Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid at the center of the opioid crisis. With potency up to 50 times that of heroin, understanding its effects and dangers is critical. In this guide, we’ll delve into the key aspects of fentanyl — from its medical use and illicit misuse to its duration in the body, potential for overdose, and the life-saving role of Narcan.

More importantly, we’ll shine a light on the pathway to recovery, underscoring the reality that help is always available and recovery is possible.

What Is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a potent, synthetic opioid pain reliever. Its power is akin to morphine but is 100 times more potent. Fentanyl is frequently used in medical settings to relieve pain after surgeries or for those battling chronic pain who no longer find relief from other opioids.

It is prescribed in various forms, such as injections, patches, and even lozenges. However, fentanyl has also become a significant player in the opioid epidemic.

Its potency and highly addictive nature make it a target for illicit manufacturing and misuse, thereby contributing to the ongoing opioid crisis. Non-prescription fentanyl, often sold in powder form or mixed into other drugs like heroin or cocaine, can significantly increase the risk of overdose.

We understand that dealing with severe pain or navigating the path of a loved one’s pain management can be a challenging journey. In this light, it’s our aim to ensure you have the information you need on fentanyl.

This knowledge can empower you and your loved ones to recognize the signs of misuse or addiction and know when to seek help.

How Long Does Fentanyl Last in the Body?

When it comes to this powerful opioid, its impact and duration in your system can depend on several factors, including the method of use, individual metabolism, age, overall health status, and dosage.

When taken as prescribed by a healthcare provider, fentanyl can relieve pain within minutes. Transdermal patches, designed to release the drug slowly, can relieve pain for up to 72 hours. However, its half-life, or the time it takes for half the drug to leave the body, is typically around two to four hours.

In the case of illicit fentanyl, which can be mixed with other drugs, the effects can be unpredictable and potentially deadly. Overdose can occur rapidly, often within seconds to minutes after ingestion, due to fentanyl’s high potency.

How Long Is Fentanyl Detectable in the Body?

Fentanyl metabolites, or the products of the body breaking down the drug, can linger, much like echoes of the drug’s effects. These metabolites can be detected in urine for up to three days after use.

Hair tests can detect fentanyl for up to three months. However, it’s important to note that detection times can vary based on the individual’s metabolism, how much they used, and the type of test used.

Understanding how long fentanyl stays in the body and its effects is vital, but it is equally important to recognize signs of misuse or addiction. This can include drowsiness, confusion, sedation, trouble breathing, and decreased heart rate. If you or someone you know exhibits these symptoms after using fentanyl, immediately seeking medical attention is important.

How Does Fentanyl Impact the Body?

Fentanyl, with its exceptional potency, has a profound impact on various bodily systems. Its role as an opioid means it interacts primarily with the nervous system, but its influence reaches far beyond.

Let’s delve into a more detailed exploration of how fentanyl interacts with your body.

The Nervous System

At its core, fentanyl is designed to alter our perception of pain. It achieves this by interacting with the opioid receptors in our brain and spinal cord.

Once it attaches to these receptors, it effectively blocks pain signals from reaching the brain. This can provide powerful relief for individuals grappling with severe or chronic pain.

Additionally, this interaction triggers a release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of pleasure and reward. This is why, along with pain relief, users may experience a sense of euphoria or intense happiness.

However, this action also presents a significant risk. Overuse or misuse of fentanyl can result in respiratory depression — a severe slowing or cessation of breathing. This occurs because opioid receptors in the brainstem, responsible for automatic processes like breathing, also respond to fentanyl.

The Digestive System

Fentanyl can impact the digestive system as well. Like other opioids, it tends to slow the movement of the intestines. This can lead to issues like constipation, nausea, and vomiting, particularly in long-term use or overconsumption.

The Cardiovascular System

Fentanyl’s influence extends to the cardiovascular system too. It may cause low blood pressure, slow heart rate, or even cause your blood vessels to dilate, leading to a feeling of lightheadedness or fainting.

The Dangers of Overconsumption and Long-Term Use

While fentanyl can feel like a lifeline for those in severe pain, its misuse can be perilous. Overconsumption can rapidly lead to overdose, given its potency.

Long-term use also has its risks. The body can develop a tolerance to fentanyl, requiring higher doses for the same effect and potentially leading to dependence and addiction. Over time, this can cause significant changes to the brain’s functionality, including problems with decision-making, memory, and emotional regulation.

Signs of a Fentanyl Overdose

Identifying the signs of a fentanyl overdose is crucial, whether you’re a user, a loved one, or even a passerby. An overdose may sometimes appear similar to a high, making it harder to recognize. But it’s always safer to err on the side of caution; if unsure, treat the situation as an overdose.

Signs of a fentanyl overdose may include:

• Extreme drowsiness or difficulty waking up
• Slowed or stopped breathing
• Pinpoint pupils
• Cold and clammy skin
• Blue lips and/or fingernails
• Loss of consciousness or unresponsiveness

The faster you recognize these signs, the quicker you can act, potentially saving a life.

What To Do If You Think Someone Is Overdosing on Fentanyl

If you suspect someone is overdosing on fentanyl, it’s essential to act swiftly and thoughtfully.

Here are the steps you should follow:

1. Call for Immediate Medical Attention:

Always start by calling 911. They can provide guidance and dispatch emergency medical assistance. Most states have Good Samaritan laws that protect the caller and the person overdosing from legal consequences.

2. Administer Naloxone (Narcan), If Available:

Narcan is a life-saving medication that can reverse the effects of opioid overdose. If you have it on hand, administer it as per the instructions. Narcan acts swiftly to bind to opioid receptors, effectively blocking the effects of fentanyl and reversing the overdose.

3. Try To Keep the Person Awake and Breathing

Engage the person in conversation, keep them moving if possible, and remind them to take breaths.

4. Lay the Person on Their Side

Laying the person on their side helps prevent potential choking if the person vomits.

5. Stay With the Person Until Emergency Assistance Arrives

Even after administering Narcan, it’s crucial to stay with the person. The effects of Narcan last for about 30 to 90 minutes, while fentanyl can last much longer, meaning a second overdose is possible.

Understanding and recognizing the signs of a fentanyl overdose, knowing the steps to take, and the role of Narcan can make a significant difference.

Seeking Treatment for a Fentanyl Addiction

Recognizing a struggle with fentanyl addiction is the first crucial step on the road to recovery. If you or a loved one are dealing with addiction, it’s important to understand that you’re not alone and help is available.

Treatment plans are not one-size-fits-all, and the approach that works best for you might involve a combination of therapy, medication, support groups, and lifestyle changes. At SOBA New Jersey, we believe that every person’s experience with addiction is unique.

That’s why we provide personalized treatment programs tailored to your specific needs and circumstances. Our evidence-based approach focuses on the symptoms of addiction and the underlying causes, giving you a comprehensive recovery plan.

We also recognize the significant role that community plays in the recovery process. Our team provides opportunities for you to connect with others on their path to recovery. In this supportive and understanding environment, shared experiences can provide comfort, reduce feelings of isolation, and offer valuable insights from others’ journeys.

The Bottom Line

Understanding fentanyl — its nature, its impact on the body, how long it lasts in the system, the potential for overdose, and the life-saving role of Narcan — is key to recognizing signs of misuse or addiction, ensuring timely intervention, and ultimately, safeguarding health and lives.

However, the most important takeaway should be that if you or a loved one are struggling with fentanyl addiction, you are not alone. Treatment and recovery are not only possible but are a path to a healthier, happier life.

We at SOBA New Jersey know firsthand that seeking support is not an admission of failure but a courageous step toward reclaiming control over your life. We are committed to providing personalized, comprehensive treatment as a trusted partner on your recovery journey. With our professional support, a strong recovery community, and your determination, recovery from fentanyl addiction is entirely possible.

No one should have to face this battle alone. At SOBA New Jersey, we’re with you every step of the way. Reach out today, and let us help you start your journey to recovery.

Sources:

Fentanyl Facts | CDC

Drug Misuse: Most States Have Good Samaritan Laws and Research Indicates They May Have Positive Effects | U.S. GAO

Naloxone DrugFacts | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

We often hear different addictive drugs being referred to by street names, and crystal meth is no different. Crystal meth, or ice, has a variety of names, but don’t let that distract you from the dangers of it.

It is a methamphetamine that is part of the amphetamine family of drugs and is known to have devastating mental health and physical effects. People that are suffering from addiction do not always think that that’s the situation that they are going to end up in.

Drug use is a slippery slope, and once introduced to harder drugs, it can be more difficult to break the cycle and overcome addiction. Ice is no different, and when it becomes a part of a person’s routine can risk the overall safety of that individual.

To learn more about ice, how it’s used, what the effects are, and long-term issues that can arise from using it, keep reading.

What Is Ice?

Ice is a synthetic stimulant that directly impacts the central nervous system. Crystal methamphetamine is one of the most potent variants of this drug and has no color to it.

It has a very strong odor and bitter taste. It gets its name ‘ice’ from the crystal-like formations that it appears to have. These crystals are either white or brownish and are jagged in their appearance.

Ice is the stronger and more addictive form of methamphetamines out there, making it the most dangerous. It typically has more harmful side effects and a more intensive reaction after using it.

How Is It Used?

Ice is used by smoking it or injecting it. When smoked, you can feel the effects of ice almost immediately, and when injected, you can feel the effects within the next 30 seconds. These two methods are the most efficient to get crystal meth into your bloodstream so that the effects are brought on quickly.

Sometimes ice will be swallowed or snorted, but it takes between 15 and 20 minutes for it to kick in if swallowed and three to five minutes if snorted. Many people that use crystal meth want to feel the effects as quickly as possible, so these last two ways aren’t as efficient.

Other Names for Ice

Ice may not be the most common name that you hear to describe this substance. Crystal meth is likely the first thing you think of, but it’s called ice because of how it looks. It’s very similar in look to ice crystals and usually is clear or white.

Ice is also known as shabu, crystal, glass, shard, and Tina. Despite what you call it, it’s all the same substance and has the same effect on a person’s mind and body.

What Are the Effects of Taking Ice?

Ice can trick a person into thinking they are doing great because it sends an intense rush of dopamine, energy, and even confidence through the person’s system. The effects of ice can last for up to 12 hours, but a person may not feel like themselves for several days after using it.

Some people claim that even after the high is gone, it can be very difficult to sleep for days as it continues to exit your system. How ice affects a person is dependent on a few things: how much they take, how big of a person they are, how strong the drugs are, if they are used to using ice, and whether or not they are taking other drugs simultaneously.

Some of the effects of taking ice that you could experience are:

• Feelings of confidence
• Energy bursts
• Increased alertness
• Excessive sweating
• Itching and scratching
• Widened pupils
• Dry mouth
• Reduced appetite
• Teeth grinding
• Quickened heart rate
• Increased sex drive

When you use crystal meth through injection, you are putting yourself at risk of infections and vein damage. You also put yourself at risk for tetanus, hepatitis B and C, and HIV or AIDS if you are sharing needles or not handling them properly.

People that use ice for prolonged periods of ice also might suffer from paranoia, hallucinations, and memory loss. Some people enter into psychosis and struggle to tell what is real and what is not. They might experience paranoid delusions, aggressive behaviors and outbursts, and confusion, leading to dangerous situations.

Coming Down From Ice

Coming down from ice can take several days. The effects can last up to 12 hours, but side effects from use don’t just go away. People report having trouble falling and staying asleep, suffering from paranoia and hallucinations, irritability and depression, and dizziness and blurred vision.

Some people find that because of the extremely low feeling that can happen during the comedown, they will try to use other drugs to offset those effects. Using marijuana, alcohol, or even benzodiazepines is not uncommon during ice comedowns.

Risk of Overdosing

There is also a risk of overdosing when using any amount of ice. You may not know it and end up with a strong and potent batch of crystal meth, or you could use too much of it in one sitting, resulting in an overdose. If you or a loved one experience any of the following symptoms, contact 911 immediately and seek medical intervention.

The following symptoms are signs that you could be experiencing an overdose of ice:

• Chest pain
• Racing heartbeat
• Uncontrolled jerking
• A sudden and severe headache
• Breathing problems
• Loss of consciousness
• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Even death

Don’t wait to seek out help. It could be the difference between life and death.

What Are the Long-Term Problems of Using Ice?

Like with many drugs, ice can cause an array of long-term problems to come up, both mentally and physically.

Some of the most common physical problems that can occur due to long-term ice use are chronic and extreme weight loss, poor sleep quality, dental health problems, stiff muscles, heart and kidney problems, regular colds, an overall lowered immune system, and stroke.

Long-term ice use usually ages a person and makes them appear much older than they actually are. It can cause wrinkly skin, discoloration, and teeth to fall out. As for mental health, ice can have long-term effects on you, including a lack of happiness and less time enjoying activities, rapid mood swings, trouble concentrating, depressive episodes, higher stress levels, and paranoia.

They might experience outbursts of violent behavior that seem uncharacteristic, along with severe shame and guilt. Many people also suffer from financial, social, and career problems as a result of their ice use.

Dependence and Addiction to Ice

As people use ice more frequently and in larger doses, their body keeps up with what’s being put into their system and adjusts. It begins to require more and more of the drug to feel the same level of intoxication as the first time they ever used it. Ice is a highly addictive substance that often leads to dependence and substance abuse.

After prolonged use, most users feel they need it daily to function. The withdrawal symptoms can be debilitating and hard to overcome alone, only prolonging the addiction and experience.

Addiction to a substance like ice needs substantial intervention to see progress toward a sober lifestyle. If you or a loved one is struggling with their addiction to crystal meth, reach out sooner than later to get help. It could be a matter between life and death.

Seek Treatment With SOBA

To overcome your addiction to ice, you will need to go through the detoxification process to help safely get it out of your system. Going through withdrawals alone can be impossible, but with SOBA Recovery Center of San Antonio, Texas, you don’t have to do anything alone.

From the moment you show up, you get around-the-clock care so you can get the help you deserve. With an addiction to a drug like ice, you will likely need to stay inpatient until you have the drug out of your system and have been working towards recovery. It’s not an easy drug to avoid, but the SOBA employees know just how to make it achievable.

Reach out today to talk to a SOBA representative about our treatment options and how the process goes. After a thorough intake process, your team will help develop a dedicated and specialized treatment plan to treat your specific needs. To overcome addiction, you have to get to the bottom of your problems and treat them there.

Don’t wait another day and seek out help now!

Sources:

Methamphetamine – StatPearls | NCBI Bookshelf

Current Research on Methamphetamine: Epidemiology, Medical and Psychiatric Effects, Treatment, and Harm Reduction Efforts | NCBI

Methamphetamine Toxicity – StatPearls | NCBI Bookshelf

What are the long-term effects of methamphetamine misuse? | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

When you think of crack and cocaine, you often consider them to be the same. You may hear people call it crack cocaine and wonder if that refers to a different substance. It is not. Both crack and cocaine are highly addictive and illegal drugs that can cause mental and physical health damage.

People that use crack or cocaine often find themselves suffering from severe addiction. To seek help for this addiction, people using crack or cocaine must undergo detoxification and intensive therapy and intervention services. It can be a very difficult addiction to overcome and support is often needed in order to see progress.

As much as crack and cocaine are similar, they are different. How these substances are consumed, what kind of effects they give, and the penalties given if they are criminally charged for using them vary.

To learn more about the differences between crack and cocaine, keep reading.

Are They the Same?

There is not much that separates cocaine and crack from each other chemically. They are virtually the same substance, but the form they come in separates them.

They are both derived from the coca plant indigenous to South America and produce similar effects. The chemical found in this plant, benzoylmethylecgonine, is a central nervous system stimulant with a high risk for abuse.

Both cocaine and crack produce a euphoric feeling when consumed by people. Both affect the dopamine in a person’s body and increase the amount produced when used.

This means people will get a rush of happiness and warmth flooded over them after using, followed by a dramatic decrease as it exits. This constant rush prevents the body from making enough dopamine on its own, leading to serious lows if not using the drug.

What Is Cocaine?

Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant that is extracted from the leaves of the coca plant. It comes in a powdery form that can be snorted, rubbed on the gums, or injected into a person’s veins.

Depending on the person using and how much cocaine is consumed, the effects can set in anywhere from almost immediately to within five minutes. Highs can range from 15 seconds to 30 minutes, depending on your consumption.

At first, cocaine was being used medicinally before the understanding of its risk for abuse set in. It was used topically to help numb body parts for surgery before it was considered to be a Schedule II controlled substance.

What Is Crack?

Crack is chemically the same as cocaine, but the way that it’s created is what sets it apart. To make crack, you have to dissolve cocaine powder and mix it with baking soda, and then heat it.

The heating removes the hydrochloride from the substance completely. What results from this is a highly concentrated form of cocaine that looks like little rocks. This is a very powerful and active form of cocaine that is smokeable and produces even higher effects than cocaine.

The high from crack is much quicker than with cocaine in several ways. People experience the high faster with crack, it doesn’t last as long, but it’s often more intense. As a result of the quick effects, many users will consume high quantities of both to continue the high for as long as possible.

What Makes Crack and Cocaine Different?

We’ve established that cocaine and crack are hardly different regarding the makeup of the drugs. They are the same chemically, just in different stages of life.

The differences that surround cocaine and crack boil down to how they are viewed by society and the criminal justice system, how you use them, and what the effects of them are like.

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction to either crack or cocaine, just know there are ways to seek help. Though difficult, getting treatment for an addiction to cocaine or crack is one of the best ways to overcome your substance abuse problems.

Methods of Use

How you use cocaine and crack differs. Cocaine comes in a powdery substance that is most frequently snorted or rubbed on the gums.

It’s a very fine powder that doesn’t take too much to get you feeling the side effects. Some people inject cocaine into the bloodstream with a needle, but this isn’t the most common way to use it.

Crack is typically smoked and inhaled into the lungs. Crack can have a very powerful effect, and like cocaine doesn’t take much to get you intoxicated.

Side Effects

Some of the side effects that you get from cocaine and crack use will be very similar, like the following:

• Increased heart rate
• Increased blood pressure
• Cardiac arrest
• Dilated pupils
• Stroke
• Seizures
• Heart attack
• Mood swings
• Violent outbursts

The main differences in their side effects are related to how they are consumed. For cocaine, people will experience a runny nose, nosebleeds, difficulty swallowing, holes in their nose, and a loss of smell. People that smoke crack will have side effects like respiratory distress, cough, asthma, and an increased risk of respiratory infections.

Price Point

Cocaine is often referred to as a “rich man’s drug” because it is commonly found among more wealthy individuals. This association comes from the 1980s and Wall Street bankers and Hollywood stars.

It’s a drug often used to party and stay up all night, with bursts of energy and confidence as you continue to pump it into your system. It has maintained this idea for years and still is regarded as a very expensive drug, which is ironic for its short-lived intoxication.

On the other hand, crack was created and distributed as a cheaper alternative to cocaine. So for less money, you could experience an even more powerful version of cocaine, which flooded lower-income communities throughout the United States.

As a result of these price differences, there is also a different view on people who use crack and cocaine, even though they are virtually the same drug.

The Onset of Action and Half-Life

Both cocaine and crack are quick to respond in the body. You will feel the effects of using either of these in a short amount of time, though crack has a faster effect.

Not only do you feel the effects of crack faster, but they come in shorter bursts. Cocaine may take a bit longer to get through your system and can have a longer-lasting effect after the fact.

Cocaine effects can last up to 30 minutes, whereas crack effects usually are gone within 10 minutes. For people that want a quicker effect than cocaine, they tend to move on towards crack so that they can keep up with their needs.

Criminal Penalties

Every state has different penalties for selling and using cocaine or crack. However, the history of crack and cocaine shows a disproportionate breakdown of crack than cocaine. The penalties are often stronger and harsher for the distribution of crack over cocaine.

Not only does this target people in lower-income communities, but it paints the picture that crack is worse than cocaine use. You could easily argue that both crack use and cocaine use should be avoided and that they both have serious implications for a person’s health and safety.

Popularity

Because of the difference in penalties for crack and cocaine, more people will admit to having used cocaine over crack. In general, despite cocaine being more expensive, cocaine is regarded as the better version of the two and more likely to be consumed by people. People know you’re less likely to receive a harsh punishment if caught with cocaine over crack.

Addiction Treatment Can Help

People suffering from drug abuse and addiction do not need to be penalized. They need to be helped and given proper treatment to overcome their addiction. Seeking help is half the battle, but SOBA Recovery Center of San Antonio, Texas, offers an easy solution.

When you seek addiction treatment at SOBA, you work with our addiction specialists and therapists to come up with a treatment plan that is right for you. Everyone requires their own set of needs, and SOBA works with each individual to better understand their needs.

You can start with our inpatient services, detoxification program, and group therapy. Reach out today to a SOBA representative to learn more about what we have to offer to help you or a loved one overcome their addiction to crack or cocaine.

Sources:

Cocaine DrugFacts | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

Drug Scheduling | DEA

Crack Cocaine Fast Facts | National Drug Intelligence Center

Cracks in the System: 20 Years of the Unjust Federal Crack Cocaine Law | American Civil Liberties Union

Methadone is a drug that can be prescribed by a doctor or used illicitly off the streets. How you obtain methadone and why you use it can vary drastically, but when taken under medical supervision, it can have a lot of benefits.

There is a risk of becoming dependent on methadone, so you must be careful about how much you take and how often. If problems arise with your or a loved one’s methadone use, seek a professional treatment program.

Methadone is somewhat of a double-edged sword — while it can be beneficial for people with opioid use disorder to use it, the short- and long-term side effects can be damaging. To learn more about what methadone is and its side effects, continue reading.

What Is Methadone?

Methadone is described as a synthetic, narcotic analgesic drug that works to help relieve chronic pain. It’s a prescription painkiller that can be given out to those that experience moderate to severe pain.

While it can be prescribed to people, it has a risk of becoming addictive, so it may not be the first painkiller to be prescribed to someone. When a person has a history of substance abuse, with opiates or benzodiazepines, methadone might not be the best thing to give them.

On the other hand, methadone is often used to help people struggling with addiction to opioids wean themselves off their drug abuse. Similar to buprenorphine, methadone maintenance treatment is usually monitored by a medical healthcare provider because there is still a risk of becoming dependent on methadone, even though it can really help with opioid withdrawal symptoms.

How Does It Work?

Methadone works to change the way your brain, body, and nervous system react to pain. It can bring you a sense of pain relief while in your system, so it can be helpful for those that have undergone surgery, are experiencing chronic or acute pain, or suffer from a long-term illness.

Methadone that is prescribed will be given to a patient in an oral form, such as a tablet, powder, or liquid. It is important to stick to the exact dose of methadone (methadose) and timeline when taking methadone to lower the risk of becoming dependent on having it in your system.

What Is It Used For?

Methadone is used as a pain reliever when it’s being prescribed, but it has another purpose that is useful for those struggling with addiction. Methadone is often given to people struggling with opioid use disorder because it works to block the high that opioids like heroin, codeine, hydrocodone, morphine, and oxycodone. People trying to come off of opioids are strongly advised not to do it cold turkey but to wean themselves off it.

While methadone will still produce a high in the body, it is not as strong as other opioids. This means it can limit the chance of overdose, withdrawal symptoms, or intense cravings as you replace your opioid use with methadone.

This is often called “replacement therapy,” but it is not the end of the addiction journey. You still need to seek therapy and professional addiction treatment to see the results you want.

History of Methadone

Methadone was first used by German medics during World War II when morphine was becoming hard to get ahold of. Methadone was created by two German scientists, Max Bockmühl and Gustav Ehrhart, and was seen as less addicting than morphine.

Eventually, its use crossed over to the Allied forces, and a few years later, it was made available to the people of the United States. In the late 1940s, it was marketed as an all-purpose pain medication, but three decades later, it was approved by the FDA to treat opioid addiction and narcotic abuse.

Now, doctors can prescribe methadone for pain and as a way to help opioid users through their recovery journey.

Side Effects of Methadone

The side effects of methadone have a great range, and everyone has their own response to it. While it can be extremely helpful and useful to those in recovery, it’s important not to forget that it’s still a narcotic and has the risk of being abused. Even when a person uses methadone under their doctor’s orders, it can cause negative side effects.

Some of the mild side effects that you might experience when using higher doses of methadone are:

• Dry mouth
• Lightheadedness
• Lowered blood pressure
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Urinary retention
• Constipation
• Sexual impotence
• Drowsiness
• Headaches
• Weight gain
• Sore tongue
• Skin flushing

Some more serious side effects that you might experience during short-term use are:

• Irregular heartbeat
• Tremors
• Fainting
• Seizures
• Chest pain
• Allergic reactions
• Depressed respiratory function
• Tremors
• Death as a result of an overdose

Risk of Long-Term Use of Methadone

Methadone use is not meant to be used indefinitely. For some, it might take a little longer to wean themselves off of opioids, and methadone is there to help. However, long-term use of methadone can produce various negative side effects that will need intervention of their own.

It’s important that if you think someone is misusing their methadone, reach out and offer your support. It can be difficult to admit that you’re struggling, especially when the purpose of the medication is to help overcome your opioid addiction.

Addiction

When people are prescribed methadone for their pain, there is a risk that they can become chemically dependent on having it in their system. Addiction can happen to anyone, so if not monitored properly, you might be at a higher risk.

When methadone is taken improperly, like by snorting a powdered version of it, it can result in a high similar to that of an opioid use high. When misused in this way, addiction is more likely to occur. Methadone use alters your brain, similarly to how other opioids can change your brain and how it functions.

Psychological Effects

Methadone can directly impact your mental health, increasing the likelihood of experiencing psychological effects. People can suffer from hallucinations and delusions, making it more difficult to distinguish what is real.

As a result, people using methadone might become more paranoid and suffer from sleep disorders or suicidal ideations. It can create more anxiety and put you into a place of depression, which is why going through other forms of therapy during your methadone use can be helpful.

While methadone is a medication that can help, going through talk therapy or group therapy sessions works on a different part of your problem.

Health Impacts

Long-term use of methadone can impair your liver, kidney, nerves, and brain, with more research being done to learn more about side effects. When lab rats were tested with methadone, it was found that the rats had lower attention spans than previously. This implication might mean there is a chance of impaired concentration after prolonged methadone use.

Overdose

If people using methadone begin to change their doses on their own or take it more frequently, they are putting themselves at risk of an overdose. Even trying to quit cold turkey might send your body into shock, causing you to crave more than usual.

The signs that someone using methadone might be experiencing an overdose are:

• Breathing problems: shallow breathing or trouble breathing deeply
• A slower heart rate
• Respiratory depression
• Cold, clammy skin
• Fainting
• Weak muscles
• Small pupils
• Drowsiness
• Inability to communicate

An overdose of methadone can be fatal and will need intervention to happen immediately.

Seeking Treatment With Soba Recovery

Treating methadone addiction is similar to treating every other drug addiction here at Soba Recovery Center in San Antonio, Texas. We believe that addiction can not be treated without treating each patient as the individual that they are. When you call today, you can schedule an initial consultation that helps the staff here better understand your needs.

Everyone goes through addiction differently, so we create customized treatment plans that put your needs first. Then we can determine treatment options to move you toward success and recovery.

Whether you start inpatient and move to outpatient or start with outpatient to enter into sober living quarters, we will help you make the best decisions.

Call us to talk with a Soba representative about how we can help you through your addiction. You can start your journey toward sobriety and recovery as soon as today!

Sources:

Methadone – StatPearls | NCBI Bookshelf

Disposition Of Nasal, Intravenous, And Oral Methadone In Healthy Volunteers | NCBI

The Neurobiology of Opioid Dependence: Implications for Treatment | NCBI

Possible Harmful Effects From Prolonged Use Of Methadone | Medical News Today

If you or a loved one has ever had to endure severe pain due to an injury or surgery, they might have been prescribed Norco. Norco is the brand name for a prescription drug combination used to relieve severe pain.

When pain becomes unbearable, a doctor will usually prescribe a drug that can soothe the discomfort with more pleasurable side effects. Not everyone will be prescribed Norco; it truly depends on the severity of a person’s pain and their history with addiction.

When misused, Norco can become highly addictive and can negatively impact a person’s life. Though it can help with your pain, you don’t want to end up in the vicious cycle of opiate addiction and drug abuse.

To learn more about what Norco is, what it is used for, and what its side effects are, keep reading!

What is Norco?

Norco, similar to Vicodin, is a combination of two drugs: hydrocodone and acetaminophen. These are used to help relieve severe pain.

Hydrocodone is a schedule IIpain reliever that works on opioid receptors, similar to other controlled substances such as codeine, oxycodone, and benzodiazepines such as alprazolam. Hydrocodone will work to alter how your brain feels and reacts to pain, even sending your brain pleasure signals.

Acetaminophen is a non-opioid medication for pain relief and fever. You can find over-the-counteracetaminophen, such as Tylenol, which many use as an alternative to Ibuprofen (Advil).

Both hydrocodone and acetaminophen are analgesics, which are medicines that relieve feelings of pain. However, OTC analgesics and opioid analgesics are subject to different FDA and other regulations pertaining to prescribing and use.

It is given to a person in a capsule, a tablet, or an oral solution, usually in doses such as 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg. Like other medications that contain opioids, Norco has the potential to lead to dependence or addiction. If you or someone you know is prescribed Norco, it is important to take the correct dose each time and only for the necessary length of time.

How Do Opioids Work?

Opioids are either natural or synthetically made, but a majority of the opioids that people are prescribed for pain are synthetic. Opioids act on the central nervous system (CNS), binding to receptors in a person’s brain to help reduce pain by blocking it out.

When people use opioids, the good feelings that they get can become highly addicting. The euphoria that opioids can bring is not always easy to experience without the drugs in your system. For people more susceptible to addiction, this can be dangerous.

Trying to stop using opioids when you’ve been misusing them can result in negative side effects, so it’s important to seek help if substance abuse occurs.

What Is Norco Used For?

Norco is usually prescribed to people who have endured an injury, undergone serious surgery, have acute back pain, or suffer chronic pain. It blocks nerve impulses telling you that you are in pain so you don’t feel it while it’s in your system.

The dose you are given depends on your pain levels and should be taken based on your doctor’s orders.

Cough Suppressant/Muscle Relaxant

Another reason that someone might be prescribed Norco is as a muscle relaxant. If someone is dealing with moderate to severe muscle spasms or stiffness, Norco can help relax the muscles and reduce discomfort.

Norco can also work as a cough suppressant because hydrocodone is an antitussive that directly impacts the cough center of the brain.

Side Effects of Norco

The most common side effects of using Norco are constipation, breathing problems such as slowed breathing, respiratory depression, and urinary retention. This can even occur when taking Norco appropriately and changing the dosage once, so it’s important to stick to the appropriate amount.

Sometimes, slow breathing and urinary retention can be a sign that you are having an allergic reaction to the drug, so reach out to your doctor if there are any immediate issues.

Short-Term

If you are not using Norco for a short period of time, there are still short-term side effects that you may experience. Over time you might notice that these adverse effects go away, but new ones will pop up after long-term use.

Some short-term side effects of using Norco that you could encounter are:

• Drowsiness, sedation, tiredness
• Dizziness
• Sleepiness
• Drop in blood pressure and heart rate
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Lightheadedness
• Constipation

Long-Term

There are long-term effects that might impact you as a result of the habit-forming use of Norco. Even for people that do not abuse the drug, extended use of it could lead to the following long-term side effects:

• Abnormal nervous system function
• Allergic reaction
• Breathing problems
• Bronchospasm (tightening of the muscles that line the airways in your lungs)
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Liver damage
• Irregular heartbeat
• Hearing loss
• Possible head injury
• Life-threatening implications, such as death

If you experience any continuous side effects, you should contact your doctor immediately.

Dangers of Addiction to Norco

Due to the hydrocodone that is in Norco, the combination product has the potential to influence addiction. An addiction can begin if a person using Norco develops a physical dependence on the drug.

Getting help for an addiction to Norco might not happen right away as the person taking them might not even recognize they have an issue with the use of hydrocodone. Sometimes addiction is more obvious to those around the person struggling as the signs of addiction become easier to see.

Some people that develop an addiction to Norco also have co-occurring disorders like depression or bipolar disorder that can influence their chances of addiction.

Signs of Addiction

Before a person struggling can ask for help, they might give away signs of their addiction. When someone is dealing with addiction, their mental health, physical health, and behavior begin to change drastically.

Mental Health:

• Poor judgment and decision making
• Impaired memory
• A decline in mental health, i.e. more anxiety, severe depression
• Inability to focus or concentrate

Physical Health:

• Poor coordination and balance
• Sleep disturbances
• Drowsiness
• Slurred Speech
• The yellowness of skin or eyes
• Changes in appetite

Behavioral Changes:

• Lying or trying to deceive
• Using Norco even though they’re no longer prescribed it
• Using the drug despite the negative side effects
• Borrowing or stealing Norco from other people
• Changing their friend group
• Spending less time with family and friends
• Change in personality
• Asking for money to get more Norco

Norco Withdrawal and Overdose

When someone has become dependent on Norco, trying to quit without tapering off on your prescription can cause an adverse reaction. You may suffer from withdrawal symptoms that lead you to using again or even an opioid overdose due to using high doses of Norco.

When a person overdoses from Norco, they might have symptoms like the following. If you notice that someone is experiencing one of these symptoms, seek professional medical help as soon as possible:

• Seizures
• Losing consciousness
• Disorientation
• Slurred speech
• Clammy skin that is cold to the touch
• A blue tint near their fingertips
• Labored or shallow breathing

Withdrawal from Norco can happen slowly, getting worse before it can get better. Quitting any drug cold-turkey can be extremely difficult and dangerous, so it’s recommended that you wean yourself off of drugs and under medical supervision. When someone is dependent on a drug like Norco, it can feel like something is missing when they stop using it. The brain is unable to function properly without the drug in its system blocking the pain signals.

Signs that someone is suffering from withdrawal of Norco are:

• Excessive sweating
• Irritability
• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal cramping and diarrhea
• Muscle and bone pain
• Dilated pupils

Seeking help to go through the withdrawal process safely can expand your odds of a successful recovery. Trying to detox your body by yourself doesn’t always go as planned, and getting help is always a good idea.

Get Help With Soba Recovery

Using Norco doesn’t have to lead to addiction, but when it does, seeking treatment to overcome it can give you the best results. You don’t want to go through the withdrawal process alone, and you don’t have to!

With Soba Recovery Centers in San Antonio, Texas, you can receive 24/7 care while you overcome your addiction and work toward recovery. Here at the Soba Recovery Center, our addiction specialists will develop a personalized plan.

They will guide you through the detoxification process, start you with inpatient care, implement both group therapy and individual therapy along with medication if needed, and work with you on your own time.

To see results, you have to get to the bottom of where your addiction is coming from. Reach out to a Soba representative today to learn more about what we can offer you during your addiction recovery journey.

Sources:

Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen | NCBI Bookshelf

Bronchospasm And Its Biophysical Basis In Airway Smooth Muscle | NCBI

The Neurobiology of Opioid Dependence: Implications for Treatment | NCBI

Warning Signs of Substance and Alcohol Use Disorder | Information for Family and Friends | Indian Health Service