Opioid Update

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The status of opioids is evolving as the DEA and other government offices recognize the epidemic crisis facing America.

Kratom

Recently, Kratom, an herb possessing opioid properties and offering relief from depression, pain, and anxiety, made its way onto the DEA hit list. Now, citizens and regulators engage in a battle over whether this centuries-old herb is a health risk. Kratom found in a green powder form is a member of the coffee family, called mitragyna. The DEA is investigating whether it is addictive and deadly because it has shown up in toxicology reports for some people that have overdosed and died. Critics of the proposed DEA ban say it showed up because of its use in conjunction with helping people get off heroin and opioids. But the government is skeptical of those claims. The DEA will further investigate if Kratom should be given the status of opioids and pulled off the shelves.

OxyContin

This long-time prescription narcotic contributes to many people turning to heroin. The maker of this potent drug, Purdue, reached an agreement and will no longer market the medication to doctors. The world’s top-selling narcotic painkiller brought in billions in revenue for the privately held pharmaceutical company. They are now selling a longer-acting opioid medication called Hysingla. Purdue issued a statement saying they have reduced their sales staff by more than half. Also, they no longer will market directly to doctors’ offices. Their remaining sales staff will focus on marketing other medications.

Fentanyl

This drug has risen to become a deadly killer. It’s an opioid 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. Fentanyl has rapidly gained widespread appeal as a street drug. It goes by the names Fentora, Sublimaze, and Duragesic. Also, it’s available as a pill, patch, spray, or lozenge and is usually used after surgery to treat severe pain. Unfortunately, Fentanyl overdoses are rapidly increasing across the U.S. Due mostly in part because it is mixed with or substituted for heroin. Thus, the risk of overdose dramatically increases in people that are not aware that a pill or powder they take contains fentanyl.

Get Help for Opioid Addiction Today

If you or a loved one is in need of an opioid addiction rehab program, reach out to Acqua Recovery. Our expert addiction treatment staff can give you caring, helpful and practical advice to help overcome and conquer opioid addictions. In addition to opioid addiction treatment, we also offer:

Regain control of your life. Call Acqua Recovery today at *DM_DirectNumber format=period*.

Opioid Update

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Dr. Daniel Pickrell

Dr. Daniel Pickrell
Medical Reviewer

Dr. Pickrell is a board-certified psychiatrist with interests in addiction and psychiatry. He strives to identify the underlying cause of substance use. His understanding of addiction as the overlapping symptoms of biopsychosocial development is the foundation to his care model. He is committed to helping both patients and families understand that addiction is a treatable medical illness. He has been involved in the treatment of addiction for the last 17 years and completed his residency training at the University of Utah.

By: Acqua Recovery

Posted Date: Nov 8, 2021

Updated Date: Nov 6, 2024

The status of opioids is evolving as the DEA and other government offices recognize the epidemic crisis facing America.

Kratom

Recently, Kratom, an herb possessing opioid properties and offering relief from depression, pain, and anxiety, made its way onto the DEA hit list. Now, citizens and regulators engage in a battle over whether this centuries-old herb is a health risk. Kratom found in a green powder form is a member of the coffee family, called mitragyna. The DEA is investigating whether it is addictive and deadly because it has shown up in toxicology reports for some people that have overdosed and died. Critics of the proposed DEA ban say it showed up because of its use in conjunction with helping people get off heroin and opioids. But the government is skeptical of those claims. The DEA will further investigate if Kratom should be given the status of opioids and pulled off the shelves.

OxyContin

This long-time prescription narcotic contributes to many people turning to heroin. The maker of this potent drug, Purdue, reached an agreement and will no longer market the medication to doctors. The world’s top-selling narcotic painkiller brought in billions in revenue for the privately held pharmaceutical company. They are now selling a longer-acting opioid medication called Hysingla. Purdue issued a statement saying they have reduced their sales staff by more than half. Also, they no longer will market directly to doctors’ offices. Their remaining sales staff will focus on marketing other medications.

Fentanyl

This drug has risen to become a deadly killer. It’s an opioid 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. Fentanyl has rapidly gained widespread appeal as a street drug. It goes by the names Fentora, Sublimaze, and Duragesic. Also, it’s available as a pill, patch, spray, or lozenge and is usually used after surgery to treat severe pain. Unfortunately, Fentanyl overdoses are rapidly increasing across the U.S. Due mostly in part because it is mixed with or substituted for heroin. Thus, the risk of overdose dramatically increases in people that are not aware that a pill or powder they take contains fentanyl.

Get Help for Opioid Addiction Today

If you or a loved one is in need of an opioid addiction rehab program, reach out to Acqua Recovery. Our expert addiction treatment staff can give you caring, helpful and practical advice to help overcome and conquer opioid addictions. In addition to opioid addiction treatment, we also offer:

Regain control of your life. Call Acqua Recovery today at *DM_DirectNumber format=period*.

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