Answer Addiction

Tag: waismann method

  • Differences Between Illicit and Pharmaceutical Fentanyl: What You Need to Know

    Understanding the difference between these two types of drugs is essential, as they have very different purposes and implications.

    Fentanyl is a powerful opioid that has been making headlines lately because of its role in increasing overdose deaths across North America. There are two main types of fentanyl: illicit fentanyl and pharmaceutical fentanyl. Understanding the difference between these two types of drugs is essential, as they have very different purposes and implications. In this blog post, we will discuss the differences between illicit and pharmaceutical fentanyl, the dangers of both types, and tips to stay safe.

    What is Fentanyl?

    Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that was introduced into the medical field as an intravenous anesthetic under the trade name of Sublimaze in the 1960s. It is a powerful, short-acting painkiller that’s about 100 times more potent than morphine. It has high lipid solubility and quickly crosses the blood-brain barrier to produce relief from pain.

    Pharmaceutical grade fentanyl is currently available as:

    • Actiq®– oral transmucosal lozenges, commonly referred to as the fentanyl “lollipops.” 
    • Fentora®– effervescent buccal tablets 
    • Abstral®– sublingual tablet 
    • Subsys®– sublingual spray 
    • Lazanda®– nasal spray 
    • Duragesic®– transdermal patches, and injectable formulations.

    In 2015 there were six million prescriptions dispensed per year, with two thirds going to patients with cancer or other painful medical conditions. Still, during peak times for the opioid crisis (2016-2017), this changed drastically when widespread abuse led many doctors to stop prescribing them altogether because they could not distinguish between legitimate patient needs and addiction, which caused many patients to feel abandoned and desperate.

    Illicit Fentanyl

    According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), synthetic opioids — namely illicit fentanyl — remain the primary cause of fatal overdoses in the United States. 

    China is the main country of origin for illicit fentanyl, and its analogs are trafficked into the United States. In 2019, China fulfilled a pledge to U.S. authorities by placing all forms on a regulatory schedule designed primarily as drug substances or raw materials used in the manufacturing of fentanyl. While China’s shipment of these lethal materials directly into America has decreased, shipments coming in through Mexico have been increasing at record numbers. 

    The connection between China and Mexico has grown due to increased fentanyl precursor sales by Chinese traffickers. In March 2021, Matthew Donahue described this situation as “an unlimited supply” that would keep arriving at Mexican cartels’ doors without end — a description which perfectly fits the tasks currently facing law enforcement agencies throughout both countries today. 

    The waves of fentanyl coming into the United States from Mexico are not just reaching our shores, they’re crashing on top of us. In recent months, multiple busts with arrests and seizures link these pill mills in Juarez to make finished Chinese sourced precursors for trafficking across America’s US – Mexico border right here at home!

    Hidden Fentanyl Deaths: How Drug Makers Are Killing Americans 

    Fentanyl is currently found in most counterfeit oxycodone pills and other medications. It is difficult to distinguish between the actual medications from the illicit ones because, as they can easily pass for legal drugs due to its near-identical appearance with many different manufacturers’ logos on each pill or capsule. When this lethal drug is found in other substances, like benzodiazepines, cocaine, and methamphetamines, users with no tolerance to opioids are at much higher risks of dying. Some advocates consider hidden fentanyl deaths as murder by poisoning.

    The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) data, shows that fentanyl is now widely encountered in powder form and as prescription drugs such as oxycodone or Xanax. The danger of illicit fentanyl comes from its potency. A tiny granule of this lethal substance can cause override the body’s natural reflexes to breathe, leading to respiratory depression and death.

    Border Crisis Continue to Fuel Fentanyl Deaths

    The United States Drug Enforcement Administration has seen a record number of seizures along the southwest border, with agents remarking that one reason for this uptick in drug trafficking is due to increased migration from Central America. 

    During last year’s surge in illegal immigration, Border Patrol agents were relocated to process the migrants. This surge led to the closing of inspection checkpoints, allowing drug traffickers to go undetected. The unprecedented upsurge of fentanyl coming into the USA has had disastrous consequences on our citizens and generations to come. Unfortunately, this tragic situation continues to evolve.

    Fentanyl Overdose and Narcan 

    Narcan (naloxone) is a life-saving drug that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. The issue is that not everyone who needs Narcan knows how to use it or where to get it. Many people believe that Narcan is only for police or first responders, which is not the case. Narcan can be administered by anyone – a friend, family member, or stranger.

    It is vital to let the public know about Narcan’s ability to reverse an overdose, where to get this life-saving medication, and how to use it. We need to make sure that people have access to this life-saving drug in case of an overdose.

    If you are using illicit drugs, be especially careful and take steps to reduce your risk of exposure to fentanyl. These steps include not using drugs alone, carrying naloxone (Narcan), and being aware of the signs of an overdose. If you think someone may be overdosing on fentanyl, the symptoms may include having trouble breathing or swallowing; extreme sleepiness with no response when called upon. The most common overdose responses are:

    • Lips turning blue
    • Gurgling sounds 
    • Body stiffness or seizure-like activity
    • Foaming at the mouth
    • Confusion or bizarre behavior before becoming unresponsive

    Getting Treatment

    If you are struggling with fentanyl dependence, please seek help. Many resources are available, including medically assisted detox treatment centers, drug rehabs, and support groups. Don’t let fentanyl take your life – there is hope for recovery.

    It is essential to clearly understand the differences between a medical detox program and substance abuse rehabilitation. At the same time, both help those struggling with drug addiction, medical detoxification monitors and manages the physical symptoms of withdrawal, while rehabs mainly offer psychological and peer support.

    Fentanyl addiction is frightening and, more than ever, a dangerous activity. Withdrawal from fentanyl can be challenging and intense; although opioid withdrawal is generally not considered life-threatening on its own; however, some of the medical and psychological symptoms may lead to complications that can be deadly. It is always good to get assistance from medical and mental health professionals through detoxification who can utilize multiple strategies for managing withdrawal effects while keeping patients safe.

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    View the original article at thefix.com

  • The Stigma of Addiction

    Repeated addiction treatment is prevalent because rehabs do not adequately address each patient’s medical and emotional needs.

    Stigma creates harmful misconceptions surrounding people suffering with substance use disorder. A term that in the dictionary is defined as “a mark of disgrace or infamy,” one that has detrimental consequences to those struggling with harmful substance use or mental health issues. Although substance misuse often causes erratic behavior and impaired judgment, research shows that most of these adverse effects stem from chemical changes to the brain. Yet, those suffering from addiction continue to be stigmatized by society.

    Understandably, stigma causes embarrassment and shame among those suffering from addiction. The combination of personal shame and public stigma is considered one of the primary barriers to effective prevention and addiction treatment. This fear and shame prevent too many individuals from getting the help they need.

    Studies show that only one in ten Americans suffering from substance use disorder receives professional care for addiction. Furthermore, society’s stigma, negative attitude, and perceptions towards addiction keep people under-diagnosed and under-treated. Also, research and treatment programs are under-funded, especially compared to other primary health conditions currently affecting our nation. While substance abuse continues to be one of our nation’s most prominent public health issues, there is a lack of effective treatment and mental health resources.

    Substance Use Disorder is a Treatable Condition

    Sadly enough, most people see addiction as a moral or criminal issue rather than a health one, despite scientific findings establishing the condition as physiological. Understanding the physical effects of addiction remains mostly misunderstood and widely marginalized by mainstream medical professionals. Consequently, our country continues to suffer from the devastating effects of the deadly opioid crisis. We continue to pay the high price for years of neglecting the effective and adequate healthcare resources required to confront highly stigmatized addiction issues.

    Time for Change

    It is time we stop seeing and treating those suffering from addiction as immoral or dangerous. No one wants to feel lesser than, especially those struggling emotionally. Drug and alcohol abuse have only increased over the last decade, and overdose rates have skyrocketed. Individuals often lose their family, friends, and careers. They continue to use drugs despite the physical and emotional consequences. Sadly, many end up losing their life to an overdose. However, this condition is not only preventable in many cases, but also treatable.

    Stigma in Healthcare

    The addiction and mental health crisis continues to worsen without much change in the healthcare system. It takes a great deal of courage to ask for help and admit there’s a problem. It is our job as healthcare providers to respond with compassion and understanding. It is all too common for a patient admitting their substance use problem to be met with criticism and even let go by the provider due to being considered a risk. This type of medical rejection often leaves patients feeling hopeless and without the courage to seek further resources or support.

    Emergency Rooms and Drug Addiction

    Hospital emergency rooms receive an influx of patients suffering from opioid withdrawal. ER staff are often busy, overworked, and have to operate with limited resources, especially now during COVID-19. These facts, along with a lack of education about drug addiction, often leads to them dismissing patients –who desperately need immediate medical help–as ‘drug-seeking.’ Rather than turning their backs on patients, ER should have specialized staff to direct these patients into medically assisted detoxification, followed by providing mental healthcare resources. Instead, addicted people go back to the streets and continue using drugs. 

    Sadly, this fault in our healthcare system perpetuates the cycle of addiction. Each time a healthcare worker misses the chance to provide the appropriate level of care, a life may be lost.

    The Need for Change in Addiction Treatment

    Rehab centers across the nation are overcrowded because there is not enough access to addiction treatment, let alone adequate care. Repeated treatment is also prevalent because rehabs do not adequately address each patient’s medical and emotional needs. Consequently, the real issues that led to addiction go untreated, and immediate relapse is inevitable. 

    To ensure those suffering from addiction or mental health conditions receive the help they need, we must fix the broken system. We need to educate the public about how different substances can affect the sympathetic nervous system and how most people affected by substance use do not have enough control over their actions and behavior.

    All levels of healthcare professionals must receive training on the intersection of drug abuse and mental health, as well as how to provide adequate care for those patients. Then they can begin the healing process by treating patients compassionately and with the right level of care.

    The Benefits of Medically Assisted Detox

    There are many types of drug treatment centers, but medically assisted detox should be available as the standard of care. Medically assisted detox is the most effective way to help a person withdraw from opioids safely and comfortably. The chance of completing detox is almost certain, yet the healthcare system does not recognize this treatment.

    As it is now, only those who have the resources to seek private treatment can receive this level of care. There is no reason why everyone in need should not receive the best form of treatment for opioid withdrawal.

    Knowledge and understanding breeds empathy, an excellent tool against stigma. The sooner we educate the public, the more lives will be saved. We must change public views on substance abuse and treatment so that this crisis ends.

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Understanding Dependence Versus Addiction

    Opioid dependence and opioid addiction are closely related, but two distinct conditions.

    Opioids are powerful substances, whether they’re being used in a medically-sanctioned way or abused. Any opioid is likely to have an impact on your health and wellness, but how that plays out will vary greatly. Most people who use opioids regularly will experience some level of physical dependence, and others will develop opioid addiction.

    Understanding the difference between physical dependence and opioid addiction can help you find the treatment that you need.

    What is opioid dependence?

    To understand physical dependence, you need to understand a bit about how opioids work in the body. Opioids attach to opioid receptors. Normally, these receptors can be used to send pain signals; having opioids bound to them prevents pain signals from being sent. That’s why opioids are commonly prescribed for pain.

    However, over time your brain adjusts to the opioids that you’re taking — even if you’re following doctor’s orders. You might need more opioids to experience the same pain relief.

    The brain changes that happen as a result of taking opioids can lead to opioid dependence. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines dependence as experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking an opioid medication or using illicit opioids. Symptoms of opioid withdrawal can include anxiety, nausea, diarrhea and sweating.

    Over time, if you continue to take opioids — whether prescribed or illicit — you’ll likely need more and more opioids to feel normal and avoid the symptoms of withdrawal. This is because your opioid tolerance has increased. That can lead to addictive behaviors.

    What is opioid addiction?

    Opioid dependence is a physical condition brought about by brain changes, whereas opioid addiction is a condition that can happen as your physical dependence becomes more acute, according to Waismann Method® Opioid Treatment Specialists.

    Addiction to opioids is a pattern of physical and emotional responses that stem from your physical dependence on opioids. As you try to avoid withdrawal symptoms, your behaviors can change. This can have a devastating impact on your life and impact your career, friendships and family relationships.

    People who are experiencing opioid addiction can display uncharacteristic behaviors, like:

    • Ignoring responsibilities to family or work because you are focused on obtaining opioids.
    • Having trouble controlling your emotions or behaviors.
    • Fixating on how and when you will next be able to obtain opioids.

    With time, these symptoms of addiction can erode the bedrock of your life.

    Treatment for opioid dependence and addiction

    Whether you are struggling with opioid dependence or full-blown opioid addiction, the first step toward treatment is detoxing from opioids. Detox is the process of removing opioids from your body, so that you no longer need opioids to function at a normal level.

    Detox can be painful, because it brings about the symptoms of withdrawal. However, there is a medical detox option that provides the highest level of comfort available. Rapid detox allows your body to be flushed of opioids while you are under anesthesia in a fully-accredited hospital. Because you’re sedated, you don’t feel the acute symptoms of withdrawal. Using a combination of medications, detox can happen much more quickly than it would under normal circumstances if you tried to detox on your own.

    Addressing physical dependence is only one step toward recovering from opioid addiction. After you have detoxed from opioids, you can address the pain — whether physical or emotional — that drove you to use opioids in the first place.

    At Waismann Method®, people who undergo detox receive continued care at Domus Retreat, where they can make a plan for an individualized approach to life in recovery. There are no set schedules or required meetings, but there is space to rejuvenate and recover, and guidance toward the next steps that are right for you.

    A dignified approach to treating opioid dependence and addiction

    Waismann Method® understands that opioid addiction is rooted in the physical brain changes that take place when opioids enter your body. Furthermore, addiction often results from using drugs to cope with underlying physical, emotional or mental health issues. There is no shame or blame in treating opioid addiction — just an understanding that no matter your past, you can have a new opioid-free beginning.

    View the original article at thefix.com