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Subutex was one of the first drugs formulated with buprenorphine and approved for the treatment of opioid use disorder. In 2002, the FDA approved Subutex to treat withdrawal symptoms in those diagnosed with opioid addiction. Before Subutex, methadone was the medication of choice in treating opioid abuse. Subutex contains one active ingredient, buprenorphine. The sublingual tablets were prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that included medication-assisted treatments (MAT) and cognitive therapies.

Bupropion is an antidepressant medication that falls under the category of norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI). Also known by its brand name Wellbutrin, the prescription medication is FDA-approved for treating major depressive disorder, seasonal affective disorder and smoking cessation. Because this type of medication affects the central nervous system, there is a risk for dependence and quitting can be one of the most difficult substances to stop using. Bupropion withdrawal can be intense and dangerous if not carefully implemented through a professional behavioral health detox program.

Youth and adolescents experimenting with drugs and substances is not a new occurrence. It is quite common. Young people often cannot connect the link between their drug-using actions and risky consequences in the future. Because their brain has not fully developed, they cannot comprehend the impact of their actions and behaviors. Teens and young adults tend to feel untouchable and indestructible to the consequences of drug and alcohol use. This leads to the reckless use of alcohol, prescription medications, inhalants, over-the-counter cold and cough medications as well as illegal substances.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health condition that can affect both children and adults. ADHD is characterized by having difficulty paying attention, traits of hyperactivity and impulsivity. Treatment of this type of co-occurring mental health condition is often reliant upon stimulant prescription medications. Vyvanse is a prescription drug used to treat ADHD in adults and children as well as treating moderate binge eating disorder. In an effort to feel the intense pleasure effects of the stimulant, some users have resorted to snorting Vyvanse.

Meth is a powerful stimulant substance that affects the central nervous system. Its potency often leads to rapid dependency and can lead to the development of abuse, methamphetamine use disorder and overdose. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, between 2015-2019, the number of overdose deaths associated with meth almost tripled. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says since the Covid-19 pandemic, meth use and meth overdose have contributed to the rise in numbers. Meth use is especially prevalent in the polydrug use with opioids such as fentanyl.

Behavioral therapies such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are evidence-proven treatments often used in helping those with substance use disorders. DBT is a type of talk therapy, derived from cognitive behavioral therapy, and specifically adapted for people who experience emotions much more intensely. It helps patients understand how their thoughts impact emotions and behaviors. This can be especially helpful for people diagnosed with co-occurring mental health conditions involving emotional dysregulation.

The world has changed significantly over the last two decades alone. While technology and healthcare have advanced, we are seeing an alarming increase in addiction and overdose statistics. Since the beginning of the COVID pandemic in 2020, there has been a 23% increase in alcohol abuse alone. Drug abuse has increased 16% since that time as well. 

Choosing to go to treatment during the holidays can seem out of the question. Familial and societal obligations make the idea of checking in somewhere impossible. If you’re actively using drugs or alcohol, choosing sobriety is the greatest gift for both yourself and your family. Being present is hard when you are in the throes of addiction. Giving up one holiday season for a lifetime of sober and present festivities is an investment in your future. Substance use disorders do not have to define your life.

Schizophrenia is a mental health disorder that affects a person’s ability to think, feel and behave normally. It is usually characterized by symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, unusual behaviors and disoriented thinking. Schizophrenia can also present within those who suffer from alcohol or substance use disorders. This is often referred to as having a co-occurring mental health condition. In order to treat every aspect of a person’s addiction, the substance use disorder as well as the mental health disorder must be treated simultaneously through therapies and approved medications. Today, second generation antipsychotic medications such as Seroquel are often prescribed to help those who are diagnosed with a co-occurring condition such as schizophrenia.

Addiction is a disease of the brain. It can be triggered by genetics, environmental or social factors. Similar to other medical diseases, it is preventable, it is treatable, it changes in biology and if left untreated, it can last for a lifetime. According to the National Institute of Health, about 4% of US citizens suffer from a drug use disorder. This equates to over 23 million Americans experiencing some sort of problematic drug use. The Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health states that repeated use of addictive substances, can cause changes in the brain circuits that govern pleasure, reward, learning, stress, decision making and self-control.