In Recovery, on Suboxone, and in the Weed Business

I had a few days left on my Suboxone script when I interviewed Justin “Bong King.” He was a professional bong-racer and self-described champion of the competitive smoking circuit. An affable guy, nonetheless his was an image of American cannabis long past, pushed aside by marketing grads and stay-at-home moms who sold branded CBD and touted the benefits of micro-dosing. But Justin drew a crowd, and an entourage to boot. And his natural talent for hitting the fastest gram of weed would corner me into compromising my recovery.Throughout my career as a cannabis journalist, I've kept silent about my sobriety. Finding freelance gigs is hard enough without the added burden of having to be that guy. Besides, if I learned anything from active addiction, it was how to lie at my job.Covering Cannabis Events and Lying About My SobrietyBut as time passed, I felt withdrawn and disconnected. My recovery had no place in the cannabis industry. Moreover, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) seemed anathema to its goals, according to experts and the news. Rep. Matt Gaetz openly questioned whether buprenorphine and methadone are “a more effective offramp [to opioid use disorder] than medical cannabis.” CNN announced that CBD cures heroin addiction. And the editors of Leafly figured out how to combat the opioid crisis with medical cannabis two years prior.After 20 years, recovery had finally become routine. As a cannabis journalist; as an editor in chief — so had my lies.Some lies were easy. Weekly therapy appointments usually coincided with editorial meetings or deadlines. I worked from home, my boss was lax, and anyway, I kept hours around the clock. Monthly visits to my psych and 30-day Suboxone refills upped the number of undisclosed appointments I logged, but still, no one seemed to care.On assignment was a different story. I covered cannabis expos or dispensary openings — events where the drug laws were lax and the supply was liberal. At a hotel in Hell’s Kitchen, I spent three nights alone avoiding networking galas and after-parties hosted by music moguls turned industry entrepreneurs. In the world’s largest dispensary off the Las Vegas strip, I dodged more questions than I asked when leaving empty-handed. With hand waves and head shakes and less-than-assertive no’s, I passed over pot by lying about my sobriety.But face to face with Justin “Bong King,” there was nowhere to hide — no hotel room to run to, no door from which to make a quick exit. There was a crowd around us, boxing us in as he finished his gram smoking demonstration. I shook his hand and stumbled over my words as I signed off the segment on camera.It was either a contact high or placebo effect, or maybe just panic anticipating the piss test I would take in the next few days.Intensive Outpatient: 12 Steps and Scoring DrugsWhen I had about two months left in my treatment program, I walked out of group for good. It was an intensive outpatient program; a six-month IOP run by Philly’s NHS that championed the Big Book and 90 days. For a minute it worked, but it’s drug rehab mired in a puritan past. The 12 steps are great, but they shouldn't be a front-line defense.Besides, all I did there was make friends and score drugs. Thirty addicts in a room is an excellent opportunity to network and learn.By Easter Sunday that year, I felt broken. I was in a dirty motel on Route 1, hopped up on Benzedrex cottons and a $60 baggie of hex-en I purchased online from China. After 20 years of addiction, I had no drug of choice, save for anything that made me high.My wife and kids back home slept together in one bed, a little less worried than the last time I disappeared. I was out of work and estranged from everyone. My best friend joined AA and realized I was one of his people, places, and things.All I had was my family, and I was losing them too.One lie allowed my addictions to grow without the worry of what would happen tomorrow. It’s the lie I told myself when I stole my ex-wife’s Dilaudid two days after her shoulder surgery. It's the lie that made me laugh when I snorted enough Adderall to make my nose blue. And it’s the same lie that made me indignant when my ex-girlfriend’s brother became angry that I was a sloppy drunk in front of his small children.On the Monday after Easter, I drove home before sunrise. It was dark and muggy and difficult to see through my tears and dilated pupils. When I got home, I faced my wife and children and ended the lie that had followed me through two decades of addiction.“I can’t stop,” I whispered. That week, I discussed MAT options with my doctor. I've been in recovery since that day.Cannabis as the Magic Bullet for the Opioid Crisis?Tyler Sash won the Super Bowl in his rookie year with the New York Giants. At the time, he didn’t know he only had a few years left to live. A sixth-round draft pick out of Iowa, he overdosed on a combination of methadone and hydrocodone at the age of 27.“[He] asked if he could smoke marijuana for his pain like the other players,” recalled his one-time girlfriend, former Miss Iowa and reality-show contestant Jessica VerSteeg. I interviewed VerSteeg when she was promoting a new blockchain-bitcoin something-or-other product in the cannabis space. She recounted Sash’s tragic tale during our interview, explaining how it became the backbone of her business.“I wanted to change the way that other people saw cannabis,” she said.VerSteeg’s article drew in readers, as did most CEO and celebrity interviews. Her story reminded me of how lonely my secrecy about my recovery had become. I often wished I could reach out and say that I understood. There are millions of people with substance use disorders, and we're all so alone.But like most of the executive class in the cannabis industry, her hot take on opioids ended up being bullshit. Conventional wisdom in the cannabis industry had run somewhat amok on this topic, and it forced me, I felt, into compromising everything.There was the DEA agent who was so disgusted with opioids that he became a cannabis executive. Without irony, he told me that more research would prove the plant’s medicinal value. The head of an "innovation accelerator" in my city held a conference on the role of medical cannabis in the opioid crisis. He quoted research showing that states with medical cannabis laws have lower rates of opioid overdose deaths. Cannabis, they were convinced, would solve the opioid epidemic.But Where's the Evidence?“Morphine, when it was introduced, was promised to cure what they called alcoholism at the time,” Dr. Keith Humphreys told me. A professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University, he’s also worked at the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy under Presidents Bush and Obama. “Then, people got addicted to morphine, and cocaine was introduced.”He continued: “In general, there's been this enthusiasm of if we just add a different class of addictive drug on top then that will drive the other addictions out. Generally, what happens is we get more addiction to that drug, and we still have the original problem.”I spoke with Dr. Humphreys after reading his research on cannabis laws and opioid overdose mortality rates. Contrary to conventional wisdom, he found the correlation to be spurious at best. It’s alarming — though not unsurprising — to see the industry ignore his findings. Several states, including Pennsylvania, where I live, approved opioid use disorder as a qualifying condition for medical cannabis.“I couldn’t recommend something medically without clinical trials, well-controlled by credible groups [and] checked for safety,” Dr. Humphreys said. He explained that in the case of cannabis, there was little more than these state-level correlational studies. “None of that has been done.”“I'm amazed and disappointed that we don't care more about people who are addicted to heroin [and other] opioids, that we would wave through something like [medical cannabis] without making sure that it will help people, not hurt them,” he continued, noting that cannabis has shown no efficacy as either a replacement for or an adjunct to any MAT therapy.Listening to Dr. Humphreys made me realize how little I stand up for what I believe. Sometimes, when you’re an addict and you lie so much, you lose any sense of truth.Tyler Sash’s family asked Jessica VerSteeg to stop using his name to promote her business. According to a report in the Des Moines Register, they didn’t want his name associated with drugs anymore, neither opioids nor marijuana. VerSteeg refused, repeating the story she told me to several news outlets.For two years, I wrote about and reported on the emerging cannabis industry while hiding my ongoing recovery. In print and online, I preached cannabis while practicing therapy and Suboxone.Even in recovery, you can still have regrets.

Mexico May Allow Cocaine Use For Two People

No, Mexico did not legalize cocaine. However, a tribunal may decide to uphold a Mexican court’s decision seeking to allow possession, transport and use of cocaine for two people.The court’s ruling would only take effect if confirmed by the tribunal. The case could end up in Mexico’s Supreme Court, USA Today reported. And it would only apply to the two individuals who have not been identified.The reason behind the court’s ruling to allow cocaine for the two is also unknown.In May, the court ordered Mexico’s health authority—COFEPRIS (the Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risk)—to allow the two people to possess, transport and use cocaine—but not buy or sell it.So far COFEPRIS said it has moved to block the court order.Drug Policy Reformers Speak OutMexico United Against Crime (MUCD), a drug policy reform group, said it is hoping the court’s decision will spur the government to focus more on preventing violent crime. In 2018, Mexico counted a record 33,341 homicides. In the first half of 2019, Mexico has already seen 17,608 homicides.“We have been working for a safer, more just and peaceful Mexico for years, and with this case we insist on the need to stop criminalizing users of drugs other than marijuana and design better public policies that explore all available options, including the regulation,” said Lisa Sánchez, director of MUCD.The group helped influence the Supreme Court’s ruling in 2018 that an absolute ban on the recreational use of marijuana was unconstitutional.Mexico has been grappling with unprecedented violence for years now. Drug policy experts point to the fallout of former President Felipe Calderon’s war on drug cartels that he waged over his six-year term (2006-2012). In that time period, about 120,000 homicides were logged in Mexico.DecriminalizationNow, under President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, the country is considering drug decriminalization. The policy was proposed under the administration’s National Development Plan released this year.The text signals a desire to move away from long-held prohibitionist policies, and toward a new strategy that won’t repeat past mistakes.“In the matter of narcotic drugs, the prohibitionist strategy is already unsustainable, not only because of the violence generated by its poor results in terms of public health,” according to the translated text provided by Marijuana Moment.“Worse still, the prohibitionist model inevitably criminalizes consumers and reduces their odds of social reintegration and rehabilitation.”

Taking Pride in Trans Recovery

Before police raided the Stonewall Inn in 1969, the establishment was a gathering place for the most marginalized members of the LGBTQ+ community, including drag queens and trans women of color. Yet, soon after the raid and subsequent riots, these very people were pushed out of the pride movement, which tended to focus largely on gay white men. “The original pride parade started after the stonewall riots which was initiated by transgender folks such as Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, but pretty soon after that the trans community became invisible and was not included in the gay pride movement,” says Donna Weinberger, founder and CEO of Inspire Recovery, a treatment center in West Palm Beach, Florida that serves LQBTQ+ folks.The frequent focus on middle- and upper-class gay men as the face of the LGBTQ pride movement has led to the continued marginalization of other members of the community, especially trans people. This happens in society at large, and also at self-proclaimed LGBTQ-friendly treatment centers, which may market themselves to the community but be unable to address the needs of trans people with substance use disorder. “A lot of centers don’t understand the trans experience,” says Jaki Neering, a clinician at Inspire Recovery. While Inspire Recovery serves all members of the LQBTQ+ community, it is especially adept at serving the needs of trans clients. This starts with radical acceptance: taking people as they are, and allowing them the time and space to drop the persona that they have adopted in order to survive, and explore who their genuine selves are. “Somewhere along their journey of life, a persona has been created,” Neering explains. In order for treatment to be effective, the person needs to be comfortable connecting with their genuine self, and doing therapy in that mindset, not bringing any personas into their recovery. For many members of the trans community, this can mean taking time to go through developmental processes that were interrupted during adolescence, when they began repressing their true selves to survive. “There’s this interruption that’s happening,” Neering says. “The authentic self isn’t getting to develop; the persona is creating a false identity, so the authentic self never gets that opportunity.”When people go through the coming out process, they sometimes don’t even know the terminology to describe who they are.“They don’t know their authentic identity, because they never got to know themselves,” Neering says. Inspire Recovery allows people the space to reconnect or connect and define who they really are, when they are comfortable dropping the labels and assignments that society has given them.“They go through the process of getting to know themselves, feel feelings and interact with others,” she says. In addition, some people need to work through their own internalized feelings of transphobia in order to come to terms with who they are.Only after these steps are accomplished can people move toward addressing specific issues that are symptomatic of their developmental interruptions and trauma, like substance abuse. “Part of the treatment experience is getting sober, but if that person can’t address the core issues of why they’re using, sobriety will not last,” Neering says. Because trans people are working through so many issues in addition to their substance use, their stay at Inspire Recovery is usually much longer than a typical rehab stay. Six months would be on the short end, and some people stay for up to two years, Weinberger says. In part, that’s because the more people move toward their authentic selves, the more they can be at risk for self-sabotaging through relapse. “If someone has internalized transphobia, the closer they get to living their authentic self and being ok, sometimes the scarier it becomes, because it’s almost a reality,” Weinberger says. One way that Inspire Recovery supports this is by making sure that trans clients don’t stick out. They are not ostracized in treatment, but are welcomed as full-fledged members of the community by providers and patients alike. “It’s a normalized experience,” Neering says. “At our center, you’re one amongst many. There’s not a difference, separation. You’re among so many people having the same experience, and there’s great benefit in that.”Inspire Recovery provides treatment for substance use disorder and mental illness for LGBTQIA+ individuals in West Palm Beach, Florida. Learn more on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Secondhand Drinking: When Your Alcohol Problem Becomes Everybody Else's

In my vast and storied drinking career of 20+ years, the damage to others was minimal. I mean, I was never in a drunk driving accident, I never even got a DUI (stumbling home on foot from dive bars solved that problem); the drunken brawls I was in usually happened at home with my ex, and there weren’t any arrests due to my insane behavior. The only person I was hurting by getting sloppy, blackout drunk seven days a week was me.Or at least that’s the story I like to tell myself.In reality, there were countless people affected by my drinking. From the landlords I didn’t pay and the employers I worked for while intoxicated to the innocent cashiers who had to help my slurring and sloppy ass at grocery stores and liquor stores and the cab drivers I would harass from the backseat, there were a slew of people taken down by my tequila-soaked tsunami. When you add those people to the list of family members, friends, coworkers, roommates, and neighbors who all suffered some sort of emotional fallout due to my drinking, the damage doesn’t look so minimal. It looks like a small town after a tornado.Studies Show Impact of Alcohol's Harm to OthersSo when a new study came out last month about secondhand drinking, I could certainly identify.Nearly 9,000 participants answered questions from two surveys, the 2015 National Alcohol's Harm to Others Survey and the 2015 National Alcohol Survey. They were asked if they had experienced any or all of 10 different types of harm caused by someone else’s drinking. Coming from an alcoholic home and being an alcoholic myself, I feel like I could answer, “Hell, yes!” to all of these questions without even seeing them. Causing other people harm is the only way I’ve ever known alcohol to work. I am not from civilized red wine sipping stock. For the record, the types of harm included being pushed or hit, feeling threatened or afraid, being a passenger of a drunk driver, marital problems, family problems, and financial problems, all caused by another person’s drinking. A staggering one in five answered what I would have answered: Hell, yes, they’ve been affected by the drinking of others.Researchers believe the number is probably even higher, given the study only asked the participants about the last year of their lives. Personally, this also checks out. I couldn’t even begin to come up with a total and comprehensive list of folks affected by my drunken douchebaggery over the years.According to the study, 23% of women and 21% of men reported experiencing at least one of those harms during the last year. Not surprisingly, women experienced the fallout of someone else’s drinking in marital problems, financial problems, and being the passenger of drunk drivers. Women were more likely to be the victim of violence, sexual assault, and harassment from someone who was drinking than their male counterparts. Men, on the other hand, felt the reverb in the form of property damage, vandalism, and harassment, in addition to drunk driving woes. Folks 18 to 25, the study found, felt the effects of alcoholism the worst, which makes sense as alcohol use disorder is on the rise in that age group. Children were not interviewed for the study but as a kid who grew up in an alcoholic home, I experienced the ill effects of secondhand drinking on a regular basis. All the things the survey mentions — personal violence, damage to property, feeling unsafe — that’s all part of daily life when you grow up around alcoholics.Advertising Normalizes Drinking, While Alcohol Destroys CommunitiesBeyond the super relatable numbers and findings, the study packs an additional punch. The very framing of the study — calling it “secondhand drinking” — is somewhat revolutionary. By labeling it this way, the folks behind the study are emphasizing that drinking doesn’t just hurt the drinker, but it also affects the people around them akin to secondhand smoke. Sure, those of us in recovery who’ve had to write inventories or make amends are well aware of how we’ve effed up the lives around us. But for the rest for the world, drinking is fun, readily accessible, and not as bad as, like, heroin, right? Advertising agencies and big brands have worked really hard over the last decade to normalize drinking in every possible setting — airports, movie theaters, office meetings, and more. Initiating a conversation about how drinking messes up entire communities, economies, and the personal lives of innocent people feels like boldly bucking the system.This study in fact tells the truth of what people in recovery have known for years: the world is a safer and less shitty place if we stay sober. Beyond the loved ones who have to clean up our puke or the fender benders caused when we’ve had one too many, drinking — or more specifically alcohol use disorder — is destroying lives at an alarming rate.In addition to being a writer, I also work at a hospital on an addiction medicine team as a recovery mentor. Daily, our emergency room is filled with people brought in by the negative effects of drinking. Yet in a society where drinking is no big deal, these faces are commonplace and will be replaced by new ones the following day."It's Not That Bad..."Last summer in the hospital, I met a nice lady. She had a good life: She owned a successful business, she had beautiful and talented teenage daughters, a doting husband and concerned friends. Everybody lives next door to this lady. Your mom is friends with this lady. Hell, maybe your mom is this lady. And when they brought her in because of the negative effects of her drinking, she reported that it wasn’t that bad, she only had a few glasses of wine a night.Later, I shared my interaction with a doctor on her team. “Unbelievable!” he said. He told me that moments before I saw her, her medical team showed her detailed pictures of the damage that drinking had caused her brain. During her stay, I got concerned calls from her best friend and her daughters, all of whom had heartbreaking stories of how this woman’s drinking had negatively impacted them. It didn’t matter that she was white or successful or a nice lady. Drinking was ruining her brain, her life, and the lives of the people around her.In the 1970’s and 1980’s, the discovery of the effects of secondhand smoking changed how we thought about tobacco and nicotine. We started talking about how smoking was making the people around us sick, too. We changed how we smoked in front of children, in front of friends, and in public places. When we talk about secondhand drinking, we’re hoping for the same consideration and results. We’re saying it’s not just the alcoholic affected. It’s everybody around them, too.

Charlie Sheen Speaks Candidly On Ex Brooke Mueller's Rehab Stint

Actor Charlie Sheen spoke openly about his ex-wife Brooke Mueller's recent stay in a trauma center following the release of video footage that appeared to show her visibly intoxicated and holding what was reported by sources to be a pipe with crystal meth in 2018.Sheen told The Blast that Mueller, to whom he was married from 2008 to 2011, was "tucked away (yet again!) for the umpteenth billionth time" in a facility on the East Coast. He added that he was helping care for his two sons with Mueller, Bob and Max, with the children's grandparents, but also noted that the "boys need their mom, and hopefully one day soon, they will finally have one [sic]."The video of Mueller from 2018 showed the one-time actress and special correspondent for Extra in a van in Spokane, Washington, holding what appeared to be a pipe to smoke crystal meth.Her son, Bobby, was in a nearby hotel room by himself, which prompted hotel staff to contact police. Officers found the boy in the room, as well as the prescription anxiety medication clonazepam, and stayed with Bobby until she returned an hour after her initial departure. Mueller was not charged with any infraction, and checked into another hotel.The Southampton IncidentThe video came on the heel of another report from July 2019, which claimed that Mueller was seen at a Rite Aid drug store in Southampton, New York. Witnesses claimed that Mueller, who appeared "distraught" and was carrying several suitcases, asked an unnamed individual to take her in. Once at his shared rental, Mueller reportedly opened the suitcase to reveal a sizable amount of drugs, which she allegedly shared with other individuals at the rental.Page Six also reported that an audiotape recording, reportedly made less than a day after the Southampton incident, allegedly featured Mueller traveling in New York with an unidentified individual and looking to obtain narcotics. Mueller can reportedly be heard saying that she wanted to find "cocaine and meth, crystal and coke, and if it's even possible, it has to be the tar, black tar," referring to a free base form of the drug, before adding that the latter was not for her.When contacted about the audiotape, Mueller told sources that she was "more than OK," and was with her treatment team at the time the recording was alleged to have been made. She also said that she had never done heroin in her life, and described the whole media frenzy over her reported behavior as "out of control."When asked about the two incidents, Sheen—whose own history with substance dependency is well documented—confirmed to The Blast that his former spouse was "currently tucked away (yet again!) for the umpteenth billionth time, seeking the help she needs."He added that, "Between myself and the boys' two amazing sets of grandparents, we will continue to seamlessly love shelter and protect Bob and Max, from the haphazard choices and unsightly behavior their mom refuses to extinguish once and for all [sic]."Sheen added that the boys needed Mueller, and hoped that she would return to them "one day soon." But until then, "on every front we got this [sic]."

Bam Margera Says He's Sober, Steve-O & Others Express Concern

Despite concerning social media posts and agreeing to another trip to treatment, former Jackass star Bam Margera claims he is abstaining from both alcohol and drugs. According to Pop Culture, Margera shared a photo of himself earlier this week, captioned, “By the way i was evaluated and tested for alcohol and drugs, the results were negative. Not drunk or drinking, and not on drugs either!!”Margera has had on and off struggles with substance use disorder in recent years and has been in treatment various times. Most recently, he was part of an intervention with Dr. Phil, during which he agreed to enter treatment once again. The intervention came as a result of an Instagram video Margera later deleted, in which he spoke about his family issues and asked Dr. Phil for help. Bam's Mom Speaks OutAfter the intervention, Margera’s mother, April, spoke to Entertainment Tonight about the circumstances. "The only thing that we really want is for Bam to be happy and to find peace in his life and in turn we’d like to find peace in ours," she said. "We just have to take one step at a time and hope that everything is going to work out OK.""For him, he’s just gone off the rails, and I don’t think he can handle what’s going on,” she continued. “So if he reached out to Dr. Phil cause he’s seen Dr. Phil’s show, I mean so be it. Do we want to really air all this stuff? No, not really, but you know, if that’s what he wants to do and that’ll help him get some help, then I think we’ve come up with a good plan. Between the Jackass guys and Dr. Phil, it’s a whole community of people."Margera’s former Jackass co-stars, Steve-O and Brandon Novak, have both gotten sober themselves and have spoken out about being supportive of Margera’s recovery. When Margera posted a list of people who check in on him, claiming it was “frustrating,” Steve-O took to the comments. Steve-O Gets Real"I’m sorry if it’s frustrating for you that we care enough to keep trying to get through to you, Bam," Steve-O wrote. “It couldn’t be more clear that all of this isn’t OK, and I hope you’ll join me and Novak in recovery before your son loses his dad. And, by the way, none of this looks cool (which is a good thing, because it’s humiliating myself that motivated me to commit myself to a program of recovery). It’s time to give up the fight, and join the winning team. I love you, brother..."Novak also stepped up, adding, "I as well as every other name on ur list are actual 'real friends' of yours who truly care about ur well being and quality of life. We WILL NOT condone ur fatal behaviors or justify ur actions in hopes of u not getting angry with us....... I refuse to high five u to ur grave!!!!! I love u and will do whatever it takes to help u so please f—ing let me/us."

Couple’s Meth Recovery Before-And-After Photos Go Viral

When Brent Walker of Cleveland, Tennessee made a Facebook post on July 26 with the hashtag #CleanChallenge, he wanted to showcase the transformation that he and his wife, Ashley, had made since they quit using methamphetamine more then two-and-a-half years ago. He never expected that the Facebook post would go viral, but when it did he was glad to share the couple’s story of addiction and recovery in hopes of helping others. “Don’t give up, it gets easier. It's really hard. We had a really hard time, just because we didn't have nobody to talk to,” Walker told Knox News. “But if you don't give up... the grass is greener on the other side. It's been a blessing. It really has.”In the post, Walker shared two photos of himself and Ashley: one when they were actively using, and a more recent photo from when they were well-established in recovery.Celebrating Sobriety “This is my wife and I in active meth addiction the first photo was taken around December 2016 the second one was taken in July of 2019,” Walker wrote. “This December 31st will be 3 years we have been clean and sober and living for God. I hope that my transformation can encourage a addict somewhere! It is possible to recover!!”Walker said that just before the first photo, he had been in jail for two years on meth-related charges. At first he continued to get high once he was out, but he realized that a positive drug test while on probation could send him back to jail. He decided it wasn’t worth the risk. Then, he asked Ashley, who was his girlfriend at the time, if she was willing to get sober with him. “I asked her if she’d quit with me and she said ‘yes, I go wherever you go,’” he recalled. Early Recovery & NuptialsOne month into sobriety, the pair got married. After two months they were able to get their own place, and after four months they bought a car. Along the way they changed their phone numbers and cut ties with anyone who they used to do meth with. Today, Walker has obtained his GED and works two jobs, one in steelwork and one in HVAC. Ashley is a patient care technician. Walker said that he never expected to be one of the success stories of sobriety. “I’ve done drugs my entire life,” he said. “I remember telling people all the time that I could literally never be sober. It would be a boring lifestyle.”Today, however, he is happy that he and Ashley made the change together. 

Where to Find the Best Treatment for Morphine Sulfate Addiction

Table of Contents1. What is Morphine Sulfate and How is it Used?2. Overdose Risks3. Development of Morphine Sulfate Dependence4. Development of Morphine Sulfate Addiction5. Preparing for Addiction Treatment6. Inpatient or Outpatient Assistance for Morphine Addiction?7. Identifying Effective Plans Morphine-Related Care8. Find the Best Morphine Sulfate Care FacilitiesSuffering from the damaging impact of an addiction to morphine sulfate? Help is available for even the most serious kinds of problems. With the information gathered here, you and your loved ones can learn more about the nature of addiction. You can also learn more about the types of treatments recommended by experts, as well as the common care settings.Crucially, you can also learn how to tell which addiction programs have services that are up to par and which ones don’t. From this informed perspective, you can begin to identify you ideal scenario for quality care at a top-rated facility. That way, you’ll know you’re doing everything you can to prepare for your journey back to a sober lifestyle.What is Morphine Sulfate and How is it Used?Morphine sulfate (also known as morphine sulphate) is one of the formal chemical names for morphine, one of the world’s most widely used opioid medications. It’s available in a large assortment of forms, including tablets, extended-release tablets, capsules, extended-release capsules, oral solutions, concentrated oral solutions, injectable solutions and rectal preparations. Morphine also comes in a range of formulations and dosage potencies.In all of its many forms, morphine sulfate/morphine sulphate serves as a mainline treatment for moderate pain and severe pain. Certain products (e.g., extended-release capsules and tablets) are used only to treat severe symptoms that don’t respond to the effects of weaker painkilling alternatives. In addition, certain products are only prescribed to people who have previous experience with opioid substances.Morphine and all other related medications relieve pain by changing the way you perceive the signals sent by nerve receptors throughout your body. While doing so, they also slow down or depress the normal rate of nerve cell communication in your central nervous system. When this communication decreases, you experience feelings of sedation. At the same time, changes in your brain chemistry also trigger intense feelings of pleasure.All chemical formulas for morphine are classified by the U.S. government as Schedule II controlled substances. Among other things, this means that morphine’s use comes with a “high potential” for substance abuse. That abuse can lead to severe indicators of both psychological and physical dependence. In turn, a dependent state can transition into an addiction.Opioids powerful enough to qualify for Schedule II classification also have something else in common. Namely, they can produce dangerous suppression of your normal nervous system function when taken in high amounts. Potential results of this major alteration of your system include life-threatening decreases in your breathing rate and heart rate.Consumption of morphine sulfate/morphine sulphate can also lead to the appearance of a range of side effects. Some of these effects are only of concern when they’re severe or linger over time. Examples in this category include pupil dilation, urinary problems, headaches, sleepiness, painful stomach cramps and changes in your typical mood. Other side effects are always worrisome to doctors, regardless of their intensity or duration. Examples here include heartbeat alterations, skin with a bluish or purplish appearance, breathing problems, extreme sleepiness, itching, rash, seizures and swelling anywhere in the region of your throat or face.Morphine sulfate/morphine sulphate and other morphine products are available in the U.S. under a wide assortment of brand names. The list of these products includes:KadianOramorphMS ContinAvinzaDuramorphMorphabond ERGeneric morphine products are also common. Morphine sulfate/morphine sulphate and its related medications have a few well-known street names or nicknames, including M, Miss Emma, White Stuff and Monkey.Overdose RisksIn the past few years, Americans have been struggling to address a widespread phenomenon: opioid overdose. Like all other members of this large family of substances, morphine can serve as an overdose source. In addition to dangerous decreases in your normal heart and lung function, possible problems in someone affected by a life-threatening toxic reaction include:Flaccid (i.e., limp) musclesSkin that feels clammy or cold to the touchAbnormally low blood pressureIntense drowsiness followed by a dazed state called stuporComplete stoppage of your heart or lung functionComplete loss of activity in your circulatory systemUnconsciousnessComa (a profoundly unresponsive state of unconsciousness)You can potentially overdose on morphine even when taking it according to your doctor’s instructions. However, your risks rise if you disregard those instructions and take too much medication at once or reduce the time you wait between doses. Your chances of overdosing also increase if you consume any amount of medication without official permission from a doctor. Other groups with increased odds of experiencing a morphine overdose include elderly adults, people who mix their medication with benzodiazepines or alcohol, and people affected by certain kinds of major health issues.Development of Morphine Sulfate DependenceFor 200 years, addictive morphine has played an important role in the medical relief of serious pain. However, by its very nature, it has the potential to make you dependent if you take it for more than brief amounts of time. Dependence is the common name for a set of chemical and physical changes that cause your central nervous system to treat a substance as an accepted part of its daily environment. If dependent people fail to meet the new expectation for continued substance intake, they can develop symptoms of withdrawal.Withdrawal is basically your brain’s way of telling you that its now-established need for the opioid in question has not been met. It can happen if you stop taking your medication altogether. It can also happen if you make rapid reductions in your habitual dosage.Morphine sulfate/morphine sulphate withdrawal is well-understood by researchers, doctors and addiction specialists. It begins with an early-stage syndrome that includes things such as anxiousness, aches in your muscles, a runny nose, insomnia, unusual sweating and excessive yawning. As the process continues, a group of later-stage symptoms also begin to appear. They include such things as cramping in your stomach/abdominal region, diarrhea, dilated pupils, nausea and bouts of vomiting.It’s easy to get morphine dependence and morphine addiction confused, especially since people affected by both issues can go into withdrawal. However, dependence differs from addiction in the way it affects your behavior and the function of your brain. To begin with, doctors can manage their dependent patients and assist them in maintaining reliable function in their daily routines. That is not the case for morphine addiction, which often triggers a damaging loss of day-to-day life stability. In addition, the brain areas altered by morphine sulfate/morphine sulphate dependence are apparently not the same as those involved in cases of addiction.Development of Morphine Sulfate AddictionLike dependence, a transition into addiction is possible even for people who never abuse their prescribed doses of morphine. However, it’s far more common for addiction to follow on the heels of an established pattern of abuse. That’s true whether you take the medication too frequently, in excessive amounts or without a doctor’s say-so. It’s important to note that unauthorized use of morphine always qualifies as a form of prescription drug abuse, regardless of any other surrounding circumstances.Potential Symptoms in Users of Morphine SulfateThe presence of morphine sulfate addiction will qualify you for a diagnosis of a disease called opioid use disorder, or OUD. In addition to withdrawal, specific problems found in addicted people with this condition can include:Increasing tolerance to the drug effects of your accustomed dose of morphine sulfate/morphine sulphateAn established pattern of excessive medication consumptionAn inability to change that excessive pattern and bring your prescription drug abuse to a haltThe presence of an intense desire to take more morphineThe creation of a daily routine that revolves around your need to acquire morphine, consume it or recover from its after effectsAn inability to change your consumption habits even when you know that they cause you serious harmThe OUD diagnosis also applies to people who aren’t addicted, but still suffer from damaging life changes as a result of their involvement in substance abuse. The possible symptoms of non-addictive problems include:Repeated use of morphine sulfate/morphine sulphate in situations that create safety hazards for you or anyone elseA pattern of medication abuse that keeps you from fulfilling important duties in any area of your life (e.g., work, home or school)An inability to lower your level of medication intake even when you know that it negatively affects your main social or personal relationshipsOUD sometimes only involves problems of addiction. On the other hand, it sometimes only involves problems of non-addicted abuse. However, the diagnosis includes both sets of symptoms, because they often appear together in the same person.The seriousness of OUD varies from case to case. Only people with at least two symptoms in the span of a year can receive an official diagnosis. In moderate cases, four or five symptoms are present. In severe cases of OUD, a minimum of six symptoms appear within a year’s time. It takes a trained doctor or addiction specialist to determine how many problems are present.Preparing for Addiction TreatmentRecovery from morphine sulfate addiction begins with a period of opioid detoxification, or detox. Detox is the starting point for a couple of important reasons. First, it allows you to bring your medication abuse to a close and take your first step toward sobriety. At the same time, detox gives the medication levels already built up in your system time to decrease.Rather than seek assistance at this critical stage, some people try to detox without any medical oversight. It’s crucial to point out that no addiction specialist, doctor or public health official would recommend this go-it-alone approach. That’s true for several major reasons.For starters, people who try to detox on their own often go “cold turkey” and stop taking morphine all at once. This is a serious mistake. Why? Any addicted person who quickly cuts off their intake will go into rapid withdrawal. In many cases, the intensity of the symptoms triggered by rapid withdrawal is simply too much to handle. Instead of going through them, you have a good chance of just returning to your previous pattern of abuse.If you return to the misuse of morphine sulfate/morphine sulphate after detoxing for some time, you also face another, even more serious problem: the chance of experiencing a life-threatening overdose. As specialists in the field are well-aware, overdose risks are at their highest in this type of situation.That’s because your body will have lost a fair amount of its accumulated tolerance to the effects of morphine. This reduction in tolerance means that a habitual dose you took in the past may now be enough to crash your system, or even kill you. Unfortunately, someone dies in America every day as a result of precisely this chain of events.By undergoing detox in a monitored, medically supervised environment, you steeply reduce your chances of experiencing any of these major issues. With the aid of constant oversight and supportive care, you can go through detoxification gradually and reduce your risks for overwhelming symptoms. In fact, if necessary your doctor may prescribe a medication specifically intended to decrease symptom intensity. The ongoing presence of medical professionals also provides you with rapid assistance for any unanticipated detoxification complications.With your detoxification-related symptoms under control, you have smaller chances of relapsing back into addictive morphine abuse. If you do relapse, you’ll have ready access to help that can get you back on track and avoid overdosing. And if you do experience an overdose, the availability of immediate assistance can help you steer clear of any life-threatening outcomes.On top of everything else, supervised detox has another notable advantage. During your time of enrollment, you’ll receive guidance and information that prepare you for continuation of your recovery in a rehab program. Without taking this next big step, you can easily find yourself falling back into the same downward spiral of uncontrolled, addictive substance abuse.Inpatient or Outpatient Assistance for Morphine Addiction?Depending on your unique circumstances, you may need to spend some time in hospitalized care before beginning your rehab program. Factors that make this a possibility include very severe OUD symptoms and major problems with your health. Unless you’re affected by these issues, you’ll almost certainly move straight to enrollment in an inpatient or outpatient rehab facility.The residential model of inpatient care requires you to receive assistance while living at your chosen facility. This approach has several important advantages. First, since you stay onsite, you have round-the-clock access to medical monitoring and assistance. You also take part in a comprehensive, daily treatment plan that allows you to receive the most focused level of assistance possible. In addition, if that plan needs any modification, your doctor and the facility staff can take action as soon as possible and avoid potential delays.The live-at-home model of outpatient rehab can make it easier for you to fit substance recovery into your current daily routine. That’s true because it only requires you to visit your chosen facility a few times a week for treatment, assessment and guidance. This less concentrated approach can work for a significant number of people with mild substance problems. However, it’s not really suitable for effective treatment of moderate or severe problems. Outpatient care is also not the general recommendation for addicted people who struggle simultaneously with a major mental health condition.Identifying Effective Plans Morphine-Related CareOver the years, research has shown that the best method of treating opioid use disorder is to combine certain effective medications and forms of behavioral psychotherapy. On the medication front, there are three options approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration: the opioid prescription drugs buprenorphine and methadone, and the anti-opioid naltrexone.Some people seeking treatment are surprised to learn that opioid medications are used to treat morphine sulfate addiction. Those concerns are understandable, but unwarranted. Evidence clearly shows that appropriate use of buprenorphine or methadone doesn’t get you “high” or support addictive behaviors. Quite the opposite, these medications can help you stop your substance abuse, ease your passage through detoxification and reduce your risks for relapsing.Naltrexone plays a different role at addiction centers. If you’re in a program that aims for complete substance abstinence, it can help you avoid relapsing after you fully detoxify your system. The medication does so by creating a chemical barrier around your brain and preventing the entry of opioids. Since these substances can’t reach your central nervous system, they can’t produce their classic drug effects.Behavioral psychotherapy for morphine sulfate/morphine sulphate-related issues is available in multiple forms. All of these modern therapies provide their benefits by helping you modify damaging behavior that supports addiction. However, most approaches achieve this goal in different ways, and they can be combined to provide the best possible results in rehab. Research-proven techniques include:Motivational interviewingFamily behavior therapy12-step facilitationCommunity reinforcement approach (CRA) plus vouchersContingency managementMotivational interviewing is suited for people who don’t feel sure they want or need to take part in rehab. It provides a benefit by encouraging participants to strengthen their own personal motivation. Family behavior therapy includes your loved ones and makes it possible for you to understand and change any family dynamics that promote substance abuse.Twelve-step facilitation is designed to encourage you to back up you main treatment with participation in an appropriate self-help group. CRA plus vouchers and contingency management share a common goal of rewarding your behavior when you stick to your treatment plan. Another approach called cognitive behavioral therapy can also help people dealing with serious opioid problems.Find the Best Morphine Sulfate Care FacilitiesAs you may already know, all kinds of facilities are now offering help for people with opioid-related problems. However, that’s both a good thing and a bad thing. On one hand, it means that you can find a program that suits your exact needs. On the other hand, with so many possible options in front of you, you may find it hard to narrow down your choices and make decisions that ultimately support your recovery.The first thing to know is that not every program you see advertised meets current standards for effective care. A program can fail to meet these standards in a number of ways. For example, it may not provide treatment with the accepted combination of proven medications and therapy. It may also hire staff members who don’t have the experience or professional credentials required to treat addiction. In addition, substandard programs may fail to maintain their facilities in a safe, secure manner.When you call a program on your list of options, you should be able to verify that, at the very least, they follow current treatment guidelines, hire only experienced professionals and provide you with a safe environment. Addiction centers on your list should also readily answer your questions instead of just trying to “sell” you on their program. Information on any program’s website should also be informative and easy to navigate.When discussing its enrollment procedures, any reputable rehab center should mention the need for a thorough assessment of your addiction symptoms. They should also mention the need to assess your health and examine any other life factors that have an impact on how your morphine sulfate/morphine sulphate-related problems are addressed. Without this type of intake process, it’s impossible to determine the steps required to support your ongoing progress in recovery.You may notice that the very best addiction centers do more than cover the basics of effective care. Instead, they do what they can to customize your experience, treat you as a whole person and increase your level of comfort. The extras available to you may not be the same at every top-notch program. However, they generally include options — such as art therapy or stress management — that complement and reinforce the benefits of your medication- and therapy-based plan.With all of this information at your disposal, you’ll find it easier to narrow down your options and find the best rehab program for your unique situation. Once you take that step, you’re ready for the challenging, rewarding work of re-establishing your lasting sobriety.

How to Find the Best Nucynta ER Addiction Treatment or Rehab

1. What is Nucynta ER and What is it Used For?2. Alternative Nucynta ER Names3. What is Nucynta ER Abuse?4. When Nucynta ER Rehab is Necessary5. Risks of Avoiding Nucynta ER Rehab6. The Risk of Nucynta ER Overdose7. Withdrawal and Detox – How Long Does Nucynta ER Stay in Your System?8. Medical Treatment in Nucynta ER Rehab9. Therapy and Other Treatments in Nucynta ER Rehab10. Factors to Consider When Choosing Nucynta ER Rehab11. What is the Best Nucynta ER Rehab for You?Nucynta ER rehab may become necessary if you abuse and become addicted to this opioid painkiller. It is a strictly controlled substance because, although it can manage serious pain, Nucynta is also susceptible to abuse and habit forming. Any misuse of it can lead to a serious addictive disorder. If you or someone you care about has been misusing Nucynta ER, consider getting professional help and going to rehab. There are several factors to consider when choosing a rehab facility and treatment program. Residential rehab is often recommended, but you should also consider your own personal needs and preferences and where you will feel most comfortable. Most importantly, reach out and seek help before your addiction gets worse or leads to an overdose. What is Nucynta ER and What is it Used For?Nucynta ER is a narcotic, opioid painkiller. Nucynta is the brand name, and ER refers to the fact that it is an extended release formulation. It is designed to provide round-the-clock clinical pain management in just one dose, because it releases the medication a little bit at a time. The generic name for the drug is tapentadol. Made by Janssen Pharmaceutical, tapentadol was the first new opioid painkiller to be released in decades when it came on the market in 2009. Tapentadol is similar in chemical structure and action to the company’s previous opioid, tramadol, which was first introduced in 1995. Like other opioids, Nucynta ER works in the brain to disrupt pain signals. It also acts like a central nervous system depressant, slowing down brain activity, heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure and generally inducing calm, sleepiness, and a sense of euphoria. Nucynta ER is approved as a medicine to treat severe pain that needs 24-hour control, pain that has not responded to other medications. Specifically, Nucynta ER is often prescribed to manage diabetic peripheral neuropathy pain. It is not indicated to treat pain on an as-needed basis. Alternative Nucynta ER NamesNucynta is the only brand name available for tapentadol, but it comes in Nucynta and Nucynta extended release formulations. Street names for this drug are the same as other opioids. Any illicit name for an opioid of abuse could apply to Nucynta and tapentadol: ApacheCody Captain CodyChina girlChina whiteDance feverDemmiesDoors and FoursGoodfellaDilliesFriendJackpotJuiceLoadsMurder 8Oxy 80OcycatPain killers PerksTango and CashTNTThese names are always changing, and those selling and using tapentadol and other opioids illegally may refer to them by a number of other names and phrases. What is Nucynta ER Abuse?Nucynta ER abuse is different from Nucynta ER addiction. Of course, abuse of the drug can lead to an addiction, and it often does. Abuse of a drug refers to any kind of misuse: using it without a prescription, using larger doses than recommended, using the drug for longer or more frequently than recommended by a prescribing doctor, or using it for any purpose other than it was intended, such as getting high or relaxing. The Nucynta ER effects that people seek when abusing this drug include euphoria, relaxation and calm, relief from stress, and sleepiness. This is an effective painkiller, but it is also susceptible to abuse for these reasons. The Drug Enforcement Administration places tapentadol in schedule II of the controlled substances because of this susceptibility and because abuse can lead to serious and severe Nucynta ER dependence. When Nucynta ER Rehab is NecessaryYou may not be totally aware when your abuse of Nucynta ER has led to the point that you need professional help. Ask yourself the following questions, which are the criteria used to diagnose opioid use disorders:Do you consistently use Nucynta ER more often and in larger doses than you meant to?Have you tried to cut back on drug use but failed, more than once?Do you experience cravings for Nucynta?Is more and more of your time spent using, recovering, and seeking out Nucynta ER?Have your responsibilities been sliding because of time you spend using drugs?Have you given up activities you used to enjoy because of drug use?Are your relationships with people you care about suffering because of drug use?Do you continue to use Nucynta ER even though it is negatively impacting your physical health, mental health, or both?Have you used Nucynta ER in situations that put you at risk of getting hurt or being harmed?Do you have a tolerance built up to opioids and need more to get the same effect?Do you go through withdrawal when not using?If you have any of these Nucynta ER addiction symptoms, or are at all concerned that your use of this drug is problematic or out of control, get started now seeking help for Nucynta ER addiction treatment. Just two signs of an opioid use disorder is enough for a diagnosis of a mild opiate addiction. This should be taken seriously, because not seeking help and stopping use of this drug can lead to very serious risks. Risks of Avoiding Nucynta ER RehabThere are many risks associated with abusing Nucynta ER and other opioids. The clearest one is the risk of becoming addicted. And, if you are abusing the drug and have already become mildly addicted, you run the risk of developing a more severe addiction by not getting the help you need. Misusing any drug can be harmful to your physical and mental health. By abusing Nucynta ER you increase the risk of experiencing side effects, some of which can pose a serious risk to your overall health. The most common Nucynta ER side effects reported are nausea, dizziness, constipation, headaches, and sleepiness. You may also experience heartburn, stomachaches, anxiety, dry mouth, irritability, strange dreams, and insomnia. More serious side effects you may experience from abusing Nucynta include loss of consciousness, heavy sweating, overheating, rash, sexual dysfunction, irregular menstruation, loss of appetite, weakness, agitation, seizures, and hallucinations. Any kind of drug abuse can also lead to more far-reaching issues and complications. You may lose your job and have financial problems; your relationships may fail; your academic performance may suffer; you may contract a communicable disease; and you could even be the victim of violence or assault or be injured in an accident. The Risk of Nucynta ER Overdose Opioid overdoses have reached epidemic proportions in the U.S. Of all the Nucynta ER addiction side effects, the worst is overdose. Putting off getting Nucynta ER addiction help puts you at serious risk of having a fatal overdose. This drug, like other opioids, can kill you if you take too much, and there is no way to know how much is too much until it happens. Signs of an overdose on Nucynta or another overdose include lack of responsiveness, loss of consciousness, slow or shallow breathing, difficulty breathing, cold and clammy skin, blue-colored lips and fingernails, vomiting, and weak muscles and poor coordination. The risk of overdosing on Nucynta ER increases if you mix it with another opioid, alcohol, or another type of drug that causes central nervous system depression. This may include any benzodiazepine, barbiturates, and all types of sedatives. An opioid overdose can be reversed, but to save a life you must get immediate medical treatment, in an emergency room or from first responders. Withdrawal and Detox – How Long Does Nucynta ER Stay in Your System?If you are giving up this drug, Nucynta ER withdrawal effects are likely to kick in between 24 and 30 hours from the last does you took. Shorter-acting opioids begin causing withdrawal much sooner, within 12 hours. But with an extended release formula, you will have the drug in your system longer, delaying withdrawal. It is necessary to go through these uncomfortable symptoms, because it is a part of detoxing, which is letting the drug leave your system. How long this will take depends on individual factors, like the severity of your addiction and your overall health. Nucynta ER withdrawal side effects could last a couple days or persist for a few weeks. As opioid withdrawal begins, you can expect to first experience discomfort with muscle aches, insomnia, excessive yawning, tearing, and sweating, and a runny nose. You will probably also feel anxious, agitated, and irritable. After a day or two the symptoms will transition and may become even more uncomfortable. You may start to feel nauseated and have stomach cramps. Diarrhea and vomiting are common. You’ll also feel chilled and may have a fever, and your cravings for tapentadol will become intense. Withdrawal from opioids like Nucynta is not inherently dangerous. The Nucynta ER withdrawal symptoms you experience will be very uncomfortable, even painful, but they don’t cause long-term harm. The real risk of detox is relapse. You will feel strong urges to use again, and a big danger is that in relapsing you may overdose. For this reason, and to make the process generally more comfortable, supervision is always recommended. A loved one can help keep you safe and prevent relapse, but medical detox includes medications that will help make you feel better and provide some relief from Nucynta ER withdrawal. Medical Treatment in Nucynta ER RehabOpioid use disorder can be managed and treated with medications. The first step in treatment is to go through detox, and if you choose a good program you will benefit from medical care during this difficult process. You may be given fluids, supplements, and approved medications for reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings. It is important to realize that, although you will feel much better after detox, this relatively short process does not cure your Nucynta ER addiction. It is only the first step that must be followed by long-term treatment in order to have a successful recovery. Ongoing medication and medical treatment after detox is also not enough. But, medications do make up an important part of comprehensive Nucynta ER rehab. The medications that can be used to treat and manage an addiction to any opioid include:Methadone. Methadone has long been used to help heroin addicts. It is an opioid agonist, which means it stimulates the opioid receptors, the same receptors stimulated by opioid drugs of abuse. Methadone is used to reduce withdrawal symptoms and to taper patients from other opioids. It may take a week or more to taper. Buprenorphine. This is also an opioid agonist, but only a partial one. It is less susceptible to abuse than methadone but can still reduce withdrawal and be used for tapering off opioids. It may also be less dangerous than methadone, which can potentially trigger an overdose. Buprenorphine has less of a depressive effect on breathing. Naltrexone. Naltrexone, and the opioid overdose antidote naloxone, is an opioid antagonist. Rather than stimulating the receptors, it blocks opioids from stimulating them. This is how naloxone, also known as Narcan, can reverse an overdose. Naltrexone can be given in a 30-day dose to prevent relapses, because with the drug in your system, taking an opioid becomes pointless. There will be no effect. Therapy and Other Treatments in Nucynta ER RehabWhen choosing Nucynta ER rehab and a treatment program, be sure it offers you a range of therapy types. This is the backbone of treatment and what will help you transition to recovery and be able to resist cravings and minimize relapses in the future. The point of therapy is to help you understand the choices you have made and how to make better, healthier choices in the future. Some of the types of therapy you will be offered in rehab include:Behavioral therapies. Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, is the foundation of behavioral therapies, the most common type used in helping patients overcome drug addictions. Behavioral therapists will help you understand your motives for abusing Nucynta ER and teach you practical strategies for making positive changes, for preventing relapse, and for adopting a healthier lifestyle. Family and relationship therapy. Your relationships with others likely suffered with your drug abuse but can also contribute to unhealthy behaviors. Working in therapy with family or your partner can be helpful in achieving lasting recovery.Group support and therapy. A good treatment center will include support from other patients. Together you will learn how to make healthier choices and provide each other with positive support and encouragement. Trauma-focused therapy. Past trauma is a major risk factor for substance abuse and addiction. There may be trauma in your past that you need to explore and process. Doing so will help you make better choices going forward and learn better ways of coping with painful memories than turning to drugs or alcohol. Factors to Consider When Choosing Nucynta ER RehabAs you begin your search for rehab and treatment, you will find that you have a lot of choices. There are several factors to consider that will make this decision a little easier. Start with the practicalities and eliminate any treatment programs you cannot afford, that are not covered by your insurance plan, or that are too far away to be feasible. Next, decide whether you want to go to a residential, inpatient rehab or get treatment on an outpatient basis. An addiction advisor can help you make this important decision, but generally, for more severe addictions and in cases in which you are at serious risk of relapse, residential care is recommended. An inpatient rehab facility can provide you with 24-hour care and supervision, a wider variety of therapy options, and supportive services, including aftercare. Finally, look at your narrowed options and choose the one that seems best to you. Some factors to look for in the best Nucynta ER rehab are:The option of a medical detoxAn intake that includes an evaluation to diagnose any substance use disorder and mental illness Concurrent treatment for addiction and any mental illnesses for which you receive a diagnosisAn individualized treatment plan designed just for your specific needs and that considers your preferencesA comprehensive medical treatment programA variety of therapy typesA community, group support approach to careAlternative therapies as well as other services as options, such as holistic medicine, alternative medicine, recreation, healthy living, nutrition, exercise, and othersAftercare programsA focus on relapse preventionThe best treatment programs and rehab facilities for opioid and Nucynta ER addiction will include all of these. While outpatient care might be best for some people, it is impossible to get all these services and factors in an outpatient program. They are naturally more limited, but if living at home is best for you, outpatient treatment can be effective. What is the Best Nucynta ER Rehab for You?Making the choice of rehab can feel like an overwhelming chore. Make sure you have a loved one you trust by your side to help narrow down your options and guide your decision. Having this support will take a big weight off your shoulders. In your current state, making the best decision for you may be too difficult. Accept this help in making your choice, as your loved one may know better what you need right now. If your trusted friend or family member can narrow down your options, you can then choose based on which program or location just feels right to you. You should be allowed to visit a facility, talk with staff, and get a better feel for services before making a final decision. As long as everything else is in place, choose a treatment program based on how comfortable you feel with it. Getting any treatment for Nucynta ER abuse and addiction is the most important thing you can do right now. Choose the best rehab and treatment program for your needs and prepare to do the hard work necessary for lasting recovery. If you can commit to it, you will find that treatment is effective and lasting. 

Morning Roundup: July 31, 2019

Mark Kleiman, Who Changed the Way We Think About Crime and Drugs, Has Died at 68 [Vox]Mark Kleiman "was one of the most creative criminal policy experts of his generation." From marijuana legalization to mass incarceration, the public policy expert was not only influential, but is remembered as a kind and helpful individual.Weird New Kinds of Cocaine Could Start a "Hidden Epidemic" of Health Threats [BuzzFeed News] A look at the "hidden epidemic of chronic disease" caused by toxic adulterants in illicit drugs. Experts warn about the rising incidence of contaminated cocaine and heroin that have been linked to erratic heartbeats and organ failures. Philadelphia Mayor, City Leaders Head to Canada on Safe Injection Fact-Finding Mission [NBC News]Philadelphia officials will tour Vancouver and Toronto to observe Overdose Prevention Sites (OPS) in action. The American city is considering opening similar facilities despite opposition from the federal government and some residents.Malaysian Police Chief Says Tough to Combat Drugs with Addicts on Force [Reuters]While crystal methamphetamine busts rise, so too is the number of addicted Malaysians. Police officers addicted to the drug is also a "huge" problem. "Every week we have surfaced, arrested our own men high on meth, shabu, and all this." Fentanyl Cleanups Can Cost Up to $50,000, Thanks to Urban Legend [Billy Penn]Medical experts sound off on the high price tag of fentanyl cleanups. They call it a rip-off that capitalizes on the myth that even a small amount of exposure to the drug can trigger an overdose.Some Juul 'Vape Juice' Found to Contain Ingredients That Might Inflame Airways [NPR]A new study examined eight flavors of Juul e-liquids and their vapor. There is still a lack of information regarding the effects of inhaling "irritating chemicals" generally recognized as safe to eat and touch.'Second-Hand Drinking' Is The Public Health Problem You've Probably Never Heard Of [Science Alert]More reporting on the effects of "second-hand drinking." Threats or harassment, physical aggression and driving while intoxicated are examples of the second-hand harms of drinking.Former DEA Agent on Fentanyl: 'By Far, the Worst Drug I've Ever Seen' [Yahoo]Fentanyl is the synthetic opioid blamed for the steep rise in drug overdoses, dubbed the "third wave" of the opioid crisis. A former DEA official says it is "by far, the worst drug I've ever seen."

Luxury Rehab Guide for Methadose Addiction

1. What is Methadose?2. What are the slang terms for Methadose?3. How do you use Methadose?4. What are the consequences of a Methadose overdose?5. What should you avoid when using Methadose?6. Methadose side effects7. What are the other drugs that can negatively interact Methadose?8. What is Methadose addiction?9. How long does Methadose stay in your system?10. What is Methadose withdrawal?11. What is Methadose rehab, and is it useful?12. How can you choose the right rehab center?What is Methadose?Methadose is an opioid that is used to treat moderate to severe pain. The synthetic painkiller can have several health risk factors that can lead to respiratory disorders when abused. Methadose reduces pain by directly acting on the brain stem and can suppress an individual's autonomic respiratory drive. This medicine is strictly regulated, and is only available through a valid prescription provided by your doctor or pharmacist.What are the slang terms for Methadose?Many opioids have code names or slang terms. These code names are often used when painkillers are sold illegally. Medical professionals need to know about painkillers and their slang terms so that they can diagnose the symptoms of Methadose overdose before the situation gets worse. Here are some of the standard slang terms that are used for Methadose:>> Amidon>> Dollies>> Dolls>> Fizzies>> Mud>> Red Rock>> Tootsie RollsHow do you use Methadose?To get the most positive Methadose effects, you have to follow the dosage and instructions that are provided by yout doctor. Methadose usually comes in tablet form for oral consumption. One dose of Methadose is equivalent to 40 mg. As mentioned before, it’s prescribed for pain management that is caused from injuries and terminal diseases like cancer. Methadose is also used to help patients who suffer from opioid dependence to detox. Unlike other opioids which may have short half-lives and require frequent dosing, Methadose's long duration and slow onset enable it to remain in a person's system for up to thirty hours once ingested. This means that the patient will have to take a dose only once a day.Here are some crucial points you should know before you take Methadose:>> Avoid taking the medication if you have severe asthma or breathing problems>> Avoid taking the medication if you have any stomach or intestine problemsMethadose side effects can result in a life-threatening heart rhythm disorder, and it's necessary that you get your heart checked regularly during treatment.You must inform your doctor beforehand if you have any of the following conditions:Heart problemsLung diseaseHead injury, seizures, or a brain tumorAny mental illness or substance addictionLiver or kidney problemsUrinary issuesGallbladder or pancreatic diseasesAvoid using this medicine during pregnancy because there are chances that your baby will become dependent on the drug as well. This will be dangerous for the baby once it's born because it can experience life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, and may need medical treatment for many weeks. If you’re taking Methadose after giving birth, then you must avoid breastfeeding because the drug can pass into breast milk and cause drowsiness and breathing problems for the baby.When you receive your Methadose prescription, ensure that you follow the medication guide that comes with the drug. Avoid using Methadose for longer than necessary or taking a larger dose than prescribed. You should consult your doctor if your current dose is ineffective.Never share your painkillers with another person; your painkiller has a dosage that is specially formulated based on your current health and current condition. If you misuse Methadose, it can lead to addiction or overdose which, in extreme cases, can cause death. You should keep the medicine in a place where children cannot gain access to it easily. Selling the drug without a prescription is against the law. Ensure that you consult your doctor in case you have any questions about the medication or the dosage. This medication is available in liquid form, and to consume it orally, you have to use a marked spoon or medicine cup that comes with the bottle. Do not use a household spoon for taking the medicine because the dosage will not be correct.Methadose can cause addiction when taken for a prolonged period.  Cessation can cause withdrawal as well. If you stop using the drug suddenly, then the withdrawal symptoms can be intense, so ask your doctor to taper the dosage. This way, the withdrawal won't hit as hard.If, in any case, you miss a dose, then you will need to take it as soon as possible. Nevertheless, if you missed your dose and it's almost time for your next dose, then you can skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosage schedule. Avoid double doses. If you miss the treatment for three days in a row, then you should consult your doctor immediately because you may need to start with a low dose again.What are the consequences of a Methadose overdose?During a Methadose overdose, you should contact emergency services and poison control right away. An overdose, of any kind, can be fatal, especially if the patient is left unattended. The symptoms for overdose include the following:Slow heart rateDrowsinessMuscle weaknessClammy skinShallow breathingWhat should you avoid when using Methadose?Avoid Methadose abuse (using it for non-medical reasons), you should also avoid combining it with alcohol because this can cause dangerous side effects and can lead to death. Once the medicine begins to take effect, you should avoid operating any heavy machinery. The drug can make you tired, and operating any heavy machinery can cause accidents and serious injuries. Also, avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit products because they can cause adverse side effects.Methadose side effectsIf you begin to notice any side effects or allergic reactions when you take Methadose, like hives, difficulty in breathing, inflammation of your face, lips, throat or tongue, you should seek emergency help immediately.Side effects can include:Shallow breathingConstipationDizzinessFaintingHeart palpitationNauseaVomitingWhat are the other drugs that can negatively interact Methadose?Painkillers can react with many other drugs, and they can result in intense side effects. If these side effects are not resolved, then they can lead to death.>> Any other narcotic painkillers or cough suppressants>> Sedatives like Valium or Xanax>> Drugs that make you drowsy>> Drugs that affect the serotonin levels of your bodyYou should also inform your doctor if you are currently taking any antibiotic, antifungal, heart, blood pressure, seizure, or hepatitis C medicines. Any over-the-counter drugs and vitamins should also be mentioned when consulting your doctorWhat is Methadose addiction?Addiction does not happen suddenly. Instead, it happens gradually over time. When you're on a medication, it's vital that you update your doctor on any issues that you're facing. This way, your doctor can monitor your progress while on the dose he has given you. If you feel that your pain has not improved, then you will have to consult your doctor once again to adjust your dose. It's illegal to give your medicine to someone else. So, keep the unused medicine away from children and in a safe and secure location. If you show signs of overdose, get help as soon as possible.Patients who take Methadose have a high chance of getting addicted to the drug. The severity of the addiction depends on the dosage of the opioid. Methadose tends to create a mental and physical dependency on the drug.Because Methadose comes with a high risk of addiction, it’s classified as a schedule 2 substance in the United States. It’s categorized as a schedule 1 drug in Canada, and other countries as well. It’s illegal to use any methadone-based drugs in Russia.How long does Methadose stay in your system?Methadose takes a long time to clear your system. The way your body reacts to the drug, along with the duration of its stay in your system, depends, in part, on your physiology and medication history. It can take anywhere from 8 to 59 hours for the drug to metabolize. Urine tests can identify Methadose from 24 hours to 7 days after the last dose. Blood tests can detect Methadose for three days after the last dose.Methadose requires a prescription and you must only take the amount required. If you excede the prescribed dose, there can be big problems; people can get addicted to this drug easily, especially if there is no medical reason for them to use it anymore. An addict can experience increased dependency on the drug, and this means that their situation goes from bad to worse.What is Methadose withdrawal?Methadose is a type of methadone hydrochloride medication. When taken in moderate doses, it helps with pain and has a positive effect on the patient's well-being. However, this does not negate the fact that the drug can be addictive and dangerous when taken more than prescribed. Methadose requires medical supervision and should not be taken without a doctor's prescription.Once you know the severity of addiction and withdrawal symptoms, you will probably notice that any attempt at self-treatment is pointless. It's hard to have a level of commitment to stop the addiction by yourself, without any help or support. Substance abuse can lead to addiction which is a behavioral disorder that often requires professional help, and it's rarely something that can be cured immediately. Prescription drugs that are used for recreational purposes, more often than not, lead to addiction. When substance abuse takes over a major portion of your life, then it’s helpful to accept that you have a problem and that you need help.Common withdrawal symptoms are:>> Sedation>> Insomnia>> Vomiting>> Low blood pressure>> Swelling of the hands and feet>> Mood swingsThe symptoms of Methadose withdrawal can appear as flu-like symptoms. Withdrawal can cause emotional complications as well. During withdrawal, you will experience intense drug cravings, and this is where you will usually experience a relapse. The first step towards recovery is admitting you have a problem. From there, accepting professional therapy and medication often becomes easier, and the results can be positive as well.Many factors can lead a person into addiction. Here are some of the common risk factors for addiction:Friends or family members who have struggled with addictionAbusive or traumatizing domestic atmosphereMental health illnessesUse of alcohol or drugs at an earlier stage in lifeAddiction is not a lost cause, and just like any behavioral disease, it can be treated with the right facilities, medication, and professionals. The journey of sobriety is not comfortable, and many obstacles may come your way. Your mind might rebel through most of the detox process, and your restraint and willpower will be tested to what may feel like a breaking point. Nevertheless, once you get through the dark and tedious phases, you will most likely feel that sobering up is the best decision you've made.What is Methadose rehab, and is it useful?Once a patient has accepted that they have a problem, it is easier for them to accept help. Rehabilitation centers benefit many patients who are addicted to drugs and are trying to overcome substance abuse. To begin an effective rehab treatment, you will probably have to detox. Detoxification causes withdrawal, and the process can be brutal. If you go through detox on your own, there is a high likelihood that you will cave and relapse into addiction once again. Hence, having professional and medical help when going through detox can be important because the chances of relapse are lower.When you go for Methadose addiction treatment, the first step is creating a plan. The only way this plan can be effective is if you accept that you have a substance abuse problem. Once you do, you have to have the conviction to go through the withdrawal and recovery process. It's never too late to get help; the earlier you accept that you have an addiction problem, the better it is for you. Rehabilitation centers are one of the many options that help with addiction and mental health recovery.Rehabilitation treatment will guide you through the recovery process with the help of detoxification and therapy. They will also assist when you're going through the withdrawal process and help ensure that you don't give in to your cravings. Self-treatment is not the best course of action, especially when you're going through intense withdrawal symptoms.Listed below are three types of rehabilitation centers that are available for addiction and substance abuse treatment:Inpatient Rehab centers:Inpatient treatment involves a patient being admitted in a hospital-like scenario. Once admitted, they usually have to undergo intense therapy for a set period with 24/7 supervision. This includes medical counseling, medication, and medical assistance. This treatment will require the patient to be admitted into the center so that they can fully and safely recover.Outpatient facilities:In this treatment option, the patient can visit the center whenever they have an appointment. These facilities don't require constant supervision or guidance. They are perfect for patients that don't have a severe addiction and can survive through their daily routine without being triggered into a relapse. These sessions are done with the help of professionals, and they help ensure that you're on the right path to recovery.Residential treatment centers:These are quite similar to inpatient treatment facilities, except that they are held in a residential complex. The environment and facilities of a residential center are really different from a hospital rehab center and more like a home. The approach of such rehab centers is all-inclusive, and the patient gets to live in a secure environment that takes them from the detoxification process which is carried out under supervision and on to treatment which includes therapy and, perhaps, medication. Staff and medical professionals help you get by and encourage you to complete your journey through sobriety. A residential program provides a solid foundation for recovery for the patient and is strongly recommended for Methadose treatment. Residential treatment is the most popular treatment plan, however, this plan can be expensive. You can opt for rehab insurance policies, and they help with any expenses you may incur while receiving treatment. It's important that you find out if your treatment plan is included in the policy and if you have to pay any additional costs.How can you choose the right rehab center?Every patient is different; this means there is no specific treatment plan for everyone. You need to find a rehabilitation center that will suit your needs and enable the recovery you require. It all begins with meeting your doctor and formulating a plan. Through a well-structured plan, you can make an informed decision about the rehab center you choose.Listed below is a typical rehabilitation process from start to finish; this process is what most centers tend to follow:>> Admission into the center:This is the starting point of your journey to sobriety, and here, you will have to contact the rehab center and enroll in the facility. Treatment facilities are aware of the overwhelming thought process that patients go through when they want to admit themselves. So, they make the enrollment process as quick and comforting as possible because the last thing they want to do is overwhelm or intimidate the patient. All you have to do is contact the admission center and book your treatment.>> IntakeWhen you enter the facility for the first time, you have to go through an administrative process. Here, you will be asked basic questions about your lifestyle, and you will be searched for forbidden items like drugs, alcohol, or weapons. The intake process serves as an orientation for the new patients, and they are introduced to the facility and the staff. This process aims to make the experience as friendly and comfortable as possible.>> Assessing the patients:This is where the professionals begin interacting with the patients. Medical and clinical staff members will begin the process by interviewing you and determining if you have any specific needs during your stay at the center. During the assessment, the patient is asked about their addiction, the drug they are addicted to, the duration of the addiction, and if they suffered from any other mental health problems before and during their addiction. This step is quite important because it helps the staff to create a customized plan that is designed for you and will help you get better.>> Detox:The detoxification process enables your body to eliminate any toxins that are present because of your addiction. This process will lead to withdrawal, and as your body begins to adjust and balance itself chemically, you will feel a certain amount of discomfort and pain. The staff at the rehab center will make your detox process as comfortable as possible and help you through this tough time, the length of which will vary, but expect it to last a week or so. Once the detox is done, the patient feels better and calmer. You will be ready to heal yourself physically and mentally once your system is clean.>> Patient Care:Once the detox stage is complete, you're now ready for inpatient care. During this stage, there will be many single and group therapy sessions and services that will help you in the short and long run. In this stage, you will identify your triggers, learn how to handle them, avoid relapsing, and work toward achieving long-term sobriety.>> Aftercare services:When you leave the rehab center, you're encouraged to join the aftercare program. This is done because stepping back into the real world after an intensive rehabilitation can be quite overwhelming, and it can trigger a relapse. Aftercare services will teach you how to handle your daily routine without giving in to substance abuse.If you or anyone you know is suffering from Methadose addiction, ensure that you get help from trusted sources as soon as possible.When you spot the addiction symptoms in the early stages, you can stop it from getting worse by getting admitted to an established rehabilitation center. All centers don’t charge the same rate, and some can be more expensive than others. Some of the best rehab centers may be out of the budget for most people. Not to worry; you may be able to take out short-term loans or insurance policies that will last you through the treatment period. You should ensure that the insurance policy you choose covers the treatment plan you want.If you or anyone you know is suffering from Methadose addiction, you can always reach out for help from capable rehab centers and their teams of professionals. Family and friend support is always welcome, but professional help can aid in getting you through the problem.