Know About ... Anxiety Disorders Social Anxiety Disorder Post Traumatic Stress Disorder General Anxiety Disorder Panic Disorder Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Depression Major Depression Bipolar Disorder Warnings of Suicide Substance Related Disorder Alcoholism Most Abused Drugs Stages of Abuse & Dependence Eating Disorders Anorexia Nervosa Bulimia Nervosa Binge-Eating Disorder ADHD Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type Predominantly Inattentive Type Combined Type INFOBITS 4.7 million people ages 12 and older were misusing pain relievers in 2003 In 2006, 16.2 million Americans age 12 and older had taken a prescription pain reliever, tranquilizer, stimulant, or sedative for nonmedical purposes at least once in the year prior to being surveyed. Source: National Survey on Drug Use and Health; http://www.samhsa.gov/. The NIDA-funded 2007 Monitoring the Future Study showed that 2.7% of 8th graders, 7.2% of 10th graders, and 9.6% of 12th graders had abused Vicodin and 1.8% of 8th graders, 3.9% of 10th graders, and 5.2% of 12th graders had abused OxyContin for nonmedical purposes at least once in the year prior to being surveyed. Source: Monitoring the Future http://www.monitoringthefuture.org/.

Opioid Dependence What are opioids? Also known as opiates or narcotics, opioids are a group of drugs medically used to relieve pain, and which, unfortunately, have a high potential for abuse which can lead to dependence. Opioids naturally come from the seed pod of the Asian poppy. Examples of this group include codeine, opium, and morphine. On the other hand, opioids can also be manufactured synthetically as in the case in heroin, hydromorphone, oxycodone, hydrocodone, pethidine, methadone, buprenorphine and fentanyl. Opioid abuse is when the individual uses the drug for non-medical reasons characterized by the following symptoms: Feeling no pain (Analgesia) Sedation Feeling high (Euphoria) Shallow or slow breathing Small pupils Nausea, vomiting Itching or flushed skin Constipation Slurred speech Confusion or poor judgment Opioid dependence is an illness characterized by the following symptoms: Development of tolerance, that is, a higher and repeated use of the opioid is needed to get the same effect Taking larger amounts of opioids than planned and for longer periods of time Persistent desire or unsuccessful attempts to quit Spending a lot of time, money and effort to obtain, use, and recover from opioid use Stopping the use of the opioid produces withdrawal symptoms Continued use of the opioid despite its harmful effects and negative consequences to the person’s family, job, finances, and relationships Opioid withdrawal includes the following symptoms: Anxiety Irritability Craving for the drug Increased respiratory rate (rapid breathing) Runny nose Salivation Gooseflesh Nasal congestion or stuffiness Muscle aches Vomiting Abdominal cramping Diarrhea Sweating Confusion Enlarged pupils Tremors Loss of appetite Opioid dependence is often accompanied by other substance abuse and mental health illnesses which must also be included in the treatment plan. Treatments for opiate dependence include methadone and Suboxone. Call your physician to see which treatment is the best for your needs.

YOU DON’T NEED TO “HIT BOTTOM” TO BENEFIT FROM HELP. YOU CAN GET IT ANYTIME. The most important thing to keep in mind is that you are not alone. Getting treatment for substance abuse and dependence is geared toward abstinence and is a team effort.  By working with your doctor and / or therapist, you can take control to find the approach that is the most appropriate for your needs.  There are many treatment methods such as various forms of therapy, inpatient, outpatient and partial hospitalization, long-term residential treatment programs, recovery or sober houses, 12 Step and self-help support groups to help individuals recover from their substance abuse and dependence.  So if one does not work, you can try other methods.  After all, there is no one treatment that is appropriate for all individuals.  So do not lose hope.  Get help today, for tomorrow enjoy better living and brighter horizons. The following are additional resources for substance abuse: National Drug and Alcohol Treatment Referral Routing Service 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for information about treatment programs in your local community Alcoholics Anonymous http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org A.A. World Services, Inc. P.O. Box 459, New York, NY 10163 Tel.  212.870.3400 Narcotics Anonymous http://www.na.org/ Narcotics Anonymous World Services Inc. PO Box 9999 Van Nuys, California 91409 USA Tel.  818.773.9999 Fax.  818.700.0700

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