opioid addiction Archives

What Is Narcan?

Posted on September 28, 2023 by Xavia Malcolm

Naloxone, also known by the brand name Narcan, is a Food and Drug Administration-approved medication that can rapidly reverse an overdose from opioids such as oxycodone, fentanyl, methadone, or heroin. It is an opioid antagonist that works by blocking the effects of these drugs on the brain and restoring normal breathing.

An opioid overdose can occur as a result of illicit drug use, when a person accidentally takes an extra dose of their prescription, or when someone mixes opioids with certain medications or alcohol.

Naloxone should be given immediately to someone who is showing signs of an opioid overdose, and 911 should also be called right away. Signs of an overdose include:

Breathing that is slow, abnormal, or has stopped
Bluish nose or lips
Discolored fingernails
Pin-point sized pupils
Cold or clammy skin
Not waking or responding to touch or voice

Naloxone can be administered by nasal spray, or it can be injected under the skin or into the muscle. It can also be given intravenously. This medication is often used by paramedics, emergency medical technicians, or police officers. Families or loved ones of those who struggle with addiction to opioids are also encouraged to have naloxone nearby.

There are a few things to keep in mind when using naloxone:

Naloxone is only effective if opioids are present in the body; therefore, it cannot be used to reverse an overdose caused by other drugs such as cocaine.
Naloxone is a temporary treatment that works to reverse an overdose in the body for only 30 to 90 minutes. Therefore, a person may still experience the effects of an overdose after the medication has worn off. This is why it’s important to call 911.
Multiple doses of naloxone may be needed for stronger opioids like fentanyl.
A person should be monitored constantly after naloxone is given and until emergency care arrives.

According to the New York City Department of Health, New Yorkers can get naloxone without a prescription at community programs throughout the City. A list of these programs can be found by visiting health.ny.gov/overdose or calling 311. The agency also provides a list of participating pharmacies on its website, nyc.gov/health/map.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Reflections Treatment Program utilizes a holistic model to treat addiction. To learn more about our program or schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5078.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Everything You Need To Know About Fentanyl

Posted on February 7, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Fentanyl is a type of synthetic opioid used in pharmaceutical products to manage pain. It is also one of the main contributors to the ongoing epidemic of opioid overdose deaths, which have accounted for nearly 75% of all drug overdose deaths in recent years.

Drug dealers often sell fentanyl mixed with other drugs such as heroin, methamphetamine, and MDMA, as it is a cheaper ingredient for producing a stronger high compared to other substances. This can make an overdose more likely, as many buyers may not be aware that fentanyl is present as an additive in their drugs and may not be able to physically handle its strong effects.

Fentanyl is also approved as a legitimate prescription treatment for severe pain, particularly due to late-stage cancer. Its effects can be as much as 100 times stronger than morphine, another drug frequently used for pain management, and may include extreme happiness, sedation, breathing problems, and unconsciousness.

As a result of its potency, fentanyl can be very addictive, potentially resulting in dependency even for people who have been prescribed this drug. If a person becomes dependent on fentanyl and stops taking it, they may experience withdrawal symptoms such as sleep problems, severe cravings, diarrhea and vomiting, muscle and bone pain, and cold flashes.

If addiction occurs, it can be treated through a combination of medication and behavioral therapy. Some of the most frequently-used medications for treating fentanyl addiction include methadone (which eases withdrawal symptoms and cravings), buprenorphine (a partial agonist which creates similar effects as methadone), and naltrexone (which blocks the effects of fentanyl by preventing it from attaching to opioid receptors).

In the event of a fentanyl overdose, naloxone can block the drug’s effects when administered rapidly, but may require multiple doses. It is typically available as an injectable solution or nasal spray. In New York City, you do not require a prescription to get naloxone. If you have any naloxone, administer it, then immediately dial 911 for emergency medical services.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with fentanyl-related substance abuse problems, Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Division of Addiction Services can offer a safe place to experience drug withdrawal in our Chemical Dependence Unit and take the first steps toward recovery from addiction in our Reflections treatment program.

To learn more about our Chemical Dependence Unit, please call (718) 670-5693 or (718) 670-5540. For more information about our Reflections program, please call (718) 670-5078.

Prescription Opioid Addiction Among Young Adults

Posted on November 9, 2021 by Xavia Malcolm

It is crucial for parents and young adults to know the facts about opioids so that they can better understand how these drugs can negatively affect a person’s health and quality of life.

Here are six important facts families should know:

Opioids are narcotic medications that are prescribed to treat mild to severe pain.
Some of the most common types of opioids are fentanyl, hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine tramadol and codeine.
Opioids work by reducing the intensity of pain signals being transmitted to the brain. They interact with opioid receptors in the brain to produce pain relief and feelings of euphoria.
Misusing opioids can result in the development of a chemical dependency on these drugs. Misuse may occur when a person is taking opioids long-term, is taking more than what was prescribed, or is taking them for non-medical reasons.
It is common for teens to mix prescription opioids with other substances such as alcohol. A study revealed that seven out of ten teens combined opioids with additional substances and 52% within this group co-ingested prescription pills with alcohol. This behavior puts teens at a higher risk for overdose.
Some of the warning signs of opioid abuse include; anxiety attacks, depression, improved alertness, increased energy, a decrease in appetite, fatigue, nausea, constipation and breathlessness.

There are several steps one can take to prevent or reduce the chances of prescription opioid misuse, they include; keeping medication locked up or keeping track of medication to ensure pills are not missing, correctly disposing of unused medication, monitoring your loved one’s behavior while they are taking medication and communicating with your doctor about not exceeding the recommended time period for pain treatment.

There are several treatment options available which include medication and counseling. Your physician or mental health counselor will determine which treatments are best for a healthy recovery.

To schedule an appointment with Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Addiction Service Division please call 718-670-5078.

National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week – Prescription Opioid Facts

Posted on January 24, 2020 by Xavia Malcolm

Prescription opioid abuse among teens living in the United States has become a major public health concern. In fact, many national health organizations have declared that the U.S. is in the midst of an opioid epidemic.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that the use of these drugs among young adults has more than doubled and the number of opioid- related deaths has quadrupled in recent years. The CDC, along with other health organizations such as the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), hope to reduce these statistics by increasing education among teens and their families.

It is crucial for parents and young adults to know the facts about opioids so that they can understand how these drugs can negatively affect a person’s health and quality of life. Here are six important facts families should know:

Opioids are narcotic medications that are prescribed to treat mild to severe pain.
Some of the most common types of opioids are fentanyl, hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine tramadol and codeine.
Opioids work by reducing the intensity of pain signals being transmitted to the brain. They interact with opioid receptors in the brain to produce pain relief and feelings of euphoria.
Misusing opioids can result in the development of a chemical dependency to these drugs. Misuse may occur when a person is taking opioids long term, is taking more than what was prescribed or is taking them for non-medical reasons.
It is common for teens to mix prescription opioids with other substances such as alcohol. A recent study revealed that seven out of ten teens combined opioids with additional substances and 52% within this group co-ingested prescription pills with alcohol. This behavior puts teens at a higher risk for overdose.
Some of the warning signs of opioid abuse include; anxiety attacks, a sudden improvement in self-esteem, depression, improved alertness, increased energy, a decrease in appetite, fatigue, nausea, constipation and breathlessness.

There are several steps one can take to prevent or reduce the chances of prescription opioids misuse, they include; keeping medication locked up or keeping track of medication to ensure pills are not missing, correctly disposing unused medication, monitoring your loved one’s behavior while they are taking medication and communicating with your doctor about not exceeding the recommended time period for pain treatment.

If your loved one is addicted to prescription opioids it is highly recommended that you have an honest conversation with them about harmful effects that could potentially lead to death. Reassure them that you are here to help and not to judge them. Seek help from a trained medical professional immediately. There are several treatment options available which include medication and counseling. Your physician or mental health counselor will determine which treatments are best for a healthy recovery.

For further information and resources about opioid addiction and treatment, please visit the NIDA’s website www.drugabuse.gov.