Addiction causes sexual dysfunction and aggression

April 2, 2014

Addiction causes sexual dysfunction and aggression-The truth revealed

Consequences of addiction are very traumatic especially if based on sexual abuse

Sexual dysfunction is defined as a disturbance in or pain during, the sexual response. This problem is more difficult to diagnose and treat in women than it is in men because of the intricacy of the female sexual response. The Sexual Function Health Council of the American Foundation of Urologic Disease recently revised the preexisting definitions and classifications of FSD. Medical risk factors, etiologies, and psychological aspects were classified into four categories of FSD: hypoactive sexual desire, arousal, orgasmic disorders, and sexual pain disorders.

Hypoactive sexual desire is the persistent or recurrent deficiency (or absence) of sexual fantasies or thoughts and/or the lack of receptivity to sexual activity.
Sexual arousal disorder is the persistent or recurrent inability to achieve or maintain sufficient sexual excitement, expressed as a lack of excitement or a lack of genital or other somatic responses.
Orgasmic disorder is the persistent or recurrent difficulty, delay, or absence of attaining orgasm after sufficient sexual stimulation and arousal.
Sexual pain disorder includes dyspareunia (genital pain associated with sexual intercourse); vaginismus (involuntary spasm of the vaginal musculature that causes interference with vaginal penetration), and noncoital sexual pain disorder (genital pain induced by noncoital sexual stimulation).

Each of these definitions has three additional subtypes: lifelong versus acquired; generalized versus situational; and of organic, psychogenic, mixed, or unknown causative origin. For the purpose of this article we will be discoussing women generally in relation to addiction and sex

Addiction causes sexual dysfunction and aggression-Women and Sexual Addiction

Characteristics

Before we look into the problem of female sexual addiction it’s important to note that many women are not comfortable with the shame inducing label of being a female sex addict. Believe me if men are apprehensive to seek treatment because of the shame infested label, then women are twice as much less likely. Look at the expression of this woman, “Why is this called sexual addiction. I hate that label. It’s not about the sex at all. Sex is just what I have to give to be loved, touched and nurtured and the assurance that I’m okay.” Many women would like to see the label of sexual addiction changed to a more accurate phraseology such as “Intimacy Disorder”.

Now the rise of sexual addiction in women is evidenced by the following statistics from various researches:

About 9.4 million Women check out adult websites every month and some of those sites include child pornography.
The ratio of women to men in chat rooms is two to one. Women are converting these conversations into real life affairs at twice the rate of men.
About 13% of women (20% of men) admit to accessing porn while at work.

From these finding, women are catching up to men with online porn addiction. There are no signs of slowing down of the pervasiveness of the problem of women struggling with sexual addiction.

Addiction causes sexual dysfunction and aggression-Symptoms

Someone with a high sex drive is satisfied with sex. For them it’s not about getting a temporary fix or temporary relief. For someone who is addicted, immediately following a climax experience they still feel somewhat empty or somewhat depressed that it didn’t really give them what they were ultimately seeking in the first place, which are a fulfilling, completed, and a genuine intimate experience. For an addict, sex is more of a fix for something.

Let us learn from one lady (Anne) for a behavior to qualify as an addiction, the following components are essential:

Addiction causes sexual dysfunction and aggression-Uncontrolladable compulsion

Feelings of “I can’t stop. I keep doing what I don’t want to do,” pervade the mind of a sex addict. They feel powerless to stop and that it is out of their control. According to Anne, you will always hear an addict say, “I know what I’m doing is wrong; I want to stop, but I can’t.” That was certainly true for her. Raised in a pastor’s home she went to church all of her life. She knew that the multiple affairs she engaged in were wrong due to the incredible shame she felt afterwards. She wanted to stop but simply could not.

Obsessive thoughts

Hooking up with someone is all you think about. Experiencing high of skin on skin contact and the illusion that only sex can bring intimacy consume an inordinate amount of your daily thoughts. A person that is sexually addicted spends an abnormal amount of their time on either being sexual, recovering from being sexual, figuring out how to hide that they’ve been sexual, or rummaging through their mind for a plan for their next sexual encounter. As Anne puts it, “It’s like a little bird sitting on your shoulder; it’s always with you, either as guilt and shame or the planning and preparation. Some part is always with you.”

Continuance of immoral sexual behavior despite adverse consequences

Even though Anne was diagnosed with cervical cancer caused by an STD, almost died because of massive hemorrhaging from a resulting surgery, lost her first marriage because of her illicit affairs, endangered a second marriage through her continued struggle with sexual addiction, and having her two children immensely angry with her for making them a part of an addicted family she still could not stop. Even after all these destructive experiences and consequences she still felt powerless over the disease. When a person continues their destructive behavior in spite of adverse consequences, then that is a clear sign of sexual addiction.

Addiction causes sexual dysfunction and aggression-Tolerance

The ability to tolerate higher levels of something we hadn’t originally been accustomed to occur through a process called “The Law of Diminishing Returns.” When a couple first dates they may venture out and hold hands. It provides somewhat of a thrilling and satisfying experience. After a while, a person may become “ho-hum” with holding hands because it doesn’t return the same thrilling effect it once did so they up the ante and progress towards kissing. After a while, this too has its excitement wear off and behaviors such as heavy petting and eventually intercourse will occur in order to experience the initial “high” that comes with a new experience. An alcoholic experienced the same thing at some point drinking a couple bottles of beers eventually doesn’t return the same pleasure that drinking 3 used to so they have to try 6 or more.

Part of the tolerance effect is based in a purely neurochemical change in the brain. We are essentially fighting our own brain chemistry. This is what makes addicts adrenaline junkies. They are addicted to their own brain’s drugs (chemicals released) that are produced through sexual experiences. So if the high of one kind of behavior isn’t enough, then it will either take more and more of that same kind of behavior or it will take going on to other, higher risk behaviors to get the same effect. This is why some people even engage in more licentious behavior such as threesomes, orgies, and even Level II and Level III illegal behaviors.

Addiction causes sexual dysfunction and aggression-The truth revealed

Dopamine and Addiction

April 1, 2014

Dopamine and Addiction-Their roles

The brain is affected by both genes and environmental factors

Dopamine is neurotransmitter in the brain that plays vital roles in a variety of different behaviors. The major behaviors dopamine affects are movement, cognition, pleasure, and motivation. Dopamine is an essential component of the basal ganglia motor loop, as well as the neurotransmitter responsible for controlling the exchange of information from one brain area to another. However, it is the role that dopamine plays in pleasure and motivation that attracts the most neurobiologists attention.

In certain areas of the brain when dopamine is released it gives one the feeling of pleasure or satisfaction. These feelings of satisfaction become desired, and the person will grow a desire for the satisfaction. To satisfy that desire the person will repeat behaviors that cause the release of dopamine. For example food and sex release dopamine. That is why people want food even though their body does not need it and why people sometimes need sex. These two behaviors scientifically make sense since the body needs food to survive, and humans need to have sex to allow the race to survive. However, other, less natural behaviors have the same effect on one’s dopamine levels, and at times can even be more powerful. Often these behaviors can result in addiction due their effect on dopamine, and that addiction can have negative effects on a person’s well-being. Two of such behaviors are

Dopamine and Addiction-Cocaine

Cocaine is by far the more severe of the two in terms of addiction. Cocaine chemically inhibits the natural dopamine cycle. Normally, after dopamine is released, it is recycled back into a dopamine transmitting neuron. However, cocaine binds to the dopamine, and does not allow it to be recycled. Thus there is a buildup of dopamine, and it floods certain neural areas. The flood ends after about 30 minutes, and the person is left yearning to feel as he or she once did. That is how the addiction begins. With time adaptation builds up due to the fact that the person is consistently behaving in the same way that he or she had the first time. However, the individual cannot, because dopamine is also released when something pleasurable yet unexpected occurs. During the first time, the person expects the effect, thus less dopamine is released, and the experience is less satisfying. This cause explains why gambling releases dopamine.

Many studies have been done which targeted neural response to rewards. The findings were in agreement that when one performed an action repeatedly, and is given a reward randomly, the dopamine levels rises. If the reward is administered for example every four times the action was performed, the dopamine levels remained constant. Whereas when no reward is given dopamine levels dropped. These random rewards can be seen in gambling and since the outcome is based on chance, one does may not know prior if he or she will win. Therefore, if he or she wins, dopamine levels increases. However, unlike cocaine, gambling causes addiction in relatively low levels of participants. This is because Cocaine’s chemical input is much more influential on dopamine levels than gambling’s behavioral input meaning only people whose dopamine levels are low, become addicted to gambling.

Dopamine and Addiction-Variance in dopamine levels

This is may be due to genetics, environment related or a combination of factors. A study concluded that pathological gamblers most often experienced traumatizing experiences when they were younger. Since most people who became addicted to gambling have low dopamine levels, and also that same group usually has endured a traumatic experience, it was concluded the overall dopamine levels can change due to environmental factors. This supports the opinion that both the mind and the brain can change due to environmental factors.

However, another study has discovered that a gene related to dopamine is sported twice as often in pathological gamblers than non-gamblers. This view supports the observation that dopamine levels are genetic. We can therefore come up with two possible observations. Either both genetics and environmental factors effect ones brain anatomy and mind simultaneously, or that environmental factors can affect genes which in turn affect ones brain and mind.

Dopamine and Addiction-Why is risk and reward a trigger for the release of dopamine?
It’s scientifically logical that sex and food release dopamine, because they are essential for life the life of human beings. Risk and reward are not. It is believed that everything happens for a reason; meaning, there must be a scientific explanation for the increase of dopamine levels as a result of risk and reward. Let us look at it this way, that the human race is different from other species on this planet not only by its ability to reason, but also its ability to create and be innovative. Therefore nature dictates that humans be creative and innovative, and for this to happen a person should have some level of satisfaction when one accomplishes an innovation.

To accomplish an innovation one has to take risks. It is risky to try to do something that no other being on earth has ever accomplished. Therefore, there must be a reward other than material that one gets when he or she accomplishes the innovation, otherwise that person would not take the risk. The reward here is the release of dopamine and the feeling of satisfaction. The problem with this process is that not only can one be satisfied after a major risk and accomplishment, but that one can also be satisfied through constant minute risks and accomplishments. Gambling is an example of this.

The feeling of satisfaction that dopamine exhibits are so strong that one can often lose his or her ability to reason in order to achieve satisfaction. It is then the unconscious that takes over and begins to make certain decisions. The brain develops neural circuits that unconsciously assess reward. Since dopamine plays an active role in these circuits, people will act in what they think is in their best interest, when in fact the only interest it satisfies is the release of dopamine. This can be exemplified in gambling where one insists on gambling even though he or she knows that the odds are against them.

This is the case in all casino games, where the games are structured for the house to win. Probability and reason no longer are the most important factors in decision making. The unconscious need for the release of dopamine becomes most important. This supports the observation that the unconscious plays a vital role in decision making.

From this article of dopamine and addiction we can make some fair general observations about the brain that:

Both a chemical (cocaine) and a behavior (gambling) can have the same effect on the brain.
The brain is affected by both genes and environmental factors, and that most likely the environmental factors affect genes which affect the brain.
Dopamine makes humans take risks so that they may achieve greater innovations.
Through gambling the unconscious is constantly making important decisions.

Dopamine and Addiction-Their roles

Opioid abuse and its effects to the brain reward system

March 19, 2014

Opioid abuse and its effects to the brain reward system-How does the reward center in the brain work?

The brain is the life controller and must not be affected by opioid addiction or abuse

Life is the most precious and price less gift humanity has. This is only useful and meaning full with proper functioning brain. We all understand that the brain is certainly a busy little organ yet it is on duty tirelessly for life without taking any vacation, the moment it possess for whatever reason life ends or serenity is rearranged. Despite it busy roles in driving the body; it knows fun and pleasure when it sees it. When an external stimulus, such as a particular food or a potential mate, has been encountered and deemed a pleasurable sensation, the cerebral cortex signals the ventral tegmental area of the brain to release the chemical dopamine into the amygdala, the prefrontal cortex and the nucleus acumens. These latter regions of the brain make up the reward system. These areas work in conjunction to deliver a sense of pleasure and focus the attention of the individual so that he or she learns to repeat the behavior once more. Researchers theorize that this is how behaviors necessary for survival, such as reproduction and eating, are learned.

Interestingly, the reward center doesn’t kick into gear only when we eat something delicious or meet a potential new love interest. It turns out that generosity can be quite a kick too! MRI studies have revealed that when we perform an act of kindness, the brain’s reward center is aroused and we experience feelings of pleasure. The brain is flooded with happiness-inducing dopamine whenever we give a homeless person some money or help out someone in need. A study conducted in 2008 confirmed the belief that spending money on other people can result in elevated feelings of happiness for the giver.

It might not be all fun and games for the reward center, however, a recent study came to a startling conclusion that the brain’s reward center responds to bad experiences as well as good. Doing something scary or even merely thinking about it can trigger a release of dopamine. In essence, dopamine isn’t just triggered by fun and pleasurable events. Negative things can do the trick too.

Opioid abuse and its effects to the brain reward system-Reward pathway

The most important reward pathway in brain is the mesolimbic dopamine system. This circuit (VTA-NAc) is a key detector of a rewarding stimulus. Under normal conditions, the circuit controls an individual’s responses to natural rewards, such as food, sex, and social interactions, and is therefore an important determinant of motivation and incentive drive. In simplistic terms, activation of the pathway tells the individual to repeat what it just did to get that reward. It also tells the memory centers in the brain to pay particular attention to all features of that rewarding experience, so it can be repeated in the future. Not surprisingly, it is a very old pathway from an evolutionary point of view. The use of dopamine neurons to mediate behavioral responses to natural rewards is seen in worms and flies, which evolved 1-2 billion years ago.

The VTA-NAc pathway is part of a series of parallel, integrated circuits, which involve several other key brain regions.

The VTA is the site of dopaminergic neurons, which tell the organism whether an environmental stimulus (natural reward, drug of abuse, stress) is rewarding or aversive.

The NAc, also called ventral striatum, is a principle target of VTA dopamine neurons. This region mediates the rewarding effects of natural rewards and drugs of abuse.

The amygdala is particularly important for conditioned forms of learning. It helps an organism establish associations between environmental cues and whether or not that particular experience was rewarding or aversive, for example, remembering what accompanied finding food or fleeing a predator. It also interacts with the VTA-NAc pathway to determine the rewarding or aversive value of an environmental stimulus (natural reward, drug of abuse, stress).

The hippocampus is critical for declarative memory, the memory of persons, places, or things. Along with the amygdala, it establishes memories of drug experiences which are important mediators of relapse.

The hypothalamus is important for coordinating an individual’s interest in rewards with the body’s physiological state. This region integrates brain function with the physiological needs of the organism.

Probably the most important, but least understood, are frontal regions of cerebral cortex, such as medial prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, and orbitofrontal cortex, which provide executive control over choices made in the environment (for example, whether to seek a reward).

The locus coeruleus is the primary site of noradrenergic neurons in the brain, which pervasively modulate brain function to regulate the state of activation and mood of the organism.

The dorsal raphe is the primary site of serotonergic neurons in the brain, which, like noradrenergic neurons, pervasively modulate brain function to regulate the state of activation and mood of the organism.

Of course, these various brain regions, and many more, do not function separately. Rather, they function in a highly inter-related manner and mediate an individual’s responses to a range of environmental stimuli.

Opioid abuse and its effects to the brain reward system-What are opioids?

Opioids are medications that relieve pain. They reduce the intensity of pain signals reaching the brain and affect those brain areas controlling emotion, which diminishes the effects of a painful stimulus. Medications that fall within this class include hydrocodone (e.g., Vicodin), oxycodone (e.g., OxyContin, Percocet), morphine (e.g., Kadian, Avinza), codeine, and related drugs. Hydrocodone products are the most commonly prescribed for a variety of painful conditions, including dental and injury-related pain. Morphine is often used before and after surgical procedures to alleviate severe pain. Codeine, on the other hand, is often prescribed for mild pain.

Symptoms of opioid abuse can be categorized by physical state.

Opioid abuse and its effects to the brain reward system-Intoxication state

Patients with opioid use disorders frequently relapse and present with intoxication. Symptoms vary according to level of intoxication. For mild to moderate intoxication, individuals may present with drowsiness, pupillary constriction, and slurred speech. For severe overdose, patients may experience respiratory depression, stupor, and coma. A severe overdose may be fatal.

Opioid abuse and its effects to the brain reward system-Withdrawal state

Symptoms of withdrawal include the following:

Autonomic symptoms – diarrhea, rhinorrhea, diaphoresis, lacrimation, shivering, nausea, emesis, piloerection
Central nervous system arousal – sleeplessness, restlessness, tremors
Pain – abdominal cramping, bone pains, and diffuse muscle aching
Craving – for the medication

Opioid abuse and its effects to the brain reward system-How does the reward center in the brain work?

The source of death in Cocaine and Heroin

March 17, 2014

The source of death in Cocaine and Heroin-Drug Scourge

There is evidence of heroin and cocaine deaths in male than female according to studies conducted

The society and the world over are weeping in great anguish of endless death thanks to the renewed vigor in drug usage. You take a walk in the streets and parks of our beautiful nations and you are saddened with what you see, young and old together drinking and smoking publicly and secretly. Our governments have legalized the use of some of these drugs and are making millions and millions of money inform of taxes all in the name of revenue for development, security and wellbeing of its citizens.

When you take a keen observation on majority of illness keeping patients in hospitals for weeks, months and even years are 90 percent related to the drug consumption. It does not matter the intensity of the consumption, whether one is an addict or not the common denominator is that both are using drugs. Legal or illegal, cheap or expensive whatever the adjective you choose to describe the noun drug we have patients in hospitals, at homes and learning institutions suffering from different illnesses associated with drug use.

Researches are working round the clock trying to find remedies for drug related problems and the authorities/governments are spending a big percentage of the revenue they collect from firms associated with drugs in treatment research and creating awareness of what they themselves are promoting in some way. Anyway there are numerous types of drugs being abused today and it is all important that we talk about them openly and without any shame. I beseech all of us to face the society with the real truth about the abuse of drugs but for the purpose of this article I want to zero in to two killer drugs in our society (especially in Europe) today that is Cocaine and Heroin.

The source of death in Cocaine and Heroin-Drug induced deaths

Much as there are many unreported cases, the number of reported drug-induced deaths today can be influenced by the prevalence and patterns of drug use (injection, polydrug use), the age and the co-morbidities of drug users, and the availability of treatment and emergency services, as well as by the quality of data collection and reporting. Improvements in the reliability of European data have allowed better descriptions of trends, and most countries have now adopted a case definition endorsed by the EMCDDA. Nevertheless, caution must be exercised when comparing countries because there are still differences in reporting methodology and data sources. But the common denominator is that drug induced deaths are skyrocketing.

The source of death in Cocaine and Heroin-Opioids

Opioids, mainly heroin or its metabolites, are present in the majority of drug-induced deaths reported in Europe. In the 22 countries providing data for 2008 or 2009, opioids accounted for the large majority of all cases: over 90 % in five countries, and between 80 % and 90 % in a further 12. Substances often found in addition to heroin include alcohol, benzodiazepines, other opioids and, in some countries, cocaine.

This suggests that a substantial proportion of all drug-induced fatalities occur in a context of polydrug use, as illustrated by a review of toxicology of drug-related deaths in Scotland in 2000-07. It showed that the presence of heroin and alcohol were positively associated, particularly among older males. Among men whose deaths were related to heroin, alcohol was present in 53 % of those aged 35 and more, compared to 36 % in cases under 35.

Men account for most overdose deaths reported in Europe at 81 %. Overall, there are around four males for each female case (with the ratio ranging from 1.4:1 in Poland to 31:1 in Romania). In the Member States that joined the EU more recently, reported drug-induced deaths are more likely in males and in younger people compared to the pre-2004 Member States and Norway. Patterns differ across Europe, with higher proportions of males reported in southern countries. Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden and Norway report higher proportions of older cases. In the majority of countries, the average age of those dying of heroin overdoses is in the mid-thirties, and in many countries it is increasing.

A number of factors are associated with fatal and non-fatal heroin overdoses. These include injection and simultaneous use of other substances, in particular alcohol, benzodiazepines and some antidepressants. Other factors linked with overdoses are binge drug use, co-morbidity, homelessness, poor mental health (e.g. depression and intentional poisoning), not being in drug treatment, previous experience of overdose, and being alone at the time of overdose. The time immediately after release from prison or discharge from drug treatment is a particularly risky period for overdoses, as illustrated by a number of longitudinal studies.

The source of death in Cocaine and Heroin-Trends in drug-induced deaths

Drug-induced deaths increased sharply in Europe during the 1980s and early 1990s, paralleling the increase in heroin use and drug injection, and thereafter remained at high levels. Between 2000 and 2003, most EU Member States reported a decrease, followed by a subsequent increase from 2003 until 2008. Preliminary data available for 2009 suggest an overall figure equal to or slightly below that for 2008. Where a comparison is possible, the numbers of deaths reported have decreased in some of the largest countries, including Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom.

The reasons for the sustained or increasing numbers of reported drug-induced deaths in some countries are difficult to explain, especially given the indications of decreases in injecting drug use and increases in the numbers of opioid users in contact with treatment and harm-reduction services. Possible explanations include: increased levels of polydrug use or high-risk behavior; increases in the numbers of relapsing opioid users leaving prison or treatment; and an ageing cohort of more vulnerable drug users.

The source of death in Cocaine and Heroin-Overall mortality related to drug use

Overall mortality related to drug use comprises drug-induced deaths and those caused indirectly through the use of drugs, such as through the transmission of infectious diseases, cardiovascular problems and accidents. Deaths indirectly related to drug use are difficult to quantify, but their impact on public health can be considerable. Such deaths are mainly concentrated among problem drug users, although some (e.g. traffic accidents) occur among occasional users.

Estimates of overall drug-related mortality can be derived in various ways, for example by combining information from mortality cohort studies with estimates of drug use prevalence. Another approach is to use existing general mortality statistics and estimate the proportion related to drug use.

The source of death in Cocaine and Heroin-Drug Scourge

Buprenorphine for the treatment of addiction

March 15, 2014

Buprenorphine for the treatment of addiction-Is it the best

If you are suffering from addiction seek treatment but remember Buprenorphine may not be a better option.

Buprenorphine is used to help you keep off street drugs such as heroin. It can prevent or reduce the unpleasant withdrawal symptoms when you stop using such drugs. It is a medicine that is similar to heroin and works as a replacement treatment. Many people choose to stay on buprenorphine long-term, although some people gradually reduce their dose and come off it.

The effects of buprenorphine last longer than heroin so it is usually prescribed as a once-daily dose. To begin with, you will usually be asked to take it under the supervision of the pharmacist who dispenses the buprenorphine to you. This means there can be no doubt about how much buprenorphine you take at each dose. This supervision may be relaxed after a few months of your taking a regular maintenance dose.

Buprenorphine is also available combined with another medicine called naloxone (the tablet brand name is Suboxone). Naloxone blocks the action of buprenorphine and the effect of the combination is that, if you are tempted to crush the tablet and try to inject it, you will start to get withdrawal effects.

Buprenorphine for the treatment of addiction-Can buprenorphine cause problems?

As with all medications, Buprenorphine (Suboxone) drug treatment also has some disadvantages. It is still a medication and if you prefer to break free from any kind of addiction immediately, then Buprenorphine may not be the way to go. Also, you may not be completely Buprenorphine-free by the time you leave drug treatment, even if you opt for an inpatient drug rehab program.

Some may consider these disadvantages while others consider them well worth the advantage of avoiding opiate withdrawal symptoms. Also, some initial studies on long-term use of Buprenorphine suggest that there are anti-depressant effects of the drug as well. The dosing schedule is also relatively easy to maintain as most don’t even have to take it every day. Additionally, you can’t abuse Suboxone, get high off of it or overdose on it like you can with some other opiate addiction maintenance or detox drugs, like methadone. Much as this may offer treatment for addiction, it is in itself addiction and should not be encouraged. Its demerits far much out ways the merits just have a look at the conditions lined below before and during its usage.

Buprenorphine for the treatment of addiction-Before taking buprenorphine

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking buprenorphine it is important that your doctor knows:

If you have liver or kidney problems.
If you have prostate problems or any difficulties passing urine.
If you have any breathing problems, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
If you have been told you have low blood pressure.
If you have any problems with your thyroid or adrenal glands.
If you have epilepsy.
If you have a problem with your bile duct.
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
If you have been constipated for more than a week or have an inflammatory bowel problem.
If you have a condition causing muscle weakness, called myasthenia gravis.
If you have recently had a severe head injury.
If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
If you are taking any other street drugs or medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, such as herbal and complementary medicines.

Buprenorphine for the treatment of addiction-Getting the most from your treatment

Some people feel uncomfortable during the first 2 to 3 days of taking buprenorphine. Do not be tempted to take heroin on top, and do not take more than the dose your doctor has prescribed for you.
It is important that you keep your regular appointments with your doctor or clinic so your progress can be reviewed. You will be asked to give a urine sample from time to time.
Buprenorphine cannot be supplied to you without a prescription. You will not be able to ask for any changes to be made to your supply, as your pharmacist can only dispense the prescription exactly as your doctor has directed.
There are several different brands and strengths of buprenorphine tablets, so each time you collect a supply, check to make sure it contains what you are expecting.
You are more likely to succeed in staying off heroin if you have support and counseling in addition to taking buprenorphine. Local drug community teams, self-help groups and other agencies may be of help. It is much harder to ‘do it alone’, so go for counseling and help if it is available in your area.
You should not take any street drugs or drink too much alcohol while you are on buprenorphine. This is because other street drugs such as benzodiazepines (benzos) and alcohol can affect buprenorphine and increase the chance of unwanted effects.
You should tell the DVLA that you are taking buprenorphine if you are a driver. You are likely to be banned from driving at first, although you may be allowed to drive again later, subject to an annual medical review. Your doctor will tell you when you can resume driving.
Do not stop taking buprenorphine without discussing this with your doctor or drug-team worker first. It is important that buprenorphine should be taken regularly to reduce the risk of withdrawal symptoms occurring. When you are ready to consider becoming drug-free, your doctor or drug-team worker will be able to help you decide on the best way to do this in order to keep withdrawal effects to a minimum.
If you are planning any trip abroad, you should carry a letter with you from your doctor to explain that you have been prescribed buprenorphine. This is because buprenorphine is classed as a ‘controlled drug’ and is subject to certain restrictions.
If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are suitable for you to take with buprenorphine. Many other medicines have similar side-effects to buprenorphine and taking them together will increase the risk of unwanted effects.
If you are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking buprenorphine.

So many side effects and so many conditions attached making buprenorphine not to be right for addiction treatment not now and certainly not ever.

Buprenorphine for the treatment of addiction-Is it the best

Category Archives: Men’s Health