Suboxone treatment for addiction to opiates

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There is a drug being administered for the treatment of many addictive pain killers that has some promise. This drug is Suboxone (buprenorphine and naloxone). Traditionally in the past many drugs used to treat addiction to opiates were harsh themselves such as methodone, and ultimately result in a new addiction that must be dealt with. Those living in South Carolina currently addicted to opiates should know there are a wide variety of treatment centers available, see the *links at the bottom of this article for more information.

Suboxone appears to be different in this regard because it has what is referred to as a built in “ceiling effect” which simply means that even if the drugs dosage is increased, it will not improve the effects which make it very difficult if not impossible to become addicted to. Overdoses that are typically seen that are associated with this treatment are due to the patients use of multiple drug intoxication.

Suboxone competes with heroin or opiate painkillers for the same receptors in the brain, alleviating the withdrawal symptoms without producing a “high.” Additionally, there is some evidence to suggest that buprenorphine is effective as an antidepressant. Suboxone comes in both pill and film form and is available by prescription only. Some side effects of the drug are drowsiness, vomitting and respiratory depression. For more information on this treatment, see: Suboxone.
*South Carolina Rehab Information

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A & E's Show Intervention takes a look at Norco addiction

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Recently the drug Norco was featured on an episode of A & E's popular show Intervention. In this episode,a young addict named Christina was not only addicted to Norco but also crystal meth. Many may not be familiar with the drug Norco referenced in this episode but it is classified as a narcotic pain reliever. Norco contains a combination of acetominephen and hydrocodone, and is subject to abuse if taken inappropriately.

Norco is also known as the following, Anexsia, Co-Gesic, Hycet, Liquicet, Lorcet, Lorcet Plus, Lortab, Maxidone, Norco, Polygesic, Stagesic, Vicodin, Xodol, Zamicet, Zolvit, Zydone. Norco is for moderate to severe pain.

The acetominephen in the drug alone is not a very powerful painkiller however, when combined with hydrocodone it has the ability of increasing the hydrocodones effect. Norco contains the highest dose of Hydrocodone and the lowest dose of acetaminophen.

Prolonged or inappropriate use of Norco can cause physical dependence, and tolerance to the drug can develop. Norco can cause side effects that impair reactions and thought processes. Care should be taken when driving or performing other tasks that require you to be alert. Norco can pass through breast milk and may be harmful to fetuses. The opiate can cause addiction, withdrawal and breathing problems in newborn babies.

A & E Follow Up: Christina

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The amount of gray matter you have plays a role in addiction

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According to a recent study by the U.S. Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory, there appears to be a link between the amount measurable gray matter one has in their brain and their addiction. This link directly affects the “structure and function” of the brains amid those who do not have addiction problems and those addicted to cocaine. These findings are in addition to other studies that have been ongoing in the link between the brain and addiction. Addiction affects people from every corner of the earth. If someone you know is in need of help with addiction and you live in South Carolina, please see the link at the bottom of this article.

In short, the study states that the more gray matter you have in the decision making, thought processing part of your brain, the better your ability is at evaluating rewards and consequences. Not unlike people struggling with addiction to foods, the brain is grappling with the reward aspects it obtains from certain foods, drugs. The need for the reward, is often stronger than the ability to process the consequence in those with addictions, of all kinds.

The study by the Brookhaven National Laboratory is the first of its kind to show the link between structure and function in the gray matter portion of the brain of people with and without addiction issues. Other similar tests have been done but were more focused on the prefrontal cortex of the brain and its structure. The brain is not all gray matter, there are portions throughout the brain that are “white matter” axons that form the connections between the cells of the nerve cell bodies. Magnetic Resonance Imaging has allowed doctors to scan the brains of both addicted and non addicted individuals and allow for precise measurements for each persons individual brain regions where gray matter volume can be measured.

This new test delves deeper into the underlying structures of the brain. Now science can say brain size, especially the gray matter portion, can and does directly impact addiction. For more information on this study see: Gray Matter in Brain's Control Center Linked to Ability to Process Reward; Structure-Function Impairments Observed in People Addicted to Cocaine

*South Carolina Addiction Directory

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