Man sitting on stairs distraught over opiate abuse

Recognizing Opiate Withdrawal Symptoms

Opiates are drugs made from or containing opium, including codeine, morphine, and heroin. They are most often used to treat pain or induce sleep. Opiates are particularly addictive because they bind to opioid receptors in the central nervous system. Opiate addiction is more common than ever before. Opioids and opiates contribute to a significant portion…

a woman learns how common opiate abuse is when she begins opiate addiction treatment

Commonly Abused Opiates

Opiates are so commonplace that millions of people in the United States fill prescriptions for them each year. Millions more acquire and use nonprescription opiates. Opiates in all forms are highly addictive, and even a short course of use can create a substance use disorder. Fortunately, opiate addiction treatment is also becoming more common and…

Kava for opiate withdrawal

Can Kava Be Used for Opiate Withdrawal?

When you’re working toward sobriety, you may find that some approaches work better than others. Every person has different needs, and different environmental and sociological factors impact every addiction, so it’s no secret that individualized treatment can be more successful. However, this doesn’t mean that every method of detox and recovery is safe or recommended.…

side effects of opiates

Side Effects of Opiates

Opiates, or substances derived from the opium chemical found in certain plants, are commonly used in prescription medications. The term “opiates” includes codeine, oxycontin, morphine, and some others. They can be confused with “opioids,” which are synthetic substances that mimic the effects of opium. Opiates and opioids can be prescribed in several situations, including major…

dangers of fentanyl

Dangers of Fentanyl

Fentanyl is a controlled substance that is sometimes prescribed to treat severe pain levels. Some people also use it recreationally or to self-medicate. It’s made from opioids, but it’s also much stronger than other commonly prescribed ones, like morphine or oxycodone. Although it can help people under a doctor’s orders, fentanyl is extremely addictive and…

woman looking out window considering doctor shopping

Dangers of Doctor Shopping

Doctors all across the nation prescribe drugs each and every day. The drugs may be intended to combat chronic pain or give a patient relief after surgery or injury, but prescription pain medication can easily be abused. Many of these medications lend themselves to addiction or dependency. Some people may visit multiple doctors to obtain…

man holding his forehead struggling with oxycontin abuse

Dangerous Side Effects of Oxycontin Abuse

OxyContin is the brand name of the drug oxycodone. Oxycodone is an opioid that is prescribed primarily as a form of pain relief. Today, it’s on the Drug Enforcement Agency’s Controlled Substances Act as a Schedule II drug. That means that it has a high potential to cause addiction. Even when used as a doctor…

a person taking medicine thinking about types of painkillers

Types of Painkillers

Doctors prescribe people many different types of painkillers based on their needs. While they have been a great help to many suffering in pain, they have also led to problems. For example, you may have heard about opiate abuse, overdose, and other issues. You may have been prescribed painkillers by your doctors and aren’t sure…