In the midst of a global pandemic the United States is also dealing with an epidemic. The devastating synthetic Opioid (primarily Fentanyl) use and overdose epidemic is taking lives at astounding rates.

For starters, let’s do a quick review of the 4 categories of Opioids commonly seen in Opioid overdose:

• Natural Opiates (including Morphine and Codeine) and semi-synthetic Opioids (drugs like Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Hydromorphone, and Oxymorphone). Commonly prescribed as an analgesic (pain reliever).
• Methadone, a synthetic Opioid. Typically used for medication assisted treatment of Opioid use disorder and also pain management.
• Synthetic Opioids other than Methadone (drugs like Tramadol and Fentanyl). Commonly prescribed as an analgesic (pain reliever). Fentanyl is a synthetic and short-acting Opioid analgesic that is 50-100 times more potent than Morphine.
• Heroin, an illicit (illegally made Schedule I) Opioid synthesized from Morphine that can be a white or brown powder, or a black sticky substance. Schedule I substances under the Controlled Substances Act have a high potential for abuse and no currently accepted medical use for treatment in the United States.

For most of my 30-year career in the field of substance use treatment, I have seen the impact of this epidemic morph, grow, and just like the disease of addiction itself, it has become insidious and progressively worse.

The Opioid epidemic predates the pandemic with the first wave beginning in the 1990’s with increased prescribing of Opioids. Most overdose deaths during this time involved prescription Opioids (natural and semi-synthetic Opioids and Methadone).

In 2010, the second wave began with rapid increases in overdose deaths involving Heroin.

The third wave began in 2013, with significant increases in overdose deaths involving synthetic Opioids, particularly Fentanyl manufactured illicitly in clandestine ways. Fentanyl was initially developed in 1959 and introduced to the United States in the early 1960’s as an effective anesthetic to be used during medical procedures.

As a foreshadowing of sorts, my first introduction to the potency of Fentanyl was even earlier than 2013 when I worked for health practitioners’ monitoring program from 2003-2007. I had anesthesiologists on my caseload whose drug of choice was Fentanyl. I recall one instance where the anesthesiologist, during surgery, had one IV line going into a patient and another line going into themselves under the table; they overdosed during surgery.

It was during this time frame when we would say that the first sign that someone had relapsed on Fentanyl was death. Meaning, most people did not have the same progressive use and tolerance leading to overdose and subsequent revival stories we would typically see with other Opioids/Opiates. Instead, their first return to Fentanyl use was immediate overdose and death.

Deaths From The Synthetic Opioid Epidemic

The market for illicitly manufactured Fentanyl continues to grow and change. Fentanyl can be found mixed in Heroin, pain killers, and Cocaine. Synthetic Opioids, illicitly made Fentanyl in particular, are the primary driver of the increases in overdose deaths.

According to the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) National Center for Health Statistics, there was a decline in Heroin overdose deaths 4.1% from 2017 to 2018; however, the Fentanyl related overdose deaths continued to increase as Heroin users were introduced to the more potent Fentanyl. Sometimes they unknowingly had Fentanyl mixed in their Heroin as drug dealers sought more profit. Other times Heroin users abandoned Heroin for what they thought and hoped was Fentanyl which led to their demise.

The number of overdose deaths increased 18.2% from the 12-months ending in June 2019 to the 12-months ending in May 2020.

Overdose death estimates indicate that the largest monthly increases in drug overdose deaths occurred in the 12-months ending in April 2020 (77,842 deaths) to the 12-months ending in May 2020 (81,230 deaths). These one-month increases of 2,146 deaths and 3,388 deaths, respectively for the 12-month periods, are the largest monthly increases documented since 12-month estimates began to be calculated in January 2015.

Where Is The Synthetic Opioid Use And Overdose Epidemic Now?

As stated above, the increases in drug overdose deaths appear to have accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are learning that many variables during the pandemic are the cause of this increase (e.g. social isolation, decrease in healthcare insurance for substance use treatment, waiting list for substance use treatment, increase in untreated mental health disorders, changes in access to medication and subsequent drug supply, financial strain, stress, pre-existing medical conditions exacerbated, poor coping skills, etc.).

Data from the CDC National Center for Health Statistics indicate that there were an estimated 100,306 drug overdose deaths in the United States during the 12-month period ending in April 2021, an increase of 28.5% from the deaths during the same period the year before.

Overdose deaths from psychostimulants such as Methamphetamine also increased in the 12-month period ending in April 2021.

Official CDC Health Advisory Recommendations

The CDC has generated many health alerts and health advisories related to the pandemic and the epidemic as they both are significant public health concerns. Below is an abbreviated sample of the Emergency CDC Health Advisory #CDCHAN-00438 entitled, “Increase in Fatal Drug Overdoses Across the United States Driven by Synthetic Opioids Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic.”

1. Expand the provision and use of Naloxone, a medication that can immediately reverse an overdose to an Opiate, and overdose prevention education by:
2. Increasing awareness, access, and proper administration of the general public through the use of public health departments and community-based organizations.
3. Increasing awareness about potency of drugs, consequences of mixing drugs and using drugs alone.
4. Healthcare providers:

• Talk to patients about the changing illicit risks for overdose and exposure to highly potent Opioids such as illicitly manufactured Fentanyl.
• Prescribe Naloxone to individuals at risk for Opioid overdose.
• Co-prescribe Naloxone to patients with high Morphine milligram equivalents and those receiving Opioids and Benzodiazepines.
• Expand locations in which overdose prevention education and take-home Naloxone are provided.
• Counsel patients that multiple doses of Naloxone may be needed for a single overdose event because of the potency of illicitly manufactured Fentanyl and Fentanyl analogs.

1. Harm reduction organizations:

• Increase the provision of overdose prevention education and take-home Naloxone to people who use drugs, their friends, and others likely to witness or experience an overdose.
• Ensure that individuals have sufficient doses of take-home Naloxone to account for the potency of illicitly manufactured Fentanyl and Fentanyl analogs.
• Call 911 immediately after recognizing an overdose or resuscitating a patient. Naloxone available in the field may not be sufficient to reverse the overdose.
• Prioritize Naloxone distribution to people who use drugs following periods of abstinence and during transitions where Opioid tolerance may have waned. There is a higher risk of overdose during these periods.

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A Look Ahead

March 28, 2022, President Biden called for increased funding to address addiction and the overdose epidemic. “A core component of President Biden’s Unity Agenda is beating the Opioid and overdose epidemic that claims an American life every five minutes,” said Dr. Rahul Gupta, Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP).

“The requested increased funding would support the expansion of evidence-based prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery support services, with targeted investments to support underserved communities, reduce the supply of illicit drugs like Fentanyl and stop drug trafficking,” says the March 28, 2002 press release.

Finding Help

If you or someone you love is using illicit drugs, there is no guarantee for safety. Illicit drugs can contain dangerous levels of Fentanyl that is unrecognizable by the human eye. Ceasing drug use is the only real way to protect yourself from an overdose. As the synthetic Opioid epidemic continues, take advantage of free resources available to you, and reach out to a treatment provider here. A treatment provider can have a confidential conversation with you about the admission process into a licensed treatment facility.

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The post The Synthetic Opioid Epidemic appeared first on Addiction Center.

This Saturday, October 23rd, will mark the DEA’s 20th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

The day, which happens twice a year (once in the spring and once again in the fall) will give Americans a chance to anonymously dispose of unwanted or expired prescription drugs safely and legally, with no questions asked. Drugs turned over will be destroyed. According to the Department of Justice, the occasion has successfully eliminated, “ever-higher amounts of [Opioids] and other medicines from the nation’s homes, where they are vulnerable to misuse, theft or abuse by family members and visitors, including children and teens.”

Thousands of law enforcement officials and collection sites will be available to Americans who want to get rid of medication. Many hundreds of thousands of pounds of drugs will likely be collected; this Saturday’s event may even set a record. Drugs can be dropped off at relevant sites from 10AM to 2PM local time, and nearby collection sites can be found on the DEA’s website.

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Past “Take Backs” & Disposal Guidelines

America’s first National Prescription Drug Take Back Day was in 2010. Then-Director of National Drug Control Policy Gil Kerlikowske highlighted the nature of the threat facing the country when he declared that, “Prescription drug abuse is the nation’s fastest-growing drug problem, and take-back events like this one are an indispensable tool for reducing the threat that the diversion and abuse of these drugs pose to public health.”

In the more than a decade since, the initiative has certainly worked to get drugs out of medicine cabinets and potentially save thousands from overdose and addiction. Roughly 14.5 million pounds of prescription drugs have been collected since National Prescription Drug Take Back Day began. Weight-wise, that’s somewhere in the neighborhood of 4,500 midsize cars.

While this year’s April event saw more than 5,000 collection sites operating around the country, some Americans may not be able to travel far enough to reach one in time (local drug disposal sites can be discovered by visiting the DEA website, using the internet to search for “drug disposal nearby,” or by calling 1-800-882-9539; callers will be connected to the DEA Diversion Control Division Registration Call Center).

For those who are out of range of the DEA’s collection sites, there is another option: the FDA has drawn up a “Flush List” that includes drugs which may be flushed down the toilet. According to the FDA, “flushing medicines on the flush list helps keep everyone in your home safe by making sure these powerful and potentially dangerous medicines…are not accidentally or intentionally ingested, touched, misused, or abused.”

Drugs on the FDA’s “Flush List” include Buprenorphine, Fentanyl, Methadone, Morphine, and Oxycodone. While some may be concerned about the environmental impact of flushing drugs down the drain, the FDA stands by their suggestion to do so; the agency claims that environmental impact is minimal and elaborates that any damage which could be done by disposing of the drugs in this manner is far less severe than the harm which might occur to a person who is exposed to the medication.

Other tips for disposing of medication at home (only in the event that one is out of range of an official disposal site) are to hide personal information before throwing away bottles, to mix pills with liquids, and to enclose drugs in a sealed container like the kind coffee grounds come in before wrapping up the package with tape.

The Extent Of Prescription Drug Abuse

Just how common is it for Americans to leave dangerous medications in their medicine cabinets — and what harms are done by these drugs lying around the house?

Two-thirds of all American adults use prescription drugs. More than 80% of prescription drugs dispensed by pharmacies are Opioids. That means there are likely millions of American medicine cabinets that house unnecessary, out-of-date, addictive, or even deadly drugs.

The impacts of this are quantifiable: The FDA has reported that “Each year…approximately 60,000 emergency department (ED) visits and 450,000 calls to poison centers are made after children under 6 years of age find and ingest medication without caregiver oversight.”

Of course, many medication thieves are substantially older; just last month, The New York Times reported on “drug diversion,” which it defined as when an individual “steals or tampers with prescription medications, particularly [Opioids], for personal use or for sale.”

Drug diversion has been on the rise in some states; Minnesota saw a drastic increase in recorded cases within care facilities between 2016 and 2018 — they skyrocketed from 9 to 116. The Times shared that “thieves forged signatures, altered documents and diluted medications in syringes.”

When caretakers make house calls, expired or excessive medications left in the bathroom cabinet can become the target of a drug diverter.

To protect children from overdosing, prevent drug diversion from occurring, and ensure that toxic chemicals are handled safely and professionally, participating in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day may be the best option. It’s been said that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure — ironically, this may especially apply to the “cures” just waiting to cause harm right above the bathroom sink.

The post National Drug Take Back Day This Saturday appeared first on Addiction Center.

Snapchat, the popular photo and instant messaging app, is integrating a new approach to lowering the dealing of drugs on the platform. These efforts are being made in attempt to keep the community of those who use Snapchat safe from the devastating impacts of the Fentanyl crisis. 

For years, social media sites have been used as avenues for drug dealers to remotely access and influence young people to purchase illicit substances. In the last few years, the selling of deadly counterfeit prescription pills has increased. This increase has been specifically true for Snapchat where messages are designed to disappear after a certain amount of time. Counterfeit pills being sold through social media look almost identical to real prescription drugs, such as Percocet, OxyContin, or Xanax. 

What makes the use of counterfeit pills so dangerous is that there is a high chance that they have been made with Fentanyl, a synthetic Opioid that is stronger than Morphine and less expensive to produce than other substances. Because a lethal dose is very small, anything over 2 mg, pills containing Fentanyl have been linked to a dramatic increase in overdose deaths in the US. Teenagers and young adults are especially at risk for overdose from Fentanyl because counterfeit pills are so accessible through platforms like Snapchat. In 2020, it was reported that 48% of internet users who use Snapchat are between the ages of 15 and 25. 

DEA Public Safety Alert

On September 27th, 2021, the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) issued a public safety alert for the first time in 6 years. This alert warned of the threat caused by an increase in lethality and availability of fake prescription pills containing Fentanyl or Meth. The DEA reported that just this year 9.5 million counterfeit pills have been seized. Two out of every 5 of these fake, confiscated pills that contained Fentanyl contained enough of the substance to cause an overdose. 

Anne Miligram, DEA spokeswoman, told Today that social media companies are not doing enough to stop the selling of these harmful pills. Milgram went on to say, “Social media companies know that their platforms are being used for this. And they need to understand that Americans are dying. They are dying at record rates and they need to be a partner in stopping it.” 

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Snapchat’s New Drug Related Initiatives

Following this public safety alert, pleas from Milgram, and support from parents, Snapchat has decided to take steps towards improving this situation. The platform’s new safety initiatives include improved automated systems to detect the sale of drugs, hiring more staff to respond to law enforcement for criminal investigations, and an in-app education portal called “Heads Up.” 

Through Heads Up, Snapchat users can be educated on the dangers of Fentanyl and counterfeit pills with resources from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA), the Centers For Disease Control And Prevention (CDC), and non-profit organizations. App users who search for certain drug terms or for substance abuse help will be directed to Heads Up. Already, the platform has teamed with Song For Charlie, a family run nonprofit, to develop a video advertising campaign on the topic. According to Snapchat, this video campaign has been viewed 260 million times thus far. Additionally, the platform will be rolling out a new national filter that will bring awareness to the issue and direct users to the Head Up portal. 

While many parents are calling for more extensive parental controls, social media platforms like Snapchat are hesitant. Even though parental controls may have the ability to prevent potential overdoses, they also may threaten the privacy of the app’s users. Snapchat responded to the rising Fentanyl crisis in a blog post saying that they are working to find the balance between safety and privacy on the platform. They hope to empower their community to express themselves without a fear of harm. 

What Are Other Social Media Companies Doing?

Although Snapchat has been the main platform linked to counterfeit pill overdose, other social media companies play a role in the overall Opioid epidemic. Facebook’s policies state that ads cannot promote the sale of illicit or recreational drugs. Despite reports of the platform being used by drug cartels, little has been done to stop these violations of the site’s drug rules. The company removes flagged pages as they see fit but many of them still operate openly. The system that allows offenders to repeat drug dealing or cartel behavior has not been changed. 

Instagram, which is owned by Facebook, was also said to be a place for drug cartels to recruit, train, and pay hitmen. In 2019, the photo sharing app had issues with some of their recovery based hashtags. Comments promoting the sale of illicit drugs were found on photos with hashtags, like #opioidcrisis and #opioidaddiction, that were intended to help those struggling with Opioid use. After this, the platform attempted to crack down on the use of these hashtags and make efforts to support those in recovery. 

In response to the DEA’s safety alert and Milgram’s comments, TikTok spokesperson, Hilary McQuaide, stated that the video sharing social network has systems in place to prevent drug dealing activity. McQuaide cited the app’s technology which removes accounts that promote illegal drug sales and the human reviewers who are used to find and evaluate violative material. 

Working Together To Limit Online Drug Deals

Even though individual social media companies are making efforts to vanquish online drug dealing, very few have yet to work together on the issue. Currently, drug deals tend to occur across multiple platforms. Dealers may use one site to connect with potential buyers, another to communicate, and a third to make the final sale. 

For 6 months, Snapchat has been using intelligence from a public health data company that searches all over the internet to catch drug dealers. This includes looking on other websites and the dark web to find drug ads that list a Snapchat account. According to Snapchat, their detection skills have allowed them to increase the number of removed accounts by 112% in the first half of 2021. Sharing data between the platforms may be the key to lowering Fentanyl overdose deaths amongst young people in the US.

The post Snapchat Making Efforts To Stop Drug Dealing appeared first on Addiction Center.

Kratom (Mitragyna Speciosa) is a tropical tree from Southeast Asia. It is traditionally used as medicine by Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Papua New Guinea natives. Recently the drug has been marketed and sold for recreational use, pain relief, and as treatment for Opioid addiction. However, it is not FDA approved for use and is illegal in 6 American states. The herb is typically found in capsules, tablets, or extract form. It can also be smoked, chewed, or boiled into a tea and has various nicknames like Herbal Speedball, Thom, and Biak. If used in high doses, Kratom reacts like a depressant while inducing euphoric effects. When used in low doses, the drug creates a stimulating effect on the body.

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Kratom And Opioids

Though it is not medically recommended, Kratom is sought out for its Opioid-like properties. The drug’s sedative-inducing compounds mitragynine and 7-a-hydroxy mitragynine attach to the brain’s Opioid receptors and produce a form of pain relief much like Codeine and Morphine. Some have used the drug as a form of medical treatment for alcohol and Opioid addiction. According to Kratom lobbyists and advocacy groups, the herb curbs Opioid cravings and urges to use. However, there is no scientific evidence that the tropical plant is a safe form of therapy.

The Side Effects

Although there are people who believe in Kratom’s value, researchers argue otherwise. For example, from 2011 to 2017, Americans reported around 1,800 Kratom-related incidents to US poison control centers. Over 50% of those reports resulted in seizures, high blood pressure, and even death. Kratom’s accessibility and lack of regulation adds to the already considerable uncertainty of its health risks. When taken without medical supervision, the tropical leaves can have serious side effects which offset any potential benefits.

Some of Kratoms physical side effects include:

• Nausea 
• Chills
• Vomiting
• Itching
• Muscle pain
• Sweating
• Dry mouth
• Thyroid problems
• Tongue numbness
• Changes in urination and constipation
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Liver damage
• Coma
• Death

It also can result in mental and psychological side effects like:

• Hallucinations
• Delusion
• Depression
• Aggression
• Dizziness
• Seizures 

Controversial Kratom Evidence And Findings

In the US, Kratom is commonly sold as an energy booster, mood enhancer, and treatment for Opioids. However, the herb is listed as a drug of concern by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Though it is not a controlled substance, recent findings show that Kratom is dangerous and addictive when taken regularly. According to a 6-month cross-sectional survey of 293 regular Kratom users, almost 50% of participants developed severe dependence problems. The other half showed a moderate dependence. Nearly 100% of the individuals who participated in the study developed a level of Kratom dependence, and many later battled withdrawal symptoms.

Unfortunately, much like Opioids, Kratom can be highly addictive. Research shows that it is associated with drug dependency, the development of withdrawal symptoms, and cravings. The longer a person uses the drug, the likelier they are to experience severe withdrawal symptoms. A different study surveyed 150 people and discovered that 70% experienced mild anxiety after quitting Kratom while 30% battled moderate anxiety. The study also found that 81% of respondents reported mild depression. In comparison, 19% were confirmed to have moderate depression after quitting Kratom use.

Lack Of Regulation

Kratom’s lack of regulation has led to companies taking advantage of its popularity. There are several companies selling products with Kratom labeled as pain relievers. Many others are making “deceptive medical claims” like it is effective against cancer. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these declarations. Such unproven claims instead spread misinformation and negatively influence patients from seeking adequate care.

Final Verdict

As of now, Kratom is not a safe alternative for Opioid treatment or any other condition. The drug is not federally regulated. There is little to no control or reliable information on its growth, processing, or labeling. The uncertainty surrounding the herb only adds to its undeniable health risks and amplifies its high addiction rate.

Treatment For Kratom Addiction

If you or someone you love is using Kratom, please reach out for help. There are no FDA-approved uses for Kratom. Based on recent findings, the drug’s Opioid-like properties may lead to addiction, abuse, and dependence. If you notice that you have developed a dependency or someone you know, there is support available. Contact a treatment provider to discuss options for treatment or if you have rehab-related questions. Do not continue using Kratom without consulting a medical professional. Find help today.

The post Kratom: Helpful Herb Or Toxic Substance?  appeared first on Addiction Center.

The 16^th season of ABC’s reality show The Bachelorette has been unlike any other season so far. The show started with Clare Crawley as the lead, but after 4 episodes, she decided to call off the rest of the competition and settle down with one contestant, Dale Moss. This left the rest of the contestants hanging, until a new lead, 30-year-old Tayshia Adams was brought in to take over Clare’s position as the lead. Unlike previous seasons, where cast and crew travel to exotic destinations throughout the season, the 16^th season is held solely at the La Quinta Resort & Club in California due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This season also has openly discussed issues like racial inequality, eating disorders, and substance abuse. Bachelorette contestant Zac Clark, who made an early connection with Adams, shared his story of addiction and recovery on Tuesday’s episode of the show.

Zac Clark From The Bachelorette Opens Up About Heroin And Crack Use

From the beginning of Adam’s season as the Bachelorette, 36-year-old Zac Clark has received a positive edit from producers of the show, with plenty of screen time that shows his growing connection and relationship with Adams. For this reason, Clark is expected to go far in the competition and is seen as a front-runner, and on the latest episode, airing December 1^st, 2020, Clark opened up about his substance use disorder and his recovery.

The pair started out on a classic “one-on-one” date, with a wedding themed photoshoot, followed by dinner, and then a ride on a Ferris wheel. During the wedding outfit photoshoot, Adams and Clark connect over the fact that they had both previously been married. The topic of conversation continued to get more in depth as they moved to the dinner portion of the date. Clark began by telling Adams he grew up in an amazing home with an amazing family that he loves and that he graduated college, until he, “wasn’t feeling well.” After an x-ray, doctors discovered that Clark had a brain tumor. Clark explained that after his surgery for the tumor, he started abusing pain medication. Many people who start taking prescription pain killers after an injury or surgery develop an Opioid use disorder, and sometimes transition to illicit drugs as their addiction worsens.

The Bachelorette is not the first time Zac Clark has opened up about his struggles with addiction. A 2014 article published in a Pennsylvania newspaper, Reading Eagle, quoted a speech by Clark given to students at Alvernia University. Thirty years old at the time, Clark told the students about how his first drink as a teenager, “set off like 15 years of lying.” In high school he drank alcohol and smoked Marijuana and started experimenting with prescription medications. He used Adderall that he bought from girls who had prescriptions for the drug. Clark explained, “I had the numbers of 5 people who I could call at any time and buy their extra doses off them.” Clark played 3 sports in high school and baseball in college, but all the while he was drinking heavily and abusing drugs.

Clark’s substance abuse disorder only got worse after the surgery to remove his brain tumor in his early 20s. He now had access to drugs like Morphine and Dilaudid, telling Alvernia University students, “Now I had something I could go to doctors with, legitimate.” Bachelorette contestant Zac Clark began smoking and snorting OxyContin, the brand name for Oxycodone, a powerful and addictive Opioid medication that has played a major role in the Opioid epidemic. During this time, Clark was able to graduate and hold down a job, and even get married at 23, but his drug use was severe. Clark explained that at the time, his greatest concern was figuring out how to get drugs during his honeymoon in the U.S. Virgin Islands. A quote from Clark in the 2014 article stated, “I have got to leave the country for 10 days and for a guy with a serious, serious drug problem, that’s not cool.”

In his conversation with Adams on the Bachelorette, Clark said, “I was hanging out with some sketchy people, it wasn’t pretty. So I got arrested.” Clark was arrested for possession of Crack Cocaine and driving under the influence (DUI). This resulted in his wife leaving him and getting a divorce. Clark started on an 8-month drug binge where he injected Heroin, smoked Crack Cocaine, and did Whippets. Whippets are a type of Inhalant drug where the user inhales nitrous oxide to experience a recreational high. He explained the dark and hopeless place that he was in, and how some days he felt as though he wasn’t going to make it until tomorrow. After attempting to cash one of his father’s checks, the bank teller called his father and told him what was going on. This moment sparked a realization in Clark where he felt like, “it was time.”

Zac Clark’s Recovery From Substance Abuse

After that moment with his father at the bank, Bachelorette contestant Zac Clark entered rehab for 4 and a half months at Caron Treatment, a treatment program that Clark now serves on the board of. Clark went on to found Release Recovery in 2017, an addiction treatment center in New York, “with the goal of helping people reclaim their lives from addiction.” Clark admitted to going to rehab once before, and he had to show his family his dedication towards his recovery. Clark’s work has paid off. In his conversation with Adams, he said, “just the fact that I’m sitting here is kind of a miracle.”

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Living With A Drug Or Alcohol Problem

Anyone can succumb to the powerful hold drugs and alcohol can have over a person. Over 20 million American adults have a substance use disorder, and only a small fraction of them receive treatment for it. It doesn’t matter what your personal, family, or financial background is. There are options to get help. Overcoming a substance use disorder can feel impossible without help, but professionals are out there who can help with a medically supervised detox, treatment, and an aftercare plan to stay on the path of recovery. To talk to someone about options for you or a loved one, reach out to a treatment provider for free, available 24/7.

The post Bachelorette Contestant Zac Clark Shares Story Of Addiction appeared first on Addiction Center.

Methamphetamine abuse or meth addiction is a dangerous problem in the United States. More than 14.7 million people have tried it, and almost 100,000 are currently battling meth addiction. Meth is one of the most commonly abused drugs in the world, especially in the American midwest. It is a highly addictive stimulant and is causing an even greater problem than the opioid crisis. The transformations caused by meth in its users can be shocking. In 2005 the U.S. spent about $23.4 billion on methamphetamine abuse.  

The prolonged abuse of methamphetamines can destroy an individual’s life. The drug causes serious health issues, disabilities, and failure to keep up with personal responsibilities. What is most shocking is the visible deterioration of a person’s physical appearance. The effects are frightening and can leave users unrecognizable. 

Signs of meth addiction include:

• Hyperactivity
• Restlessness
• Lip and finger burns
• Twitching or spastic movements
• Unpredictable sleeping patterns
• Rotting teeth
• Mood swings
• Extreme weight loss
• Facial tics
• Paranoia
• Outbursts 
• Dilated pupils
• Intense and sudden weight loss
• Skin sores
• Rapid eye movement
• Small appetite

Top 10 Worst Meth Transformations

1.

This woman’s transition over a decade is terrifying. At first, she has the beginning stages of premature aging. The fat around her face drops from a youthful glow to a heavy jowl due to muscle loss. As the years progress, there is an onset of “meth mouth.” Her teeth seem to be rotting, and there is a massive loss of fat around the mouth and cheeks. After a decade of prolonged use, the individual has lost a severe amount of youth in her face. Her lack of hygiene is also apparent. What’s new is the overly prominent sores on the left side of her face. These lesions are caused by excessive skin-picking and can lead to scarring.

2.

Number 2 on our list is a man whose change is heartbreaking. In the first picture, the individual appears middle-aged. His face has plenty of youth, and he seems to have good hygiene. Fast-forward to 9 years later, and he looks like a completely different person. His face is dry and covered in lesions. What is most shocking is the apparent signs of “meth mouth.” Like many meth users, the skin on his lips is chapped and scabbed. The individual’s mouth is tight and thin. The heavy meth abuse led to dramatic aging.

3.

The man appears to be in his early 40s in the first picture. In 7 years, the individual aged drastically. By 2007 the same person was unrecognizable and looked about 20 years older. In his second mugshot, he is pictured with long hair that is shaggy and thinning. His skin is suffering significant fat and muscle loss, making his face appear droopy. The eyes are dull and heavy. Above his forehead and around his face, he has sores. In less than a decade, the chronic use of meth has aged this man about 20 years.

4.

In the first picture, the man appears to be in his 20s but was 36 years old and relatively healthy. Six short years later, the man, now 42, has deep frown lines across his forehead. His face is covered in sores, and his skin looks bruised. The whites of his eyes are red, dull, and appear sad. In a short amount of time, the individual went from looking very young for his age to aging poorly.

5.

Meth transformations vary, but over the years, chronic users always appear sickly and unkempt. In the first mugshot, the woman who was 29 at the time was already an avid meth user. The early signs of lesions are already showing around her mouth, and her eyes appear hollow. By the time she is 31, her entire face is covered in sores and scars. She has a receding hairline, is graying, and seems thinner. The fat and muscle loss on her face make her seem chiseled.

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6.

Pictured below is a 5-year meth transformation. In 2003 the individual’s face was blemish-free with only a few fine lines. After a few years, the man’s face loses volume and looks hollow. Black marks and scabs are scattered across his skin.

7.

The woman’s face is full of youth and bright in the first picture. Seven years later, her skin is suffering from major fat loss and sagging. Her eyes are shrinking in size and dull. The woman is also in the early stages of “meth mouth.”

8.

When the first photo was taken, the woman was 22 years old. Her skin was clear and plump. A decade later, at 33, the woman had “meth mouth” caused by the drug’s harsh chemicals. Her cheeks are hollow, and her lips tight. Sores are scattered around her chin. The woman barely resembles the girl she used to be. Even though the pictures are about a decade apart, the woman’s advanced aging is striking.

9.

The following pictures are a year apart. In that short amount of time, the woman in the photo’s face completely changed. Her once smooth skin is covered in red sores. Her eyes look tired, and she seems about half a decade older.

10.

The last pictures are 7 months apart. It takes no time for the red spots and sores around the woman’s face to appear. Her left eye is beginning to droop, and her lips are thinning.

Treatment For Meth Abuse

The misuse of meth has serious side effects on its users. It is highly addictive and poses a great threat to society. Out of all the drugs in the United States, meth has the highest association with violence. The people depicted above are individuals that became victims of the potent drug. Their meth transformations are direct signs of addiction and can affect anyone. Though meth addiction is a complex condition, help is still available. Several effective treatments help individuals recover and lead healthy lives. If you or a loved one are battling an addiction, contact a treatment provider to talk about rehab options. No one is immune to the impact of chronic substance abuse, but you do not have to deal with it alone. Get help finding the treatment you deserve today.

The post The Top 10 Worst Meth Transformations appeared first on Addiction Center.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact America, there is hardly any aspect of daily life that it does not affect. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 160,000 Americans have died from COVID-19 as of August 2020. Those who have lost their lives directly from the virus are not the only ones who have suffered. Drug use and drug overdose deaths are suspected to be increasing for a number of factors influenced by the wreckage COVID-19 has caused. Kipu Health reported that the number of opioid overdoses in large cities has risen by 54% in 16 states. The link between opioid addiction and COVID-19 is a serious issue that individuals, families, and medical and treatment professionals are fighting to overcome.

The situation of opioid addiction and COVID-19 is continuing to unfold, but recent study findings are causing major concern for experts. Millennium Health, a national laboratory service, analyzed 500,000 urine drug tests and found that there was an increase of 32% for nonprescribed fentanyl and 20% for methamphetamine from March through May. The University of Baltimore found that suspected drug overdoses rose 18%, and even alcohol sales have increased by more than 25%. Restrictions on air travel and closed borders have impacted drug trafficking, causing some dealer’s supplies to be diminished. This may lead someone struggling with a substance use disorder to turn to a new, unfamiliar dealer who may provide them with drugs that are more likely to lead to an overdose. For example, the issue of fentanyl being mixed in with heroin has been the culprit for many overdose deaths, as fentanyl is 50 times more potent than heroin. If someone takes their normal dose of heroin without knowing there is fentanyl in it, it is likely they will overdose.

Drug trafficking disrupted by COVID-19 is a long-term concern, as well as its impact on present times. It is believed that the pandemic is causing dealers to stockpile drugs, leading to a decrease in prices and increased availability when restrictions are lifted. Access to high-purity drugs could lead to an increase in overdoses. Some states across America have renewed lockdowns, causing dealers to mix their supply with deadly substances. Not only do factors of drug purity and availability perpetrate the opioid crisis, the emotional and financial consequences of COVID-19 are wreaking havoc on individuals with a substance use disorder.

Anxiety, Opioid Addiction, And COVID-19

The emotional implications as a result of COVID-19 have been devastating. Social distancing has caused loneliness and isolation, lack of work opportunity has caused homelessness and fears about the future, and in result has created anxiety over many factors, as well as relapses in those in recovery. In some cases, individuals have been forced out of treatment or had to enter into a modified treatment program. Certain facilities that have patients who tested positive for COVID-19 have had to isolate patients and operate at a decreased capacity. In a time where social connection is so crucial, having to be isolated while in recovery can derail a person’s recovery altogether.

Anxiety over COVID-19 may be stopping some people from seeking treatment for an addiction when they truly need it. However, in many cases, people are more likely to die from their addiction than COVID-19, especially with a dangerous addiction to opioids. The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have modified guidelines on providing buprenorphine and methadone to those who need it, as well as other increased areas of flexibility. However, there is nothing treatment professionals can do for someone who does not seek out help.

Statistics From Front-Line Professionals

Recent statistics from front-line professionals paint a deeply concerning picture regarding opioid addiction and COVID-19. 96% of medical and treatment professionals reported that patients with an opioid use disorder have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19. 92% of front-line professionals stated that opioid use has increased “somewhat” to “a lot.” 94% of front-line professionals report that social isolation has led to an increase of 94% in relapses. Those with an opioid use disorder are not the only ones negatively affected. 86% of front-line professionals reported that COVID-19 has diminished their ability to do their jobs.

Healthcare workers are at an increased risk for contracting COVID-19, with Massachusetts General Hospital reporting that, “frontline health care workers had a nearly 12-times higher risk of testing positive for COVID-19.” Other healthcare workers are being laid off or furloughed due to the low number of elective care cases, according to Kipu Health. The link between opioid addiction and COVID-19 doesn’t only affect 1 group of people; it’s devastating impact has sent tendrils of destruction throughout countless parts of communities across the country. Individuals, communities, and treatment professionals must work together to educate others on this daunting reality. For those fighting an addiction, seeking treatment may be essential to their survival. For more information on treatment options, contact a treatment provider today.

The post Recent Statistics Show Opioid Addiction And COVID-19 Dangers appeared first on Addiction Center.

OxyContin is a controlled-released opiate brand of oxycodone. It functions by changing how the brain and the central nervous system feel pain. This is a powerful medication to help people suffering from moderate to severe pain. In addition, it can help individuals who are in constant pain to find the relief needed to recover. OxyContin is recommended to be taken every 12 hours and is available in the following doses:

• 10mg
• 15mg
• 20mg
• 30mg
• 40mg
• 60mg
• 80mg
• 160mg

Although it is available in pill form, it can be snorted, chewed, crushed, injected and smoked. When individuals take the pill in non-traditional forms, typically in cases of misuse, there is much more potential for abuse. Oxycodone, a major chemical in OxyContin remains one of the most commonly abused drugs to date and has serious side effects.

In previous years, OxyContin marketing was limited to risks and side effects associated with the drug. In addition, this drug was more prescribed than other drugs in certain states, deemed as “high OxyContin prescribed areas,” being prescribed 5 to 6 times more than the national average. To complicate matters, oxycodone and OxyContin have been linked to heroin abuse and fentanyl abuse. Because of the addiction risk for both OxyContin and oxycodone, much research has done to understand how to avoid overdoses. Furthermore, some suggest doctors prescribing non-opioid alternatives to reduce risks.

How To Know When Someone Is Using OxyContin

In some cases, using OxyContin can help with ongoing pain. Taking the recommended dosage can bring about healing for ongoing pain. Despite its benefits, there are dangers, and it is important to know the signs of OxyContin use and abuse. Seeing someone use OxyContin more than their prescribed dosage is a sign of abuse.

Increasing an OxyContin dosage due to a drug tolerance is a strong sign of misuse. An inability to stop using OxyContin is another sign of excessive use or misuse. Someone talking about using the drug in a non-medical way is another sign of use. Lastly, someone showing symptoms like depression, anxiety, headaches, drowsiness, poor work performance, and constricted pupils can indicate use.

Spotting An OxyContin Addiction

OxyContin’s addictive properties are gradual as individuals develop a tolerance before an addiction. This translates to people taking OxyContin for their recommended purpose but needing more of the drug to feel normal. At first, the drug may have been used to treat severe back pain, for example, but now is also being used to lift one’s mood. Now the intended use has been used out of its intended context. In the case of a drug tolerance, the brain and nervous system get used to the increased amount of chemical and lowering the amount one takes becomes more difficult. As a result of a tolerance, he or she may feel the original dosage is not strong enough for them to feel any symptoms, thus increasing their intake. He or she does not feel the effects as strongly when first prescribed.

Doctor Shopping And OxyContin Abuse

Behaviors such as doctor shopping and getting fake prescriptions can pinpoint an addiction to opioids. Patients can fake sickness in attempts to increase the dosage or redistribute medications. Because of OxyContin’s hold on individuals who use the drug, getting medical attention for these symptoms would be best, as going cold turkey can worsen symptoms. Not only do individuals have the access needed to fight withdrawal symptoms, they also receive monitored care while detoxing.

People who want to combine OxyContin with other substances such as alcohol or stimulants expose themselves to an increased risk of overdose. This is also a sign of an addiction. If you are suspecting someone to have an addiction to OxyContin, you may notice the following behaviors or side effects:

OxyContin Treatment And Detox

Detox for OxyContin can help to reverse symptoms of abuse like depression, anxiety, nausea, and cravings. While detox is painful, certain medications help to reduce symptoms and side effects associated with it. Drugs like Clonidine make withdrawal more tolerable, easing irritability, agitation, and anxiety.

Secondly, Suboxone helps to provide a feeling of euphoria without needing to use harmful opioids. This drug can be habit forming and needs to be taken cautiously or with supervision. Naltrexone helps to reduce the effects of the euphoria associated with OxyContin. Patients are recommended to take Naltrexone a year after of detox and can also get the injectable form in Vivitrol. Taking opioids while using Naltrexone can have severe side effects.

You can heal in a safe environment with the guidance and support of licensed staff in rehab. Start your journey today by contacting a treatment provider.

The post How To Know When Someone Is Using OxyContin appeared first on Addiction Center.

An estimated 130 people die every day from overdosing on opioids. This includes prescription pain relievers, synthetic opioids like fentanyl, and heroin. Of people who use heroin, 80% first misused a prescription opioid, such as OxyContin or Vicodin. In fact, the 3 most common drugs involved in prescription overdose deaths are Methadone, Oxycodone (OxyContin), and Hydrocodone (Vicodin). In 2017 alone, over 191 million opioid prescriptions were dispensed to Americans with pain. About 21 to 29% of patients who receive an opioid prescription for chronic pain misuse them, and between 8 and 12% of them develop an opioid use disorder. The opioid epidemic has been ongoing for the last 20 years, taking thousands of lives by death or addiction. To understand how this happened, you have to look back to the late 1990s, and you will likely see Purdue Pharma and the Sackler Family right in the center of it all.

Purdue Pharma

Purdue Pharma was founded in the 1990s by Richard Sackler and the company planned to unveil the pain pill OxyContin in 1996. Purdue Pharma’s marketing strategy aimed to target the drug to all patients with chronic pain, not just cancer patients. In a 1994 email from sales and marketing executive Michael Friedman to 3 members of the Sackler family, Friedman said, “Our current MS Contin business has created ‘a franchise’ with certain physicians who routinely write prescriptions for the drug,” Friedman continued saying that these physicians, “may be the bridge that we can use to expand the use of OxyContin beyond Cancer patients to chronic non-malignant pain.” This idea of incorporating physicians to promote OxyContin worked, growing sales from $48 million in 1996 to almost $1.1 billion in 2000.

Before the 1990s, many physicians hesitated to prescribe patients opioids for pain because of the risk of developing an addiction. However, as Purdue Pharma and other major pharmaceutical companies developed relationships with leading physicians and researchers, the spread of misinformation began stating that opioids are safe and effective. Purdue hosted dinner programs and weekend meetings to speak to doctors about OxyContin. In a 1996 email from Richard Sackler, he stated, “Physicians who attended the dinner programs or the weekend meetings wrote more than double the number of new Rxs for OxyContin compared to the control group. Weekend meetings had the greatest impact, increasing new prescriptions for OxyContin by a factor between 2.16 and 2.62.”

One example of this is neurologist and pain specialist Russell Portenoy, MD whose pain center received millions of dollars of funding from Purdue and other pharmaceutical companies. He contradicted earlier statements about the dangers of opioids, stating that, “the risks of addiction to opioids were minimal and that not treating pain was cruel and even amounted to medical negligence.” Portenoy admitted to having financial relationships with over a dozen companies that produced opioid pain killers. However, this was after the research had been published in medical journals that lacked credibility. As some doctors began voicing their concerns about opioid addiction, Sackler sent an email to Purdue’s medical director, Dr. Paul Goldenheim, stating, “Why don’t you guys plan a presentation about addiction, give a convincing presentation that [controlled-release] products are less prone to addiction potential, abuse or diversion than [immediate-release] products.” A memo to Purdue’s sales team said, “Your priority is to Sell, Sell, Sell OxyContin.”

As years went by and the opioid epidemic unfolded, Purdue Pharma came under fire for deception about the safety of OxyContin. In 2007, Purdue pleaded guilty to misleading the public about OxyContin’s risk of addiction and paid $600 million. The lawsuits did not stop, and the company received thousands more over the years. In early 2019 they reached a deal for the Sackler family to pay $3 billion and give up ownership of the company. In September 2019, Purdue Pharma filed for bankruptcy, which would temporarily stay the litigation against the company until bankruptcy proceedings are complete.

The Sackler Family

The Sackler family is one of the richest families in America, with an estimated $13 billion fortune. Once thought of as a philanthropic family, the reputation of the Sackler’s has been impacted since the majority of their wealth has come from OxyContin sales. Some family members have distanced themselves from Purdue Pharma, while others are still very much involved. In the past, lawsuits have arisen against the company but not at the individual family members. As of late 2019, the lawsuits are now being aimed at the family as well as Purdue Pharma. Many are now accusing the family of trying to move and protect their assets.

In September 2019, the New York attorney general’s office stated that it had tracked $1 billion in wire transfers by the Sackler’s and this suggested that, “the family tried to shield wealth as it faced a raft of litigation over its role in the opioid crisis,” according to the New York Times. Many of the transfers are through Swiss bank accounts. Banks based in Switzerland are notorious for their secrecy and high levels of privacy that Swiss law mandates. Stat News reports that the Sackler family has been investigated by the FBI many times over a quarter century. There is also suspicion that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may have been involved after refusing to place dispensing restrictions on OxyContin after requests from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Today, Americans are becoming more aware of the dangers of opioids but there is still a fight against the greed and corruption that many pharmaceutical companies are founded on. Shifting the blame to the addict has been a tactic, despite the fact that anyone can become addicted to the powerful effects of opioids. A famous 2001 email from Richard Sackler stated, “We have to hammer on the abusers in every way possible. They are the culprits and the problem. They are reckless criminals.”

For more information on opioid addiction and treatment options, contact a treatment provider today.

The post How Purdue Pharma and the Sackler Family Perpetrated the Opioid Crisis appeared first on Addiction Center.