Medications That Fight Opioid Addiction: Methadone | Naltrexone | Buprenorphine | Naloxone

What Causes Opioid Addiction

Opioids work in the body very similar to opiates. They bond with some receptors within the human body and change the way the receptors work(1). These are usually pain receptors. They determine the pain areas and send a signal to the brain.

When we take a painkiller or any drug, they do not treat the pain. They stop the receptors from signaling the brain about the problem. The most commonly used opioids for pain treatment are Fentanyl and Hydrocodone. Most of the abusers take these medications on a prescription, but this can quickly turn into an addiction.

Opioids are either semi-synthetic or completely synthetic. These can be very addictive and dangerous if used for a long duration. The Case Clinic helps with opioid addiction; we have experts who have worked with patients and over the years.

Our experts have come up with treatments that work on mild as well as severely addicted patients.

There a few medications used to treat opioid-addicted patients. Addiction recovery is never easy, but with the right medication, it is possible to recover.

In this article, we will focus on four medications that are known for fighting opioid addiction.

Methadone

Methadone is very effective in treating opioid addiction. It is also a synthetic drug derived from the poppy plant. It is prescribed as a replacement drug when treating a substance abuse patient(2). It falls in the same category as morphine and heroin, which, in turn, makes it an addictive drug.

That is why Methadone assisted treatment requires the patient to get a prescription daily to obtain this drug.

In many cases, the patient needs to go to a methadone clinic each day to get their prescription. Methadone is consumed orally during the treatment. Gradually, this tones down the cravings and the withdrawal symptoms that are associated with opioid addiction. To get a prescription, a methadone clinic or your doctor must prescribe it as part of the treatment.

Naltrexone

Naltrexone is a part of the complete withdrawal treatment for opiates or opioid abuse. It helps highly addicted people experience extreme withdrawal symptoms(3). Doctors prescribe it after going through the patient’s full drug abuse history. A patient has to bedrug-free for more than seven days for a Doctor to prescribe a naltrexone treatment.

The patient does not have to get a prescription every day to get this drug. This drug works on the brain receptors to reduce the effect of the opioids on the brain. Taking them orally for a month as part of a treatment program helps to reduce cravings significantly.

Buprenorphine

Another drug specifically used to treat opioid addiction and abuse is called Buprenorphine (4). It is part of a complete treatment against drug abuse. It will help during the drug withdrawal time as the withdrawal symptoms can be very severe when it comes to opioids.

You can take this drug orally once every day. The tablet is to be placed under the tongue for 5 to 10 minutes or until it is dissolved completely. You can also get this drug on prescription but finding a physician who can prescribe this drug is not very easy.

This can help a person go drug-free at home without enrolling in a facility. The drug must be consumed as per the prescription, or else it will lead to addiction itself.

Naloxone

This medication is for emergencies in the event of an opioid overdose(5). It is an opioid itself used to block the effect or reverse the influence of other opioids. Medical professionals only administer naloxone in the event of an overdose of opioids, a cardiac arrest after a drug overdose, or similar emergencies.

It works by flushing out the opioids from the system and reversing its effects in the system. Many people believe that this is not a treatment in itself, but it does help when it is adverse.

The first step to treatment is to identify the cause of addiction. The treatment only works when the patient is willing to get help and understanding the need for it. The professional staff at The Case Clinic are experts at what they do.

We believe in showing empathy towards the patient and in helping him get over his addiction through treatment. Treatment and recovery can be more accessible when patients have the support of their friends and family.

References:

1. A review of opioid dependence treatment: Pharmacological and psychosocial interventions to treat opioid addiction – Science Direct
2. Medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction: Methadone and Buprenorphine – Science Direct
3. Oral naltrexone maintenance treatment for opioid dependence – Cochrane Library
4. Clinical Guidelines for the Use of Buprenorphine in the Treatment of Opioid Addiction – Pub Med
5. Emergency Department–Initiated Buprenorphine/Naloxone Treatment for Opioid Dependence – JAMA Network

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Change in Behavior | Physical Changes | Increased Drowsiness | Memory and Relationship Issues | Going Doctor Shopping | Drug Paraphernalia | Dope Sickness

Signs of Opioid Addiction

Opioid addiction stems from the impulsive use of the drug and the inability to consume it. An opioid addict shows alien and compulsive behavior and can become outrageously aggressive. Another angle of understanding is the continuous usage of the drug despite the appearance of certain symptoms and consequences. Withdrawal symptoms like sweating and craving can also assure opioid disorder. But certain cases have been observed, where individuals have misused the drug without showing any physical dependence. Physical dependence can affect relationships, financial conditions, and routines.

Opioid has many forms including, codeine, oxycodone, morphine, hydromorphone, hydrocodone, heroin, and fentanyl. Opioid addiction has certain symptoms that include but aren’t limited to drowsiness, weight loss, changed sleeping patterns, staying isolated, stealing from the family, frequent flue, and bad hygiene. The Case Clinic’s research in this respect reveals that there are 7 most common signs of opioid addiction(1) are as follows. 

Change in Behavior

This sign is the first to be observed. The addict is usually found in a euphoric or excited state. He can easily become nervous or irritable on small things and may experience sudden mood swings. Moreover, such a person may also not make eye contact. His addiction will force him to avoid family gatherings and staying inactive. Such a person may have many secrets and tend to steal from the family. Identifying such a person is not difficult based on his eccentric behavior.   

Physical Changes

An opioid addict undergoes certain physical changes(2) that cannot go unnoticed. He may either lose weight or gain it rapidly. While talking he will have a raspy voice and may slur at certain words. They may experience coordination issues and their gait is slow and unbalanced.  

Increased Drowsiness

An opioid addict will grow more distant and isolated day by day. The close relationships will observe excessive drowsiness(3) and sleeping spells over time.  He will appear detached from the outside world and even friends and family. His eyes will appear less bright and small. He will show a lack of interest in surroundings, people, and activities. Moreover, gradually he will abandon his hobbies as well. Another symptom is that you’ll find him nodding off, frequently and losing consciousness several times a day. He will take more naps than usual, moreover, his decision making power is weakened.  

Memory and Relationship Issues

His relationships may not get affected directly but may have an adverse impact due to other factors like disorientation, confusion, trouble concentrating(4), and finding it hard to recall something. He will be a slow responder, may not show courage to face problems, and ignore his obligations. His performance in studies or at work may fall slowly. Another reason for deteriorating relationships could be his favoring of opioids over family and friends. He will have a hard time recalling commitments and appointments, staying attentive, and often drop out of plans and skip any other gathering. This behavior results in negligence towards chores, family responsibilities, and even personal hygiene.

Going Doctor Shopping

This term refers to the patients who get several prescriptions from healthcare officials, without informing anyone about the other prescription. Upon inquiring they may make the excuse of losing the previous description and in dire need of another prescription because of the rising pain. If the availability of the prescription seems difficult to obtain, then he may turn to easier options like Heroin. Heroin is more potent than opioids and satisfies the cravings and urges.

Drug Paraphernalia

There are several ways in which an addict can abuse opioids. Family members may find medication bottles with ripped labels, piles of burned tinfoil, bloodied cotton swabs, or even small pieces of balloons. Certain other items like needles, syringes, small pieces of straws or tubes, rolled up dollar bills, bent spoons and hose clamps may also be identified.

Dope Sickness

This refers to withdrawal. This occurs when the addict has a complete psychological or physical dependence on opioids. At this stage, the person is referred to as ‘dope sick’(5), as he develops flu-like symptoms; runny nose, and unbearable headache and body pain. These symptoms may appear when the effect of the drug starts to wear off, within a few hours. He may complain about being sick and take leave from work or school. This may also result in his heavy engagement with the drug.

Opioid addiction treatment is available and successful. The addict will require professional medical help, without that getting rid of this addiction may be extremely painful and hard. The Case Clinic provides complete guidance and treatment for opioid addiction. The clinic holds experienced staff and supervised programs and therapies.

References

1. What are some signs and symptoms of someone with a drug use problem?
2. Levels of opioid physical dependence in heroin addicts
3. Sleep disturbances and pain among individuals with prescription opioid dependence
4. Sudden amnesia resulting in pain relief: The relationship between memory and pain
5. What ‘Dope Sick’ Really Feels Like

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Foods That Make Your Skin Glow | Veggies & Fruits for Younger Skin | Opioids and Skin Health | Vegetable Oils for Better Skin | Conclusion

Eating more quality foods goes a long way for better skin health. A balanced diet is essential and contributes to a beautiful skin complexion. In other words, do I get blemishes from an unhealthy diet? Many scientific reports indicate that nutrition can affect the skin look and its functions.

Therefore, a balanced diet is vital for our skin. Our experts at The Case Clinic work closely with patients for better-looking skin. Opioid addiction treatment also results in better-looking skin since all drugs can compromise skin health. Here are a few of their recommendations:

• Prepare your meals as freshly as possible.
• Eat lots of lettuce, vegetables, and fruits.
• Prefer vegetable oils.
• Put fresh fish on your menu more often.
• Drink enough liquid daily, at least 1.5 liters.

Best Foods that Make Your Skin Glow

A cream can protect the skin from the sun, wind, and weather, but for the skin to appear vital, plump, and radiant, it has to shine from the inside. Healthy food can bring wonders to your life. Here is a list of foods that you can add to

1. Carrots

Good for the eyes and the skin: the orange carrots are full of beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A(1). The vitamin is important; if there is a deficiency, the skin becomes brittle and dry. Carrots can also help with impure and oily skin as they strengthen the skin barrier. You do not have to eat kilos of carrots, one large carrot a day is enough since beta-carotene is fat-soluble.

2. Cabbage, Bell pepper & Citrus

Brussels sprouts, broccoli, white cabbage, or cauliflower: cabbage family contains a lot of vitamin C, as do peppers(2) and oranges. These foods play their role to fight against skin cell damage. If you have skin affected by wind and weather or suffered from acne in your youth, you should pay attention to a vitamin C-rich diet. Besides, the vitamin promotes the production of collagen and strengthens the connective tissue.

3. Tomatoes

Tomatoes have a high lycopene content. Lycopene protects the skin against UV rays and filters pollutants from the cells(3). This helps tomatoes to slow skin aging. By briefly cooking, the body can absorb a lot of lycopene.

4. Fat fish

Fish contains valuable omega-3 fatty acids(4). The skin needs these cell-protecting substances for a healthy and rosy complexion. If you include enough fish in your diet, you can delay skin aging and fight inflammation. Salmon, sardines, and mackerel are particularly healthy.

5. Walnuts

It is believed that clever people eat walnuts: the nuts are not only good for our gray matter but also for the skin. Apart from omega-3 fatty acids, walnuts also contain biotin and vitamin E(5). A lack of vitamin E leads to skin dryness, unsightly spots, and small cracks. Wrinkled skin also appears due to the deficiency of vitamin E.

Colorful Vegetables & Fresh Fruit for Young-Looking Skin

Many plant foods are rich in antioxidants that trap free radicals. These include the ingredients carotenoids, polyphenols, vitamin E, and vitamin C.

You can find a high content of these ingredients in red, orange to yellow vegetables and fruits such as carrots(1), sweet potatoes, peppers and tomatoes, also, dark green varieties such as spinach, savoy, and endive salad. Dark purple berries, particularly healthy ones are elderberries, grapes, pomegranate, and green tea.

Vitamin C is also an important antioxidant. It not only supports our immune system but also promotes collagen formation and thus contributes to firm elastic skin.

Get Rid of Opioid Addiction for the Sake of Your Skin Health

Many people around you may have an opioid addiction; it has devastating effects on your skin along with physical and mental health. Harmful effects of such addiction include skin rashes, pale skin, skin infections, etc(6). Besides physical health, it also has a significant impact on your brain functions.

The methodology used for addiction treatment may vary depending on the service provider. Some of the critical components are used in the treatment are:

• Substance abuse history assessment
• Medical detox
• Fitness and wellness
• Spiritual care
• Post-rehab planning     

High-Quality Vegetable Oils for Beautiful Skin

Olive oil contains not only important polyphenols but also valuable vitamin E. Wheat germ oil and sunflower oil are also particularly rich in vitamin E.

Oils that have a beneficial effect on the skin are also rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids. The omega-3 fatty acids(7) should be particularly emphasized here. These fatty acids strengthen the skin’s barrier function and thus prevent inflammation. Moreover, if you have problems with eczema, acne, or psoriasis, a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids is highly recommended; good sources are high-fat fish (salmon, mackerel, etc.), linseed oil, walnut oil, and rapeseed oil.

Conclusion

Drug addiction can ruin your skin and the opioid treatment by the Case Clinic will help you not only get rid of the addiction but also gain a fresher and better-looking skin. What you consume directly shows on your skin and that is adding more greens and fruits to your diet will make all the difference.

References:

1. Vitamin A and Skin Health
2. Peppers, Sweet, Red, Raw
3. Lycopene-rich Products and Dietary Photoprotection
4. Fishy Business: Effect of omega-3 Fatty Acids on Zinc Transporters and Free Zinc Availability in Human Neuronal Cells
5. Nuts, Walnuts, English
6. Adverse drug reactions and organ damage: The skin
7. Dietary Supplementation of Gamma-Linolenic Acid Improves Skin Parameters in Subjects With Dry Skin and Mild Atopic Dermatitis

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