will be many single and group therapy sessions and services that will help you in the short and long run. In this stage, you will identify your triggers, learn how to handle them, avoid relapsing, and work toward achieving long-term sobriety.

    >> Aftercare services:

    When you leave the rehab center, you’re encouraged to join the aftercare program. This is done because stepping back into the real world after an intensive rehabilitation can be quite overwhelming, and it can trigger a relapse. Aftercare services will teach you how to handle your daily routine without giving in to substance abuse.

    If you or anyone you know is suffering from Methadose addiction, ensure that you get help from trusted sources as soon as possible.

    When you spot the addiction symptoms in the early stages, you can stop it from getting worse by getting admitted to an established rehabilitation center. All centers don’t charge the same rate, and some can be more expensive than others. Some of the best rehab centers may be out of the budget for most people. Not to worry; you may be able to take out short-term loans or insurance policies that will last you through the treatment period. You should ensure that the insurance policy you choose covers the treatment plan you want.

    If you or anyone you know is suffering from Methadose addiction, you can always reach out for help from capable rehab centers and their teams of professionals. Family and friend support is always welcome, but professional help can aid in getting you through the problem.

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Juul Appoints Former Addiction Researcher As Medical Director 

    Juul Appoints Former Addiction Researcher As Medical Director 

    Critics feel the move is an attempt to control the research surrounding e-cigarettes and teen nicotine use.

    The e-cigarette giant Juul Labs has appointed a former critic best known for researching the dangers of nicotine for teens brains as its new medical director, prompting skepticism from people concerned about the company’s targeting of young users. 

    Pediatrician Mark Rubinstein became Juul’s executive medical officer last week. Previously, Rubinstein was a lead researcher at the University of California San Francisco’s Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education.

    He has spoken about the dangers of vaping for teens, so his alignment with a company known for being popular among teenagers was very surprising to many who know him. 

    “Even if you believe in harm reduction, to go work for a tobacco company… to me goes against everything that anybody doing control should believe in,” Stanford University professor Bonnie Halpern-Felsher told Kaiser Health News. Halpern-Felsher trained Rubinstein during his time at UCSF. 

    Teen Vaping Epidemic

    The FDA has proclaimed that e-cigarette use among teens is an epidemic, with 20% of high schoolers trying the products last year. 

    Juul Labs claims that it hired Rubinstein as part of its effort to reduce teen use of its product. However, many experts are not convinced that Juul—which holds 70% of the American market for e-cigarettes—has the greater good in mind. 

    “Part of Juul’s strategy is to create credibility and buy influence by hiring everybody who would take their money. We shouldn’t be fooled: Juul created the youth e-cigarette epidemic and refuses to take responsibility for it,” said Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids spokesperson Vince Willmore. 

    Some people feel that Juul’s employment of Rubinstein is an attempt to control the research surrounding e-cigarettes and teen nicotine use.

    Director of the Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education, Stanton Glantz, said he felt “shocked and depressed” about Rubinstein joining Juul. 

    Critics of the appointment say that Juul is acting like Big Tobacco, which controlled the narrative and research around cigarettes for decades. 

    “I understand why scientists are concerned about a program like this, and I think they should be,” said George Washington University professor David Michaels, who has studied corporate influence on science and research. 

    John Schachter, with the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, said, “To us, Juul is Big Tobacco 2.0.” He pointed out that the company has sponsored legislation that it says would reduce teen nicotine use, but that opponents say would remove local government controls over restrictions on e-cigarette products. 

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Navy SEAL Team Took Cocaine, Flouted Urine Tests

    Navy SEAL Team Took Cocaine, Flouted Urine Tests

    One SEAL told Navy investigators that people would give him cocaine when he went out to local bars. 

    Navy SEALS serving with SEAL Team 10 regularly used cocaine without worrying about being caught because they considered the urinalysis a “joke,” according to a Navy report. 

    The report, obtained by the Navy Times, showed that last year six members of SEAL Team 10 tested positive for cocaine. After that, the SEALs were open about their drug use. 

    One SEAL told Navy investigators that people would give him cocaine when he went out to local bars. “Random people would offer me cocaine and I would go with them to use drugs,” he said. 

    Another member of the team said that he used cocaine while stationed in Colombia and at home in Virginia Beach, where he would put the drug into his drink at a local bar. 

    “My normal process was to quickly consume the drink with the cocaine in it, then sip from the other drink so I didn’t have to carry two drinks around,” he told investigators. “If there was any ice or anything left in the cup from the Orange Crush with the cocaine, I poured the remainder into the other untouched Orange Crush and sipped from that one until the next round.”

    Consequences

    None of the SEALs who were caught using cocaine faced a court-martial. Four separated from the Navy, while one was offered to remain in the service with a lower rank, an offer that he declined. A fifth man who was found to have been using cocaine died by suicide after doing so, the report found. 

    “I will not speculate as to the reasons why these service members made the poor decisions that they did, but I will say that the actions of a few are not reflective of the SEAL code or culture,” Naval Special Warfare Command spokeswoman Cmdr. Tamara Lawrence said. “We have tightened our processes, we are focused on performance and we are proud of our progress.”

    One of the reasons that the SEALs were so comfortable using cocaine was that they knew they could beat urine testing, if they even had to undergo it at all. 

    “I never once got piss-tested on deployment or on the road, where I was using most often,” one man told investigators. 

    The report author pointed out that SEALs are meant to be tested regularly, even when they are deployed. 

    “On deployment, no location should be treated as too remote for testing,” the report reads. “No distance or cost should, by its inconvenience, implicitly sanction unlawful drug use or insulate service members from rigid adherence to Navy standards.”

    However, even when testing did occur, the SEALs were comfortable swapping their own urine for a clean sample. Investigators even found that SEALs would keep clean urine samples with the equipment in case of testing. 

    “It was usually a buddy that would just follow you in and let you piss,” one SEAL said. 

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Can CBD Help With Meth, Cocaine Addiction?

    Can CBD Help With Meth, Cocaine Addiction?

    Researchers examined whether CBD has the potential to treat meth and cocaine addiction.

    CBD could help treat methamphetamine and cocaine addictions, for which there are currently no medication-assisted treatment options, according to a study released earlier this month. 

    The study, published in the journal Molecules, found that CBD helped reduce cocaine and methamphetamine use in rodents, and lowered their risk of relapse after a period of sobriety. The study authors say that the findings indicate that CBD should be explored as a treatment option for humans. 

    “While preliminary, there is some preclinical evidence showing that treatment with CBD might promote resilience to developing cocaine and meth use disorders and might prevent relapse into drug use after a period of abstinence,” the study authors wrote, according to Marijuana Moment.  

    Other Studies

    Studies have shown that mice that are given higher doses of CBD are less likely to continue seeking out cocaine or methamphetamine. After 14 days without meth or cocaine, mice that were given CBD over an extended time period were less likely to relapse. 

    “A limited number of preclinical studies indicate that CBD could have therapeutic properties on cocaine and meth addiction and some preliminary data suggest that CBD may be beneficial in cocaine-crack addiction in humans,” the study authors wrote. “CBD has shown promising results in reducing the inflammation and seizures induced by cocaine and in several preclinical models of addiction to amphetamine, cocaine and meth. Importantly, a brief treatment of CBD induces a long-lasting prevention of reinstatement of cocaine and meth-seeking behaviors.”

    While medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder has become the standard of care, there is currently no option for treating cocaine or meth addiction with medication. 

    “We’re realizing that we don’t have everything we might wish we had to address these different kinds of drugs,” psychiatrist Margaret Jarvis, a distinguished fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine, said earlier this year. 

    This isn’t the first time a study has indicated that CBD has potential for treating addiction. Last year a study also found that rats who received CBD were less likely to administer cocaine or alcohol, even when they were cued to take the substances. 

    Researcher Yasmin Hurd, director of the Addiction Institute at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, has studied the potential of CBD for treating addiction. 

    “When we started investigating CBD, we hypothesized that perhaps it could decrease drug-taking behavior, but instead we saw that it actually decreased craving,” she said last year. “It was very specific about what it decreased, and that was surprising. Other researchers have replicated what we found, so we are confident in our results.”

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Delta Planes To Carry Narcan After Passenger Dies Of Overdose

    Delta Planes To Carry Narcan After Passenger Dies Of Overdose

    Delta is set to follow its peers United, Frontier and Alaska Airlines, who already stock the opioid-blocking drug.

    Delta Airlines has announced plans to stock all flights with naloxone, the opioid overdose reversal drug, after a passenger died from overdosing in a Delta plane bathroom.

    According to Twitter user Lynne Lyman, who was on the flight from Boston to Los Angeles, a young man was found unconscious in the bathroom with a needle in his arm after a fellow passenger broke the door down. 

    “A man just #overdosed on my @delta flight, needle in arm he passed out in bathroom,” Lyman wrote. “The plane didn’t have a #NarcanKit. The paramedics took 10 minutes to arrive. They just carried him out in a body bag.”

    Harm Reduction

    Lyman then asked Delta Airlines to practice harm reduction by having a Narcan kit on every plane in a tweet that has been shared over 1,300 times.

    Although the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner is still testing to determine the exact cause of death, Delta took Lyman’s advice and will include naloxone in its onboard medical kits starting this fall. They will follow United, Frontier and Alaska Airlines, which already stock the opioid-blocking drug.

    President of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, Sara Nelson, spoke out in favor of this move, citing how terrible it feels when flight attendants are unable to save someone who is dying on their flight.

    Onboard Medical Kits

    “When we don’t have the tools to save someone it’s gut wrenching. It’s devastating,” Nelson told CNN. “Oftentimes they’re [people] on a plane traveling to a treatment center and they do not go to that treatment center sober.”

    Nelson responded to Lyman’s story on Twitter by saying that the man’s death is exactly why the AFA has been pressuring all airlines to carry some form of naloxone, which is often distributed in an easy-to-administer nasal spray. 

    “Appreciate @lynnelyman sharing this tragic experience,” she tweeted. “Flight Attendants are aviation’s first responders and we need the proper tools to respond and save lives. In the air there are no options. I’m so sorry for you, Lynne, and the crew and other passengers who had to watch this.”

    A Delta spokesperson told Fox News that they couldn’t comment on the specifics of the on-board death due to privacy concerns, but said that the decision to start stocking Narcan kits was made by the company “earlier this year.”

    According to a 2015 report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the increased availability of Narcan kits saved nearly 27,000 lives between 1996 and 2014.

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Walmart, CVS And Walgreens Targeted In Massive Opioid Lawsuit

    Walmart, CVS And Walgreens Targeted In Massive Opioid Lawsuit

    The retailers are accused of violating laws that require pharmacies to alert the DEA of suspicious drug orders.

    Supermarkets and large chain drugstores such as Walmart, CVS, Rite Aid and Walgreens are the subjects of a massive national lawsuit seeking restitution for the harm caused by the U.S. opioid epidemic that killed hundreds of thousands of people in less than 20 years.

    Cities, counties, and Native American tribes across the country have combined nearly 2,000 cases into what is to be the largest civil case in U.S. history. The trial is set to take place this October.

    Plaintiffs will seek billions of dollars in damages from the companies, each of which is accused of violating laws that require pharmacies to alert the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) of suspicious drug orders.

    One such case accused Walgreens of failing to act on a flagged email in 2011 containing an order of 3,271 bottles of the opioid, oxycodone, for a town in Florida with a population of 2,831 people. 

    Walmart Allegations

    Walmart has additionally been accused of failing to properly train its pharmacy employees or “enacting policy to monitor suspicious orders” before 2011 despite the fact that the opioid epidemic was already raging and warnings had been issued about the role of prescription drugs in the crisis.

    All of these alleged failures have resulted in the additional charge of creating a “public nuisance” as part of a system that created and/or fed the opioid crisis.

    According to The New York Times, these companies’ actions worsened a situation “that affects the far reaches of public health, including neonatal intensive care, foster care, emergency services, detox and rehabilitation programs and the criminal justice system.”

    Earlier this month, the trial of Johnson & Johson came to a close in Oklahoma. The company and its subsidiary, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, was the sole defendant in the lawsuit filed by the state of Oklahoma. Prior to the trial, the state reached settlements with two other defendants named in its lawsuit: Purdue Pharma (for $270 million) and Teva Pharmaceuticals (for $85 million).

    During the seven-week trial, state attorneys argued that Johnson & Johnson created a “public nuisance” by causing harm to the public including injury to public health. A ruling is expected in August.

    The Retailers’ Response

    The stores listed in this most recent lawsuit have all denied wrongdoing, with Walmart claiming that the chain “distributed less than 1.3% of the opioids” that were sent to the counties named in the suit and Walgreens claiming that it “has been an industry leader in combating this crisis in the communities where our pharmacists live and work,” according to statements provided to Vox.

    Purdue Pharma and other manufacturers also denied wrongdoing all the way up to reaching a settlement, but ultimately decided that the $270 million bill was worth avoiding a trial.

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Mike Pence Reportedly Cancels Trip To Avoid Accused Fentanyl Trafficker

    Mike Pence Reportedly Cancels Trip To Avoid Accused Fentanyl Trafficker

    Pence had plans to participate in an event at a recovery center where he would have interacted with the accused fentanyl trafficker.

    Vice President Mike Pence’s rare, last-minute decision to cancel his trip to a New Hampshire recovery center in early July puzzled journalists, spurring speculation that Pence was avoiding meeting an accused drug trafficker.

    Jeff Hatch, a former NFL player and former chief business development officer of Granite Recovery Centers, pleaded guilty to fentanyl trafficking on Friday (July 19).

    He is accused of transporting 1,500 grams of fentanyl from Lawrence, Massachusetts to Manchester, New Hampshire in July 2017.

    CNN reported that Hatch is facing a lighter sentence of up to four years in prison in return for his cooperation with law enforcement to help bust others in the trafficking network.

    New Hampshire has been among the top five states with the highest rate of opioid-involved deaths, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).

    Last-Minute Cancellation

    The vice president’s plans to visit to Manchester in early July were abruptly canceled just as he was about to board Air Force Two—a rare move, as CNN noted. Pence was scheduled to attend “a roundtable discussion with former patients and alumni at the Granite Recovery Center headquarters” and speak on “the opioid crisis and illegal drug flow in New Hampshire,” Politico reported.

    The vice president has not confirmed that avoiding Hatch was the reason behind his decision. However, the odd move invited speculation, further stoked by Trump, who told reporters, “You’ll know in about two weeks. There was a very interesting problem that they had in New Hampshire.”

    Politico interviewed a “law enforcement official briefed on the incident” who said that one of the “problems” that Trump was referring to was that Hatch—then chief business development officer of the recovery center until his recent termination—was being investigated by federal law enforcement for drug activity.

    Hatch’s NFL Career

    Hatch, 39, played in the NFL for the New York Giants and Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2002 to 2005, until his career ended with a debilitating spinal injury. Hatch has been vocal about his battles with drug and alcohol use disorder.

    Hatch described developing his dependence on pain medication after suffering a back injury in his rookie season. “It’s a slippery slope when you become addicted, but for me, it was a cliff,” he wrote in a 2012 essay, “Playing Through the Pain: My Battle with Addiction,” cited by Heavy.com. “For the rest of my career, I wasn’t only battling 300-pound defensive linemen, I was battling my addiction disease.”

    He said he was able to find help and get sober after struggling for a time. “It was as if there was a zipper on me, and over time, with a lot of work, I was able to work that zipper all the way down, and step out of that skin. I was able to shed all the guilt and shame.”

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Staying Sober Through a Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment: My Story

    Staying Sober Through a Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment: My Story

    Two incredibly painful paths have made my life better: a design for living from the program, and a new reverence for life from cancer. Both brought me closer to my higher power.

    Clean Sheets, Healthy Food, and a Loving Relationship

    A little over nine years ago, I was working on my 3rd step when my sponsor asked me to share what it would look like if my life were restored to sanity. I said I would have fresh clean sheets, clean clothes, plenty of socks and underwear, food in the fridge, and a loving relationship. She said to me (and I remember this so clearly):

    “You can have all that if you want it and God wants that for you.” Okay, the last part of the sentence is less clear, but it feels right — that God wants me to have clean sheets, clothes, healthy food, and a loving relationship. It seemed impossible to have any of that at the time, even being sober. I was a mess and still couldn’t shower regularly, wash my (small amount) of clothing consistently, and I was in no place to be in a relationship. I was barely six months sober and still detoxing. I certainly didn’t have any tools in place. 

    A Design for Living and a New Reverence for Life

    Today my life is so different and it happened just like the program says it will when people wish us a “long, slow recovery.” Slowly, as I worked the program, went to meetings, and did the steps, my life changed. The pain led me to surrender and then to a better life. And shockingly, as I make it to the other side of cancer and cancer treatment, I’m realizing that my life got better from cancer as well.

    Two incredibly painful paths have made my life better: a design for living from the program, and a new reverence for life from cancer. Both brought me closer to my higher power. 

    This morning I got up and did what I always do: I prayed and meditated, read from my books, and drank the coffee my sweet, patient partner makes for me every morning. I finished packing for my trip this weekend and took a shower, put on clean clothes, and got some healthy snacks together. I’m going to Iowa to be with my family for the funeral of my beautiful Aunt Jody, who passed away on Tuesday. She died from lung cancer after a short but courageous battle. She is at peace now, and I am grateful that I can be present and be of service to my family. 

    My aunt’s passing from cancer hit me hard because I just finished cancer treatment five months ago. It’s terrifying that cancer took someone’s life in my family so quickly. Jody was a beautiful, bright, passionate, loving woman. Hopefully I can help lighten the load on my family a little. My mother always appreciates me making her laugh. I can’t imagine the grief she’s feeling after losing her baby sister.

    Recovery, Comedy, and Cancer

    As a breast cancer survivor, I had the opportunity recently to speak at The Pink Agendas 2019 Health & Wellness Educational Symposium at The Sheen Center for Culture & Thought in New York City. The organizers asked me to share my story and it was super challenging because of… me. It should have been a simple request: share my story. They said they knew I was a comedian and that they wanted to close the show with me to help lighten the mood of the evening. The event was a panel of doctors, nutritionists, and survivors; a fundraiser to help aid research for a breast cancer.

    But this is what I heard: “Hi, we want you to share your story at our fundraiser, please sound like a doctor, and by the way the entire possibility of finding a cure for breast cancer lies on your shoulders. Please don’t hurt anyone’s feelings about their cancer and, also, you must look very, VERY professional and have a PowerPoint presentation as well. Good luck, we’re all counting on you.” I drove myself and my poor guy crazy getting ready for this. My sweet brother who has a PhD helped me to edit my speech but I could not memorize it. I memorize stuff all the time, but I couldn’t get this in my head. Finally, my sponsor said that she was pretty sure they just wanted me to speak from my heart. Then my partner told me to add some of my jokes that I use in my standup act about my cancer. 

    So, I just got up there and did that. It was a little messy, but I spoke from my heart, told my story, and expressed my gratitude for the treatment I received and for fundraisers like this that help support the research to find the treatments. It was emotional, my aunt had just died from cancer and a dear friend was going in for breast cancer surgery the next morning.

    I feel I have a responsibility as a cancer survivor now, to share my story and my hope. Similar to what we do in the program.

    My aunt was a woman of grace and dignity and I aim to be half the woman she was. She always told me how proud she was of me for being sober (she also told me I needed to do sit-ups before I could find a husband!). Two hours after I landed in Iowa for her funeral, I went to a meeting. It was an open GBLT meeting and one of my sisters came with me. And they did what AA does all over the world, met me and my sister with open arms. They read The Promises at the end and I realized that the promises really are coming true for me. 

    Surrender and Gratitude

    I have a beautiful life. I am alive, and I made it through something that I never thought I could: cancer and cancer treatment, and I stayed sober. I have the program and all the people in it to thank for that. I was held up, I was loved, I didn’t have to do it alone. I surrendered to alcoholism and was finally able to get sober. I surrendered to cancer and was lucky enough to make it out alive. Hopefully I can remember each day that it is only one day at a time and that each day is a new opportunity to live well. 

    If you had told me ten years ago that I would get sober and that my life would change in completely unexpected ways I wouldn’t have believed it. If you told me that I would also get cancer and after 14 months of treatment my life would improve two-fold I wouldn’t have believed you and I probably would have gotten drunk over it. 

    I don’t share or talk about the program or my sobriety very much because it makes people uncomfortable and I try to honor the AA traditions. However, I can talk about breast cancer publicly and help raise awareness about the importance of early detection through screenings. So, I now have these two pillars helping to hold up my life now: sobriety and cancer. Here at The Fix I can express how much I need this program to survive and I don’t know how I could have gotten through cancer without it.

    Someone said to me from a different fellowship that it was no surprise that God got me sober before I found out I had cancer. I am so profoundly grateful that he did. I have learned to trust my higher power on a much, much deeper level. Now, one day at a time I will continue to practice that 3rd step, put on clean socks (and maybe do some sit-ups).

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Vicodin Addiction: How To Find the Best Rehab

    Vicodin Addiction: How To Find the Best Rehab

    Looking for information about Vicodin? This helpful guide has all the information you need about side effects, warning signs of dependence and treatment for opioid addiction.

    1. What is Vicodin and What is it Used For?
    2. Vicodin and the Brain
    3. The Path to Vicodin Addiction
    4. Abusing Vicodin with a Prescription
    5. Abusing Vicodin without a Prescription for Medical Reasons
    6. Abusing Vicodin for Recreational Purposes
    7. Vicodin Addiction Symptoms
    8. Diagnosing Vicodin Addiction
    9. Vicodin Withdrawal and Detox
    10. Vicodin Addiction Treatment and Rehabilitation
    11. Finding the Right Vicodin Rehab Facility for You

    Vicodin addiction is a natural consequence of Vicodin abuse. If you take more of it than you should, you may develop a dangerous drug dependency.

    Defeating Vicodin addiction is not easy. But the situation is far from hopeless. If you enroll in an addiction treatment program at a high-quality Vicodin rehab center, you’ll have an excellent chance of overcoming your substance use disorder. You can choose sobriety over addiction, and during your time in Vicodin rehab you’ll learn how to do it.

    What is Vicodin and What is it Used For?

    In 2018, Vicodin and other painkillers with a similar formula were the top-selling prescription medication in 10 states. Vicodin is given to medical patients suffering from moderate to severe chronic pain, including those who are recovering from injuries, illness or medical procedures. 

    The active ingredients in Vicodin are hydrocodone, a moderately strong opioid, and acetaminophen, the over-the-counter substance sold as Tylenol. Standard Vicodin tablets contain just five mg of hydrocodone and 300 mg of acetaminophen. But it is the hydrocodone that gives Vicodin its potency. 

    Vicodin was long considered a relatively harmless narcotic drug. Consequently, many physicians prescribed it for only mild pain, or even as a precaution for conditions that might be accompanied by some level of pain. 

    But in fact, Vicodin is just as addictive as any other type of opioid. In addition to its painkilling abilities, hydrocodone causes feelings of pleasure, relaxation and mild euphoria that users find very alluring.

    Now that physicians know the truth, they are being more careful about handing out prescriptions. But Vicodin is still highly effective against chronic pain, which has helped it retain its popularity with both doctors and patients.

    This drug can be used safely. But exceeding recommended doses, or taking it without a prescription, is risky behavior that could leave you addicted and unable to control your Vicodin consumption.

    Vicodin and the Brain

    Vicodin works by linking with opioid receptors in the brain. The human body can manufacture its own opioids, in response to pain, and these receptors are designed to connect with these endogenous products. But opioid receptors do not discriminate and will bind with any opioid molecules they encounter, including those in medications like hydrocodone.

    While they share similar chemical structures, naturally-produced opioids are less powerful than opioid medications. Vicodin will provoke a stronger pain-killing response from opioid receptors, enough to take the edge off of pain that endogenous opioids cannot counteract. Opioids also trigger the release of the neurochemical dopamine, which is what causes the pleasurable sensations associated with Vicodin consumption.

    None of this is especially disturbing, as long as doses of Vicodin are carefully controlled. But if you begin taking more Vicodin than you should, two things will happen. First, your brain’s opioid receptors will adjust to the presence of so much hydrocodone, and they will gradually lose their sensitivity to its effects. This will force you to boost your Vicodin consumption to compensate, causing your Vicodin dependence to blossom.

    The second result of excessive Vicodin use is an escalating desire for the pleasurable effects caused by dopamine. You’ll crave the euphoric feelings this chemical can cause, and once that happens you’ll have another incentive to keep increasing the size and frequency of your Vicodin doses.

    Eventually, it becomes almost impossible to function without heavy quantities of Vicodin. Brain chemistry becomes seriously altered, and you are no longer able to gain any satisfaction from Vicodin unless you’re consuming levels that are neither safe nor sustainable. 

    The Path to Vicodin Addiction

    The fall into Vicodin dependence is a slippery slope. As your addiction deepens, you’ll become trapped by a pattern of behavior that only makes the problem worse. Your descent into the abyss will accelerate, reinforced by decision-making that becomes increasingly compulsive and uncontrollable. Without Vicodin rehabilitation, you may be unable to reverse course and turn your life around. 

    Abusing Vicodin with a Prescription

    Most men and women who receive prescriptions for Vicodin listen to their doctors and limit their doses. But others become so enamored of the drug’s effects that they push beyond the limits. They take more than they’re supposed to, to deal with some residual pain, or simply because they like the way it makes them feel.

    They may convince themselves that this is okay, and not risky as long as they don’t exceed recommended doses by much. But they underestimate hydrocodone’s addictive power. Soon their Vicodin abuse will carry them into the danger zone and into Vicodin dependence.

    Abusing Vicodin without a Prescription for Medical Reasons

    Some people who suffer from severe pain don’t go to the doctor for help. Or they do see a physician but become dissatisfied with the course of treatment, which does not remove all of their pain. In these instances, some men and women will self-medicate with Vicodin, which isn’t hard to do since the drug is so widely available. Their friends or family may have bottles of it sitting around, or they may have some of it themselves, left over from expired prescriptions. They may even know where to find it on the black market.

    No matter how cautious they try to be, they are putting themselves at grave risk for Vicodin addiction with this type of behavior. There simply is no way a person can properly regulate their Vicodin consumption without medical supervision. If they try, the chances are great that they will use too much of it and become Vicodin dependent.

    Abusing Vicodin for Recreational Purposes

    In some instances, people use Vicodin for reasons that have nothing to do with medical need. Instead, they use it because of its mind-altering side effects. They often use it in combination with other drugs or alcohol, in order to increase the intensity of the high or enhance the feelings of relaxation.

    Recreational Vicodin abuse alone is hazardous enough. But when it’s used in combination with other intoxicants, the risks of addiction and drug overdose will skyrocket. Recreational opioid abuse leads many people to heroin, which highlights how dangerous this reckless this behavior really is.

    Vicodin Addiction Symptoms

    Vicodin is expected to produce some side effects, even if taken as prescribed. But ever-escalating consumption will bring new and more intense Vicodin side effects, signaling your slide into addiction. 

    The most common Vicodin addiction symptoms include:

    • Frequent drowsiness
    • Mental confusion or detachment
    • Memory problems
    • Poor coordination
    • Weakness
    • Slow heart rate
    • Nausea and vomiting
    • Unexplained muscle cramps or pains
    • Trouble urinating
    • Fatigue, lethargy
    • Bouts of agitation or anxiety
    • Shallow breathing or respiratory difficulties
    • Depression

    If you experience these symptoms and have been gradually increasing your consumption of Vicodin, there is reason for concern. 

    One of the most disturbing and frightening signs of Vicodin addiction is an overdose. Almost 50,000 people in the United States died from an opioid overdose in 2017, and many of these unfortunate victims were abusing Vicodin in combination with alcohol, benzodiazepines, cocaine and other intoxicants. 

    Vicodin overdose symptoms include overwhelming grogginess, unresponsiveness, a loss of coordination and balance, nausea and vomiting, dilated pupils, lips turning blue, low blood pressure and respiratory distress. 

    If you don’t get help when these symptoms first appear, you could pay the ultimate price. Of course, the best way to save yourself from a Vicodin overdose is to seek help from a Vicodin rehab facility before anything this drastic happens.

    Diagnosing Vicodin Addiction

    Under standards listed in the latest Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the criteria for diagnosing Vicodin addiction include the following behavioral and emotional symptoms:

    1. Vicodin use is often heavier than planned.
    2. Using and obtaining Vicodin, and recovering from its abuse, has become overly time-consuming.
    3. Cravings for Vicodin are frequently experienced.
    4. Vicodin use is linked to a variety of social and interpersonal difficulties.
    5. Important personal, familial, occupational and educational responsibilities are neglected because of Vicodin abuse.
    6. Vicodin use has led to reckless or physically dangerous behaviors.
    7. Abuse of Vicodin is connected to the development of serious physical and mental health disorders.
    8. Favorite hobbies and other enjoyable activities have been abandoned in favor of Vicodin abuse.
    9. Attempts to reduce Vicodin consumption have been made, but have all proven unsuccessful.
    10. Growing tolerance for Vicodin has led to increased usage.
    11. Withdrawal symptoms are experienced when Vicodin is not taken for a few hours.

    The severity of your Vicodin addiction will depend on how many symptoms you report. 

    Half of all people with Vicodin addiction will have co-occurring mental health disorders or additional substance use disorders. So, medical professionals who evaluate you for Vicodin addiction will screen for these conditions at the same time.

    Vicodin Withdrawal and Detox

    Vicodin withdrawal symptoms will likely be experienced approximately six to eight hours after use of the drug ceases or is significantly reduced. They will peak in intensity within 48-72 hours and endure at levels that cause physical and emotional discomfort for a week or longer. 

    The most frequently experienced Vicodin withdrawal symptoms include:

    • Anxiety and agitation
    • Nausea and vomiting
    • Muscle aches
    • Heavy sweating
    • Insomnia
    • Racing or uncontrollable thoughts
    • Irritability
    • Lack of energy
    • Diarrhea
    • Chills and other fever-like symptoms
    • Powerful cravings 

    Needless to say, experiencing such symptoms for several days could be enough to destroy anyone’s determination to stay clean and sober. But the worst of Vicodin withdrawal symptoms can be avoided, through your participation in a medically-supervised detox program. 

    The main purpose of detox is to help patients reach a sustainable level of physical and emotional stability, to prepare them to receive addiction treatment. The best Vicodin rehab facilities offer detox services onsite, in clinical settings where all of your medical needs can be addressed and monitored on a 24-hour basis. Addiction specialists and mental health professionals will be available to meet with you at all times, and physicians, nurses, physicians and support staff will provide any additional healthcare services you require.

    If your addiction to Vicodin is mild to moderate, you may begin to taper off the drug during detox, at a reasonable pace that prevents the appearance of significant Vicodin withdrawal side effects. Or, alternatively, you may be given a maintenance medication called buprenorphine, which you can take as a replacement for Vicodin. This opioid satisfies Vicodin cravings but without causing euphoria, changing the psychological dynamics of addiction and making your transition to full sobriety easier.

    You will still have to taper your opioid consumption over time, as you pass through detox, treatment and aftercare. But studies show that buprenorphine use decreases the chances of eventual relapse. Since it doesn’t cause euphoria, buprenorphine won’t reinforce your addiction and will therefore be easier to give up completely. 

    Other medications administered in opioid detox include methadone, which traditionally has been taken as a replacement drug for heroin, and clonidine and lofexidine, two non-opioids that can reduce the intensity of Vicodin withdrawal symptoms.

    Detox programs generally last from a week to 10 days, after which you’ll be officially admitted as a patient in your chosen Vicodin rehab facility.

    Vicodin Addiction Treatment and Rehabilitation 

    Once you’ve been admitted, you’ll spend between one and three months in your Vicodin rehab facility. Inpatient or outpatient treatment programs will both be available, and your choice will depend on your personal preferences and medical needs. 

    In either inpatient or outpatient treatment, your recovery plan will be comprehensive and diverse. It will include services for mental health disorders, if they’ve been diagnosed in addition to your drug dependency.

    Your Vicodin addiction treatment plan will include a mixture of:

    • Individual therapy. With your counselor you’ll work through any personal, psychological or emotional issues that made you susceptible to drug dependency.
    • Group therapy. This involves counseling sessions shared with peers who can give you advice, understanding and acceptance.
    • Family therapy. Loved ones can boost your chances of recovery by offering unconditional love and moral support.
    • Life skills and relapse prevention classes. You’ll emerge from these sessions with more self-comprehension and better ideas about how to cope with life’s stresses.
    • Instruction in holistic healing practices. Mind-body therapies like yoga, acupuncture, medication and biofeedback will help you manage stress and anxiety, which can easily sabotage your sobriety.

    The top Vicodin rehab centers rely exclusively on evidence-based treatments with an established record of success. You’ll be in good and caring hands throughout your time in treatment, and as you transition into aftercare services at the end you’ll be well prepared to embrace your new drug-free lifestyle.

    Finding the Right Vicodin Rehab Facility for You

    Before choosing a Vicodin rehab center, you’ll want to visit multiple institutions to make sure you find the one that offers the best combination of healing services. 

    Your needs are unique and your story is your own, and staff and administrators at the rehab you select will understand that and respect it. They will rely on proven treatment methodologies but still customize your treatment plan to ensure it gives you a great chance to find lasting sobriety. 

    You’ll ask many questions during your visits to Vicodin rehab centers, while seeking the input of your loved ones as well. The best addiction treatment professionals will welcome your questions and give you answers that leave you feeling hopeful and encouraged.

    When you find the right Vicodin rehab facility for you, the choice will be obvious. The peace of mind you feel after that initial visit will stay with you as your treatment progresses, and it will be a major asset in your efforts to overcome your Vicodin dependence. Qualified treatment professionals can help you turn your life around once you’re ready to embrace the challenge.

    View the original article at thefix.com