Neurotoxicity is a common side effect from chronic use of an opioid medication or using the medication 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 symptoms that are loosely defined…
DetailsWith the advent of new medical technology, such as fine scanning of the brain through MRI, researchers have been able to discover the science behind opiate dependence and the particular mechanisms that lead to dependency. They have found that dependency actually has a biological cause, and it is a treatable, predictable phenomenon of brain physiology…
DetailsCrime 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…
DetailsA 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.…
DetailsIt is well known that there are inherent risks with using street drugs, such as heroin, but not as many people are aware of the risks of opioid drug abuse and prescription drugs. Taking too many of the prescribed dosage, snorting, or injecting the medication can lead to problems that many do not consider. Since…
DetailsWhen 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…
DetailsThese 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…
DetailsAddiction 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…
DetailsMorphine and Cocaine Some people may think that the addictive drugs morphine and cocaine could not be more different. Morphine is an opiate, a pain reliever, and tends to make you more relaxed. Cocaine is well known for its energy increasing behavior. According to research, though, they both act on the same mechanism in…
DetailsMen and women on the front lines of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan face dangers every day, raising their risk for injuries, illness and mental health problems. Many of them are prescribed narcotic painkillers that can be habit forming. These opiate medications, such as oxycodone and hydrocodone, are potent and in addition to pain…
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