Generic OxyContin Could Show Up In U.S. Now That Canada Has Approved It
Now that generic OxyContin has been approved in Canada, the U.S. is preparing for a potential influx of this potent narcotic painkiller. According to the Wall Street Journal, the White House has put police and border agents on alert for these highly addictive meds that could be hitting U.S. streets within a month. Diversion into […]
Craigslist Bust Targets Low-Level Dealers Of Prescription Meds
New York officials rounded up twenty-one people after a Craigslist bust over the online sale of prescription painkillers. Brazen in their attempt to make a quick buck, these low-level dealers actually placed ads on the website looking for buyers. Those arrested included a 62-year-old female photographer, a graduate student from New York University and a […]
Hope And Addiction
Maybe you have been down and out because of a spiraling problem with prescription painkillers. An addiction of this type can be devastating in so many ways. It may seem like a dire situation with no way out, and it may seem impossible to conjure up a bit of hope or faith. News of opiate […]
Understanding Opiate-Induced Hyperalgesia: Navigating Pain Management in Opioid Therapy
Opiate-Induced Hyperalgesia (OIH) presents a paradoxical challenge in pain management and opioid therapy. While opioids are commonly prescribed for pain relief, they can ironically lead to OIH, a condition where patients experience increased sensitivity to pain. This phenomenon complicates pain management strategies, as increasing opioid doses, intended to alleviate pain, can exacerbate it instead. Understanding […]
Signs and Symptoms of Opioid-Induced Neurotoxicity
Neurotoxicity is a common side effect from chronic use of an opioid medication or using the drug at higher doses. It is essentially the destruction of neurons, or nerve cells, in the brain, and it can lead to many cognitive side effects that may not directly associate with opioid drugs. These loosely defined symptoms as […]
The Link Between Crime and Opiate Addiction
Crime and opiates have an apparent relationship that requires discussion. Nearly every aspect of society is affected by drug abuse and addiction. It puts a strain on local, state, and national economies, drives up healthcare costs, endangers lives, splits up families, and stretches the criminal justice system to its limit. The main threat in this […]
One-Time Steelers Doctor Faces Federal Charges
A former doctor for the Pittsburgh Steelers was charged in a 185-count indictment for prescribing anabolic steroids and other drugs including human growth hormone and various prescription painkillers. Charged was 62-year-old Dr. Richard Rydze, who left the team after being questioned for a bulk purchase of anabolic steroids. He’s also being charged with healthcare fraud. […]
How to Tell If Your Loved One is Addicted to Opioid Drugs
When you watch someone you love suffer, it can sometimes be a soul-wrenching, heart-breaking experience. Sometimes, though, you aren’t sure what is causing the suffering. You may suspect that your loved one is hooked on prescription drugs, but it is sometimes difficult to know exactly if they are. It makes you nervous to make an […]
FDA Cracks Down on Internet Pharmacies
These days, you can find just about anything online – love, long-lost friends and relatives, a great pair of shoes and even prescription drugs. But buyer beware – what you get is not always what you think it is. Take the case of Internet pharmacies. They dole out potentially dangerous meds to people around the world, many […]
Stages of Addiction
Addiction to opioid pain medications usually happens over a long period of time. It doesn’t happen with the first dose, the first prescription, or the day you decide to take the drug. In fact, you can see a progression from simple use of a drug or medication to full blown addiction. The rate of addiction to […]