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Tag: Opiates

An opiate, in classical pharmacology, is a substance derived from opium. In more modern usage, the term opioid is used to designate all substances, both natural and synthetic, that bind to opioid receptors in the brain

Is Benzo Detox More Painful Than Heroin Withdrawal?

Detox, which is also known as detoxification, is the process of expelling drugs from your system. This is the first step in the recovery of nearly all drug and alcohol addictions. It is your body’s ways of cleansing itself from the dangerous substances that are polluting it. Withdrawal is the physical and mental effects that happen to a person when they either lower their intake of a substance or stop taking it altogether.

Is Benzo Detox More Painful Than Heroin Withdrawal

How Painful is Opiate Withdrawal?

While the experience will vary from person to person, most people will say that the most painful experience is opiate withdrawal, which includes heroin. Heroin withdrawal can begin as early as a few hours from the last dose and will often feel like a very serious case of the flu, peaking during the second or third day. The symptoms can last even up to a couple of weeks. Common symptoms of heroin withdrawal include:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Agitation
  • Insomnia
  • Diarrhea
  • Cold sweats
  • Anxiety
  • Crawling skin
  • Body cramping
  • Muscle aches

Even after the initial withdrawal symptoms from detoxing wears off, Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) is very common with heroin addiction. PAWS can last for up to 24 months after drug use has stopped and includes symptoms like poor sleep and concentration, heightened anxiety, panic attacks, depression, mood swings, restlessness, and even memory loss.

How Painful is Benzodiazepine Withdrawal?

This does not mean that benzodiazepine withdrawal and detox is less important or painful if the circumstances are different. Benzo withdrawal also comes with a list of symptoms like anxiety, panic attacks, muscle discomfort, sweating, cravings, and tremors. In more severe cases, a person can even experience hallucinations and seizures. The big difference between benzos and heroin is that benzos have a shorter half-life. This means the length of time the substance stays in the body after consumption ultimately resulting in a shorter withdrawal timeline.

Withdrawal is Different from Person to Person

While it is said that withdrawal from heroin is more painful than detox from benzodiazepines, all withdrawal and detox from a drug are different from person to person and different factors go into what each person will go through. These factors include:

  • How often you have been using the drug
  • How long you have been using it
  • How much you take at a time
  • If you mix different drugs
  • Any underlying mental health conditions
  • Your personal medical history
  • Your age
  • Your gender

Detoxing from drugs on your own is very risky no matter what the drug is. Medically assisted detox becomes necessary when a person becomes physically, mentally, and emotionally dependent upon a drug. It involves a supervised detox process where medical professionals and doctors create a personalized detox program specifically for you and monitor you to help ease the side effects to a minimum while your withdrawal from the drugs.

Once you have detoxed, the best and safest option to get off of and stay off of your drug of choice is by the use of one of the many treatment programs we offer at Recreate Life Counseling. We offer many different treatment programs that provide therapeutic education and guidance for each individual to help them safely reintegrate into society. With the help of our team of therapists, we offer one on one, group therapy, as well as many other specialized options to fit each person’s needs.

Treatment for Drug Addiction

Addiction treatment requires a multi-layered approach for maximum success. We want to make sure you have the tools you need to avoid relapse in the real world. If you want the help then we are here to assist you in any way we can.

FAQ

  • Is Benzo Detox More Painful Than Heroin Withdrawal?

Published on: 2020-08-25
Updated on: 2024-05-28

Is Oxymorphone Stronger Than Oxycodone?

Yes, Oxymorphone is stronger than Oxycodone. Oxymorphone or the brand name Opana is a prescription opioid medication used to treat severe pain. Oxymorphone is available in both IR (immediate-release) and ER (extended-release) formulations. When speaking of the strengths of various opioid medications, often Morphine is used as a baseline for comparison. Oral Oxymorphone is 3 to 7 times stronger than Morphine versus oral Oxycodone which is 1.5 times stronger than Morphine. Oxymorphone is 2 times stronger than Oxycodone.

Is Oxymorphone Stronger Than Oxycodone?

Opioids on the Market for Chronic Pain

There are prescription opioid medications available to treat very mild pain to significant or severe pain. Some of the opioid medications are so potent they can cause an almost instantaneous overdose in people who aren’t opioid-tolerant. Here is a list, in order, of some of the strongest opioids on the market. These opioids are considered to be the “stronger than Morphine” opioids.

  • Carfentanil
  • Fentanyl
  • Heroin (an illicit substance)
  • Hydromorphone and Oxymorphone
  • Methadone
  • Oxycodone

Oral Oxymorphone is a new formulation of an existing parenteral opioid that has become available for significant pain. Oxymorphone is a typical mu-opioid agonist that is effective in both immediate- and extended-release (IR and ER) formulations. Oxymorphone is more lipid-soluble than Morphine, resulting in a rapid onset of action when given in tablet formulation, with a duration of action of approximately 4-6 hours in IR and 12 hours in ER preparations. Oxymorphone provides excellent pain relief for significant pain, with typical opioid side effects that are usually mild or moderate in intensity. (NCBI )

Chronic pain management with the use of opioids under the careful supervision of a doctor is possible if you’re not an addict. However, for those that are searching for a high, opioids are extremely dangerous and you can quickly become dependent on them.

What Are Oxymorphone & Oxycodone?

Oxymorphone (Opana) and Oxycodone (OxyContin ER, Percocet, or Roxicodone) are both opioid medications used to treat moderate to severe pain. They are in a class of drugs called opioid analgesics or narcotics. They work on the opioid receptors of your brain and tell your brain that you are not in pain. Both medications change the way you think about pain, and this helps to dull your feeling of pain. Also, both medications are highly addictive.

Oxymorphone and Oxycodone work in the same way, so they both have similar side effects. Here is a list of some of the most common side effects:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Headache
  • Itching
  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness

Side Effects from Oxymorphone and Oxycodone

Some of the more serious side effects of the medications include slowed breathing, stopped breathing, cardiac arrest (stopped heart), low blood pressure, or shock. Each medication does have a couple of different notable side effects. Oxymorphone can cause fever and confusion while Oxycodone can cause sleeping trouble and lack of energy. Oxymorphone and Oxycodone are not recommended for long-term use. Both medications are controlled substances, and they are known to cause addiction and can be abused or misused.

Although Oxymorphone and Oxycodone work in similar ways, they do have some notable differences. Both drugs come as tablets, but Oxymorphone also comes as an injection. Oxymorphone is more expensive than Oxycodone, and they have a couple of slight differences in side effects as noted above.

Stopping either drug suddenly can cause some very intense and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Here is a list of some of the withdrawal symptoms of Oxymorphone and Oxycodone:

  • Restlessness
  • Irritability
  • Insomnia
  • Sweating
  • Chills
  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Increased heart rate

We are Here to Help You Stop Taking Deadly Opioids

You should never stop taking any opioid medication on your own. Medical detox is optimal to minimize and control symptoms of withdrawal. Medical professionals within a treatment center can help you by using medical and pharmaceutical tools along with counseling.

If you or someone you love is struggling with an addiction to opioids, our admissions counselors here at Recreate Life Counseling are available around the clock to assist you. We offer many different treatment plans to help you continue on your journey to sobriety. Let us help you get on track to getting your life back!

Published on: 2020-07-22
Updated on: 2024-07-08

Can You Buy Codeine Over the Counter?

Codeine, classified as an opioid, is a narcotic medication often utilized to manage mild to moderate pain, chronic pain, and cough symptoms when combined with other medications. However, its availability varies significantly across different regions. In Australia, for instance, the status of codeine-containing medicines has undergone rescheduling due to concerns regarding prevalence misuse and public health implications.

Codeine

Codeine was previously available over the counter (OTC codeine) in Australia, low-dose codeine products were commonly accessible without a prescription. However, in response to rising concerns surrounding codeine misuse and its potential for addiction, regulatory authorities mandated that over-the-counter codeine-containing products be prescription-only. This shift aimed to curb the misuse of codeine, particularly in light of its addictive properties and the associated risks of respiratory depression, especially in individuals with predisposing conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

While codeine can provide effective pain relief for conditions such as acute pain, its status as a prescription-only medication underscores the importance of responsible prescribing and patient education within the healthcare system. Healthcare professionals play a critical role in assessing patients for suitability for codeine therapy, considering factors such as medical history, concurrent medications, and the presence of risk factors for adverse effects.

It is imperative for individuals to understand that codeine should only be used under the guidance and supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. Furthermore, patients must be vigilant regarding the potential for dependence and addiction when using codeine for pain management, particularly over prolonged durations or at high doses.

This article serves as a general overview of codeine and its prescribing status, but it is crucial for readers to consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice and recommendations tailored to their specific healthcare needs. Additionally, individuals should adhere to regulatory guidelines and laws governing the purchase and use of codeine-containing medications in their respective jurisdictions.

While codeine can offer effective relief for certain types of pain and cough symptoms, its status as a prescription-only medication reflects the importance of balancing access to pain relief with measures to mitigate the risks of misuse and adverse effects. Responsible prescribing practices, patient education, and regulatory oversight are essential components of safeguarding public health in the context of opioid medications like codeine.

Is Codeine Over the Counter (OTC)?

In the United States, drugs with codeine in them are available only by prescription because codeine is a controlled substance and very addictive. The regulations in the United States have gotten strict on medication that contains Codeine due to the increase in addiction. However, in the United Kingdom and some other parts of Europe, Codeine can be purchased in low doses over the counter from a pharmacy. The codeine comes mixed with Paracetamol (Co-Codamol), with aspirin (Co-Codaprin), or with ibuprofen (Nurofen Plus). You can also buy Codeine from a pharmacy as a syrup (linctus) to treat dry cough.

Warning labels will tell you that Codeine is habit-forming. From our experience, Codeine is highly addictive, and individuals dependent on the drug have a hard time putting it away for good on their own. If you or anyone in your family have ever had issues with alcohol or addiction, have used street drugs, have ever overused any prescription medications, or if you have ever suffered from depression or any other mental illness, especially untreated mental illness, there is a greater risk that you will misuse codeine.

Codeine Abuse WILL Cause Withdrawal Symptoms

If you are in the United Kingdom or anywhere that you can purchase Codeine over the counter, we highly advise that you speak with a pharmacist about the symptoms you are experiencing before purchasing Codeine or any related products.

If you have been prescribed or have purchased Codeine or any related products over the counter for pain or a cough, and you believe you may be dependent or addicted to it, you may experience some withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms may come in two phases. The early phase occurs within a few hours of your last dose, and other symptoms may occur later as your body readjusts to working without codeine.

Early Symptoms of Codeine Withdrawal

  • Feeling irritable or anxious
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Teary eyes
  • Runny nose
  • Sweating
  • Yawning
  • Muscle aches
  • Faster heartbeat

Late Symptoms of Codeine Withdrawal

  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Diarrhea
  • Enlarged pupils
  • Chills or goosebumps

Treatment for Codeine Addiction

Withdrawal symptoms can last for a week or may persist for up to months  (as Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome) after you stop taking Codeine recreationally. If you or someone you love is addicted to Codeine, please contact one of our Recreate Life Counseling addiction specialists. Health professionals are available to talk to you confidentially, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Let Recreate Life Counseling get you the help you deserve and primary care intervention today for a full recovery from Codeine dependency.

FAQ

  • Can You Buy Codeine Over the Counter?

Published on: 2020-07-17
Updated on: 2024-07-08

Codeine vs Dihydrocodeine

Codeine and dihydrocodeine are two commonly prescribed opioid medications with similar uses but notable differences in their pharmacology and effects. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for healthcare professionals and patients alike.

Codeine is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved opioid analgesic medication that is naturally occurring and found in the poppy plant that is typically prescribed for things such as a severe cough and is used to relieve the symptoms of mild to moderate pain. When codeine is used for treating pain, it acts by changing the way your nervous system and brain respond to that pain.

It’s main difference when it comes to Chemical Composition and Derivatives is that Codeine is a naturally occurring alkaloid derived from the opium poppy plant and is chemically classified as an opiate, while Dihydrocodeine (DHC), which is also derived from the opium poppy plant, DHC is a semi-synthetic derivative of codeine, structurally similar but with some differences in its effects.

Codeine vs Dihydrocodeine

On the other hand, when it comes to potency and analgesic effect, DHC is generally considered to be more potent than codeine, providing stronger analgesic effects at equivalent doses.

Furthermore, when it comes to metabolism and pharmacokinetics, toth codeine and DHC undergo hepatic metabolism, primarily via the CYP2D6 enzyme pathway. However, DHC is metabolized more efficiently than codeine. Also, Codeine is metabolized into morphine via CYP2D6, which contributes significantly to its analgesic effects.

DHC is metabolized into dihydromorphine, which also contributes to its analgesic properties.

What is Dihydrocodeine?

Dihydrocodeine is also an opioid analgesic medication, but it is semi-synthetic. While it is structurally similar and related to codeine, and they also have the same activity and effects, it is twice as strong as codeine and has a higher euphoric impact on the person taking it, as well as a higher risk of dependence and abuse. Dihydrocodeine was developed in the hopes of finding a more effective and better alternative to codeine.

Dihydrocodeine is also used for the treatment of cough, used as a pain medication, and also is used for the treatment for dyspnea (difficult breathing). Also, unlike Codeine, which is generally only found in couch syrup form, dihydrocodeine can be found in more forms such as tablets, solutions, elixirs, and other oral forms. In some countries, dihydrocodeine can also be found as an injectable that is used for intramuscular and deep subcutaneous administration. This is unlike codeine, which cannot be injected due to the risk of anaphylaxis or pulmonary edema, along with a potential large histamine release.

Formulations:

  1. Combination Formulations:
    • Codeine is often formulated in combination with other medications, such as paracetamol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen, to enhance its analgesic effects.
    • DHC may also be found in combination formulations with other analgesics or non-opioid medications.

The big difference: Dihydrocodeine is semi-synthetic and almost twice as strong as Codeine.

Similarities Between Codeine and Dihydrocodeine

While most of the differences between codeine and dihydrocodeine are primarily within the structure of the two substances, it is important to talk about the biggest similarity between the two. That is their risk of abuse and addiction. While these two substances may not be the most potent when taken as prescribed, if they are taken in excess and more often than needed, you risk the possibility of addiction.

After all, both substances are still opioids, which have a very high likelihood of misuse and physical dependence, like most pain relievers.  Not only is abuse and addiction to these two substances possible, but it also can act as a gateway to stronger opioid use like stronger prescription medications or illegal street drugs such as heroin.

doctor

How Does Codeine Help with Coughs?

When it is prescribed for a cough, it works by decreasing the activity in that particular part of the brain that causes coughing. Compared to other opioid medication options, codeine is thought to have pretty low potency and is not generally used for pain treatment due to there being better options available. While codeine is normally found in the form of cough syrup because it is most prescribed for that, it can also be found in tablet form.

Basically, it has two main uses:

  • Pain Management – Both codeine and DHC are used for pain relief, ranging from mild to moderate pain. However, DHC is often preferred for cases of moderate to severe pain due to its increased potency.
  • Antitussive Properties – Codeine is commonly used as an antitussive (cough suppressant), particularly in over-the-counter cough medications. DHC may also possess antitussive properties, although it is less commonly utilized for this purpose.

There are also prescribing considerations when taking codeine: 

  • Individual Variability – Due to genetic variability in the CYP2D6 enzyme, some individuals may metabolize codeine and DHC differently, leading to variations in efficacy and side effects.
  • Patient-Specific Factors – Prescribing decisions should consider factors such as the patient’s pain severity, medical history, concomitant medications, and risk of opioid misuse.

Aside from the prescribing consideration, users or patients may experience the following side effects and adverse effects, especially if they take more than what is prescribed. 

It’s common Side Effects for both codeine and DHC can cause side effects such as drowsiness, constipation, dry mouth, and sedation.

When it comes to respiratory depression and toxicity, high doses of both medications can lead to respiratory depression, a potentially life-threatening side effect, while toxicity risk increases with higher doses and prolonged use.

Meanwhile, if the user experiences an abrupt cessation of either medication, it can lead to withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety, insomnia, sweating, and gastrointestinal disturbances.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while codeine and dihydrocodeine share similarities in their opioid properties and therapeutic uses, there are notable differences in potency, metabolism, and side effect profiles. Healthcare professionals must consider these factors when prescribing these medications for pain management and cough suppression, taking into account individual patient needs and safety concerns.

Treatment for Codeine Abuse

We at Recreate Life Counseling understand the seriousness of drug dependence and abuse, no matter what the substance is, and we believe your addiction must be treated as soon as possible. We focus on treating addiction with a combination of effective treatments, predominantly focusing on group and individual therapy.

If you or someone you love has been struggling with substance abuse or addiction, please feel free to give us a call today. We will discuss treatment options and do our best to point you in the right direction. Now is the time to turn your life around. Let us help you do it.

Published on: 2020-07-05
Updated on: 2024-07-08

Mixing Percocet and Xanax

When an individual takes two prescription medications at the same time, it is considered polydrug abuse. Polydrug abuse is extremely dangerous, seeing as many drugs interact with one another in a variety of adverse ways. When it comes to Percocet and Xanax, combining the two is exceptionally unsafe, and can often prove to be life-threatening. Percocet is a potent pain medication – an opioid narcotic.

Xanax is a prescription tranquilizer – a medication used to treat severe symptoms of anxiety-related disorders. Combining these two drugs leads to central nervous system depression and slowed breathing, which can ultimately lead to respiratory depression, coma, and death. Medical professionals will never prescribe these two medications at the same time because the potentially fatal interactions are well-known.

Still, some individuals take both medications at one time to enhance the “high” that drug abuse provides. Individually, Xanax abuse and Percocet abuse are very dangerous and will require intensive professional treatment. Those who combine the two medications are at greater risk of an overdose every single time they use, and professional intervention will need to occur right away to prevent accidental death. If you or someone you love has been struggling with polydrug abuse of any kind, call Recreate Life Counseling today. We will help get you started on your journey of addiction recovery.

Mixing Percocet and Xanax

More on Percocet Addiction

Percocet is a medication consisting of a combination of oxycodone, a potent opioid narcotic, and acetaminophen, an over-the-counter pain reliever. If you believe that you or someone close to you has been struggling with an addiction to Percocet, there are several signs and symptoms to keep an eye out for. These include (but are not limited to):

  • Gastrointestinal issues, usually marked by extreme and persistent constipation.
  • Insomnia and other sleep-related issues.
  • Mood swings, often marked by long periods of significant depression.
  • Profuse sweating.
  • Respiratory depression and difficulties breathing.
  • Low blood pressure.
  • Issues with coordination and concentration.

Those struggling with an addiction to Percocet, Xanax, or both will often engage in certain behavioral symptoms of addiction as well. One of the predominant symptoms is doctor shopping, which refers to making appointments with multiple doctors in an attempt to get a larger quantity of the medication in question.

More on Xanax Addiction

Xanax is a potent prescription benzodiazepine, one that is widely prescribed and responsible for a significant amount of overdose-related deaths on an annual basis. It was reported that in the year 2015 alone, there were over 8,000 deaths in the US that were directly linked to benzodiazepine abuse. The majority of men and women that acquire this drug will not receive a prescription but instead receive the medication from a close friend or relative (55% of all users, in fact). On the other hand, only 17.3 percent of American adults who abuse Xanax originally received the prescription from a medical professional.

In the year 2013, there were over 50 million Xanax prescriptions written nationwide. This drug is frequently abused and readily accessible. In many cases, an individual will begin to abuse Xanax, develop a physical tolerance, and then begin combining this drug with other prescription medications like Percocet. Again, combining Xanax and Percocet increases the risk of overdose and several other health-related complications.

Get the Help You Need

Recreate Life Counseling is dedicated to helping men and women of all ages overcome Percocet and Xanax addiction and go on to lead happy and fulfilling lives. We understand that those who have been struggling with polydrug abuse will require a more intensive level of care. Abusing two drugs at one time does excessive damage to the mind and the body. Fortunately, our comprehensive recovery program caters to those who have been grappling with addictive disorders of all severities. To learn more, simply pick up the phone and give us a call.

Published on: 2020-06-24
Updated on: 2024-07-08

Using Opiates While on Subutex

Subutex is a widely used prescription medication utilized in the treatment of individuals who are struggling with severe opiate abuse disorders. Subutex and Suboxone are commonly confused, however, they are different medications – though they do share the same active ingredient. Subutex is most commonly used in inpatient treatment settings and is administered by medical professionals to help combat the severe psychological cravings and withdrawal symptoms that are common in very early recovery. The active ingredient found in Subutex is buprenorphine, a partial opioid antagonist that was initially used as a pain reliever, and is now used in the treatment of opiate addiction.

When used in a medically monitored setting, this specific medication is extremely beneficial. Unfortunately, when it is used in combination with opiates like prescription painkillers or heroin and can pose several significant issues. Take a look at the dangers involved in using opiates while you are on Subutex, and please feel free to reach out to Recreate Life Counseling with any additional questions you may have.

Using Opiates While You’re on Subutex

More on Subutex

Some of the benefits of taking Subutex in a treatment setting include:

  • Aiding in medical detox. Subutex will help alleviate physical symptoms of withdrawal while minimizing cravings that often lead to relapse when left untreated.
  • Working to prevent relapse in early sobriety – cravings have been known to last long after medical detox and can lead to relapse within the first three to six months of sobriety when not properly treated. Eliminating cravings is essential in preventing relapse.
  • Allowing the individual, the opportunity to focus on his or her treatment goals without struggling through uncomfortable symptoms of post-acute withdrawal.

This is a short-term solution, but one that has been proven effective time and time again.

More on Opiates 

Over the past two decades, opiate addiction throughout the United States has spiked significantly. Currently, prescription painkiller addiction and heroin addiction remain leading causes of accidental death. Not only are these drugs extremely lethal, but they are extremely hard to quit without professional assistance. Recreate Life Counseling specializes in the treatment of individuals who are struggling with opiate addiction of all types and severities. We understand how impossible quitting may seem, and how devastating the effects of long-term addiction can be.

We also specialize in the treatment of individuals who struggle with polydrug abuse (meaning using more than one drug at a time to feel the effects more intensely). If you or someone you love has been combining Subutex and opiates professional help must be sought immediately, both long and short-term effects of polydrug abuse can lead to lasting – sometimes permanent – health-related issues.

Combining Subutex and Opiates

At Recreate Life Counseling, we provide medication-assisted treatment to those who require it, though we always ensure that prescription medication ingestion is closely monitored, and if we believe that any of our clients are attempting to abuse a medication we prescribe we will immediately switch to a more holistic method of recovery. When used correctly, Subutex can be extremely effective in the treatment of opiate addiction. However, we do understand that this drug can be a predominant source of abuse, thus we also treat individuals who may be struggling exclusively with Subutex addiction.

Our comprehensive program of recovery caters to men and women who are struggling with addictive disorders of all kinds, and our team of dedicated medical professionals thoroughly understands that while prescribing an opioid antagonist to one client might work, prescribing the same medication to another client might backfire. Our program is highly personalized, and each client will undergo an intensive assessment upon admission, which will help us determine which course of treatment will be the most appropriate and effective. To learn more, please give us a call today.

FAQ

  • What will happen if I take Heroin AFTER I have taken SUBATEX?

Published on: 2020-06-10
Updated on: 2024-07-08

Can You Potentiate Xanax?

Xanax, or alprazolam, is a very powerful benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety disorders and panic disorders and can even be used as a muscle relaxant during medical procedures. It was created to take the place of barbiturates believing benzos would be less addictive. However, this is far from the truth. It is extremely addictive when used long term. Xanax is the most commonly prescribed Benzodiazepine in the United States. According to the NIH :

Between 1996 and 2013, the number of adults who filled a benzodiazepine prescription increased by 67%, from 8.1 million to 13.5 million. In 2015, 23 percent of people who died of an opioid overdose also tested positive for benzodiazepines.

Benzodiazepines such as Xanax are not typically primary drugs that are abused. This means they are commonly used in combination with other drugs. They are commonly mixed with narcotic pain medications, alcohol, stimulants, and illegal opiates such as heroin.

Can You Potentiate Xanax?

Potentiation of Xanax

When a user mixes two or more different drugs at the same time, they heighten the risk of experiencing effects that are different than what they would feel taking a drug individually. There are different kinds of reactions a person will have depending on what is mixed together. The four major groups are:

  • Antagonism: This happens when one drug reduces the effect of another drug. For example, taking Xanax while taking cocaine at the same time will reduce the effects of both the cocaine and the Xanax taken.
  • Synergism: This happens when two or more drugs work jointly to produce a therapeutic effect.
  • Interactions: With a person, metabolism will occur in multiple places in the body and can either facilitate or slow down the elimination of the drug from one’s system.
  • Potentiation: Happens when the effects of one drug strengthen the effects of another drug. For instance, taking Xanax with alcohol will produce and enhancement of the depressant effects in both things that are taken.

The potentiation of Xanax occurs when a person abuses Xanax with other central nervous system depressants mixed in for a synergetic effect. This can include drugs like narcotic pain medications, alcohol, sedatives, cannabis, and other benzo products. When taken on their own, central nervous system depressants result in reduced blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and reaction time that will result in effects such as poor coordination, poor balance, impaired reflexes, and impaired judgment. When taking central nervous system depressants with other depressants, you will potentiate these effects. Different potentiating effects are depending on the doses of each drug. It is important to know that the amount of a drug that can produce an overdose is decreased when combined with other central nervous system depressants.

Get Help Now With Xanax Addiction

If you or someone you love are ready to take the necessary steps to get sober, the best way to start is with a medically assisted detox process. Due to the brains rewiring after prolonged use, withdrawal symptoms can be extremely intense and even deadly when you abruptly stop. These symptoms include seizures, coma, hallucinations, muscle pain, and cramping, and even suicidal thoughts, to name a few. Medical detox is always recommended and your doctors will come up with the best plan for you to safely detox the benzos from your system.

Once you have detoxed, the best and safest option to get off of and stay off Benzodiazepines is by the use of one of the many treatment programs we offer at Recreate Life Counseling We offer many different treatment programs that provide therapeutic education and guidance for each individual to help them safely reintegrate into society. With the help of our team of therapists, we offer one on one, group therapy, as well as many other specialized options to fit each person’s needs. Benzodiazepine treatment requires a multi-layered approach for maximum success. We want to make sure you have the tools you need to avoid relapse in the real world.

Addiction isn’t an easy thing to face. Luckily you do not have to face it on your own. Our admissions counselors and professionals are available around the clock. We are ready to help you or a loved one overcome the disease of addiction. Now is the time to change your life. Let us help you do it.

FAQ

  • What potentiate’s Xanax?
  • What chemicals potentiate benzodiazepines, antagonize them or have an adverse reaction when mixed?
  • What can cause a Xanax overdose?

Published on: 2020-04-25
Updated on: 2024-04-18

Mixing Suboxone and Valium

Mixing two different types of drugs can cause serious interactions, making doing so extremely dangerous. Unfortunately, many addicts and alcoholics still combine chemical substances, either because they want to increase the high or because they don’t know about the serious risks involved. Two drugs that are commonly mixed are Suboxone and Valium, both potent prescription medications that are known for being habit-forming.

Take a look at each individual medication, and then at the grave risks involved in combining the two. If you or someone close to you has been abusing Suboxone, Valium or both drugs simultaneously, it’s important that help is sought immediately. At Recreate Life Counseling we have extensive experience working with drug addiction of all kinds – please give us a call today to get help overcoming your Suboxone or Valium addiction.

Mixing Suboxone and Valium

More About Suboxone

Suboxone, also known as buprenorphine, is a prescription medication that is commonly used to treat pain or withdrawal symptoms associated with opiate addiction. Suboxone has an extremely high rate of abuse and addiction, especially amongst heroin addicts who no longer have access to their drug of choice, but have unlimited access to this drug. When prescribed by an addiction treatment specialist and used properly and in moderation, Suboxone can be extremely beneficial for those in early recovery from opiate abuse and addiction.

It works to block opioid receptors within the brain, reducing cravings and lessening pain associated with symptoms of withdrawal. However, it can be abused in large quantities in order to produce a high similar to that of heroin (but far less intense). Those who are addicted to Suboxone may exhibit signs and symptoms like drug-seeking behavior, lack of motivation, and inability to stay focused or inexplicable fatigue and changes to routine.

More About Valium

Valium is a potent and highly habit-forming prescription medication, most commonly prescribed to treat seizures, muscle spasms, anxiety disorders, and panic disorders. Valium is the brand name of the generic drug diazepam. Sometimes Valium is used to help alleviate symptoms of delirium tremens, which is associated with severe alcohol withdrawal. Those who are addicted to or abusing Valium will likely experience a host of physical and psychological symptoms, including insomnia, anxiety, depression, nausea, vomiting, profuse sweating, and extreme fatigue. There are several behavioral warning signs as well, like doctor shopping, lack of motivation and a decrease in social activity (avoidance of family members and friends).

The Dangers of Mixing Suboxone and Valium

It’s never a good idea to mix any two chemical substances or to take any drug other than as prescribed by a medical professional. Combining Suboxone with any other medication can lead to central nervous system depression, which can slow the breathing down so much that oxygen can no longer get to the brain. Those who mix these two drugs put themselves at extremely high risk of overdose-related death. Not all cases of drug combination are intentional – if you’re taking Suboxone as a method of medication-assisted treatment, be sure to let your prescribing physician know before any other medications are even considered.

Our Program of Drug Addiction Recovery 

At Recreate Life Counseling, our program of drug addiction recovery works to tackle all existing addictions and underlying conditions. We work to treat Suboxone and Valium addiction simultaneously, offering a comprehensive and therapeutically intensive curriculum of care. If you are struggling with drug addiction or alcoholism, the most important thing is that you seek help immediately. Seeking help may seem intimidating or overwhelming, but all you really need to do is pick up the phone and make the initial call. We are standing by to help in every way we can.

FAQ

  • Is it safe to use Suboxone and Valium at the same time?

Published on: 2020-02-26
Updated on: 2024-07-08

Do Large Doses of Imodium Get You High?

TL;DR – No, large doses of Imodium (loperamide) do not produce a “high.” Imodium is an anti-diarrheal medication and, when taken in large doses, can be dangerous and lead to serious heart problems and other adverse effects, but it does not cause euphoria like some other substances.

Loperamide also referred to by it’s over the counter brand drug name Imodium A-D is being abused by opiate addicts to counter physical withdrawal symptoms from opiate addiction. Imodium A-D is an OTC medication that helps relieve diarrhea and other abnormal gastrointestinal symptoms.

Opiate addicts are taking loperamide to lessen opioid addiction withdrawal symptoms. Although loperamide is not an opioid drug, when used in very high doses it acts on mu-opioid receptors, which are the same receptors that initiate addiction to opiates, like heroin, morphine, and fentanyl.

Loperamide has become known as the poor man’s methadone. Loperamide is taken by opiate addicts when they cannot get heroin or other opioid drugs the same way an alcoholic may drink mouthwash when they don’t have access to alcohol.

The amount of loperamide that is needed to help relieve opiate withdrawal symptoms is extremely dangerous. A normal dose of Imodium is 2 milligrams to be taken up to four times a day. A person who is attempting to take Imodium to get high is taking up to 500 milligrams a day.

What are the Effects of Imodium in High Doses?

The euphoric effects that high doses of loperamide have for an opiate addict is at best minimal. Opiate addicts have reported that taking Imodium at large doses does decrease the withdrawal symptoms but does not get them high.

At dangerous doses, loperamide crosses the blood-brain barrier, which will allow the opioid receptors to produce endorphins and other neurotransmitter reactions that cause a person to feel better. The effects of loperamide only minimize withdrawal symptoms; it does not compare to the euphoria that heroin, Fentanyl, or other opiate drugs cause.

When a person increases the dose past, what is recommended for any type of OTC drug or prescription drug, they risk enduring serious medical problems and death. The history of persons taking Imodium to get high began as early as the 1990s. The Federal Drug Administration did not class Imodium as an over the counter drug until 1988.

Do Large Doses of Imodium Get You High

Before that, it was in fact, classed as a controlled substance, not unlike cocaine or and other illegal drugs. Now that there is a greater awareness of people abusing Imodium the FDA drug safety communications announced to the public this September 2019, that they will require limits on the amounts that can be sold in the packaging of loperamide.

 9/20/2019 Update

To help address loperamide abuse and misuse, FDA approved changes to the packaging for tablet and capsule forms of the brand-name over the counter (OTC) anti-diarrheal medicines Imodium A-D, Imodium Multi-Symptom Relief, and Be Health Loperamide HCl Capsules. These changes limit each carton to no more than 48 mg of loperamide and require the tablets and capsules to be packaged in individual doses. Some individuals are taking high doses of loperamide to treat symptoms of opioid withdrawal. Loperamide acts on opioid receptors in the gut to slow the movement in the intestines and decrease the number of bowel movements. It is safe at approved doses, but when much higher than recommended doses are taken, it can lead to serious problems, including severe heart rhythm problems and death. (FDA )

What are the Imodium Abuse Side Effects?

There have been numerous reports and documentation about people damaging their hearts and bodies as a result of taking loperamide in very high doses. Numerous deaths have been documented from all over the United States from emergency rooms to poison control centers. Heart problems arise quickly for people who are taking loperamide in large doses as Loperamide affects the amount of calcium that is delivered to the heart, which regulates the functions of the heart muscle.

The greatest scare of people turning to an anti-diarrhea drug to prevent experiencing opiate addiction withdrawal symptoms is that it can kill them. They may temporarily relieve some withdrawal symptoms but will pay for it with their lives. Another tragedy of this growing trend is the misinformation about Imodium available on the internet. Websites dedicated to drug-seeking cultures are promoting Imodium, as a quick fix, but not providing all the facts that it can kill them.

Most importantly,  is that addiction is a deadly disease that causes addicts to do and take anything to get high.

The safest way to help someone with their addiction to opiates like heroin, prescription pain killers, fentanyl, and others is to have them admitted into a medically supervised detox followed by opiate addiction treatment. The programs that we offer provide very effective medications that will eliminate withdrawal symptoms and help opiate addicts recover from their addictions.

Published on: 2019-10-04
Updated on: 2024-07-08

Find Out How We Can Help You

At Recreate Life Counseling, we understand that the journey to recovery can be daunting without the proper support. We're here to listen, understand your challenges, and offer personalized guidance as you consider a life free from the grips of addiction and/or mental health conditions. Our admissions team is ready to assist you, whether you're looking for treatment, need advice, or simply want someone to talk to!

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