Chronic Pain Medications

More than 80 million Americans suffer from chronic pain. From back aches to migraines, there are all kinds of ailment that condemn people to a life of discomfort and the consistent need to take pain medications. Medications for chronic pain include over the counter drugs such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and acetaminophen, as well as prescription medications such as Hydrocodone, Oxycontin, Vicodin, Morphine, and Percocet. All of these substances may effect ones liver over a period of long term use and are considered toxins in the body. However, prescription medications are particularly dangerous, as they are commonly abused and pose the threat of addiction.

Prescription pain medications are powerful narcotics. In fact, many of the opioid based drugs such as Percocet and Oxycontin act on the body similarly to the way heroin does. They produce a feeling of euphoria and relieve feelings of discomfort. However, the body builds a tolerance to pain medications over time and more of the substance is needed for the same effect. This make these drugs highly addictive and a person who is constantly seeking the relief of relentless pain is most susceptible to having a problem. Therefor, chronic pain medications should be used sparingly and only as prescribed.

One should follow their doctors orders with any pain relief regimen. However, be aware that there are certain over the counter medications that can be taken in place of or in addition to prescription medications. This may help an individual avoid prescription drugs or cut back on the number they have to take to be comfortable. Overdosing on pain medications or taking them improperly creates a high risk for an addiction problem. Also, it is important to consider that the more pain medications one takes, the less the body is capable of producing endorphins, its own natural pain killer.

Although chronic pain is an unfortunate plight, affecting more than a quarter of all Americans on a daily basis, people must consider the effects of the medications they are taking. If you are one of those who is suffering, be sure to talk to your doctor about alternative forms of pain management, and take any pain medications responsibly.

Teen Heroin Use

Only 71% of teenagers disapprove of legalizing the private use of heroin. Alarmingly, the rest of them are not seeing the dangers of this highly addictive substance. Heroin destroys lives, poses health risks, and can eventually lead to death. It is known as a “hard drug” to most people, but more and more teens seem to believe that heroin use isn't going to kill them. Unfortunately, statistics are showing an increase in the number of teens using harder drugs. Heroin is being sold and used inside the walls of our U.S. high schools.

Heroin appears as a fine powder, ranging in color from light brown to almost black. In it's purest form, it can also appear white, resembling powdered sugar. The most common method of using heroin is by injection. However, due to an increase in the purity of our nation's heroin supply, snorting the drug or smoking it are also becoming popular methods of use. Many teens believe that heroin is not dangerous or that it is “safer” when it is used this way.

Warning signs of teen heroin use include track marks, or puncture wounds on the inside of the arm, and the presence of paraphernalia such as needles. However, the biggest sign of drug use is a dramatic change in a person's life. Teens may start to struggle academically, hang out with a new set of friends, withdrawal from family and other responsibilities, and neglect hygiene. Additional signs of heroin use include a runny nose, slurred speech, and loss of motivation.

Teen heroin use is often preceded by the abuse of alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco. Also, it is not uncommon for a teen who becomes addicted to prescription pain killers to later switch to heroin. These two drugs are similar in composition. Recent studies suggest that as many as 1.3% of all high school students have used heroin at some point in time.

If your teen or someone you know is using heroin, seek medical attention immediately. It is highly addictive. Plus, the detoxification associated with heroin is extremely unpleasant. Heroin withdrawal is easier when it occurs under the care of a physician who can prescribe medications for the symptoms. Plus, extensive behavioral therapy will need to take place in order to discourage future drug use or break the cycle of addiction.

Opiates list, Opiate Detox, Opiate Withdrawal and More...

An Opiate is a narcotic drug that contains opium or any derivative of opium. Opiates are only available by prescription and con not be purchased over-the-counter. When taken for an extended period of time, the body reacts to the continual outward supply of painkillers by stopping the production of Endorphins, the bodies natural painkiller. The body becomes dependent on these opiates and when stopped abruptly the body responds with withdrawal symptoms. First, we will take a look at what some of the most commonly abused Opiate drugs are, then take a look at withdrawal symptoms and how to survive detox. This is a general Opiate List of some of the most well known opiates with which most people are familiar:

• Opium
• Heroin
• Codeine
• Fentanyl
• Hydrocodone
• Methadone
• Morphine
• Darvocet
• Percocet
• Vicodin

Detox is the most difficult part of stopping a drug addiction. The first week to two weeks is the most severe. Common symptoms many people experience as the body tries to adjust to the cravings without the "fix" are:

• Irritability
• Insomnia
• Diarrhea
• Night Sweats
• Depression
• General Aches and Pains

While there are some over-the-counter remedies that can help with some of these symptoms, one must be very careful in the drugs they choose to help them in their recovery and treatment. Ibuprofen or Naproxen may be taken for aches and pains, valerian root or kava root may be effective in helping with the insomnia, but probably the best help is a regular regimen of a healthy diet, exercise, fresh air and sunshine. A combination of these can help combat the cravings and lessen the severity of the depression and irritability.

Depending on the schedule (ranking of the drugs properties that indicate how addictive the drug is) ranking of the drug one is addicted to will have some effect on how severe withdrawal symptoms are and how long recovery time is as well as how long the cravings will continue after detox. For many people a drug treatment center is the most effective form of treatment because they have a lot of support to help them through each stage of recovery.