Today's opioid epidemic has been linked to the rise of painkiller prescriptions starting in the 1990s. The higher the dose of opioid medication used for pain and the greater the number of days the patient uses the medication, the greater the risk of dependence. More research is needed to determine the exact dose and number of days after which prescription opioid becomes addictive. Current ...
Mixing Alcohol and Methadone — Dangers and Options for Help
Methadone, a medication used to manage opioid withdrawal symptoms, has side effects and interactions like any other medication. When combined with alcohol, methadone can become dangerous due to the interaction between the two drugs. Learn the risks associated with drinking alcohol while taking methadone. About Methadone In the field of addiction care, methadone has more than 50 years of results ...
Buprenorphine and Serotonin
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter in the body that is used to initiate feelings of happiness or optimism in the brain. It can also help with eating, sleeping and digesting while helping the body make healthy habits. Dopamine is associated with feelings of motivation, reward and productivity. Working in tandem, both prescriptions stimulate neurotransmitters to help regulate your mood. Reduced ...
Can I Break From Addiction on My Own?
Addiction is a complex disease involving repeated behaviors or substance use that have harmful consequences. Because addiction exerts a powerful influence on the brain, it can be extremely challenging to quit addiction on your own. If you or someone you care about is ready to break from opioid addiction, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can be an effective option. Understanding Opioid ...
The First 24 Hours After Taking Methadone
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs use a combination of medications and counseling services to help people who struggled with opioid addiction. Methadone is one of the most effective and frequently used drugs in MAT clinics. Below, learn more about what starting methadone is like for the first 24 hours. What Is Methadone? Commonly used for decades, methadone is an opioid drug MAT ...
17 Symptoms During Opioid Withdrawal
Opioid drugs, including heroin and prescription opioid painkillers, can produce withdrawal symptoms within just a few hours of the last dose. Symptoms of opioid withdrawal can last for a week or more. While unassisted withdrawal may not be life-threatening, it can lead to relapse and potential overdose. Seeking help during withdrawal can help to ease the mental, emotional, and physical discomfort ...
