Heroin and Opioids

Drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in the United States; 44 people die every day from prescription drug overdose. Recently, it came to light that a large portion of these drug-related deaths (6 out of every 10 cases) were caused by one family of drugs: opioids. Public health officials say that this…

Canadian researchers have successfully used anti-gout medication to diminish opioid withdrawal symptoms in rodents, and are currently in the process of developing a human clinical trial. If you are struggling with opioid addiction or withdrawal symptoms, please call Two Dreams at 504-510-2331 for a free consultation! Read more about the ongoing research here: http://www.news-medical.net/news/20170130/Researchers-discover-that-existing-anti-gout-drug-can-reduce-severity-of-opioid-withdrawal-symptoms.aspx

Researchers have found a genetic variant associated with opioid addiction in African Americans, which indicates that physicians may be able to prescribe appropriate doses of methadone based on personalized genetic observation. Our staff here at Two Dreams is excited to hear this news, as we believe that the best outcomes in addiction treatment stem from…

Studies have shown that children exposed to drugs of abuse in the womb are more likely to struggle academically. If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction while pregnant, please contact us immediately at 504-510-2331; we will help you through this difficult time in a judgment-free environment. Read more here.

An American initiative has managed to promote safer opioid prescription regimens and, as a result, decrease veteran’s risk of overdose or death. By taking caution when prescribing opioids in high doses or in combination with sedatives, VA prescribers have taken a significant step in combatting the opioid crisis. Read more here… If you or a…

What is opioid-induced hyperalgesia? Opioid-induced hyperalgesia is the occurrence of increased pain sensitivity in response to opioid administration. In other words, taking opioids in excess and/or for a long period of time has been known to lower the individual’s pain threshold so pain seems worse even if the opioid dose is increased. This phenomenon is…

The increased access to and overuse of painkillers seen in today’s opioid epidemic was the result of past drug policy changes. In the late 1990s, the laws governing the prescription of opioids became relaxed, giving access to populations besides cancer patients with chronic pain. In 2000, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations introduced…

Probuphine is the first buprenorphine implant for treatment of opioid dependence. It supplies patients with a constant, low-level dose of buprenorphine for six months at a time and is designed to improve patient compliance and outcomes.   What is buprenorphine? Buprenorphine is a drug meant to help relieve cravings during opioid maintenance therapy and heroin…

Non-medical prescription opioid use is a major public health problem. In 2011, 5.1 million people in the United States were using opioids, 4.5 million of whom were using for non-medical purposes and 620,000 of whom were using heroin. 2.2 million of those using opioids were considered clinically dependent. 1.8 million of these dependent individuals were…

Panic and confusion about the opioid endemic are causing the rapid spread of misinformation throughout the United States. Here we debunk some of the most common misconceptions about opioid abuse, especially as it relates to chronic pain.   1. “Addiction” is the same as “physical dependence” or “tolerance.” Addiction is a disease made up of…