Month: May 2015

A: An opiate is a natural and synthetic narcotic analgesic that depresses the central nervous system. Collectively, natural and synthetic opiates are called opioids. Opioids are derived from opium which comes from the poppy plant. Opioids provide pain relief as well as extreme euphoria, if abused

A: Opiates are typically prescribed for pain relief. Common opiates are Vicodin®, OxyContin®, Percacet®, Demerol®, Opana®, Daron®, Norco®, Lomotil®, hydrocodone, oxycodone, codeine, morphine, and Fentanyl. For a full list of opiates, including brand and slang names, please visit our Opioid Definitions page.

A: No. Whether you started taking opiates for pain or for recreation, your addiction is not your fault. These drugs can chemically take a hold of your body and push you to take more and more. Similar to a dandelion in a garden, what starts out as a pleasant surprise that you did not plant … Continue reading Q: Am I a failure for being addicted?

A: Opioids, when abused, can make the body physically dependent on the drug and even require more as the body grows a tolerance.  Medication can either help suppress the symptoms of withdrawal and inhibit the effects of opiates, such as Suboxone, or just block the effects of opiates, such as Vivitrol.

A: Yes. Suboxone and other buprenorphine medication is a very viable solution for those that don’t want to deal with the daily routine of Methadone. Due to the long lasting nature of methadone, the transition to buprenorphine is different than other opiates. Learn about our Methadone Conversion program at our Brightside Programs page.

A: Yes. Buprenorphine has been clinically proven to treat opiate addiction while pregnant. At Brightside, we specialize in treating woman during pregnancy. Contact us to learn more about our pregnancy program at Brightside Programs.