New one month shot for addiction approved by the FDA, shows promise

Logo of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2006) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This is a once a month shot that is reported to be a great help to those addicts currently struggling with various addictions. The drug is also available as a 6 month implant for a latter phase in the overall treatment of the addict.

The name of the drug is called Vivitrol and reportedly assists an addict by blocking the “high” the user gets if they have a relapse. This is particularly good news for those who have a high risk of relapse due to being unable to remove themselves entirely from former triggers that often are responsible for relapse.

The drug was tested years ago in a pill form with no real measurable success due to the fact the users were not remembering, or opting not to take the pill. This caused scientists to go back to the drawing board to find a better alternative. Alkermis, Inc. created a longer lasting version to the original pill. A recent study tested this new approach on over 200 opioid addicts in Russia and results revealed that over half of the participants stuck with the therapy during the 6 month trial.

Addiction to Ambien

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Ambien, also known generically as zolpidem is a sedative-hypnotic with effects similar to Valium and Xanax. It is most often prescribed to people for short-term treatment of insomnia. Short term insomnia would be for a duration of around 4 weeks. Physicians are always advised to exclude other possible reasons for insomnia that last longer than this time frame. If you live in South Carolina and are experiencing insomnia or sleep deprivation, see: Stress And Insomnia - Restless Legs Syndrome South Carolina for a list of doctors throughout South Carolina that treat Insomnia.

Ambien is a schedule VI drug as defined by the FDA, and is considered to have a somewhat low potential for abuse. That being said, Ambien can be habit forming especially in cases where it is taken for longer that a short term treatment. Those taking the medicine on a regular basis for longer than 4 to 5 weeks should look into other reasons for the insomnia. Addiction to this drug occur when there is a hidden illness either physical or mental that is affecting the patients inability to sleep. If one is addicted to this drug, they should not attempt to stop on their own without proper treatment. Symptoms of Ambien withdrawal include insomnia, fatigue, stomach cramps, and panic attacks.

Here are some disadvantage involved with using Ambien

1. This drug causes retrograde amnesia, meaning the patient may forget what occurs prior to and after taking the drug. Combined with alcohol, this drug has been used as a date rape drug.
2. If one has become addicted to Ambien, suddenly stopping can be extremely dangerous especially if over use of the drug has caused the patient to build up a tolerance. Seizures could be triggered by doing so suddenly.
3. Ambien is a “downer” and for those suffering from depression this drug may cause symptoms of depression to become worse. Taking any form of this drug via the black market means no medical supervision and can result in accidental overdose. Combined with alcohol, this drug has been used by those suffering from depression to commit suicide.

While this drug is considered safe, and a useful treatment for temporary problems with sleeping, this article covers the negatives as they relate strictly to addiction of the drug. For most people, this drug is helpful. However it should never be taken without being under the care of a healthcare provider. For information on other types of addictions, see: The Addicted Family.

Related articles by this author:

• Dealing with more than one addiction
• Top 5 most dangerous drugs
• Information on Morphine addiction and withdrawal
• When your love isn't enough, how to deal with an addict
• What makes some people become an addict?
• Addiction to Crystal Meth

Addicted to eating corn starch

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If you suffer from addiction and you live in South Carolina please see: Addiction Treatment Centers in South Carolina.

Any time you are addicted to any substance there is usually an underlying issue at hand. When you are addicted to consuming non food items the condition is called Pica.

Pica is a condition marked by the continual eating of non nutritive items and the list is long and varied. Eating disorders like Pica need to be medically addressed, and it is usually a red flag of a deficiency in your bodies delicate mineral balance. If you are addicted to eating corn starch then you certainly need to address the problem with your family doctor who may be able to treat your condition or refer you to a specialist that can help.

 In many cases a person suffers from more than one addiction, even in Pica there is a chance you are eating other items which aren't commonly thought of as appropriate for a diet. Simple blood tests can be examined to see if there is an underlying deficiency that can be addressed. In some Pica cases, the patience addiction or craving leads to intestinal blockages, and serious health consequences.

A person that is engaged in any form of Pica needs to understand that even seemingly non dangerous or toxic items are not always manufactured in sterile conditions, nor are they regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Many non nutritive items manufactured in factories have impurities and trace contaminates that you may not want in your body.

Some trace contaminants can be insect parts, mice excrement and body parts, traces of chemicals used in pesticides as well as petroleum based products. If your body is subjected to these long enough there could be health issues as a result. For help with your Pica, see: Eating disorder referral

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