Weight Loss Drug Helps Curb Cocaine Addictions, Penn Study Finds
PHILADELPHIA —The drug topiramate, typically used to treat epilepsy and more recently weight loss, may also help people addicted to both cocaine and alcohol use less cocaine, particularly heavy users, researchers in the department of Psychiatry at …
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Epilepsy Drug May Help Addicts Kick The Habit
Topiramate is drug conventionally used to treat epilepsy and effect weight loss but it is currently being researched for its ability to help cocaine and alcohol addicts kick the habit. The results from this double-blind study offer hope that topiramate …
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Drug Abuse is Major Threat to Street Kids
Braitstein is an associate research professor at Indiana University School of Medicine. She said over the years there was little research specifically done on street kid drug abuse. That prompted the in-depth review of past studies looking for information.
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Drug addicts, dealers are 'doctor shopping' for pain pills
WEDNESDAY, July 17 (HealthDay News) — One of every 50 prescriptions for addictive prescription painkillers in the United States is filled for so-called "doctor shoppers" who obtain the drugs for recreational use or resale on the street, a new study finds.
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For many years, painkiller abuse was the “silent” addiction that no one spoke of. Many people hid their use of painkillers or other prescription drugs from their family and friends. Well, today, painkiller addiction is getting more press then ever, largely because there has been such a huge increase in use of these particular drugs. Many people going to extreme lengths to obtain them and the news are beginning to report it. Doctor shopping, pharmacy thefts and prescription forgery has increased tremendously.

As new reports cover these incidences and more people begin talking about it, addicts are coming forward and telling their stories. More and more individuals are also checking themselves into Painkiller addiction treatment programs, which is further evidence of this growing problem.

Organizations that study drug abuse and addictions have found that prescription drugs, methamphetamines and marijuana are the three types of drugs whose use is growing. More people then ever are reporting use of these substances. The reasons why are unclear.

Some people believe that painkiller misuse is on the rise because it is legal. It is a prescription drug so people are able to get it legally from their doctors. People also do not have to purchase drugs from a drug dealer. Of course they can if they have no other options. But largely, at least at first, they don’t have to worry about coming across a violent drug dealer or being arrested for illegal drug possession.

This type of addiction is generally pretty safe in terms of legal repercussions if all a person is doing is doctor shopping. However, things can go downhill fast if an individual starts to steal the drugs, attempt to forge prescriptions or begins buying from a drug dealer.

Many people don’t start off taking painkillers to use them to get high, though there are definitely those that do. These individuals often have some type of injury or have just had surgery and are prescribed the medication by their doctors. It is after they begin taking it to deal with a legitimate injury, that they find themselves hooked. They may then attempt to fake more injuries to keep the drugs coming or go to multiple doctors to get as many drugs as possible.

Painkiller addiction treatment is often the best option for those addicted to these types of drugs. This is because the drug is so addicting that it can be very difficult for a person to give up using them on their own. There are special medical detoxification programs that will allow individuals to get the drugs out of their body slowly so that the withdrawal symptoms are not so severe. There are generally at least several in every state. Persons should seriously consider checking in to such a program if they find themselves repeatedly unable to make it through the first few days of their attempts to quit. Painkiller addiction treatment is just what many persons need to get clean and should be utilized when necessary.

OxyContin addiction is one that is growing tremendously. An increasing number of people are taking this prescription painkiller to get high. Addiction to prescription drugs such as Oxycontin is becoming a real problem and one that has to be addressed sooner rather then later. While it is impossible to eradicate drug use (or it would have been done by now), it is important that those who can, do something about it. This includes everyone in the community such as parents, schools and law enforcement officers. Drug rehab facilities typically come into the picture after an individual has already developed an OxyContin addiction.

While drug rehab facilities are extremely important because they help individuals reclaim their lives, the best approach is a preventative one. However, because it is not possible to stop individuals who want to use drugs from doing so, the drug rehabilitation community will have a major role to play in the fight against OxyContin addiction after it occurs.

An OxyContin addiction often times develops accidently. A person may initially have had an injury that required painkillers and were prescribed them by their doctor, became physically dependent on them and then developed an addiction. Oxycontin and similar painkillers are very addicting and individuals have to be careful or they can indeed become hooked very quickly.

After a person discovers that they are having a difficult time getting by without using the drugs, rehab should be the next step. However, this is not often what happens. Instead, persons look for ways to obtain the drug and continue with their OxyContin addiction.

In order to get the drug, they may make visits with multiple doctors with the intent of getting prescribed Oxycontin by them. This allows the addict to get several prescriptions of Oxycontin at one time. When one doctor cuts them off, they will attempt to find another one to replace him or her. This is referred to as physician shopping.

Another way that individuals get oxycontin is by stealing it. They might steal pills from their family and/or friends. Breaking into pharmacies is also becoming more common. This type of theft allows individuals to get large quantities of the drugs at one time. They may keep it all themselves or sell some of it to other addicts for cash.

OxyContin addiction has become a very serious problem with no signs of improving in sight. Individuals continue to abuse prescription drugs in record numbers and for varying reasons. Some people begin using them after having been legitimately prescribed the drug, often times after surgery. They then develop a physical dependency that leads to addiction. Other individuals simply enjoy the way that the drug makes them feel. Either way, once individuals become hooked on these very addicting drugs, they are willing to go to great lengths to get it. This includes doctor shopping, stealing from family, friends and acquaintances and well as prescription forgery. Individuals with an OxyContin addiction should get help as soon as possible from a qualified and proven drug facility.

Opiate abuse continues to be a major problem. It is a threat to the person consumed by the drugs and also those that depend on them. Opiates are drugs that are manufactured from opium poppy seeds. The seeds theme selves have codeine and morphine. Man made medications from poppy seeds include hyromorphone, Vicodin (hydrocodone), OxyContin, Dilaudid and heroin. Dermerol and Darvon are other opiate drugs. Many opiates are used to treat pain.

Opiates are so popular in part because they help people feel good. They decrease feelings of anxiety, decreases pain and help individuals feel euphoric. These drugs can be taken a number of ways including via injections, snorting, smoked or orally.

Like all drugs there are dangers to Opiate abuse, the worst probably being death. Individuals who abuse opiates are at risk for respiratory arrest, and diseases such as HIV, hepatitis or other infectious diseases when the drugs are taken via injection.

One of the most abused opiates is heroin. It is fairly cheap and produces a very powerful high. Persons are able to get high really fast and report feelings of euphoria. This is especially true when the drug is injected directly into the veins. However, Opiate abuse is beginning to include many drugs besides heroin. An increasing number of individuals are using prescription pain killers such as Hyrocodone, Oxycontin and Dermerol. Abusers and addicts are obtaining these drugs by doctor shopping, theft and prescription forgery.

As a person continues to use opiates on a consistent basis, they will start to need higher doses to achieve the same highs that they have become accustomed to. As a result, they will seek more and more of the drug and in higher doses. This can be a very difficult habit to support financially. Therefore, individuals will often turn to illegal methods to support heir habits and get more of the drugs. However, if an individual commits to quitting and is able to stop using the drug, allowing it to get out of their systems, their nerve receptors can begin to readapt.

Detoxification is necessary when a person is attempting to overcome Opiate abuse. This is a process that involves all traces of the drugs leaving the body. This takes time and the exact amount will be dependent upon how long an individual has been on drugs and the last time they consumed them. Common withdrawal symptoms include the shakes, aches, vomiting, anxiety, cold or hot flashes and diarrhea. Individuals aren’t typically in any danger when these occur. However, it can feel like it. They are extremely uncomfortable and make for a very trying time. Many people continue to use drugs because they are unable to make it through the withdrawal process.

Individuals with an Opiate abuse problem can go through traditional rehab or they can be administered methadone or buprenorphine if they prefer. Most states will require that any medically based drug rehab program be certified before they can treat individuals with either methadone or buprenorphine.