Addiction and Dependence Archives

A Brief Lesson in the War on Drugs

Since the war on drugs began almost 50 years ago, we have learned much about the science of addiction. Today, we know that when an adolescent is exposed to substances that produce pleasure chemically, the individual’s brain undergoes permanent changes regarding their balance of pleasure and pain. The typical response to substances that cause the release of unnatural levels of dopamine can lead to a lifelong compulsion to use substances to cope with the demands of daily life.

It doesn’t matter what the drug of choice is – the result is the same. The individual will use the drug repeatedly, regardless of the unpleasant consequences. This habit is the heart of addiction. It is a lifelong condition that requires lifelong attention and, in many cases, lifelong treatment. It’s important to understand that punishment – even the threat of jail time – is not a deterrent for a person who is struggling with addiction. Conventional logic cannot sway the parts of the brain driven by addiction. Punishments may make the punishers feel as if they have more control – but they do nothing to address the real problem.

How the War on Drugs Was Born

That’s why the war on drugs is such a controversial topic. Like any war, we can view the war on drugs through very different lenses. President Richard Nixon started this war himself in 1971 when he signed into law the Comprehensive Drug Abuse and Prevention Control Act. He also established the DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency). These actions were in response to so many soldiers returning home from the Vietnam War and turning to illicit drugs as a way to cope with the atrocities they’d witnessed and experienced. Drug use skyrocketed, from marijuana to heroin.

The Futility of Criminal Punishment

The war on drugs prompted two distinct schools of thought regarding what the primary focus should be. The first was an attack on the availability of illegal drugs. Allocate more efforts and resources toward making these drugs harder to access, said this school of thought. Regulate and criminalize the drugs themselves. This initiative comprises all the efforts to control the transport, sale, and distribution of illegal drugs – both in the US and across borders.

As the Reagan administration continued this fight and even scaled up efforts to reduce the supply of drugs on our streets, our prisons overflowed. In fact, the US now has the highest incarceration rates in the entire world. One in five people in prison is there for a drug-related offense, with nearly half a million people incarcerated for nonviolent drug offenses, such as possession or trafficking. The problem with imprisoning individuals who are addicted to drugs is that it simply doesn’t help. Withdrawal in prison can be dangerous, drugs are readily available in prisons anyway, and most incarcerated addicts – fully 95% – will resume using their drug of choice after their release.

The Rewards of Real Help

Also, studies are showing us that most individuals who suffer from addiction have a common thread of child trauma. The dopamine release they experience from the first onset of drug use provides a reward so pleasurable that it helps them cope with this trauma and then often the desire for more develops a dependence that they become an addiction. From the knowledge of associated childhood trauma and early exposure, the other school of thought approached.

This thought was instead of working so hard to keep drugs out (which isn’t working), we should be focusing on reducing the demand for these substances – we spend our energy and resources on making people want drugs less. We accomplish a lower demand for drugs through education, prevention, early intervention, and long-term treatment.

This approach – education regarding the risks associated with recreational drug use and early intervention before drug or alcohol use becomes a problem – has been shown to be highly effective. Unlike punishment, which is a reaction to the problem after the problem has already become advanced, education helps prevent the problem in the first place, early intervention keeps a small problem from becoming a big one, and long-term treatment programs support addicts over the months and years as they rebuild their lives.

The Future of the War on Drugs

As the battle rages on in the US, the struggle over the right allocation of resources will continue. There are countless possible approaches to find the appropriate balance, but the future of prevention must include more education, early intervention, and chronic disease management. Just like the management of a physical disease such as high blood pressure, addiction recovery requires lifelong attention.

At Pathway Healthcare, we believe in the science-backed methods of education and long-term rehab programs. Because addiction is different for each person, we use an individualized approach when it comes to helping our patients. We provide highly effective treatments for addictions to substances such as alcohol, opioids, and other drugs in a professional outpatient environment. We invite you to get in touch if you are experiencing a struggle with addiction and require assistance. We treat all our patients with respect and work to remove the stigma associated with addiction. Contact us today for real help.

Principle of 5: 5 Things to Do in Recovery Every Day

How to Plan a Successful Recovery

When it comes to working with a certified addiction counselor on your recovery, you’ll quickly learn that it’s more than just avoiding alcohol or drugs; it’s about replacing alcohol and drugs with positive things that give your life meaning and help you stay happy and healthy. One of the challenges of recovery is that you may find yourself with more free time than you were expecting – time you used to fill with your substance of choice. There are many different types of rehab facilities, and they will all agree on the importance to fill this time with healthy new habits. It may take some time, but practice indeed does make perfect when it comes to the Rule of 5.

The Rule of 5 is simple. Set a goal for yourself to do five activities every single day; they are fundamental to your recovery success. These specific activities do not have to be the same for everyone. One person might choose to read, write, think, file, and learn something new – every day. With practice, you’ll discover which five things are the most important to your unique sobriety. Here are some suggestions to get you started:

1) Self-Care + Honesty

Many people who struggle with addiction tend to neglect their true needs. You may have been eating an unhealthy diet, neglecting exercise, or dealing with high levels of stress. To combat these issues, spend some time every day doing something that improves your overall well-being – take a walk or a warm bath, get a massage, or try a new healthy recipe. During your self-care time, reflect with honesty about where you currently stand and what you need to not only continue your recovery but to thrive and achieve your goals.

2) Prayer + Meditation

Prayer and meditation are essential forms of mindfulness that we can practice to help us be present and focus on both ourselves and our spiritual relationships. Take the time each day to be introspective and listen to yourself while reaching out consciously through prayer and meditation. These practices are known to help reduce anxiety and depression, improve sleep, increase self-confidence, and generally help us to understand ourselves better and reflect on the situations we put ourselves in and why we respond to them the way we do.

3) Accountability

One of the reasons that seeing a certified addiction counselor is so important is that it adds accountability to our recovery plan. Overcoming addiction is a challenge, and participants can often find it hard to feel connected to other people. You need accountability to live a truly healthy and free lifestyle. Make sure that you have family members, a center of influence, friends, and counselors you can trust to help hold you accountable for your thoughts and actions. This support can help you stay on track by focusing on the things that matter.

4) Giving (Random Acts of Kindness)

When you’re in recovery, it’s not just essential to take care of yourself – it’s important to give to others as well. Recovery is a gift; you can make it a priority to give back as one of the things you spend time on every day. You’re giving back might take the form of things that benefit other people dealing with addiction (such as leading group meetings, volunteering to help with meeting logistics, or providing a listening ear and moral support for another person fighting addiction) or it may be something unrelated (volunteering at a soup kitchen, spending time at a local senior living community, or helping out with a local animal shelter or rescue group), serving others helps you take your mind off yourself and feel good about giving back.

5) Gratefulness

Whether you’re just now figuring out how to choose a rehab facility or you are years into your recovery, it’s always a good time to be grateful. Acknowledging the blessings and gifts in your life and consciously giving thanks for them is a necessary action for happiness, contentment, and maintaining a healthy view of yourself and the world around you. Feeling thankful does not depend on what you have or what you own; instead, it’s about having a positive outlook and finding things to be grateful for in any situation. Keep a gratitude journal, and every day, jot down at least one thing you’re thankful for, no matter how small.

About Pathway Healthcare®

If you are struggling with addiction and in need of help, you may be researching how to choose a rehab facility. There are many types of rehab facilities, and it’s important to choose the right one for you. At Pathway Healthcare®, we treat people with addiction every day in a professional doctor’s office setting. We do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment; we treat each patient individually with a plan tailored to fit their unique needs. We accept Medicaid and Medicare in AL and TN locations to make effective, affordable care available to as many people as possible. If you are facing addiction and are ready for real help – the kind that can change your life for good – contact us today.

What Does High-Quality Addiction Treatment Look Like?

The most cost-effective, humane, and efficient way to provide medical care involves providing holistic, evidence-based care to people who need it from the start. It’s vital to view health and address illness from the get-go, rather than to play “catch-up” on the back end after disease processes have become more advanced, more complicated, and more difficult to treat. This includes addiction treatment and substance use disorder.

1. Treating addiction for what it is – a disorder.

There is no place for shame and blame in addiction treatment but the use of strategies to enhance engagement and retention is among patients is highly important. These strategies include creating an atmosphere of mutual trust through clear communication and transparency of program rules, regulations, and expectations, along with respect among patients and the doctors and staff.

2. Treatment should begin with an assessment.

Reliable and valid screening for a range of substance use disorders and related conditions, as well as any physical or mental health conditions, is necessary for the assessment and treatment. Treatment should take a holistic approach rather than treating just one symptom – the physical addiction. From mind to body treatment should consider all factors in a person’s life and wellbeing for the best success.

3. A holistic integrated approach.

What seems to be a new concept in the world of addiction treatment is the concept of treating addiction and substance use disorder as a chronic disease, which it is. A medical model applied to the treatment of addiction is a powerful way to treat those in need of help. Addictive disorders also consist of a multitude of co-occurring conditions such as physical addiction, mental health, and medical problems and any program should assess and address these pieces of the patient’s life and wellbeing.

4. Continued care.

A doctor has a role in the maintenance of functional recovery, after the detox. Detox is not the end of the road. Essential recovery care includes the support necessary to support the patient after they leave the program or transition from the initial phase of recovery. Programs that strongly emphasize this continuing care aspect will help patients continue on their path to recovery. This is more than just a list of phone numbers, but rather an active role in assisting the patient to seek resources within their community to continue on-going care with providers, peer support, and any other resources need to continue recovery.

5. A dignified and respectful environment.

A supportive environment that treats the patient as just that – a patient. Just like one would be treated if they were seeking treatment for other chronic conditions and diseases. Respect and professionalism are key to the success of a patient’s recovery, without that the courage and confidence needed during recovery will not flourish.

6. Family support.

Participation by loved ones increases the chance a patient will remain in recovery treatment and remain on the path of recovery. Engagement of the patient’s family in their path to recovery is vital to the patient’s success.

7. Evidence-Based Practices like MATPlus®

MATPlus® is a combination of behavioral counseling with medication. Addiction treatment over the past 50 years shows evidence that to have productive, long-term positive outcomes treatments must combine medication with other services like medical, behavioral, individual, and group counseling.

8. Personalize approach.

A team of multi-disciplinary staff from medical doctors, behavioral therapy counselors, and spirituality address a broad array of patient needs that help aid in the recovery process. This means staff hold degrees, licensing, and credentials in their field of specialty.

9. Qualified staff.

A team of multi-disciplinary staff from medical doctors, behavioral therapy counselors, and trained staff address a broad array of patient needs that help aid in the recovery process. This means staff hold degrees, licensing, and credentials in their field of specialty. And a team of qualified staff supports them and the day-to-day operations of the facility.

10. Nationally accredited staff and facilities.

Accreditation from external regulatory organizations and state-required licenses. These licensing and accreditation requirements serve as quality assurance that the treatment program is incorporating a certain level of evidence-based care in its model and is open to random audits of its clinical care.

Whether you or a loved one is looking for the right treatment to help, our MAT PLUS® program provides a custom substance use treatment plan for your needs.
Call Today 1-844-728-4929 or find a location nearest you.

What Is the Cost of Addiction Treatment?

Problematic use of alcohol or other drugs results in adverse health consequences and serious social concerns. Unfortunately, only a small percentage of persons with substance use disorders seek treatment. Addiction treatment costs depend on several factors, and it is critical to know the type and severity of addiction illness in order to access suitable treatment services.

Substance use in the US remains widespread, costing the nation over $600 billion every year. For this reason, the government has provided financial and technical support to community and social organizations to provide addiction treatment. For the addicted person, seeking treatment provides a pathway to long term recovery and wellness; at the societal level, a comprehensive and robust treatment system can reduce the devastating impact addiction has on society. Even so, many persons caught in the throes of addiction avoid seeking treatment, due in part to the stigma, the shame, and the myths they may hear or read in the media. This article offers a clear understanding of the cost of addiction treatment.

Types of Addiction Treatment and Costs

Many factors affect the cost of addiction treatment. The type of health care offered by addiction treatment centers affects the cost. The type of facility, the amenities offered, and the specific treatment modalities provided will factor into the total price.

“Detox” – “Detoxification,” which is currently more formally referred to as “withdrawal management,” is generally only necessary for certain people with addictions to certain drugs, like alcohol, benzodiazepines, and in some cases, opioids. In outpatient treatment centers, patients may spend about $1,500 for withdrawal management services. Most inpatient centers include withdrawal management in the treatment plan, and therefore, in the quoted price for services. The estimates depend on the substance in question and the complications that may be encountered during the withdrawal management.

Inpatient/Residential – Patients who require treatment in inpatient treatment facilities may pay as little as $6,000 for a month-long treatment program. More luxurious, or more comprehensive inpatient treatment centers may provide addiction care services ranging from $20,000 – $80,000 for a 30-day treatment program. Other patients may require 60- or 90-day programs, which may cost from $12,000 at the lower end to over $150,000 at the most luxurious end of the spectrum.

Outpatient – Outpatient services are the final common pathway for the treatment of patients with addiction disorders, given that addiction illness is a chronic, potentially recurrent illness that can be treated and controlled but not usually “cured,” and therefore requires ongoing chronic care management for most people. After patients receive withdrawal management services and inpatient treatment (if those modalities are necessary), then outpatient treatment is necessary. For around $1,500 a patient may be treated within a 90-day plan, at least for a start. In general, outpatient treatment cost depends on the frequency of visits and the treatment period.

Why Consider Outpatient Rehab Options?

An advantage of seeking outpatient addiction care is that patients have the chance to get treatment and still carry on with their daily activities. Many outpatient facilities hold occasional meetings to provide support to recovering patients. Additionally, most treatment centers providing outpatient addiction treatment have twelve-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA), which brings together recovering people in a setting where they share their experiences and support each other’s efforts to maintain a sober life.

Does My Insurance Affect Addiction Treatment Cost?

As of 2020, medical insurance also covers addiction treatment costs, since addiction has finally been recognized as a medical illness. Nonetheless, several variables come into play. It is essential to take time and understand the terms of insurance policies in order to know whether and how much it covers treatment for addiction disorders.

Unfortunately, most insurance carriers, even to this day, cover only a fraction of addiction treatment expenses. To understand the coverage that is available, people need to contact their insurance company and ask questions. An insurance agent should be able to quote the extent of addiction treatment coverage, including the duration of coverage, and the amount of any co-pay (the cost you’ll have to pay).

For more information regarding substance use disorders and treatment costs, please check out our blog, or call us at 844-728-4929.

What is Ketamine?

Overview

Ketamine is a popular club drug that got its start in the 1960s as an anesthesia medicine during the Vietnam War. Today, it is making strides as a popular drug for treating severe depression, but is it safe?

Ketamine and the Brain

It’s essential to understand how ketamine works in the brain. Once ingested, ketamine quickly takes over a receptor in the brain and acts rapidly. Under professional medical care, this could be beneficial, but outside of medical care, it is hazardous.

Studies from Yale research labs show that ketamine starts glutamate production in a complex, cascading series of events. Then it prompts the brain to form new neural connections. This allows the brain to be more adaptable and it enables the brain to create new pathways, thus allowing patients to develop more positive thoughts and behaviors. This is an effect that had not been seen before, even with traditional antidepressants.

Important for people to know, however, is that ketamine needs to be part of a more comprehensive treatment plan for depression. Ketamine may be most effective when combined with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is a type of psychotherapy that helps patients learn more productive attitudes and behaviors. Ongoing research, including clinical trials, addressing this idea is currently happening at Yale.

Ketamine for Depression

Doctors are most likely not giving ketamine to patients as an antidepressant. It is still being tested by scientists for its antidepressant effects, and it is not approved by the FDA. In current studies and clinical trials, patients with severe depression are administered ketamine through IV injection or nasal mist once a week under medical supervision and some have reported that depression symptoms ease in only a few hours after a ketamine dosage. Still, other results show that few were helped by ketamine. These studies continue in hopes that they will discover a dosage that is large enough to relieve depression but small enough to avoid the unfortunate side effects.

What sets ketamine apart from other antidepressants is its fast-acting properties. Most anti-depressants take a few weeks before people begin to feel them work, but ketamine’s effects on depression seem to happen as soon as it leaves your body.

While all the reports sound promising, ketamine is not ready for significant use on the clinic level. There are too many unknowns, it still can have many unfortunate side effects, and it has a reputation as a street drug with addictive properties.

What Ketamine Does

When ketamine is taken in a low dose, it can lower pain, but when abused, ketamine can change your senses of sight and sound. People have reported suffering from hallucinations and having difficulty speaking and moving.

A high dosage of ketamine can make you feel like you are in what users have termed a “k-hole.” This usually occurs right before one may fall unconscious.

Ketamine has several addictive properties, including tolerance, which makes users require a higher dose to achieve the same intoxicating effect that was previously experienced at a lower dose. This increases chances for an overdose, which may be deadly.

Other Ketamine side effects are:

• Bloody or cloudy urine
• Trouble urinating or needing to urinate often
• Pale or bluish lips, skin, or fingernails
• Blurred vision
• Chest pain, discomfort, or tightness
• Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or not breathing
• Confusion
• Convulsions
• Problems with swallowing
• Dizziness, faintness, lightheadedness, or fainting
• Fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
• Hives, itching, rash
• Delusions
• Puffy or swollen eyelids, face, lips, or tongue
• Sweating
• Feeling too excited, nervous, or restless
• Unusual tiredness or weakness

Esketamine

Esketamine is a new FDA-approved drug created for one version of the ketamine molecule. It only accounts for half of what is found in the anesthetic form of the medicine. It works quickly and closely to ketamine, but due to its chemical makeup, it binds more tightly to the glutamate receptors making it two to five times more potent. Therefore, patients need a lower dosage of esketamine than they do of ketamine. This new drug needs to be given under the supervision of a medical doctor and can be delivered in a nasal spray option making it easier to administer in an outpatient setting that by an IV as most ketamine treatments are required.
Esketamine comes with side effects and cautions as any new drug, dizziness, rise in blood pressure, disconnection for reality, feelings of detachment, etc. Also, as of 2019, doctors have only followed patients using esketamine for a year, so its long-term effects are still unknown.
Esketamine is just a part of treatment for those with depression and its shown to only be effective when taken in combination with an oral antidepressant. It’s only prescribed for people with moderate to severe depression who have received no help from at least two other antidepressant medications.

If you or someone you love is battling depression or a mental health disorder our caring, licensed, and professional IMPACT Behavioral counselors are available to you at every Pathway Healthcare and Impact Healthcare location. Find a location near you.

Five Tips for Alcoholics to Stay Sober

The arrival of summer brings warmer temperatures, which makes it perfect for outdoor events, such as weddings, backyard barbeques, and staff retreats. It’s a time when people will serve beer, wine and liquor and other beverages to celebrate with their loved ones. While this may not seem to be an issue for some people, it can be a major challenge for people recovering from alcoholism. Seeing other people drinking adult drinks may trigger their cravings for alcohol and cause a significant relapse. Here are alcohol sobriety tips for people in recovery.

1) Set the Limits

It’s not unusual for people recovering from alcoholism to attend numerous events all year where alcohol is not only served, it’s celebrated. Those in recovery should ask themselves whether they’ll be able to contain the urge despite the party atmosphere. There is no right or wrong answer, but the ability to resist the temptation will greatly determine whether they’ll remain sober. Often times, if they question whether or not they have the resolve, we suggest making a different set of plans that doesn’t involve alcohol and kindly decline attending a social function where alcohol is being served.

2) Find a Support System

It’s possible that 2020 may be filled with parties, which make a recovering person’s journey towards recovery more challenging. Former drinkers need to surround themselves with friends and family who value their well-being and their attempts to stave off the temptation of relapse. If possible, one should be accompanied by a friend to events where alcohol may be served for help refraining from indulging in alcohol consumption. Ex-drinkers should find like-minded persons to keep them company, encourage them, and remind them about how far they have come.

3) Have a Non-alcoholic Drink in Hand

During parties, people may keep offering alcoholic drinks to test a recovering person’s sobriety. Having a non-alcoholic drink in hand will prevent prying questions about the journey to sobriety. People can talk to the bartenders directly and ask them to avoid honoring requests of people who keep sending alcohol. It’s better to prepare for the future, rather than to react to the current situation.

4) Learn to Stay Alone

Struggling to stay sober is not a walk in the park. It is even worse if one has to attend parties where alcohol is freely flowing. This is not the time to feel sorry for being a loner. Instead, ex-drinkers should divert the stress by reminding themselves that it’s a choice they have made to improve their health. They should keep reminding themselves of the dangers of alcohol and focus on staying sober.

5) Create an Exit Strategy

Abstainers should know that they are not immune to tempting situations, and saying no to alcohol is the only way to stop them. Stay clear of places and people

that motivate you to drink. For those who develop a sudden craving for alcohol in the company of friends, an exit strategy is vital to keep them living without the bottle in hand. They should excuse themselves and leave if they are feeling the urge too strongly. It is okay to lie to avoid the temptation.

Staying sober will take great resilience on the part of people recovering from alcoholism because they will get invited to parties and see old drinking buddies. Some folks need to make new sober friends. It’s okay to decline invitations from people to events that are likely to offer alcohol. Contact Pathway Healthcare today for professional help and more sobriety tips.

The Teenage Brain – What to Know

Just like anyone who has raised children through adolescence, I have occasionally stood, scratching my head and looking at my kids after they’ve said or done something I found exasperating, and wondered, “What is wrong with that kid’s brain?” If you have too, I have a possible answer for you.

The good news is that nothing is wrong with the typical teen’s brain that another decade or so of development and maturation won’t fix. An emerging body of research into brain development suggests that the adolescent brain is very much a “work in progress.” And it’s now fairly clear: most of that work is not completed until at least age 25, and the final “finished product” is not done until age 40.

Consider the following:

Beginning in the preteen years, the brain undergoes a period of considerable growth and development which can be divided into three specific processes: proliferation, pruning, and myelination.
These developmental processes consist of an increase in the size and number of uncovered brain cells (proliferation); a weeding out of the unnecessary brain cells (pruning); and then a covering of the remaining cells (myelination) to turn them into the “white matter” of the brain, which conducts brain messages more efficiently.
With the expansion of white matter comes a greater capacity for sophisticated brain activity. So you can think of this developmental process as turning the teenage brain into a “lean, mean thinking machine.”
All of this proceeds along the landscape of the brain in a predictable “back-to-front” pattern. The parts of the brain located in the rear develop first. These are the parts – like the brainstem– that tend to control more basic and less sophisticated (but essential) functions like keeping you breathing and keeping your heart beating without you having to think about it. The parts that control higher levels of brain function are located primarily in the front – the frontal lobes – and they develop last. These are the structures that control functions like reasoning, making decisions, weighing out options, setting priorities, assuming responsibility and considering the possible consequences of one’s actions. Remember, the bulk of this isn’t complete until at least age 25, with the full “project completion” not achieved until age 40 – that’s right, 40!

Keeping all of that in mind, here’s what we know about introducing alcohol and drugs into this developing brain…

Youngsters who start drinking alcohol, using addictive prescription medication, or illicit drugs during the early teen years – which is when pruning is occurring – are more likely to engage in binge drinking and developing a dependence to the dug in use.
Such heavy use of alcohol and drugs during that same period may render kids more susceptible to the damaging effects of alcohol drug use on learning and memory.
The earlier young people start drinking and using, the more likely they are to develop problem drinking or even develop the disease of alcoholism or drug addiction.

So what do we make of all of this? It’s simple. Your teenager’s brain is still very much “under construction” until long after she becomes an “adult.” Introducing alcohol and drug usage into this complicated developing machinery is, at best, a bad idea. So don’t be afraid to lay down the law to your teen: “NO alcohol, NO drugs – not even one drop – until you are at least 21 years old! NO exceptions – not even at weddings or on New Year’s Eve!” Go ahead. You’re not being unreasonable or extremist. In fact, you have medical science on your side. (Actually, when you consider the science, you realize that 21 is truly a “liberal” and “lenient” drinking age!) Your teen may not thank you for being a stickler for the “lenient” drinking age of 21, but her brain will really appreciate it!

– Dr. Steve

References

Herrman, J. (2005). The Teen Brain as a Work in Progress: Implications for Pediatric Nurses. Pediatric Nursing, Retrieved December 30, 2005, from https://www.medscape.com
Miller, M. et. al. (2005) Adolescents and Binge Drinking: A Clinical Approach (Archived Web Conference). Retrieved January 2, 2006, from https://www.medscape.com
National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH). (2001). Teenage brain: A work in progress. Retrieved December 18, 2005, from nimh.nih.gov/publicat/teenbrain.cfm.
Spear, L.P. (2002). The adolescent brain and the college drinker: Biological basis of propensity to misuse alcohol. Journal of Studies on Alcohol,63 (2), 571 – 582.

The Truth About Kratom

Kratom is gaining popularity among users for boosting energy levels, but safety concerns also are increasing.

Increased energy levels, mood enhancement, pain reliever, and an antidote for opioid withdrawal are some of the benefits users talk about when discussing Kratom. It’s flooding the health news and being stocked on the shelves of vitamin stores, but is it safe? The answer to this question is no, despite what many online are saying about its effectiveness the truth is there are many safety issues surrounding it.

What is Kratom?

Kratom is a tropical, evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia. The leaves of this tree are broken down to form an herbal extract that goes by the same name, Kratom. Kratom leaves may be chewed, dried to be brewed as tea, smoked, or eaten in food. When the leaves are broken down to powder or liquid substance people can consume Kratom in the form of a pill, capsule, extract, or gum.

The compounds contained in the leaves have a psychotropic, or mind-altering effects that are believed to act on the brain’s opioid receptors, therefore, causing effects it mirrors that of opioids and stimulants. Kratom is an illegal substance, yet easily attained.

Why Do People Use Kratom?

People use Kratom for many reasons. At a low dosage, it is said to provide energy, enhance people’s moods, relieve muscle pain, eliminate cramps, suppress appetites, stop diarrhea and panic attacks. Higher dosages relieve pain and create euphoria. At very high dosages it behaves like a sedative, and some use Kratom to eliminate opioid withdrawal because of its accessibility compared to opioids.

Users sometimes claim Kratom is safe for recreational usage because it is plant-based and natural. The problem with is that the active ingredient I Kratom plants can differ significantly causing the ability to measure the effectiveness of a single dose very complicated, thus possibly very dangerous for the user.

What are the side effects of using Kratom?

Nausea, chills, and vomiting

Itching

Sweating

Dry mouth

Changes in urine and constipation

Loss of appetite

Seizures

Hallucinations

Dizziness

Drowsiness

Depression

Breathing suppression

Coma and Death

Once Kratom is ingested after 5 to 10 minutes, it begins to take effect, and the results may last up to five hours. As with most pain medications, most of the problems associated with Kratom occur with higher dosage over more extended periods. The level or amount of Kratom taken to cause toxic effects is still unknown, but overdose is possible.

How many people have overdosed on Kratom?

Several reports of overdose involve Kratom, in most of these overdose deaths, other drugs were also present. In 2019 the National Poison Data System found there were 11 deaths between 2011-2017 with Kratom exposure. Two of these deaths resulted from Kratom alone. No other drugs were present. In 2017 the FDA reports 44 overdose deaths involving Kratom, one of these occurred from Kratom use only. It is essential to know that the FDA discovered that these deaths were often associated with Kratom being laced with other substances such as illicit drugs, opioids, benzodiazepines, alcohol, caffeine, fentanyl, cocaine, and over-the-counter medications like cough syrup. Kratom is also known for being found in dietary supplements that resulted in death.

Is Kratom addictive?

The studies surrounding Kratom are not entirely conclusive, but most healthcare providers agree that the research shows that safety concerns far outweigh any benefit. Kratom has opioid-like effects and therefore may produce dependence in its users. Treatment for people experiencing Kratom dependency or addiction finds behavioral counseling to be an effective option. Kratom is not regulated in the United States, and the FDA is taking action to help combat many of the false claims surrounding it. If you or someone you love is seeking treatment options for Kraton usage work with your doctor to find the best treatment options.

Q&A with Dr. Taylor on the Opioid Takedown

On April 17th, 2019, the Appalachian Regional Prescription Opioid Strike Force charged 60 people in 7 states as part of the largest government takedown during our National Opioid Epidemic. The charges were for illegally prescribing and distributing millions of pills such as opioids, benzodiazepines, and other drugs.

Among the defendants were 53 doctors, pharmacists, nurse practitioners, and other medical professionals. A fair question after removing so many doctors, pharmacists, and medical professional from their posts is what does this mean for those patients and communities?

In this video, we chat with our Chief Medical Officer of Behavioral Health, Dr. Stephen Taylor to best answer this question and more.

Patients who suffer from substance abuse disorders like opioid addiction and dependency, alcohol addiction, and other illicit drug use are victimized when their medical care providers do not offer evidence-based treatment and therapies.

First, it’s time for society to no longer hold negative connotations against those with mental health disorders and addiction. We must realize that these often are co-occurring disorders and do our part to shatter the stigma so they can have the support they need to take the first into an evidence-based recovery program. (Read more about supporting someone in recovery.)

Dr. Stephen Taylor is a thoughtful and articulate psychiatrist with over 20 years of practice experience. IN the above video he addresses the importance of eliminating the stigma surrounding those who are fighting addiction and what one needs to look for, understand and ask when seeking evidence-based treatment.

Dr. Taylor’s life’s work and greatest passion, both as a quadruple-board-certified practitioner and as an educator and presenter to various audiences, has been to provide education and specialized care to adolescent and young adult patients and their families afflicted with drug and alcohol addictions and general psychiatric disorders. You can learn more about him here.

We enjoyed speaking with him and hoped you find his wisdom helpful as you learn more. If you or someone you love is looking for an evidence-based, outpatient treatment option for addiction, dependency or mental health disorder or would like to talk with one of our staff about options, you can find a Pathway Healthcare treatment office near you.

For more resources, you can visit our Page on how to support people in recovery. We know sometimes those around individuals in recovery want to support their family and friends, but maybe don’t know how. We have some suggestions here: https://pathwayhealthcare.com/how-to-support-people-in-recovery/

Opioid Takedown

On Wednesday, April 17th, 2019 the Appalachian Regional Prescription Opioid Strike Force charged 60 people in 7 states as part of the largest government takedown during our National Opioid Epidemic. The charges were for illegally prescribing and distributing millions of pills such as opioids, benzodiazepines, and other drugs.

Among the defendants were 53 doctors, pharmacists, nurse practitioners, and other medical professionals. A fair question after removing so many doctors, pharmacists, and medical professionals from their posts is what does this mean for those patients and communities?

For the patients, it means an opportunity for better, safer treatment. Access to quality, evidence-based care, and treatment for those who are fighting an addiction to opioids or other drugs is essential. For the communities, it means they too will become safer. One of the doctors charged was accused of prescribing opioids in exchange for sexual favors. Others were providing staff with blank pre-signed prescriptions to offer to patients, and another doctor was prescribing a single patient 15 opioid pills per day. Some of the accused doctors were providing prescriptions to personal friends who paid and Facebook friends. It’s discouraging to hear how doctors, who are to be trusted with our personal health and safety took advantage of people in vulnerable positions. No doubt creating some doctor-induced opioid addictions for their own prosperity.

The treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) has come a long way over the past 50 years. We now have an excellent arsenal of therapies to combat this chronic, but deadly disease. OUD, like other addictions, can be successfully managed but there is no cure and relapse is always a threat. Like other chronic diseases, the clinical progression of addictive disorders, including OUD, can be best characterized by periods of exacerbation and periods of remission but the patient is never disease-free.

For too long, those in the fight of their lives over an opioid addiction thought when the supply of opioids tightened their only option was to turn to the streets or wake up at 4am to stand in line at a for their daily dosage of medication. This just isn’t right quality care is affordable and available. It’s time that those of us not fighting this addiction realize we are graciously only one injury away from not being prescribed the same pain medication that caused the battle of addiction these same, good people are suffering from today. It’s vital to lay the stigma surrounding addiction to rest and be committed to supporting those with substance abuse disorders find a treatment that is evidence-based and effective.

Today, we have strong evidence supporting the use of basic medication approaches to the treatment of opioid use disorder. Two of these medication approaches is partial agonist therapy in the form of buprenorphine, and antagonist therapy in the form of naltrexone.

It is essential to understand that there is not a “one size fits all” approach to treating the complex disease of addiction. Peer support groups such as AA/NA may work well for some, while others may respond better to individualize, private counseling. Some patients will respond best to naltrexone while others may require treatment with buprenorphine. Throughout their disease, the treatment drug of choice may even change. Patients may need to stabilize on buprenorphine then move to antagonist therapy with naltrexone. The process may reverse itself requiring the patient to go back to buprenorphine after a period of stabilized care on antagonist therapy or complete abstinence from all medication. No single FDA approved drug class used in the treatment of OUD is the best option for all patients. It is vital that doctors and patients have access to medications like naltrexone and buprenorphine to employ the use of the right medication for the right patient at the right time.

It is also crucial that treatment providers be in constant review of best practices. As a treatment provider, we are committed to bringing access to the best, evidence-based care to those who need treatment for OUD and other substance abuse disorders. Our biggest obstacles often are the policies that are set in place to protect communities. We have the opportunity to treat in several states, and every state has different procedures for governing treatment. It’s never without difficulty and obstacles that we work hard to help the addiction community recover. Like the laws that determine our speed limits, we must be willing to be advised to caution our pace in effort to protect those around us, not just ourselves. At Pathway Healthcare we understand we must follow all relevant federal and state laws and requirements and we maintain high standards within our programs as an effort to remain committed to the rights of our patients and reach as many people as possible with the very best, evidence-based care available.

Find a Pathway Healthcare treatment office near you.