Drug Information

What Is Adderall?

Adderall is a prescription drug that acts as a stimulant. It’s available in a standard-release and a time-release version. This brand-name drug is a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, both of which are stimulants individually.

Adderall is primarily prescribed to children and adults to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In rarer cases, Adderall may be prescribed to treat the sleep disorder narcolepsy. The Food and Drug Administration originally approved Adderall in 1960. The DSM Pharmaceuticals company makes the brand-name version of the drug, and there are also drug companies that manufacture generic versions.

Adderall and increases the level of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. If someone has ADHD and they use Adderall as prescribed, it calms them and helps them focus.

There are certain health risks associated with the use of Adderall, particularly if it’s used other than how it’s prescribed. For example, Adderall can lead to stroke, high blood pressure and heart problems. If someone has a pre-existing heart condition, taking Adderall can be especially risky. If someone has certain mental health problems, such as depression or bipolar disorder, Adderall can exacerbate their symptoms.

Is Adderall Addictive?

Adderall is an addictive drug and people who develop an Adderall addiction have often used it without a prescription or in a way other than how it’s prescribed. When some people use Adderall, especially if they don’t have ADHD, it can cause a euphoric high. A person may have different reasons for abusing Adderall. One of the most common is to give them a performance edge, particularly in school or work.

When someone abuses Adderall, it can not only create euphoria but also improve concentration, motivation and a sense of confidence. Adderall can help people stay awake for long periods of time, which has contributed to its reputation as a “study drug.”

Adderall is also commonly abused among young professionals, particularly those who work in high-stress or competitive environments. Some of the signs of Adderall abuse can include seeming very talkative, excitability or unusual energy levels, and in some people aggression and irritability.

If someone uses Adderall without a prescription or they use it outside of how it’s intended to be used, they’re at a risk of becoming addicted. For example, sometimes people crush it or empty the capsules to snort the drug. This gives a more rapid and powerful high but also leads to addiction more quickly. Individuals might also dissolve the drug to inject it, and the results are similar.

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With extended-release versions of Adderall, abuse through snorting or injecting the drug is particularly risky. When snorting or injecting Adderall, the effects of the drug occur in a short period of time rather than over a period of 12 hours as is intended.

Adderall is a Schedule II controlled substance. This means that it requires a prescription from a doctor, and also that the drug carries with it a high potential for abuse. That abuse can lead to both psychological and physical dependence.

While it is possible to become addicted to Adderall, people often wonder about the specific mechanism of action of the drug that makes it an addictive substance. When someone uses Adderall, specific brain chemicals are released at abnormally high levels. These brain chemicals, also called neurotransmitters, include dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine. They’re released into the central nervous system, and they are what creates the sense of euphoria. Specifically, dopamine can activate the brain’s reward and pleasure centers.

The norepinephrine and epinephrine are what increases focus and alertness. Any drug that affects feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine has the potential to become addictive since it’s activating reward centers in the brain. The activation of those reward centers can trigger the brain to compulsively seek out the stimulus that led to that activation, which is Adderall in this case.

An Adderall addiction is a neurological disorder that causes people to compulsively use the drug. People addicted Adderall seek and use the substance despite the negative consequences, which may include health, social and legal problems.

Adderall Addiction Statistics

Adderall addiction statistics can be startling, especially since this is a drug so commonly prescribed to various people, including children.

The following are notable Adderall addiction statistics regarding the prescribing, use and misuse of this drug.

• According to research from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, emergency room visits, and abuse related to Adderall has increased among young adults, although the number of prescriptions haven’t.
• Research published in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry showed that Adderall misuse is highest among adults ages 18 to 25. Most of the people who reported abusing Adderall obtained it from friends or family and did not have a prescription for the drug.
• Hopkins researchers found that 60 percent of people ages 12 or older who used Adderall for nonmedical purposes were between 18 and 25 years old.
• From 2006 to 2011, the illegal use of Adderall among young adults went up by 67 percent, while emergency room visits went up by 156 percent.
• In 2013, an estimated 3.5 million children were on prescription stimulants. Conversely, 600,000 children were on stimulant in 1990.
• In 2012, there were around 16 million prescriptions for Adderall written for adults between ages 20 and 39.
• By 2004, the off-label use of prescription stimulants was the second-most common type of illegal drug use seen by college students, only behind marijuana.

Unfortunately, because it is a prescription medication, people often don’t understand the consequences of misusing this stimulant. However, Adderall dependence and addiction can occur. It’s also possible for people addicted to Adderall to experience withdrawal symptoms upon cessation from the drug.

Adderall can have many serious health effects as well, particularly with long-term use. For example, Adderall can trigger or worsen psychological symptoms, and it can lead to cardiac problems, especially in individuals with pre-existing heart conditions. Using Adderall in a way other than those recommended by a physician can increase a person’s likelihood of becoming addicted to the prescription stimulant.

Alcohol abuse and addiction are serious problems for tens of millions of people in the United States. Alcohol abuse and alcohol addiction are two separate concepts, however. Alcohol abuse refers to any situation where someone is drinking excessively. Alcohol addiction, also called alcoholism or alcohol use disorder, is a situation where someone compulsively drinks and is unable to stop on their own. Alcohol dependence can develop with abuse and addiction as well. With alcohol dependence, someone will go through withdrawal symptoms if they try to stop drinking. Alcohol withdrawal can be severe or deadly.

What Makes Alcohol So Addictive?

When someone regularly drinks alcohol and if they abuse it, it can change the chemistry of their brain. When someone first drinks alcohol, it can create pleasurable feelings or a sense of relaxation. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, so it slows many of the body’s main functions down.

Alcohol affects specific neurotransmitters in the brain, like GABA. Over time, with repeated exposures, these changes don’t just occur when someone is drinking. They can become ongoing changes. Eventually, the longer someone drinks, the less pleasurable feelings they get from alcohol. However, they will continue to drink because their body and brain are dependent on it.

There are certain risk factors that can raise the likelihood someone will become addicted to alcohol. These risk factors include having more than 15 drinks a week as a male, or more than 12 drinks a week as a female. Having a parent with an alcohol use disorder or having a mental health problem like anxiety or depression can also raise the risk of becoming addicted to alcohol.

Signs of Alcohol Abuse

There are signs of alcohol abuse that can start to become apparent. Even if someone is abusing alcohol, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are addicted. Signs of alcohol abuse can include:

• Drinking alone
• Being secretive about drinking
• Being unable to limit drinking, even when you intend to
• Having a high tolerance for alcohol and needing more of it to feel the same effects
• Missing commitments because of drinking or the effects of drinking (like having a hangover)
• Making excuses for drinking
• Continuing to drink even when there are negative consequences that develop

As someone’s alcohol abuse becomes more problematic, physical symptoms may start to occur. These can include intense alcohol cravings and withdrawal symptoms when they’re not drinking. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can include shaking, nausea and vomiting. Other physical signs of an alcohol problem include tremors the morning after drinking and blacking out during drinking.

Sometimes people question if they are misusing alcohol. There are certain questions you can ask yourself. For example, do you feel guilty about your drinking? Do you feel that you need to drink more to get the effect you desire from alcohol? Other questions to consider include whether it would be better to cut back on your drinking and whether you experience changes in mood or behavior when you’re drinking.

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Alcohol Abuse and Addiction in Orlando

For people who are struggling with alcohol abuse and addiction in Orlando, it’s important to proactively seek treatment. Treatment options usually begin with a professional medical detox. During a medical detox, a patient is monitored to ensure they are safe and comfortable. This is especially important with alcohol addiction because of the life-threatening effects detoxing from alcohol can cause. Once someone completes a full alcohol detox, they can begin receiving treatment. Alcohol abuse and addiction treatment options in Orlando include inpatient rehab and outpatient rehab.

During inpatient rehab, participants sleep in the treatment facility, and they receive around-the-clock monitoring. This controlled environment can be helpful in the early days of treatment as someone is stabilizing. It can reduce chaos and create a sense of stability. Another treatment option for alcohol abuse and addiction is outpatient rehab. Sometimes people receive treatment along with a continuum of care. They might begin with a medical detox, then go to inpatient rehab. Following inpatient rehab, they might begin outpatient treatment. Other people may begin the treatment journey with outpatient rehab. Beginning with outpatient rehab may be suitable for someone with shorter-term or less severe alcohol addiction.

Alcohol Abuse Facts and Statistics in Florida

While we often hear about the abuse of certain substances commonly, like opioids, alcohol abuse statistics aren’t talked about as frequently. This could be because alcohol is legal for people over a certain age or maybe because there’s not as much of a stigma surrounding alcohol use as with other substances. However, there are concerning alcohol abuse facts and statistics in Florida, as is the case throughout much of the country.

A report from the Florida Department of Children and Families found there were more than 24,000 people who sought alcohol abuse treatment from 2014 to 2015. Of those, more than 41 percent were people aged 35 and above. There were more than 2,180 of those that came from central Florida. From 2003 to 2012, there were more than 8,470 people involved in drunk driving crashes in Florida.

The Florida rate of deaths per 100,000 people because of drunk driving crashes was higher than the national average. The death rates for drunk driving accidents in Florida was particularly high among people aged 21 to 34. One survey also found that the percentage of adults who reported driving after drinking too much in the 30 days prior to the survey was higher than the national average. According to the CDC, there were more than 6,680 deaths attributed to excessive alcohol use in Florida from 2006 to 2010.

Occasional alcohol use can eventually turn to abuse, and that abuse can lead to addiction. If you feel that you or your loved one could have a problem with alcohol abuse or alcoholism, contact an alcohol abuse and treatment center in Orlando. At Lotus Healing Centers, a team of professionals can provide a number of treatment programs for substance use and co-occurring disorders Call and speak with a representative to learn more about which treatment program could work for you.

There are more than 15 approved prescription benzodiazepine medications in the United States. These drugs are used to treat varieties of physical and psychological ailments. They are known for their muscle-relaxing and anxiety-relieving characteristics.

Benzodiazepines can serve many functions in the body because they are central nervous system depressants. Benzodiazepines have useful medical properties and are usually a fairly safe treatment for anxiety, although they can have harmful side effects. The calming properties that make them important medical tools make them highly addictive as well.

What Are Benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines are a class of medications that affect the central nervous system to ease the symptoms of a variety of medical conditions. Overall, benzodiazepines are similar in how they affect the brain, though the different types contain different potencies, durations of actions and receptor site attractions. This explains why some benzodiazepines work better than others in the treatment of particular conditions.

Commonly prescribed medications within the benzodiazepines drug category include Valium and Xanax. They are some of the most commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medications in the United States. When people who do not hold prescriptions take these drugs for their sedating and calming effects, the use turns into abuse.

Physicians may prescribe a benzodiazepine for the following medical conditions:

• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Alcohol withdrawal
• Seizure control
• Muscle relaxation
• Inducing amnesia for uncomfortable procedures

Benzodiazepines have also been used as date rape, or memory-impairing, drugs. They have the ability to distinctly impair and even eliminate functions that would allow an individual to resist sexual aggression or assault. The drug is usually added to alcohol-containing drinks in powder or liquid forms and can be hard to taste.

Are Benzodiazepines Addictive?

Benzodiazepines are addictive and commonly abused. This is partly associated with the toxic effects that they produce and the fact they are so easily available. These are medications that have been chronically abused and have led to numerous cases of emergency hospitalization due to intentional or accidental drug overdose. When combined with alcohol, benzodiazepines can be dangerous, and even lethal.

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Most benzodiazepine medications usually start working quickly, providing almost immediate relief from panic or anxiety symptoms. Some are better sleep aids, or muscle relaxants, while others are used prior to a medical procedure for their sedative effects.

Benzodiazepines have many medical and recreational uses. Benzodiazepines are considered Schedule IV drugs under the Controlled Substances Act by the Drug Enforcement Agency due to their therapeutic value and estimated potential for abuse and addiction.

Signs of Benzodiazepine Abuse

At normal, prescribed doses, benzodiazepines relieve anxiety and sleep problems for individuals who have diagnosed medical conditions. They are usually well-tolerated medications with a few side effects like drowsiness or dizzy feelings. These side effects may be much more pronounced with increased doses.

Signs and symptoms of abuse of benzodiazepines may include the following:

• Drowsiness
• Slurred speech
• Lack of coordination
• Difficulty breathing
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Weakness

Signs of chronic drug abuse may be comprised of changes in appearance and behaviors that disrupt relationships and work performance. In children, noticeable changes may include abrupt mood swings or deterioration of school performance. Abuse of benzodiazepines can lead to the following symptoms:

• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Anorexia
• Headaches
• Weakness

Despite their many helpful uses, benzodiazepines can lead to physical and psychological dependence.

Benzodiazepine Abuse and Addiction in Orlando

Intentional abuse of prescription benzodiazepines is generally uncommon in the general population. However, people with a history of drug abuse are at the greatest risk for seeking benzodiazepines to experience a high.

For some people, benzodiazepines are rarely the sole drug of abuse and many people will often combine the medication with alcohol or illicit drugs such as opioids to increase the effect. Valium and Xanax are among the most popular benzodiazepines due to their fast-acting abilities.

People who misuse benzodiazepines have a higher risk for developing dementia, an illness affecting the brain that causes gradual memory loss. Dementia also causes long-term issues such as language and motor skills problems. There are many dangers of benzodiazepine addiction including fatal cases of overdose.

Benzodiazepine Abuse Facts and Statistics in Florida

One of the most frightening Xanax abuse statistics is that its use in treatment centers has increased by 79 percent due to benzo abuse since 2002. Xanax is the most frequently abused benzodiazepine in Florida as well as the United States.

Cocaine has been a popular party drug in the United States and in other countries for decades. While cocaine is illegal, the stimulant continues to be highly abused and extremely addictive. Cocaine addiction is a widespread disease and often leads to overdose deaths and heart attacks.

Cocaine is made from the leaves of the coca plant. Cocaine is a white crystal-like powder but can be mixed with amphetamines to take a different appearance and cause more extreme effects than the drug has on its own. Cocaine reacts with the body’s central nervous system to produce energy and euphoria.

Although it is well known that cocaine is addictive, many people choose to experiment with cocaine.

How Addictive is Cocaine?

Cocaine is addictive because the drug abnormally increases the level of dopamine in the brain, which can reprogram the brain’s reward system. When people become addicted to a drug, there are often psychological symptoms that they show and physical symptoms. The psychological addiction is the link between the brain and the pleasant experience that occurs from the drug’s effects. The physical addiction is the body’s desire for the drug to function normally.

Physical symptoms include:

• Decreased need for sleep
• Headaches
• Muscle twitches
• Malnutrition
• Abnormal heart rhythms
• Constriction of blood vessels
• Runny nose
• Increased body temperature, heart rate and blood pressure
• Decreased appetite
• Tremors
• Cravings

Psychological symptoms include:

• Intense paranoia
• Psychosis
• Violent mood swings
• Hallucination
• Break from reality
• Unable to exert good judgment
• Rationalization of drug use
• Lack of motivation

Someone who uses cocaine frequently will develop a dependence for the drug, meaning they feel a need for it to function properly and avoid feeling physically ill. Once a dependence has formed, withdrawal symptoms will occur when cocaine use stops or the dosage decreases significantly.

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Signs of Cocaine Abuse

Cocaine increases levels of happiness-inducing chemicals that are naturally produced by the brain, which is why people feel exhilarated when they use the drug. Other effects of using cocaine include:

• Talkativeness
• Alertness
• Anxiety
• Overconfidence
• Excitement

How often and the amount of cocaine people use can alter the potency and duration of the effects. The effects of snorting cocaine through the nasal passages are short-lived, lasting approximately 30 minutes. Smoking or injecting cocaine is more intense but lasts for an even shorter period, between five and 10 minutes. Injecting cocaine poses a higher risk of overdose than snorting cocaine. Most cocaine users will re-dose frequently to maintain the desired effects.

Cocaine abuse is particularly dangerous because continued use can cause strain on the heart, as well as weakening other vital organs. The most common cause of death in frequent cocaine users is stroke or cardiac arrest.

Cocaine Abuse and Addiction in Orlando

The appeal of cocaine is the energy and elation that using the drug creates. Cocaine often makes a person feel confident and upbeat while reducing appetite and giving the sensation that users are capable of more than they really are. Addiction sets in and life takes a dangerous turn, it is a leading cause of death in Florida.

There are thousands of treatment centers in the country, but not every rehab option fits each person’s specific needs. If you are looking for help, find a center that offers treatment for cocaine addiction and values patient comfort. Finding a center that treats addiction for other drugs, and co-occurring mental health disorders is also important.

Cocaine Abuse Facts and Statistics in Florida

An estimated 1.5 million people ages 12 and older abuse cocaine each month in the United States. This figure accounts for 0.6 percent of the population, or 1.5 million Americans.

While both men and women use this dangerous drug, men are twice as likely to use cocaine when compared to women. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health revealed that lifetime use of either powdered cocaine or crack was significantly higher among Caucasians than other ethnic groups.

Codeine is commonly known for its presence in cough syrup, but it is also an opiate used to treat mild to moderate pain.

Though it’s included in cough syrup partially for cough suppression, there’s not technically enough evidence that it possesses this attribute. It’s actually better for treating diarrhea, especially in association with irritable bowel syndrome.

This substance is broken down by the liver and reverts into morphine. It’s a naturally occurring substance that makes up about 2 percent of opium and is the most commonly ingested opiate. Once broken down, the drug affects the brain’s reward center, producing feelings of pleasure and wellbeing, among other effects.

Due to these factors, abuse of codeine has become a serious problem in many nations.

As an opiate, addiction to codeine is absolutely possible. This fact is responsible for cough syrups containing the drug being taken off shelves and restricted to behind the counter at the pharmacy. Some countries also monitor customer purchases of these products, electronically recording each purchase to track how much each individual buys. Legal restrictions on codeine in the US depend on how high the concentration of the drug is in each medication. Cough syrups are either Schedule III or V, depending on the formula.

Addiction to opiates can occur quickly and be very difficult to overcome. A person’s reaction to and development of tolerance to codeine depends largely on body chemistry – some people break down the drug faster than others. Abuse of and addiction to opioids have been going on for many decades; as a result, much research has been done on addiction to these drugs and treatment of that addiction.

Who Abuses Codeine?

Due to the fact that codeine is used to treat so many common health issues, such as coughs, diarrhea, and pain, there’s little limit to who can become addicted to the drug. One study published in the 2013 edition of Addictive Behaviors found that codeine is more likely to be abused by men, by Native American and Hispanic individuals, by students from urban environments, and by LGBT persons. This study focused on the southern US culture around “purple drank,” the area’s common street name for syrups containing codeine mixed with soda or alcohol. The drug has been referenced in southern rap music and is even associated with certain professional athletes.

Young people appear to be much more likely to seek out codeine medications specifically for recreational abuse. These are typically youngsters who have little to no experience with drug abuse and want to start out with what they perceive to be a seemingly harmless substance. Though codeine becomes morphine in the body, it’s only 8-12 percent as powerful as pure morphine, according to the Global Information Network about Drugs. Once these individuals find themselves with a tolerance to codeine and unable to achieve a euphoric high, they may pursue stronger opioids such as Vicodin or heroin. Adolescent use of prescription painkillers may be the most concerning, with 467,000 American adolescents using these drugs for nonmedical purposes in the year 2014 alone. Of these, 168,000 were considered to have an addiction.

Other populations likely to abuse codeine include polydrug users, as codeine is commonly mixed with cannabis or alcohol. Current users of more powerful opioids like heroin may also seek out codeine to mitigate withdrawal symptoms, whether because they’re trying to quit or because their access was cut off. Consuming a less intense opioid results in some stimulation of the brain’s reward center, calming cravings and reducing the physical symptoms of withdrawal, even if it doesn’t produce a euphoric high. This practice is not safe, and medical detox is always required for heroin or prescription painkiller withdrawal.

It’s also possible for those who have a prescription for opioids to become addicted. This can happen even if the individual follows intake directions precisely, though it’s less likely. When it comes to lesser opiates like codeine, legal users might not be prepared for the addictive effects and be taken by surprise when they find they can’t get through the day without the drug. This typically happens when a tolerance develops, and the doctor either prescribes a higher dose or the person self-medicates with higher doses – something that is also considered to be drug abuse.

Signs of Codeine Addiction

There are some key signs of abuse of any opioid, but the most common side effect of medications containing codeine is nausea, especially in cough syrups. Those who take more than the recommended dose of one of these medications are likely to become nauseous. Therefore, they may also keep anti-nausea medications handy.

Other effects of codeine abuse include:

• Anxiety or Depression
• Mood swings
• Drowsiness
• Sleeping more than usual
• Nodding off
• Decreased appetite
• Weight loss
• Clammy hands or feet
• Stomach pain
• Constipation
• Itching
• Slowed breathing
• Changes in vision

Over long periods of time, codeine abuse can cause an increase in lung infections, bowel damage, sleep disorders, irregular heart rate, and even brain damage. Beyond the physical effects, drug addiction tends to have a profound impact on life satisfaction. As the individual becomes increasingly preoccupied with obtaining and taking the drug, relationships and responsibilities suffer. The person may lose friends, have difficulties with family members, and find it difficult to make it to school or work. Constant drowsiness and mood swings make it nearly impossible to focus.

All of these are signs that an addiction to some kind of substance has developed. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, there were 2.1 million Americans addicted to prescription opioid painkillers in 2012. It’s easy to become addicted to an opiate and difficult to stop using, as the brain eventually stops producing its own chemicals that stimulate the reward center. After enough of a tolerance has developed, an addicted individual will need to take the opiate just to feel any level of pleasure. Anhedonia, the inability to feel pleasure, is a common symptom of opiate addiction.

People who are addicted to codeine will also experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking it. This is the result of the changes in the body and brain that occur as they try to adjust to the constant presence of the drug until they no longer function properly without it.

Common codeine withdrawal symptoms include:

• Runny nose
• Watery eyes
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach cramps
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Muscle pains

For some, these symptoms can seem like a bad flu. For long-term, heavy users, it’s typically much worse and may require medical intervention. It’s best to consult a doctor before trying to get off codeine if an addiction is suspected. Though withdrawal from opioids is not generally dangerous, it can cause dehydration and may be too unpleasant to bear without professional help. Relapse can be especially dangerous, as many individuals will be unaware that even a short break from an opioid can result in a reduction of tolerance and starting again at the same dose from before the attempt to stop can result in a dangerous overdose.

Overdose

Although codeine is a mild opiate compared to others, overdose is still possible and can be deadly. Opiates depress the central nervous system, which controls essential functions like the heartbeat and respiratory system. Especially if combined with other opioids or alcohol, a codeine overdose can cause breathing to slow to dangerous levels, reducing the amount of oxygen to the brain. Once this happens, rapid cell death begins, and the affected individual can endure coma, brain damage, or even death.

According to a 2016 report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, overdose deaths involving opioids have increased by 200 percent since the year 2000. Signs of an overdose should be considered a medical emergency, and emergency medical services should be sought immediately.

Symptoms of codeine overdose include:

• Slow, labored breathing
• Cold, clammy skin
• Extreme drowsiness or fatigue
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Lightheadedness
• Loss of consciousness
• Low blood pressure
• Intestinal spasms
• Muscle twitches
• Weak pulse
• Bluish lips or fingernails

Opioid overdose can be treated with medications that block the receptors in the pleasure center of the brain, but intervention needs to be quick enough to prevent brain damage due to oxygen deprivation.

If the medication is mixed with other substances like acetaminophen, as is common when people are attempting to get through a bad flu (or even opioid withdrawal symptoms), there is a significant risk of liver damage. Acetaminophen produces a substance that is very hard on the liver when broken down, and if the liver is trying to filter a large amount of an opiate at the same time, it can cause serious stress and result in permanent liver damage.

At this point, treatment options should be assessed.

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Fentanyl is the strongest known opioid drug in the world. The medication was originally created to treat severe pain, especially for people who live with chronic pain and developed a tolerance to other medications. Fentanyl is 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more powerful than heroin, an illicit opioid. Fentanyl is typically prescribed to manage pain after surgery or for chronic pain.

When prescribed, fentanyl is administered through an injection, transdermal patch or in lozenge form. However, fentanyl is often sold as a powder, can be mixed with heroin or cocaine, and is available for purchase illegally. This combination can lead to overdose and possibly a coma or death. Due to the drug’s potency and addictive qualities, physicians restrict fentanyl prescriptions for severe situations, such as terminal cancer patients.

Is Fentanyl Addictive

It is important to note that fentanyl is extremely addictive. The clearest way to clarify the addictiveness of fentanyl is to consider the drug’s direct impact on the brain’s reward system. The main job of a neurotransmitter is to communicate chemical messages in the brain by docking onto receptor sites. Fentanyl acts as a neurotransmitter, interacting with a receptor site in the brain and sending a message to release chemicals that eliminate the awareness of pain. A dose of fentanyl can make a person feel relaxed and euphoric.

Fentanyl can cause the brain to release dopamine in larger amounts than would typically occur without the drug’s presence. The more dopamine that is released, the faster the onset of the addiction. The patient will need to keep taking more fentanyl to block the brain’s effort to correct the excess dopamine production.

Signs of Fentanyl Abuse

Since many patients don’t believe fentanyl harbors significant addictive potential like heroin or other illicit drugs, fentanyl has a higher likelihood for unintentional abuse. Once someone develops a tolerance to fentanyl’s narcotic properties, he or she will depend on it to feel normal. This leads to requiring more fentanyl, both in greater doses and higher frequency.

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Fentanyl can escalate from abuse to full-scale addiction rapidly. Fentanyl abuse and addiction can be detected in a person’s behavior and physical changes. Some behavioral signs to look for include:

• Doctor shopping
• Stealing money or goods to buy fentanyl
• Constantly talking or thinking about using or obtaining fentanyl
• Using the drug to get high rather than to relieve pain as prescribed
• Using the drug more frequently, or in greater doses than medically necessary

Fentanyl has a powerful impact on the body and the following physiological sign may occur:

• Slurred speech
• Tiny pupils
• Weight loss
• Extreme drowsiness
• Unconsciousness
• Confusion

Fentanyl Abuse and Addiction in Orlando

There are thousands of treatment centers in the country, but not every rehab option fits each person’s specific needs. If you are looking for help, find a center that offers treatment for fentanyl addiction, or opioid addiction in general, and values patient comfort. Finding a center that treats addiction for other drugs, and co-occurring mental health disorders, is also important.

Fentanyl Abuse Facts and Statistics in Florida

Approximately 115 people die from overdosing on opioids every day in the United States. Fentanyl is increasingly attributed to overdose deaths in the country. Because it is much potent than other prescription opioids, fentanyl is more likely to cause an overdose. While the number of deaths caused by opioid prescriptions alone was down in 2016 compared to 2015, those involving fentanyl in combination with other opioids increased.

From 2014-2017, the number of fentanyl-related deaths increased 540 percent. Most fentanyl overdose deaths occur in the eastern part of the United States. In 2016, 32 percent of drug-related deaths in Maine involved fentanyl; in Philadelphia the same year, 27 percent of drug-related deaths included Fentanyl; and in parts of Florida, fentanyl-related deaths increased over 500 percent in three years from 2014 to 2017. Statistics from early 2016 showed that 9,580 Americans died the previous year due to fentanyl abuse.

Gabapentin is not a controlled substance, yet the abuse of gabapentin is growing. For example, the Substance Abuse Monitoring Network issued a warning about the growing misuse of gabapentin in the state. An uptick of gabapentin misuse isn’t just occurring in Ohio. It’s a growing, nationwide problem.

So, what’s happening with gabapentin? It’s not an opioid, so why are people abusing it and is it addictive?

What Is Gabapentin?

Gabapentin is a treatment for seizures related to epilepsy and pain related to neuropathy. Gabapentin’s brand name is Neurontin. Gabapentin is thought to work by calming overactivity in the brain. Gabapentin is also used as a pain reliever and a treatment for fibromyalgia, numbness and tingling.

When someone takes gabapentin, it may increase the brain’s production of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA is a natural neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. When you’re feeling stressed out or anxious, GABA is responsible for calming nerve impulses and helping promote a sense of calm. With the use of gabapentin, the calmed neural activity can reduce pain and it can also cause relaxation.

Is Gabapentin Addictive?

Is it possible to be addicted to gabapentin? Gabapentin does have the potential to be addictive. While gabapentin isn’t as addictive as opioids, anytime a drug changes the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain, developing addiction is a possibility.

Gabapentin is frequently used with opioids because gabapentin increases the effects of the opioids and creates a stronger high. Gabapentin is also much more widely available than opioids because it’s not a controlled substance. That increased level of availability means gabapentin is inexpensive, making it even more accessible.

Unfortunately, the practice of combining gabapentin with other substances — particularly opioids — is dangerous. The combination increases the risk of an overdose because both gabapentin and opioids are central nervous system depressants. Using multiple substances simultaneously can also increase the risk of developing a polydrug addiction.

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Why is Gabapentin Addictive?

So, why is gabapentin addictive? Gabapentin is addictive because it affects GABA production in the brain. When that happens, someone may experience feelings of euphoria or pleasant relaxation. Those pleasurable feelings can, in turn, lead the brain’s reward response to be activated. The activation of the reward cycle in the brain can lead to the development of addiction.

How Long Does It Take to Get Addicted to Gabapentin?

The question of how long it takes to get addicted to gabapentin is difficult to answer because everyone’s physical and psychological composition is different. One person may use gabapentin and never become addicted. Another person may use it briefly and become addicted.

Some of the factors that play a role in whether someone becomes addicted to gabapentin or how quickly an addiction forms include:

• How gabapentin is used. Is it used as prescribed or is it used recreationally? Someone who recreationally uses gabapentin only for certain desirable effects is more likely to develop an addiction, and that addiction is more likely to form quickly.
• The volume consumed. If someone takes higher doses of gabapentin, they may develop an addiction faster.
• A personal or family history of a substance use disorders
• Mixing other substances with gabapentin

Along with addiction, physical dependence on gabapentin can develop. Dependence indicates that a person may experience withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly try to stop using gabapentin.

What is Heroin?

Heroin is an illegal, highly addictive drug processed from morphine. Pure heroin is a white powder with a bitter taste that predominantly originates in South America. Pure heroin can be snorted or smoked and may be more appealing to someone who has never used heroin because it eliminates the fear associated with injection or needles.

“Black tar” heroin is sticky like tar or hard like coal and is primarily produced in Mexico and marketed in the United States. The dark color comes from crude processing methods that leave behind impurities. Impure heroin is usually dissolved, diluted and injected into veins or muscles.

 What is Heroin Made Of?

Heroin is an opioid drug made from morphine. Morphine is a natural substance taken from the seeds of various opium poppy plants grown in Southeast and Southwest Asia, Mexico and Colombia. Dealers may also mix other substances into the heroin to increase the weight to profit financially. These added substances may be sugar, powdered milk or baking soda.

What Does Heroin Look Like?

Heroin is typically seen as a white or brownish powder with the texture of sugar, starch or powdered milk. Heroin can also be a black sticky substance known as black tar heroin.

Is Heroin Addictive?

Heroin is highly addictive. People who regularly use heroin often develop a tolerance, which means that they need larger amounts or more frequent doses of the drug to get the desired effects. A substance use disorder may develop causing issues, like health problems and failure to meet responsibilities at work, school or home.

People who are addicted to heroin and stop using the drug abruptly may suffer severe withdrawal symptoms including.

• Restlessness
• Muscle and bone pain
• Sleep problems
• Diarrhea and vomiting
• Cold flashes with goosebumps and shivering
• Muscle spasms
• Severe cravings for heroin

Studies have shown some loss of the brain’s white matter associated with heroin use, which may affect decision-making, behavior control, and responses to stressful situations.

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Signs of Heroin Abuse

The signs of heroin use can vary among people based on genetic makeup, the amount of the drug used, the frequency of use and the dependency on the drug. There are several signs of heroin use with varying identifiers including psychological, physical and behavioral signs.

Psychological signs and symptoms include:

• Depression
• Euphoria
• Mood swings
• Anxiety and paranoia
• Hostility toward others
• Irritability
• Delusions
• Disorientation
• Hallucinations

Behavioral signs and symptoms include:

• Avoiding loved ones
• Decreased personal hygiene
• Periods of hyperactivity followed by exhaustion
• Increased sleeping
• Apathy and lack of motivation
• Slurred, garbled speech
• Wearing long pants and shirts, even in warm weather
• Forced speech

Physical signs and symptoms:

• Track marks on arms and legs
• Constantly running nose
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea, vomiting and weight loss
• Frequent respiratory infections
• Dry mouth
• Warm, flushed skin
• Extreme itching
• Scabs or bruises (the result of picking at the skin)

Heroin Abuse and Addiction in Orlando

Once addiction develops, someone’s life can take a dangerous turn. There are thousands of treatment centers in the country, but not every rehab option fits each person’s specific needs. When looking for help, find a center that offers treatment for heroin addiction and values patient comfort. Finding a center that treats addiction for other drugs and co-occurring mental health disorders is also important.

LOTUS offers heroin addiction treatment programs in addition to the staff and resources necessary to treat addiction. Treatment providers work with patients to reduce or eliminate dosage while addressing co-occurring disorders and physical and psychological symptoms.

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Heroin Abuse Facts and Statistics in Florida

In 2016, approximately 15,500 people died from drug overdoses involving heroin in the United States. Heroin-related overdose deaths increased 20 percent from 2015 to 2016. Opiates, especially heroin, contribute to 18 percent of treatment center admissions in the United States. There are approximately 9.2 million people in the world who use heroin

What Makes Hydrocodone So Addictive?

Hydrocodone is a prescription drug used to treat moderate-to-severe pain. Hydrocodone can be prescribed either on its own or as a substance that is paired with others in medications. For example, hydrocodone is paired with acetaminophen in Lortab, Norco and Vicodin. Hydrocodone is classified as an opioid, which is a class of drugs that all can change how the brain emotionally responds to pain. Opioids like hydrocodone also change how pain signals are sent and how the body feels pain.

While hydrocodone is prescribed relatively frequently, the medication has risks. In the United States, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), classifies drugs based on their medical uses and their potential to be addictive. Hydrocodone, like many other prescription opioids, is a Schedule II drug, which means it has a high risk leadoff leading to addiction and physical dependence. Schedule II drugs are second only to Schedule I substances in addiction potential.

Hydrocodone activates opioid receptors located in the brain and the entire central nervous system. By interacting with these receptors, feel-good chemicals are released that trade feelings of pain for feelings of pleasure. Some people who use hydrocodone may experience a sense of relaxation, a feeling of well-being or euphoria.

When this pleasing feeling occurs with the use of opioids, a reward cycle can form. The body can rely on the drug to relieve painful feelings, and the brain can link the use of the drug to positive experiences. By forming these connections between hydrocodone and pleasurable feelings, people can become addicted to the substance. Someone who is addicted to hydrocodone may continue using it despite negative consequences or side effects. When a physical dependence forms, withdrawal symptoms will occur if someone stops using the drug.

If someone is prescribed hydrocodone, there are steps they can take to lower the potential of becoming addicted. For example, it’s important not to use hydrocodone in any way other than what’s prescribed and instructed by a medical professional. Doses shouldn’t exceed than what was prescribed. However, even when someone follows their doctor’s orders and takes hydrocodone as prescribed, they can still become addicted.

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Signs of Hydrocodone Abuse

The signs of hydrocodone abuse and addiction are similar to that of other opioids. Hydrocodone and other opioids slow down the functions controlled by the central nervous system. The signs of hydrocodone abuse match the effects of the drug, which include:

• Drowsiness
• Slow or shallow breathing
• Small pupils
• Itchiness
• Behavioral or mood changes

Abusing hydrocodone isn’t the same as being addicted to the substance. Hydrocodone abuse refers to any scenario where someone is using it other than how it’s prescribed to them or using the drug without a prescription. For example, taking someone else’s hydrocodone is considered abuse, although that doesn’t necessarily mean the person using the drug is addicted. Hydrocodone addiction is a diagnosable medical condition with specific symptoms.

Hydrocodone Abuse and Addiction in Orlando

According to the DEA, since 2009, hydrocodone has been the second-most frequently seen opioid medication in drug evidence. This includes evidence submitted to federal, state and local laboratories. If someone is experiencing symptoms of hydrocodone abuse and addiction, there are resources in Orlando that can help them. These resources include medical detox centers, as well as inpatient and outpatient rehab.

With a drug like hydrocodone, being proactive and seeking help sooner rather than later is important. Hydrocodone addiction can start like a seemingly small problem and grow into something very dangerous or deadly. It’s estimated that more than 46 people die every day from prescription painkiller overdoses in the United States.

Hydrocodone Abuse Facts and Statistics in Florida

Hydrocodone abuse facts and statistics can be troubling to read, not only facts and stats related to Florida but also ones nationwide. In 2016, there were 2,708 overdose deaths reported in Florida that were related to opioids. That’s a death rate of 14.4 deaths per 100,000 people, higher than the national death rate of 13.3 deaths per 100,000 people. However, these startling numbers aren’t just hydrocodone abuse statistics but rather figures for all kinds of opioids, and Florida has struggled with synthetic opioids like fentanyl.

According to the 2017 Medical Examiners Commission Interim Drug Report, the number of drug-related deaths in Florida increased 11 percent in the first half of 2017 as compared to the first half of 2016. Eight percent more people reportedly died with one or more prescription drugs discovered in their system. Hydrocodone was the primary cause of death for 104 people in Florida during the first half of 2017. It was also present in the systems of 253 people who died from drug overdoses. In total, hydrocodone was believed to be involved in 357 deaths in Florida during the first part of 2017.

While the hydrocodone abuse statistics and death rates are troubling, Florida is working to make changes. For several years, Florida has been changing the way prescription pain medications are given to patients. For example, the state has introduced new prescription drug monitoring programs. These monitoring programs watch for red flags regarding doctors or pharmacies that could be overprescribing opioids or filling large numbers of these prescriptions. There has been increased regulation of pain clinics, and the state has been working to make substance abuse programs more readily available to people.

What is Klonopin?

Klonopin is the prescription brand name for the drug clonazepam. Klonopin, an anti-anxiety medication, is used to treat panic disorder and seizures and acts as a tranquilizer, slowing the function of the central nervous system. Klonopin is classified as a benzodiazepine. When someone takes Klonopin, the drug binds to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors and increases the effects of the acid. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, so the use of Klonopin slows brain activity and causes people to feel relaxed.

Klonopin is often the first-line treatment for acute seizure disorders. However, the drug should not be a long-term solution for treating panic disorders and seizures. This is because tolerance to Klonopin develops relatively quickly, which means the drug becomes less effective as the body becomes accustomed to the presence of the substance in the same dosage. Klonopin is also used to treat anxiety disorders aside from panic disorders, although it’s not approved for other anxiety disorder treatment. Klonopin can be used to treat alcohol withdrawal syndrome and certain muscle disorders.

The most common side effects of Klonopin are sedation, motor impairment, confusion, loss of libido and cognitive impairments. Use of benzodiazepines like Klonopin can also make certain mental health conditions, like depression, worse.

Is Klonopin Addictive?

Klonopin has the potential to be addictive when abused or even used as prescribed. Using Klonopin often results in a euphoric feeling, one that can be desirable and lead to continued use of the drug. Along with being addictive, Klonopin can lead to physical dependence. Klonopin dependence means a person will have withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly stop using the substance. Klonopin dependence can develop quickly. For some people, it can occur after a few weeks of taking the medication.

While the opioid epidemic has been a focus in the United States in recent years, benzodiazepines are becoming more scrutinized because of their potential to be addictive. Benzodiazepines, which also include medicines like Xanax and Valium, are among the most prescribed medications in the United States. Unfortunately, even many doctors and medical professionals don’t understand how addictive benzodiazepines are. To prevent the risk of addiction, medical guidelines indicate benzos like Klonopin shouldn’t be prescribed for more than a few weeks at a time. However, some doctors still prescribe them as a long-term treatment solution.

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The recreational use of sedative-hypnotics, including benzodiazepines, has resulted in many emergency department visits because of drug overdoses and toxicity. It’s also common for people to use other substances simultaneously to Klonopin if they’re using the drug recreationally. For example, combining opioids and benzodiazepines is common, as is combining alcohol and benzos. Pairing these substances increases the likelihood of a dangerous or fatal overdose.

If someone is prescribed Klonopin, they can take steps to lower their risk of becoming addicted. Someone who has been prescribed Klonopin should take the drug exactly as instructed.

Klonopin is a Schedule IV controlled substance in the United States. This indicates the substance has a potential for abuse. Other Schedule IV drugs, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), include alprazolam, which is Xanax, and diazepam, which is Valium.

Klonopin Addiction Statistics

According to statistics gathered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 32 percent of hospital emergency room visits involving a benzodiazepine led to a severe medical outcome, which includes hospitalization and death. Research shows that older patients using benzodiazepines are at a higher risk of detrimental health outcomes. Approximately 70 percent of emergency room visits involving people ages 65 and older that had combined benzos with alcohol and opioids had serious outcomes. Klonopin is the third-most prescribed benzodiazepine in the United States, according to the DEA. It’s also the second-most diverted benzo, which means that the drug is commonly sold or distributed illegally.

Research from 2017 conducted by the Florida Medical Examiner’s Commission found that, contrary to popular belief, opioid painkillers aren’t the deadliest prescription drugs in the state. Instead, benzodiazepines are. In Florida, Xanax was responsible for more deaths than oxycodone in 2017.