Medical Consequences

New Street Drug W-18 Is Probably Not An Opioid

Although many have been describing the new street drug W-18 as an opioid, and although illegal drug manufacturers have been using it as a fentanyl substitute, recent news suggests that it is most likely not an opioid. What Is W-18? W-18 was originally found in drug products in Sweden in 2014 and later in Canada in 2015. Fake OxyContin pills are usually laced with the opioid fentanyl, but in a recent drug bust in Calgary they were instead laced with W-18, an analgesic. These pills are sometimes referred to as “beans” and/or “shady 80s.” It is presumed that, since there …

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Alcohol is Bad for Pregnant Women

The children’s rhyme makes it seem so simple: first comes love, then comes marriage, then comes the baby in a baby carriage. Of course this perfect image isn’t always a reality. The hope and expectation is a happy, healthy, bouncing little baby in your arms, but what happens when something, God forbid, goes wrong? Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to many different issues that can hurt both mother and baby, and we strongly urge pregnant women to seek treatment if needed. For decades there has been published advisory information stating that alcohol is bad for pregnant women. A government …

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Does Ecstasy Cause Susceptibility to Infection?

There has been much debate on whether or not ecstasy, also known as methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), is capable of causing susceptibility to infection. The evidence of infection is suggestive, but not entirely conclusive. Researchers have been studying the immune cell responses of rodents exposed to ecstasy. In these experiments, there seems to be a reduction in the capabilities of two immune responses: one that is genetically encoded and another that adapts to evolving pathogens (the adaptive immune response).   How the Immune System Works T cells, for example, are a group of cells involved in the adaptive immune response that seem …

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Top Seven Misconceptions About Opioid Abuse in Chronic Pain

Panic and confusion about the opioid endemic are causing the rapid spread of misinformation throughout the United States. Here we debunk some of the most common misconceptions about opioid abuse, especially as it relates to chronic pain.   1. “Addiction” is the same as “physical dependence” or “tolerance.” Addiction is a disease made up of both physical and psychological components. It may include physical dependence or tolerance, but these elements are not required. Physical dependence is characterized by withdrawal symptoms upon cessation, or by the development of tolerance in which an increase in substance use is necessary to achieve an …

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Binge Drinking: An Exposé

What is binge drinking? Binge drinking is a popular form of excessive alcohol use, which the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines as “a pattern of drinking that brings a person’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08 grams percent or above.” For a typical American adult male, this translates to drinking 5+ servings of alcohol in two hours. For a typical American adult female, this translates to drinking 4+ servings of alcohol in two hours. A serving of alcohol is any drink that contains 0.6 fl oz of pure alcohol. The following portions count as a single serving …

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Doctors Can Do More to Fight Addiction

Physicians are being asked to change their practices and their mentalities regarding prescription painkillers. Opioids have revolutionized the way we treat pain in America, but they have also brought on a plethora of dangers and negative consequences. Doctors need to consider each patient’s addiction risk factors and medical needs thoroughly before pulling out the prescription pad. Monitoring and follow-up care should be required for every patient, and access to anti-addiction medication (such as Buprenorphine) must be made available to all who need it. Until physicians make these changes, the opioid endemic is going to continue. Read more here: http://www.bloombergview.com/articles/2016-03-31/doctors-can-do-more-to-fight-addiction

CDC Guidelines for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain

The CDC recently released their guidelines regarding opioid prescriptions for individuals with chronic pain. The opioid endemic is, of course, concerning and requires immediate attention, but not in the form of restricting access to treatment. Individuals with chronic pain need and deserve appropriate care; they should not be forced to jump through hoops for their health. Read More Here

How Do I Know If I Need Drug Addiction Treatment?

Addiction is a difficult disease to define. When does therapeutic drug use cross over into abuse? What is the difference between frequent social drinking and alcohol use disorder? Should comfort-seeking drug use (such as mild-sedative ingestion before bed every night) be considered a disorder? The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) has acknowledged the difficulty at hand, and set forth guidelines to help users know when to seek help, and to help physicians make accurate diagnoses. Prior to the publication of the current DSM-5, the manual distinguished between abuse and dependence in terms of severity, with “abuse” being …

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What are the Benefits of Antioxidants?

Substance-use exerts a large amount of physical stress on the human body. Drugs take precedence over basic necessities during active addiction, so health often falls by the wayside. Malnourishment, for example, causes the body to function improperly due to a lack of essential nutrients. Some drugs create the illusion of “fullness” so the body doesn’t convey to the brain that it needs sustenance. Some drugs nurture such a strong dependence that users forget to eat or simply aren’t motivated enough to find nutritious food options. Poor diet can cause damage to the digestive system, resulting in indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, etc. …

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December 2015’s Dream Journal

Dream Journal Volume XXXV / December 2015 Note from Dr. B. The holidays can be a difficult time for individuals in recovery: frustrating family members, crazy Christmas parties, stressful shopping trips, etc. You don’t have to let the season get you down though! There are plenty of ways to stay centered and sober during the winter season. Make sure to listen to your body and avoid letting yourself get hungry. Maintain a regular meal plan full of nutritious fruits and vegetables. Eating a plateful of cookies may seem like a good idea when you’re at an event, but the inevitable …

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