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.

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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.

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In 1973, actor and martial-arts expert Bruce Lee experienced a minor headache. After taking Equagesic, a prescription painkiller, Lee slipped into a coma and never awoke. It was determined that the cause of the 32-year-old actor’s death was a reaction to an ingredient in the pain medication he took. Recently, a collection of letters written by Lee was found at a flea market. These letters, which have been authenticated by experts, revealed that friend and fellow actor, Robert Baker, supplied drugs to Lee in secret for several years. This discovery adds Bruce Lee to a long list of celebrities who have struggled with substance abuse.  

In one letter, Lee wrote to Baker, “I was throwing stones like hell, but I am working on the next character… some coke will help…” This statement indicates that Lee had become dependent on the use of certain substances to deal with his work. Cocaine, acid, “hash” or “grass,” and mushrooms were mentioned in Lee’s letters. 

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The content of Lee’s unearthed letters highlights issues some celebrities may have with substance use disorders (SUD). The lives of celebrities are often very public which can lead to constant scrutiny from media and fans. Celebrities may feel an immense pressure to be perfect which could be why many celebrities choose to keep their substance use struggles as private as Lee did. The general stress of being famous can also cause celebrities to self-medicate with drugs and alcohol. 

Throughout the history of Hollywood, developing a SUD has been especially prevalent among young celebrities. The revelation of Bruce Lee’s letters contribute to this idea. Lee, who grew up in Hong Kong, was a childhood actor. At the age of 1, Lee appeared in his first film, Golden Gate Girl. Lee had been in 20 films by the age of 20. It is possible the pressures of fame and work led to his substance use, like many other young celebrities. These are a few young celebrities who struggled with a SUD. 

Judy Garland’s Cycle Of Substances

At age 13, Judy Garland signed to the American media company Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer as a contract player. Early on in her career, Garland received criticism about her appearance and weight. The studio put the young actress on Amphetamine-based diet pills to control weight and keep up her energy for long days of work. At the end of each day, Garland was given sleeping pills. This cycle of pills created an intense dependency on substances which caused her to struggle with substance use for the rest of her life. Her long-term addiction resulted in her death by accidental overdose which occurred in 1969. As a celebrity, constant attention on appearance, pressures to work long hours, and influence of the studio contributed to the development of Garland’s substance use. 

Drew Barrymore Was A 12-Year-Old “Party Girl”

Drew Barrymore’s acting career kicked off when she was in E.T. The Extra Terrestrial when she was 7 years old. By age 12, Barrymore was a self proclaimed “party girl” and was doing Cocaine at nightclubs with her mother regularly. The actress sought treatment at age 14 where she was able to treat her SUD at the source. The facility recommended she legally separate from her mother and one year later she was emancipated. Today, Barrymore is grateful for her time in treatment and that she is no longer a celebrity struggling with substance use. 

Matthew Perry Doesn’t Remember Filming Some Of Friends Because Of Substance Use

Friends actor and celebrity, Matthew Perry, has spoken about his struggles with an alcohol use disorder (AUD) during the early years of the popular series. Perry, who was 23 when the show began, has said that there are 3 full seasons that he doesn’t remember filming because of his substance use. Although Perry claims he never drank on set, the effects of his alcohol use, such as feeling hungover, were still present. Perry described this time as the loneliest time of his life, despite it looking like he “had it all” from the outside. 

Justin Bieber’s Overnight Fame Led To Use Of Substances

In 2020, Canadian singer Justin Bieber addressed his struggles with drug use. Bieber admitted that he began smoking Marijuana at about age 12. After becoming dependent on marijuana, Bieber turned to heavier substances such as alcohol, lean, prescription pills, MDMA, and mushrooms. Bieber has also opened up about how overwhelming it was for him to become a household name at age 13. 

“Millions of fans were saying how much they loved me and how great I was. You hear these things as a young boy and you actually start believing it … So by this point I was 18 with no skills in the real world, with millions of dollars and access to whatever I wanted. This is a very scary concept for anyone,” Bieber said on Instagram in 2019. 

Why Are Young Celebrities Prone To Addiction

In general, people may turn to substances to cope with experiences, memories, or events that emotionally overwhelm them. When one is emotionally overwhelmed, they feel an intense emotion that is difficult to manage. This can affect their ability to think or act rationally. Often being emotionally overwhelmed can be caused by stress, traumatic experiences, or relationship issues. When someone uses substances to deal with this feeling, the original issue gets worse rather than better. For young celebrities, being famous, public criticism, and work stress can be overwhelming. 

The concept of fame, on its own, can be addictive. The developing brain of a child or young adult can get used to a certain level of attention and flattery. As child celebrities age or their careers shift, this attention may disappear. Because they have become addicted to the feeling of being adored, they may fill this void with substance use. Additionally, child celebrities are often in environments where temptations are high with few people who will tell them no. 

For more information on substance use disorders and how to treat them, contact a treatment provider today.

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On June 14th, 2021, Youtube announced a ban on alcohol, gambling, or prescription drug-related ads on its homepage. Specifically, the platform banned controversial ads from appearing on its highly visible rectangle across the top of the homepage, also known as a masthead. The shift follows a chain of changes Google (its parent company) is making due to public scrutiny.

Youtube, Google, And Toxic Marketing

Over the past few years, Alphabet Inc. has received backlash for exposing its billions of users to harmful advertisements while making a profit. In 2011, the tech giant was forced to pay $500 million in a settlement by the U.S. Federal Drug Agency for selling online ads to Canadian pharmacies targeting Americans. For nearly a decade, dozens of online pharmacies in Canada sold illegal prescriptions through advertisements on Google.

During the preceding, prosecutors discovered that Alphabet Inc. knew of the illegal advertisements created by the Canadian dispensaries. According to investigators, drugstores were preying on vulnerable consumers, like addicts, through, “online consultation rather than a prescription.” The companies then charged a premium for the online meeting because they knew, “individuals seeking to obtain prescription drugs without a valid prescription were willing to pay higher prices.” All the while, according to critics, Google knew about the toxic advertising strategies.

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The Public’s Outrage On Advertisements 

Google is not the first site to be flagged for harmful advertising practices. Just recently, after a public media outrage, TikTok banned content that promotes drug abuse and eating disorders. Still, sites like Facebook continue making a hefty profit by allowing pharmaceutical companies and data brokerage firms to target vulnerable clients. Which begs the question, how invasive and dangerous are these media advertising policies? How do they affect those susceptible to addiction?

Advertising And Addiction

Digital advertising has surpassed traditional marketing. Thanks to data-tracking software, companies can now target individuals based on their ethnicity, disabilities, sexual orientation, and more. The plethora of data gives these invasive advertisers the power to be even more persuasive than ever before. According to privacy activists and browser-makers, companies that perpetuate eating disorders or create prescription drugs can even target people battling trauma, drug abuse, and eating disorders.

Not only can these marketers efficiently mark people susceptible to addiction, but they can also mislead them to purchase their products. According to a research study, only 26% of direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical advertising (DTCPA) describe the risk factors associated with their drugs, and only 25% mentioned its prevalence. DTCPA typically misinforms consumers by omitting critical information like the likelihood of developing a substance use disorder. 

Another concerning problem is the trust placed on these advertisers by consumers. Nearly 50% of people believe that the government approves all ads broadcasted on TV or online. Unfortunately, direct to consumer ads (DTC) are loosely regulated. Though claims in advertisements must be truthful under the law, many marketers find advantageous loopholes to avoid omitting less than glamorous truths about their products. Once live, DTC ads are dangerously trusted and effective. On average, 43% of viewers believe that medications must be entirely safe to be advertised.

Raising Awareness

Advertisements can have adverse effects on vulnerable populations like those prone to addiction. The unwarranted trust placed on marketers is a powerful tool capable of triggering or worsening substance use disorders. Historically drug-producing companies put profits over public safety. For example, Purdue Pharma is under federal investigation for instigating the United States Opioid epidemic. To protect vulnerable populations, lawmakers need to regulate all broadcasted ads thoroughly. In the meantime, we must all be vigilant and raise the public’s awareness of the dangers advertising has on those battling addiction. For more information on substance use, addiction, and treatment, contact a treatment provider today.

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In the practice of medicine, physicians will come across patients who present with unofficial self-diagnosis at some point in their careers. Patients who have basically identified themselves as having a certain condition. Well, who knows their own bodies better than a patient themselves, right? Well yes, and no. Not as it relates to diagnosis. Additionally, many practitioners, possibly more mental health practitioners, will come across individuals who are misdiagnosed or undiagnosed. This is not criticism of the mental health field, but more the nature of the mind being an abstract concept and behavioral and mental changes across the lifespan. And with the mainstay tool for diagnosis of mental illness being an interview, it can be a difficult endeavor. It is a less concrete specialty. This can be sometimes be seen in cases of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and addiction.

On one hand, a patient recognizes “something is wrong” with their body as they present with the signs and symptoms, and on the other hand the medical practitioner properly assesses these signs and symptoms. There are many factors that need to be considered when any diagnosis is made. Appropriate history taking, physical and mental examinations, relevant diagnostic testing such as blood work or scans, the training and expertise of the clinician, the motivation and reliability of the patient, as well as many other factors need to be considered. One very important factor as it relates to substance use disorders especially, is the chronology and the context in which the signs and symptoms are occurring. This helps with both the diagnosis, as well as ruling in or out other differential diagnoses mainly due to the fact substance and alcohol use/misuse can mimic or mask many different mental health and physical conditions.

Are ADHD And Addiction Associated?

When it comes to the practice of addiction medicine, one diagnosis that appears to occur often is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Studies have looked into ADHD itself to see if it is a risk factor for future substance use, and to see if undiagnosed or untreated ADHD is associated with future addiction. But often in clinical practice, ADHD is diagnosed at a time when substance use disorders are being treated. These times may be when someone is in detox or rehab, or someone intoxicated or in withdrawal ends up in the emergency room, hospitalized, jail, or they are involuntary admitted to a psychiatric unit.

Therefore, an important question arises: is it the drugs that are causing these symptoms or is it a true ADHD? This is a huge question and one that needs to be asked by both the patient and the clinical practitioner. I highlight ADHD here in this article, but this could apply to any condition which substance abuse mimics or is the result of, from depression to bipolar disorder or psychosis.

Breaking Down ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, more commonly known as ADHD, is a neurodevelopmental disorder often diagnosed in childhood, where the prevailing symptoms of inattentiveness and/or hyperactivity cause impairment of functioning in two or more major areas of someone’s life. Often this is seen first in children, when after passing through stages of life where being hyperactive, restless, or inattentive is part of development, are subsequently identified at school as, compared to their peers, being persistently more hyperactive, inattentive, or the combination of both. And because of these features, their academic performance and subsequent success in multiple areas of life is being affected, and often is convoluted with co-occurring mental or behavioral disturbances.

What about in adults? There has been recent question as to if ADHD can, “begin or have onset in adulthood.” So far, this has not been accepted into the diagnostic criteria, so it still remains that a ADHD diagnosis still has to have some symptom onset in childhood. So, what happens when adults are struggling with inattention, having difficulty concentrating, and/or feeling restless where it is felt to be causing dysfunction in multiple areas of their lives from work to their personal relationships? This is a common question that occurs, but sadly, when it comes to those who suffer with addiction, may be inadequately treated or inappropriately diagnosed.

ADHD And Addiction

It is important for those who suffer with addiction that before they jump to any conclusion that they have ADHD, they receive a proper assessment by a professional who specializes in diagnosing such conditions. For example, psychiatrists, certain neurologists, psychologists, and clinicians proficient in mental health diagnosis. The assessment should take into consideration symptoms which occur, “while not being on the drugs of abuse” and placed in appropriate chronology and context. Criteria for the diagnosis has to be met, even unspecified diagnosis, and those symptoms which occur exclusively during or secondary to substances of abuse do not qualify. Many conditions other than ADHD can cause someone to feel or be “inattentive” as manifested by having difficulty concentrating, focusing, sustaining attention, and struggling to stay on task. Feelings of restlessness, fidgetiness, or hyperactivity may occur as well. These conditions can include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, thyroid and other metabolic conditions, neurological conditions, and even stress as well as substance use and addiction.

During my time in practice, I have assessed many people that report having ADHD because someone else diagnosed them or they feel they have it. After proper evaluation, their symptoms were purely secondary to their alcohol or substances of abuse. However, it becomes difficult for the patient to give up that identity. They are so accustomed to taking a “pill” to gain mental clarity or focus, they don’t want to hear that they do not have ADHD. Mind you, many patients also do have ADHD and need to be properly treated, but the caveat here is that drug and alcohol abuse screws up our brains and not taking that into consideration when diagnosing ADHD is simply wrong.

Unfortunately, addiction is hallmarked by certain characteristics, such as the inability to abstain from drugs/alcohol, behavioral loss of control, cravings, dysfunctional recognition of negative consequences, and emotional ups and downs. Additionally, those suffering from addiction often have the inability to tolerate negative situations and the inability to delay one’s self-gratification. This can be a dangerous combo when mixing an inaccurate diagnosis of ADHD with their substance use, where stimulant medication is a mainstay of treatment, yet one that is simultaneously abused. Yes, people suffering with addiction often abuse well intended medication and manipulate their presentation when drug seeking. If you get high over time, your brain gets fried, you don’t think rationally, you can’t focus, you can’t think, and you need something to fix that. It’s like speed balling. This is difficult for someone struggling with addiction as impulse control is a major problem, and if truly diagnosed with ADHD, it’s a double whammy. True ADHD is not simply symptoms caused by the substance of abuse or long-term brain deconditioning.

I would compare it to someone who historically was able to work-out, run 5 miles, lift weights, felt strong, and was eating right. Who then, after no longer following their routine, performs no exercise, gets deconditioned, eats poorly, and attempts to go back to working out and cannot lift the same weights or perform the same way. Imagine if they ask a doctor for steroids to get back in shape. Let us even consider this. It may be that the person has a true hormone deficiency or medical issue which led to their inability to perform like before and should be properly evaluated. But, most often, it is the poor nutrition, the lack of activity, and the deconditioning that has resulted in their body not performing as it did.

The same goes for problems focusing, paying attention, and concentrating like once before after using drugs. Asking for a stimulant to help focus or to be diagnosed with ADHD in the context of substance use is not correct. Don’t ask for the steroid; try and get back in shape. Get treatment, stop the drugs, get a proper assessment that takes a comprehensive history and information from multiple sources. Not just symptoms while using drugs.

If you are diagnosed with ADHD or believe you have ADHD, please speak with you doctor. Be honest to the best of your ability. Below you will find a review of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD.

Diagnostic Criteria For ADHD

According the DSM-V, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder, 5th Edition, the following criteria exists regarding ADHD:

ADHD Symptoms and/or behaviors that have persisted ≥ 6 months in ≥ 2 settings (e.g., school, home, church). Symptoms have negatively impacted academic, social, and/or occupational functioning.

In patients aged < 17 years, ≥ 6 symptoms are necessary; in those aged ≥ 17 years, ≥ 5 symptoms are necessary.

Inattentive Type Diagnosis Criteria

• Displays poor listening skills.
• Loses and/or misplaces items needed to complete activities or tasks.
• Sidetracked by external or unimportant stimuli.
• Forgets daily activities.
• Diminished attention span.
• Lacks ability to complete schoolwork and other assignments or to follow instructions.
• Avoids or is disinclined to begin homework or activities requiring concentration.
• Fails to focus on details and/or makes thoughtless mistakes in schoolwork or assignments.

Hyperactive/ Impulsive Type Diagnosis Criteria Hyperactive Symptoms:

• Squirms when seated or fidgets with feet/hands.
• Marked restlessness that is difficult to control.
• Appears to be driven by “a motor” or is often “on the go.”
• Lacks ability to play and engage in leisure activities in a quiet manner.
• Incapable of staying seated in class.

Overly Talkative Impulsive Symptoms:

• Difficulty waiting for their turn.
• Interrupts or intrudes into conversations and activities of others.
• Impulsively blurts out answers before questions completed.

Additional Requirements for Diagnosis:

• Symptoms present prior to age 12 years.
• Symptoms not better accounted for by a different psychiatric disorder (e.g., mood disorder, anxiety disorder) and do not occur exclusively during a psychotic disorder (e.g., schizophrenia).
• Symptoms not exclusively a manifestation of oppositional behavior.

Classification Combined Type:

Patient meets both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive criteria for the past 6 months.

Predominantly Inattentive Type:

Patient meets inattentive criterion, but not hyperactive/impulse criterion, for the past 6 months.

Predominantly Hyperactive/Impulsive Type:

Patient meets hyperactive/impulse criterion, but not inattentive criterion, for the past 6 months.

Symptoms may be classified as mild, moderate, or severe based on symptom severity.

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

The post ADHD And Addiction: Are They Connected? 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.

OxyContin is the brand name for oxycodone hydrochloride, a prescription opioid used to treat moderate to severe pain. Unfortunately, individuals of all ages currently abuse OxyContin and those who take it as prescribed risk becoming dependent on the drug. OxyContin can be easy to identify because it is a brand name rather than a generic drug, often featuring an imprint on each individual tablet. Other names for OxyContin include:

• Oxy
• OxyCotton
• Oxy 80 (in reference to the 80mg dose)
• OC
• Blue
• Kicker
• Hillbilly heroin

How to Identify OxyContin

OxyContin is only available through prescription and should never be taken by someone who has not been prescribed by a healthcare professional. You can usually identify OxyContin by reading the label on the prescription bottle, as it uses the brand name. OxyContin is bottled and labeled either OxyContin or Oxycodone Hydrochloride. It is important to always read the label before taking any prescription drugs.

What Does OxyContin Look Like?

OxyContin is most commonly prescribed as a tablet. This prescription opioid is available in 10mg, 20mg, 40mg, 80mg, and 160mg doses. You can usually identify OxyContin by the imprint featured on the pills. The tablets are usually round but vary in color and size according to dosage. Tablets are imprinted with the letters OC or OP on one side and the number of milligrams on the opposite side.

OxyContin tablets are designed to be swallowed whole due to their controlled-release feature. When this drug is abused, users will often crush it in order to bypass the controlled-release factor, allowing a quick and intense effect. It can be difficult to identify OxyContin once it’s been crushed to be snorted or dissolved in water and injected. This practice is dangerous and can lead to overdosing on OxyContin’s active ingredient, oxycodone. Although not as common, OxyContin may also come in capsule or liquid form.

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

The post How to Identify OxyContin appeared first on Addiction Center.

COVID-19, the disease currently sweeping the world, belongs to the coronavirus family of diseases. A coronavirus causes symptoms which vary from those of the common cold to those of a severe respiratory infection. The newest coronavirus was first detected in China in 2019. The first infections were linked to a live animal market in the Chinese city of Wuhan. Since then, COVID-19 has spread to almost 70 nations, including the United States. The signs of coronavirus infection are fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

In more severe cases, coronavirus can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), and fatal kidney failure. The symptoms typically appear within 2-14 days of exposure. If you have recently traveled in an area afflicted by coronavirus or you have been in contact with a person who may have COVID-19, call your healthcare professional to get tested.

The coronavirus has arrived in the United States. In February, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported community spread (rapid person to person infection) in California, Oregon and Washington, primarily among the elderly. Health officials have quarantined people who test positive for the disease.

Nationwide, the CDC has reported over 100 coronavirus cases, 11 of them fatal. Residents have tested positive for COVID-19 in the following 12 states:

• Arizona
• California
• Florida
• Georgia
• Illinois
• Massachusetts
• New Hampshire
• New York
• Oregon
• Rhode Island
• Washington
• Wisconsin

Scientists who are studying the new virus have discovered that certain populations are at greater risk for infection, particularly children, the elderly, people with other illnesses, and people with compromised immune systems.

Should Coronavirus Prevent You from Going to Rehab?

With much of the country paralyzed by coronavirus fears, you might think that you should postpone or cancel rehab for alcohol or drug addiction until the crisis subsides. However, at this time, the CDC appears to be managing the spread of the disease, and the risks of alcohol poisoning or a drug overdose far outweigh the risk of contracting coronavirus. According to the CDC, opioid overdoses alone continue to claim over 100 lives in America everyday, and alcohol remains one of the most prodigious killers in the country.

If you are struggling with addiction, you still need help. As always, overcoming addiction could make the difference between life and death, and there is no evidence that rehab facilities are more likely to host coronavirus outbreaks than any other place. Please contact a dedicated treatment provider today to learn more about your options for rehab and get answers to your questions about recovery.

COVID-19 and Drug Abuse

The most vulnerable individuals to coronavirus are those with low immune systems, especially people with a nicotine addiction, since COVID-19 affects the respiratory system. Studies in China have been examining populations affected by the virus and have found that men account for more than half of the cases. Several experts believe this gender disparity is occurring because Chinese men are more likely than women to smoke cigarettes, which weakens the immune system and causes other health issues, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and respiratory difficulties. COVID-19 is a respiratory disease which impairs breathing, so smoking may increase the risk of coronavirus complications.

Smoking marijuana can also increase the risk of contracting coronavirus. Several posts have circulated social media making false claims that CBD (a chemical found in cannabis) has medical properties that can treat coronavirus. Although some studies have shown that CBD can be effective in treating pain and anxiety, there are currently no known treatments or cures for COVID-19. In fact, inhaling hot smoke of any kind can be damaging to your lungs. When smoking marijuana and sharing joints, pipes and paraphernalia, be aware that they may contain saliva and potentially spread virus-bearing germs.

The use of other illicit drugs, such as cocaine, meth, heroin, and hallucinogens, can also put a person at risk for coronavirus. Studies have shown that drugs of abuse alter not just neuropsychological and pathophysiological responses, but immune functions as well. Social practices connected with drug abuse, such as sharing contaminated needles or unprotected sex, also increase exposure to infectious pathogens, including COVID-19.

Prescription Drug Shortages in the U.S.

The spread of COVID-19 in China has negatively impacted the country’s economy and has forced medicine manufacturers to shut down. A shortage of medications in America is a possible result of the coronavirus outbreak. About 90% of active ingredients used by American drug manufacturers originate in China. Although no manufacturing disruptions have led to reported shortages in the U.S. at this time, the Federal Drug and Food Administration (FDA) is currently monitoring supplies of about 20 drugs which are manufactured primarily in China, including generic antibiotics and blood pressure medications.

Many individuals in recovery from addiction rely on prescription drugs for medication-assisted treatment during drug and alcohol detox, or when managing the symptoms of withdrawal.

It is recommended that people who take prescription medications stock-up on supplies if they are able. Unfortunately, there are patients who are not actively seeking care or renewing prescriptions out of fear of leaving the house and being contaminated. This can be dangerous for anyone experiencing withdrawal or complications from substance abuse, such as cardiovascular disease. At this time, it is important to stay up-to-date on refilling prescriptions.

How to Avoid The Virus

Since coronavirus is spread from person to person through respiratory droplets and bodily fluids, you should follow standard sanitary procedures to avoid spreading or contracting COVID-19, including:

• Washing your hands regularly with soap and water (for at least 20 seconds).
• Using alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Covering your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.
• Thoroughly cooking meat and eggs.
• Avoiding close contact with anyone who shows symptoms of a respiratory illness.
• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Avoid incessantly touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Substance abuse takes a negative toll on your health. A drug-dependent body with a weakened immune system is more likely to contract disease, including COVID-19. If you are addicted to drugs or alcohol, treatment for your addiction may be one effective way to avoiding coronavirus if the disease becomes a pandemic. There are many different options for treatment, including outpatient and inpatient rehab, and a rehab center is the ideal environment for someone battling addiction and withdrawal. For more information on treatment options, contact a treatment provider today.

The post Coronavirus Should Not Hinder Your Recovery From Addiction appeared first on Addiction Center.