Archive for October, 2008

What is Morphine?

Overview

Morphine is a narcotic medication usually prescribed to treat acute pain. Morphine should not be prescribed lightly as it is highly addictive and dependence and tolerance to the drug can increase dramatically in a short time span. It works by dulling the pain receptors in the brain. Morphine is often used pre-operatively in addition to anesthesia or for the management of chronic pain. Morphine will produce feelings of euphoria, calmness, and sedation.

Morphine Side Effects

The side effects of morphine include:

  • shallow breathing
  • slowed heart rate
  • seizures
  • cold/clammy skin
  • lightheadedness/confusion
  • constipation
  • dizziness
  • confusion
  • insomnia
  • rashes
  • swelling of the face. throat, or lips
  • hives
Any of these symptoms can be very serious and you should contact your doctor immediately if you experience them.
Morphine Addiction
Morphine is an extremely addictive medication and the addiction can often last well beyond the physical need for the medication. Withdrawal from Morphine can be extremely complicated and medically dangerous. Withdrawal symptoms include increased heart rate, sweating, convulsions, irritability, depression, nausea, vomiting, severe abdominal pain, and cramping.
Like most drugs the addiction to morphine is both physical and psychological. The physical symptoms described above can be extremely painful. The psychological properties of the addiction often leave the user unable to cope with normal daily activities without the drug.
Morphine Treatment
Treatment for Morphine is often done in a rehabilitation facility. The reason for this is that the medical professionals at the facility can lessen the discomfort that exists during the detoxification stage as well as respond to any emergency that may arise during the detoxification process.
Often a less powerful narcotic is used to taper the user off of Morphine. this means a smaller and smaller dose is given daily until the worst of the physical withdrawal has passed. Group or individual therapy is also recommended for someone trying to quit using Morphine.
It is not recommended to try to detox from Morphine without assistance as serious complications can arise while detoxing from Morphine.
Morphine Links
If you would like more information about Morphine use, prevention, or side effect please feel free to visit the following sites:

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October 29, 2008 · Filed under Morphine

What are Narcotics?

Overview

Narcotic drugs are prescription drugs that are used to relieve pain. They are also called opiates or opioids. Narcotic drugs have a very high potential for abuse. Narcotics can cause feelings of calm, euphoria, pain relief, and a general feeling of well being.

There are literally hundreds of medications that are classified as narcotics, but some of the more common ones are morphine, oxycodone, oxycontin, and codeine. The danger of narcotic medications is that they can be taken exactly as prescribed and the patient can easily become addicted if they take the narcotic medication for any length of time.

Narcotic Drug Side-Effects

There are many side effects to using narcotic medication. The side effects include:

  • Drowsiness
  • Loss of concentration
  • sleeplessness
  • constant itching
  • constipation
  • nausea and vomiting
  • respiratory depression
The side effects of narcotic medications can also have a pronounced effect on liver function. Many narcotic medications also contain aspirin which is toxic to the liver in large amounts.
Narcotics Addiction
Narcotic medications are highly addictive. Users of narcotic drugs develop a tolerance level for the drug. This means that they need to use more and more of the same drug to attain the high they previously got from a lesser amount of the same medication.
Addiction to narcotics is both physical and psychological. The physical addiction occurs because the drug blocks the dopamine receptors in the brain. Dopamine is the bodies natural chemical which triggers pleasurable feelings. When the narcotic is introduced the drug produces this chemical which lessens the brains ability to do so. This is an actual physical change that occurs.
Narcotics are psychologically addictive as well. The feelings of well being and euphoria are so pleasurable that the person literally cannot bear not having the narcotic medication. The psychological addiction can trigger physical withdrawal symptoms such as sweating, cramping, and irritability.
Narcotic Abuse Treatment
Narcotic medication abusers usually achieve the best success in treatment by using a combination of methods. Remember that it may take more than a few tries before you are able to quit. Different treatments will work better or worse depending on the user.
Metahdone is a common medication given to narcotic medication abusers. Methadone is a synthetic drug that is given to addicts usually on an outpatient basis. The addict will got to a clinic and get their daily dose of methadone. Methadone blocks the withdrawal symptoms from narcotic abuse while lessening the physical craving. Many people do very well on a methadone maintenance program. This is usually a fairly long term solution and requires dedication to the program.
Group therapy, such as Narcotics anonymous, is often a very good option for narcotic drug users. This can be used in conjunction with other programs such as methadone maintenance.
Cold turkey is the term used to describe the user that just decides to quit on their own. They stop using drugs without any treatment in place and suffer through the withdrawals. This is not recommended because the physical withdrawal can have serious medical consequences.
Narcotic Drug Links
If you would like to know more about narcotic drug abuse please feel free to visit the following sites:

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October 25, 2008 · Filed under Narcotics

What is Ecstasy?

Overview

Ecstasy, known as X or XTC, is a lab created psychoactive drug. The drug is usually taken in either a pill or capsule form and is reported to produce feelings of euphoria, warmth, spatial distortion, exaggerated feelings of intimacy, and increased energy. The drug gained popularity in the club culture as it often allowed partiers to dance all night and at times through the weekend.

Ecstasy Side-Effects

The side effects of ecstasy are similar to those of other stimulants. The heart rate can increase, the body can lose its ability to regulate temperature, the blood pressure can rise, the jaw muscles may clench, nausea, and blurred vision are amongst the most common complaints. Fatalities are rare amongst ecstasy users.

Ecstasy Addiction

It is often believed among ecstasy users that it is not addictive. While it is true that there has not been an established physical addiction, the psychological addiction is just as bad. Almost half of all ecstasy users who know that it is harmful for them to continue using do so anyway. Quitting ecstasy is also no easy task as the side effects can include loss of concentration, fatigue, depression, and decreased interest in food.

Ecstasy Treatment

The only established treatment for ecstasy users is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy or DBT. DBT teaches the ecstasy user coping mechanisms and skills to use while attempting to quit. The method is often taught in a group setting and the group usually meets two or more times a week. Professional therapists who specialize in DBT techniques can be found in most places.

Ecstasy Links

If you would like to know more about Ecstasy use, prevention, or side effect please fell free to visit the following web sites:

http://www.nida.nih.gov/infofacts/ecstasy.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methylenedioxymethamphetamine

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October 22, 2008 · Filed under Ecstasy