Most of the time, the world "alcohol" paints a picture of a person whose life is in complete disarray because of drinking too much. However, not all alcoholics may be categorized into such a stereotype. There is, in fact, another kind of alcoholic known as high-functioning alcoholics.
It may be very challenging to deal with high-functioning alcoholics.Often, they are in deep denial concerning their problems with alcohol. After all, they were able to manage an appearance of success despite their impending addiction. Also, many high-functioning alcoholics have loved ones who act like their accomplices by covering up for the consequences of their habits. These people unconsciously enable or encourage the behavior of their alcoholic friend by allowing him to continuously be destructive.A high-functioning alcoholic is often educated and middle-aged, possibly married with a good family and has a successful career.Contrary to the stigma of a lonely, desolate and destitute alcoholic, family members and friends may not be able to recognize that a drinking problem even exists. All day these high-functioning alcoholics stay productive by going to work, going to the gym, and then go home and slug two bottles of wine or other liquor in excess. Often, family members consider this as their normal behavior since the person is still keeping up with his obligations. High-functioning alcoholics may not be drinking every single day but they may engage in several episodes of heavy drinking or binging every few days. High-functioning alcoholics may not recognize their drinking problem. It is what leads to a double life separating personal and professional life with drinking life. Although it may seem that this person has his life in order and on the surface does not appear to suffer from alcohol use disorder, high-functioning alcoholics are likely to have developed a tolerance to alcohol. Hence, the need to take in more amount each time just to get drunk.Other warning signs you should watch out for are:
The following article High-Functioning Alcoholic: The Issues Will Come Out Eventually is courtesy of detoxofsouthflorida.com from https://detoxofsouthflorida.com/high-functioning-alcoholic/ Definition of CocaineCocaine is a powerful stimulant drug that comes from the coca leaves. For centuries, South America people chewed and ingested the coca leaves to get the extra energy needed for farm works. The drug also helps them breathe in thin air in high altitude mountain areas. Currently, the US government labeled cocaine as a Schedule II drug, meaning that the drug contains addictive properties. However, doctors can still use cocaine in their medical procedure as a local anesthesia in surgeries for the eye, ear, and throat. The drug typically sold in the black markets as a fine, white and crystalline powder.Some of the street names of cocaine include:
History of CocaineThe purified form of cocaine, cocaine hydrochloride was first extracted from the plant more than a century ago. During the early 1900’s, purified cocaine was used as the main ingredient for various elixirs and tonics. These so-called ‘medicinal’ tonics believed to treat several diseases. Cocaine was even the main ingredient in the early recipe of the famous Coca-Cola drink. Before the discovery of local anesthetic, the medical community used cocaine to block pain in some surgical procedures. However, several types of research emerge indicating that the potent stimulant can cause damage in the brain functions and its structures.How Cocaine is consumedUsers usually snort, smoke and inject cocaine. It is a fast acting drug which can immediately felt within 2 seconds to minutes after the last dose. It usually lasts between five minutes to ninety minutes. This can result in mental effects such as:
In higher doses, the drug can cause:
What are opiates?Opioids are a group of drugs derived from the Asian poppy plant. They affect the central nervous system and the spinal cord. Experts designed these drugs as chemically similar to interact with opioid receptors in the brain.Some of the drugs that belong to this class are:
How opioids workOpioids bind the opioid receptors in the brain that controls pain, digestion and other bodily functions. Once these drugs flooded the brain’s receptors they weakened the person’s perception of pain. However, they also affect the reward system of the brain, producing euphoria which the users seek. Some people fall pray into this euphoric feeling and eventually get addicted to opiates. It somehow leads in taking the prescription drug longer and in higher doses as the addiction develops. This put the users at a higher risk of serious health problems, drug overdose even death. The best way to avoid opiate addiction is to follow the strict prescription of doctors and take it only as needed.Opiates statisticsOpioid addiction is on the rise, and opioid overdose deaths are a common scenario in emergency rooms nowadays. These drugs can repress the breathing process of the user, in an overdose scenario, the heart completely stops beating.
Differences of Cocaine and OpiatesTo sum it up and for the information of those who are in drug detox, cocaine does not belong to opiates as it acts as a stimulant. Opiates, on the other hand, bind receptors in the brain to dull pain, in some opiates it acts as a sedative. There are several more differences between the two drugs.Here are some of them:
The article Is Cocaine an Opiate | West Palm Beach was originally published to https://detoxofsouthflorida.com from https://detoxofsouthflorida.com/is-cocaine-opiate/ Growing cocaine elsewhere can be a challenge, but it is possible. Also, cocaine needs a high level of industrialization to be produced. It has been estimated that around 297g of dry coca leaf can yield a gram of cocaine, which explains why its cost is more expensive than most other illicit drugs. By comparison, 297g of dried marijuana can yield the same amount of smokeable marijuana. As such, small-time barons opt to grow pot instead.
Sigmund Freud was known to encourage the use of cocaine in 1884 as a therapeutic tonic.Freud argued in his paper Uber Coca that cocaine has the ability to cure sexual impotence as well as depression. Due to its growing recognition from well-known individuals, the cocaine industry was formed and colonial powers began to scout for regions where they can farm coca. The plants, then, were brought over to Europe, Australia, India, and the rest of Southeast Asia. By 1920, the previously Dutch colony of Jana became the leading manufacturer of coca worldwide, exporting tons of coca leaves to companies in Netherlands. In the year 1925, this ended with the Geneva Convention that banned cocaine use for its addictive nature. However, as the people already knew that coca can grow outside of South America, they later reverted to Australia.An Asst. Professor at the Texas Tech University in the Dept. of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Dr. John C. D'Auria conducted several studies on these plants and later revealed the intricacy of its cultivation.While other illicit plants like marijuana can grow anywhere, coca is not as easy to grow. Dr. D'Auria revealed that the woody plant Erythroxylum coca is unlike the Cannabis sativa that is herbaceous. This difference is due to how they are cultivated. Coca has the capacity to grow 1,650-4,950 ft. in the humid Amazon forest giving its unusual proclivity for low atmospheric pressure and high moisture available in only a number of places outside of Andes. Dr. D'Auria pointed out that growing tens of coca plants can be enough for occasional chewing or for making tea but may not be enough to get the purified form of cocaine from the coca leaves expecting high-yield from illicit sales. He further exclaimed the difficulty of extracting a useful amount of the substance from the leaf of coca revealing that the process takes chemistry knowledge on top of skill. Because of this, Australian drug barons opted to import coke rather than to manufacture it themselves. However, there's another way that has been overlooked. The Australian cocaine shrub Erythroxylum australe native to the North Territory of Queensland and in the Northern New South Wales, contains 0.8 percent of medetomidine, the alkaloid comparable to cocaine although it is illegal to grow the plant in New South Wales. Detox of South Florida is committed to providing educational articles to help those who are struggling with addiction, to make the change to living an addiction free life. Check out this playlist for more information on Florida Drug Rehab. Detox of South Florida https://detoxofsouthflorida.com [button link="tel:863-623-4923" type="big" color="green" newwindow="yes"] Call Now![/button]How Much Is A Gram Of Cocaine? is courtesy of Detox of South Florida's Blog from https://detoxofsouthflorida.com/a-gram-of-cocaine/ If used properly following under strict supervision methadone is an effective medication for severe pain. As a long-lasting drug, experts use it for Methadone Maintenance Treatment or MMT. For users who have been addicted to opiates such as heroin, MMT can ease the discomfort of withdrawal symptoms. The medication also helps the user’s chance of recovery in preventing relapses, a common occurrence during rehab. Even during this MMT, health care providers need to meticulously monitor administering the drug to prevent overdose and further withdrawal symptoms. Methadone contains a long-lasting drug life which stays in the system for as long as 56 hours. If another dose is taken too soon, it can lead to a fatal drug overdose. Quick facts about Methadone
Methadone Side Effects
A separate study conducted in New Zealand added health hazards which include:
Several symptoms of methadone users
Effects of Methadone in PregnancyWhen a woman takes methadone during her pregnancy, her newborn suffers. The baby may suffer withdrawal symptoms that of adults after birth. However, the mother may not suffer from the withdrawal symptoms.Some of the withdrawal symptoms include:
Side Effects of Methadone See more on: www.detoxofsouthflorida.com/ from https://detoxofsouthflorida.com/methadone-side-effects/ FentanylFentanyl belongs to a group of drug called opioids, sometimes referred to as a narcotic. These drugs are derived from the Asian Poppy Plant. Doctors use fentanyl as a part of anesthesia to prevent pain after surgery or other medical procedures. The Food and Drug Administration considered the drug as a Schedule II prescription drug. Fentanyl helps people who suffer from severe pain who otherwise cannot be treated with other drugs. Some people develop tolerance to other opioids, fentanyl serves as their last chance of treatment for pain.Branded names of Fentanyl include:
However, fentanyl goes a lot of names in the street such as:
Fentanyl PatchesFentanyl Patches is a form of fentanyl medication used to treat moderate to severe pain. As a narcotic pain medicine, using the patches may become habit-forming leading to addiction. Doctors commonly prescribe fentanyl transdermal patches for cancer patients suffering from severe chronic pain due to the disease. In such occasions, patients need continuous drug treatment for their pain. The patches adhere to the skin and releases fentanyl constantly for a long period of time. Once applied, fentanyl patches can release chemicals lasting about 48 to 73 hours. Even when removed, fentanyl still has an effect around 13 to 24 hours. Typically, doctors and addiction treatment centers prescribe low dose of fentanyl and gradually increase dosage as needed. The recommended dose is not more than once every three days or not more than once every six days. Slowly increasing dosage or tapering off, ensure the safety of patients. An individual who suffers moderate pain will not be prescribed more than what they need to avoid drug dependence. Slowly tapering off from fentanyl patches will avoid any withdrawal symptoms that users may experience. In opiate drugs, abruptly stopping from medication can result to intense withdrawal period. Doctors need to carefully watch for any dependence, tolerance, and misuse of the drug to prevent addiction.How fentanyl patches are abuseUsers sometimes choose to obtain patches because of its availability. The patches can still produce ample amounts of fentanyl. Users remove the gel substance, abusing it by:
Side effects of Fentanyl PatchesJust like other opiates, fentanyl patch can cause severe and serious breathing problems. The risk increases when patients first started using the drug or in higher doses. It is important to always follow medical prescription when using fentanyl patch. Do not use the drug if:
Fentanyl Side EffectsFentanyl can cause respiratory problems like decreased breathing or slow heart rate. Transdermal patches can produce several skin reactions particularly in the site of application. Redness and swelling may occur which can last for 6 hours after the removing the patch.Other side effects of fentanyl include:
Other severe effects include:
Other risks involved when using fentanyl patches:
Things to avoid when using fentanyl patchesHeat may trigger rapid release of fentanyl into the skin causing serious adverse effects. It is important to avoid activities and exposure to:
What is Fentanyl Patch? See more on: https://detoxofsouthflorida.com from https://detoxofsouthflorida.com/fentanyl-patch/ What does Fentanyl do to the body?Fentanyl greatly affects opioid receptors in the brain. It also alters the spinal cord functions to lessen the sensation of pain. The opioids receptors found in these brain areas also controls breathing rate. In higher doses, the drug can completely shut down the respiratory system which could lead to lead. Fentanyl also controls and dictates how an individual will responds to pain.Some of the most common side effects of Fentanyl include:
Fentanyl AddictionProlonged use of Fentanyl often leads to psychological and physical dependence. In such conditions, addiction may develop even if an individual follows a medical prescription. Fentanyl can effectively cure various health problems, but it also has a high potential for abuse. Drug dealers who sell fentanyl on the street mix the drug with cocaine or heroin. The mixture amplifies fentanyl’s potency, providing a great risk of overdose.When taken in excess and long-term use, fentanyl can:
Those addicted to fentanyl displays several signs like:
Other severe symptoms include:
How fentanyl is abusedFentanyl comes in several forms and users take the drug using various ways. Usually, doctors administer the drug via injection in a hospital setting. However, users found more way to abuse the drug like:
Doctors usually prescribe fentanyl in forms of:
Fentanyl users often take the drug by:
Side effects of fentanylAs an opiate drug, side effects of fentanyl are similar to other opiates like drowsiness and euphoria. But the exceptional strength of the drug makes it unusual for building tolerance for opiates. Some users who used fentanyl for their severe pain may not be able to get pain relief from other opiates. For the reason, that fentanyl has a fast tolerance building effect. Fentanyl users may experience two kinds of side effects from the drug, one for the drug and other from withdrawal symptoms. Because Fentanyl is a powerful drug, its effects can also be very intense. But with the help of the best rehab clinic in your area these effects can be minimized.Side effects of Fentanyl include:
Effects of Fentanyl withdrawal:
What does Fentanyl do? | Okeechobee was first seen on Detox of South Florida from https://detoxofsouthflorida.com/fentanyl-effects/ Fentanyl is a very powerful opiate use as a medical treatment for pain. The drug contains addictive properties similar to illegal drugs like heroin. However, fentanyl is 100 more times potent than heroin and cocaine. This makes the side effects of the drug more intense and deadly. There are several forms of fentanyl sold in the market, these are:
Fentanyl AbuseUsers who use fentanyl for a long time are at risk of developing tolerance and dependence. They may experience withdrawal symptoms whenever they attempt to stop using fentanyl. Unfortunately, because of the high potency and severe intensity of fentanyl, withdrawal symptoms can be more severe compare to other opiates. Undergoing ‘cold turkey’ remains as the top reason why users do not want to stop using fentanyl. Because of the difficulty quitting the drug, users are stuck crash and use cycle. However difficult it may seem, quitting the addiction is still possible. Some the things that may help users quit fentanyl addiction include:
Tapering off FentanylTapering means gradually decreasing the dosage of fentanyl until the body re-learns to function without the drug. In doing so, it can reduce the discomfort of the withdrawal symptoms. Slowly removing fentanyl from the body is also referred as weaning off from the drug. Tapering off from fentanyl needs careful monitoring and precise medications from medical practitioners. This will ensure:
DetoxificationDetoxification means removing all traces of fentanyl from the body safely. A detox program will eliminate all toxic substances from the body. A detox program can either be done in an inpatient or outpatient depending on the user’s condition. However, for fentanyl users, detox is usually done in a health care facility to ensure the safety of the user. Medical practitioners need to monitor several things like:
Fentanyl Withdrawal SymptomsWhen users choose to stop using fentanyl the body goes into withdrawal process. Opioid withdrawal symptoms usually start within 12 to 30 hour from the last drug intake. Fentanyl transdermal patches take longer to leave the body. It can last up to 72 hours after removing the patch. The drug has a half-life of 17 hours and withdrawal can start at least a day after removal.Withdrawal symptoms of fentanyl include:
Fentanyl withdrawal timelineBecause of the short-acting half-life of fentanyl, it takes about three days to leave the body. Withdrawal symptoms usually last for 14 days to a month but some psychological symptoms may linger for a while. Depression and problems feeling any pleasure along with cravings may last several months to a year. Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms peak in the first few days and fade within a week or so. The withdrawal timeline of the drug is as follows:1 to 3 daysWithin several hours of stopping fentanyl intake, withdrawal symptoms will start. Some of the initial withdrawal symptoms include:
3 to 7 daysThe symptoms may continue to peak but include some more withdrawal symptoms like:
8 to 21 daysWithdrawal symptoms will begin to fade but psychological problems may start to surface like depression and anxiety.Beyond 21 daysOther symptoms that may arise and need to properly address to ensure full recovery of the user. Proper aftercare can also avoid cravings and relapses. Detox of South Florida, as best addiction center is committed to providing educational articles to help those who are struggling with addiction, to make the change to living an addiction free life. Checkout this playlist to learn more about detox and rehab. Detox of South Florida https://detoxofsouthflorida.com [button link="tel:863-623-4923" type="big" color="green" newwindow="yes"] Call Now![/button]How Long is the Withdrawal from Fentanyl Read more on: detoxofsouthflorida.com from https://detoxofsouthflorida.com/fentanyl-withdrawal/ Definition of CocaineCocaine is a potent stimulant drug that comes from the coca plant leaves. South American people used the drug chewed the leaves of the coca plant to help them perform at work. The Andes Mountain is well-known for its altitude; workers consume the drug to help them breathe in thin air. In the country, the government labeled cocaine as a Schedule II drug. This type of drugs contains addictive properties and poses health hazards. Even though cocaine generates addiction, the medical community still uses cocaine as a local anesthesia for the eye, ear, and throat surgeries. The drug commonly sold illegally as a fine, white and crystalline powder. Because of its appearance, dealers often mix cocaine with non-psychoactive substances like flour, cornstarch, and baking soda to yield more of the drug, increasing their profits.Street names of cocaine include:
History of CocaineCocaine hydrochloride is the purest form and was first discovered more than 100 years ago. It acts as the main ingredient for several elixirs and tonics. Even the famous Coca-Cola got its name from cocaine, as it used it as their main ingredient for the drink. People in the early times believed that these tonics can cure various illnesses. Over the past few years, studies show that cocaine can generate addiction easily and can damage brain structures and its functions. Today, users snort, smoke and inject cocaine to get the intense high it produces.How Cocaine is consumedAs a fast acting drug, cocaine can take effect within 2 seconds up to several minutes after taking it. The effect usually last from 5 minutes to 90 minutes.Short-term effects of cocaine include:
Long-term effects of the drug are as follows:
What is narcotics?Narcotics comes from the Greek word, “to make numb”, initially referring to the psychoactive compound that induces sleep. In the United States, narcotics are often associated with opiates and opioids. Some of the drugs under this group include morphine, heroin, and codeine. Today, the term narcotics are sometimes associated with negative implications. However, in the medical community, narcotics are more defined and do not carry the same negative implications. In the US legal context, narcotics would simply mean prohibited drugs. It can also suggest drugs that are under strict government regulation like cannabis and cocaine. Also, narcotics is not a technical term and do not have a strict definition. The term varied throughout history. In medical term, it means any sort of drugs that induces sleep or produces ‘tranquilizing effect’.The side effects of Narcotics:Narcotics can reduce pain in the body and produces several more side effects such as:
Narcotics and its legalityThe legislative classification of narcotics carries heavy penalties for violating the regulations. Under the law, narcotics are:
Is Cocaine a Narcotic?The US Food and Drug Administration classified cocaine as a Schedule II drug in 1922. Because it contains properties like:
Cocaine and NarcoticsNarcotics have more broad terms that it includes cocaine under its specifications. Even though cocaine does not belong to these drugs, the government classified cocaine as narcotic because of its detrimental side effects. These drugs act as a downer in the central nervous system or referred to as a ‘downer’. Meanwhile, cocaine is a stimulant and does not fall under this drug classification. Similarly, ‘downers’ particularly opiate affect the brain differently compares to cocaine, as ‘uppers’. So in summary cocaine is not a narcotic but is labeled as such to impose heavy fines and penalties to those who will break the law. Seek help from the nearest detox and rehab center in your area. Detox of South Florida https://detoxofsouthflorida.com Also, checkout this playlist for more info on Florida drug rehab [button link="tel:863-623-4923" type="big" color="green" newwindow="yes"] Call Now![/button]Is Cocaine a Narcotic | West Palm Beach is courtesy of Detox of South Florida's Blog from https://detoxofsouthflorida.com/cocaine-a-narcotic/ What is Fentanyl?Fentanyl belongs to a synthetic opiate group of drug used as a pain reliever. One of the most powerful opiates in the market, it is 50 times more deadly than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. Doctors usually prescribe the drug as a pain management treatment for patients with:
Street names of fentanyl include:
How fentanyl worksFentanyl affects the brain receptors and the spinal cord to lessen the feeling of pain. It also controls how the individual responds to pain. The drug activates the opiate receptors in the brain which controls and process emotions and pain sensitivity. Using the drug for a long period of time often leads to severe physical and psychological dependence. Even if used a prescribed and despite various health benefits, many users become addictive to the drug.How fentanyl produces ‘high’ euphoric feelingFentanyl increases the dopamine levels in the brain which produces an intense euphoric feeling or the ‘high’. This sensation is what users seek when using fentanyl. However, as the drug produces the ‘high’ sensation, it also affects some critical bodily functions like the heart rate and breathing process. When taken in excess, fentanyl abuse can depress the respiratory system leading to a drug overdose. The drug can either stop breathing, incite brain damage and death. Individuals can easily get addicted to fentanyl whether get a prescription from their doctors or obtaining the drug illegally. Unfortunately, because of the wide spread abuse, fentanyl can easily obtain from several channels like:
Abusing fentanyl put the user at risk for several health problems such as:
How long fentanyl stays in your systemEven if fentanyl users hide their addiction, there are several ways in detecting drug use. Different drug tests can detect specific time frames. Some of the drug tests include:
Factors that influence fentanyl drug testing include:
How long does Fentanyl stay in urine?Typically, a urine test can detect fentanyl from 8 hours to 24 hours from the last drug intake.How long does Fentanyl stay in blood?Another common drug test that experts to analyze drug abuse is through blood testing. On average, fentanyl stays in the blood for more than 12 hours from the last dose.How long does Fentanyl stay in saliva?Saliva testing is a less common method when testing fentanyl usage. This test can detect fentanyl use more efficiently than blood or urine testing. Usually, saliva test can detect fentanyl use from day 1 up to 3 days after the last drug use.How long does Fentanyl stay in hair?Experts considered and some of the best addiction center hair testing as the most accurate methods of detecting the drug in the system. It can detect more precise usage of drug use compared to blood, urine, and saliva. But, this test is more expensive that other drug tests. Hair follicle testing can detect fentanyl for up to three months from the last fentanyl dose.In summary, drug test can detect fentanyl from the last dose:
How Long Fentanyl Stay in your System Find more on: https://detoxofsouthflorida.com from https://detoxofsouthflorida.com/fentanyl-in-your-system/ Many health care professionals and addiction treatment center use methadone to treat opiate addiction like heroin. But long-term use of the drug can result in drug dependence. Eventually, the event will lead to drug addiction. When taken properly as prescribed, methadone is relatively safe. Some of the uses of methadone include:
Here are some of the facts about methadone in treating opiate addiction:
Detoxifying on Methadone at homeEven though methadone is a very addictive drug, detoxifying at home remains a possibility and is considered effective. But it may involve some discomfort to the user and it will take time. Here are some of the things that might help during detox:
Methadone WithdrawalIn higher doses, methadone acts as a very powerful addictive drug. Usually, the drug used as a substitute for an opiate addiction treatments, leading users to trade the methadone over their original addiction. Tolerance can build quickly, controlling users to take more of the drug to get the same effect. Along with tolerance, dependence also develops and users will experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking the drug. Withdrawal symptoms occur because the body managed to adapt the drug in its bodily function. Without methadone, it needs to re-establish its normal function. As the drug leaves the body, it makes it painful for the user making recovery more difficult. Although detoxifying at home is possible, it is best to do the withdrawal process in a medical environment. Inpatient and outpatient treatment programs often include medical detox. This is due to the adverse symptoms of methadone produces. Withdrawal process for each individual varies because of the genetic make-up. Similarly, depending on the severity of the addiction, the duration of withdrawal also varies. These two greatly influence on how long the withdrawal process will take.Methadone Withdrawal SymptomsWithdrawal symptoms of methadone are less intense than other opiates like heroin and morphine. It includes flu-like symptoms such as:
Other symptoms include:
Duration of WithdrawalSymptoms usually show up within 24 hours from the last drug intake. Since methadone is a long-acting drug, it can take between 15 to 60 hours before methadone leaves the system. In rare occasions, withdrawals symptom may take several days to begin.Events during withdrawal symptoms:
How to Detox from Methadone Read more on: detoxofsouthflorida.com from https://detoxofsouthflorida.com/how-to-detox-methadone/ |
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