Detecting signs in other people of opioid addiction can be difficult, as the symptoms may be subtle and easy to overlook. However, several behavioral signs can indicate an addiction to opioids. If you are worried that someone you know may be addicted to opioids, it is crucial to look for these signs and seek help…
Opiate addiction is a consistently growing problem in the United States. Fortunately, programs across the country provide high-quality, evidence-based treatments and guidance that can drastically improve the odds of recovery from addiction. Choosing the right opiate addiction treatment program is essential for successful recovery, so it’s important to understand the various approaches and decide which…
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid prescribed to patients experiencing intense or chronic pain. It is also used as an additive in other drugs, such as heroin, to increase their potency or to create cheaper drugs to sell. Since fentanyl is 50 to 100 times more potent than any other opioid, all it takes is…
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid similar to morphine but also 50 to 100 times more potent. Fentanyl can be habit-forming and cause severe dependence, addiction, and withdrawal symptoms much worse than nearly every other opioid drug. Fentanyl addiction can be a potentially deadly disease due to its extreme potency, which can lead to respiratory…
The Denver area is in desperate need of more drug treatment services. According to a recent report, there are only enough beds in the entire region for less than a quarter of the people who need them.1 This leaves tens of thousands of people without access to the life-saving care they need and also highlights…
Opioids are readily accessible both through prescription and on the street. Synthetic opioids manufactured for medical use, such as oxycodone and fentanyl, are often prescribed for pain, and in many cases, addiction takes root. Opiates such as heroin are sold illegally, often to people whose opioid use disorder (OUD) developed while taking pain medications their…
If you are worried about a loved one’s opioid use, you are probably wondering how you can help. It is often challenging to speak to people struggling with addiction because they may not be ready to admit they have a problem. You can do things to help, such as supporting them in finding an opioid…
Opiates have been around for millennia. The use of opium is recorded in ancient Sumeria in 5000 BCE, and despite their addictive qualities, opiates are still prescribed for pain relief. The surge in opiate and opioid use in the 1990s, resulting from the aggressive marketing of Oxycontin, sparked an opioid epidemic. Now, over 10 million…
Benzodiazepines, sometimes called “benzos” or “blues,” are prescription medications often used to treat anxiety disorders, insomnia, and seizures. They are even given to those who are going through alcohol withdrawal. While benzos are commonly prescribed for various conditions, that does not mean they are without risk. Benzodiazepines such as Valium or Xanax can be addictive,…
Detox is the first step to taking on a long journey toward recovery and sobriety. Needing help throughout this process is nothing to be ashamed of, as physical dependency and addiction have a powerful effect on a person’s mental and physical health. Those battling against substance use disorders are not villains; they are people suffering…
