The Effects of Combining Cannabis and Suboxone
Marijuana legalization is happening in many states, but can it assist with opioid addiction? The legalization of both recreational and medicinal marijuana remains a significant political priority for many in the United States. Currently, 38 out of 50 states permit the use of cannabis for medical purposes, while 24 states have legalized recreational use. Nonetheless, […]
Why MAT Isn’t Just Replacing One Addiction With Another
One of the sharpest controversies in the field of addiction treatment revolves around whether medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is just replacing one addiction with another. Much of the MAT controversy in addiction treatment centers on the use of methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone to treat drug addiction. These medications interact with the same opioid receptors in the […]
What to Do When Someone Refuses Addiction Treatment
Watching as a loved one struggles with opioid addiction is difficult. After all, you know how amazing your loved one is when they aren’t under the influence of illicit substances. While it is frustrating to try to figure out what to do when someone refuses addiction treatment, your loved one’s health and well-being are worth […]
Factors Affecting Methadone Metabolism
Everyone’s body processes methadone at a different rate. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) that involves methadone maintenance helps patients feel relief from opioid withdrawal symptoms. Managing these symptoms allows patients to utilize counseling and other resources to address their addiction from a psychological and emotional standpoint. However, some people considering methadone treatment worry about methadone detection in […]
Foods to Avoid During Opioid Use Disorder Treatment
Foods to Avoid While Taking Methadone Methadone interactions with common foods are sometimes overlooked. Opioid addiction recovery involves changing many aspects of your life, sometimes including eating habits. If you take methadone as part of a medication-assisted treatment program, pay special attention to what you eat and drink. Certain foods can cause interactions or side […]
What Happens to Your Body When You Overdose on Opioids?
In 2021, there were over 71,000 opioid overdose deaths in the U.S. Opioids have a powerful effect on the brain and body. They block pain sensations, lower body temperature and even slow heart rate and respiration functions. Anyone who takes opioids — prescribed or illicit — risks these effects, along with overdose. Millions of Americans struggle with […]
Opioid Addiction in Massachusetts
The presence of the opioid crisis is well known. Understanding its causes is more complicated. Knowing the complete picture may help reduce opioid addiction and related deaths in Massachusetts. The Opioid Epidemic in the United States — What You Should Know The opioid epidemic has persisted in the United States since the 1990s. From 1999-2019, nearly […]
How Long Does Naloxone Block Opioid Receptors?
Naloxone, also known as the branded medicine Narcan®, reverses an opioid overdose by blocking opioid receptors. Since it has no potential for abuse and is easy to administer, many experts recommend that people keep it for an emergency. Part of knowing how to administer naloxone involves understanding the length of its effects. This guide will […]
Men vs Women: Methadone Treatment
Methadone is an effective drug for men and women who have opioid use disorder. Methadone treatment for men is seldom different from methadone treatment for most women, although women who are pregnant or breastfeeding need special attention. Here’s a short description of the differences in addiction and treatment used for men and women. Trends in […]
Opioid Addiction Among Seniors
The opioid epidemic in America has seemingly found its way into almost every demographic, afflicting people from all walks of life. Most opioid overdose death statistics focus on people under 50, but there is a silent group of people who are also faced with opioid use disorder who are older, and they are often overlooked […]
