Category: Addiction News

Kratom withdrawal
You know about Kratom addiction potential -you want to stop using Kratom! So, what can you expect during Kratom withdrawal? And how can you cope? We explore here, and invite your questions about withdrawal from Kratom at the end.

Severity of Kratom withdrawal

From personal and anecdotal experience, the nature of withdrawal from Kratom and Kratom effects on body in terms of severity and occurrence seem to depend on a number of factors. The factors that contribute to Kratom withdrawal include:

1. Duration of use – The length of time you have been taking Kratom. The longer you have been using it the more severe the symptoms.

2. Type of Kratom – The type of Kratom you have been taking. Withdrawing from highly concentrated extracts of the alkaloids found in Kratom results in a worse withdrawal experience. Method of administration usually contributes to withdrawal symptoms, but as Kratom snort is not recommended, we assume that you are taking oral doses of Kratom.

3. Previous mental health issues – Anecdotal evidence from online forums suggests that those who suffered from depression prior to becoming dependent on Kratom find withdrawals particularly difficult.

4. Personal pain tolerance -It also seems that some people just manage Kratom withdrawals better. There are many who claim quitting Kratom even after more than a year’s daily use is no more difficult than quitting caffeine, while others talk about it like being hell on earth. So there certainly is a subjective element.

My Experience withdrawing from Kratom

I have personally withdrawn from Kratom after more than a year’s use and can therefore talk about my own withdrawals which I have been led to believe mirror those of others but not necessarily in their severity or duration.

I took Kratom leaf twice a day, ever day for over a year. I decided one day to quit cold turkey; I used up the last of my supply and held my breath. I knew what was coming, I had tried to quit in the past but had always given up due to the crippling sadness that had enveloped me.

Psychological Kratom Withdrawal

Within 8 hours of my last dose of Kratom, I began to feel anxious and incredibly sad, despondent and plain depressed. It is difficult to describe the sense of loneliness and desolation I felt, everything seemed amazingly bleak. For me, this aspect of withdrawals was by far the most difficult to cope with and it continued for over a month. I must stress again that this was my experience others state that all their symptoms including the despondency disappeared after 4 or 5 days.

Physical Kratom Withdrawal

The other symptoms I experienced during Kratom withdrawal were all physical and ‘only’ lasted for 3 or 4 days. These self-reported symptoms during Kratom withdrawal are similar to those seen in individuals undergoing opiate withdrawal but are far less severe. If you have experienced other symptoms, please share them in the comments section of this article. The symptoms of physical withdrawal from Kratom included:
- anxiety
- cold-like symptoms
- insomnia (the tick-tock of the clock just went on and on, night seemed as if it would never end)
- lethargy/apathy
- RLS – restless leg syndrome (it felt as if my legs were electrified and this contributed to insomnia)
- sweating
Coping with Kratom Withdrawals

You can get through Kratom withdrawals. Kratom withdrawal can be a mere inconvenience for some and difficult for others. Here are some tips and suggestions based on my own experience about how you can cope during the period of Kratom withdrawal. Again, if you have other ideas, please leave them at the end.
- I would advise anyone planning to withdraw from Kratom to seek the advice of a sympathetic physician. A prescription for a sedative like diazepam can help with the anxiety and insomnia. The problem is, though, that many doctors have never heard of Kratom and so will not know what to do.
- You might want to take time off work/responsibilities during the initial stages of withdrawal as it can be very difficult to find the motivation to get tasks done.
- It is also good to have a friend/loved one with you during the first few days as you can get quite despondent. This should be someone who knows that you are going through Kratom withdrawals and who knows what to expect as you go through the process of withdrawal.
- If you are prone to depression anyway, then you really need to see a mental health care professional prior to quitting Kratom.
Kratom withdrawal questions

If you are going through Kratom withdrawal, you are not alone! We invite your questions about Kratom withdrawal. Or maybe you have an experience or feedback to share with other readers. Please let us know. We try to reply to all questions and comments with a personal and prompt response.

View the original article at addictionblog.org
2 May 2019
Five (5) facts about benzodiazepine withdrawal (you need to know)
Benzodiazepine withdrawal can be debilitating. The limbic system in the brain kicks into overdrive. Symptoms such as extreme fatigue, depression, and panic are common. How can you support yourself during the months-years long process of detox from benzos? Quitting a benzodiazepine medication can be made easier if you are prepared for what to expect and equipped with the right information about what benzo addiction is, how you can find the best addiction treatment program for you, and the rehab process entail. Learn more in this Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment Programs and Help guide. With a section at the end for your questions and comments.

Benzos overexcite our minds and bodies

Before we talk about what you can do to support yourself when going through benzodiazepine withdrawal, let’s review how benzos affect the brain.

There are two opposing systems in the brain: the glutamate and GABA (gamma amino butyric acid) systems. Think of glutamate as the gas pedal: it excites things into action. GABA, on the other hand, puts on the brakes. Benzodiazepines damage GABA receptors so that glutamate is free to run rampant, overly exciting everything in our bodies.

Without enough working GABA receptors to calm down the excitement from glutamate, our central nervous system goes into overdrive. The limbic system, the region of the brain responsible for flight, fight or freeze kicks into action around the clock. We experience:
- fear
- terror
- debilitating panic
Derealization and depersonalization are common withdrawal symptoms, as well. Severe depression, crushing fatigue, weakness, dizziness, burning skin, and a host of other debilitating symptoms can occur from taking a benzodiazepine.

We’re still learning about benzo withdrawal

It’s true that not everyone taking a benzo will experience a horrific withdrawal. Genetic mutations are the suspected culprits that cause the drug to mangle some brains but not others. However, the exact pathway of damage is not yet known.

What we do know about the experience of detoxing from benzo withdrawal comes from the collective stories of people who have survived it. The Internet is helping collect information about withdrawal and to disseminate more accurate facts to help people better navigate benzo withdrawal.

Five (5) benzodiazepine withdrawal facts

Here are five (5) of the facts that everyone taking a benzodiazepine should know:

1. Going to a doctor who is not benzo-wise can make you worse.

Most doctors are not very well educated about the dangers of benzos or the withdrawal process and symptoms. It is important that you educate yourself by studying the Ashton Manual, the gold standard to date for getting off a benzo. You may want to join one of the new online benzo communities run by benzo survivors that are springing up in response to the global need for help and guidance in benzo withdrawal.

Rehabs and detox centers are not the place to go to stop taking a benzo. Both taper patients off very quickly, which shocks the brain so to speak. This can result in a more symptomatic and longer withdrawal.

TIP 1: Consult with a medical doctor with experience in benzodiazepine withdrawal.

2. Time is the only thing that heals.

There are no pills, potions, or lotions that speed up the healing process or make it go away. Some things can take the edge off, however. Many of those things come with a steep price tag of their own to pay when you want to stop taking them. It may be better to gut out withdrawal without adding insult to injury.

Many drugs, vitamins and supplements make us worse, not better. Compiling the stories of so many that have gone though withdrawal we now know that vitamin D, vitamin B and magnesium often rev up our symptoms. Further, herbs and supplements that work on GABA receptors should be avoided. Kava Kava, Valerian, Phenibut, and Chamomille are known to cause problems.

Medical marijuana usually makes people have an increase in symptoms. Anxiety, depersonalization, derealization, fear, paranoia and panic can result from smoking or eating edibles. CBD, (cannabidiol) is a marijuana compound that does not cause a high. It is not psychoactive like THC. CBD has been shown to reduce seizures and pain. However, some people in benzo withdrawal react negatively to it. It is best to avoid the use of medical marijuana in benzo withdrawal.

Many naturopaths, acupuncturists and functional medicine doctors like to prescribe vitamins and supplements. You must do your homework before you agree to take any thing no matter how natural or organic it may be. Not sure how to find out if what you want to take is known to cause problems? Join one of the many online benzo groups and ask other members. Remember, we can’t rely on doctors (yet) because they are not educated about benzo withdrawal. They mean well, however, the often harm instead of help.

TIP 2: Avoid the following vitamins and supplements:
- Chamomille
- Kava Kava
- Magnesium
- Medical marijuana
- Phenibut
- Valerian
- Vitamin B
- Vitamin D
- Any herbs and supplements that work on GABA receptors
3. Watch what you eat. Food can trigger an avalanche of symptoms.

It’s not just drugs, vitamins, herbs or supplements that can cause an unbearable spike in benzo symptoms. Food can trigger very uncomfortable reactions as well. Many people going through benzo withdrawal become food sensitive. I couldn’t eat garbanzo beans without an increase in symptoms. Salmon revved up my symptoms too. Cane sugar and honey can increase withdrawal symptoms.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) needs to be avoided. It is an excitotoxin. Food additives, colorings, preservatives and artificial sugars can increase withdrawal symptoms. Sugar substitutes such a xylitol have been known to cause severe gastro problems. Caffeine and alcohol also make us much worse and should be avoided.

Benzo survivors usually try many different eating styles in order to feel better. Some try the GAPS diet, while others go Paleo. Some become strict vegans, while others just shun gluten. Diet is personal choice that only you can decide for yourself. Nothing to date speeds up the healing of the damaged GABA receptors, however, some diets do allow us to feel a bit better than others.

TIP 3: Find a diet that works for you. Look into GAPS, Paleo, vegan, or gluten-free diets. Avoid certain foods like:
- Alcohol
- Artificial sugars or sugar substitutes
- Caffeine
- Cane sugar
- Food additives, preservatives, or coloring
- Garbanzo beans
- Honey
- Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
- Salmon
4. Don’t up dose or reinstate unless it is to save your life.

One of the worse pieces of advice people are given in benzo withdrawal is to take more of the drug if they are struggling while tapering, or to reinstate (go back on the drug) if they are off.

A process called “kindling” can take place once you have been exposed to a benzodiazepine. No one knows exactly what takes place in the brain to cause this phenomenon. However, we know that it exists. If you go down in dose then go up, getting back down can be even harder the second time. The brain has been “kindled.”

If you are off the drug, especially for more than four (4) weeks, going back on the drug can backfire. You may become tolerant to the dose you reinstate on, and up dosing will not bring relief. You may be far more symptomatic and tapering may be brutally hard.

TIP 4: Keep moving down in dose. Once off, stay off, unless you feel your life may be in danger.

5. Chances are good your old anxiety will be history!

Many people who have navigated benzo withdrawal find that the original complaint that drove them to see their doctor is long gone after withdrawal ends. You may be frightened in the midst of withdrawal and feel that your old anxiety has returned. That is your damaged brain misfiring fear.

You’ll know when withdrawal ends if you still have your original anxiety. (you’ll be able to seek appropriate help if you feel you need to do so.) Once we are healed, many of us feel we are made of titanium. We’ve lived through hell on earth. Nothing much ruffles our feathers. Chances are good that you will feel this way, too.

TIP 5: No matter how much fear, anxiety and panic you have in withdrawal, know that once your brain heals, it will fade away. The amount of fear you feel in the depths of withdrawal is not the way you will feel the rest of your life.

Freedom from benzos is a new beginning

Benzo withdrawal is not a walk in the park for many. However, getting free from the drug increases your health and possibly your life span. For the millions who have gotten free, a whole new life awaits! Many are happier and far healthier than they were pre-benzo or on a benzo.

You can get free!

You can be whole, happy and healthy again.

If you are struggling, please send us a message in the comments section below. We’ll do our best to respond to you personally and promptly.

View the original article at addictionblog.org
2 May 2019
Hydrocodone detection times

Hydrocodone is most likely to be found on a drug test if you’ve taken it within the last 24 hours. After that, the amounts in blood and urine are low enough that many labs won’t pick up on them.

Here, we’ll look more at how hydrocodone is metabolized and how it stays in various bodily systems. Keep in mind that hydrocodone narcotic addictive and can lead to side effects hydrocodone withdrawal, even when used as prescribed.

If you feel that you have lost control over your Norco use and drug seeking behavior, and want to get better…but you are worried about what happens when you finally seek help, you can learn more in this GUIDE on Norco (hydrocodone) addiction treatment programs and help. Your questions about hydrocodone use and detection are welcomed at the end.

Main hydrocodone uses

Hydrocodone is used to treat moderate to severe pain. Hydrocodone works by changing the way the body and brain respond to pain; it also affects the part of the brain that controls the coughing reflex, which is why it’s so useful in prescription cough syrups.

How do you take hydrocodone?

Hydrocodone is usually administered in pill form, and is only available in combination with other non-narcotic painkillers. These include acetaminophen, and aspirin. Sometimes hydrocodone is used as an active ingredient in cough syrups. However, hydrocodone is usually taken orally, both for medical and illicit purposes. Many people may take hydrocodone in combination with alcohol, which can be extremely dangerous and raises the risk of serious adverse effects. And you should always take hydrocodone as prescribed. Can you die from hydrocodone? Yes, especially when you take hydrocodone more often, in higher doses or in ways other than prescribed (snorting, inhaling, injecting, etc.)

Peak levels and half life of hydrocodone

The half life for hydrocodone in the typical adult is just under 4 hours. In fact, hydrocodone reaches its peak level in the blood after about 1.3 hours. The amount in someone’s system will vary on the kind of medication they’ve taken: hydrocodone as a painkiller or anti-tussive cough medication.

Hydrocodone drug testing detection times

Hydrocodone is metabolized fairly quickly in the body. It’s difficult to detect hydrocodone in someone who isn’t a heavy or habitual user, especially after 24 hours or more. However, hair sample testing may detect the drug hydrocodone for up to a few months after the last dose. More on the types of drug testing for hydrocodone here.

Hydrocodone detection time in blood

Because of its short half-life, hydrocodone is unlikely to be detected in the blood after about 24 hours. A blood test would mostly be useful in cases of medical emergency, impaired driving, or any other situation where there’s reason to believe someone is currently under the influence of hydrocodone.

Hydrocodone detection time in hair

Hydrocodone can be detected in hair. Hair testing for hydrocodone can usually uncover substance abuse that occurred several weeks before, a time frame during which urine tests will no longer be accurate.

Hydrocodone detection time in urine

Hydrocodone reaches its peak concentration in urine after about 8 hours. At that point, levels of hydrocodone in urine begin to taper off. Depending on the dose taken, hydrocodone may only be detectable for 6-24 hours after taking the drug.

Hydrocodone and addiction

Like all opiate medications, hydrocodone is addictive. Hydrocodone addiction is characterized by drug craving, in spite of negative life consequences and even when the drug is out of your system. Even if you don’t get addicted to hydrocodone, users can easily develop a tolerance to hydrocodone, leading them to take hydrocodone in progressively larger doses to achieve original effect. Hydrocodone also fosters a physical dependence, even in people who are using it for legitimate medical reasons like pain management. People dependent on hydrocodone experience withdrawal when they lower dose or stop taking hydrocodone completely. Hydrocodone cannot be stopped abruptly without causing cravings and physical side effects and you should always detox from hydrocodone under medical supervision.

Problems with hydrocodone?

If you think that you have a problem with hydrocodone, you probably do. If you’re addicted to narcotics, there are support groups and medical treatments available to help. If you’re a patient with a hydrocodone prescription and you’re having to take large doses for pain relief, speak to your doctor about adjusting your dosage or trying a different medication. If you’ve developed and dependence on the drug, but want to quit, your doctor can help you slowly wean yourself from the drug.

Hydrocodone detection questions

Do you still have questions about the detection time for hydrocodone or how long hydrocodone stays in your system? Please leave your questions here. We try our best to answer all legitimate questions about hydrocodone with a personal and prompt response.

Reference Sources: PubMed Health: Hydrocodone
Forensic drug testing for opiates
Wisconsin Crime Laboratory System: Toxicology

View the original article at addictionblog.org

2 May 2019
How much tramadol is too much?

How much is too much tramadol? It depends.

While it’s difficult to overdose on tramadol, you can experience serious health problems at relatively low doses of the medication. This is especially true if you’re not taking tramadol as directed (crushing, injecting, or snorting tramadol hcl), or haven’t taken tramadol before. In this article we explore the various prescription strengths of tramadol, the maximum recommended daily dosage, and fatal dose of tramadol. And we invite your questions about tramadol use at the end. We try to answer all tramadol questions personally and promptly…and if we can’t, we will refer you to someone who can.

Tramadol strengths

The available strength of tramadol depends on the specific formulation you are taking and if it’s mixed with other medications, or not. Tramadol is available in an immediate-release tablet which lasts from 4-6 hours. The extended-release version of the medication is only taken once daily.There’s also a version of tramadol combined with acetaminophen, a non-narcotic painkiller.

1. Generic immediate release tramadol – Generic tramadol tablets are available in 50 mg doses.

2. Generic controlled release tramadol– The controlled-release version of tramadol comes in 100mg, 200mg, and 300mg strengths. Strengths over 100mg are only for those with a tolerance to the medication.

3. Brand name tramadol formulas – Tramadol is available in an immediate-release, 50 mg form under the name Ultram. Other brand names include Ryzolt and Ultram ER come in the 100-300 mg doses. Tramadol is also found in Ultracet, combined with acetaminophen, at a dosage of 37.5 mg.

How much tramadol is safe?

The safe amount of any narcotic depends on a person’s individual tolerance to opioid medications. Tramadol is always started at a smaller initial dose of 100 mg per day. In patients who’ve experienced more exposure to the drug, safe doses may be as high as 450 mg a day. However, this is a determination that needs to be made by the prescribing doctor, and may change over time as a tolerance to the effects of the tramadol develops. Similarly, how long tramadol stays in your system is affected by opioid tolerance, individual metabolism and dosing regimen.

Immediate release tramadol

People who haven’t taken tramadol before will start out with a low, immediate-release dose. They’ll be prescribed 50 mg tablets to be taken every 4-6 hours for pain – but they may be instructed to only take half the dose, starting at 25 mg for the first few days, so that they don’t take more than 100 mg in one day.

After using tramadol for some time, doctors will adjust the dosing regimen for each person individually. These tramadol dosing changes take personal medical history into account, especially as it pertains to analgesic pain medications. The current daily dose, degree of opioid tolerance of the individual, and their general health will all be considered when a doctor starts thinking about increasing tramadol dosage.

Controlled release tramadol

The starting dose for controlled release tramadol is usually 100 mg a day. This provides continuous, around-the-clock pain relief for people with chronic pain. This may be increased to 200 or 300 mg a day as time goes on.

If someone has taken a different narcotic for pain before trying tramadol, a higher initial dose may be needed. A tolerance to one opiate medication can result in a heightened tolerance for other, similar medications. The doctor will have to determine the equivalent dose of tramadol for the current dose of any other narcotic that a patient has been taking.

How much tramadol can you take at once?

In its immediate release form, no more than 100 mg of tramadol should be taken every 6 hours. Those who have never used the medication before should start on a much lower dose of tramadol, however, because 100 mg may be too much. Furthermore, only one extended release tramadol tablet should be taken at any given time. The maximum dose of extended release tramadol it’s safe to take is 300 mg, because that’s the largest dosage the drug comes in. Taking two of these pills at once could cause very serious side effects, most notably seizures.

How much tramadol to overdose?

The amount of tramadol that causes an overdose depends on personal tramadol or opioid/opiate dependence. In individuals without a tolerance, of course, it will take less tramadol to overdose, but the amount is still fairly high. In general, doses greater than 450 mg in one day can cause serious health problems, including seizures and serotonin syndrome. It’s very important to follow your doctor’s advice when taking tramadol, because taking any more than prescribed has the potential to cause serious adverse effects.

Toxic levels of tramadol in the system

Levels far below the toxic dose – starting around 500 mg – can easily cause seizures and other serious health issues. But you can overdose on tramadol taking any type of formulation of the medication. And methods of abusing tramadol make overdose more likely. Specifically, crushing extended release tramadol and either snorting it, or dissolving it in water and injecting it, greatly increases your risk of overdose. When taken orally, tramadol is slowly released into the bloodstream over the course of a full day. But high doses of tramadol or snorting or injecting immediate release tramadol can result in near immediate effect of tramadol on the brain and can cause overdose, especially if more than two pills are taken at a time.

How much tramadol is fatal?

While taking more than the recommended dosage of tramadol probably won’t kill you, as mentioned previously, this practice has some serious health risks. Overdosing on tramadol is more difficult than many stronger opioid medications – fatalities have been reported at doses between 2.65 and 8.2 g, 5-18 times the recommended maximum daily dosage. So although it would be difficult for an adult to take enough tramadol to be fatal, it’s very easy to exceed the maximum safe dose of 450 mg a day.

How much tramadol should I take?

You should take the amount of tramadol prescribed to you by your doctor. Never take more than recommended by a medical professional, and only take this oral medication as directed. Keep in mind that tramadol show in drug tests that are specific to synthetic opiates, and that tramadol use can be tracked and recorded by your prescribing doctor.

How much tramadol questions

Do you still have questions about tramadol use? Please leave us your tramadol questions below. We will be happy to answer you with a personal and prompt response, or refer you to someone else who can.

Reference sources: Toxnet: Tramadol
FDA MedWatch: Tramadol hydrochloride tablets
Medline Plus: Tramadol

View the original article at addictionblog.org

2 May 2019
Crack detox timeline: How long to detox from crack?
Are you or a loved one using crack? Do you wonder how to quit? You’re in the right place.

To begin, you’ll need to remove cocaine from your body. But how long does crack detox typically last? What happens during the process? For more info on the duration and timeline of crack rehab and detox, what is the best crack cocaine addiction treatment program for you, and what you can expect in our A-Z guide about Crack Addiction Treatment Programs and Help.

At the end, we invite your questions and comments about treatments for crack detox. We try to respond to all legitimate questions with a personal and prompt reply.

Crack detox duration and length

The duration of time it takes to withdraw from crack and the intensity of symptoms varies from person to person. Generally, the first withdrawal symptoms appear within couple of hours after the last dose and persist for few days, peaking about 72 hours after last dose. Following the first week or two after stopping, the brain struggles to regain normalcy and produces intense cravings. And it is common for protracted – or post-acute – withdrawal symptoms (PAWS) to persist for months after initial detox.

The total time you spend during acute crack detox will depend on a number of factors including:
- amount of use
- duration (over time) of use
- frequency of use
- level of cocaine dependency
- your general health
Another determining factor is how psychologically ready you are to quit using. The first few weeks of crack detox ar, perhaps, the most critical point for slipping into relapse due to intense cravings. However, while detoxing is not easy, it is a necessary part of the whole recovery process. Remember, detox is only a beginning and will not resolve an addiction to crack; psychological and behavioral treatments are necessary.

Crack detox timeline and schedule

Once a person stops using crack there are predictable patterns that characterize the post-cessation period:

0-72 hours

The period between the first hours to 3-4 days after the last dose is known as the “crash” period and is characterized by the presence of symptoms such as anxiety, fatigue, sleepiness and intense cravings. The individual may also feel depressed and have suicidal thoughts, so being surrounded by medical professionals and/or close friends and family is highly recommended.

Weeks 1-2

Compulsive behavior persists in the first two weeks after cessation, but decreases as days pass by. During this period, the brain is struggling to adjust to the absence of cocaine and severe cravings can be triggered by thoughts, behaviors, or even smells. Individuals may manifest hostile and impulsive behavior and feel irritated and moody. They could also have trouble concentrating, increased appetite and experience vivid dreams.

Weeks 3-4

This phase is known as the honeymoon phase. Cocaine cravings gradually reduce and mood improves. Individuals feel energetic, confident and full of optimism. They want to go back to normal life feeling as if they have kicked the habit. However, it has been estimated that two-thirds of relapse in drug abuse cases takes place within 3 months post-treatment. Further, the treatment of protracted withdrawal symptoms (PAWS) should not be disregarded as this is another critical point when relapse is very likely to occur. For these reasons, ongoing psychological treatment is imperative after acute detox occurs.

How long to detox from crack?

It can take months to fully detox from crack and manage cravings for cocaine. How long crack withdrawal can last is highly individual. Crack damages brain functions and it may take three to six months after acute detox is finished for the brain to restore normal functioning. The symptoms that occur in the phase are known as Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) and in most cases these decrease over time. The most common symptoms of PAWS usually include:
- anxiety
- depression
- fatigue
- insomnia
Further, it is important to understand that each person’s detox will be different. The duration of crack detox will depend a great deal on the level of a dependency and a person’s individual needs. While the physical withdrawal symptoms from crack detox are most severe within the first week after the last use and reduce with each passing day, the psychological withdrawal symptoms may persist for weeks and even months after cessation.

Crack detox scheduling questions

Still have questions about crack detox or scheduling? Feel free to share your questions in the comments section below. We will try to get back to you with a personalized and prompt reply.

Reference Sources: NCBI: Cocaine and Psychiatric Symptoms

NIDA: Monographs Cocaine Treatment: Research and Clinical Perspectives

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

VRIS: Substance Use Disorders

View the original article at addictionblog.org
2 May 2019
How much Valium is too much?

Valium (diazepam) is an anti-anxiety medication used to treat panic and mood disorders. In this article, we’ll look at safe dosing of Valium as well death from Valium overdose. Your questions about safely taking Valium to prevent addiction or overdose are welcomed at the end.

Valium strengths

Valium is avilable as a tablet and may be prescribed in doses ranging from 2 mg to 10 mg, 2-4 times daily. It’s available in strengths of 2mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg. Is Valium addictive? Yes. You can develop a tolerance to the benzodiazepine medication. If you take Valium long term, you can also develop eventual dependence or Valium addiction, especially if you’re taking Valium in high doses.

How much Valium is safe?

The recommended daily dose of Valium is 4 to 40 mg throughout the day. People have been reported taking doses of up to 2000 mg and experiencing only minor toxicity. That’s about 50 times the maximum recommended daily dose. So Valium is incredibly safe and very difficult to overdose on if taken by itself.

How much Valium can you take at once?

Only up to 10 mg of Valium should be taken at one time, and that’s only in someone with a tolerance for the medication. Taking Valium in large quantities for the euphoric “high” can cause adverse side effects. Because Valium can impair your balance, judgment, and alertness, taking it puts you at risk for accidents. And snorting Valium high can also increase your risk of overdose.

How much Valium to overdose?

It’s hard to overdose on Valium. However, Valium overdose is possible, usually in combination with other drugs. Again, at over 1000 times the normal dose, Valium usually causes only minor symptoms. It’s very difficult to overdose just by taking Valium pills. However, when combined with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants, it becomes much easier to overdose on Valium, and can even be fatal. In fact, mixing Valium and alcohol is incredibly dangerous, even in small amounts.

How much Valium is fatal?

How much Valium is fatal depends on the situation. Low doses of Valium can be fatal if combined with alcohol, narcotics, or other CNS depressants. Even at very high doses, it’s unlikely to cause permanent harm in a healthy individual on its own. But the side effects of Valium abuse can include terrible withdrawal symptoms and addiction, so it’s still a bad idea to take high doses of Valium recreationally.

How much Valium should I take?

You should take the amount of Valium prescribed to you by your doctor. Never take more than recommended by a medical professional, and only take this oral medication as directed.

Questions about too much Valium

Want to learn more or have any questions regarding Valium (diazepam) use, addiction, available treatment methods, and what you can expect from your rehab program? We outline in this guide on Treatment Programs and Help for Valium Addiction.

Please leave your questions about safe levels of Valium here. We do our best to respond to your queries with a personal and prompt reply.

Reference Sources: Toxnet: Diazepam
Medline Plus: Diazepam
PubMed Health: Diazepam

View the original article at addictionblog.org

2 May 2019
Tolerance to Adderall

Do you still have ADHD symptoms after taking Adderall (amphetamine, dexamphetamine and mixed salts)? Does your doctor have to increase your Adderall prescription doses to increase its effectiveness?

If yes, then you have or are developing a tolerance to Adderall. Tolerance doesn’t mean you are physically or mentally dependent on a drug, that you are addicted, or that you will necessarily experience Adderall withdrawal syndrome when you stop taking amphetamine salts. Note here that Adderall dependence withdrawal requires medical supervision. However, if tolerance is occurring you want to watch out for Adderall withdrawal symptoms. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Adderall tolerance. We also look at how Adderall tolerance relates to amphetamine dependency and addiction. We invite any questions you may have about Adderall at the end of this article.

Developing tolerance to Adderall

Anyone can develop a tolerance to Adderall but it happens over a length of time. Adderall tolerance, in general, takes longer than other types of drugs. But those abusing Adderall for the euphoric effect will develop tolerance quicker than someone using it for therapeutic purposes. How does tolerance happen? And what does it mean?

Tolerance to Adderall develops because the body “learns” the chemical makeup of amphetamine salts over time. After a while, the end of the nerves become resistant to Adderall effects on the body. Sometimes, developing a tolerance to Adderallcompletely renders the drug useless. Other time,s this tolerance can progress into in a physical dependence on Adderall. When you are physically dependent on Adderall and try to stop taking Adderall, your body experiences withdrawal symptoms which can be both dangerous and painful.

Adderall tolerance symptoms

In general, tolerance symptoms for amphetamines like Adderall include the following and are important to look out for.

1) No longer feeling the focus Adderall provides.

2) Needing higher doses of Adderall to feel its effects on ADHD symptoms.

3) Only being able to maintain the effects of Adderall for a short time after taking it.

Note here that Adderall has a high potential for developing physical dependency and can even trigger addiction in some cases. If you are worried this may be you, you can review our other articles for further information. But as you use Adderall over time, doctors expect that you will develop some form of tolerance to Adderall. Your doctor will work with you to observe which concentration of amphetamine salts works best for you to adjust for and work around Adderall tolerance.

Adderall tolerance: How long?

Amphetamines, in general, take longer to develop a tolerance when used for therapeutic purposes. Tolerance in this case develops more on a week to month basis sometimes taking up to 6 months before a doctor has to alter and change the concentration of the medication. But when Adderall is abused to get high, tolerance develops quickly. In fact, people can develop a tolerance to Adderall after using it just once. Many try to chase the first high with no success and will take more Adderall, thereby increasing their tolerance at the same time as they develop a dependence.

High tolerance to Adderall

There are different concentrations and potencies of Adderall for those prescribed amphetamines to treat ADHD. This varies because of the ADHD spectrum and the variations that exist. What may be a high tolerance for one may be low for someone else.

Doctors are advised to start people out with the lowest possible dose of Adderall because of the high potential your body has of becoming dependent on amphetamines. This also allows room for doctors to tinker with the levels and dosage of Adderall which can works for you. In general, a high tolerance to Adderall exceeds 40mg a day. To even get to this Adderall dosage is considered rare and rather remarkable. If you are taking 30 to 40 mg of Adderall a day, you have a high tolerance to Adderall and may want to try another medication that can help mitigate ADHD symptoms.

How to lower tolerance to Adderall

Because of Adderall’s high dependency rate, it is considered a little more dangerous practice to lower your tolerance to Adderall. It is safe to lower your tolerance to Adderall as long as you have not developed a physical dependency on amphetamines salts. If you have become physically dependent on Adderall, you will then need to taper your Adderall doses slowly under the supervision of a doctor to compensate for withdrawal symptoms.

The best way to lower tolerance is to stop taking Adderall. But when you do this , ADHD symptoms will once again occur. A couple of months should be good enough to lower tolerance enough to start taking it. If may be best to try an alternative drug to help with these symptoms. Talk to a doctor to see what would be your best option. Also, if you’re abusing Adderall and you stop taking it, you will never be able to reach level zero of when you started taking Adderall.

Building up tolerance to Adderall questions

Do you still have questions about Adderall tolerance? Please share your questions and experiences with Adderall in the comments below.

Reference Sources: Pub Med Health: Adderall
FDA: Adderall drug label
National Institute of Drug Abuse: Pharmacology and Toxicology of Amphetamine and Related Designer Drugs

View the original article at addictionblog.org

2 May 2019
How long does a hangover last?
It’s the morning after. You feel horrible. When will your hangover end?

Hangover causes

Hangovers are simply caused by drinking too much alcohol. It might make you feel better to know that some people report hangovers after drinking one to three drinks. But on the other hand, there are heavy drinkers out there that don’t get hung over at all. Although experts still don’t know officially what causes alcohol hangovers exactly, ten possible explanations for why you feel the hair of the dog include:
1. acetaldehyde
2. alcohol withdrawal
3. dehydration and imbalance of electrolytes
4. drug use
5. gastrointestinal problems
6. genetics
7. low blood sugar
8. methanol
9. psychological traits
10. sleep disturbance
When will this hangover end?

OK. Now a little wake up call. Hangovers exist for a reason: the hangover experience may deter us from future episodes of heavy drinking or intoxication. They are our body’s way of asking that we avoid binge drinking and a call for homeostasis, or balance. But when will they end?

Typically, a hangover will end within 24 hours. Hangovers begin within several hours after you stop drinking, when blood alcohol concentration (BAC) falls. Symptoms of a hangover usually peak about the time BAC is zero and may continue for up to 24 hours thereafter. Most cases of hangover end several hours after 0 level BAC, though. This is for somewhat “normal” cases of over drinking, and a typical average. But hangovers can continue for a couple of days in more severe cases or in times when alcohol withdrawal occurs.

More severe cases of hangovers

Generally, the greater the quantity and length of time drinking, the more prevalent is the hangover. Some hangovers go on and on and can last for 72 hours, especially if you are mixing drinks, drinking low quality and less refined alcohol or drinking certain types of alcohol (brandy, red wine or whiskey all contain methanol).

How bad is your hangover?

Hangovers suck. But time will ease the symptoms of illness and discomfort. There are also a few hangover remedies that you might want to try to help reduce the severity of symptoms or shorten its duration. But keep in mind that most folk remedies for hangovers have not undergone clinical tests, and experts believe that conservative management of symptoms combined with time are your best bet for feeling better.

Hangover questions

Please leave your hangover story below, or questions about hangovers. We are happy to answer and respond to all of your comments personally.

Reference source: Mechanisms and Mediators of Alcohol Hangover

View the original article at addictionblog.org
2 May 2019
Finding Treatment for Lorazepam Addiction
Are you looking for lorazepam addiction treatment? Our guide can help you find the treatment you need.

Table of Contents

1. What is Lorazepam and What is it Used For?
2. Other Names for Lorazepam
3. Lorazepam Side Effects
4. Lorazepam Overdose
5. Lorazepam Addiction
6. Symptoms of Lorazepam Addiction
7. Lorazepam Withdrawal Effects and Detox
8. Lorazepam Addiction Treatment

Lorazepam is a prescription drug that doctors prescribe primarily as a treatment for anxiety. Its purpose is to provide relaxation. While this drug can be beneficial, it also comes with risk. The problem is that it can be habit-forming, which creates a high risk that it will lead to lorazepam abuse and addiction.

This drug can cause withdrawal symptoms, so it’s a good idea to stop its use with the help of medical professionals. If you need assistance, a detox and rehab program can help your body and mind adjust to no longer receiving the drug. A high-quality, customized treatment program may help you recover and change your life for the better.

What is Lorazepam and What is it Used For?

Lorazepam is in the drug class of benzodiazepines, commonly known as benzos. These drugs are tranquilizers that provide a sedative effect. Like other benzodiazepines, Lorazepam depresses the central nervous system. It slows the brain’s activity to provide a calming effect, with the intention of relieving anxiety. Lorazepam comes in tablet, injection and liquid concentrate forms.

This medication is used to help the various difficult symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), which features a higher than normal level of anxiety or worry for six months or longer. This disorder is also characterized by irritability, fatigue, trouble concentrating and other symptoms.

While this drug is mainly prescribed to treat anxiety, it is also used for other health conditions and situations. These include:
- Epilepsy
- Insomnia or other sleep difficulties
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Alcohol withdrawal
- Nausea and vomiting associated with cancer treatment
- Pre-anesthesia medication
Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed to people, and Lorazepam is included in the top five most prescribed of this type of drug.

Other Names for Lorazepam

Lorazepam is the generic name for this drug. The main brand names are Ativan and Lorazepam Intensol. Nonetheless, Lorazepam is also sold illicitly and is not always referred to as its generic or brand names. You might instead hear Lorazepam called by its street names, which include:
- Benzos
- Downers
- Tranqs/tranks
- Nerve pills
Lorazepam Side Effects

The use of Lorazepam may come with a long list of potential side effects. Some of the most serious side effects are cause for seeking immediate medical attention. These include:
- Fever
- Trouble breathing
- Trouble swallowing
- Irregular heartbeat
- A consistent tremor
- Inability to sit still
- A shuffling walk
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes
- A severe skin rash
This drug can also cause other side effects that are considered serious if you experience them at a severe level or if they persist. These include:
- Feeling dizzy, drowsy, tired or weak
- Feeling restless
- Experiencing changes in appetite or sex drive
- Difficult or frequent urination
- Nausea or diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Blurred vision
If you experience any of these or other side effects while taking Lorazepam, you should talk to your doctor.

In addition, various dangerous side effects can occur from taking Lorazepam along with other types of prescription medicines or other substances. Combining Lorazepam with various medications has the potential to cause sedation, coma or breathing problems that can become life-threatening. You should discuss any other medications you’re taking with your doctor before you take Lorazepam. Also, combining this drug with alcohol or other street drugs can lead to dangerous side effects.

Lorazepam Overdose

Taking Lorazepam also has the potential for overdose. A Lorazepam overdose comes with signs such as:
- Seizures
- Collapsing
- Difficulty breathing
- Not waking up
If signs of overdose happen, call 911 immediately.

Lorazepam Addiction

An addiction to Lorazepam can start by first taking the drug legally according to a doctor’s prescription. Then you can become dependent on it and turn to illegal sources of obtaining more of the drug. It’s also possible to use this drug illicitly from the start. It’s sold illicitly for different purposes, including for the euphoric feeling it creates and for the intention of drugging someone to perform a sexual assault. Also, people often take Lorazepam with other substances either to enhance the effects or to counteract unwanted side effects, such as agitation that can come from using cocaine.

Lorazepam has a high risk of abuse. Its use can turn into drug misuse or Lorazepam abuse, meaning that you use the drug differently than its prescription use. For example, you might take higher doses than intended or continue finding the drug and using it after your prescription runs out.

Short-term use of up to four weeks has less of a risk of dependence, while ongoing use of this addictive drug can cause both physical and psychological dependence. One problem that can contribute to dependence is that the conditions this drug is used for, such as anxiety, tend to be ongoing rather than short-term. This may cause people to continue using the drug as a long-term way to manage their symptoms, encouraging the risk of dependence. In many cases, doctors extend the prescription and contribute to the risk.

When you continue to take lorazepam, your body can develop a tolerance to it. This results in needing to use more of the drug to continue getting the same effects. Your body can become accustomed to the prolonged use and high doses, so it becomes dependent on the drug. Once your body has adjusted to having the drug continuously in its system, you can experience withdrawal symptoms when you try to take it away. This means you are physically dependent on the drug, and you can also develop a psychological dependence. When you become addicted, your behaviors change as your life becomes centered on the drug use.

Symptoms of Lorazepam Addiction

It’s not always easy to tell if you’ve become addicted to a substance. The process can happen without you realizing it. Since this is a legal prescription drug, people don’t always take the addiction risk seriously. A main characteristic of addiction is continuing to use the drug even though it’s causing problems in your life.

You can determine whether you have become addicted if you’re noticing signs and symptoms of Lorazepam addiction. These include:
- Being unable or unwilling to cut back or stop using Lorazepam
- Needing higher doses to achieve the same effects
- Feeling like you need Lorazepam to function
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you try to cut back or stop the drug use
- Having difficulty keeping up with work, family and other responsibilities
- Experiencing problems from the drug use, such as legal trouble and relationship strain
- Using more of the drug than you intended
- Focusing your life on the drug, using it and how to get more
- Withdrawing from people and activities that you previously engaged in
You can also experience changes to your mental and physical health from the addiction. For example, you could experience quick weight, appetite and mood changes.

Lorazepam Withdrawal Effects and Detox

Even if you’re taking Lorazepam as directed by your prescription, stopping its use can cause withdrawal symptoms. Because of this, it’s not recommended that you stop using it suddenly but instead that you work with your doctor.

Lorazepam withdrawal symptoms include:
- Dizziness
- Irritability
- Tremors
- Quick heart rate
- Seizures
- Nausea
- Changes in blood pressure
A detox program can help you safely and more comfortably get through the withdrawal period. Detox often acts as the first step of treatment before you enter a rehab program. During inpatient detox, you stay in a facility with round-the-clock monitoring and support. In many cases, you will also receive medication to manage symptoms of withdrawal. As an added benefit, staying in a detox facility keeps you away from the substance and triggers, to improve your chances of success with quitting.

Lorazepam Addiction Treatment

When you are ready for treatment for an addiction to lorazepam, you first need to stop using the medication. This is when entering a detox program or tapering down with your doctor is beneficial. Once the drug is out of your system and you have gotten past acute withdrawal symptoms, you can continue with rehab treatment. This type of treatment focuses on psychological dependence and the unhealthy behaviors you may have developed as part of the addiction.

Through individual therapy, group therapy and other approaches within rehab programs, you can explore how you became addicted and learn to change your thoughts, habits and behaviors. The goal of rehab is to help you change your lifestyle from one that’s focused on drug use to one that is healthy and sober.

Rehab can also help with co-occurring mental disorders, relationship problems that developed from the addiction and other associated concerns. Focusing on a mental disorder is particularly important in this case, because people with certain ones, such as anxiety and sleep disorders, are more likely to become addicted to benzodiazepines like Lorazepam. Also, it will be harder to stick with recovery if you treat the addiction but continue to have difficulty managing the mental disorder.

A customized treatment plan designed to fit your specific needs will be the most helpful. Also, many treatment programs include an aftercare component aimed to keep you on track with recovery. This can help prevent relapse.

There are different types of addiction treatment programs you can explore to find the right fit. Some people enter partial hospitalization or outpatient programs, which provide some flexibility and free time while guiding and supporting you to overcome the addiction. An intensive outpatient program (IOP) provides a more comprehensive treatment program that is likely to be more effective than a regular outpatient program. An IOP provides a similar level of support as an inpatient program, which is different because it involves living on-site during treatment.

Inpatient programs are generally the most supportive and comprehensive forms of treatment. By living at the facility, your full focus is on recovering, and you are separated from the substance and the triggers of your daily life. You also receive around-the-clock support and care. These facilities tend to include a broad range of services to support your mind, body and spirit, and you also gain a deeper level of peer support from the people living on-site and sharing the experience with you.

There are also less intensive forms of treatment, such as office visits with a professional or attending 12-step meetings. Many people need more support than what these and regular outpatient treatment offer. A common approach is to start with an intensive outpatient program or inpatient program and then to continue with one of the less-intensive forms of treatment. This can provide a better transition from rehab back to regular life, helping you prevent relapse and continue with recovery.

Lorazepam is an addictive drug, so the risk is high that you’ll become addicted, even if you are following your prescription. If your life has become focused on Ativan or other forms of Lorazepam, treatment can help you undo your dependence and change your behaviors to have a life free of addiction.

View the original article at thefix.com
2 May 2019
How long does hydrocodone withdrawal last?
Thinking about quitting hydrocodone?

Developing a dependence on hydrocodone is common and even expected by doctors. Why is cutting back so difficult? What happens when you stop taking hydrocodone? Hydrocodone affects the central nervous system and smooth muscle tissue and can changes the way we perceive pain and might induce a change in mood. But this action, while efficient, can also cause us to experience withdrawal symptoms when we quit or cut back.

General onset of withdrawal symptoms occurs within a few hours after hydrocodone effects wear off. But is you’re asking, “Hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms – how long?” know this: the length of time until withdrawal stops can vary from weeks to months later. More here about how long hydrocodone withdrawal lasts. And we invite your questions about hydrocodone withdrawal at the end.

How long until hydrocodone withdrawal starts?

Once you have decided to stop taking hydrocodone, withdrawal symptoms can start as early as a few hours after the effect of hydrocodone has worn off. The most common symptoms of withdrawal from hydrocodone include:
- cold sweat and chills
- diarrhea
- drug craving
- irritability
- sleep disturbances
- mental swings
How long do hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms last?

Hydrocodone withdrawal usually peaks around 72 hours after last dose and resolve within 7-10 days after last use. Symptoms of hydrocodone withdrawal can last anywhere between a few days to several months after you last take hydrocodone. The harsher, acute effects of withdrawal should resolve within about a week after last dose. However, people have reported insomnia, mood swings, and drug cravings long after hydrocodone detox has occurred.

Hydrocodone withdrawal timeline

As mentioned earlier, hydrocodone affects people differently. Symptoms of withdrawing from hydrocodone will change from person to person. But in general, if you taking hydrocodone for medical reasons in doses as prescribed, symptoms of withdrawal tend to be less intense than someone abusing the medication or taking higher doses than prescribed. Note also that it can take days to weeks to completely remove hydrocodone from the system. It is important to note that because hydrocodone is an opioid, withdrawal symptoms can be delayed. Therefore, it may take several weeks to months to no longer feel the effects of withdrawal symptoms.

24-72 hours hydrocodone withdrawal – General onset of symptoms can manifest shortly after the drug has worn off and linger for up to a few months after the medication is totally out of the system. It is during this time and especially during the first 72 hours that withdrawal symptoms peaks, which include: mood changes, sweats, diarrhea, extreme drowsiness, stomach pains, and abnormal skin sensations as well as possible respiratory depression.

Week 1 hydrocodone withdrawal – In the first week after stopping hydrocodone, symptoms of withdrawal tend to be the worst. Symptoms from the first onset diminish a bit and even out. However, during this phase of withdrawal symptoms can include continued irritability, waves of intense craving, depression, and exhaustion.

Week 2 hydrocodone withdrawal – After the first couple of weeks of stopping hydrocodone, protracted withdrawal symptoms may arise. Symptoms such as diarrhea, mood swing, irritation, insomnia, muscle cramps and back aches can surface during this phase of withdrawal from hydrocodone.

Weeks 3-4 hydrocodone withdrawal – During this stage of withdrawal, waves of cravings and psychological dependence are still persistent.

PAWS for hydrocodone – Post-Acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) is a set of symptoms that occur right after you stop taking hydrocodone and can last several months afterwards. Sleeping disturbance, irritability, and mood swings are typical of hydrocodone use and these symptoms can linger for weeks to months after your last dose of hydrocodone. Additionally, cravings for the drug can linger longer after you have stopped taking Hydrocodone. People suffering from hydrocodone addiction are encouraged to seek help in order to prevent relapse.

Hydrocodone withdrawal: how long?

Hydrocodone affects each person differently depending on the dosage and how long you have been taking hydrocodone. In other words, each withdrawal period is unique to the person taking hydrocodone. Additionally, various health concerns need to be taken into considration during hydrocodone detox. This is why experts always recommend medical supervision during any chemical or drug withdrawal.

How long hydrocodone withdrawal questions

Did we answer your question(s) about hydrocodone withdrawal here? If you have any more questions regarding withdrawal from Hydrocodone please ask. We do our best to respond to your questions personally and promptly.

Reference Sources: PubMed Health: Hydrocodone
Utah Department of Human Services: Opioids
Medline Plus: Opiate Withdrawal:

View the original article at addictionblog.org
2 May 2019