As the pandemic closes in on its one-year mark, new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that the fatal damage of the coronavirus extends beyond the disease itself. Throughout the country, over 80,000 people have lost their lives due to opioid-involved overdose deaths — the largest number recorded in a single year. […]
Mar 29, 2021
The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic has left millions of people feeling isolated and lonely as they continue to stay home and avoid social events as a precautionary measure. It was nearly a year ago that the virus placed virtually every country in the world in a position to mandate lockdowns and stay-at-home orders to help stop […]
Feb 26, 2021
Medication interactions are a serious concern that can greatly influence the effectiveness and risks associated with certain drugs. Methadone is no exception. Using medications not discussed with your provider can significantly decrease the effectiveness of treatment or cause serious side effects. Even something as inconspicuous as cough medicine or alcohol can be incredibly dangerous. Always […]
Feb 22, 2021
Benzodiazepines, also called benzos, are a type of medication commonly referred to as tranquilizers because their effects usually include sedation and relaxation. They’re often used to manage anxiety, insomnia, alcohol withdrawal and seizures. They can also create dangerous interactions when used alongside methadone, which is why it’s so important to talk to your doctor about […]
Feb 15, 2021
New Year, new you. It sounds simple, but addiction recovery and the New Year can be a tough combination. Even if you have made up your mind to pursue recovery from addiction, the pressure of making resolutions and keeping them can be enormous. How many new goals should you set? How can you be sure […]
Feb 11, 2021
An essential part of sustaining your sobriety is learning how to cope with challenging situations substance-free. If you are battling an addiction or are in recovery for substance abuse, you likely will face situations that may heighten your risk for relapse. Know that, despite challenges, you are not alone and can reach out for help when […]
Jan 13, 2021
When detoxing from drugs such as heroin and opioids, you can experience serious withdrawal symptoms and may be at risk for relapsing. With help and guidance from a treatment center and your doctor, you may be prescribed methadone to help manage the symptoms of withdrawal during your recovery process. Methadone is an opioid agonist. It affects […]
Jan 11, 2021
Confronting addiction is one of the first steps for anyone struggling with substance abuse. Know that there is always help along the road to recovery. While you may hesitate to confide in someone about your addiction, support and encouragement from others can help increase your chances of sobriety during recovery. If you’ve decided to talk to […]
Jan 06, 2021
For most people, the winter holidays are a time of joy and celebration. However, if you’re recovering from opioid addiction, this time of year can be challenging, too. Between well-meaning questions from family members and the financial stress of gift-giving and travel, you may find yourself facing more triggers and cravings than usual. Staying sober […]
Dec 21, 2020
When you care for someone, you want to think the best of them. That’s why signs of opioid abuse can be difficult to see clearly in those you love. Maybe you’ve noticed changes in your wife’s moods. Or, your dad’s behaviors just don’t add up. Perhaps it’s just your gut telling you that there’s a […]
Dec 15, 2020
Methadone may not be the first drug you think of when you picture driving under the influence, but taking methadone and driving can come with hefty fines and dangerous outcomes. Depending on your state, just having taken methadone can lead to a DUI. It can be even more likely — and dangerous — if it […]
Dec 02, 2020
Addiction is a disease that takes hold of your mind, body and emotions. Once you have chosen to break free and get clean, you will be faced with many obstacles. One such hurdle is negative emotions. From irritability to bouts of depression, you’re bound to experience mood swings, especially early in your recovery journey. Having […]
Nov 02, 2020
Helping a loved one recover from a substance abuse disorder can feel like a daunting task. They are faced with picking up the pieces of their life and relearning what it means to live normally. To do this, they need your help now more than ever. However, you may still be struggling with pain, mistrust […]
Oct 22, 2020
The opioid epidemic has swept across the United States, leading to thousands of deaths, ravaged lives and crippling addictions. No state is immune to the dangers these drugs pose, including New Mexico. More than half of the drug overdose deaths throughout the state involved opioids — with over 300 fatalities. New Mexico’s drug overdose death rate has also […]
Oct 05, 2020
Admitting you have a dependence on opioids is your first step to freedom. While seeking treatment is an incredibly brave decision, you might be confused by the number of options available. Methadone clinics are treatment centers where patients receive medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in the form of methadone. This medication reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings for […]
Oct 01, 2020
If you’ve decided to break from opioid addiction’s hold over your life, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can help. Yet, you may wonder why some treatment centers that offer MAT can have a long line of people in recovery outside the doors. There’s a reason why opioid clinics are so busy in the morning and may have […]
Sep 21, 2020
Mindfulness, also called mindfulness meditation, is a practice that brings awareness to what you’re feeling and sensing in each moment. This lack of judgment and interpretation gives you the freedom to make a neutral assessment of your experiences. Using mindfulness in opioid addiction recovery holds promise as a treatment to curb cravings and help patients […]
Sep 16, 2020
Stress is considered an important factor in the beginning stages of drug and alcohol abuse, as well as in regards to relapse. As a result, finding ways to manage stress when recovering from addiction is imperative. Although stress has been shown to precipitate relapses on illicit opiates, alcohol cocaine, nicotine and other substances, there are many […]
Aug 07, 2020
Human beings are naturally social creatures. Social wellness is so essential that it’s one of the eight dimensions of wellness defined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Frequent socialization gives people a sense of comfort and can encourage a healthier way of life. Stable, supportive relationships can help you cope with negative thoughts or […]
Jul 20, 2020
Of the many treatment options available for addiction to opioids, buprenorphine and buprenorphine compounds with naloxone are some of the most effective options. These medications were approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for clinical use in the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) in 2002, and have been proven effective for thousands of […]
Jun 29, 2020
In 2002, the Food and Drug Administration approved buprenorphine for use in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, which means it binds partially to specific opioid receptors in the brain and activates those receptors, but to a lesser extent than full agonists like Oxycontin or heroin. Switching to buprenorphine from a […]
Jun 22, 2020
When opioid addiction becomes a factor in the life of you or someone you care about, getting help is vital. The right treatment can prevent addiction from destroying health, relationships and finances, but how do you know what the right program is for your needs? It helps to line up the types of treatment options […]
Jun 17, 2020
Though an overwhelming number of people in America need treatment for substance use disorder, many people face barriers that prevent them getting the help they need. There is usually a combination of reasons that come into play that can discourage those who need help to reach out, but statistics show that there are several factors […]
May 22, 2020
Addiction treatment for opioid use disorder comes in many forms. One of those forms is methadone maintenance treatment. As one of the most effective forms of treatment available, methadone maintenance involves taking daily medication for varying lengths of time. The length of time appropriate for each individual varies. Some people do best taking methadone for […]
Apr 15, 2020
Once you’ve come to the important decision to seek help for a substance use disorder, you may be struggling to find a way to break the news to family and friends about entering treatment. Whether or not your loved ones are aware of your addiction the conversation may be an emotional one, but can bring […]
Apr 07, 2020
With the COVID-19 outbreak taking place across the world, many people are questioning their health and whether they are at high risk. While the virus itself is very contagious, those with compromised immune systems should be on high alert as it is both easier for them to contract the virus and more difficult to recover. […]
Mar 31, 2020
The media whirlwind concerning the current outbreak of COVID-19 has been nothing short of overwhelming. With social media giving us constant updates on the latest statistics, it has left people feeling overwhelmed and distraught about the possibility that they may contract the virus. It’s recommended for the American public to practice good hygiene and minimal […]
Mar 20, 2020
People who take opioids to gain relief from moderate or severe pain may be at risk of becoming addicted. Opioids change the functioning of the brain by releasing “feel good” chemicals that give the user a sense of euphoria. If an opioid user becomes dependent on the release of these chemicals every day, they could […]
Feb 21, 2020
Some people require inpatient rehabilitation for substance use disorder, which can range anywhere from 28 days or more. The programs provide detoxification, counseling, medication and a safe space where patients are monitored by professional medical staff. Some people transition from inpatient to their new lives in recovery directly, but not everyone. Others may need to […]
Feb 07, 2020
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) combines proven medications and counseling to help you start the path to recovery with comprehensive treatment services. Insurance coverage makes MAT programs affordable for many patients and now, MedMark Treatment Centers accepts Medicare coverage for its Accredited Opioid Treatment Programs. In October of 2019, the opioid bill H.R. 6, often referred to […]
Jan 24, 2020
