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Death from drug overdose has continued to explode in the U.S. A new wave of overdose emergencies is seeing Fentanyl mixed with stimulant substances such as cocaine or heroin. It is the latest polydrug combination causing overdose, addiction and death. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the combination of opioids and stimulants is often referred to as “speedballing” and is a dangerous combination that causes an intense high. Studies found that an estimated 80% of overdose deaths in 2021 involved cocaine and an opioid. It has also been labeled as the 4th wave of the opioid crisis. But let’s take a look at cocaine’s impact on this new wave of the drug overdose crisis.

Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) is the use of prescription medications to aid in recovery. Commonly used medications, such as Suboxone and Sublocade, contain Buprenorphine. Buprenorphine binds to the same receptors in the brain that opiates do. However, buprenorphine does not give the euphoric feeling that illicit substances do. This reduces cravings by tricking the brain into thinking that there are opiates present. Suboxone can also be used in the acute withdrawal period to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. A medical taper with suboxone can make the transition from addiction to sobriety much smoother. 

Phentermine, also known as Adipex, is a prescription medication for the treatment of obesity and weight loss. Modern diet pills like phentermine were introduced as a replacement for amphetamines to help appetite suppression in people struggling with weight loss. Phentermine is a class of drugs called anorectics and is an amphetamine and stimulant that affects the central nervous system. It can increase energy and feelings of euphoria, making users susceptible to developing dependence and addiction.

Both Ambien and alcohol are commonly used substances among the general population around the world. Ambien is a popular prescription sleeping aid. Alcohol is a popular substance used culturally and socially. The ease of accessibility to both of these mind-altering substances means there is a higher risk of abuse, dependence and addiction. What would happen if users began mixing Ambien and alcohol?

Millions of people worldwide use sleeping pills to help them sleep or manage sleep disorders. Of that, an estimated 50-70 million Americans use both prescription sleep medications as well as over the counter sleep medications to help treat conditions such as insomnia. Generally, sleeping pills are helpful to relieve stress, ease anxiety and enable restful sleep. It is meant to help users fall asleep faster, stay asleep for longer and improve the quality of sleep. Prescription sleep aids are safe when used as prescribed. However, like any substance that acts on the central nervous system, it can become addictive and can lead to overdose. Can you overdose on sleeping pills?

Xanax is a powerful benzodiazepine often prescribed to treat generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorders and sleep disorders. It is usually only recommended for short-term use due to its potency and high risk for dependence and addiction. This anti-anxiety medication works on the central nervous system to slow down brain activity helping the body to relax in order to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and panic. Because it is one of the most prescribed medications in the U.S., many users often knowingly or unknowingly mix this drug with alcohol.

Suboxone is one of the most commonly prescribed medications used to treat those with opioid use disorder. Suboxone is often used in medication assistance treatment (MAT) during the detox stage of recovery. First approved in 2002 by the FDA to treat opioid use disorder, the Schedule III controlled substance is considered to be the standard of care when it comes to medication treatments for chronic addiction to opioids. It has a low potential for abuse or addiction but can only be prescribed by specialized physicians.

The opioid epidemic has been making waves across the U.S. for some time now. In its current state, researchers are finding that fentanyl in combination with other drugs like heroin has become increasingly popular and could set off another wave of opioid-related overdose, addiction and deaths. Vivitrol, a naltrexone drug that is intramuscularly injected, is one solution in helping to combat the fight against opioids. Vivitrol is an opiate antagonist used in the treatment of opioid use disorder. This extended-release injection medication was approved by the FDA to treat both opioid use disorders as well as alcohol use disorders.

Adderall, a prescription stimulant, is one of the most popularly prescribed medications in the U.S. It is also one of the most commonly abused prescription medications. In 2012, an estimated 16 million prescriptions for stimulants such as Adderall were written. Adderall is the brand name medication for a combination of the active ingredients dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. It is a medication often used for short-term treatment and management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is safe when taken as prescribed and as intended. However, when taken outside of medical guidelines, the drug can become addictive and dangerous.

In 2016, over 10 million prescriptions of Clonidine were issued. This made it the 79th most prescribed medication in the U.S. Fast forward to 2020, an estimated 9 million prescriptions have been written for Clonidine. Despite the slight decline in the recommendation of Clonidine use, it is still a popularly prescribed medication used to treat a variety of conditions. Clonidine is a class of prescription medications called antihypertensives. The drug was first approved over 40 years ago to treat conditions of high blood pressure as well as a handful of off-label uses such as treating ADHD, Tourette syndrome, cancer-related pain, opioid withdrawal symptoms and alcohol withdrawal symptoms.