Category: Australia

Oxycodone vs. Hydrocodone.

Narcotic painkillers are often in the news these days. While some feel doctors over-prescribe, some people need such strong medications to deal with chronic intense pain. It seems there should be a happy medium, but one has not yet been found. Two medications that are both commonly prescribed and recognizable by name are oxycodone and hydrocodone. Both narcotics are prescribed for chronic pain management. What is the difference in these two drugs and is one superior to the other? Read on to learn more.

Oxycodone

Oxycodone is a prescription medication that is used to treat moderate to severe pain. This medication comes in extended release tablets and capsules. Treats those who need pain medication around the clock and cannot be served by other pain medication types. Oxycodone is often available with a combination of acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen for added effectiveness.

Though there are reasons to use oxycodone, there are also side effects. Common side effects include dry mouth, stomach pain, drowsiness, headache, mood changes, and flushing of the skin. Worse side effects and those that can be seen with abuse or overdose. You can expect changes in heartbeat, agitation, hallucinations, nausea, vomiting, weakness, dizziness, sexual disfunction, rash, itching, and swelling of the face or extremities. Overdose symptoms may also include slowed breathing, weak muscles, and loss of consciousness. The medication Naloxone can stop the effects of Oxycodone by blocking the medication. However, if Naloxone is used, 911 was be called immediately.

Hydrocodone

Hydrocodone is also a narcotic used to relieve severe pain. It is used in much the same way as Oxycodone for those who need around the clock pain relief and cannot use other medications. Hydrocodone, much like Oxycodone comes in tablet or capsule form. It can be combined with other medications such as acetaminophen. Also like Oxycodone, this medication has a host of side effects. Side effects include stomach pain, tiredness headaches, ringing in the ears, muscle tightening, and foot, ankle, or leg swelling. More serious side effects include chest pain, hallucinations, nausea, loss of appetite, and weakness, as well as difficulty swallowing or breathing. Naloxone can also be used to treat an overdose of Hydrocodone.

Which is Best

There are a lot of similarities between Oxycodone and Hydrocodone. With so many similarities being good and bad. However, which is the best when treating pain?

If your dealing with chronic pain, anything that offers relief would be considered effective. However, some studies show that Oxycodone is about 1.5 times stronger than Hydrocodone when used in combination with acetaminophen. Unfortunately, the stronger effectiveness makes it more likely to cause addiction. While both described drugs are highly addictive, anything with extra strength makes the probability of addiction even stronger. So the honest answer is that neither of these medications are extremely safe. While their use may be prescribed and in some cases necessary, they can be dangerous to the user.

Seeking Help

If you take and have become addicted to your prescription of Oxycodone or Hydrocodone, seek help. These are not medications that can be stopped cold turkey, nor should they be continued not monitored. Help can be found at centers such as DARA for any addiction. Whether to a prescription medication or otherwise. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if needed, you are worth the effort.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment.

Driving and Over-the-Counter Medications.

Safety for Over the Counter Medications

When most people think of over the counter medications, they think they are safe. It would seem to be common sense that a medication that is sold in nearly every store would be totally safe for use. While most will realize you should not drive after taking a night time medication, many do not realize that day time medications such as cold medications, can also alter your ability to function properly. In fact, each over the counter medication has a drug fact area on it that reminds you of the possible side effects of operating machinery. Including cars, if taking that particular brand. It may seem odd to say, but OTC medications are serious and their risks can increase if not used exactly as indicated on the label.

In some cases, the medication effects may only be short term, lasting an hour or two. However, for some the effects can last for hours or even into the next day as a hangover type effect. These effects can impair not only your driving ability, but vision and decision making processes. These are all important to driving safely. So how do you know what is safe? Read on to learn more.

Choosing Safely

While you should always read the drug facts section of an OTC medication, it is doubly important when you know you have to drive. If you see a statement about ‘marked drowsiness’ or even the warning not to ‘operate heavy machinery or vehicles’, take head. Another area of information you may want to look for is the effects of mixing that particular medication with other medications. Further OTC medications, or even alcohol as these can cause a reaction or intensify the effects.

Another concern, not just with driving, but in general is the abuse of OCT medication. Cough medicines, cold medicines, motion sickness pills, and even acetaminophen can be abused if taken incorrectly. These common medications can create a euphoric high or even hallucinations if abused. The worst part is, these are often found in your home medicine cabinet. Some side effects of abuse include blurred vision, shakiness, and rapid heart rate. This is part of the reason that no one should drive when using these, even if used correctly. Imagine taking a dose a bit too soon and having side effects such as these. It is obvious your ability to drive would be impaired.

Getting Help and Staying Safe

Given how easy it is to purchase and abuse over the counter medications, it is also easy to become addicted. If you or a loved one has a problem with over the counter medications then seek help. One place that can offer help with any addiction is DARA. Even if you do not have a problem, make sure you read directions and drug facts carefully. Even something completely legal such as cold medication can have negative effects if not used properly. Your life and the lives of others on the roadways is much more important than taking a simple pill for a cold. Make your decisions wisely.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment.

Knowing When it’s Time for Drug and Alcohol Rehab.

Signs of a Problem

Drug and alcohol addiction can be a sensitive subject. Unfortunately, it can also be a subjective judgment call when it comes to time for drug and alcohol rehab. While some people feel having a single drink nightly signifies addiction, others may feel that drinking all weekend, every weekend is perfectly normal. The truth is that these can both be signs of addiction and typical behavior. So how do you know when it is time to seek outside help? Read on to learn the answers.

When deciding whether a substance abuse problem actually exists there are some criteria you may choose to look at and compare to your own life. These are similar criteria a professional would use to determine a problem.

Behavioral

The first area is behavioral problems. This is related to a person’s relationships with the outside world and others. Some of these signs include obsessive thoughts and actions, disregard of harm to others, loss of control, and denial or hiding of an addiction or use. Read on to understand these a bit better.

Obsessive thoughts and actions is a bit self explanatory. If you or the person you suspect is using becomes obsessed with their next score, rushing through or avoiding other activities to get the next drink or hit, then a problem could exist. Acquiring and using becomes a priority and other areas of life will suffer. This may happen gradually, but for an addict, it will happen.

Disregarding any harm that is caused is related to the first behavioral sign. The use of drugs and alcohol may be causing physical and mental distress to the user and loved one’s, but they will not acknowledge this fact. It may start out simple, like missing family dinners or getting drunk and ruining a party, but the harm will grow and the addict will not care because addiction has taken over.

Loss of Control

Loss of control is a big red flag. The user may wish to stop or even cut down, but is unable to do so. This typically leads to using more with the mindset of if I am going to use, I might as well use as much as I want. The addict may feel trapped, scared, and unable to ask for help.

Finally, and also a big red flag, is the denial of drug use even in the light of obvious evidence. A person may totally deny an addiction, state they have it under control, or lie about the amount of use. Some addicts may be lying to themselves as well about the amount they use. This can mean they are not ready to admit a problem, but it does not mean help is not available. This is a good time to seek drug and alcohol rehab.

Physical

There are also physical signs that may occur for users. The word may is used because not all addicts will display the same physical signs and symptoms. The most common physical signs of addiction are enlarged or small pupils, bloodshot eyes, insomnia, sudden weight gain or loss, and slurred speech. Some may additionally display unusual body odor, poor physical coordination, and an unkempt look. While for some this may be a medical issue, these are also signs of addiction. One step is to get medically cleared to make sure a physical ailment is not causing issues.

Getting Help: Time for Drug and Alcohol Rehab

If these signs sound like you or a loved one, help is available. Don’t leave it too late when you feel like it’s time for drug and alcohol rehab. Whether you have been using consistently or are just starting, but know you need help, pick up the phone and make a call that could change your life for the better. Addiction does not happen in a vacuum and healing cannot be accomplished alone. Call DARA to start getting the help you need right away,.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment.

Links Between Social Media Abuse and Substance Abuse.

Touching Lives

Substance abuse in some form has touched nearly every family in the world. Whether a loved one is addicted or a friend’s loved one has a problem, addiction has touched most lives. There is no single cause for addiction, though there are warning signs. Those warning signs may not be exactly what many think. One of the newer concerns comes from social media abuse.

Social Media Abuse

Social media has offered the ability for people to easily connect to others whether in the same room or across the world. The downside is that you can be who you want on social media. This means that the person posting pictures may or may not be being honest. Additionally, people can be bold and say whatever is on their mind to or about someone. Social Media can give you the feeling that there is no consequences. Since the words are on a screen, they do not give a visual reaction of how they make the person on the receiving end feels. This all leads directly to social media abuse. 

Another problem is that undesirable behaviors can be made to seem commonplace and safe on social media. When a teenager is inundated with images of people having fun drinking or using drugs, it can make the behaviors seem safer or more desirable. This makes monitoring teen behavior online that much more important. 

Social Media Use

As of 2015, most teens were online ‘almost constantly’ and at least ¾ used more than one social networking site. Social media use has already been associated with mental health problems such as depression, eating disorders, and even sleep problems. This is because social media tends to show only a snapshot. Although teens use that snapshot as a form of comparison.

Due to a lack of laws, teens are allowed to share nearly anything they desire on social media. This leaves them and the recipients vulnerable and exposed. This is not only true for information sharing, but glamorizing drug and alcohol use. This glamorization by celebrities is unchecked on social media. There have been some reports of hashtags being used to connect underage users. They have been linked with people who will provide cigarettes and alcohol. Even illegal drugs have been found.

Previous studies have found that teens who use social media are more likely to see photos of others passed out or under the influence of substances. This in turn makes them more likely to try age inappropriate or illegal substances when compared to peers who do not use social media.

What Does this Mean

If you are a parent of a teen then this data may be troublesome. However, it can be impossible to keep teenagers off of social media when it has become such a part of everyday life. So how do you deal with the inundation of social media into their lives? The answers are pretty simple. Talk to your teenagers about social media, about drugs and alcohol, and monitor accounts.

If your teenager is online, you should know what they are doing. If your teen is not posting or surfing inappropriate sites, then this should not be problematic. Be open and honest with your teen about the safety issues surrounding online behavior and the use of drugs and alcohol.

If you find your teen has already formed a drug or alcohol addiction or is taking part in risky behaviors, seek help. One on one counseling for mild cases or inpatient treatment at centers such as DARA can help get your teen back on track and living an addiction free life.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment.

Smartphone Addiction: Are You Addicted?

A Daily Need

Twenty years ago it would have been shocking to see people refusing to interact in person because the phone was more important. However, today Smartphones have become an extension of the human body for many. It is rare to meet someone without access to a Smartphone in most developed countries. Smartphones literally put a world of information, good, bad, and pointless at your fingertips. Additionally, Smartphones allow users to communicate instantly, play games, listen to music, and connect with those thousands of miles away. Smartphones definitely have their place and usefulness in the world. But when the Smartphone becomes a necessary part of your daily life, or feeling like you are lost without it, then a problem exists.

Are You Addicted?

Smartphone addiction, just as other addictions means you have a need to engage with the item, or substance, at all times. Consider it this way, have you ever left home without your Smartphone and began to panic? Have you ever avoided interacting with those you know and love to spend time using your phone in some manner? Perhaps you have attended a social gathering, and instead of talking to someone in person, used your phone to connect? This could point to a Smartphone addiction for many.

Some people cannot go any length of time without using their Smartphone. It can make them feel anxious, disconnected, alone, and possibly lost. They may feel disconnected from family, friends, and an online identity if unable to connect for even a few hours. This signifies a possible addiction. Remember, addiction is defined as a need to interact or use a substance, thing, or engage in an activity regardless of the negative consequences. Continually using a Smartphone in spite of the lack of real social interaction or avoiding work, school, or other activities to spend time on your phone is a significant indicator of addiction.

Breaking Free

While a Smartphone, tablet, or computer can be a highly productive and useful tool, compulsive use can interfere with school, relationships, and even work over time. With increased use addictions and compulsions with virtual relationships, information overload, cybersex, and other online compulsion can also become problematic. This is true for the same reasons drugs and alcohol can become addictive. This means that you may need treatment to break the Smartphone addiction.

Humans are meant to be social and taking part in face to face interaction can help control a need to interact online. You will need to build healthy coping skills instead of retreating to the online world. It’s important to recognize Smartphone use as a compulsive behavior that is completed without real thought. You may need to create a step by step plan to meet these goals.

Seek Help

To break free of your Smartphone addiction you may need to seek professional help. Your Smartphone is literally within reach at all times. This means you may disregard things that need to be completed to spend more time with your phone. A professional can help you recognize your triggers when it comes to Smartphone use. If you reach for your phone when you are lonely, bored, depressed, stress, and angry then these conditions need to find another outlet. You will also need to understand the difference in interacting in person and online.

Start by setting goals for your phone use. Such as fifteen minutes of phone time after all work is completed. Learn to turn off your phone certain times of the day, while at work or during dinner with the family is a great start. Replace phone use with healthier activities and limit the number of times you check it throughout the day. These paired with other professional suggestions can help you break the habit and get back to real life.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment.