prescription drugs

Benzodiazepines

April 21, 2018 // by Aton Center

The first benzodiazepine was chlordiazepoxide and it was introduced in 1960 to treat insomnia, general anxiety disorder (GAD), seizures, and alcohol withdrawal and panic attacks.

Benzodiazepines work by enhancing the effect of the neurotransmitter GABA. The drugs contain chemicals that aid in the calming effect already produced by the human body and keep the brain in a more tranquilized state.

Common name brands include:

Alprazolam (Xanax)
Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
Clobazam (Onfi)
Clonazepam (Klonopin)
Clorazepate (Tranxene)
Diazepam (Valium)
Estalazom (ProSom)
Flurazepam (Dalmane)
Lorazepam (Ativan)
Midazolam (Versed)
Oxazepam (Serax)
Temazepam (Restoril)
Triazolam (Halcion)

Benzodiazepines are controlled substances and a classified schedule IV drug. When combined with other drugs or alcohol there is a significant drug interaction leading to a synergistic effect. (Synergism is the combined effect of adding similar types of drugs together, but their sum is greater than if the drug was used individually.) Benzodiazepines and alcohol, which are both depressants, when taken together can be deadly. Benzodiazepines overdoses are very common; however the incidence of death from an overdose when the drug is used by itself is rare.

There are three different classes of benzodiazepines: Short-acting – Triazolam, intermediate-acting – Alprazolam and long-acting – Diazepam.

The use of Benzodiazepines for more than 3-6 weeks may lead to physical cravings and tolerance. Long-term use 6-12 months could lead to addiction. Benzodiazepine withdrawal can begin within 2-3 days after cessation. Signs and symptoms can include:

Anxiety
Autonomic hyperactivity, e., diaphoresis, tachycardia
Grand mal seizures
Hand tremor
Insomnia
Nausea or vomiting
Psychomotor agitation
Transient auditory, tactile, or visual hallucinations or illusions

Benzodiazepines should be tapered off by a doctor or a hospital over a period of 4-6 weeks. However, complete withdrawal may take months to years. If someone has become dependent on benzodiazepines, it is crucial that they do not suddenly stop cold turkey.

Flumazenil – Has been used as an antidote in the treatment of benzodiazepine overdoses. It reverses the effects of benzodiazepines by competing with the benzodiazepine on the binding site of the GABA_A receptor. Flumazenil is used to reverse the sedative effects of a benzodiazepine during surgery or other procedures. Flumazenil is also used to treat benzodiazepine overdose.

It is very difficult to recover from benzodiazepine addiction because these drugs change the chemistry of the brain. Contact a drug addiction treatment center if you or a loved one is suffering from an addiction.

References:
reference.medscape.com
medicalnewstoday.com

Johnina Noar, CADC-II
AToN Center 888-535-1516

Declaration of the Opioid Crisis as a Public Health Emergency

November 1, 2017 // by Aton Center

On Thursday Oct 26th, President Donald Trump declared the Opioid Crisis a Public Health Emergency. How did we get here? In 2016, according to the CDC, more than 64,000 people died from opioid-related drug overdoses. In particular, the offenders are strong synthetic opioids such as fentanyl that are lethal even at small doses.

Most experts agree that what is needed is greater prevention through education and reforms in prescribing or pharmaceutical practices, resources to provide life-saving treatment in the event of an overdose, and expanded availability of substance abuse treatment. Declaring the Opioid Crisis a Public Health Emergency does a few things.

First, it draws public attention to the severity of this crisis. The extent of the crisis is, in some communities, literally overwhelming their resources. This declaration also allows for some practical changes: the hiring of additional personnel, and increased access to telemedicine services that are essential in rural communities or other areas where people do not have easy access to a doctor. It will also make it easier for grant money to be funneled to the crisis. What this declaration does NOT do is it does not free up money from the federal disaster relief fund to combat the crisis.

We are staying tuned to see what action lawmakers might take to free up additional money for opioid treatment and other essential responses to this crisis.

Kirsten Helgager, PsyD
Psychologist
AToN Center 888-535-1516

Understanding the Opioid Addiction Epidemic

May 6, 2017 // by Aton Center

Everyone knows there is an Opioid Epidemic, but what continues to surprise me is the abundance of legally prescribed opioid use. From my own experience and from the voices of clients, it happens frequently that people are offered and even encouraged to use opioids for problems small and large.

Of course, there are situations that may call for the appropriate use of opiates, but it seems to me that general practitioners often overprescribe this class of medications even when patients don’t ask for them.

The linked npr article shows that 57% of people polled had used opioids, up 7% from the same poll in 2011. With the public awareness increasing around the opioid epidemic it is baffling that this number is increasing, rather than decreasing. As cited there are guidelines for primary care physicians that should be followed for general use. But unfortunately for those in recovery the responsibility is still on the patient to disclose their recovery status and be assertive in requesting alternatives, not a simple feat especially when sick and/or in pain.

Our recommendations- make sure you are prepared for these conversations and circumvent these conversations by telling your providers that you are in recovery. Additionally, working with a Primary Care Physician who has an understanding of addiction and a willingness to support you in recovery is crucial.

Leslie Sanders Psy.D. PSY25665
Program Director
AToN Center 888-535-1516

The Nation’s Prescription Drug & Heroin Epidemic – The State of the Union

January 14, 2016 // by Aton Center

President Obama’s final State of the Union earlier this week made mention of our nation’s prescription drug and heroin epidemic. He insinuates that he will be tackling drug addiction in the upcoming year prior to leaving office, although does not clarify his intentions. Perhaps his efforts will focus on providing better, more accessible treatment?

Or increased oversight of insurance companies to safeguard that they are actually providing the care promised in their benefit summaries, instead of the trend that we see of frequent denials and refusal to reimburse. Now that over 90% of Americans have health insurance, they should be able to use it! I remain skeptical, but I am happy to see addiction getting the attention that it deserves and being brought to the forefront among national security, cancer, and climate change.

Leslie Sanders, Psy.D.
Program Director
AToN Center 888-535-1516

8 Rights of Medication Administration

July 15, 2014 // by Aton Center

A recent article on CNN (found here) claims that 40% of parents incorrectly measured the dose prescribed by their doctor while administering medication to their children. Remember, if it is yourself or someone else, the 8 Rights of Medication Administration should always be followed.

Rise in Overdoses

February 21, 2014 // by Aton Center

Rise in Overdoses, Addiction Overdoses

People are starting to notice a problem. It’s hard not to notice the “heroin crisis,” when celebrities like Philip Seymour Hoffman overdose. It’s hard for parents to ignore when news reports tell us that high school students are helping each other shoot up in school locker rooms. Or when Governor Shumlin of Vermont devotes nearly his entire 2014 State of the State Address to the rising heroin use in Vermont.

Although various media outlets debate if there has been a recent spike in IV heroin and prescription opioid usage, it is clear that drug addiction is rampant throughout our country. In 2011, 4.2 million Americans (over the age of 11!) had tried heroin at least one time, with an estimated 1/4 of those people who experimented, becoming dependent (www.drugabuse.gov).

Many speculate that increased restriction on prescription opioids (Oxycontin, Vicoden, Norco, etc.) has led to an increase in heroin use. Many addicts acknowledge that it is just cheaper and easier to get heroin on the street versus trying to obtain prescription pills. Nearly 50% of young people using IV heroin say that their addiction began by abusing prescription opioids (www.drugabuse.gov).

Again there is variability in the numbers, but many sources indicate a rise in overdoses, especially those linked to pill-form opioids. The CDC reports approximately 40 deaths per day nationally. Statistics in many states suggest that the number of overdoses have doubled in recent years, including in California (carliforniareport.org).

As it becomes apparent that here is a huge problem, we are left with the question of “what can we do about it?” Many of you reading this may be in recovery or know of someone who may need help with his or her addiction. There are numerous ways to get involved, including volunteerism, political activities, or just offering support to someone you know is struggling. At AToN Center our goal is to be a resource to anyone in need. We are happy to help you or your loved one navigate the insurance process, and/or recommend community providers, even if you are not ready to enroll in AToN Center’s intensive program.

If you do think that you or a loved one could benefit from an intensive 30-day program, offering an integrated approach that focuses on changing thoughts and behaviors, please call us!

Dr. Leslie Sanders, PsyD
Program Director
AToN Center 888-535-1516

National Prescription Take Back Day

April 23, 2012 // by Aton Center

English: The Seal of the Drug Enforcement Administration (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It’s that time again. National prescription take back day is this Saturday. Think of it as spring cleaning that could save a life. Many individuals begin their addictions with experimental pill use taken from home medicine cabinets, and …it is commonplace for people with addictions to search medicine cabinets for pills to abuse. Be responsible and do a thorough search for controlled medicines in your home and take them to the nearest drop center which can be found through this link to the DEA sponsored drop sites. Drops are made with no questions asked.

Take action this Saturday! Through this simple act you could save a life and prevent an addiction from ever starting. And remember another National Prescription Take Back Day will be held September 29, 2012.

Most Common Substance Addictions Afflicting Americans Each Day

April 18, 2012 // by Aton Center

Drug abuse has plagued the United States for centuries, and it continues to endanger the lives of children and adults alike. Fortunately, there is a way out for those who have developed a dependence on drugs and alcohol. If you are interested in learning about the most commonly abused substances in America, then review the information below.

•Marijuana – There is controversy surrounding the opinion that marijuana is an addictive drug. However, statistics show that it acts as a gateway drug to more addictive substances. Marijuana can also interfere with a person’s life in many of the same ways as other addictive substances. For example, it slows users down, inhibits their ability to react appropriately to situations, and can lead to a variety of lifestyle changes.

•Alcohol addiction can start during childhood or late in life. Those who begin drinking during childhood typically start around the age of 12, and become full alcoholics by their early 20s. These users usually turn to alcohol because they have poor coping skills and may struggle to make friends, while adults who develop a dependence on alcohol usually do so as a way to deal with stress from a divorce, post-traumatic stress disorder, a demanding job or a variety of other reasons.

•Heroin – Heroin is a powerful opiate that is considered to be one of the most dangerous drugs in the world. Users risk experiencing overdose and respiratory failure, long-term health problems, and the contraction of HIV/AIDS. Heroin is a highly addictive drug, and as such, it is the most commonly abused substance in the world.

•Prescription Drugs – The Internet has made it easier than ever to obtain access to prescription drugs, which is why prescription painkillers have become the popular drug of choice among teens. Drugs like Vicodin and OxyContin are highly addictive, and can often be found in your home medicine cabinet. When abused, these prescription painkillers can be just as dangerous and deadly as heroin.

If you or a loved one is in need of help to overcome an addiction. We’re a full-service support and treatment center that offers collaborative and motivational counseling, holistic healing activities, and more.

Patricia Brady, AToN Center Co-founder
888-535-1516

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