Category Archives: Heroin Addiction

Opioid Prescriptions and Addiction in Teens

Opioid Prescriptions and Addiction in Teens

For the first time, opioid-producing pharmaceutical companies are being held accountable by state and federal courts for their role in the opioid addiction and overdose epidemic. Opioid prescriptions and addiction have gripped the United States for decades.

Purdue Pharma paid a $270 million settlement with the state of Oklahoma in March of 2019. Although such a large sum was awarded, this may be just the tip of the iceberg. Purdue is also facing repercussions in five more states. Johnson & Johnson and Teva Pharmaceutical have also come under fire for misleading doctors and patients about the safety of their painkillers.

While big pharma is staring at lawsuits and public scrutiny, little has changed with the availability of prescription opioids both legally and through illicit means. Perhaps most affected by the prevalence of these highly addictive medications are teenagers and young adults.

An Increased Risk for Addiction in Teenagers

Despite most people understanding or being aware of the dangers of opioid pain medication, teens and young adults are still prescribed opioids at alarming rates. So much so that theirs is the demographic affected most by the opioid crisis.

Adolescents and college students are particularly prone to misusing prescription drugs in part because their brains are still developing. Other factors include:

  • Party atmosphere
  • Stress and Anxiety
  • Overwhelming course load
  • The pressure to succeed or fit in
  • Using ”study” drugs like Ritalin
  • Work and internship requirements
  • Taking opioids to manage other drug use

According to a study released in May of 2019, 15% of teens and young adults age 18-25 were prescribed opioid pain medication during an emergency room visit from 2005-2015.

Doctors in the emergency settings are prescribing strong opiates like hydrocodone and oxycodone for minor injuries, dental issues, and even sore throats, the study found. Effectively, this has resulted in the legal use of strong medications becoming gateways to teenage opioid addiction.

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opioid prescriptions and addiction in teens

The Short Jump to Addiction

As addiction specialist Dr. Deanna Wilson told NBC news, the “vast majority” of this age group using illicit opiates like heroin and fentanyl get started on prescribed opioids. Because prescription drugs appear to be considered safe in the eyes of young adults, those with early addictive symptoms seek out prescription medications from friends or family.

The problem is that opioids are so highly addictive on a biochemical level that patients become hooked in the time it takes for that emergency prescription to run out, and they’re left feeling opioid withdrawal symptoms, including:

  • Fatigue
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Depression
  • Mood swings
  • Fever and chills
  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Nausea and stomach cramps

It is at this point many young adults turn to pain management clinics or purchasing pills on the black market (often as simple as asking around campus). Eventually, however, the supply of prescription medications runs out or becomes too difficult, time-consuming, or expensive to obtain.

When prescription medications run dry or become too expensive, teens and young adults often turn away from pharmaceuticals altogether and begin using heroin. Heroin is extremely addictive and as a street drug, substance abusers rarely know what other chemicals their bodies may be taking in.

A Long Road to Recovery

NBC spoke to several other experts in the field of teen and adolescent addiction, one of whom said the problem is a lack of education among patients and medical professionals. Future public health initiatives, he said, should focus on reducing opioid prescriptions in emergency rooms and educating doctors and the public about alternatives.

Greater education is never a bad thing, but as the lawsuits currently making their way through American courts clearly show, corporate greed is also a major player. As long as doctors and pharmaceutical companies are making money off of their addictive products, kids will be at risk.

Both processes – education and litigation – could be years in coming. Dr. Deanne Wilson, professor at the University of Pittsburgh, may have summed up why teenagers and young adults are so susceptible to opioid addiction. Dr. Wilson asks to think of an automobile with a gas pedal, but with brakes that are not fully developed.

Seeking Help for Opioid Prescription Addiction

As educators race to train our medical personnel and legal experts seek to tighten restrictions on paid prescriptions, families must take it into their own hands to arm themselves with the right tools and resources. It is important for them to understand the signs of substance abuse to minimize their own and their loved ones’ exposure to these medications – before a visit to a local emergency room or outpatient clinic. If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid prescriptions and addiction, visit your local medical facility or contact Desert Cove Recovery today. Help is always just a phone call away.  

 

Treating Opioid Use Disorder with Opioid Addiction Treatment Arizona

Treating Opioid Use Disorder with Opioid Addiction Treatment Arizona

Treating Opioid Use Disorder with Opioid Addiction Treatment Arizona

The opioid epidemic is not showing any signs of slowing down. In 2016, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) urged the enhancement of opioid use disorder treatment capabilities after reporting 3 in 5 overdose deaths were attributed to the pervasive drug. There is an urgent need for expanded opioid addiction treatment. Arizona, like most states, has seen an increase in use, addiction, and deaths from opioid use disorder.   

 Addressing the nationwide crisis requires a collaborative from both the healthcare community and law enforcement. Improving access to prescription drug monitoring programs, larger distribution of naloxone, and implementing harm reducing approaches are all part of the equation. But, it may be a friend or family member who recognizes a loved one’s opioid use disorder that may save that person’s life. 

 Signs of Opioid Use Disorder

Recognizing the signs of an individual’s addiction to opioids is the first step in helping those suffering seek out the assistance they need. There are certain external signs that may suggest someone may be suffering from an addiction, such as:

  • Vomiting
  • Drowsiness
  • Weight loss
  • Slurred speech
  • Lack of hygiene
  • Poor coordination
  • Shallow breathing
  • Abandoning responsibilities

A physician may diagnose opioid use disorders. While many symptoms do not appear initially, over time each may appear more pronounced. As addiction continues, consistently visible signs may be an indication someone is in need of help.

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Treating Opioid Use Disorder

Symptoms of Opioid Use Disorder

Those suffering from an opioid disorder will also suffer from a number of symptoms. Unlike opioid addiction signs, symptoms occur internally and may not be outwardly visible. Symptoms of opioid addiction include:

  • Constipation
  • Mood swings
  • Physical agitation
  • Feelings of euphoria
  • Poor decision making
  • Loss of consciousness

Even though symptoms may not be apparent to friends or family members, listening to how someone feels may help identify a potential opioid use problem. Together, someone known to show signs and express the feelings of opioid use disorder should seek medical help.

Medicinal Treatment Options

Sufferers of opioid addiction will often relapse when they only abstain from opioid use after detoxification. For some, the recovery process often includes relapse as a key component. Unfortunately, for those addicted to opioids, a relapse could be fatal.

One way to assist in abstaining from opioid use after detoxification is to begin a medicinal program. Medicines have been developed to reduce both cravings and negative withdrawal effects. The medicines have been successful in not creating the euphoric feelings produced by opioids, limiting their own addictiveness.

Methadone is one such drug created to eliminate cravings and withdrawal symptoms. A synthetic drug, Methadone acts on the very same opioid reactors in the brain by activating them slowly and reducing the desire to use. With more than 4 decades of successful use, the drug has become a staple in the long-term success of opioid treatment. However, Methadone prescriptions must be filled through specialized opioid treatment centers. 

In 2002, the FDA approved Buprenorphine. Similar to Methadone, Buprenorphine attaches to opioid receptors in the brain. By slowly activating the receptors, the patients craving for opioids becomes greatly diminished. Moreover, because of the FDA’s approval, certified physicians instead of specialized treatment facilities may prescribe Buprenorphine.

Behavioral Treatment Options for Opioid Addiction

In general, behavioral treatment begins by evaluating the history and reasons for a patient’s opioid addiction. Behavioral treatment starts immediately after a patient completes the detoxification process. The goal is to work quickly and change behavioral patterns that could lead to opioid use.

Not only must there be an effort to eliminate the intake of opioids, but also an approach to address the anxieties, concerns, and worries recovering individuals will face during opioid addiction treatment. Arizona inpatient facilities offer programs specifically designed to help rebuild an individual’s self-awareness and prepare them for returning to normal life. Mental, behavioral, and emotional rehabilitation is as important to the long-term sobriety success as the conquering the physical addiction to opioid drugs.

For example, a treatment center may offer individual counseling with trained and licensed staff. Confidential therapies are provided allowing patients to explore various topics. Without bias or judgment, patients learn the origins of their addiction and the path that led them there. By identifying the triggers of opioid use and the patient’s individual strengths, recovering opioid users learn ways to suppress triggers and remain sober.

Opioid Addiction Treatment Arizona

Finding the right treatment center in Arizona is an important first step on the road to recovery. When evaluating your options, consider expanding your search well beyond your local community. Facilities such as Desert Cove Recovery offer an opportunity to provide a private environment to support your recovery, ensuring a patient’s employment status or reputation remains intact.

Rehabs also need to be able to provide a wide range of treatment solutions. Establishments specializing only in detoxification will endure patients with a much higher relapse rate than centers such as Desert Cove Recovery who offer options from holistic care to outdoor therapy.

No matter where you live if you or a loved one is suffering from addiction, give us a call today. Help is just a phone call away.

 

 

genetic test for opioid addiction

Genetic Test for Opioid Addiction Could Soon be a Reality

If you could order a genetic test that could tell you whether you were at risk for opioid abuse later in life, would you take it? What factors are considered in this genetic test for opioid addiction? The test would be something like the one available from companies currently offering health predisposition information along with DNA testing. Instead of indicating whether someone has a higher-than-average risk of developing heart disease, the proposed test would tell who is at risk for opioid addiction.

A New Jersey research institute is working with leaders in the medical community, scientists and academics to unravel the genetic code as it pertains to opioid dependency. 
genetic test for opioid addiction

Team Investigates Factors Contributing to Opioid Abuse

The Coriell Institute for Medical Research, Rowan University’s Cooper Medical School and Cooper University Health Care have come together to launch the Camden Opioid Research Initiative (CORI). This team will investigate “genetic and biological factors that contribute to opioid abuse.”

One key part of the study will involve collecting and testing tissue samples from people who have lost their lives from an opioid overdose. The researchers will also be studying people currently in treatment for opioid addiction, along with patients who are receiving prescription opioids for chronic pain treatment but have not become addicted. The findings from the two groups will be compared.

Stefan Zajic, the principal scientist and scientific lead for CORI, explained that the dream for scientists would be to have access to a profile or algorithm that would provide doctors and patients with information about genetic factors that may influence their susceptibility to opioid addiction.

Genetic Test Could Influence Future Prescribing Habits

If a genetic test for opioid addiction were available to indicate to healthcare providers which patients are at higher risk for opioid addiction, a doctor could take that factor into consideration when making decisions about which medications to prescribe. The doctor may choose to prescribe a non-opioid, adjust the dose if he or she decides to prescribe an opioid medication or prescribe a smaller number of pills so that the patient can be monitored more closely for follow-up.

The research team will work with the medical examiner’s office to establish a biobank of the tissue samples (with the respective families’ permission). Zajic believes it will be the first one of its kind in the country. The tissue samples will be made available to researchers in the field of opioid abuse going forward.

Long-acting Buprenorphine Injections Effective Opioid Addiction Treatment

Long-acting Buprenorphine Injections Effective Opioid Addiction Treatment

A monthly injection of buprenorphine BUP-XR is more effective than a placebo for treating opioid addiction, according to the results of a new study. This formulation is the extended release version.

A daily dose version of buprenorphine was approved by the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) in 2002. It has been an effective treatment for opioid use disorder. Daily doses mean patients must commit to taking it each day; they may start to experience cravings for opioids once they get close to the end of the 24-hour cycle when they can take more medication.

Medication Assisted Therapy and Treatment for Opioid Addiction

Buprenorphine and methadone are both used in MAT (Medication Assisted Therapy) to treat opioid addiction. These medications are used in combination with behavioral counseling as part of a “whole patient” approach. The medications are used to control cravings and clients work with a counselor to develop new ways of thinking and responding to life stresses.

Extended Release Buprenorphine Called Sublocade

The extended-release version of buprenorphine was approved by the FDA in November 2017, which is being marketed under the brand name Sublocade. Approval was based on positive results in a Phase III human subjects study. The study has been published in The Lancet to make it available to the wider scientific community.

Double-Blind Study Conducted

Researchers divided 200 participants in the randomized, double-blind study into three groups. All of them had a mean duration of opioid use of between 11 and 12 years. Two of the groups were given different monthly doses of BUP-XR and one was given a placebo.

Both groups who were given BUP-XR reported “substantial portions of participants” abstaining from opioids. They also experienced relief from opioid withdrawal symptoms and control from cravings for opioids without having to take medication on a daily basis.

Number of Donor Organs Carrying Hepatitis C Rising Due to Opioid Crisis

The opioid epidemic has triggered a hardship that most people likely haven’t thought of: A higher number of donated organs are infected with the hepatitis C virus.

Dr. Winston Abara, a hepatitis researcher at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), explains that as the number of drug overdose deaths and acute hepatitis infections increases, young people are most affected. These are the people who are most likely to be eligible organ donors.

Opioid Users Considered Increased Risk Donors

In the years 2010-2017, the number of organs obtained for transplant obtained from “increased risk” donors (people at risk of hepatitis due to drug abuse) tripled, according to the results of a new study published in the January 25 edition of CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

In 2010, approximately nine percent of donor organs came from people in this category. By 2017, that number had jumped to over 26 percent, according to Dr. Abara’s team.

The number of organs obtained from people who died as the result of “drug intoxication” tripled as well. They climbed from just over four percent in 2010 to over 13 percent by 2017, according to CDC researchers. Organ donor deaths linked to injected drugs like heroin increased fivefold during the same period.

This is concerning, since tainted needles are a prime source of infection with hepatitis C, which can lead to liver disease, a potentially fatal condition, over time. Due to advances in medical care, donor kidneys, along with livers and other organs can now be used for transplant and may save potentially save the lives of the thousands of people on waiting lists.

Medications Available to Treat Hep C in Transplant Recipients

Powerful new medications exist to rid the body of hepatitis C and render the transplant viable. The transplant recipient would be screened after receiving the donor organ. If a hepatitis C infection is diagnosed, the donor organ recipient is offered antiviral treatment.

Dr. David Bernstein, a liver specialist, stated that understanding whether an organ donor has a history of addiction is essential. He said that when that knowledge is available, organ recipients and their doctors can be notified and screened after transplant surgery.

what happens during opioid withdrawal

What Happens During Opioid Withdrawal?

What Happens During Opioid Withdrawal?

It was the late 1990’s when big pharma was making promises to the medical community that addiction would not occur in patients prescribed opioid pain relievers. A few short decades later and the Department of Health and Human Services declared a public health emergency for the ensuing opioid crisis. Opioid withdrawal, abuse, and treatment have since become the focus of Arizona opioid rehab centers statewide.

A combination of factors has led to the explosion of opioid addiction. Many of the reasons lead back to the over prescribing of painkillers, ease of access to medication, and increased availability of street versions of opioid-based drugs. One factor not mentioned enough, however, is the impact opioid withdrawal symptoms have on a patient’s ability to break their addiction.

What are Opioids?

Opioids, also known as opiates, are a class of drugs made from the opium poppy plant. The opium is used to make medications which in turn are prescribed for treating pain. Examples of opioid medications include codeine, morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and fentanyl.

Heroin, an illegal opioid drug, is also derived from a natural substance found in the opium plant called morphine. Both prescription and illicit opioids are highly addictive and can easily cause dependency. The abuse of prescription and “street” opioids are largely responsible for the rise in the drug addiction statistics in the US.

How Common is Opioid Addiction?

Opioid addiction is a serious problem that affects millions of men and women in the US. The rise in abuse of both illicit and prescription opioids and the rate of overdose lead to the opioid crisis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 66% of drug overdose deaths in 2016 involved opioids. Due to its addictive nature, comprehensive clinical treatment is usually required.

Opioid addiction treatment involves detoxification followed by therapy. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as part of rehabilitation has proven effective in reducing the risk of relapse. However, overcoming opioid addiction can be one of the toughest parts of rehab because the process is accompanied by severe withdrawal symptoms.

Why is Opioid Withdrawal Challenging?

The National Institute on Drug Abuse refers to drug addiction as a complex disorder. The disorder affects brain functions making it very difficult for users to simply quit drug abuse. The brain is made up of natural opioid receptors that help in the release of dopamine and endorphins. These two hormones are responsible for feelings of pleasure.

Smoking, snorting, or injecting opioids frequently activates these receptors and make the brain want more and more of this euphoria. Over time, the receptors build a tolerance and require higher dosages of the drug. Eventually, sufferers begin to compulsively seek out the addictive substance despite of its effects on their health, relationships, or career.

Arizona Opioid Rehab and Detoxification

Opioid withdrawal starts with detoxification, or detox. Detox is a medically-assisted process of removing the drug and toxins from the body. During this time, the addicted individual will experience various physical, psychological, and emotional symptoms.

Some of them can be severe enough to make him or her want to quit rehab more than quitting their addiction. The severity of withdrawal symptoms has led many treatment centers to adopt a new approach involving the administration of one or more FDA-approved drugs to help reduce the effects of withdrawal symptoms.

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what happens during opioid withdrawal

Opioid Withdrawal Timeline

The length of time it takes to withdraw from opioid varies from person to person. The withdrawal timeline usually depends on the type of opioid abused, level of addiction, dosage, frequency of use, and the body’s response to detoxification. It can take about 2 weeks to several months before the client stabilizes. In general, the first 7 days of detox is the worst for the patient seeking treatment.

Various physical and psychological symptoms may be experienced during this time, some of which can be severe. Symptoms usually set in between 6 to 30 hours after the last dose taken. Symptoms that become very intense at the 72-hour mark are known as post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS).

The general withdrawal stages and time-frames are as follows:

Days 1-2: Restlessness, anxiety, runny nose, excess sweating, muscle aches, and trouble sleeping are symptoms that typically begin within the first 6 to 30 hours after the last dose. Patients may experience strong cravings and drug-seeking behaviors.

Days 3-5: Symptoms reach their peak and cravings can be overpowering. Post-acute withdrawal symptoms may appear during this time-frame. Patients may experience body tremors, nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, abdominal cramps, or high blood pressure. Some other symptoms include chills, diarrhea, dilated pupils, stomachache, or blurred vision.

Days 6-7: Physical symptoms begin to improve, but psychological symptoms such as depression, irritability, and insomnia begin to set in. However, cravings are not as powerful as before. At this point in the detox process, patients first begin to stabilize.

Day 8 and later: Patients usually become remorseful and emotional during this stage. They may think or act irrationally and may feel hopeless. With emotional and psychological support from a therapist or counselor, you can better cope and overcome this phase.

Seeking the Right Treatment

Opioid rehab in Arizona treatment centers have evolved to treat the physical, mental, and emotional hurdles sufferers face when detoxifying from opioid abuse. The comprehensive approach yields higher success rates than individuals who only receive treatment for the physical symptoms of opioid withdrawal.

If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid addiction, let them know friends and family are there to support them along with specially trained experts who can help them break the addiction. The first step toward recovery is only a phone call away.

Survey on Opioids in the Workplace Shows Impact on Employers

The results of a survey conducted by The Hartford, a leading property and casualty insurance company, have found the current opioid epidemic is having a “tangible and growing impact” on employers across the US. The survey also found that a majority of Human Resources (HR) professionals and workers feel they don’t have the knowledge or resources necessary to deal with addiction.

Companies of All Sizes Participated in Opioid Survey

Two thousand workers and 500 HR leaders participated in the national survey, which collected responses from companies of all sizes.

• Two-thirds of HR professionals (67 percent) said their company is being impacted by opioid use today, or will be in the future.
• Just under two-thirds of the HR professionals (65 percent) revealed that opioid addiction is impacting their company financially.

Employees, HR Staff Feel Unprepared for Substance Use Problems

The Hartford survey is an opportunity for employers to provide addiction education materials to workers, as well as develop and implement consistent policies and procedures regarding drug misuse.

• Many employees (76 percent), as well as HR professionals (64 percent), don’t feel they are well trained when it comes to helping co-workers who have an opioid addiction issue.
• When asked if they could spot the signs of an opioid addiction, 24 percent of HR professionals and 18 percent of employees felt extremely or very confident they could.
• Nineteen percent of HR professionals and employees feel they are extremely or very knowledgeable about how to reduce the risk of opioid addiction.

Survey Methodology

The Opioids in the Workplace survey was conducted with an online research panel on August 9-15, 2018. A representative sample of 2,500 US adults from across the nation was divided into two groups. Two thousand full and part-time workers and 500 participants with an HR role answered questions.

The margin of error for the first group is +/-2.2 percent at the 95 percent confidence level. For the second group, the margin of error is +/-4.4 percent at the 95 percent confidence level.

is ibogaine safe for opioid addiction treatment

Is Ibogaine Safe for Opioid Addiction Treatment?

Is Ibogaine Safe for Opioid Addiction Treatment

Ibogaine treatment has seen a rise in popularity in recent years, specifically when it comes to opioid addiction treatment. There are many claims made regarding the success rates of Ibogaine treatment, which uses a psychoactive compound found in several different plants to facilitate a detox experience for patients addicted to a wide-range of substances. While this treatment seems to show promise, it is important to be aware of the potential risks involved in undergoing this largely unproven and untested form of addiction treatment. Before diving into this treatment method, it’s important to answer the question: is Ibogaine safe?

The Trap of the Magic Pill Mindset

In the battle to overcome addiction, it can be tempting to believe that a simple magic pill or treatment will be the answer to the problem. Unfortunately, addiction is often the result of many factors in one’s life. Whether it be trauma, a genetic predisposition to certain substances, social influences, or other co-occurring disorders, addiction can stem from many root causes, something which a simple treatment modality such as Ibogaine will not fully address.

To quote from Harvard Medical School professor Dr. Bertha Madras: “People think there is going to be a magic pill that’s going to erase addiction, and that’s just not reality. What they should not be desperate for is a quick fix.” While certain treatment methods can be useful in the process of overcoming addiction, a holistic, multi-faceted approach is the recommended way to address an addiction, as it will incorporate each issue which is contributing to the dependence.

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Opioid Addiction Treatment, Is Ibogaine Safe

The Dangers of Ibogaine Treatment

Ibogaine has been promoted recently as an alternative therapy to traditional methods, specifically as an option for opioid addiction treatment. Some medical professionals believe that Ibogaine inhibits the reuptake of serotonin, and that it can not only prevent a person from experiencing dangerous withdrawals, but that it can also reduce a person’s desire to use the substance again.

It is claimed that the spiritual aspects of this substance induce a sense of introspection which also leads to relief from addictive cravings, as a person will have an increased degree of perspective after their Ibogaine experience. This is the result of the fact that Ibogaine is an intense, hallucinogenic drug that can last up to 24 hours. Ibogaine can cause physical responses such as dry mouth, nausea and vomiting, muscle coordination issues, as well as extreme levels of dehydration.

In addition to the physical symptoms a person may experience as a result of taking Ibogaine, the drug can also bring on intense emotional reactions, many of which can be difficult for some individuals to process. If a practitioner is not able to effectively help guide a patient through their experience, Ibogaine can become a terrifying experience, fraught with uncertainty and unclear solutions.

An Uncertain, Unproven Treatment for Addiction

While Ibogaine seems to show promise as a treatment option for addiction, there is simply not enough data to say for sure whether this is a reliable and effective modality. A patient who decides to take the chance and try Ibogaine as a method for curing their addiction must rely on a certain degree of faith, as there is an absence of proven, time-tested evidence to fall back on in terms of how effective this drug is.

Because Ibogaine is listed as a schedule 1 drug in the United States, there are no Ibogaine clinics available stateside where a person can seek treatment. Instead, individuals are forced to go to Mexico and other countries where Ibogaine is allowed, but still not has heavily regulated as it would be in the US. While some clinics may claim to offer a trusted, safe environment for patients to detox within while using Ibogaine, this process is undoubtedly risky and involves a great level of inconvenience for the person who decides to go this route.

In order to answer the question: is Ibogaine safe, we must look at the potential risks inherent in this treatment option. According to a study conducted by the National Institutes of Health, Ibogaine affects the cardiovascular system and there have been alarming reports of life-threatening complications, as well as sudden death cases associated with the administration of Ibogaine. The most likely cause of these sudden death cases was cardiac arrhythmias, showcasing the potential downsides which can impact a patient if they don’t consider all of their current health conditions.

Is Ibogaine Safe? 

Ibogaine is an unknown, mostly untested treatment option which has a long way to go before it can be considered a safe option for patients seeking relief from their drug addiction. The most effective treatment options are always those that address the confluence of factors which can make up the reasons for why a person becomes addicted. Magic pills are an intriguing idea to entertain, but the truth is that they are simply not a realistic outcome for people seeking relief from their addiction.

President Signs Bill to Curb Opioid Crisis

After declaring the US in the midst of a public health emergency in 2017 due to the opioid crisis, The President signed a bill into law that experts believe will help to curb the opioid crisis. The new legislation is called the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act.

More Funding for Addiction Treatment

The new law provides funding to federal agencies and states so that they can provide increased access to addiction treatment. It also puts measures in place to help alleviate the crisis, such as:

• Preventing overprescribing
• Training law enforcement agencies to intercept drug shipments at US borders

The bill signing was the culmination of a 12-month effort by the legislative and executive branch to react to the opioid crisis. While lawmakers said the bill was a step in the right direction, although many of them said it didn’t go far enough to deal with the epidemic. Rep. Frank Pallone of New Jersey cautioned of ramifications of talk of reducing access to publicly-funded treatment programs.

Congress and the White House entered into discussions for making a plan for confronting the epidemic in October 2017. This was before several congressional hearings by the House and the Senate on the same subject.

Public health experts have spoken out in favor of the bill, since it increases access to treatment. They say this is a critical step to controlling the epidemic. One of the measures in the legislation removes an old measure that didn’t allow clients with substance abuse issues get treatment in mental health facilities with more than 16 beds under Medicaid.

Private Companies on Board with New Initiatives

The White House has also pointed to new initiatives from private companies:

• Amazon has programmed its Alexa voice service to answer consumers’ questions about opioids and addiction.
• Blue Cross Blue Shield, the major insurance provider, will establish a national toll-free phone number to help US residents locate drug and alcohol treatment centers.
• Biopharmaceutical company Emergent BioSolutions will offer free Narcan nasal sprayers at over 16,500 public libraries and 2,700 YMCAs. Narcan, when administered to someone experiencing an opioid overdose, can help reverse the condition.

Treatment Still the Main Focus

What this new law and other efforts do is to help continue to focus on the need for treatment at all levels. This current drug crisis won’t subside until there are enough people seeking and receiving quality treatment for their substance use disorders. Desert Cove Recovery is proud to be a leader in rehabilitation for people both in Arizona and from all over the country.

pregnant opioid addicts

Number of Pregnant Opioid Addicts Surged Over Last 15 Years

The results from a new report released from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report shed light on the continued effects of the opioid epidemic on a specific portion of the population: pregnant women. The researchers found that the number of women living with opioid use disorder at the time they went into labor and delivered their babies “more than quadrupled” during the 15-year period between 1999-2014.

Opioid Addiction Leads to Other Health Issues

Opioid addiction is responsible for a number of health problems. It can take a toll on a user’s physical and mental health, as well as her personal relationships. According to statistics collected by the CDC, opioids (which include prescription pain medications and illicit drugs such as heroin) were responsible for taking the lives of more than 42,000 people in 2016, a record level for fatalities.

Opioid use at addiction levels during pregnancy has been linked to several negative health consequences for mothers and babies. The drug use can lead to preterm birth, stillbirth and neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), a term describing a group of conditions caused when a fetus goes through withdrawal from certain drugs before birth.

National Database Analyzed

Researchers analyzed a national database collected on women from 28 states and discovered the rate of opioid use disorder jumped from 1.5/1000 delivery hospitalizations in 1999 to 6.5/1000 delivery hospitalizations in 2014. The rate increased by 0.39 cases per 1,000 during each year of the study.

Some geographical differences were noted during the study. The average annual increases were highest in West Virginia, Vermont, New Mexico and Maine. They were lowest in Hawaii and California.

Wanda Barfield, MD, Rear Admiral, US Public Health Service (USPHS), and the Director of the Division of Reproductive Health, explained that even in states with the smallest increases year over year, more pregnant women with opioid use disorder are being seen in labor and delivery.

Strategies for Dealing with Opioid Addiction in Pregnancy

The report included strategies for states to take on the issue of opioid addiction in pregnancy.

  • Ensure opioid prescribing is in line with the CDC’s current guidelines
  • Intensify prescription drug monitoring programs.
  • Institute a policy of substance use screening at the first prenatal visit.
  • Make certain that pregnant women with opioid use disorder have access to MAT (medication assisted therapy) and other addiction treatment services.
  • Provide mothers with opioid use disorder with postpartum care that includes substance abuse treatment, mental health treatment, relapse prevention and family planning services.