Opiate

Opiates are drugs that are derived from opium, or the poppy plant. There are many synthetically, or man-made, opiates as well. This includes codeine and morphine, among others. These drugs, both natural and synthetic, are highly addictive and can produce a physical dependence in the user in as little as one use. When opiates are used for a long-term period, if they are stopped abruptly and not tapered off, they can cause the body to suffer very serious withdrawal symptoms. Drug addiction rehab can help.

Most modern prescription painkillers are opiates. This is causing a very dangerous addiction epidemic on prescription medications. Heroin addiction and abuse is also on the rise, due to the similar effect this opiate provides on the mind and body. Opiates have been used for pain relief since long before people knew how they worked and what consequences they brought along. These drugs are derived from the white, milky substance that can be separated from the poppy plant's unripe seeds. This substance would dry into a sticky, brown gum that could and would be eaten. Over time, people discovered that instead of eating the extracted opium, they could smoke it. This produced a very strong high, or euphoric feeling. During the Civil War, morphine (a derivative of opium) use got way out of hand. Although it was obviously addictive, it worked extremely well for war wounds and fast-paced action, so the addictive qualities were swept under the rug. Finally, scientists went back to work and produced time-released opiate medications like Vicadin and Oxycontin. If these medications are only used for a short period of time and are not abused, they can act very well as pain relief. However, these drugs are widely and highly abused, and usually result in a serious addiction.

Having an opiate drug addiction is a serious health risk. When this drug abuse occurs, a “high” is achieved, which is the main attraction for the drug addiction abuse. Because of the addiction to opiates, the user ignore all of the negative consequences that can occur. Opiate addiction can cause respiratory failure, high blood pressure, heart attack, coma, and even death. Many individuals who suffer from this drug addiction also suffer extreme psychological dependence and problems because of opiates. They may feel the need to take opiates just to feel normal.

This addiction, like most, is not curable. However, through the right treatment center, any addiction can be worked with. Any individual can overcome their dependence, either chemical or psychological or both, on drugs and alcohol. Statistics show that relapse is very common for individuals with an opiate addiction. Relapse is never anyone's fault, and it only encourages the abuser to remember why they need to live a sober life. Many addicts do not want to go to treatment because they are dreading the withdrawal. However, withdrawal is rarely fatal, just extremely uncomfortable. For those who need it, medications such as methadone or Suboxone are available to help lessen the pain and uncomfortability of withdrawal. If you or a loved one are suffering from an addiction to opiates, you are not alone. There are many out there just like you who are getting help for their problem. Join them!

Addiction Abuse

Addiction and abuse are commonly confused and therefore discussed in the same way. Although they are both very dangerous and similar in that way, there are also many things that differentiate the two. Addiction is a state of physical or psychological dependence on a potentially harmful drug. A person who has an addiction will continue to use the addictive substance despite the adverse consequences that it is causing in their lives. Sometimes these detrimental effects can take place in the workplace, at home, or seemingly everywhere in a person's life. This is where abuse differs from addiction. Drug abuse is generally considered to be excessive and/or illegal drug use. When this drug use begins to severely affect an individual's personal and/or professional relationships, it is very important that they seek help for the drug abuse that has become an addiction.

Often used in excess, alcohol is a drug that best demonstrates drug addiction abuse. Alcohol abuse is very common, especially among the young population (ages 18-30). But, when this abuse and source of new found freedom gets out of hand, addiction may creep in – perhaps unknowingly at first. Alcohol abuse can quickly lead to alcohol addiction abuse. Some people are more receptive to this change, whereas others have more control over their drinking habits. This does not mean that they are better or worse as individuals, it just means that some people are more susceptible to drug addiction and abuse because of the way their brains are built and function. This is not limited to alcohol addiction – it is applicable for all drug abuse situations.

Abuse and addiction tend to go hand in hand. Addiction abuse is basically the relationship that drug use has with a person's brain. Some people have addictive personalities, where they feel that once they start doing something that they like, they have to keep doing it, no matter what. Obsessive and compulsive are words that usually accompany people with addictive personalities. However, a person does not need to be naturally inclined toward addictive tendencies, nor does this mean that they will end up addicted to drugs if they are so naturally inclined. Anyone can become addicted to drugs if they begin to abuse them. Some drugs are more addictive than others, and each person reacts differently to specific drug use.

There are many different factors that affect the outcome of drug use and abuse. Some people and some drugs are more likely to produce addicts. If you or a loved one feel that your drug use has surpassed normalcy and become abuse or addiction, do not hesitate to get help. It is not your fault, but it is up to you to change your life. Finding a treatment center that speaks to who you are, and acknowledges how each addiction is unique, will help you fight your addiction. Through a treatment center like Ambrosia Treatment Center, you will become acquainted with your drug addiction in a way that allows you to work past the cravings and the triggers. You will become strong enough to maintain your sobriety – but, it all has to start somewhere. Call today.

Are Sleeping Pills Addictive?

Millions of people suffer from temporary or long-term insomnia. There are several prescription medications to help insure a good night's sleep. However, sleeping pills used in abundance can be detrimental to one's health and state of being. They can even become addictive. The main prescription sleeping pills are well known: Ambien (zolpidem), Lunesta (escopiclone), and Sonata (zaleplon). These are commonly referred to as Z-drugs, or hypnotics. The attractive effect from these kinds of drugs is the way they dampen arousal, thereby allowing sleep to set in and stay for an extended period of time (usually 8 hours).

When used as directed (and prescribed by a certified physician), most sleep medications allow for a very safe way of relieving insomnia. When used correctly, there is an extremely rare possibility of a physical or chemical addiction. However, when used frequently and/or in excessive doses, this type of addiction can occur. Also, as with any kind of drug use, sleeping pills can be exceedingly habit-forming, causing a psychological addiction. The user may develop a dependence on the substance, and begin to crave the constant and continual use. However, this dependence is different than an actual impulse to keep taking the drug.

There are many different ways to work with a physical dependence. Much of the treatment for the dependence of sleeping pills resides in the possibility of other psychological or behavioral therapies. Also, a major factor in the want to continue with the medication is in the way that insomnia returns after stopping the usage. This will prompt the individual to want to keep taking the medication. Some people are at a higher risk for dependence and possible addiction than others, as it is with any type of medication/drug.

It is common knowledge that Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe and possibly Heath Ledger died of an accidental overdose on sleeping pills, sometimes mixed with other substances. It is extremely dangerous to mix these drugs with any other substances, especially and most often, alcohol. For some people, sleeping pills can open doors to more dangerous and lethal substances like the abuse of OxyContin, Vicodin, and even heroin.

Sleeping pills, when used correctly, are extremely beneficial and helpful. However, the potential for abuse does exist. Often times, people who tamper with other prescription medications will start to try sleeping pills, or vice versa. It is common for addicts of other substances to abuse sleeping pills along with their drug(s) of choice. Even if this is not your or a loved one's problem, it is necessary to get help with any kind of dependence on any type of substance abuse. With sleeping pills, behavioral and cognitive therapies are extremely necessary. That is what you should look for in the treatment center that will help you with your addiction to sleeping pills. It is tough to break such a strong psychological habit such as a sleeping pill dependency, but it is always possible. If you think you have a problem, don't wait. Get help today.