Pseudo-addiction can look a lot like true addiction to the outside observer. Pain can cause a person to feel afraid and panicked. If a person has suffered a serious injury or illness, he may even experience PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) symptoms when pain triggers uncomfortable memories. It is human nature to avoid pain—therefore a person who is in a great deal of it can appear as desperate as a drug-seeking addict.

Pseudo-addiction differs from true addiction. Some of the symptoms of pseudo-addiction that are similar to addiction symptoms include the following:

• Anxiety about finding or keeping pain medication available
• Constant thinking or discussing pain management or pain medication
• A need to keep pain medication on hand, even if it is not being used

A true painkiller or opiate addiction has other more serious symptoms including the following:

• Needing increasing amounts of the drug to feel comfortable, resulting in dependence
• Using the medication to deal with painful emotions or anxiety
• Engaging in dangerous or atypical behavior, such as stealing more drugs, seeking drugs outside of the doctor’s office, “doctor shopping,” or stealing to get more medication
• Using the drug even though the drug user cannot afford the medication or the drug has caused mental distress, damaged relationships, or damage to home, life, or relationships
• An inability to stop using the drug without assistance or severe illness

The problem is, pseudo-addiction and true painkiller addiction can look strikingly similar to even experienced medical professionals. It can be incredibly frustrating and disheartening to suffer chronic or acute pain and feel ignored by professionals who are supposed to care.

Keep in mind that you are not alone. Your doctor and medical team understand that painkiller addiction is not a moral or character flaw. Painkiller addiction can happen to anyone. Opiate dependence can happen quickly to any person of any age, background, race, or gender. In some cases, nurses and doctors have been so well trained to recognize the signs of addiction that they can misjudge true pain symptoms and accidentally prevent patients who are in true need from getting much needed pain assistance.

By arming yourself with knowledge about pseudo-addiction and true addiction, you can be a more informed patient and demand a higher quality of care. You will also be better able to discern when painkiller drugs have become less effective and more addictive.

Suffering with Pain for Fear of Being Labeled as a Drug Seeker

Believe it or not, there are patients who are afraid to ask their doctors for pain assistance because of the stigma associated with painkiller addiction. Many people fear appearing addicted, and instead struggle with pain without proper medication.

If you or someone you love is struggling with severe pain, you deserve quality care. You have a right to benefit from available treatment options. If you fear that your doctor or nurse is withholding medication when you are truly in pain, you may want to seek out a second medical opinion.

If in Doubt, Call to Learn More

If you are concerned about your own pain medication use or the pain medication use of someone you love, please call us.

You may feel like there is no way to get past a painkiller addiction without neglecting your pain. You don’t have to live in pain or struggle with an addiction. There may be other solutions to keep you well and happy. Call our confidential helpline today to speak with a counselor who can help you learn more about pain management and addiction.

The post What’s the Difference between Addiction and Pseudo-Addiction? appeared first on Addiction Help Center.

• Heroin, painkillers, or other opiates
• Cocaine
• Amphetamine / methamphetamine
• Barbiturates
• Benzodiazepines

Women who drink alcohol excessively during pregnancy may give birth to babies with a similar condition known as fetal alcohol syndrome.

Symptoms of Neonatal Alcohol Syndrome

The severity and duration of symptoms depend on the drug the mother abused and the intensity of that abuse. Some of the most common symptoms include the following:

• Discolored skin
• Constant irritability and crying
• Inability to sleep properly
• Excessive sucking
• Poor feeding
• Sinus congestion, runny nose, sneezing
• Tremors
• Poor weight gain
• Frequent crying
• Inconsolability

Other symptoms related to muscle tone and reflexive responses are also possible. These symptoms may occur any time from immediately after birth to several days later. Some babies may be stillborn as a result of drug use, or may die shortly after delivery. Some will experience permanent brain damage as well.

Treatment of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome

Treating babies born with neonatal abstinence syndrome is difficult. Medical treatment is often necessary but not without its own risk. Most babies are treated with a combination of the following:

• Medical care
• Special nurturing and comfort
• Nutritional support
• Gradual detox

Active treatment for this disorder can last for anywhere from one to six months.

Ongoing Concerns for Addicted Mothers and Their Babies

Once the baby has been successfully weaned from the drug it is addicted to the process of living with this disadvantage begins. They will be watched for immune system challenges, infections, seizures, and any other lingering symptoms of the disease. The health and recovery of the mother is also critical to the baby’s ongoing success. Mothers who are truly ready to make drug and alcohol abuse a part of their past must receive comprehensive rehabilitation as well. This will often involve a customized blend of the following therapeutic tools:

• Personal counseling
• Group counseling meetings
• Medically supervised detox
• Parenting classes
• Nutritional support
• Coping skill development
• Strategic planning for ongoing sobriety
• Connection to support groups

Babies born to addicted mothers benefit from special medical attention throughout their childhood. Their mothers benefit from long-term recovery support as well.

Addiction Recovery Help

If you would like more information about neonatal abstinence syndrome and treatment please call our toll-free helpline any time of day or night. Our counselors will answer all of your questions about treatment, recovery, and even insurance coverage and financial assistance. You are not in this alone. You need help and that’s precisely what we are here for. The call is confidential and free. You have nothing to lose. Call now.

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• MDA (Methylenedioxyamphetamine)
• DOB (Dimethoxybromoamphetamine) also known as brolamfetamine and bromo-DMA
• DOC (2,5-dimethoxy-4-chloroamphetamine)
• DOI (2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine)
• TMA-2 (2,4,5-trimethoxyamphetamine)

These drugs, sometimes called designer drugs, are relatively rare, but they occasionally turn up as counterfeit LSD on blotter paper. They do not share the same safety profile as LSD and can be dangerous or lethal in high doses. These drugs also cause very different effects than LSD does, and they often take several hours to kick in; however, once they do take effect, they can create mind-altering effects that can last for 18-30 hours. While some people may believe these drugs are not controlled substances, they are all derivatives of controlled substances, so they are illegal to possess, distribute or ingest.

Effects of Psychedelic Amphetamines

Although reports vary wildly and are only based on a handful of cases, side effects of psychedelic amphetamines include the following problems:

• Long lasting hallucinogenic trips
• Losing track of time
• Engaging in dangerous behavior that the user would not likely take part in while sober
• Using other drugs
• Overdose due to the long wait for the drug to kick in
• Paranoia, terror or other symptoms of a bad trip that last much longer than LSD
• Increased blood pressure
• Heart problems

These effects can be dangerous, so do not underestimate them.

Risks Associated with Psychedelic Amphetamines

The fact that many users report pleasant effects only underscores the dangers associated with these drugs. While medical professionals debate whether or not these drugs are physically addictive, they can cause a psychological addiction. As with LSD, these drugs provide a long-lasting escape from reality that can be very tempting for people who have intense struggles. For instance, people with disorders like anxiety, depression, dissociative disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder or bipolar disorder should be especially mindful of the addictive potential of drugs and alcohol. Psychedelic amphetamines can cause any of the following issues:

• Potentially fatal overdose
• Bad trips
• Addiction
• Drug interaction complications
• Cardiovascular problems

If you suffer from any of these problems and abuse psychedelic drugs, seek professional help as soon as possible.

Treatment for Psychedelic Amphetamine Addiction

Treatment for a psychedelic amphetamine addiction involves a careful diagnosis of the addict’s emotional and physical health as well as the following components:

• Detailed diagnosis of all co-occurring disorders
• Individual counseling
• Dual Diagnosis treatment of all connected issues
• Medically supervised detox
• Education
• Support group sessions
• Spiritual or emotional care
• Coping skill development

These programs offer both inpatient and outpatient formats depending on the diagnosis.

Help for Psychedelic Amphetamine Addiction

If you are concerned about a loved one’s or your own use of psychedelic amphetamines, then call our toll-free, 24 hour helpline immediately. Our counselors offer professional, confidential advice; they can answer your questions and can connect you with the best treatment programs for your specific needs. Using psychedelic drugs suggests an undiagnosed emotional or mental distress, so call today for immediate help.

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• Bursts of energy that last for hours
• Hallucinations
• Talkativeness
• Aggression
• Insomnia
• Psychosis

Some users mistakenly believe that since cathinone and its related compounds come from a natural plant they must be safer than other drugs. The truth is that this chemical compound is isolated and synthesized in much the same way as the much more famous and problematic drug cocaine. In fact, in its pure form cathinone effects are even more potent than cocaine.

How Cathinone Works

Cathinone causes the brain to release the euphoria inducing chemical dopamine. This is what gives the user the associated high, and is also what creates such a strong potential for addiction. Specialized chemical receptors recognize the presence of dopamine and the relief it provides for underlying anxiety or other emotional distress. The brain then craves that relief, causing the user to keep taking the chemical again and again. Though it seems that cathinone does not create much of a physical dependency in users, the psychological addiction is incredibly powerful.

Symptoms of Cathinone Addiction

The symptoms of cathinone addiction are similar to those of cocaine, amphetamine or crystal meth and include the following:

• Obsession with finding and taking the drug
• Defensiveness when approached by friends or loved ones about use of the drug
• Psychological symptoms when detoxing from the drug
• The need for larger and more frequent doses in order to achieve the original effects

Many people have become addicted to cathinone because of their experimentation with bath salts and other novel drugs. Some people become addicted the first time they try the drug.

Cathinone Addiction Help

If you have become addicted to cathinone or cathinone-related drugs, please call our toll-free helpline right away. Our counselors are standing by 24 hours a day with the answers, advice and logistical help you will need to break free from this deadly drug. If left untreated, cathinone addiction can cause lasting brain damage or death. Please call, and get help now.

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The Connection between Reward Deficiency Syndrome and Addiction

Individuals can be born with the genetic make-up that interferes with proper production or utilization of “feel good” brain chemicals; this is true for many individuals with a family history of alcoholism, addiction or other mental health disorders. Addiction has been linked to a defective dopamine receptor gene known as D2A1 allele. Individuals with a defective dopamine receptor gene lack enough dopamine receptors in the brain to experience a “neurochemical reward” or feelings of wellbeing. Therefore, individuals with a family history of addiction are susceptible to this gene and Reward Deficiency Syndrome. Conversely, drug and alcohol use can also lead to the development of this defect. Addiction changes the way the brain works, including the brain’s natural chemical reward process. As drugs or alcohol continue to interfere with the brain’s chemical process, a person can lose the natural ability to produce “feel good” chemicals and this may prompt continued substance abuse for self-medicating purposes. Reward Deficiency Syndrome may also develop from prolonged stress and trauma.

Individuals with Reward System Deficiency, from genetic or environmental causes, are both highly-susceptible to addictions. If a person cannot naturally make themselves feel good, they are likely to seek out substances or behaviors that will produce these feelings for them. Drugs and alcohol are substances that have the ability to chemically active the brain’s reward system and alter mood and energy levels. People are able relieve stress, suppress physical pain, escape from emotional pain and combat symptoms of anxiety, depression, or other mood disorders temporarily with the use of these substances. Self-medicating Reward Deficiency Syndrome significantly increases the risk of developing chemical dependency and addiction. Food is another substance that can affect the brain’s reward system and this can lead to a food addiction, weight gain, obesity and major health problems. Behavioral addictions, like gambling or sex, can also result from Reward Deficiency Syndrome, because these activities also affect brain chemicals.

Treating Reward Deficiency Syndrome during Addiction Treatment

While certain substances or behaviors may temporarily relieve the symptoms of Reward Deficiency Syndrome, addiction only exacerbates these symptoms and causes more damage to the brain. Individuals with Reward Deficiency Syndrome must find and practice healthy ways of creating feelings of wellness. There are many options for addressing the genetic factors that contribute to this condition and developing strategies to manage the condition so it has limited effects on one’s life. Individuals struggling with addiction can learn to manage Reward Deficiency Syndrome through addiction treatment programs.
Get Help for Reward Deficiency Syndrome and Addiction

If you are concerned that you or a loved one is suffering from Reward Deficiency Syndrome and/or addiction, we can help. Please call our toll-free number to speak with a recovery professional that can help. Recovery professionals are happy to assist you 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Whether you have questions, need information, or are ready to find treatment and recovery services today, we can help.

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The following are common factors in young adult alcohol abuse:

• Young people are curious about the effects of alcohol.
• Peer pressure from certain social groups drives most substance abuse.
• Underlying emotional insecurity, anxiety, self-esteem deficiency and depression increase young adults’ susceptibility to alcohol abuse and addiction.
• The lack of accountability and discipline that comes with college and the military fosters experimentation and abuse.
• Addictive patterns develop much faster in younger brains than in older brains.
• Social acceptance and media promotion of alcohol abuse is ubiquitous in youth culture.

Alcohol abuse is particularly hard on the brains of young adults. Critical neural pathways are being formed every day in the brain, with peak development happening at age 25. Introducing alcohol during this time greatly increases the likelihood of the development of addiction patterns and reduced brain performance. In addition to chemical dependence problems that young adults may face for the rest of their life, drinking can have a significantly negative impact on their ability to learn new skills and to perform on the job. Millions of young people sabotage their future by drinking heavily as their brain is still developing.

According to a 2009 study by the US Department of Health and Human Services, alcohol abuse is higher among 21-25 year olds than any other age group. This same study reveals that just under 50 percent of 18-21 year olds and nearly 70 percent of those aged 21-25 use alcohol regularly. People who start drinking regularly as teenagers are up to 15 times more likely to become alcoholics than those who wait until they are of the legal drinking age. The dangers of some of the most vulnerable people in our society abusing alcohol at the highest rates measured should seem obvious, but informational and interventional outreaches are often highly ineffective at changing the behavior of this age group.

Helpline for 18-25 Year Olds

If you are an 18-25 year old who has developed a pattern of recreational alcohol use, please call our toll-free, 24 hour helpline for immediate help. Our counselors are always standing by to offer you any of the following free services:

• Helping individuals with drinking temptations when they occur
• Helping young people determine if they have developed an addiction to alcohol
• Confidentially helping young people confirm insurance coverage of treatment costs
• Connecting high school and college students with highly successful treatment programs
• Helping parents, friends and family develop strong communication skills as they confront the alcoholic young adult in their home

This help is available for free any time of day. Call now and let us help you break free from the crushing devastation of alcohol addiction. You have a long life ahead of you. Don’t compromise your full potential by continuing to abuse alcohol. Call today.

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Adolescent vs. Adult Drug Use

According to a study published in the American Journal of Public Health, substance abuse generally peaks in late adolescence and early adulthood. At this tie young people are still developing their own ethics and usually away from home for the first time. This age group is prone to socialize, experiment and is influenced by her friends. For people with no risk for addiction may quit abusing drugs once they get a career and life set in. At this stage, drug use becomes a chapter from the past for many people.

However, for some people drug use continues into adulthood and middle age. Regarding prescription drugs specifically, the Journal reported that 7% of adult men and 8% of adult women report having misused prescription drugs within the previous twelve months.

Predictors of Adult Drug Use

The study also identified risk factors for adult drug use. By far the strongest predictor of adult drug use is a history of drug use in adolescence. To quote the Journal, “for most people the foundation for later substance use is set by the time they finish high school.” Predictors of adult drug use include the following factors:

• A history of substance abuse at 18 years of age is a strong predictor of adult drug use
• Those who used an illicit drug other than marijuana in high school are three times more likely to abuse prescription drugs in adulthood
• Married individuals are less likely to use drugs of all kinds
• Parents whose children live with them are less likely to use illicit drugs, but are just as likely as non-parents and non-custodial parents to misuse prescription drugs
• People who have completed a college degree are less likely to misuse prescription drugs
• Professionals are less likely to misuse prescription drugs regardless of whether or not they possess a doctoral degree
• Those with a recent history of unemployment are more likely to misuse prescription drugs
• Persons who have not initiated drug use by the age of 20 are unlikely to initiate it later in life

These factors do not safeguard people from drug abuse, but they do predict that someone’s struggle will be less.

Help Finding Addiction Treatment

Drug use during adolescence often stems from a desire to socialize and experiment, but drug use during adulthood likely indicates self-medicating internal issues that need to be addressed. If you would like help finding treatment for addiction, call our toll-free, 24 hour helpline right now for immediate support.

The post Prescription Drug Use Problems among 25-40 Year Olds appeared first on Addiction Help Center.

• Low self-esteem
• Embarrassment
• Lack of confidence
• Depression
• Fear of intimacy
• Loss of control
• Negative body image

However, many people who are underweight also share these same emotions. The struggle with weight may be connected to prescription drug abuse, but professional treatment can address both addiction and its effects, like weight.

Physical Effects of Weight Problems

Society is becoming more aware of health problems associated with being overweight, especially the following physical issues:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Heart disease and stroke
• Cancer
• Sleep apnea
• Osteoarthritis
• Gallbladder disease
• Fatty liver disease

However, being underweight is just as dangerous and can cause the following issues:

• An ineffective immune system, which increases the risk for infections and disease
• Increased risk of osteoporosis, a condition that reduces bone density and commonly causes hip fractures
• Anemia (iron deficiency)
• Loss of menstrual cycle, fertility problems and pregnancy complications
• Increased risk for health complications such as high cholesterol and kidney failure

Both of these problems can damage people, so you should learn if your prescription medication contributes to your weight problems before seeking help.

Prescription Drugs and Weight Gain

According to Lawrence Cheskin, M.D., Director of the Johns Hopkins Weight Management Center, the medical community does not understand why some medications cause weight gain, but they guess it has to do with the following factors:

• Insulin can lead to periods of hypoglycemia, which stimulates appetite
• Some drugs alter metabolism, which can cause the body to burn calories more slowly or to store fat more readily
• Some corticosteroids reduce the body’s ability to absorb glucose, which can lead to fat deposits and weight gain
• Other medications produce fatigue or shortness of breath, making users less active
• Some medications can cause water retention

If you suffer with weight gain, speak to your physician about your concerns and see if you can use other prescription drugs.

Prescription Drugs and Weight Loss

Abusing prescription sedatives, such as Valium and Tramadol, can lead to weight loss. As these drugs depress the nervous system and brain function, they can also suppress your appetite. Additionally, many people who suffer with arthritis take non-steroid anti-inflammatory medications, which can also affect various body systems, and thereby weight. Lastly, anti-depressants can cause you to lose weight because some users experience side effects like nausea, vomiting and headaches, which stifle appetite.

Help with Weight and Prescription Drug Abuse

Many people avoid treatment for weight problems and drug abuse because they do not want to feel shame. Therefore, to be assured of confidentiality and to get answers for your questions, call our toll-free helpline now, because we are available 24 hours a day. We want to help you find the right treatment program for these issues, and we can provide you with options, information about insurance and resources to get this done. We are here to help, so take advantage of our knowledge today.

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Hallucinogenic Effects of Nutmeg

People have used nutmeg to achieve hallucinogenic results for at least a century if not longer, according to a 2000 article on nutmeg in Clinical Toxicology. Primarily known as a cooking spice, nutmeg is produced from the seed of a nutmeg tree.

According to the National Toxicology Program (NTP), it usually takes five or more grams of nutmeg to produce toxic effects. Signs of acute nutmeg poisoning usually begin three to six hours after the spice is consumed. If nutmeg is smoked or inhaled, the effects happen much faster, occurring in as little as 15 minutes. The following symptoms are typical of nutmeg poisoning, according to NTP:

• Giddiness
• Hallucinations
• Feelings of depersonalization, such as a sense that surroundings are unreal or an out-of-body feeling

While most people overcome the effects within 24 hours, the symptoms may last several days or several months and, in rare cases, include death.

Nutmeg Inhalation and the Body

Once a person has smoked nutmeg, the symptoms are similar to ingesting it. The substance affects the body’s central nervous system as well as the gastrointestinal system. According to the Clinical Toxicology article, the following symptoms are signs of nutmeg poisoning or toxicity:

• Central nervous system effects, including euphoria, giddiness, anxiety, hallucinations (visual, auditory or tactile), apprehension, detachment, headache, dizziness and drowsiness
• Cardiovascular effects, including tachycardia, hypotension and flushing
• Gastrointestinal effects, including nausea, pain, gagging and vomiting
• Peripheral effects, including numbness, blurred vision, hypothermia and sweating

In the early stages of poisoning, a person may seem to be experiencing a psychotic episode.

Potential for Nutmeg Abuse

Nutmeg abuse is uncommon and unlikely to become a problem in the future, according to the Clinical Toxicology article. It takes high quantities of the drug to produce hallucinogenic effects, and most people are unlikely to eat or smoke such a large amount. In addition, nutmeg does not produce the same level of predictable results as other hallucinogens.

Finding Help for Addiction

If you or a loved one is suffering from an addiction, please call our toll-free helpline. We are available 24 hours a day to answer your questions and offer advice. Do not let an addiction stand in the way of a better life. Call us today.

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How Grief Leads to Prescription Drug Abuse

Reasons why grieving people may abuse prescription drugs include the following examples:

• It’s easier. Some people abuse prescription drugs because it is easier than admitting they need emotional help. Rather than turning to someone to work through grief and emotional pain, people may turn to prescription drugs to overcome emotional issues. Abusing drugs to numb your emotions is easier than dealing with grief, because it induces a relaxed feeling that makes life seem enjoyable.
• It’s what you’ve learned. Children learn patterns of behavior and ways to cope from their caregivers. If parents or close relatives numbed emotional pain or grief through prescription drug abuse, the child is more likely to turn to drugs to relieve negative emotions.
• It provides instant relief. Today’s culture promotes instant gratification. Therefore, dealing with problems over time seems overwhelming, especially when people want relief as soon as possible. In such a “quick fix” culture, people may be unwilling to take the long, hard road of recovery from the pain of loss. Instead, these people may turn to prescription drugs, because these substances instantly relieve the trauma or pain. Unfortunately, prescription drug use often magnifies pain in the long run.

Prescription drug addiction does not take away grief, but only delays its expression. Only by dealing with the source of grief can people find the peace they long for. Fortunately, professionals who are trained in dealing with concurrent issues such as prescription drug addiction and grief can help you deal with both issues at the same time.

Help for Grief and Prescription Drug Abuse

You can recover from both prescription drug addiction and grief if you seek professional help. There is a way through the pain that doesn’t involve drug abuse. If you struggle with an emotional problem that is compounded by drug use, know that we can help. Please call our toll-free, 24 hour helpline anytime. You can talk with one of our addiction recovery specialists who will discuss the best treatment options for your unique situation. We can help you find relief from your prescription drug abuse and the grief it masks. Call us today and find the better life you are looking for.

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