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A glass vial of GHB sits next to a syringe and stethoscope represents the side effects you can experience with withdrawal from GHB.

What happens during withdrawal from GHB?

First synthesized in 1960, gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) was created as an alternative to help induce sleep. In the late 1980s, it was being sold and marketed as an over-the-counter sedative and a growth hormone stimulator to help bodybuilders promote muscle mass and maintain weight. In 1991, the drug was banned by the FDA after several reported incidents of dangerous adverse reactions occurred. GHB is a central nervous system depressant that slows down the messages between the brain and the body. Because it is a depressant substance, there is potential for dependence and experiencing withdrawal from GHB.

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A prescription box of Suboxone on a shelf begs the question as to whether or not you can overdose on Suboxone.

Can you Overdose from Suboxone?

Suboxone is a prescription medication often used in the treatment of opioid use disorder. The Schedule III Controlled Substance is a long-acting opioid that works to reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms. It is a powerful medication that can eliminate severe withdrawal symptoms as well as control and manage drug cravings. According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine, Suboxone is one of the recommended treatments for managing opioid use disorder. The prescription drug was designed to be a safe alternative with a low risk of addiction and overdose.

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A spilled over pill bottle of white tablets of Baclofen represents the effects of mixing Baclofen and alcohol.

Polysubstance Use: Baclofen and Alcohol

Baclofen is a prescription medication used to treat muscle spasms. It falls under the category of muscle relaxant. Baclofen specifically is FDA-approved for managing muscle spasms and reversible spasticity. It helps to provide relief for conditions such as flexor spasms, pain from multiple sclerosis, and concomitant pain. Baclofen is a central nervous system depressant, which slows down the activity of the brain and body. When taken with other depressant substances such as alcohol, it can cause extreme sedation and lead to dangerous adverse effects.

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A glass of alcohol next to a tipped over bottle with suboxone pills spilled out representing the dangers of mixing suboxone and alcohol.

Polysubstance Use: Suboxone and Alcohol

Polysubstance abuse is quite common among people who already abuse alcohol. Oftentimes alcohol is used to enhance or blunt out the unwanted effects of the other substance being abused. One drug used alongside alcohol is Suboxone. Suboxone and alcohol are both central nervous system depressants. When taken together, it can result in distressing effects such as respiratory depression, sedation, slowed heart rate and a high risk of overdose and coma.

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A woman slumped over the table holding a glass of alcohol represents the fact that an alcoholic can probably never drink again after being sober.

Can an Alcoholic ever drink again?

Alcohol use disorder, alcohol addiction or alcoholism can be a very difficult disease to overcome. Depending on the severity of the addiction, it can take months and even years for someone to recover. But once they have recovered, is it possible to drink in moderation again? Does moderation work? Can a person actually relearn how to drink responsibly after a long period of abstinence from alcohol? 

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A person is pouring out blue and white pills that represent the arthritis medication meloxicam.

Polysubstance Use: Meloxicam and Alcohol

Meloxicam, also known by the brand name Mobic, is a prescription medication used to treat pain and inflammation caused by certain types of arthritis. The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) helps reduce painful symptoms caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis. An estimated 22.6 million prescriptions for meloxicam were issued by physicians in the U.S. Meloxicam is not a substance that is often abused. However, when it is taken in combination with alcohol, dependence can develop and cause dangerous and unpredictable side effects. 

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An orange pill bottle of buspirone is spilled over with white tablet scattered on the table representing various dosage of how to taper off buspirone safely.

How to taper off Buspirone safely

Generalized anxiety disorder is one of the most common mental health conditions often treated by medication. It occurs when a person experiences excessive anxiety or stress for at least 6 months or more. The most common and effective way to treat anxiety disorder is with anti-anxiety medications that affect the unbalanced chemicals in the brain. Buspirone is an anxiolytic drug primarily used to treat symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. It is a non-anti-psychotic medication FDA-approved for managing anxiety disorders and providing short-term relief from anxiety.

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A person in blue gloves holds up a urine sample being tested for methadone representing how long it takes methadone to leave the system.

How long does it take Methadone to leave the system?

Methadone is a prescription medication commonly used to treat symptoms of opioid use disorder. It is most often used for medication-assisted treatments during detox and even throughout the remainder of opioid addiction treatment. This synthetic opioid is a narcotic medication and is considered a Schedule II Controlled Substance. Despite being a popular and effective medication treatment for opioid addiction, methadone itself can become habit-forming if not administered under the care of a healthcare provider and medical treatment program.

How long does it take Methadone to leave the system? Read More »

A young female partygoer experiencing the effect of alcohol and ecstasy.

Polysubstance Use: Alcohol and Ecstasy

Alcohol and ecstasy. It is a pretty popular drug combination among young people ages 18 to 34, partygoers and clubgoers alike. The idea behind mixing the two drugs is ecstasy will be able to cancel out the sedative effect of alcohol while intensifying the buzz and high from the ecstasy. Many partygoers believe alcohol can enhance their experience with ecstasy and prolong the effects of high energy, euphoria and connectedness. This might be a temporary effect, but in the long run, the combination of alcohol and ecstasy can cause dangerous side effects.

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