Answer Addiction

Tag: opioid addiction

  • Top Luxury Rehab Options for MS Contin Addiction

    Top Luxury Rehab Options for MS Contin Addiction

    Use this guide to find valuable information about MS Contin and some advice on how to find the best treatment options.

    1. What is MS Contin?
    2. What are the slang terms for MS Contin?
    3. How is MS Contin administered?
    4. Can MS Contin interact with other medication?
    5. How does use evolve into MS Contin abuse?
    6. Some of the symptoms of MS Contin abuse
    7.     What are the signs of MS Contin withdrawal?
    8. What are the factors that influence MS Contin withdrawal?
    9. MS Contin rehab and Treatment
    10. How can you pay for your MS Contin treatment?
    11. Should you stay near or at your rehab center?

    What is MS Contin?

    When it comes to painkillers, opioids are the strongest ones. They work by triggering the opioid receptors in the body, including the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract. These receptors then reduce the pain messages sent to the brain. Opioids are taken to treat moderate and severe pain that is caused due to injuries and terminal diseases like Cancer. Morphine sulphate is one of the many variants of Morphine, and it’s specially formulated to treat pain (chronic or constant) and sold under the brand name, MS Contin. MS Contin can be used to treat ongoing pain that occurs throughout the day, so it’s considered a long term and long-acting pain medication. It can be used along with other pain medication to treat critical pain. 

    What are the slang terms for MS Contin?

    Slang terms or street names are given to drugs that are strictly regulated and sold illegally, even though they are not meant for recreational use. Slang terms are code words used by dealers so that they don’t get caught by the authorities for carrying out these illegal activities. Medical professionals need to be aware of slang terms because it will help them treat the patient in case of an MS Contin overdose. Some of the popular terms that are used are:

    • White lady
    • Salt and Sugar 
    • Miss Emma/M

    How is MS Contin administered?

    MS Contin can only be purchased at a pharmacy with a doctor’s prescription.. It’s essential that you follow the advice and dosage properly because MS Contin can cause dependency which can lead to addiction. 

    The painkiller is available in capsule and tablet forms. This is a time-released medication which is absorbed by the body gradually over the day. It’s available in a variety of doses. Your doctor will consult with you to determine the exact dose that needs to be taken, and the schedule of your doses as well. You can take MS Contin with or without food. If you’re opting for the tablet forms, then you must swallow it whole. Avoid breaking, chewing or crushing the tablets because then you can run a risk of destroying the time-release coating. This can lead to overdosing on the medication. If you’re having trouble swallowing the tablet, you can ask for capsules instead. 

    Unlike the tablet, the capsules can be opened and the contents can be mixed into applesauce or pudding, but the beads that are being mixed into the food items should not be crushed. The mixture should be swallowed whole, and it should not be chewed. 

    The medication will begin working within 2 to 4 hours of consumption, and reach peak effects with 15 hours. The effects can last for a few days because the painkiller is designed in a way that it produces long-lasting and consistent relief. 

    You have to ensure that you take the exact dose prescribed by your doctor, at the time mentioned to avoid overdose. 

    Can MS Contin interact with other medication?

    Before being prescribed MS Contin, you have to tell your doctor what other medications you are already taking. This way your doctor can determine if the painkiller could negatively interact with the medicines that you’re currently taking. If you don’t consult with a professional about drug interactions, then you are risking serious side effects. For starters, you can list out all your medication, and keep track of your current health status. Then, you can share it with your doctor and pharmacist, it’s best that you don’t adjust the dosage of any medication until you have your doctor’s approval. 

    Some medicines that will interact with MS Contin:

    • Pentazocine
    • Nalbuphine 
    • Butorphanol 

    Avoid taking this painkiller with other medicines that can cause extreme sleepiness and shallow breathing because there will be severe side effects that are caused when MS Contin is paired with these meds. It’s essential that you check the labels on your medicines and consult with your pharmacist. 

    How does use evolve into MS Contin abuse?

    At times, even if you follow the doctor’s orders, there are chances you will develop a dependency  on this drug. If this dependency gets out of hand, it can escalate into addiction. This is due to the fact that MS Contin is a powerful opioid, and when it’s taken for a long time, your body tends to develop a tolerance. This means that you no longer feel its effects like before, so more of the drug is needed to achieve the desired effect. This often leads to the first stage towards addiction, manipulating the dose without consulting your doctor. Once you get that ball rolling, it becomes nearly impossible to stop, and this is where MS Contin addiction symptoms begin to show. 

    Some of the symptoms of MS Contin abuse

    • Obsession with finding and consuming the drug 
    • Craving it, even when it’s not your dose schedule
    • Losing any interest in having a social life or maintaining social relationships 
    • Loss of appetite 

    What are the signs of MS Contin withdrawal?

    Withdrawal happens as soon as you stop taking a drug. It’s a process of detoxification that your body goes through, wherein it tries to adjust its chemical balance to a normal state (before your addiction.) The withdrawal process is not easy, and it can be painful and difficult. Because MS Contin is a fast acting drug, the symptoms of MS Contin withdrawal will start showing up within 6-12 hours of your last dose. Now, the more severe the addiction, the more severe the withdrawal. The withdrawal for MS Contin comes in two stages, and the first stage will include signs like constant yawning, profusely sweating, and a runny nose. Serious withdrawal symptoms occur in the second stage; they occur within 42 hours. Serious withdrawal symptoms include:

    >> Trembling 

    >> Goosebumps

    >> High blood pressure 

    >> Muscle ache

    >> Increase heart rate 

    >> Sleep deprivation

    >> Drug craving

    >> Depression 

    >> Anxiety 

    >> Nausea 

    >> Diarrhea

    >> No Appetite 

    >> A bad case of the flu

    What are the factors that influence MS Contin withdrawal?

    The Detox process for MS Contin will usually last for 5-7 days; of course, this is a general figure. The amount of time can vary depending on the severity of the addiction and the way your body responses to the detoxification process. Some of the factors that influence withdrawal are as follows:

    Duration and amount 

    If you use large amounts of Morphine for a long time consistently, the chances of getting addicted are quite high. 

    Genetics

    Personal or hereditary health conditions can affect the way your body responds to addiction and withdrawal. Other biological factors can also attribute a person’s drug dependence. 

    Other medical issues

    If you have any medical problems that are causing an impact on drug dependence, it can influence the withdrawal and treatment impact as well. 

    Environmental factors 

    Stress, peer pressure, and social environment can also contribute to addiction and withdrawal symptoms. 

    MS Contin rehab and Treatment

    When you are searching for addiction treatment, it’s essential that you have a well-thought-out plan. Rehabilitation begins with detox. The detoxification process requires professional care, counseling, and medication. Rehab is a great place to get the help you need. Many rehabilitation centers will provide you with facilities and guidance that will help you get better.

    When you check into an MS Contin rehab center, you will be legally required to abide by the privacy laws and the privacy of the center, and this means that any information that is shared within rehab should stay at rehab and not be discussed with anyone from the outside world. This rule is enacted to protect the privacy of the other patients as well. 

    What does the rehab process include?

    The rehab process will include the following stages:

    Stage One- Intake:

    This is the starting point of your journey towards recovery, and here, you will have to contact the rehab center and enroll in the facility. Treatment facilities are aware of the overwhelming thought difficulty 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 overpower or intimidate the patient. All you have to do is contact the admission center and book your Treatment.

    Stage Two- Admission and Assessment:

    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. They will also insure you do not enter the facility with forbidden items like drugs, alcohol, or weapons. The intake process serves as an orientation for new patients, and they are introduced to the facility and the staff. This process is to reassure the patient that the treatment center is a welcoming and comfortable environment.

    Stage Three- Detoxification:

    The detoxification process permits your body to eliminate any toxins that are present from 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 which can be mitigated with certain medications. The staff at the rehab center will make your detox process as comfortable as they can, and help you through this tough time. Usually, the withdrawal symptoms will last about a week. 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.

    Stage Four- Therapy:

    Once the detox stage is complete, you’re now prepared 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. During this stage, you will identify your triggers, learn how to handle them and avoid relapsing, and achieve long term sobriety.

    Stage Five- Recovery Program:

    The recovery program or aftercare service takes place when you leave the rehab center. This is done because stepping back into the real world after an intensive rehabilitation can be quite overwhelming and it can trigger you into a relapse. Aftercare services will teach you how to handle your daily routine without caving into substance abuse. 

    How can you pay for your MS Contin treatment?

    Rehabs do not have a standard fee, and they don’t all charge the same price for their services. Each facility bases its fees on the services they provide, the quality of its staff and the results they can deliver. Inpatient and residential rehab centers will cost you more than outpatient rehab centers, and this is because the patient is always under supervision and professional care. Many rehab centers accept insurance. You will have to contact your insurance provider to find out if your policy covers your treatment plan, and if you have to pay additional fees. 

    Should you stay near or at your rehab center?

    If you have strong support from your community, then it’s another option bight be to go for Outpatient rehab treatment, this way you can stay near the center and visit it only when you are scheduled to receive therapy and medication. However, if you don’t live in a stable environment and everything around you triggers your addiction, then the best option might be residential treatment where you will be under constant supervision and medical care. 

    The actual recovery begins when you accept that you have a problem. If you know anyone who is dealing with addiction or if you’re experiencing substance abuse, it’s best that you consult a professional and get help as soon as possible. 

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Macklemore: Sobriety Brought Me Closer To My Mother-In-Law

    Macklemore: Sobriety Brought Me Closer To My Mother-In-Law

    Macklemore took to Instagram to celebrate his improved relationship with his mother-in-law. 

    Rapper Macklemore has seen an improvement in his relationship with his mother-in-law ever since getting sober, as chronicled in an Instagram post of the pair hanging out in Paris together.

    “Out here in Paris with my mama in law. Glowed up. Grown up. She used to not trust my ass at all, as I’d sneak in and out of her house to visit @baba_g on the late night,” he wrote in the caption of his post. “Now we in Paris eating appetizers, shopping, walking the city and looking out the window at the Eiffel Tower. Life is good. Change is good. I love her beyond words. And I think she likes me now.”

    The musician was referring to his spouse, Tricia Davis, who goes by the handle @baba_g on Instagram.

    Cynical voices descended on Macklemore’s post, pointing out how convenient it was that his mother-in-law seemed to get along now that he’s dropping tons of cash on her on an expensive trip to France.

    “Amazing what a few million dollars can do,” wrote one such commenter.

    It Wasn’t About The Money

    However, the “Thrift Shop” singer insisted it wasn’t the money that changed things.

    “Although money is nice, it unfortunately can’t keep you sober. And when I got sober that’s when our relationship changed. Money had nothing to do with it,” he clarified on the post. “(But yet, Paris is hella expensive and these euros adding up)”

    Macklemore has spoken openly about his troubled relationship with drugs, which began as early as 14 years old and only got worse as he became more famous. “There was a rapid transition and to have the world’s eye on me all at once with back-to-back number ones, and all the accolades that came with it—I didn’t know how to deal with it,” Macklemore said in an interview last year. “I didn’t know how to adjust, so I escaped.”

    Since then, the singer has become sober and has advocated for the recovery community, including headlining the first ever Recovery Fest 2018 as well as earning a MusiCares award in recognition of his advocacy work.

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Guide to Top Rehabs for Oxaydo Addiction

    Guide to Top Rehabs for Oxaydo Addiction

    Looking for information about Oxaydo addiction and some tips on finding the right luxury rehab? Use this helpful guide to find answers.

    1. What is Oxaydo and How is it Used?
    2. How Oxaydo Addiction Develops 
    3. The Effects of Oxaydo on the Brain
    4. Street Names for Oxaydo
    5. Signs of Oxaydo Addiction
    6. The Hazards of Oxaydo Overdose
    7. Diagnosing Oxaydo Addiction
    8. Oxaydo Addiction and Its Co-occurring Disorders
    9. Oxaydo Withdrawal and Detox
    10. Getting Treatment for Oxaydo Addiction
    11. Finding the Right Oxaydo Rehab Facility for Your Recovery

    Oxaydo is a potent painkiller. When it is prescribed, it should help relieve your suffering. But if you misuse this drug, Oxaydo addiction can quickly develop. Should this happen, you’ll need to get help right away, before your Oxaydo dependence wreaks havoc on your life.

    Addiction treatment will offer you the best opportunity to conquer your problem. High-quality Oxaydo rehab facilities can make all the difference, as long as you make the right decision and choose the best Oxaydo rehab for you.

    What is Oxaydo and How is it Used?

    Oxaydo is an instant-release prescription pain medication that contains oxycodone, an opioid analgesic known for its powerful effects. Like other forms of oxycodone, Oxaydo is prescribed for the treatment of moderate to severe pain, which may be chronic or temporary depending on its cause. 

    Oxaydo tablets dissolve in the stomach and can provide effective pain relief for a period of four to six hours. Typical doses range from five to 15 mg, and patients should limit their consumption to no more than four doses every 24 hours.

    Oxycodone has been sold for years in large quantities under the brand name OxyContin. But there have long been concerns about the abuse of this particular drug. Public health authorities have been calling for safer alternatives, and that is what Egalet Corporation (the makers of Oxaydo) have tried to provide.

    In addition to its painkilling effects, oxycodone can also cause feelings of euphoria, especially in a concentrated dose. That’s why people who abuse the drug often inhale or inject it after first dissolving or crushing the tablets. 

    With Oxaydo, none of this will work. Thanks to its special abuse-deterrent formula, if users try to dissolve it for injection Oxaydo will turn into a gel that is too thick to insert into a syringe. If crushed and inhaled, it will cause an unpleasant burning sensation in the nasal passages. Chewing it will destroy its intoxicating capacities completely. 

    The only way to consume Oxaydo successfully is to take it in the normal way, with liquid, after which it will dissolve at a gradual pace and not cause any kind of significant rush.

    With its advanced abuse-deterrent formula, Oxaydo does represent something of a breakthrough. It presents certain challenges to those who would try to abuse it that earlier versions of oxycodone lacked. 

    But while Oxaydo’s formula does represent something of a breakthrough, its ingenious design does not make it totally abuse-proof. Users can simply take extra tablets if they want to increase concentrations in their bloodstream, and that is exactly what many people who’ve developed Oxaydo addiction have been doing. 

    How Oxaydo Addiction Develops

    Many men and women start out with a legitimate prescription for Oxaydo. They find it helpful for their severe or chronic pain. But over time, they start violating the terms of their prescription, thinking that more of a good thing must be better. Their prescriptions weren’t quite enough to completely vanquish their pain, so they increase their dosages progressively in a search for complete relief.

    Unfortunately, what these individuals fail to realize is that doctors limit their dosages to protect them from addiction. Growing tolerance for Oxaydo will develop as consumption increases, and that is why they have to boost their dosages repeatedly to keep the pain away.

    The same pattern often occurs among people who obtain their Oxaydo illicitly. They try to self-medicate for their pain, but don’t really know how to do it and quickly start taking more than they should. Without the guidance of a trained medical authority, they don’t limit themselves and end up falling into drug dependency.

    Another way people slip into Oxaydo addiction is through recreational use. The aim is not to reduce pain but to get high, using a drug that many believe is safer because it is available with a prescription. 

    In reality, recreational use of Oxaydo is always a form of Oxaydo abuse and is therefore dangerous. This is especially true if you find yourself mixing Oxaydo with other intoxicating or mind-altering substances. This will increase your risk of addiction and could even lead to an Oxaydo overdose. 

    Regardless of your reason for misusing Oxaydo, if you aren’t taking it as prescribed your behavior could put your health at risk.

    The Effects of Oxaydo on the Brain

    When oxycodone reaches the brain, it can bind with opioid receptors to reduce or eliminate your feelings of pain. It will also stimulate those receptors to release the neurochemical dopamine, a so-called “pleasure molecule” that is responsible for the feelings of euphoria Oxaydo can produce.

    As long as your Oxaydo use is carefully controlled, there should be no danger. But when you abuse an opioid medication, the opioid receptors in your brain will gradually lose sensitivity. They won’t react as strongly to the presence of Oxaydo and won’t release enough dopamine to meet your growing dependence on its uplifting effects. This means you’ll have to take more and more Oxaydo to kill your pain and experience the feelings of joy you’ve come to crave.

    Growing tolerance for Oxaydo is what leads to addiction. When you’ve been abusing the drug for a while you’ll no longer be able to get by without it—or more specifically, without a lot of it. 

    Street Names for Oxaydo

    People who are determined to abuse Oxaydo will be able to find supplies. Opioids are so widely prescribed that friends, family members and neighbors often have bottles around the house. They are also available on the black market, from dealers who sell prescription drugs alongside illicit substances like cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin. 

    When purchased illegally, Oxaydo (or oxycodone in general) may be referred to by a number of slang names or street names, including:

    • Oxy
    • Oxycat
    • Hillbilly heroin
    • Juice
    • Dillies
    • Apache
    • Goodfella
    • Loads
    • White stuff
    • China white
    • Jackpot
    • Dummies
    • TNT

    If you’re getting your Oxaydo from sources where such terminology is frequently used, you should take that as a warning sign that you’re headed for a fall.

    Signs of Oxaydo Addiction

    Oxaydo addiction can develop faster than you might expect. In the early stages, you might confuse Oxaydo addiction symptoms with normal Oxaydo side effects. But Oxaydo addiction symptoms are more severe, debilitating and chronic. 

    Some of the symptoms of Oxaydo abuse and addiction include:

    • Constant drowsiness
    • Sluggishness
    • Slow heart rate
    • Suppression of appetite
    • Mental confusion and memory problems
    • Lack of balance and coordination
    • Low blood pressure
    • Dry mouth
    • Constipation
    • Sleep disruptions
    • Nausea and vomiting
    • Mood swings
    • Respiratory difficulties

    Each of these Oxaydo addiction symptoms is a sign of distress. They happen because you’ve been taking more opioids than you can handle and your brain and body are struggling to adjust. 

    The ultimate result of this type of drug abuse is addiction. If you don’t seek treatment, your symptoms will only worsen over time.

    The Hazards of Oxaydo Overdose

    Few Oxaydo addiction symptoms are more troubling than an Oxaydo overdose. 

    Opioid overdoses are responsible for tens of thousands of deaths in the United States each year. Even if you manage to survive an overdose, you’ll remain in danger unless you seek treatment at an Oxaydo rehab facility immediately. 

    The symptoms that let you know you’ve overdose on Oxaydo may include:

    • Disorientation
    • Weakness
    • Loss of coordination
    • Slow heartbeat
    • Low blood pressure
    • Dilation of the pupils
    • Bluish tint to lips and/or fingernails
    • Nausea and vomiting
    • Respiratory difficulties
    • Loss of consciousness

    Respiratory failure is the usual cause of death from Oxaydo overdose. The risk can be especially acute if you’ve mixed Oxaydo with other substances that further suppress central nervous system activity, such as alcohol or benzodiazepines (Xanax, Klonopin, Valium, etc.). 

    When the first Oxaydo overdose symptoms become apparent, it is vital to seek medical attention right away. Emergency medical personnel can stop an opioid overdose in its tracks, by injecting you with a drug called naloxone, which is sold under the brand name Narcan. But this will only work if you haven’t let your overdose progress too far.

    Surviving an Oxaydo overdose is a clear indication that you need Oxaydo rehab services right away. If you wait any longer, tragedy will get a second chance to strike. 

    Diagnosing Oxaydo Addiction

    Changes in your behavior combined with certain physical manifestations of drug dependency will allow psychiatrists, psychologists and addiction specialists to identify the true nature of your condition.

    There are 11 symptoms classified as diagnostic criteria for opioid addiction, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Two or more must be registered before your Oxaydo use disorder is confirmed.

    These symptoms include:

    1. A pattern of taking more Oxaydo than planned or expected
    2. The experience of powerful cravings for Oxaydo
    3. Spending an inordinate amount of time using and acquiring Oxaydo, or recovering from its misuse
    4. Encountering relationship troubles related to Oxaydo abuse
    5. Neglecting important duties at home, on the job, in school or elsewhere because of Oxaydo abuse 
    6. Developing physical or mental health problems related to ongoing Oxaydo use
    7. Abandoning previous hobbies or favored activities as a result of Oxaydo abuse 
    8. Incidents of risky, hazardous or reckless behavior occurred while Oxaydo was being abused
    9. Multiple attempts to stop using Oxaydo have failed
    10. An increase in tolerance for the effects of Oxaydo has developed, leading to escalating consumption
    11. The experience of Oxaydo withdrawal symptoms when use of the drug was interrupted

    If you report six or more of these symptoms, your Oxaydo use disorder will be classified as severe, because that signifies that your consumption of the drug is out of control.

    Oxaydo Addiction and Its Co-occurring Disorders

    Oxaydo abuse is often accompanied by co-occurring mental health disorders, which may be an underlying reason why your use of the drug has spiraled out of control. 

    Having a pre-existing mental health condition like depression or an anxiety disorder is a significant risk factor for chemical dependency. Many people turn to drugs and alcohol to help them escape their psychological discomfort and emotional pain. 

    In fact, about half of all people who develop Oxaydo addiction will have a previous history of mental health issues. This is why mental and behavioral health professionals screen for such conditions at the same time they evaluate you for a substance use disorder. When you go into treatment, it is essential that you receive help for all your existing conditions, simultaneously and with equal emphasis. 

    If you’ve been abusing multiple drugs at the same time, that is another complication that must be dealt with in your Oxaydo rehab program. Great Oxaydo rehab services are always customized to meet your specific needs as an individual, with full sobriety and lasting wellness of mind and body being the ultimate priority.

    Oxaydo Withdrawal and Detox

    The goal of oxycodone addiction treatment is to get you off Oxaydo completely. But if you try to stop using opioids all at once, you’ll experience powerful opioid withdrawal symptoms that can quickly undermine your resolve to stay clean and sober. 

    The onset of Oxaydo withdrawal symptoms may occur within the space of a few hours. These symptoms will be debilitating and unpleasant, and may take 48-72 hours to peak. They would eventually subside in strength, but only after 10-14 days and likely not soon enough to prevent a relapse.

    The most common Oxaydo withdrawal side effects include:

    • Agitation and anxiety
    • Poor appetite
    • Muscle aches
    • Severe nausea
    • Runny nose
    • Tremors
    • Sweating
    • Headaches
    • Diarrhea
    • Insomnia
    • Fatigue

    Obviously, you’d like to avoid the worst of Oxaydo withdrawal symptoms. Therefore, your best course of action is to start your rehabilitation in a medical detox program administered by an Oxaydo rehab center. 

    In detox, you’ll receive round-the-clock medical care in a fully-staffed and supplied clinical setting. This is to make sure you’re kept as comfortable as possible in the early stages of your recovery. Physical and mental healthcare services will be provided on an as-needed basis, assuring you receive appropriate quality care at a time when you’re at your most vulnerable.

    All of this can help ease your transition into an Oxaydo-free lifestyle. But to ensure your sobriety is sustainable, you must be introduced to it gradually. Rather than discontinuing opioid use suddenly, your dosages will be steadily decreased over a period of several months (or possibly weeks if you have a mild to moderate substance use disorder). 

    While you may detox from Oxaydo, it’s more likely that you’ll be given buprenorphine (Suboxone, Subutex, Buprenex) as a maintenance medication. This opioid can bind with the same receptors as Oxaydo, but without causing the same mind-altering effects. You won’t experience a rush of dopamine with buprenorphine, which means as you continue to take this drug euphoria will be no factor at all. This will help you break the hold of your addiction, so that when you finally get off buprenorphine for good you won’t miss it. 

    Methadone is another opioid medication sometimes prescribed in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs. Two other medications, lofexidine and clonodine, are non-opioid substances that can reduce the intensity of any withdrawal symptoms you might experience.

    Although such medications may be needed for months, they will first be provided in detox, which normally lasts for seven to 10 days. When your detox team is convinced your condition has stabilized, and that you’re physically and emotionally ready for addiction treatment, they will authorize your release and your formal Oxaydo rehabilitation program can begin.

    Getting Treatment for Oxaydo Addiction

    Overcoming Oxaydo addiction will require all your resources and determination. When you enter Oxaydo rehab, you’ll be challenged in ways you’ve never been challenged before. 

    But your addiction recovery team will equip you with the tools you need to successfully engage your opioid dependency. If you have co-occurring mental health disorders, they will be addressed in your treatment plan as well, with the same emphasis on developing your self-help skills.

    The core of your Oxaydo addiction recovery program will be individual therapy, with sessions likely made available on a daily basis. The idea is to create positive momentum by building a constructive relationship with your therapist, who will help you confront your past while beginning to imagine a much brighter future.

    In addition to individual therapy, group therapy and family therapy will also be included in your recovery plan. To facilitate good emotional health, you need to create a strong support network, both inside and outside the treatment facility. Peer group meetings and family therapy sessions will make you feel welcomed and accepted, and in the latter case loved. This type of support will increase your motivation to get better by letting you know that you aren’t alone in your struggle, and by letting you learn from others who are going through the same experience. 

    Complementary or alternative treatments are now a regular part of most Oxaydo addiction treatment programs. In many rehabs, you’ll have the option of enrolling in life skills or coping skills classes. This type of specialized coursework will show you how to avoid relapse and teach you how to make better decisions in your life in general. 

    Holistic healing methodologies are another staple in most of the top Oxaydo rehabs. Wellness practices like yoga, biofeedback, massage therapy, meditation, acupuncture and arts or music therapy can help you learn you how to respond more calmly and effectively to stress and anxiety. Such feelings are potent triggers for substance abuse and can interfere with your sobriety if you don’t know how to manage them.

    Addiction treatment plans in top Oxaydo rehab centers are comprehensive, multidimensional and transformative. Programs generally last for 30-90 days, depending on your personal needs, and are offered in both inpatient and outpatient formats. 

    Your treatment and recovery will continue in aftercare. Medication use will be managed, and therapy sessions of different types will be made available to help you stay on the path to sobriety.

    Finding the Right Oxaydo Rehab Facility for Your Recovery

    You may need to visit several Oxaydo rehab centers before you discover the best one for you. But the good news is that excellent Oxaydo rehab facilities are everywhere, and as long as you know what you’re looking for you should be able to uncover some appealing options.

    What you should be searching for is a rehab center that is fully licensed, has good reviews and hires therapists and addiction specialists who are highly trained and experienced. When you pay them a visit, administrators and staff alike should be ready, willing and able to answer all your questions (and the questions of your loved ones). They should provide you with detailed information about their menu of Oxaydo addiction recovery services and give you clear explanations about what you can expect if you seek treatment at their facility.

    From the very first meeting, the people you speak with should inspire you and fill you with confidence. They should make you feel hopeful and optimistic that you can overcome your substance use issues, no matter how long they’ve been affecting you. For the first time in a long time, you should see a clear path to a healthier and more productive life. 

    That’s what a great Oxaydo rehab center can accomplish, if you give it a chance. When you find a place that puts you in the best frame of mind to support recovery, your choice will become obvious.

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Top Rehab Options for Abstral Addiction

    Top Rehab Options for Abstral Addiction

    Questions about Abstral addiction? Use this handy guide to help you easily recognize the signs and symptoms.

    1. What is Abstral and What is it Used for?
    2. Other Names for Abstral
    3. How Abstral Abuse Occurs
    4. Abstral Rehab – How Do I Know if I Need it?
    5. The Risks of Delaying Abstral Rehab
    6. Abstral Withdrawal Side Effects and Detox
    7. Types of Treatment in Abstral Rehab
    8. Abstral Treatment – How to Choose the Best Rehab for You

    Abstral rehab is the best way to overcome addiction to this strong, dangerous opioid drug. Known generically as fentanyl, Abstral is a risky drug to misuse because of the high likelihood of becoming addicted and because overdosing is easy to do. An overdose on fentanyl can quickly be fatal.

    If you are abusing this drug or know someone else engaged in Abstral abuse, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Any degree of misuse of fentanyl can quickly escalate or become fatal. And anyone abusing fentanyl can benefit from rehab that includes therapy and medical treatment. Reach out for help or offer your assistance to a loved one struggling with this awful drug.

    What is Abstral and What is it Used for?

    Abstral is a brand name for the generic opioid fentanyl. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, which means it was designed and is made in laboratories and is derived from natural compounds found in the opium poppy. Like other opioids, it works in the brain to change the response to pain and is prescribed as a painkiller. 

    Unlike other opioids, like oxycodone or hydrocodone, Abstral and other fentanyl products are only approved for treating specific patients. Abstral is supposed to be restricted to cancer patients 18 years old or older who are already using opioids to manage pain. When these patients become tolerant to other opioids or experience breakthrough pain that is not controlled by these other drugs, they may be prescribed fentanyl.

    The reason Abstral is so restricted is that it is extremely potent. It is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, a natural opioid. It is also more potent than heroin, an illicit drug. Abstral is a tablet that is placed under the tongue to dissolve. Its potency can make Abstral very risky for anyone without some opioid tolerance. 

    Other Names for Abstral

    Abstral is just one brand name for fentanyl. Others include Actiq, Duragesic, Fentora, Onsolis, and Sublimaze. These are important medications for cancer patients living with severe pain, but Abstral and fentanyl are often sold and used illicitly. Some names for fentanyl and other opioids on the street include:

    • Captain Cody
    • Cody
    • Doors and Fours
    • Pancakes and Syrup
    • White Stuff
    • Pain Killer 
    • Apache
    • China Girl
    • China White
    • Friend
    • Goodfella
    • Dance Fever
    • Juice
    • Dillies

    How Abstral Abuse Occurs

    Abstral and other fentanyl products are Schedule II controlled substances. This is because they are highly susceptible to abuse. In addition to relieving pain, opioids like Abstral can induce euphoria, an intense high. Some people abuse Abstral because they want to get high, while others do so because they have become dependent on opioids and don’t feel normal or comfortable without them. 

    Abstral dependence can occur quickly because it is such a potent drug. Any misuse of fentanyl, from using it without a prescription to using more than prescribed or taking more frequent doses, can easily lead to addiction. Even people who are not misusing this drug, patients with a genuine need for pain relief, can become dependent and addicted. 

    Abstral Rehab – How Do I Know if I Need it?

    You don’t have to be addicted to this drug to benefit from or need Abstral rehabilitation. Rehab is treatment for a drug addiction, but any level of misuse may require treatment. If you have lost control to any degree over your use of opioids or are concerned about the health risks, reach out for help and get treatment. 

    If you aren’t sure if your behaviors or those of someone you care about constitute an addiction, ask these questions:

    • Do you crave fentanyl often?
    • Have you tried to cut back but found you couldn’t or failed often when trying?
    • Do you regularly end up using Abstral more often than you meant to or using larger doses than you had planned?
    • Has a lot of your time been taken up with trying to get Abstral, using it, and recovering from using it?
    • Have you had to give up other activities because of the time drug use takes up in your life?
    • Are you often failing to meet responsibilities because of Abstral?
    • Does use of Abstral cause relationship problems, which in turn do nothing to stop you using the drug?
    • Do you continue to use drugs even though they are causing health problems? Or making them worse?
    • Have you developed a tolerance to Abstral, needing higher doses or more frequent doses to get the desired effect?
    • Do you start to go through withdrawal when not using?

    These are the criteria that professionals use to diagnose an opioid addiction and are the symptoms of Abstral addiction. Answering yes to even just two of these questions may indicate that you have a substance use disorder. Abstral effects are dangerous enough that even a mild addiction warrants a trip to rehab to get help before it’s too late. 

    The Risks of Delaying Abstral Rehab

    There are a lot of very serious risks of using and misusing this dangerous drug, including the risk of more frequent and severe Abstral side effects. Even recommended use of fentanyl can cause side effects, but the more you misuse it, the greater the risks you will experience them. Side effects may include:

    • Drowsiness and sleepiness
    • Slowed, shallow breathing
    • Constipation
    • Nausea
    • Confusion
    • Headaches

    There are also more serious Abstral effects you put yourself at risk for by taking larger amounts and more frequent doses: heartbeat changes, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, hallucinations, sexual dysfunction, dizziness, rash, and seizures. 

    While the side effects can be uncomfortable or even present real health problems, an Abstral overdose is the most serious risk of all. This potent drug can quickly cause a fatal overdose. Signs include slowed breathing, shallow breaths or difficulty breathing, a lowered urge to breathe, unresponsiveness, loss of consciousness, confusion, and fainting. Emergency medical attention is essential in the case of an overdose; the opioid antidote Narcan can be administered to reverse the overdose. 

    Abstral Withdrawal Side Effects and Detox 

    Abstral withdrawal effects are another consequence of abusing and becoming addicted to fentanyl. As the drug leaves your system and your brain tries to adjust, you will be going through detox and withdrawal. Opioid withdrawal causes early, unpleasant symptoms like anxiety, difficulty sleeping, agitation, aches, runny nose, sweating, yawning, and tearing. 

    As detox continues into the later phases of withdrawal, you may also experience diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, chills, and goosebumps. How long detox takes depends on the severity of your addiction and the last dose of Abstral you took. It can be very easy to relapse during this process, so don’t go it alone. Supervised detox is more comfortable and safer. 

    Withdrawal from fentanyl is not dangerous in itself. As uncomfortable as it is, it will not cause serious health problems. However, the big risk of trying to detox alone is relapse. And a relapse when you’re feeling this desperate for the drug could easily lead to an overdose. Always detox with some degree of supervision, if not with real medical care. 

    Types of Treatment in Abstral Rehab

    Abstral addiction requires treatment, and Abstral treatment can be effective if you get the right care. Detox is the first step, but don’t make the mistake of thinking it is enough. In order to have a successful recovery, you need long-term treatment that includes therapy and medical care. Therapies you can expect to benefit from in rehab include:

    • Behavioral therapies. These are therapies that focus on recognizing and changing problematic behaviors. A therapist will help you explore the reasons behind some of the choices you make, triggers for drug use, emotional awareness, and making positive and lasting changes. 
    • Trauma-focused therapies. Traumatic experiences often underlie drug abuse and addiction. A good treatment facility will evaluate your mental health and prescribe the appropriate treatments. If you have trauma in your past, you can benefit from a therapy that helps you face and reprocess those negative experiences. 
    • Motivational therapies. A type of therapy useful in treating drug addictions focuses on uncovering your internal motivations for making positive changes. It may involve goal-setting, reflection and mindfulness, and rewards for meeting milestones and avoiding relapse.

    The other important aspect of treatment for fentanyl addiction in rehab is medical care. Opioid addictions are among the few that can be managed effectively with prescription medications. Medical treatment must be used along with therapy for the best outcomes, though. 

    The kinds of drugs you may be prescribed to treat Abstral addiction include methadone, buprenorphine, and naloxone. The first two are used to manage cravings and withdrawal. They activate the same receptors as Abstral and keep you from going back to fentanyl. Naloxone blocks those receptors. If you are given a 30-day injection of naloxone, any attempt to use an opioid to get high will fail. You will get no effects from it. 

    Abstral Treatment – How to Choose the Best Rehab for You 

    The best Abstral rehab will be long-term, at least a few weeks, and will include both therapy and medical treatment. These are the most basic things you should look for in a rehab. Additionally, consider whether you need inpatient care, with the 24-hour supervision and safe, treatment-intensive environment, or whether you would benefit from being able to stay with family and go to treatment on an outpatient basis. 

    With a potent drug like Abstral, it may be safest to go to true rehab, a residential facility, for a few months. This gives you the chance to focus on your care and avoid relapse. But ultimately, the choice is a personal one and should be made with your own best interests in mind. 

    There are other factors to consider in your treatment choice. For instance, you want a treatment facility that will fully evaluate you on intake and treat you as an individual with unique needs. There is no single treatment plan for addiction that works for everyone, so you need a team of professionals with the flexibility to adapt plans for your needs, limitations, and abilities, as well as your preferences. 

    Abstral addiction help is available. You just need to ask for it. It can be scary to admit you have a problem and to submit to treatment, especially in a residential rehab. But doing so could save your life, or the life of someone you care about. Push for treatment, ask for help, and get the care you need to overcome this addiction. 

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Nurse Accused Of Stealing Hydromorphone, Possibly Infecting Patients With HIV

    Nurse Accused Of Stealing Hydromorphone, Possibly Infecting Patients With HIV

    Investigators say they found video footage of the HIV-positive nurse stealing the drugs.

    A nurse may have infected patients with the HIV virus by injecting himself with hydromorphone intended for patients, say authorities in the San Antonio area.

    Kyle Evans, 29, was arrested last Thursday (June 13) for stealing vials of hydromorphone, an opioid painkiller, while he was on the job. He allegedly injected himself with the drug, then would place the vials back where he found them after refilling them with saline solution. He is now facing multiple felony charges—tampering with a consumer product and drug diversion.

    Evans was working as a registered nurse at Northeast Methodist Hospital outside of San Antonio when he stole the drugs, My San Antonio reported.

    His activity first came to light in February after he was “caught stealing five vials of hydromorphone” from the hospital. According to My San Antonio, he later admitted to stealing the drugs, triggering a DEA investigation. Investigators say they found video footage of Evans in the act.

    In May, during questioning by Live Oak Police Department investigators, Evans allegedly confessed to stealing the drugs, injecting himself with them, and returning the vials after he’d filled them with saline solution and glued the lids shut to hide the fact that they were tampered with. (Instead of saline solution, authorities found that in one vial Evans had replaced the hydromorphone with lidocaine, a local anesthetic. The test results of two other vials are pending.)

    Authorities voiced concern over the fact that Evans is HIV positive, and may have exposed patients to the virus if he used the same syringes to refill the vials before putting them back.

    Hospital officials addressed the concern in a statement: “Upon learning the former employee was diagnosed with HIV, we took several precautions including consulting with third-party infectious disease experts who concluded that there was virtually no risk of exposure to others, most notably due to the virus being below detectable levels in the employee’s blood,” said Paul Hancock, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Methodist Healthcare System.

    Though so far authorities were “not able to determine” if Evans did share the contaminated needles, it would not be the first time patients have been infected by hospital workers doing the same thing.

    In 2013, a former hospital worker was sentenced to 39 years in prison for possibly infecting hundreds of patients with hepatitis C. David Kwiatkowski was working as an itinerant (traveling) cardiac technologist while he injected himself with drugs—primarily fentanyl—stolen from hospitals across the U.S.

    Another nurse, Cora Weberg, contributed to a hepatitis C “outbreak” at Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup, Washington in recent years, according to the CDC.

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Patients Discuss Their Naltrexone Implants

    Patients Discuss Their Naltrexone Implants

    The implant is currently not available in the United States.

    Six years ago, Peta Walker was ready to give up her fight against heroin and amphetamine addiction. She had tried medication-assisted treatment with methadone, but it had not worked for her.

    Desperate, she tried one more thing: a long-lasting stomach implant that releases naltrexone, a medication sold under the brand name Vivitrol that blocks the effects of opioids. 

    To Walker’s surprise and delight, it worked. “I’m doing things that I always dreamed of,” she told The New York Times. 

    Currently in the United States, naltrexone is available as a daily tablet or as a shot that lasts for a month. But the implant that Walker received from a doctor in Australia lasts for six months. 

    The doctor, George O’Neil, has been using the implants for nearly 20 years. The device isn’t approved in Australia, but he is able to give it to patients because the law allows people at risk of death to try unregulated medical treatments. The procedure costs about $4,800 U.S. dollars (about $7,000 Australian dollars). 

    For decades, O’Neil has been content to use his device on a relatively small scale, but now the implant is gaining international attention. “I’m good at dreaming, but there’s people around me good at doing,” O’Neil said. 

    When the Times reported the story, researchers from Columbia University in New York were watching O’Neil place an implant in a patient. The research team has been awarded nearly $7 million to study the possibility of a naltrexone implant, with an additional $14 million in funding available if the results are promising. 

    Dr. Adam Bisaga, a professor of psychiatry who is leading the study, said that a long-lasting implant is more appealing than a shot because it helps people commit to a longer stretch of sobriety. 

    “If we have a way of targeting the ambivalence—and the way you do that is long-acting preparation—that will be a major advance,” he said. “In the U.S., it’s pretty clear that it’s an acceptable and viable treatment.”

    Vivitrol, the injectable form of naltrexone, is already a popular medication in the United States because it lasts for a month and is not an opioid, unlike methadone and other medication-assisted treatment options. That makes it particularly appealing in law enforcement settings and jail, because it is impossible to divert Vivitrol for illegal use. The implant, if approved in the U.S., could broaden the appeal of naltrexone even more. 

    However, all forms of naltrexone do have some drawbacks. People who use naltrexone and then use opioids are at increased risk for overdose. In addition, to get started on the drugs people need to go through opioid withdrawal to first clear opioids from the system. 

    Despite that, the drug—and the implant—appeals to many people, including 25-year-old Jessica Martin, who received the implant recently. 

    “I feel better now coming here,” she said. “I feel confident that I’ll stop it.”

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • How One County Reduced Opioid Deaths By 50%

    How One County Reduced Opioid Deaths By 50%

    The statewide effort to provide more access to medication-assisted treatment and harm reduction programs has saved lives. 

    One county in rural Vermont reduced opioid overdose deaths by 50% last year, using a combination of strategies meant to stop opioid abuse and reduce harm to people who choose to continue using. 

    In Chittenden County, which includes the state capital of Burlington, opioid overdose deaths dropped from 35 in 2017 to just 17 last year. Bob Bick, CEO of the region’s largest treatment provider, said that a number of interventions paid off significantly. 

    “You’ve had this coming together of a whole bunch of strategies that were directly targeting active users and high-risk users,” Bick told VT Digger. 

    One of the most effective means of intervention was offering people the chance to start medication-assisted treatment (MAT) as soon as they expressed interest.

    Rather than having to wait to get into a MAT program, people in Chittenden County could receive MAT at any time through two area emergency rooms, at University of Vermont Medical Center and Central Vermont Medical Center. The program has since been expanded to all emergency rooms in the area. 

    Dr. Stephen Leffler, MD, chief population health and quality officer for the health network that includes the two hospitals, said that the program makes a big difference for people who have a moment of wanting help. 

    “They are already showing positive results,” he said. “This is a statewide, team effort.”

    In addition to connecting people with treatment quickly, the county also focused on reducing deaths among people who chose to continue using drugs. They did this by distributing fentanyl test kits to active users.

    “We know that relapse is part of the recovery process,” Bick said. “So we wanted to make these widely available.”

    He noted that people reported not using drugs that tested positive for fentanyl. A program called Safe Recovery in the state also provides naloxone and clean needles to people to request them. While this is harm reduction in and of itself, people who came in for needles were also offered the chance to begin MAT immediately. 

    “We are seeing the people who need us the most, and we need to be able to see them when they ask for help,” Program Director Grace Keller said at a panel recently. 

    Vermont has been praised for its hub-and-spoke model to curb opioid addiction, which has since been replicated in other states around the nation.

    Under the model, primary care providers serve as the “spoke” who provide ongoing treatment and channel people toward “hubs,” like Safe Recovery, that provide medication-assisted treatment. 

    “The parallel universe would be cardiology or infectious disease, where if you get sick and your primary care doc can’t take care of you, you’d get referred to a cardiologist,” John Brooklyn, a family doctor and addiction specialist in Vermont who helped design the system, said in 2017. “The nexus of this was really to try to integrate substance use treatment in primary care.”

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Doctor-Turned-Sober Home Owner Describes Descent Into Addiction

    Doctor-Turned-Sober Home Owner Describes Descent Into Addiction

    The former small town West Virginia doctor described how his own addiction and poor prescribing habits changed his life forever.

    Dr. Lou Ortenzio popped his first opioid pain pills in 1988, long before most Americans knew what an opioid was. 

    Over the next 15 years, the small town doctor in West Virginia saw more and more patients asking for powerful painkillers, while he himself became more addicted.

    Whereas older generations in Appalachia had lived with ailments and pain, never wanting to seem “complainy,” in the 1990s Ortenzio began to see a shift in patient perspective. 

    “The new generation that came in the 1980s, those kids began to have the expectation that life should be pain-free,” he told The Atlantic. “If you went to your physician and you didn’t come away with a prescription, you did not have a successful visit.”

    Between 1995 and 2005 the number of pharmaceutical sales reps nearly tripled and Ortenzio began to have more and more sales reps knocking on his door pushing the latest painkillers. 

    “It went from a dozen [salesmen] a week to a dozen a day,” he said. “If you wrote a lot of scrips, you were high on their call list. You would be marketed to several times a day by the same company with different reps.”

    Throughout the late 90s and early 2000s Ortenzio found himself writing more and more prescriptions. As he became known as a doctor who would easily prescribe pills, more patients sought him out.

    At the same time he was taking more pills, even asking a friend to fill prescriptions for him. When he tried to quit he would experience symptoms of withdrawal, which gave him understanding for the predicament that many of his patients found themselves in. 

    He said, “I couldn’t be away from my supply.”

    In 2004, after his wife divorced him, Ortenzio got sober following a religious experience. Other doctors turned to The Physician Health Program, run by the West Virginia State Medical Association, which has helped more than 230 doctors in West Virginia get sober.

    Yet Ortenzio’s sobriety wasn’t the end of opioids ruining his life. Soon after he stopped using, federal agents raided his office, and in 2006 Ortenzio pleaded guilty to fraudulent prescribing. He paid $200,000 in restitution, lost his medical license, and had to complete 1,000 hours of community service while under supervised release for five years. 

    Once a promising physician, Ortenzio was 53 and delivering pizzas, but he was at peace. After years of volunteering with a recovery center, Ortenzio opened a sober living home, which now serves six men, with plans to expand by opening another center for women.

    Although he will never be able to practice medicine again, Ortenzio is happy where he is today, sustaining his own recovery and helping other people get sober. 

    “I made pizza deliveries where I used to make house calls,” he said. “I delivered pizzas to people who were former patients. They felt very uncomfortable, felt sorry for me. It didn’t bother me. I was in a much better place.” 

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • "Hope Stems" Campaign Spotlights How Opioids Affect The Brain Using Flowers

    "Hope Stems" Campaign Spotlights How Opioids Affect The Brain Using Flowers

    The floral exhibit coincided with the Macy’s Flower Show, and aimed to depict opioid addiction in a different light.

    While flowers are typically given on joyous occasions—births, graduations or anniversaries—florists around the nation have also found themselves preparing hundreds of thousands of bouquets for the funerals of people who have died from opioid addiction. 

    With that in mind, the addiction advocacy group Shatterproof has launched a new initiative, showing a brain made from more than 9,000 carnations, pockmarked by black poppies meant to represent the effects of opioids on the brain. 

    The exhibit, called “Hope Stems” was on display in Herald Square in New York City from Tuesday to Thursday (April 2-4). 

    The public was invited to remove a poppy from the bouquet, symbolizing the restoration that happens when someone gets treatment and is able to overcome their opioid addiction. 

    “As a father who lost his son to addiction, ‘Hope Stems’ gives me so much optimism,” Shatterproof Founder Gary Mendell, whose son died by suicide in 2011 after fighting opioid addiction, told Campaign Live. “This installation will impact how people view those suffering from addiction. It is my sincere wish that this campaign will help end the stigma and encourage those who are suffering to seek treatment. By changing how we think about addiction we can save lives.”

    The display is timed to coincide with the Macy’s Flower Show, which runs through Sunday, April 7. 

    June Laffey, who works as chief creative officer at McCann Health New York, said that the “Hope Stems” campaign is a powerful way to raise awareness and get attendees at the flower show to think about addiction and ways to provide treatment to people who need it. 

    “This campaign has the power to not only change the way people think about opioid addiction, but to save lives,” Laffey said. 

    By using the flowers to form a brain, the initiative focused on the fact that addiction is a brain disease, not simply a matter of willpower or choice. 

    “Opioid addiction is not a weakness,” Laffey said. “It is a disease that changes the brain. There’s science to prove it. With knowledge comes power. With knowledge comes compassion. With knowledge comes hope.”

    She continued, “Hope stems from reducing the stigma and speaking with compassion. So let’s all speak with one voice. The more we reduce stigma, the more people will seek treatment and the more lives will be saved.”

    After New York, the Hope Stems display will appear in Atlanta from April 22-25 (Monday through Thursday) during the Rx Drug Abuse & Heroin Summit.

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Doctors Are Cutting Back On Prescribing Opioids

    Doctors Are Cutting Back On Prescribing Opioids

    The number of doctors starting patients on opioid prescriptions also significantly declined.

    While overdose-related deaths from prescription opioids have more than quintupled over the past two decades, some encouraging news regarding the number of new opioid prescriptions written during a portion of that period has surfaced in a new study.

    Time cited research that examined national claims data culled from Blue Cross Blue Shield, which showed that the number of new opioid prescriptions issued per month dropped by 54% between 2012 and 2017—while the number of doctors issuing opioid prescriptions to patients for the first time also declined by a significant number.

    But as the study authors noted, these lower numbers were tempered by the number of physicians who continued to prescribe opioids during this time period, which was often at higher doses and for longer periods of time than the recommended limits suggested for first-time patients by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2016.

    Those guidelines served as the focal point for the study, which was conducted by researchers from Harvard Medical School’s Department of Health Care Policy and Brigham and Women’s Hospital’s Department of Medicine, and published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

    Issued as the opioid epidemic began to reach critical numbers across the country, the CDC urged physicians to either abstain from using opioids as the first course of pain treatment, or to issue three-day supplies of opioid prescriptions at the lowest dose to first-time patients. 

    From there, researchers focused on the monthly incidence of new opioid prescriptions, which they determined was the percentage of Blue Cross Blue Shield members who were receiving an opioid prescription for either the first time ever, or for the first time in the previous six months.

    Their review of the data found that the number of new prescriptions dropped by more than half between 2012 and 2017, while the number of doctors prescribing opioids—either for the first time or to those who hadn’t received a prescription in the previous six months—declined from 114,043 to 80,462.

    “On one hand, we are very much encouraged,” said Nicole Maestas, an associate professor at Harvard Medical School and co-author of the study, to Time. “The study does suggest that every month, fewer people are being started on opioids, which means that the risk of developing opioid addictions and other adverse outcomes is lower because of that. Our enthusiasm is a bit tempered, however. One group of providers didn’t seem to get the message.”

    Maestas was referring to doctors who continued to prescribe opioids after the CDC issued the guidelines. Among that group, they found that 57% were prescribing them to first-time patients for longer than the three-day recommended period, and at higher doses. Of that group, 80% were primary care doctors in private practice.

    The study also raised another area of concern for Maestas and her team—it highlighted the possibility that doctors were not prescribing opioids for patients whose level of pain required such drugs. About 30% of the doctors whose prescriptions were included in the study time period did not prescribe opioids at all to people who had not used them.

    As Time noted, the authors were not able to determine if those patients were given other options for pain management, and suggested that in some cases, pain was under-managed rather than over-prescribed.

    Ultimately, the researchers hope that their findings will help hone future prescription guidelines.

    “It’s good news that some providers are changing their behavior, but not all providers are,” said Maestas. “The data suggests that some could use additional education around this issue.”

    View the original article at thefix.com