Tag: Oxycodone

  • How to Find the Best Rehab for Xartemis XR Addiction

    How to Find the Best Rehab for Xartemis XR Addiction

    Use this guide to find answers to your questions about Xartemis XR Addiction.

    1. What is Xartemis XR?
    2. Slang terms for Xartemis XR
    3. How to use Xartemis XR
    4. What to avoid when taking Xartemis XR?
    5. What are the signs of Xartemis XR abuse?
    6. What is Xartemis XR rehab?
    7. How can rehab help you with Xartemis XR treatment?
    8. What are the various rehab centers for Xartemis XR dependence?
    9. What is the duration of a rehab treatment?
    10. What are the payment options for rehab?

    What is Xartemis XR?

    Xartemis XR is a combination of Oxycodone and acetaminophen, and it’s prescribed to patients who want relief from moderate to severe pain. This pain can be caused due to terminal illnesses like cancer, or severe injuries, etc. This medication is only prescribed when other painkillers don’t work. 

    Acetaminophen is used to reduce fever and pain; If taken in larger doses than necessary, it increases the risk of severe liver damage. Oxycodone is a narcotic pain reliever, and it affects the central nervous system. When it’s used for a long time, it can be addictive if you have consistent pain. It’s best to consult with your doctor on the best dose that will help you in the long run. Addiction happens when you take the medication without cause and for a longer time than necessary. This medication has strict distribution regulations, and a valid prescription from your doctor is needed to obtain it. 

    Slang terms for Xartemis XR:

    Slang terms are used by street dealers who work with the illegal distribution of a controlled prescription drugs. They use code words so that they don’t get caught by authorities. It’s essential that medical professionals are aware of the slang terms because they can diagnose Xartemis XR overdose symptoms quickly. Some of the common slang names are:

    • Captain Cody 
    • Cody
    • Loads 
    • Monkey
    • Juice
    • Dillies
    • Pain killer 
    • China girl 

    How to use Xartemis XR

    To get the full Xartemis XR effects, you have to take the medication as advised by your doctor strictly. Do not take more than needed for longer than required; this will cause addiction and mental dependence. This precaution is especially directed at senior citizens because they are more sensitive to the effects of pain medications. If you take too many habit-forming pain medicines for a long time, it can become addictive, and the acetaminophen can harm your liver. 

    It’s essential that you understand the guidelines that come with Xartemis XR so that you can prevent a downward spiral into addiction and substance abuse. Every time you refill your case, ensure that you read the medical guide that comes with it. This way, you can ask your doctor any questions you may have on the dose. 

    This medicine can be taken with or without food. However, if you’re prone to nausea, it’s best that you take the medicine with food. If nausea persists, then you should visit your doctor so that they can change the dose. If you prefer the liquid form, then ensure that you purchase the measuring device that comes with the bottle. This will help you get an accurate dose. Avoid using a household tablespoon because the dose may vary. 

    The tablet is extended release, so you will have to swallow it with water or another liquid. Do not crush, break, chew, dissolve, inject, or snort the pills. This medicine should not be kept in your mouth for longer than necessary, and it should not be provided to the patient through feeding tubes. 

    If you feel that the medication is not working anymore, then this means that you have built up a tolerance against it. Do not increase the dose without consulting your doctor, and you can check with them about whether the dosage form can be changed as well. 

    What to avoid when taking Xartemis XR?

    People who engage in substance abuse might recreationally mix the drug with alcohol and other painkillers to get a better high. When various narcotics are taken together, they act as nervous system depressants. When you mix painkillers with alcohol, you can amplify adverse effects like shallow breathing and slow pulse. Painkillers are sometimes gateway drugs that lead to using harder drugs to get the same high..

    What are the signs of Xartemis XR abuse?

    Xartemis XR can lead to substance abuse when patients don’t follow the doctor’s instructions. The addiction will expose you to various health risks that will affect you mentally and physically. When Xartemis XR is taken for an extended period, then you might overdose; an untreated overdose episode can lead to death. To avoid any addiction or dependence, doctors usually assess the patient and their medical records before prescribing Xartemis XR. 

    Listed below are some of the symptoms of Xartemis XR abuse:

    • Heart palpitations 
    • Dry mouth 
    • Blurry vision 
    • Hypersensitivity 
    • Loss of appetite 
    • Migraines 
    • Memory distortion 
    • Sedation 
    • Tremors 
    • Muscle spasms

    If you know someone who is dealing with Xartemis XR addiction, he or she might exhibit the following signs:

    >> Thinking about and obsessing over the next dose 

    >> Spending excessive amounts of money on the painkiller 

    >> Failing to keep up with professional, social, and personal responsibilities 

    >> Indulging in large doses to get high 

    >> Stealing the drugs from medicine cabinets 

    >> Counterfeiting prescriptions

    >> Purchasing the medication online or off the street

    What is Xartemis XR rehab?

    When you gain an addiction to any painkiller, you may notice that your priorities begin to shift. You might stop spending time on positive and beneficial tasks and devote time to obtaining and using the prescription drug. When addiction takes hold of you, your mental and physical state may begin to deteriorate, and this can lead to a host of psychological and physical illnesses. 

    The first step to recover from substance abuse is accepting that you have a problem. Convincing someone that they have an addiction while they are in denial will not help them sober up. When the person accepts that they have a problem, the rehabilitation process can get easier, and it can benefit them in the long run as well. 

    Rehab is sometimes essential, because you’re under professional supervision and expert advice; the experts help you through your withdrawal process and try to ensure that you don’t relapse. When you use Xartemis XR for a long time, you’re risking damage to your physical health like liver damage and muscle deterioration. It also affects your mental health, making you crave a more significant dose when it’s not needed and it can also bring about feelings of paranoia. If you’re looking for a rehab for Xartemis XR addiction, then you have to ensure that you get the proper help and that the center is a legitimate one. It’s best to get help as soon as possible from medical professionals who will help you on the road to sobriety.

    How can rehab help you with Xartemis XR treatment?

    When a patient experiences from severe addiction, they are taken through various processes of rehabilitation. This can help expel all traces of the drug from the body. Firstly, it’s strongly recommended that you go through a detox. Detoxification includes withdrawal, which is a challenging process, and self-treatment may be difficult. This is because detox can take a toll on your physical and mental health, and if there is no professional around to help you and guide you through the detox process, you might relapse during your recovery process. 

    Detoxification breaks the wheel of physical addiction and cleanses your body from toxic chemicals. When you go through detox in a rehab center, medical professionals can help you control and reduce any withdrawal symptoms by providing guidance and safe medication. 

    After detox, the next step is therapy. Therapy includes preparing yourself mentally and physically to face the outside world once you’re sober. If you avoid treatment after detox, you might increase your chances of a relapse, and life after withdrawal can be overwhelming. 

    When it comes to therapy, you can start treating and overcoming your addiction with one-on-one, individualized treatment plans. Xartemis XR rehab usually takes place in inpatient treatment facilities, and these rehab centers are the best option for some, because they can provide sufficient time to tackle issues that may encourage relapse. 

    When you’re admitted for rehabilitation, you may face a blend of treatments that include some behavioral therapy sessions which are research based; they may include cognitive and dialectical behavior therapies. These therapy sessions are held to get to the root cause of your addiction. They will identify triggers and help you control them, and the session will help you understand how your addiction has affected your family and friends. They might diagnose your mental health, and will help you along the road to recovery. 

    Rehab centers will also offer aftercare services that can help you face the outside world once you’re done with therapy. Aftercare services are held to keep a check on your mental and physical health. They help you work to avoid relapse episodes and identify your triggers as well. Aftercare services will also help you stay focused on your new goals as a sober individual. 

    What are the various rehab centers for Xartemis XR dependence?

    Outpatient treatment:

    These rehab centers don’t offer round the clock treatment or constant supervision. Here, you’re treated based on appointments. This treatment is best for people who can go about their regular routines while receiving care, and not have a relapse episode. 

    Inpatient treatment:

    In this type of surgery, the patient gets treated in a hospital-like setting where supervision and help are available at all times. You will have to live in the center for a certain period and follow all the guidelines that will help you achieve recovery. This treatment is best suited for addicts who need professional help to get better.

    Residential treatment:

    These are quite similar to inpatient treatment facilities, except that it’s held in a residential complex. The environment and facilities of a residential center are quite different than that of a hospital rehab center. The rehab centers’ approach is more all-inclusive, and the patient can live in a secure environment that helps enable the detoxification process. Some medical professionals help you get by and encourage you to complete your journey to sobriety. This can also help in better recovery for the patient and is often recommended for Xartemis XR addiction.

    Inpatient vs. Outpatient clinics:

    When it comes to addiction, treatment research has shown that a uniquely comprehensive and varied approach can be the preferred way to help recover from substance abuse. The aspects include focusing on the biological, social, and psychological variants of the patient. This action is considered multi-disciplinary treatment and includes using supportive counseling. This therapy usually feels motivating and encourages the patient to accept change as a positive way of life. Rehabilitation focuses on therapy because it teaches the patient how to cope with their lifestyle once they are back to their regular routines. Medical consultation helps a patient to determine which program is best suited for them, primarily based on individual needs. 

    If you go for an inpatient or residential treatment plan, you will be living in the facility and be under constant supervision. The treatment process begins with the withdrawal process, after which the therapy will begin. As a patient, once you accept that you have a problem, that’s when you can gain the full benefits of the treatment plan.

    What is the duration of a rehab treatment?

    Whichever treatment facility you want, you will have a treatment duration that can last from 30 to 90 days. Most rehab centers will offer treatment periods that are flexible, although it depends on the needs and the progress of the patient.

    It’s noticed that many rehab centers provide short-term residential treatment, and it’s quite common to start with client detox, initial intensive treatment, and aftercare programs. Essentially, rehab works to prepare the individual to handle ups and downs once they are sober; they also help the patient recognize triggers that may cause a relapse. 

    What are the payment options for rehab?

    There are various fees for rehab centers. It depends on many factors like facilities, staff, and location. Gaining freedom from the grasp of addiction can be priceless, but you still have to settle a bill once you’re done with your treatment. Here are some of the preferred methods of payment that you might be able to take up:

    >> If you have enough savings, you can pay for your treatment from your account.

    >> You can try taking a short-term loan from your friends or family, especially if they are concerned for your well-being.

    >> There are special or short-term insurance policies that are available for treatment facilities. However, ensure that the policy covers your treatment plan. 

    If you know of anyone or if you’re suffering from Xartemis XR addiction, you can always reach out for help from capable rehab centers and their team of professionals. Family and friend support is always welcome, but professional advice can give you added care.

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • How to Find the Best Rehab for Percodan Addiction

    How to Find the Best Rehab for Percodan Addiction

    Use this helpful guide to find out everything you need to know about Percodan, its side effects, and warning signs of addiction.

    1. What is Percodan and What is it Used For?
    2. Other Names for Percodan
    3. Percodan Side Effects
    4. How Addiction to Percodan Develops
    5. Signs and Symptoms of Percodan Dependence and Addiction
    6. Percodan Withdrawal Symptoms
    7. Percodan Overdose
    8. Percodan Addiction Help
    9. Do You Need Inpatient or Outpatient Treatment?
    10. What to Expect from Percodan Addiction Treatment

    Percodan is a type of opioid medication that may be prescribed to relieve moderate to severe pain, usually after an injury or surgery. Besides pain relief, it can give users a relaxed or euphoric feeling leading to a high potential for dependence or misuse.

    Overcoming Percodan dependence usually requires the help of professionals trained in the field of addiction recovery. With the help of one of the best Percodan addiction treatment centers, you or a loved one can overcome addiction to Percodan and learn what to do if you feel compelled to misuse it in the future.

    What is Percodan and What is it Used For?

    Percodan is a brand name of a combination drug that is a mixture of oxycodone and aspirin. Oxycodone is an opioid analgesic. Aspirin is a salicylate drug that can reduce inflammation, fever and pain, and it’s also known as an anti-inflammatory analgesic. Combining these two drugs gives greater pain relief than either drug alone.

    Percodan may be prescribed for pain relief when other types of pain medication have been ineffective or couldn’t be tolerated. Other reasons Percodan may be prescribed include relief of migraines, dental pain, back pain and pain in joints or muscles. Because of its high potential for misuse, it’s important to take Percodan exactly as prescribed. Patients should avoid taking higher doses or taking the drug more often than prescribed. Whenever pain medication isn’t working to control pain, contact your doctor rather than trying to increase the dose of strong medication on your own.

    Other Names for Percodan

    Another brand name for oxycodone-aspirin is Endodan.

    Percodan may be referred to by a variety of different names on the street including:

    • O.C.
    • Oxy
    • Oxycotton
    • Hillbilly heroin
    • Percs

    Percodan Side Effects

    Strong prescription drugs such as opioids often come with unwanted side effects.

    Some side effects that you may experience when you take Percodan include:

    • Blurred vision
    • Confusion
    • Constipation
    • Agitation or restlessness
    • Lack of coordination
    • Fainting
    • Decreased appetite
    • Tremors
    • Tiredness, sleepiness or weakness
    • Dizziness
    • Heartburn
    • Upset stomach

    How Addiction to Percodan Develops

    Since Percodan contains oxycodone, it can be a very addictive substance. It’s classified as a Schedule II controlled substance. These are narcotics that can lead to significant psychological or physical dependence, and they have a high potential for abuse. Like other drugs that contain oxycodone, Percodan works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, which can relieve very intense pain. This can affect the release of mood-related neurotransmitters in the brain and lead to a relaxed, euphoric high.

    Percodan and other opioids can be misused by taking more pills than prescribed or taking pills that weren’t prescribed to you. Pills can be crushed and snorted, smoked, or diluted with water and injected. Misuse also includes taking medication that belongs to someone else or taking the medication only for its effects.

    Whenever opioids are used for a long time or taken in a way other than prescribed, they can become habit-forming. You may begin to feel that it takes more of the drug than it used to in order to obtain the effect you’re looking for, so you may try to “lose” your prescription in an effort to get the doctor to prescribe another dose. You may find yourself lying to loved ones about how much you’re taking or trying to avoid participating in any activities unless you are under the influence of Percodan or other opioids.

    Signs and Symptoms of Percodan Dependence and Addiction

    Dependence and addiction can develop subtly and without warning. Most people who misuse substances believe they can quit whenever they want to, but the compulsion to keep returning to substance abuse can be very overpowering.

    There are some telltale signs of Percodan dependence and addiction, which include:

    • Requiring larger doses to obtain the desired effect
    • Attempting to forge prescriptions or trying to obtain prescriptions from more than one doctor
    • Stealing from or lying to loved ones to obtain more of the substance
    • Losing interest in other activities that used to bring pleasure
    • Continuing to misuse substances in spite of negative consequences such as job loss, relationship conflict, financial difficulties or legal problems
    • Feeling strong cravings for the drug
    • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms if you try to quit using Percodan

    Percodan Withdrawal Symptoms

    Physical and psychological dependence can trigger withdrawal symptoms if you try to stop taking Percodan suddenly. These symptoms may also happen if you have been using Percodan exactly as prescribed and try to suddenly stop.

    Withdrawal symptoms you may experience include:

    • Abdominal cramps
    • Nausea
    • Diarrhea
    • Sweating
    • Chills
    • Joint or muscle pain
    • Agitation or anxiety

    Withdrawal from opioids is not usually life-threatening, but it’s very uncomfortable. Because of the extreme discomfort you may experience, if you try to discontinue use without help, you may reach for more Percodan just to stop the intensity of the withdrawal symptoms. Continuing to misuse opioids puts you at risk of overdose. If you’ve been misusing other substances at the same time, it’s even more important to get help from addiction professionals to get through withdrawal safely.

    Percodan Overdose

    Addiction is a progressive disease and almost always gets worse if it isn’t treated. The compulsion to use higher doses of Percodan than the doctor prescribed puts you at risk for taking more of this drug than your body can handle.

    Signs of a Percodan overdose include:

    • Inability to stay awake
    • Fainting or lightheadedness
    • Difficulty breathing
    • Low blood pressure
    • Rapid heartbeat
    • Confusion
    • Severe sweating
    • Cold, clammy skin
    • Seizures
    • Ringing or buzzing in the ear

    One of the most dangerous things that may happen during a Percodan overdose is that breathing may slow or stop, leading to oxygen deprivation. If you suspect a loved one has overdosed on Percodan or other substances, call 911 immediately.

    Percodan Addiction Help

    Drug addiction is a treatable disorder, and it’s possible to get help for addiction to Percodan or other mind-altering substances. If you’re an addict, there’s a good chance you won’t be able to overcome the compulsion to use opioids without help.

    Addiction from substance use disorder begins with getting all substances out of your system, but this is only the beginning. Misuse of mind-altering substances can alter the structure and function of the brain. Part of the brain that may be affected is the part that allows you to use some self-control when it comes to using substances.

    When you’re ready to get Percodan addiction help, a good place to start is to talk to your own doctor. You can also reach out to a counselor or an addiction professional.

    Do You Need Inpatient or Outpatient Treatment?

    Treatment for drug addiction can be done on either an inpatient or an outpatient basis. The decision regarding which is better for you will be determined by both you and your doctor or counselor.

    If you’re addicted to multiple substances, withdrawing from them can be dangerous or even life-threatening. A residential facility gives you the opportunity to go through withdrawal under around-the-clock medical supervision. Medical professionals on staff may be able to give you medication to help reduce the severity of your symptoms.

    Even if the only substance you’ve been misusing is Percodan, staying at a residential facility for a period of time gives you a chance to give early recovery your total attention. At a Percodan rehab center, you’ll be able to take advantage of many different kinds of therapy and support groups, which can give you a good foundation for future and ongoing recovery. Another advantage of inpatient treatment is being able to distance yourself for a period of time from people who might encourage you to continue to misuse substances.

    If your addiction is mild and you have multiple responsibilities, you may be able to start your recovery journey at an outpatient treatment program. This allows you to continue to meet your day-to-day responsibilities such as work, school or childcare while attending therapy sessions and support groups. You’ll need to be committed to following the treatment plan laid out by your doctor.

    Talk to your doctor or counselor and members of your family. If you’re considering inpatient treatment, visit more than one facility and ask questions. Bring a loved one with you to help consider your choices and think about what features are most important to you. Talk to addiction professionals about your options and the type of treatment that would work best in your case, and then get help as soon as you can.

    What to Expect from Percodan Addiction Treatment

    For many people, making the decision to ask for help and try to find the best Percodan addiction treatment facility seems pretty scary, so knowing what to expect may help. At a treatment center, the initial phase is detoxification. As all traces of substances leave your system, you’ll be supervised by medical professionals to keep you safe.

    Once there are no more mind-altering chemicals in your system, you’re ready to learn more about the disease of addiction. Your treatment will include education, support groups and different types of therapy.

    It’s extremely important to get in the habit of participating in support groups. They will be the lifeline of your recovery once you get out of rehab. You’ll share what you’ve gone through with other people who have had similar experiences and together you’ll learn new coping skills and better ways of thinking while offering each other support. Relying on others will give you the strength to resist the temptation to turn to substances when you experience cravings or turbulent emotions.

    Using evidence-based therapies, you’ll begin to get in touch with deep-rooted feelings that may have triggered you to begin misusing substances. At the best Percodan addiction treatment centers, your time in treatment will also include learning new ways to cope with anxiety or upsetting feelings. This may include mindfulness, yoga, progressive muscle relaxation, music therapy or art therapy. Addiction almost always affects all members of the family, so your family may be encouraged to get involved in family therapy.

    Substance misuse can be difficult to overcome, but with the help of experts in the field of addiction recovery, you’ll be able to learn to live a life that doesn’t require dependence on Percodan or any other mind-altering chemical. While you won’t be magically cured, Percodan rehab will help you to get on the right track and will help you to know what you need to do to stay sober once you get out.

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Luxury Rehab Guide for Xtampza ER Addiction

    Luxury Rehab Guide for Xtampza ER Addiction

    We can help you find the best luxury XTampza ER rehab.

    Table of Contents

    1. What is Xtampza ER and What is it Used For?
    2. Can the Xtampza ER Tamperproof Formula Prevent Addiction?
    3. How Xtampza ER Works in the Brain
    4. Xtampza ER Addiction Symptoms and Side Effects
    5. The Risks of Xtampza ER Overdose
    6. Diagnosing Xtampza ER Addiction
    7. Xtampza ER Withdrawal and Detox
    8. Medication-Assisted Treatment for Xtampza ER Withdrawal
    9. Xtampza ER Addiction Co-occurring Disorders
    10. Xtampza ER Addiction Treatment Programs
    11. Finding the Right Xtampza ER Rehab Center for You

    It takes hard work and a determined attitude to defeat any type of drug addiction. But narcotic painkiller dependency can be especially difficult to overcome. Consequently, people who develop an addiction to Xtampza ER should seek professional help from trained addiction specialists.

    There are excellent Xtampza ER rehab facilities located across the country, offering addiction treatment services with a proven track record of success. When you find the right Xtampza ER rehab, their experts can help you regain your sobriety and improve your physical, mental and emotional health. 

    What is Xtampza ER and What is it Used For?

    Xtampza ER is the brand name for an extended-release version of oxycodone, a potent painkiller in the opioid class. Oxycodone is a medication prescribed for moderate to severe chronic pain. Xtampza ER was specifically created to help people whose pain is significant and experienced on a 24-hour basis. 

    Extended release means that Xtampza ER delivers oxycodone gradually, in carefully controlled mini-doses. Each Xtampza ER capsule is engineered to release a steady supply of oxycodone for up to 12 hours. The medication should be taken twice daily, to make sure it works around the clock. 

    Xtampza ER is considered a drug of last resort. This means it should only be given if alternative methods of pain control are not practical or effective. The reason why doctors only prescribe it when other options aren’t available is because it is addictive. 

    All opioid medications are potentially addictive, if taken for a long time or in large amounts. In addition to their painkilling effects they also cause mild-to-moderate euphoria, and that is what traps so many people.

    Xtampza ER prescriptions normally limit users to 72 milligrams per day, or 36 milligrams per dose. If you limit your consumption to this level, you should be safe. But if you use more Xtampza ER than this, your risk for Xtampza ER dependence will skyrocket. 

    For those who suffer from long-term, chronic pain, the temptation to misuse this medication is very real. Opioids of all types are highly effective at reducing pain, and that is what lures people into abuse. Still others take Xtampza ER and other opioids because they like the feelings of euphoria and relaxation that the drug produces. 

    Either way, using Xtampza ER in ways that are inconsistent with a prescription is playing with fire. 

    Can the Xtampza ER Tamperproof Formula Prevent Addiction?

    One unique aspect of Xtampza ER is its resistance to tampering and abuse. Many people who misuse oxycodone will crush the tablets or capsules and snort them or inject them. This delivers a concentrated dose of the drug directly into the bloodstream, which amplifies the oxycodone high.

    This can be a problem with conventional extended-release oxycodone formulations. But Xtampza ER is manufactured differently. It is comprised of crushproof microspheres that contain tiny doses of oxycodone in powder form. These microspheres are too strong to be smashed open and will only release their medication as they dissolve in the stomach. 

    In this case, extended release performance is guaranteed.

    The manufacturer of Xtampza ER, Collegium Pharmaceuticals, has patented their method for producing tamper-proof, extended-release oxycodone under the name DETERx. It represents a true breakthrough in the ongoing efforts to combat oxycodone and prescription opioid abuse. If recreational users and oxycodone addicts attempt to crush Xtampza ER and use it for a quick high, they will be frustrated and disappointed. 

    But the tamperproof formula of Xtampza ER only makes it harder to abuse. It does not eliminate the risk of Xtampza ER addiction. 

    People who want larger doses of this drug can simply take more of it. They can double, triple or quadruple the normal dosage to get a stronger painkilling and euphoric effect. It may not deliver a rapid high if used in this way, but it will satisfy your cravings if you’ve developed Xtampza ER dependence.

    Top-quality addiction treatment centers do provide Xtampza ER rehab services, because they know this drug is addictive and can cause enormous problems for people who abuse it. If you’ve been misusing Xtampza ER, thinking it’s safe because of its extended release formula, you could be setting yourself up for a fall. An Xtampza ER rehab facility can help you recover your sobriety, and a failure to ask for help could end up costing you dearly. 

    How Xtampza ER Works in the Brain

    The human brain contains a dense network of natural (endogenous) opioid receptors. Their role is to relieve pain and to promote feelings of calm and relaxation, eliminating panic and anxiety that can make your suffering worse. 

    When you experience pain, your body can produce its own opioids that bind with these receptors. This triggers a natural analgesic (painkilling) response. Their presence also spurs the brain to release ample quantities of dopamine, a neurochemical that causes feelings of happiness and exhilaration. 

    Opioid painkillers can bind with these receptors as well. When pain is severe, endogenous opioid production may be inadequate to the task, and that is when powerful medications like oxycodone can be especially helpful. Opioid medications stimulate robust activity when they bind with opioid receptors, and that is why they bring so much relief to those who use them for pain. They also produce stronger feelings of relaxation and euphoria than natural opioids, which makes them attractive to recreational drug users. 

    Unfortunately, the benefits of Xtampza ER come with a price. Frequent overstimulation of opioid receptors from Xtampza ER use will cause a gradual loss of sensitivity. This means the receptors will react less vigorously when the medication is present. Xtampza ER abuse causes an increase in tolerance for the drug’s effects, forcing you to use more of it to achieve the same effects. 

    Another consequence of Xtampza ER abuse is that interferes with your brain’s capacity to produce dopamine, the pleasure chemical that floods the brain when you first start misusing opioids. Over time, you come to depend on the dopamine to make you feel happier and less anxious. But when your brain struggles to produce enough, it can push you into compulsive drug-taking. This is another aspect of growing tolerance for Xtampza ER and a reason why increased tolerance can lead you deeper into addiction. 

    Using too much of this medication for too long will prevent your brain from functioning properly. Xtampza ER addiction will be the final result, and at that point Xtampza ER rehab may be your only true hope for recovery. 

    How Xtampza ER Addiction Develops

    The origin of Xtampza ER abuse can be found in unwise behavioral choices. No one intends to become addicted to Xtampza ER, but even extended release versions of oxycodone can produce dependency when they are used incorrectly or recklessly.

    There are four primary ways that people become addicted to Xtampza ER:

    #1 Overuse following a prescription

    Physicians carefully customize dosages of Xtampza ER and other opioid painkillers to make sure they’re taken in safe amounts. In fact, the whole point of the extended-release formula is to give patients adequate quantities of painkiller without flooding their system. But when you suffer from chronic, severe pain, the temptation to overuse any medication that brings relief is strong. 

    When you have pain in excess of what Xtampza ER in normal doses can handle, the proper course of action is to talk with your doctor to explore alternatives. Taking more of the drug on your own is a form of Xtampza ER abuse and will not keep you safe in the long-term. 

    #2 Self-medicating behavior

    Oxycodone is a well-known painkiller in all of its formulations. Consequently, many people suffering from persistent or severe pain will use it even without a prescription. 

    Regardless of the circumstances, this type of self-medicating behavior is dangerous, no matter how careful you plan to be. Self-medicating with opioids is inherently hazardous and should be avoided, even if the drug being abused comes in an extended-release formula. Xtampza ER is a relatively safe medication if used with restraint, but is highly addictive if used otherwise.

    #3 Recreational Xtampza ER abuse

    Oxycodone products like Xtampza ER can produce pleasant side effects. They can make you feel calmer and more relaxed and produce bursts of joyful emotions. In general, the more oxycodone you take, the more intense its euphoric effects, and that is why some people abuse it as a way to get high.

    There is a thriving black market for opioid medications of all types. If you purchase Xtampza ER from illicit sources, you may hear it referred to by a number of street or slang names. These may include:

    • Oxy 80
    • Oxycat
    • Schoolboy
    • Loads
    • Hillbilly Heroin
    • Goodfella
    • Juice
    • Dillies
    • Apache
    • Dance Fever
    • Tango and Cash
    • Doors and Fours
    • Murder 8
    • White Stuff
    • Dummies
    • China White
    • Friend
    • Jackpot
    • TNT

    If you’re getting your opioids from an illicit source, anything you purchase and consume could lead you into addiction. Recreational use of opioids is always a form of drug abuse, whether you realize it or not.

    #4 Mixing with other drugs, including other opioids

    One additional complication with recreational use is that opioids are often mixed with other drugs.

    Xtampza ER is a central nervous system depressant, which means its impact will be increased if it is combined with other depressants like alcohol or benzodiazepines. Conversely, people who’ve been using the drug too often or in heavy quantities may feel overwhelmed by Xtampza ER side effects. To compensate, they may consume stimulants like cocaine or methamphetamine.

    As you can imagine, this type of behavior is extremely dangerous. Escalating your drug use increases the odds of addiction and puts you at grave risk for a drug overdose. It can make your Xtampza ER addiction more difficult to treat, since you may have become dependent on multiple substances, all of which you’ll need to stop using to achieve sobriety. 

    If you mix Xtampza ER with other opioids, this behavior can lead to Xtampza ER addiction quite rapidly. 

    The opioid receptors in your brain will bind with opioids interchangeably. It recognizes no difference between these drugs. This means you can satisfy your Xtampza ER cravings by taking any kind of opioid, including fentanyl, hydrocodone, other oxycodone products or heroin

    Mixing opioids can put you on a collision course with serious Xtampza ER dependence. If you’ve been abusing multiple opioids, that is a sure sign you have a problem and need to seek out Xtampza ER rehab services immediately. Given how deadly opioids can be if misused, you cannot afford to take any chances.

    Xtampza ER Addiction Symptoms and Side Effects

    It is common for people who use this medication to experience side effects. Xtampza ER side effects are typically mild and unlikely to cause serious discomfort—if Xtampza ER doses remain within the normal range. 

    But with continued misuse, Xtampza ER side effects may transform into true Xtampza ER addiction symptoms. These symptoms will have a negative impact on your life and make it harder for you to function. They are warning signs of trouble and should not be ignored.

    Your descent into Xtampza ER dependence may be too gradual for you to identify or acknowledge. But the symptoms that reveal the truth will be evident after enough time has passed and your Xtampza ER addiction has deepened.

    Common Xtampza ER addiction symptoms include: 

    • Chronic drowsiness, during the day as well as at night
    • Constant fatigue
    • Muscle weakness
    • Disruptions in normal sleeping patterns (i.e., nighttime insomnia, sleeping late, falling asleep during the day, etc.) 
    • Nausea and vomiting
    • Dry mouth
    • Itchy skin
    • Slow heart rate
    • Loss of appetite
    • Respiratory difficulties (shallow breathing)
    • Constipation
    • Mental confusion
    • Memory loss
    • Sudden mood swings
    • Poor coordination
    • Low blood pressure
    • Slower-than-normal reflexes or reaction times

    All of these Xtampza ER addiction side effects are consistent with the overuse and abuse of central nervous system depressants. Such symptoms could be made worse by the use of alcohol, other opioids or benzodiazepines. Mixing these substances with oxycodone will only act to slow nervous system activity even further.

    If no action is taken to prevent the progress of your Xtampza ER addiction, these symptoms will only worsen. The only antidote to Xtampza ER dependence is to stop taking this drug and other opioids, entirely. This can be hard to do on your own and possibly even hazardous to your health, which is why you should enter an Xtampza ER rehab facility where your withdrawal can be managed safely.

    The Risks of Xtampza ER Overdose

    If you don’t seek treatment for your Xtampza ER addiction, you may pay the ultimate price for that decision. 

    In 2017, more than 70,000 Americans lost their lives to a drug overdose. Opioids were responsible for two-thirds (nearly 47,000) of these deaths, proving once again that the opioid abuse epidemic is the main reason why overdose fatalities have ascended to such appalling heights.

    Opioid overdoses occur when tolerance develops to such a great extent that your body cannot handle the doses you’re taking. Even taking opioids in an extended-release version is not enough to protect you from this danger. If you continuously escalate your Xtampza ER use, or start mixing it with other substances that hinder central nervous system functioning (alcohol, other opioids, benzodiazepines), an oxycodone overdose could be a part of your future.

    Overdoses are usually a product of drug addiction. Of all the central nervous system depressants, none are as deadly as opioids. Whether you’re taking prescription medications or illicit street drugs like heroin, the risk is the same.

    Heavy use of Xtampza ER will likely produce symptoms that aren’t entirely different than those associated with Xtampza ER overdose. It is the severity of these symptoms that will let you know that something out of the ordinary is happening.

    The distinctive signs of an Xtampza ER overdose include:

    • Extreme drowsiness
    • Confusion, disorientation
    • Low blood pressure
    • Slow heartbeat
    • Nausea and vomiting
    • Dilated pupils
    • Bluish tint to lips and fingers
    • Significant respiratory distress

    Severe respiratory suppression can result from an Xtampza ER overdose. This is the condition that can cause opioid overdoses to turn deadly. 

    Quick intervention following an Xtampza ER overdose can prevent the worst-case scenario. Paramedics and emergency room personnel may be able to halt the progress of the overdose by administering a drug called naloxone. 

    Sold under the brand name Narcan, this drug actually blocks opioid receptors and stops opioids from binding with them. If it is given before the overdose progresses too far, it can greatly increase the odds of survival.

    Diagnosing Xtampza ER Addiction

    People suffering from an addiction to Xtampza ER will need to be officially diagnosed before Xtampza ER rehab can be offered. Trained addiction specialists and mental health professionals can diagnose drug dependency, based on the presence of certain physical, psychological and behavioral symptoms. 

    There are 11 symptoms of Xtampza ER abuse that can be used to diagnose a substance use disorder. You must report two or more of these before the Xtampza ER addiction can be confirmed.

    These diagnostic criteria include:

    1. Consumption of Xtampza ER that frequently surpasses planned levels.
    2. Previous attempts to quit using the drug have all met with failure.
    3. Extraordinary amounts of time have been spent using Xtampza ER, obtaining more supplies or recovering from its effects.
    4. Occupational, educational, professional and personal responsibilities have been neglected because of constant Xtampza ER abuse.
    5. The use of Xtampza ER has been interfering with social activities and important relationships.
    6. The presence or recurrence of physical or psychological problems caused by drug abuse has not led to a change in drug-taking behavior.
    7. Favorite activities and hobbies have been neglected or forgotten, for reasons related to drug use.
    8. Xtampza ER abuse has led to, or been implicated in, reckless or dangerous behavior and possibly to accidents or arrests.
    9. Tolerance for Xtampza ER has continued to increase.
    10. Cravings for the drug are frequently experienced.
    11. Xtampza ER withdrawal symptoms accompany interruptions in normal patterns of Xtampza ER use.

    If you’ve been using other opioids to satisfy your cravings for Xtampza ER, you might be diagnosed with a general opioid addiction, rather than an Xtampza ER addiction specifically. Either way, a facility that offers Xtampza ER rehab services should be your next destination.

    Xtampza ER Withdrawal and Detox

    Overcoming opioid addiction requires you to stop taking Xtampza ER altogether. If you’ve been mixing oxycodone with other drugs or medications, you’ll need to get off those substances as well.

    But you cannot stop taking opioids all at once. Xtampza ER withdrawal symptoms can be overwhelming if you do this, causing you tremendous physical and emotional distress and making your sobriety difficult to maintain. 

    Should you stop taking Xtampza ER too suddenly, you will likely experience some intense withdrawal symptoms. They will usually begin a few hours after your last dosage and peak in intensity three to five days later. It may take a week or more before these symptoms become truly manageable. 

    Some of the most common Xtampza ER withdrawal symptoms include:

    • Agitation, restlessness
    • Muscle and joint aches
    • Loss of appetite
    • Persistent nausea
    • Runny nose
    • Tearing up
    • Heavy sweating
    • Headaches
    • Insomnia
    • Tremors, shakiness
    • Fatigue
    • Diarrhea
    • Intense physical and psychological cravings

    While the most serious physical symptoms will usually recede after about a week, powerful psychological symptoms of oxycodone withdrawal may arise to take their place. Psychological Xtampza ER withdrawal symptoms may include depression, anxiety, irritability, poor concentration and sudden mood swings. If you have any pre-existing mental health conditions, their symptoms may become noticeably worse.

    In some instances, you might develop post-acute withdrawal syndrome, or PAWS. This condition can leave you feeling depressed, irritable, anxious, and agitated for up to two years after you’ve stopped taking opioids. PAWS is more likely to develop if your addiction to Xtampza ER was severe or long-lasting.

    Fortunately, the worst of Xtampza ER withdrawal can usually be avoided, if you start your recovery from addiction in a medical detox facility. The best Xtampza ER rehab centers offer detox services that commence as soon as you are officially admitted. They know that managing your withdrawal symptoms successfully will give you a much better chance of staying clean and sober for the long-term.

    Medically-supervised detox for Xtampza ER dependence will take place in a clinical or hospital-like setting. While in detox, you’ll be monitored and cared for on a 24-hour basis. All of your personal and medical needs will be addressed, with every effort made to make you feel comfortable, calm and content. 

    If you need mental health treatment, as you may if you have a dual diagnosis for both a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder, that may begin while you’re in detox. Appropriate treatment for any physical health problems you have will also be provided.

    Most medical detox programs last for 7-10 days. Their main goal is the stabilization of your mental and physical condition, which will prepare you to accept formal addiction treatment services.

    Medication-Assisted Treatment for Xtampza ER Withdrawal

    The best way to avoid Xtampza ER withdrawal symptoms is to reduce your drug use gradually, over the course of a few weeks or months. Tapering of dosage lets the brain and body adjust to living without opioids. This process will start during detox and continue on through treatment, and likely into aftercare.

    But most Xtampza ER rehab centers won’t ask you to taper off of that drug specifically. Instead, they will use medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to help you make the transition to an opioid-free lifestyle. During MAT, you’ll be given replacement opioids that can bind with opioid receptors in the brain, but without causing the euphoria associated with oxycodone products. 

    Medication-assisted treatment can protect you from severe withdrawal symptoms. It can also stop the downward spiral and compulsive behavior so often caused by drug addiction, which is frequently driven by the desire to get high. Taking away that possibility can help reduce your psychological dependence on Xtampza ER. 

    Tapering of dosages may begin within a few weeks or may not start for a few months. But either way, these opioids can be taken safely, giving you peace of mind as you continue the healing process.

    For many years, methadone was the preferred opioid replacement drug, particularly for those who had been abusing heroin. The most common replacement opioid in modern MAT is buprenorphine, which is usually prescribed under the brand names Suboxone and Subutex. 

    The latter contains buprenorphine exclusively, while the former includes small amounts of naloxone, a medication that can block opioids from binding with opioid receptors altogether. The naloxone in Suboxone will only be activated if you attempt to abuse the drug by injecting it, which is the only way to get high from buprenorphine

    These medications will help prevent you from suffering the worst symptoms of Xtampza ER withdrawal. Eventually, you should taper your doses down until you are off buprenorphine. But that will only happen when your therapists are convinced you’re ready to make the transition to complete sobriety.

    Xtampza ER Addiction Co-occurring Disorders

    A previous history of mental illness and having previous troubles with substance abuse are two of the largest risk factors for Xtampza ER addiction, or any type of opioid addiction. 

    About 50 percent of those who become addicted to medications like oxycodone will also have some type of mental health disorder. Depression and anxiety disorders frequently develop in those who suffer from chronic pain, and they may be more vulnerable to abusing Xtampza ER than people who don’t develop these problems.

    Among recreational drug abusers, mental health problems are often present and likely play a role as a causal factor for the abuse. When men and women have undiagnosed mood disorders, anxiety disorders or personality disorders, the temptation to self-medicate with drugs and alcohol is strong. Self-medicating behavior often leads to the use and abuse of multiple drugs, which is why people with Xtampza ER addiction may develop additional substance use disorders.

    Complicated medical histories are common when Xtampza ER abuse is the issue. When you go through the diagnostic process, addiction specialists and mental health experts know this and will perform extensive evaluations to make sure all existing conditions are identified. 

    Xtampza ER rehab programs will be comprehensive and inclusive, to make sure you receive treatment for all of your symptoms and conditions. True recovery from Xtampza ER will not be possible unless all of your health issues are addressed. The best Xtampza ER rehab centers will always make your overall health (in all its aspects) their number one priority.

    Xtampza ER Addiction Treatment Programs

    Your time in Xtampza ER rehab will challenge you like few experiences have before. This is unavoidable when you go through an addiction treatment program. But if you remain focused on healing and refuse to accept your Xtampza ER dependence as a permanent condition, you can move past your substance abuse issues and move forward with your life. 

    The best Xtampza ER rehab centers will offer you both inpatient and outpatient treatment options. Inpatient treatment is generally recommended, especially if you have co-occurring mental or behavioral health disorders that will need to be treated at the same time as your Xtampza ER addiction. Inpatient treatment programs for Xtampza ER addiction will let you concentrate completely on your recovery, in a supportive, healing-centered environment where outside distractions are kept away. 

    However, if you have life situations that need your attention, outpatient programs that can be tailored to fit your time requirements and lifestyle may offer you the best odds for healing. The best Xtampza ER rehab facilities will work with you to design a flexible outpatient treatment plan that lets you manage all of your responsibilities without neglecting your recovery.

    The top Xtampza ER rehab centers will provide you a full menu of evidence-based treatment services, regardless of whether you live onsite or spend a few hours a day on center grounds before returning home. Your inpatient or outpatient treatment plan for Xtampza ER addiction recovery will be comprehensive, personalized and as intensive as it needs to be to help you regain your sobriety. 

    Comprehensive Xtampza ER addiction treatment plans will include daily individual therapy sessions. In these private settings you’ll be able to discuss your past, present and future, as you attempt to come to terms with your substance abuse and the life experiences that may have led you down the path to dependence.

    In addition to individual therapy, your recovery plan will also include group therapy sessions that let you interact with your peers in recovery. During these meetings, you’ll be able to forge new bonds of support and mutual understanding with people who know what you’re going through and can relate to your struggles.

    Family therapy options are usually offered by the best Xtampza ER rehab centers as well. Family therapy sessions will give you the opportunity to reconnect with loved ones you may have pushed away during your battles with substance abuse. The people who care about you the most are usually anxious to help, and the love and forgiveness you receive in family therapy can help inspire and motivate you in your quest for recovery.

    To round out your treatment program, high-quality Xtampza ER addiction treatment facilities may usually offer a range of complementary therapies and services. Holistic healing therapies like yoga, meditation, acupuncture, Tai Chi, arts and music therapy and massage therapy can help you restore your physical health and emotional equilibrium, and they have become standard amenities at many centers. 

    Life skills, coping skills and relapse prevention courses are also frequently offered by the best Xtampza ER rehab facilities. This type of instruction can be invaluable, once you’ve returned to your former life and are asked to confront circumstances that may have triggered your drug use in the past.

    Once your 30- to 90-day treatment program has ended, you’ll make the transition into an aftercare program. Aftercare services will include a mixture of individual, group and family therapy, along with regular monitoring of your medication-assisted treatment regimen if MAT was included in your long-term recovery plan. 

    Finding the Right Xtampza ER Rehab Center for You

    There are many excellent Xtampza ER rehab facilities available, in the United States and elsewhere around the world. After some research and a few visits, you’ll likely be able to find one or more near your home. Doing so could be important if your primary interest is in outpatient treatment. 

    But if you’re thinking about inpatient treatment, you should broaden your search to include rehabilitation facilities in other locations (assuming you’re able to travel). Even if you prefer outpatient treatment, many facilities provide off-campus housing options for those who come from elsewhere. 

    When you visit Xtampza ER rehab centers, your loved ones should accompany you if possible. They should be encouraged to join you in asking questions and requesting further information from staff members, administrators and addiction treatment specialists. 

    Personnel at high-quality Xtampza ER rehab facilities should be able to explain the admittance process in its entirety, while giving you detailed information about how your recovery plan will proceed. They should seek your input and the input of your loved ones as well, since their primary responsibility is to construct an Xtampza ER addiction treatment plan that meets all of your physical, psychological, emotional and personal needs. 

    As you speak with their representatives, tour their grounds and explore their treatment options in more depth, you should feel uplifted by the experience. You should be impressed by how well-organized they seem to be and by their professionalism and overall preparation. They should make you feel accepted as an individual, acknowledging you as someone with a unique background and life history.

    After you’ve met with them, your doubts, fears and uncertainties should begin to fade. You should feel more prepared to meet the immense challenges you’ll face and be anxious to start your recovery as quickly as possible. The addiction treatment specialists you meet should instill you with confidence, and the treatment plans they propose should be comprehensive enough to give you great hope for your future.

    The best Xtampza ER rehab centers are dedicated to helping you recover your sobriety, of course. But their ultimate goal is to help you find lasting wellness, which is your best long-term protection against relapse. 

    Superior Xtampza ER rehab services can be your lifeline. If you’re willing to put in the effort to change, they can make a profound impact on your life. Any good-quality Xtampza ER rehab center could be the right one for you, if you’re sincerely ready to accept their guidance and commit yourself to embracing sobriety as a permanent lifestyle choice.

    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

  • Guide to Finding the Best Rehab for Percocet Addiction

    Guide to Finding the Best Rehab for Percocet Addiction

    Find out all you need to know about the effects of Percocet and how to recognize the signs of Percocet addiction with this helpful guide.

    1. What is Percocet and What is it Used for?
    2. Percocet Abuse
    3. When Percocet Rehab Becomes Necessary
    4. The Risks of Avoiding Percocet Rehab
    5. Detox and Withdrawal – How Long Does Percocet Stay in Your System?
    6. What Happens in Percocet Rehab
    7. Inpatient vs Outpatient Percocet Rehab
    8. Other Factors in Choosing Percocet Treatment

    Percocet is an opioid narcotic prescription drug used to manage pain. It is highly susceptible to abuse and can quickly lead to dependence. If you or someone you care about has been misusing Percocet, it is essential that you recognize the signs of addiction and reach out for help if needed. Percocet rehab can help you go through detox, learn to manage your cravings, and reduce the risk of having a relapse in the future. Effective Percocet addiction help is available through rehab and with therapy and medical treatment. 

    What is Percocet and What is it Used for?

    Percocet is a brand name for a combination drug that includes the over-the-counter painkiller acetaminophen and the opioid narcotic oxycodone. It is available in several different tablets and solutions, with differing amounts of each substance. Percocet is prescribed to treat pain that is moderate to severe and that can’t be controlled with other, non-opioid substances. 

    In addition to Percocet, this combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen can be found under several other brand names: Endocet, Magnacet, Narvox, Oxycet, Perloxx, Primalev, Roxicet, Roxilox, Tylox, Xartemis, and Xolox.

    Percocet Abuse

    Like other opioid drugs, Percocet abuse is always a risk. The Drug Enforcement Administration schedules controlled substances and has placed Percocet in schedule II along with other opioids. Drugs in this schedule are considered to have a high potential for being abused, which in turn can lead to dependence. 

    It is important to understand that even regular, long-term use of his drug can lead to Percocet dependence. Misusing or abusing it increases the risk significantly. Abuse can include taking any oxycodone without a prescription or, if you have a prescription, using it more frequently, for longer, or in higher doses than your doctor recommended. 

    When Percocet Rehab Becomes Necessary

    You may need rehab if your use of oxycodone has gotten out of control, if you want to or know you should stop misusing this drug but cannot. It’s not always easy to come to terms with needing help, but listen to your loved ones and your own inner voice. Know the Percocet addiction symptoms so that you can better determine if you need help or someone you care about could benefit from rehab and treatment:

    • You want to stop using Percocet, or at least slow down your use, but you keep failing in your attempts.
    • Your cravings for it keep leading you back to Percocet use.
    • You repeatedly use more of the drug than you want to, or for longer. 
    • Too much of your time is taken up by drug use, which results in failing to meet your responsibilities, giving up other activities, or both.
    • Drug use is causing harm to relationships important to you, and yet you keep using.
    • In spite of health problems caused by Percocet, physical or mental, you continue to use it.
    • You have used Percocet in dangerous situations more than once. 
    • Over time, you have developed some tolerance to Percocet. 
    • You are exhibiting signs of withdrawal when not using oxycodone

    The Risks of Avoiding Percocet Rehab

    Misusing Percocet and failing to get help for your addiction puts you at risk for a number of dangers and health problems. For instance, when you use more than is recommended, you can experience Percocet side effects like nausea, rashes, loss of appetite, bad breath, chills, headaches, fever, vomiting, and fatigue. 

    You also increase the risk of having more serious Percocet effects like difficult urination, back pain, mouth sores, a cough, and bleeding. And the acetaminophen that is combined with oxycodone in this drug can also cause problems when you take too much. Higher doses of this over-the-counter drug can cause serious liver damage. 

    There are also, of course, all kinds of life consequences of becoming addicted and avoiding rehab. From missing time at work to being fired, getting in trouble in your family to getting arrested, having accidents or being a victim of violence or assault, the repercussions can be lifelong and severe. 

    One of the biggest risks of putting off getting Percocet addiction help is having an overdose. Too much of any opioid can repress breathing, heart rate, and central nervous system activity to the point that you stop breathing and die. It’s reversible but only if you get help in time. Signs of Percocet overdose include struggling to breathe, excessive sleepiness, limp and weak muscles, cold and clammy skin, slow, shallow breathing, and loss of consciousness. 

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

    Once you recognize that you have a problem with misusing Percocet, you will have to go through detox. This is the process of cessation of drug use and letting it leave your body. It will throw you into withdrawal and some very uncomfortable symptoms and cravings that may trigger a relapse. For this reason, you should detox with supervision only, professional if possible. 

    How long it will take for oxycodone to leave your system depends on how much you took last. Expect withdrawal to kick in about 12 hours after that last dose and for Percocet withdrawal symptoms, including the following, to last a couple of days to a couple weeks:

    • Mood changes, including anxiety and agitation
    • Achy muscles
    • Increased tearing, sweating, and yawning
    • Runny nose
    • Insomnia
    • Cramps in the abdomen
    • Nausea
    • Vomiting
    • Diarrhea

    What Happens in Percocet Rehab

    Knowing what happens in rehab and how your addiction will be treated can make the important step of seeking help a little easier. Once you have completed a detox program, you can expect to undergo a thorough evaluation on intake to rehab. This should include a diagnosis of your substance use disorder and any mental illnesses you may also have. The best, most effective treatment for addiction will include care for mental health issues at the same time. 

    Your Percocet rehab will then begin with a tailored plan for your needs and preferences. Generally, this will include a combination of medical care and behavioral therapies. Medications are available for opioid use disorders, and the best rehab will make them available to you if appropriate. 

    Two of these, methadone and buprenorphine, are partial opioid agonists, which means they stimulate the same receptors as oxycodone and other opioids. They are less susceptible to dependency, though, so they can be used in a controlled way to wean you from Percocet and manage withdrawal. Naltrexone, an opioid antagonist, is a medication that blocks the effects of opioids like Percocet. If you have it in your system, relapse becomes pointless because you will experience no effects. 

    Never choose a Percocet rehab facility that only offers medical treatment. You need ongoing therapy in addition to medications to overcome this addiction. Behavioral therapies, like cognitive behavioral therapy, are important in providing tools for lasting recovery. They will help you learn how to identify and manage drug use triggers, set and reach goals, make positive lifestyle changes, and cope with negative emotions while also changing harmful, negative patterns of behavior. 

    Inpatient vs Outpatient Percocet Rehab

    The choice you make for Percocet addiction treatment should at the least include an evaluation, treatment for any mental illnesses, an individualized treatment plan, and a combination of medical treatment and therapy. It is possible to get all these necessary components in either outpatient or inpatient care. There are pros and cons to each, and it is a personal decision. Some benefits of residential rehab are:

    • A safe, secure environment
    • Care and support 24 hours a day
    • The ability to focus on recovery, away from home
    • A large variety of therapy types and support services
    • Treatment from a diverse staff with various areas of expertise

    There are also benefits of outpatient care that many people find outweigh the downsides to not staying in a residential rehab center:

    • Staying at home, which may be more comfortable and supportive
    • Being able to go to work
    • Caring for family and home responsibilities
    • Greater flexibility in treatment and scheduling

    Inpatient treatment is not for everyone, but if your addiction is severe, your home life is not safe or supportive, or you struggle with relapse, it may be the best option in the end. 

    Other Factors in Choosing Percocet Treatment

    There are a lot of things to consider when choosing rehab for your Percocet addiction. It can feel overwhelming, and one of the most important things you can do is get help as soon as possible. To help you make this big decision, rely on someone you trust. This person can narrow down your options and make the choice a little easier with guidance and support. 

    In addition to the inclusion of therapeutic and medical treatment, inpatient and outpatient care, and being provided with an individualized plan for care, you have a few other things to consider. Most importantly, choose a facility, treatment program, and care specialist that makes you feel comfortable. Visit a rehab center before committing to treatment there. Talk with therapists and other staff, and get referrals from previous patients. 

    These are the kind of less tangible factors that will play a big role in how good you feel about your treatment and how effective it is. When you feel right about the decision you have made for care, you will devote yourself more fully to the process. But, of course, most importantly of all, you need to get Percocet addiction help and treatment as soon as you possibly can.

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Did Abuse-Deterrent OxyContin Lead To Uptick in Hep-C Cases?

    Did Abuse-Deterrent OxyContin Lead To Uptick in Hep-C Cases?

    Researchers examined a possible link between the arrival of abuse-deterrent Oxy and the increase in hepatitis C cases for a new study.

    In 2010, concern about the opioid epidemic was largely centered around the misuse of OxyContin. That year, Purdue Pharma, which manufactures the opioid painkiller, reformatted the drug to make it harder to misuse.

    However, researchers say this caused people to use heroin instead, which ultimately let to an increase in cases of hepatitis C. 

    Officials have known that cases of hepatitis C (HCV), which can be passed through intravenous drug use, had increased rapidly beginning in 2010. In a recent study published in Health Affairs, researchers found that HCV spread more quickly in states that previously had higher than average rates of OxyContin abuse. This confirmed the connection between the reformulation of OxyContin and the higher rates of HCV.

    David Powell, the study’s lead author, said that the findings prove that well-intentioned policies can have serious effects on public health. 

    “These results show that efforts to deter misuse of opioids can have unintended, long-term public health consequences,” he said, according to Science Daily. “As we continue to develop policies to combat the opioid epidemic, we need to be careful that new approaches do not make another public health problem worse.”

    Previous research has shown that the reformulation of OxyContin—which made it harder to crush, snort or inject—led some people to turn to heroin.

    In the recent study, researchers solidified the connection between the reformulation and HCV rates. They found that in states with above-average misuse of OxyContin before the reformulation, rates of HCV increased 222% between 2010 and 2015. In states that had lower than average rates of OxyContin misuse, there was a rise of just 75%.

    Rosalie Liccardo Pacula, a study co-author, said that this steep increase in infections was concerning, although it has tapered off in recent years. 

    “Even with recent advancements in the treatment for hepatitis C, the dramatic increase in infections represents a substantial public health concern that can have tremendous long-term costs if infected people are not identified and treated,” she said. 

    Pacula cautioned that lawmakers need to consider the unintended consequences that certain drug policies may have, and plan for how those risks will be addressed. 

    “It is important that strategies that limit the supply of abusable prescription opioids are paired with policies to ease the harms associated with switching to illicit drugs, such as improved access to drug treatment and increased efforts to identify and treat diseases associated with injection drug use,” said Pacula.

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Counterfeit Pill Ring Ran Out Of Vacant Apartment Busted By Police

    Counterfeit Pill Ring Ran Out Of Vacant Apartment Busted By Police

    The building’s super allegedly used a vacant apartment and boiler room to manufacture and package the illicit pills. 

    Three men were arrested and charged in the Bronx with alleged production and distribution of black market pills. Lab tests determined that pills said to be oxycodone were actually a dangerous mixture of heroin and fentanyl, while the 50 purported ecstasy pills contained pure methamphetamine.

    ABC 7 News reported that the men involved, Agustin Vasquez Chavez, Yefri Hernandez-Ozoria, and Roberto Castillo, are facing multiple drug charges after two separate arrests.

    The first arrest occurred in July when undercover cops on 201st Street and Grand Concourse purchased two bags of pills for $5,000. Chavez and Ozoria allegedly sold 860 pills as oxycodone and another bag of 50 pills as ecstasy (or MDMA).

    On September 11 police executed a second sting operation and arrested Chavez and Ozoria. Police confiscated approximately 3,000 purported oxycodone pills that looked to match the pills purchased on July 31.

    Law enforcement is awaiting the results of DEA laboratory analysis.

    Roberto Castillo is the superintendent of a five-story apartment building in the Bronx. Castillo allegedly used a vacant apartment and boiler room in this building to package and manufacture pills. Castillo worked with Chavez and Ozoria, who allegedly sold the manufactured and falsely labeled drugs in a large-scale black market pill distribution ring.

    All three men were arrested and charged on September 11 in connection with an alleged conspiracy to produce and distribute black market pills containing heroin, fentanyl, and meth, officials said. Chavez and Ozoria were arrested first, after which police were granted permission to search the boiler room and vacant apartment in Castillo’s building. There, in the boiler room, police found a pill press machine. 

    The boiler room and apartment were being used as a pill manufacturing operation, which included a pill press machine, pill press imprints designed to create oxycodone markings, multiple surgical masks and a vacuum sealer. The apartment contained a refrigerator filled with yet-unknown substances in assorted colors, as well as drug paraphernalia such as cutting agents, grinders and containers.

    According to an official, 420 grams of a heroin/fentanyl mixture were found in a suitcase, in addition to nearly 180 grams of methamphetamine and approximately 1,000 counterfeit oxycodone pills.

    “Narcotics traffickers have long exploited the nation’s high demand for pain pills, a powerful gateway to addiction, but this investigation reveals an even more deviant scheme—an organization creating and distributing counterfeit pills with highly potent and lethal compounds, manufactured in an apartment right next to the boiler room,” said Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget Brennan in a statement.

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • OxyContin No Longer Covered By Some Insurers

    OxyContin No Longer Covered By Some Insurers

    “This is a whack-a-mole solution… I don’t believe we should be isolating one category of opioid versus another,” said one expert.

    Some insurers are taking a rather bold stand against the opioid crisis by refusing coverage of OxyContin, a popular brand-name opioid painkiller. 

    The decision, according to the Houston Chronicle, has drawn controversy as some people question whether refusing to cover one specific medication will really make a difference. 

    “This is a whack-a-mole solution,” James Langabeer, professor of emergency medicine at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, told the Chronicle. “On the one hand, it’s good that the insurance industry is weighing in, but I don’t believe we should be isolating one category of opioid versus another.”

    OxyContin, a brand name for oxycodone, is manufactured by Purdue Pharma, a company that has faced a slew of federal lawsuits for its alleged role in fueling the current opioid crisis.

    One concern, Langabeer says, is that denying access to OxyContin won’t necessarily force individuals to stop abusing opioids. In fact, he says, some may even begin using heroin instead, as it’s cheaper and more accessible.

    The Chronicle reports that last week, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Tennessee announced that it will discontinue coverage at the start of 2019, stating it was “drawing a line that we will not continue to pay for this.”

    Previously, Cigna and UnitedHealthcare also announced the same

    A Cigna spokeswoman told the Chronicle via email that Cigna will consider covering the medication in some situations if a doctor feels it is “medically necessary.” She added that those using the medication for hospice care or cancer treatment will be allowed to continue use.

    UnitedHealthcare ceased to cover OxyContin in employer-sponsored plans beginning January 2017, according to the Chronicle.

    “There are therapeutically equivalent, covered alternatives that can be used for pain indications,” a spokesman for UnitedHealthcare told the Chronicle via email.

    Cigna, as well as insurer Florida Blue, will be replacing OxyContin with Xtampza, which they claim is more difficult to abuse. 

    Purdue Pharma has not been silent as insurance companies have rolled out these decisions. The company, according to the Chronicle, argues that it has been working to make the medication harder to abuse. It has also accused insurers of supporting its competitors for “financial gain.”

    “These recent decisions by insurance companies limit prescribers’ options to help address the opioid crisis,” a company spokesman told the Chronicle via email. “Unfortunately, these decisions appear to be more about pharmaceutical rebates.”

    Katharine Neill Harris, a fellow in Drug Policy at Rice University’s Baker Institute of Public Policy, tells the Chronicle that she has mixed feelings about the involvement of insurers. 

    “They do have a role and I don’t think they have done enough yet,” she said. “The easiest way to say we’re doing something is by stopping covering a drug.”

    For Harris, a better alternative is for insurers and doctors to look into long-term solutions for chronic pain, such as physical therapy.

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Teen Mom Star Amber Portwood Discusses Past Drug Use

    Teen Mom Star Amber Portwood Discusses Past Drug Use

    “I was a horrible opiate addict. I would probably do 10 to 20 hydros — if they didn’t have hydros it would be OxyContin or oxycodone.”

    MTV star Amber Portwood recently spoke out about her battle with drug use and her rock bottom. 

    According to US Magazine, the 28-year-old — who is known for her roles on MTV’s 16 and Pregnant, Teen Mom and Teen Mom OG — recently spoke about her history of drug use on an episode of the Dopey Podcast

    “I have really horrible anger problems because I’m bipolar and borderline, which is not an excuse, but at the time I didn’t know it, so I wasn’t really taking care of myself or really understanding why I was feeling certain emotions,” Portwood said on the podcast. “I’d go party every other day. I’d be a Wednesday, I’m at the f—king bar and whopping ass and s—t, just like getting kicked out of bars or I got kicked out of our Walmart.”

    She added, “There’s like pictures of me beating up a girl in iHop. It was just crazy. I don’t know where the hell I was. I was gone. You can blame the drugs for the most part for kind of being impulsive, but it was kind of just me as a person.”

    Portwood’s involvement with MTV dates back to 2009, during the first season of 16 and Pregnant. According to US magazine, she says the “money didn’t help” with her struggles with drugs.

    However, she also stated that she does not blame MTV for those struggles. 

    “When you’re making a lot of money, there’s more drugs,” Portwood said on the podcast. “Every time a drug dealer had a new stash, of whatever, they called me first because they knew I’d buy the whole [stash], because I had the money to do it. It never helps.”

    “I was a horrible opiate addict,” she continued. “I would probably do 10 to 20 hydros — if they didn’t have hydros it would be OxyContin or oxycodone … any kind of opiate that they had, I would try to take. I think it was that feeling of just kind of not being aware that I liked .. I think back in the day I was probably depressed and s—t. That was my ‘go-to’ thing.”

    Over the years, Portwood’s drug use has landed her in various difficult positions. In December 2011, according to US Magazine, she was arrested for violating probation after she pleaded guilty to two counts of domestic battery. Then, in 2012, she chose to step away from her court-ordered treatment program and serve five years in prison instead. 

    On the podcast, Portwood explained that her rock bottom came at her grandmother’s house and that was her reasoning for deciding to serve time.

    “Nothing else was working,” she said. “I had overdosed at my grandma’s house on fentanyl in the bathroom. It was daylight when I was awake … I woke up on the floor, like, just drooling out of my mouth. It was nighttime, I had no clue how long I had been in there,” she revealed.

    Despite her history with drugs, Portwood states she can now drink in small amounts. 

    “Now I can have a glass of wine every now and again,” she said. “It’s not every day. It’s not every month.”

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Americans Not As Aware Of Opioid Crisis In Their Own Backyards, Study Finds

    Americans Not As Aware Of Opioid Crisis In Their Own Backyards, Study Finds

    Americans are three times more likely to be informed about the opioid epidemic as a national problem rather than one in their own area.

    Despite the opioid epidemic dominating headlines, a new study has found that most Americans are not aware of the extent of the epidemic in their own areas of residence.

    The study, conducted by Laguna Treatment Hospital in Aliso Viejo, California, found that Americans are three times more likely to be informed about the opioid epidemic as a national problem rather than one in their own areas, The Guardian states

    The study found that a mere 13% of participants in the southern part of the country and 10% of those in the northeastern region felt that “drugs posed a crisis in their own communities.” But based on past data, states like West Virginia, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Vermont have been among the states most affected by the crisis.

    Dr. Lawrence Tucker, medical director of Laguna, tells the Guardian that the results of the study were surprising due to the prevalence of the epidemic “despite regional differences.”

    “You can see those differences in not just the prescriptions of opioids but the amount of heroin that is available—China White, for example, is prevalent along the east coast as is fentanyl,” he stated. “There is oxycodone in the midwest and Black Tar heroin on the west coast.”

    Tucker played a large role in the recent study, called “Perceptions of Addiction.” The study surveyed 999 participants, 45% of which were male and 55% of which were female, from all parts of the country. The participants were between the ages of 18 and 76, and about 33% stated that they had dealt with substance use disorder at some point. 

    In 2014, a Pew Research study found that very few Americans had knowledge of the growing opioid epidemic. Tucker and others involved in the study wanted to find out if four years later, in light of the growing spotlight on the epidemic, the perceptions had changed. 

    “The survey’s verbiage attempted to achieve admittance of, versus just awareness of, addiction across the United States,” Taylor Bloom, the survey’s project manager, told the Guardian. “We would ask questions using the word ‘perceive’ instead of ‘aware.’ For example: ‘Do you perceive an addiction crisis in your community?’”

    According to the Guardian, Bloom and other researchers did discover some improvements when compared to the 2014 study.

    “We saw increased awareness among Hispanic and African American demographics,” said Bloom. “But then we saw that Americans are 79% less likely to perceive an addiction crisis in their communities today as they were four years ago… which is kind of crazy.”

    According to Tucker, race plays a large part in awareness.

    “Some races, particularly white young adults, are being hit harder than others,” he told the Guardian. “Which is why the neighborhoods that are affected the most are certainly aware of the epidemic, because they have lost loved ones and friends. But the communities that aren’t really aware of the opioid epidemic is because it’s just not affecting them as much due to the racial makeup of their neighborhoods.”

    View the original article at thefix.com