Consequences of Drug Abuse

What are the Consequences of Drug Abuse?

Drug addiction is a serious disease, and the long-term consequences of drug abuse aren’t just limited to chronic use. An occasional dose can impact an individual’s brain chemistry so significantly that it can affect one’s sense of reality, cause short-term memory loss, intense cravings for certain drugs, hallucinations, disorientated thinking, and even compulsive drug seeking behavior. When you don’t get help, your problem quickly gets out of hand. It is very important to search for a drug addiction recovery center or a luxury drug rehab to get you or a loved one the help that is needed to overcome a drug addiction.

Mental & Psychological Consequences

Drug abuse manifests many different mental consequences. In most cases, drug addiction leads to severe depression and emotional instability. People become withdrawn and lose interest in family and friends. They experience paranoia and believe that everyone is after them. These individuals frequently feel they are at a high risk of relapse and suffer from acute anxiety and depression.

Depression & Anxiety

Psychological consequences include depression and anxiety. Many addicts suffer from severe depression due to their substance use disorder. This can eventually lead to psychological problems like anxiety and panic attacks. Those who experience this level of depression are more likely to commit suicide. Some addicts experience guilt, thinking that they are responsible for their addiction. This leads to a second depression and can lead to substance use disorder again.

Psychosis

Psychosis is defined as “a condition in which people see and feel things that cannot normally be thought or reason.” It is a psychological disorder characterized by hallucinations and delusions. Although not all who use drugs develop paranoia and depression, a significant number do. There is no definitive way to diagnose the beginning of a psychosis condition. Some research suggests that people who abuse prescription medications may experience early onset of psychosis and depression. It is important to note that some types of drug abuse can lead to depression and psychosis if the medication used to treat those symptoms is the addictive agent.

Psychosis can be divided into two categories – organic and non-organic. Organic disorders are those that are biologically based, meaning that the body has created the problem and are generally more serious than those caused by other substances. Non-organic disorders are those that are the result of a psychological disorder that does not have a direct biological cause. Drug addiction, prescription drugs, and certain other psychologically related illnesses can result in either type of illness.

Health Consequences & Subtle Physical Consequences

Another one of the substance consequences of addiction is the health consequences. Many addicts suffer serious health problems because of their drug addictions. Cancer, organ failure, bipolar disorders, diabetes, and other physical conditions can develop as a result of abuse. Drug detoxification is often required for these types of situations. Abstinence is required during treatment so that patients do not begin to abuse again after leaving treatment. Drug abuse negatively affects the liver, cardiovascular system, and central nervous system, and can lead to different kinds of cancers. The likelihood of health problems has only increased due to the opioid epidemic that has happened over the years.

Insomnia, Weight Loss, & Increased Risk of Infections

Some of these more subtle physical consequences of drug abuse are insomnia, weight loss, lack of appetite, vomiting, loss of interest in sex, and increased risk of infections. Drug users can contract various types of infections, such as HIV, hepatitis B and associated diseases, and hepatitis C, which are treatable. In fact, it is not uncommon for drug abusers to form cystic acne, which is similar to a severe case of acne vulgaris. Acne cysts often break out on the face, neck, shoulders and back. This condition, however, is rarely deadly.

Social Consequences

Drug addiction presents many social consequences. These social consequences are usually harder to deal with and are harder to observe because they are often subtle. Social consequences of drug abuse range from having to drop out of school to getting arrested or going to jail. Each of these consequences of drug abuse is based on the individual and their relationship to drugs.

Death & Effects of Death on Loved Ones

Drug abuse has been responsible for the death of many loved ones, and drug abuse can directly cause the loss of a loved one. Addiction is not only dangerous to the user, but to the user’s family as well. The victim’s family has to suffer the effects of their loved one’s addiction, as well as the victim’s addiction. Drug rehabilitation centers have experts who have experience dealing with these issues, so if your loved one is going through this process, it is important that you do not forget about the consequences.

Getting Arrested & Effects of Arrest

An addict may get arrested for suspicion of drug addiction, possession of drugs, or selling drugs. This can make dealing with the consequences of drug addiction extremely difficult. The person may be sentenced to time in prison or may be put on probation. They may even lose their job or be fired from their job because of the charges against them. Getting arrested can also lead to a mental health crisis in which case it may be advisable to consult with a drug addiction professional immediately.

Jail Time

For drug offenses, the consequences of being arrested will always be some form of jail time. Those arrested for misdemeanor crimes may serve up to one year in jail time. Those charged with felony crimes could face jail time over four years or more. The court may impose a number of additional charges for the defendant in addition to jail time. As soon as the defendant appears in court, the court must set a date for a pretrial hearing, at which time all charges will be decided.

Conclusion

It is imperative that you seek professional help if you suspect your loved one is suffering from addiction. You will want to do a thorough examination of their medical history. You should ask for a current evaluation from a drug rehabilitation center or other facility. You should also ask your loved one to fill out a drug evaluation form that details the extent of their substance abuse. Once you have obtained all this information, you will then need to determine the type of treatment that will work best for them. Your doctor may recommend detoxification, which will help remove the drug from their body, while a more conventional program may require that they try to break their dependence on drugs without using illegal substances. Drug rehabs also offer inpatient and outpatient programs that can accommodate any addict with whatever is going on in their lives.


Opioid Epidemic

Will the Opioid Epidemic Ever End?

The opioid epidemic refers to the widespread overuse of opioid drugs, both from illicit sources and from legal prescription medicines. The epidemic started in the United States in the early 1990s and continued into the end of the decade. Over a period of time, the overdose rates of prescription opioid drugs increased dramatically, particularly in people who were already susceptible to pain due to advanced age or illness. Thus, by the mid-2000s there was a burgeoning opioid deficiency problem that was beginning to pose a significant health risk.

History of the Opioid Epidemic

The history of opioids makes clear that the pharmaceutical industry was almost completely responsible for their acceptance among Americans. This was an extremely profitable market, which involved doctors writing prescriptions in extremely large quantities. Doctors would write hundreds, if not thousands, of prescriptions for these powerful, short-term medications each month. After initially prescribing low doses to patients, the number of doctors prescribing high doses of these narcotics soon began to climb, creating a huge consumer base that was both unaware and eager for this new type of medication. By the end of the decade, more than 15 million people had prescriptions for at least one type of opioid drug, and the numbers have continued to grow throughout the history of opioids and the opioid epidemic.

Common Drugs in the Opioid Epidemic

Prescription opioid analgesics such as oxycodone and morphine are most often given to chronic patients with a debilitating or ongoing disease; they are also used by physically disabled, elderly, or mentally impaired individuals. Because these opioids can be highly addictive, their abuse requires a strong counter-narcotic such as OxyContin to produce the same effect. This creates a problem for physicians treating these patients; because they cannot prescribe doses of narcotics that will maintain their efficacy, doctors are forced to either severely ration these drugs and allow patients to become addicted, or prescribe higher doses and allow the abuse of lower doses to continue. As a result, the rising number of deaths among Americans suffering from prescription opioid addiction has begun to attract the attention of politicians, public health officials, law enforcement professionals, and others who have an interest in reducing the rising number of drug overdose deaths across the nation.

Effects of COVID-19 on the Opioid Epidemic

The sudden onslaught of this pandemic (COVID-19) provides an uncharacteristic haven for those already battling chronic pain to succumb to opiate addiction. It has pushed persons struggling with addiction to feel isolated and alone in their fight to recover, further diminishing their chances for recovery and compromising their physical and mental health even more. However, limiting access to effective pharmacological interventions can be counterproductive to a patient’s efforts to combat the opioid crisis. As more people succumb to overdose and death, the increasing demand for safe and effective medications will lead to more consolidation of these medications and an increase in public health care costs. In addition, the lack of access to healthcare providers and the ensuing rationing of scarce resources will undoubtedly strain public health resources even further.

The shortage of qualified clinicians available to address the opioid crisis will be a serious deterrent to many new patients suffering from this disease. Although there is no evidence of a connection between the pandemic and increased suicides among youth, more youth are at risk of succumbing to overdose and death if proper attention is not provided. By keeping current patients involved in the process of recovering and promoting recovery as a priority, the shortage of clinicians will not only create more counselors and therapists available to address the issue of addiction treatment in the future, but also provide an educational opportunity for new patients and their families to learn about the disease and how it can be overcome.

Conclusion

With over two million deaths related to prescription opioids in the US, it is clear that this problem is a growing crisis. From prescription strength pills to heroin and now the highly addictive pain relievers like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine, the number of deaths from these drugs is on the rise. States across the country are dealing with overloaded hospitals, substance abuse treatment centers overflowing, and individuals losing their jobs and having to fall back onto the streets. One in five people living in the United States will die from a drug overdose this year, and the numbers are steadily rising. This is leading many to wonder if the opioid epidemic will ever end. We need to take a good look at how we can expand treatment services, (including residential therapy, luxury rehab, and group therapy), increase public awareness of the dangers of using these drugs, educate doctors and pharmacists, enforce mandatory minimum jail sentences for non-medical use of narcotic opioids, and find ways to make the buying and selling of these dangerous narcotics easier than ever before


smart recovery

What should I do to Get Rid of Addictions?

What should I do to Get Rid of Addictions?

People suffering from addiction often wonder, “what should I do to get rid of my addiction?”  Although there are a few different options available, for most, a rehabilitation center that uses Smart Recovery is usually the best choice.  Drug rehab is the process of psychotherapy or medical treatment for addiction to psychoactive drugs including alcohol, prescription medicines, and street drugs like cocaine, crack, meth, heroin or methadone. Drug rehab centers offer different kinds of treatment including inpatient, day/night, residential, outpatient, short-stay rehab, long-term rehab, social work rehab, special needs rehab, marriage recovery program, group therapy and spiritual support. Each drug rehab center has its own set of procedures to provide effective treatment to drug addicts and it follows the recognized guidelines for the treatment. In addition, different methods are followed for different kinds of addiction.

Inpatient Rehab

During inpatient rehabilitation, the most common procedures followed include behavioral modification programs, group therapy, individual counseling and family therapy. Medication is also provided during inpatient rehabilitation in order to treat patients with different kinds of addictions. Substance abuse treatments include inpatient detoxification, residential treatment, outpatient treatment and short-stay residential rehab. Recovery programs include relapse prevention, cognitive behavior therapy, life skills and relapse recovery planning. These programs help in restoring the health and life of addicts and improve their coping skills for succeeding in life.

Outpatient Rehab

Out patient treatment programs offer a high degree of privacy and independence for those who are uncomfortable in a group environment. This type of program allows patients to explore their own issues without the supervision of a licensed therapist or medical practitioner. These services can also be delivered in a variety of settings including hospitals, residential treatment centers, halfway houses, outpatient treatment facilities, mental health facilities, schools, and addiction clinics. Many addiction support groups are now offering in patient recovery programs.

Addiction is a complex illness and those suffering its debilitating effects need help. They often go to great lengths to avoid contact with the substances of addiction, but without going through detoxification or treatment. Addicts have problems managing their cravings. They are often triggered by negative stimuli (such as stress, loss of a job, or a parent passing on) and are unable to resist their craving for that substance. When they try to stop, it becomes a struggle.

Smart Recovery

A good addiction recovery program addresses both the cravings and the behaviors that lead to addiction. SMART Recovery offers assistance to people seeking abstinence from alcohol and other substances of addiction. SMART Recovery is a non-profit organization that offers support to people seeking abstinence from addiction through a twelve-step program. SMART Recovery offers a variety of services, including medical consultation, social service referrals, legal counsel, and education and motivation.

A four-point program is designed to assist individuals in maintaining motivation during their recovery. These include the use of coping statements, creative activities, and activities that foster feelings of power and control. This four-step program offers tips and strategies for fighting cravings and maintaining motivation during sobriety. The SMART recovery program also offers resources that help those with addictions maintain abstinence.


A Deep Look Inside Opiate Addiction

A Look At Opiate Addiction

Opioid or opiate addiction has reached crisis levels in the United States. A common medication used to help alleviate pain is now changing into a go-to drug for an “easy high.” Sadly, using this potent substance can quickly lead to addiction.  The opiate crisis includes a variety of opium based narcotics including Heroin, Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Codeine and others

The Statistics are Scary

According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, in 2015 there were 20,101 drug overdoses associated with prescription opiate based drugs and 12,990 deaths attributed to heroin overdoses, an illegal form of opiate drugs. We have continued to see overdoses from opiates surge. This accounts for more than 2/3 of all drug overdoses that occurred that year. The Institute also cites that emergency room visits for overdoses that did not result in death has grown by 70 percent over the last decade. These startling figures show the dangers of opiate addiction.

Still Increasing

2016 figures are even more startling according to a report made by CDC Wonder, a firm who tracks overdose death rates. The report stated, “Among the more than 64,000 drug overdose deaths estimated in 2016, the sharpest increase occurred among deaths related to fentanyl and fentanyl analogs (synthetic opioids) with over 20,000 overdose deaths.”

Options for Addiction

Thankfully, there is help available. Drug rehabilitation centers can save your life offering people facing the harsh reality of an opiate addiction a way to overcome this problem and learn to live life drug free.

What Are Opiates?

Opiates and Opioids

Examples of Opiates and Opioids

Opiates are drugs made from opium. Opium is a plant based substance that has been harvested for thousands of years. One of the beneficial qualities of opium is that it has the ability to mask pain sensors in the body by interacting with receptors in the brain. The opium floods the brain with “feel good” hormones which for many people also causes a state of euphoria.

Over time the feel good hormones take more opiates to trigger. So people begin to use more drugs to achieve the same high. This can progress over time until an eventual overdose or drug related death occurs.

Opiates are highly addictive. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) a person can become addicted mentally to an opiate based drug in as little as 10 days, and physically in as little as 21 days. This is why it is imperative that anyone who uses these types of medications for a medical condition do so under strict medical guidance.

What Types Of Drugs Are Considered Opiates?

Any type of medication that is based from the opium plant or a synthetic version of opium is considered an opiate. Here are some of the more popular names associated with opiates:

  • Morphine
  • Oxycodone
  • Oxycontin
  • Hydrocodone
  • Fentanyl
  • Codeine
  • Demerol
  • Percodan
  • Percocet
  • Dilaudid
  • Methadone

Opiate Addiction Causes Significant Health Problems

When you become addicted to an opiate based drug, you put your life at risk. The opiates in the drugs slow body functions to dangerously low levels. As a result, many people who use opiates also experience health issues:

  • Heart Attack. The opiates slow the heart rate to a point where it can no longer function properly. This can lead to heart failure or heart attack.
  • Loss of Lung Function. Lungs are also impacted by opiates. Your breathing can become so slow that your lungs will have to labor hard to make sure you intake enough oxygen. Too much opiates may cause your lungs to just stop working.
  • Severe Constipation. Your intestines are continually moving to process the food that you eat. This movement helps the body digest food and absorb nutrients. When this process is slowed by the opiates, you can become constipated. Overuse of opiates can lead to severe problems that will require surgery to correct.
  • Nausea. Because your digestive system is not working properly you can experience regular nausea. This is a very common issue with opiate abuse. Sadly this often leads to people not wanting to eat to avoid the problem which in turn creates more health problems.
  • Confusion and Mood Swings. Opiates directly affect your brain chemicals. Because of this you can experience confusion, mood swings, depression, and mania.

The good news is that once you have entered rehab you can overcome and correct many of these problems. One of the main issues addressed in rehabilitation centers is how to stay healthy after you have beaten an addiction.

Overcoming Your Addiction

When you are in the grasp of an addiction it may seem like there is no way to every break the hold the substance has on your life. The good news is that if you want to break the addiction you can. Wanting to overcome a problem is the first step to success.

Working closely with a quality rehabilitation center is your next step to overcoming your addiction. You will need to choose between inpatient and outpatient treatment. You will need to choose between inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation. During rehab you will learn about the physical and mental issues that have led to your addiction or are the result of your addiction and how to make the necessary changes to overcome these problems.

Your substance abuse counselor will work with you at every level of your recovery to help ensure that you take the steps necessary to leaving your addiction behind. Whether you are in a live in program or attend recovery on an outpatient basis, your counselor will be your guide throughout the entire recovery process.

You can stop using opiates, even if you still face issues with pain. There are many alternatives now available that are just as good or better at managing the pain without the awful effects of addiction.


Non-Drug Treatment for Pediatric Migraine

Non-Drug Treatment for Pediatric Migraine

The last thing any parent wants to do is give their kid a any type of drug. But in certain circumstances, such as a migraine, that cant be avoided.  It has been reported that for somewhere between 10-28% of kids under the age of 18, many feel they have no choice.

There Are Other Options

Truth be known, many pediatric specialists do recommend other treatments before prescribing medication.  An increasing number of non-drug therapies are available for pediatric migraine sufferers. As it is true of any r alternative medicine (CAM) treatment, the physician must be a part of the team making the decisions and oversee the unique care of the pediatric patient.

Non Drug Options for Migraines

One of the most common non-drug treatment options is temperature therapy. The application of a warm or cool compress eases pain for many. Apply the hot or cold pack to the forehead and back of neck.

Getting additional sleep can  sometimes ease the suffering of adults with migraines.  We have yet to see much additional sleep therapy studies that have been directly done on children yet.  The duration of children’s migraines is usually shorter than that of an adult. It may be beneficial to have the child take a nap taken in a dark, quiet, area can eliminate some migraines altogether.

Other Options

Scheduling can be a factor in reducing the frequency of pediatric migraines. Unlike adults, who experience stress in an acute, episodic manner, children usually experience a constant stress level, particularly during the school year. Establishing a regular routine, including time to relax and an age-appropriate sleep schedule, helps many adult that deal with migraines.

Learning to fully relax has proven beneficial.  Some preliminary studies have proven successful utilizing self-hypnosis and guided imagery, is becoming the treatment of choice for recurrent pediatric migraines. Studies on the subject show that over half of the pediatric patients who learn these relaxation techniques experience less frequent migraines, but with no reduction in pain intensity when they do have one.

There are many options for pediatric migraine therapy, do not be afraid to ask the doctor about drug alternatives.

 

 

 

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St. Jude Medical Announces European Regulatory Approval of First Implanted Neurostimulation Device to Treat Chronic Migraine

CE Mark approval expands treatment options for patients suffering from the pain and disability associated with intractable chronic migraine.

According to a Business Wire press release St. Jude Medical, Inc. (NYSE:STJ), a global medical device company, today announced it has received the industry’s first and only regulatory approval for the use of an implanted neurostimulation device for patients with intractable chronic Migraine. The company received European CE Mark approval for its Genesis neurostimulation system for peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) of the occipital nerves for the management of the pain and disability associated with intractable chronic Migraine. This type of Migraine is defined as headache lasting at least four hours per day for 15 or more days per month, causing at least moderate disability, and not responding to three or more preventive drugs.

“Through my participation in this study, I have observed the life-changing potential this therapy offers chronic Migraine patients.”

You can get an idea of how the Genesis sytem would be deployed to delivery its mild electrical pulses to the occipital nerves that are located just beneath the skin at the back of the Migraineurs head.

PNS therapy for this condition involves the delivery of mild electrical pulses to the occipital nerves that are located just beneath the skin at the back of the head. A small electrical lead or leads are placed under the skin and connected to the neurostimulator which produces the pulses of stimulation.

“As a professor and practicing neurologist who works with these patients on a daily basis, I see firsthand the challenges they face in trying to manage their pain and disability and how chronic Migraine impacts their lives and their families,” said Dr. Stephen D. Silberstein, past president, American Headache Society, director of the Jefferson Headache Center, and has been a trusted advisor to MAGNUM on Migraine disease issues is the principal investigator in a recent St. Jude Medical chronic Migraine clinical trial. “Through my participation in this study, I have observed the life-changing potential this therapy offers chronic Migraine patients.”

The CE Mark approval was supported by the results of St. Jude Medical’s chronic migraine study, a randomized, double-blind, controlled study that collected data from 157 patients. On average, participants enrolled in the study suffered from (Migraine) headache 26 days per month.

The largest clinical study to date evaluating PNS to treat chronic Migraine utilized various measures including the Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) questionnaire, subjective assessment scales and daily patient diaries to report headache intensity, frequency, duration and medication use. At 12 weeks, patients in the active group reported an average of seven fewer headache (Migraine) days a month as measured by the MIDAS questionnaire compared to only a one day per month decrease in the control group (non-stimulation group). In addition, overall disability as measured by MIDAS demonstrated that participants in the active group showed a 41% improvement after 12 weeks of stimulation, compared to a 13% improvement in the control group.

Results at one year included:

  • 65 percent of patients reported excellent or good pain relief
  • 88 percent said they would recommend the procedure to someone else
  • 68 percent of patients expressed that their quality of life had improved
  • 67 percent were satisfied or very satisfied with the results of their procedure

Results of the major study endpoints were presented in abstract and poster format at the International Headache Congress in Berlin in June 2011. Study data will be submitted for publication in medical journals later this year and early 2012.

“This CE Mark is the first approval by a regulatory body for the use of neurostimulation to manage the debilitating symptoms of intractable chronic migraine and provides a new option for patients who have generally exhausted all other treatment options,” said Chris Chavez, president of the St. Jude Medical Neuromodulation Division. “For more than six years we have worked with our investigators to develop and evaluate this life-changing therapy. We will continue to work with regulatory authorities to secure approvals in order to offer this therapy option to patients throughout the world.”

Some Additional Background on St. Jude Medical Neuromodulation Division:

Three Decades of Leading-Edge Neurostimulation Technology

For more than 30 years, the St. Jude Medical Neuromodulation Division has developed new technologies to treat chronic pain and other neurological disorders. Today more than 75,000 patients in 40 countries have been implanted with St. Jude Medical neurostimulation systems. Focused on research, St. Jude Medical is developing new technologies to address a growing list of neurological disorders. Additional clinical studies are currently underway for Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, major depressive disorder, and other significant indications.

About St. Jude Medical

St. Jude Medical develops medical technology and services that focus on putting more control into the hands of those who treat cardiac, neurological and chronic pain patients worldwide. The company is dedicated to advancing the practice of medicine by reducing risk wherever possible and contributing to successful outcomes for every patient. St. Jude Medical is headquartered in St. Paul, Minn., and has four major focus areas that include cardiac rhythm management, atrial fibrillation, cardiovascular and neuromodulation. For more information, please visit sjm.com.


Drug Options for Migraine Sufferers

For many a Migraine suffer Midrin® was the first prescription a white-coat jutted down on a Rx tablet.  It was our first trip to the pharmacist to get help for a horrible health problem.  For a great deal more of us it was the first step in our health struggle to be taken serious.  God bless Ed Bergeron, former President of Carnrick Laboratories—the pharmaceutical company that created that beloved maroon capsule called Midrin.

You guessed it the company is no longer in the game, to bad as it was a great little patient first company. Mike & Terri both interview Ed in the 1990’s and Carnrick Laboratories gave MAGNUM our first small grant in 1996 as the company was very supportive of Migraine disease awareness beyond digital marketing games of any type.

After years of false starts attempting to address the fact that that for some of us our quality of life was beginning to slip away and if one more doctor told us to just take more OTCs (Over The Counter drugs) we would want to scream!

But alas we get our first Rx filled and upon our next prodrome (good move & drug working so much better) if we are Migraine literate if not we will wait till our head is splitting in half (not such a good move) and deploy that first real medicine for a life-long serious condition and to our surprise several hours later a moderate Migraine is ‘under control’.

This was a whole new experience to say the least for many of us.  Such fond memories can be found all around the nation judging by phone calls, letters,  and e-mails which is why MAGNUM likes to call this the ‘Great Midrin®’ shortage beginning several years ago and the panic began!

No, really, a real panic mind you did happen.  People were genuinely shocked when the FDA began going after the DESI drugs with the new Administration and the lead up the The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).

What direct connections there are we have no idea.  But we do know a great deal of older bio-engineered drugs are no longer with us just as we are seeing a great deal of generics disappear in the past two years.  Time will tell if this is experts clearing out the deadwood or bureaucracy being overly efficient, which often leads down a road of inefficiency turning left on ironically ally.

As far as coverage of the slow loss of Midrin from your local pharmacy there have been only a few well written articles about the subject.  Besides www.MigraineBlog.org‘s coverage our friend Migraine Health Advocate Teri Robert did some top notch coverage such as Migraine Abortive Midrin and Equivalents Update Feburary 9th, 2011. on the Migraine.com network.

Having said that let us all consider that generic Midrin is gone for good sans our friends who are compounding the cute little capsules.  Well don’t panic as we spoke to nationally renowned Migraine Expert, with an eye in alternative treatments and we are sure many readers have seen him before.  We would like you to meet Dr. Alexander Mauskop of CNN, FOX TV News, or MSNBC TV News fame?

Dr. Mauskop and MAGNUM Executive Director Michael John Coleman discussed the Midrin crisis as Director Coleman noticed Dr. Mauskop’s spend years of his life as well as  put a great deal of his own money into developing a over the counter anti-Migraine drug called “Migralex®?

Like Midrin having both abortive properties and pain fighting properties having synergy to our old friend Midrin.  But his drug Migralex® is base on magnesium, a well known Migraine fighting agent. Migralex® like Midrin® his medicine is compounded, but unlike Midrin it is compounded with aspirin an NSAID which is well known to be very effective in the correct doses. Now aspirin if over used in very large amounts every few hours by its self can be problematic you may have heard—leading to rebound headache.

But rebound is NOT an issue as you are protected from it by just following the directions and taking the FDA recommended dose every 4 to 6 hours.  We have had a great deal of positive feedback about Migralex® and it offers readers a readily available Migraine medicine to purchase online today to replace your empty Midrin bottle. You can visit Dr Mauskop’s popular Migraine Blog, and make sure you discuss with you attending physician you might have found a milder buy very effect replacement for the defunct Midrin in case you has special health issues; such as health issues with magnesium or to say aspirin.

Next on our list of replacement players up at bat is an old friend the ever popular GelStat® Migraine.  GelStat came to MAGNUM’s attention as the first over the counter Migraine drug that offered an abortive capacity for the Migraine patient.  Now we thought this was great as triptans, though very effective, are very costly. GelStat® Migraine is very effective at just $8.00 for a box of 4 separate 2ml oral doses.

Now GelStat is based on feverfew, a tried and true alternative treatment being used for Migraine for hundreds of years.  But only till recently do we have quality testing, some of which can be viewed at the GelStat website for your perusal www.GelStat.com. We also have some background on fever.  Few on our Alternative Treatment section of www.migraines.org if you are still looking for more on the plant this drug is based on.

We have some excellent feedback and we have others who this does not seem to be that effective.  Several years ago we gave a hard working auto mechanic who cannot afford time off for a bad Migraine several boxes to try.  With the exception for a severe ER Migraine he was trilled effectiveness of this odd little pill that you take sublingual (under the tongue).

We can’t believe we are giving Excedrin® Migraine a free plug but this would not be good journalism if we did not point best last replacement player if our metaphoric team is kinda short and does not look like he is major league.  Having said that we would like to draw you attention to a quality product, yes MAGNUM will say it, but with this caveat–Excedrin® Migraine can be very effect for many of us who suffer from Migraine, but only those who suffer from mild Migraines, and an occasional moderate Migraine.  But children do not try Excedrin® Migraine on a severe or god forbid on a profound Migraine because the medication will fail and you will need a triptan or an ergot in short order.  So please discuss this with your doctor, but our idea would be for Migrainuers who suffer with mild to moderate Migraines you can consider this as a full time replacement for your RIP Midrin.  But talk to you doctor about having abortive such as a triptan around to take on your breakthrough attacks.  You may be able to get by with a few samples if you severe attacks are so rare.  Which is why Excedrin® Migraine is something you may consider as you say goodbye to Midrin® for good.

Of course if someone decides to put it back in production MAGNUM will be the first to let you know.  But we have come so far, so don’t get your hope up!  So say bye bye to that that last bottle you have been holding on to, as those Midrin pills are getting pretty long in the tooth any way and they are not going back into production.  Rest in peace little maroon pill! (OK; RIP to generic maroon & white little pills too!)


migraines

Dealing with Migraines

Migraines, they are a literal pain in the head. Almost 5 millions Americans experience the burden of a migraine at least once a month. What exactly are they, and what causes them? Migraines are severe headaches that cause throbbing in one particular area of the head. Symptoms that come along with these vicious headaches include nausea and sensitivity to light, these symptoms may vary in intensity depending on the person. Although researchers are not completely certain on what causes migraines, many believe migraines involve complications with brain chemicals and nerve pathways. Omitting the past belief that migraines are caused by constricted blood vessels in the head, The Migraine Research Foundation has stated that they believe migraines are a collection of severe neauroligical symptoms as well as the fact that they are confident that there is more they can do for the victims of migraines.

Migraine Diagnosis

Migraines are usually self-diagnosiable, but for others who can not diagnose themselves, doctors can run blood tests as well as MRI or CT scans to further explore the issue. Once a patient is diagnosed with migraines, they are offered a wide variety of treatment options such as pain relievers and  caffeine combination drugs. Although these treatments may not completely omit the pain of migraines or the chances of getting another one, it does lower the risks. Patients can also try just simply relaxing and trying to get a full eight hours of sleep every night. Home remedies that may help reduce the pain of migraines include natural oils such as peppermint oil and basil oil. Peppermint oil helps open and close vessels, as many migraines are often caused by poor blood flow. Basil oil is a natural muscle relaxant, so it aids in relaxing tight muscles in the head.

Who Gets Migraines?

Migraines are unfortunately heredity, so it is important for families to know how to manage their migraines, if it does happen to be in their genes.If either parent gets migraines there is a 50-75% chance that their child will as well.  Families may be able to target who inherited the migraine gene by talking about family member’s past history with migraines. Understanding how others helped ease the pain of their migraines, may aid victims for their future head aches. This may also help victims be alert and aware as to what triggers these severe head aches as well as what symptoms come along with them. Those living with the trouble of migraine are also encouraged the keep a headache diary that includes triggers and symptoms along with the consistency of their migraines.

Personal Experiences with Migraines

I personally have had many traumatic experiences with migraines. My attacks would last about a week and gradually get worse day by day until it was so excruciating that I could not leave my bed. I would have to put up black out curtains in my room and stuff my head inside my pillows. Even the slightest noise or shining lights brought so much pain to me that even thought of standing up upset my stomach. I could not eat for my stomach was so nauseated, and even if I attempted to, I would just throw my food back up. One of the things that helped me during this times was BC powder, a powder formula that contains 845 mg of aspirin and 65 mg of caffeine. Although it took me a long time to discover this wonderous powder, I was very glad that I did.  The pain from a migraine can justifiably be bad enough to drive someone to take heavy drugs and end up in a rehab. This seemed to be the only thing that could ease the pain of my headaches. Although this worked for me personally, this may not be the best option for other migraine victims. Many people prefer more natural treatments such as massage therapy or natural oils as I mentioned earlier. Another effective option is increasing vitamin and mineral intake. Many people say that acupuncture, a form of alternative medicine where thin needles are inserted into the body, works for them. Studies show that acupuncture helps relieve the pain of migraines by increasing blood flow and stimulating nerves and muscles. In contrast to that, many people belief pain medications work best for them. Anti-seizure medications such as valporic acid and torpiramate reduce migraine chances because they contain neurotransmitters. Some people prefer the all natural way, while others would rather pain relief drugs. It all depends on the person and how severe their migraines are as well as what works best for them.

Conclusion

In overview, migraines are very burdensome and the 6th most disabling disease in the United States. Many people are still trying to learn about what triggers their migraines as well as how to treat them properly. Although the chance of getting another migraine may be very troubling to those who have had one of this terrible headaches, there is hope for victims as researchers are studying more on what causes them and how to properly treat them.

 


living drug free

Drug Rehabilitation Program Benefits

Drug Rehabilitation Programs

There is nothing to be ashamed of when looking for a drug rehab clinic. In fact, you are taking a brave step in overcoming your addiction by finding an accredited rehabilitation center. From inpatient rehab to outpatient rehab, there are so many benefits and ways to find the best treatment center to meet all your needs. While you may not be in the best state of mind, there is also no shame in asking friends or loved ones for help. In fact, they can help find the best center, along with comparing online reviews and industry testimonials. Remember, drug rehab help is also about emotional and moral support from your family members and friends.

Rehab Center Services

alcohol addictionWhether dealing with alcohol addiction or substance abuse, local rehab centers are committed to helping you get your life back. This is done via proper nutritional guidance, along with personal counseling, group counseling, activities, and medicines that help the body and mind recover from substance abuse. Drug rehab centers feature compassionate and caring doctors, nurses, mental-health experts and staff. Each team member plays a key role in helping you cope and overcome your addiction. Form anxiety and depression to drugs and alcohol, each program is customized and designed specifically to help you tackle and defeat addiction!

Which Rehab Center to Go With?

Finding a good and reputable drug rehab center does not have to be hard. Again, you should reach out to loved ones and friends that can help you. Remember, your family members and friends love you and will always be there every step of the way. By simply acknowledging that you have a drug addiction – that is literally winning half the battle. These centers not only help you medically and mentally, they can truly change your life at every turn. In fact, with guidance counselors and physicians – drug rehab teams are able to help you avoid triggers that lapses back into addition.

This is done by:

•    Educating and informing you on the best ways to avoid alcohol, drugs, tobacco or other harmful substances.
•    Teaching you how to love yourself, while reconnecting with your body, mind, spirit and soul.
•    Embracing your beliefs, ethics and morals – never judging you – and helping you become a strong-minded and independent person that will no longer need “crutches” to combat daily trials and tribulations of life.
•    Helping you improve your health with proper eating habits, rest, exercise, activities, and staying positive even in the most negative situations!

Getting Help

The single most important thing is admitting you need help.  Admitting you need help can be the most challenging part but is an important first step. Once you have broken down that interior barrier with yourself, you can start on the road to recovery.