Tag Archives: Opioid dependence

Buprenorphine and opioids

October 2, 2014

Buprenorphine as Opioid Receptor Antagonist

buprenorphineBuprenorphine is a semi-synthetic opioid derived from thebaine. It is a pain killer and has gained a great deal of notoriety for its ability to interrupt severe opiate addiction, including heroin and methadone addictions. It got approved in 2002 by the FDA for use as an opiate addiction treatment. Dependence on pain drugs is common but very dangerous and that is why buprenorphine is of importance in fighting opioid independence.

Today, buprenorphine is being used in office based treatment of opioid dependent patients. Buprenorphine is a partial mu-opioid receptor agonist. Several clinical studies indicate buprenorphine is effective in managing opioid addiction and dependence. In all of the clinical tests Buprenorphine was found to be more effective than placebo for managing opioid addiction. However, it may not be superior to methadone incase high doses are needed. It is comparable to lower doses of methadone, however. When using buprenorphine, there are critical phases that must be followed. These phases include; include induction, stabilization, and maintenance. Experts advise that Buprenorphine therapy should be initiated at the onset of withdrawal symptoms and adjusted to address withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Advantages of buprenorphine include low abuse potential and high availability for office use. Disadvantages include high cost and possible lack of effectiveness in patients who require high methadone doses. Most family physicians are required to complete eight hours of training before they can prescribe buprenorphine for opioid addiction. Let’s get all the detailed facts here.

It is estimated that 898,000 adults in the United States are opioid dependent. Treating opioid dependence as a chronic disorder improves outcomes and opioid maintenance is the most effective way to decrease illicit use in patients who are addicted to opioids. Without opioid maintenance, it will be easy for any user of opiates for pain to be an addict of the same therefore various strategies must be put in place to exercise opioid maintenance for the safety of the patients. Over the past years Methadone has been the treatment of choice in the United States; however, methadone maintenance programs typically have stringent entrance criteria, long waiting lists, and primarily are located in urban areas. It has been verified that only 14 percent of patients who are addicted to opioids are treated in traditional methadone clinics. Research from the 1970s demonstrated that the analgesic buprenorphine (Subutex), a partial mu-opioid receptor agonist, may effectively treat patients with heroin addiction.

In the Drug Addiction Treatment Act of 2000 physicians are authorized to provide office-based treatment for opioid addiction. Through this act physicians are allowed to prescribe Schedule III, IV, or V “narcotic” medications that are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for patients with narcotic-use disorders. In 2002, buprenorphine and combination buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) was approved by the FDA to manage opioid dependence .It is therefore a legally usable drug that is available in health centers and clinics.

How to use

As stated earlier the Management of opioid addiction with buprenorphine can be divided into three phases: induction, stabilization, and maintenance. The induction phase includes the initial transition from illicit opioid use to buprenorphine and typically lasts three to seven days. Patient education is important during this phase and should emphasize the risk of precipitating withdrawal if buprenorphine is initiated too soon after opioid use. Generally, buprenorphine should be initiated 12 to 24 hours after short-acting opioid use and 24 to 48 hours after long-acting opioid use. It is preferable for most patients to use combination of buprenorphine/naloxone tablets.  It is however advised that pregnant women who are to use buprenorphine and some patients using long-acting opioids such as methadone should use the buprenorphine-only formulation. For those who are on long- acting opioid use, the methadone dose should be less than 30 mg and the patient should switch to the combination tablet after several days.

When the patient has shown opioid withdrawal symptoms, the initial doses should be administered under physician observation (4/1 mg buprenorphine/naloxone or 2 mg buprenorphine if the patient is dependent on a long-acting opioid). It is important for the physician to monitor the patient for precipitated withdrawal and excessive side effects like sedation). If the patient continues to exhibit signs of opioid withdrawal after two hours, another 4/1 mg dose of buprenorphine/naloxone should be administered. Patients who are dependent on long-acting opioids should receive 2 mg buprenorphine every one to two hours. The maximum recommended first-day dosage of buprenorphine is 8 to 12 mg. If the patient continues to show signs of withdrawal, the physician may administer adjunctive nonopioid and symptomatic treatments to help the situation.

Difference between methadone and morphine

There are some differences between methadone and morphine. Some of the differences lie in their costs and uses. Here are some of the differences.

Methadone is much cheaper as compared to morphine. For this reason many physicians favor methadone. Methadone also lasts longer than morphine- it lasts ten times longer than morphine. Methadone also lasts longer than morphine in the body. It takes 24 hours while morphine takes only 2-3 hours only in the body. However methadone should not be used for slight pain despite its availability and cheaper cost.

Another difference is that methadone is excreted through urine while morphine is excreted through the liver and bile ducts before its exit in the urine.

 

BuprenorphineThese drugs are also used in different situations. Methadone is mostly used after unsuccessful use of morphine or when the patient has a history of drug abuse. If tis patient is morphine it may lead to relapse hence methadone is considered safer than morphine. Morphine is addictive while methadone is not addictive.

Here at AWAREmed we are dedicated to finding the best solutions to chronic illnesses and that is why Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) is always in the forefront advocating for integrative medicine since it is only through integrative medicine that a person can be healed wholly. Do not hesitate to call on her for help in managing any sort of chronic pain as well as other diseases.

 

Buprenorphine as Opioid Receptor Antagonist

 

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Asthma and Smoking

July 18, 2014

Asthma and Smoking – Drug Addiction

Smoking

It is never fan smoking your life into destruction. cigarette smoking has no place in human life

Have you ever heard someone speak about smoking in total praise of good result they get from smoking? When you listen to cigarette being marketed through the media do they scare you with their remarks of dangers of smoking? Do the cigarette packets communicate good nutrition to you? Will you be healthy after smoking? Get the answers to these questions for yourself and follow me on this article and I believe that together we can be of help to many people addicted to cigarette smoking. I want to believe that this is not the first time you are hearing of poor relationship between asthma and cigarette smoking. You may not have appreciated that abstinence or quitting smoking when diagnose with asthma is the most important way you can take to protecting your lungs, facilitating treatment and preventing of asthma symptoms. To be honest with you if you’re suffering from asthma yet you’re still smoking you are doing your health a lot of injustice.

Reasons for Quitting Smoking

I am persuaded that you have heard the effects of smoking to you or to individuals diagnosed with asthma and to the general health of smokers and to those around them. It is a pity that some of our actions make us cause injuries to the innocent people around us. It is because of the great dangers and our desire to help you get the best life can offer that I write passionately about addiction and possible solutions. If you are smoking or you know of a friend or somebody smoking you can be of help to them by sharing this link to them so that they can get the following tips to help them enjoy the benefits of quitting smoking which include the following:

  • Because of reduced health risks your life will be prolonged.
  • Attainment of good health; Smoking is associated with several increase of health risk like lung cancer, throat cancer, a lung disease called emphysema (also known as COPD), heart disease, high blood pressure, ulcers, gum disease quitting reduces these risks significantly.
  • Feeling healthier; quitting smoking will reduce and eventually eliminates coughing, poor athletic ability, and sore throats.
  • Good looking appearance; smoking can cause face wrinkles, stained teeth, and dull skin which will go away by quitting smoking?
  • Improve your sense of taste and smell
  • You will be saving money by quitting since you will no longer spend on cigarette.

Possibilities of Quitting Smoking

Cigarette smoking is an addiction that is not east to recover from, because of this it becomes a problem since there is not particular formula applicable in quitting smoking particularly to those suffering from asthma however a smoking cessation program may be helpful with the help of your doctor taking you through smoking cessation programs in your community. Before you choose to quit all at once (“cold turkey”) it is important that you set a plan which will help progress. The plan may incorporate the following:

  • Settle on a date to stop smoking, and work toward achieving it.
  • Document when and why you smoke this is helpful in identification of some of your triggers.
  • Have in record what you do when smoking and try doing the opposite like smoking at different times and different places to break the connections between your smoking habit and certain activities.
  • List down all your reasons for quitting and memorize them before and after you quit.
  • Engage in positive activities to take the place of smoking.
  • Always consult your doctor concerning using nicotine replacement products such as gum, lozenges, and patches. Some people find these aids very helpful.

Asthma and Smoking – Quitting Time

On your choice day of quitting, begin that morning without a cigarette. Then follow the following tips:

  • Never concentrate on what you are longing for instead think about what you are gaining.
  • Encourage yourself that you are a great person for quitting.
  • When you are tempted to smoke take a deep breath and hold it for about 10 seconds and then release it slowly.
  • Disengage from activities that were connected to smoking like taking a walk or read a book instead of taking a cigarette break.
  • Don’t carry a lighter, matches, or cigarettes.
  • Go to places that don’t allow smoking, such as museums and libraries.
  • Eat low-calorie, healthful foods when the urge to smoke strikes. Carrot and celery sticks, fresh fruits, and fat-free snacks are good choices. Avoid sugary or spicy foods that may lead to cigarette craving.
  • Drink a lot of fluids. Avoid alcoholic drinks. They can make you want to smoke. Select water, herbal teas, caffeine-free soft drinks, and juices.
  • Exercise. It will help you to relax.
  • Hang out with non-smokers.
  • Seek support for quitting. Tell others about your milestones with pride.
Benefits of Quitting Smoking
  • After twenty minutes stopping smoking: Your blood pressure and pulse rate begin to decrease. Circulation and the temperature of your hands and feet begin to increase.
  • After twelve hours of not smoking: The carbon monoxide level in your blood returns to normal.
  • After two weeks to three months of not smoking: Your chance of heart attack decreases and your lungs function better
  • After one to nine months of not smoking: Coughing and shortness of breath decrease
  • After one year of not smoking: Your risk of heart disease decreases to half that of a smoker’s risk
  • After five to fifteen years of not smoking: Your risk of getting mouth, throat, or esophagus cancer drops to half that of a smoker.
  • After ten years of quitting smoking: Your risk of dying from lung cancer drops to almost half that of a smoker and your risk of other cancers, such as cancer of the bladder, larynx, kidney, and pancreas decreases
  • After fifteen years of quitting smoking: Your risk of heart disease decreases to that of a nonsmoker.

It is important noting that the temptation of smoking again (relapse) will always come. If they do be encouraged that you are not alone many people who have successfully quitted relapsed three times before the success. It is because of these challenges that you will need to be in constant touch with addiction professionals all the way and therefore being at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under Doctor Akoury’s care you will be professionally assisted overcome all your challenges by focusing on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE. This way you will live a health life free from all elements of addiction.

Asthma and Smoking – Drug Addiction

 

 

 

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Opioid Epidemic: Veterans Remain At High Risk

July 17, 2014

Stay Away From Opioids, They Are Addictive!

OpioidsOpioid addiction is an ugly state, as we have always written about in this blog. Over the years, we have heard of celebrities who have succumbed to opioid addictions and we wonder, where is the problem? Addiction is a gradual process, and so are its effects in the body. Let’s discuss this topic in this post.

What are opioids?

These are drugs that are known to be relievers of pain. They work by lowering the number of pain signals your body sends to your brain and also changing how your brain responds to these pains. There drugs normally they are safe, but when they are misused they are very addictive.

What is Opioid addiction?

This refers to the pleasurable desire created in your body by the misuse of opioids which makes you want to use them every time.

Which are the examples of these opioid drugs?

The opioid drugs include:- opium, fentanyl, codeine, heroine, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, methadone, oxycodone, tramadol paregoric just to mention a few.

What is opioid drug tolerance?

Tolerance to drug refers to when your body over time gets used to the effects of the drug. When this happens, you may have to take a higher drug to attain the effect you used to attain before. When you use opioids for a long time, especially when abused, a time will be reached when your body gets used to the drug and it cannot have any reasonable effect to your body. If this becomes the case, if you want to use opioids to cure pains, it won’t be possible.

What about opioid dependence?

This refers to a point reached when the person has used a drug for a long time, such that his/her body works changes because they have taken drugs. Withdrawal effects are a common thing in this case, and the victim cannot stop taking the drug. The withdrawal effects prevent the person from stopping taking the drugs and therefore in everyday life, the person will need to take these drugs for survival.

How to spot addiction?

  • Craving for drug is a common way of knowing that you are addicted to a drug. In this case, you will feel like you cannot control your urge for the drug. The opioid addicted person will every minute want to take the drug not as a matter of choice but forced by the body urges.
  • If you find that you keep using the drug every without doctor’s prescription, even if the drugs are causing harmful effect on you, you may be addicted. This taking of drugs in most cases will not be a personal choice but you just find yourself taking them.
  • An increased tolerance for the drug is normally an indicator that the drug has gotten used to your body and consequently resulting to addiction. For instance, if the opioid addict has some pain and takes the drug that used to previously help in similar situation, It may not have any significant impact. This will require usage of a more powerful drug than the one the person used to previously take.
  • If you find that you are spending excess in terms of time and money on drugs, this could be an indicator of addiction. Since the addicted person will not be able to do without the drugs, it is common that the person will be a regular visitor to the drug dealers to purchase the drug every now and then. This will translate to the person spending too much money and time to acquire the drugs.
  • Addiction to opioids is also known to cause excess weight gain or weight loss. If you find that you are gaining weight or losing weight abruptly and you healthy status is good, then the reason could be that you have been addicted in opioids.
  • Another indicator of addiction in opioid that we cannot overlook is the act of turning to crime to pay for more opiates. This is a common case in places where people are not economically developed. This person will need money to purchase the drugs but since the money is not there, the person may end up in criminal activities while sourcing money for the purchases of the drugs. This will commonly result in pretty crime activities.

How is opioid addiction treated?

The treatment of opioid addiction is never an easy task, since opioid addiction is a complex disease which has physical, mental, social and emotional factors associated. For any successful treatment therefore, all these factors must be addressed. This treatment may be administered as outpatient program but in some cases in patient is the only option. This is normally the cases when it has caused mental problems to the addict.

opioids

The following are some of the key treatment methods:-

  • Detoxification – this is often the first attempt at treatment. This involves supervised withdrawal from the drugs. This is normally supported with medication to help the patient withstand the withdrawal effects.
  • Medication – here the addicts are sometimes introduced to milder opioids, whose quantities are drastically reduced during the medication period. This is normally helpful in helping the addict slowly withdraw from the drug usage.
  • Treatment facilities – this is a method of treatment in which the patient may be referred to a self-help group which helps the person in the recovery time.
  • Therapies – these are therapies which may be prescribed to the patient. This could be an activity like exercise. This will help the patient emotionally by not thinking about the drug every time.

So now we have seen all the consequences and solutions of opioid addiction. Are you ready to recovery from this addiction? All you need is to call or visit AWAREmed and you will be helped out by highly experienced professionals.

Stay Away From Opioids, They Are Addictive!

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Beating Addiction Naturally

July 5, 2014

Natural Ways to Beat Addiction

Natural addiction recoveryDetoxifying the body is usually the first step of recovering from addiction but this is just a small part of how such addicts can manage sobriety for a long time if not for life. Patients can get both traditional and western therapies as part of treatment for their addiction. Natural therapies like acupuncture, hypnosis, yoga and guided meditation can help in addressing the whole body difficulties of addiction. Mind, body and spirit are all connected to addiction recovery considering the immense positive response to natural therapies of some patients. These natural therapies needs to start with the mind, body and the spirit where addicts will be taught natural ways to control their own health and they will also be taught how to focus on their habits in a natural way.

The said physical treatment will offer the affected people an opening to direct their feelings connected with addictions. Almost all addictions can be treated naturally but most people are oblivious to these facts. However, the common human being will try and approach it in different ways. Take for example the case of opiate addiction or addiction to pain killers. Many people believe that it is almost impossible to get rid of this addiction but this should not be hard if you are in the right path and know what you are doing.

Regrettably, most people don’t usually know about all these alternatives when trying to detox for these drugs or tablets. Treatment of addiction to pain killers can be done in three phases which is commonly known as detox (PAWS) post-acute withdrawal syndrome and recovery. For pain killer addiction natural therapy detox, ordinary wisdom says one has 6 choices (medicated home detox, cold turkey detox, rehab, in patient detox, ultra rapid detox and opiate replacement detox). Take an example of cold turkey therapy where the addict unexpectedly or suddenly stops all the opiates. These detox is mostly done at home devoid of medical involvement or drug prescription.

addictionPatients who opt for cold turkey detox usually do so because they have no choice mostly because they will either have no money to buy the opiates, luck the opiates or both. This is mostly because they don’t have other options due to lack of money to buy the opiates. The detox is easy and quite comfortable because it will only last for about a week. This detox is usually not recommended because it is difficult and does not work long term, the relapse rate with this method is very high to consider it a practical method.

However since statistics show that many people will not complete home detox and even if they do a big percentage will relapse. Below are some of the proven ways that have worked overtime.

  • Acupuncture: this will help manage the addiction behavior by arousing the brain and it will also help overcome cravings and unnecessary urges. Acupuncture has also been proven to help patients stay in addiction treatment for a longer time than those who don’t embrace it as a way of treatment.
  • Exercise: This therapy is another way of teaching addicts to control their unhealthy cravings to a great health. Exercise has also been known to aid in the management of stress and even weight that is always gained after quitting various addictions like hard drugs or even smoking. It has even gone further to make them feel confident of themselves.
  • Hypnosis: this will help patients reject or eliminate the behavior and will adopt a new way of thinking about their addiction.

natural addiction recoveryAll these channels when applied should be used alongside other remedies but not as an only way of intrusion. These remedies should be considered by patients as another potential means to address their infirmity. A combination of intrusions will give the best results when it comes to combating addictions.

Get Expert Help from New Frontiers in Medicine Academy

If you are suffering from addiction or need to train in addiction treatment and recovery, then we invite you to obtain expert help from tested and trusted professionals at the new Frontier Medicine Academy. You will get treatment from experts and also get expert training on all the aspects of addiction including the genetics and epigenetics of addiction.

 

Natural Ways to Beat Addiction

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Heroin Addiction

June 13, 2014

Heroin Addiction-The hard facts about Heroin

Heroin

Heroin is an addictive drug and has great negative effects on human life

One of the most addictive substances in our streets today is heroin it’s appropriate to make emphasis that is an extremely addictive opioid synthesized from the opium poppy, morphine. It is currently categorized with other narcotics under the Schedules I and IV of the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs and internationally UN estimates that there are over 50 million regular heroin users today thereby confirming its extreme addictiveness throughout the globe. Because of this addictive nature heroin addicts normally register an intense rush on the first use of the drug and after the rush the can describe the feelings of euphoria, ambition, drowsiness, relaxation and nervousness.

Nevertheless the short-term effects will come down after the initial use. There are three major ways of intake of heroin, it can be injected, smoked or snorted irrespective of the method used when used in greater units to reach the desired limit/high and users begin to develop tolerance to heroin then addiction takes place. Long-term effects of heroin include:

  • Substance addiction
  • Collapsed veins
  • Heart infection
  • Pneumonia
  • Decreased liver function
  • Systemic abscesses.

These effects can result to an opioid withdrawal syndrome can begin within 6 to 24 hours of discontinued drug use.

Heroin Addiction-Psychological symptoms

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Lack of motivation
  • Decreased libido

Physical withdrawal symptoms are numerous and can be extremely dangerous.

Heroin Addiction-Physical withdrawal symptoms

  • Vomiting
  • Fever
  • Insomnia
  • Severe muscle and bone aches
  • Diarrhea

In order to minimize heroin withdrawal symptoms, some addicts look to methadone treatment. Methadone is a synthetic opioid used for moderate to severe pain management. It is also used to appease physical heroin withdrawal symptoms and its maintenance stops the rapid cycling between intoxication and withdrawal. However methadone itself can be addictive and its use for treatment can only be recommended to people who have tried to detox numerous times from heroin with little success. It is important that during methadone maintenance the patient should be under observation by a medical professional to reduce the risks of further addiction.

After a medically monitored detoxification, people who are addicted to heroin can seek treatment. A heroin addict can check into a residential treatment center specializing in substance addiction. In a rehab facility, the addict works with professional therapists and psychiatrists on the issues surrounding their addiction. Issues can include family problems and childhood difficulties. Often heroin addicts are dual diagnosed by a psychiatrist meaning that along with their substance abuse, they also have an emotional disorder.

Heroin Addiction-Emotional disorders

  • Depression
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder
  • Eating disorders

In addition to individual therapy sessions, patients participate in group therapy. Group therapy can include topics of relapse prevention, codependency, and anger management. In these groups a heroin addict can interact with fellow addicts. They learn to share their stories and experience a common bond beyond chemical dependency.

Although there is no cure for addiction, heroin addicts learn a new freedom to live free of chemical dependency. With the help of therapists, 12-step programs, and sober fellowship, heroin users can recover from their addiction and lead happy, sober lives.

Heroin Addiction-Heroin Overdose

As with all narcotics, when an individual uses heroin, they are running the risk of overdose. A heroin overdose is simply when the user takes too much of any one, or any combination of substances into their body, causing a shutdown of normal body function. Heroin is very dangerous with many fatally overdosing from use. The lethal range of heroin is from 200 to 500 mg, but habitual users can survive doses of over 1800mg.

Yet, a very common misconception is in how easily it is to overdose on heroin. Many believe that it is very easy to overdose on heroin alone. But the fact is that an individual, who is addicted to heroin and uses habitually, is very unlikely to overdose by accident. The user generally knows and manages the amounts that are taken in. The majority of overdoses involving heroin are usually because the opiate had been mixed with either sedatives or alcohol.

When a heroin overdose is sparked by heroin alone, usually it was during a relapse, in which the addict went back to an old dose that they no longer have the tolerance to handle. The reason that a heroin overdose can be so deadly is because the overdose simply provides an over the top effect of the opiate. Heroin is a pain killer derived from morphine. Its most basic effect is that it attacks opioid receptors in the brain resulting in a flood of endorphins. But what causes heroin to be potentially deadly is its effect on the repertory system. Opiates slow breathing, and when an opiate overdose occurs, the lungs slow to an almost nonexistent rate, and sometimes stop completely. So essentially when someone dies of a heroin overdose, they suffocate under the weight of their own chest. And the user is too numb from the pain killer to recognize that they are suffocating. The basic symptoms of a heroin overdose are unconsciousness and skin turning blue from lack of oxygen

Heroin Addiction-How to kick Out Heroin Addiction

As had been mention above heroin is a semi-synthetic substance derived from the opium poppy, is powerful and extremely addictive opiate. It can be taken orally, as a suppository, intravenously, smoked, and snorted. Although different methods create different highs, heroin is invariably addicting and tolerance-building. By the time one is dependent upon or addicted to heroin, they generally have a great struggle attempting to quit by themselves.

Quitting heroin causes withdrawal symptoms, some of which seem unbearable to its user.

  • A detoxification program is often the best chance an addict has of cleansing their body.
  • In most cases, heroin withdrawal requires medical attention.
  • Trained professionals may prescribe medications lessen the pain of detoxification, as well as drugs like Naltrexone, which inhibits the opioid from binding to their receptors, preventing the user from being able to get high from heroin.
  • After detox and in order to maintain their sober body, a treatment program is recommended.
  • Residential programs are the safest environments as there are no drugs to tempt the recovering addict.
  • Professionals are available at every hour to assist patient needs.
  • There is also outpatient programs, in which people only partake in activities for a portion of the day, and are allowed to leave during the remainder.
  • Generally, in treatment programs, recovering addicts might attend group therapy sessions, individual counseling sessions, family counseling, and learn how to live life sober.

Transitional living, such as a halfway house or a sober house, is a great way to ease back into real life. Transitional livings allow recovering peers to work together, find camaraderie, and learn how to take on everyday tasks with a new attitude. All this put together with the help of a team of experts from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of Doctor Akoury’s will go a long way into helping you get better and better. Doctor Akoury will focus on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE

Heroin Addiction-The hard facts about Heroin

 

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