The United States faces a serious public health crisis fueled by the rampant misuse of opioid medications. Millions of people grapple with addiction to prescription and illicit opioids, leading to a significant rise in illness and death. Overdose deaths involving these drugs, particularly among young adults, have become a leading cause of mortality. Several factors […]
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Alcohol and Drug Treatment in Johannesburg
In Johannesburg, high-quality alcohol and drug treatment follows a comprehensive process with specific stages, catering to individuals with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and Substance Use Disorder (SUD). This approach is grounded in the 12 core functions of a counsellor, as outlined by Stanley Kulewicz, whom I had the privilege of presenting with at Nottingham Priory […]
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Synthetic
Synthetic drugs, man-made substances created in laboratories, are designed to emulate the effects of natural narcotics. These drugs, chemically synthesized to replicate sensations or highs, are often developed to circumvent legal constraints or to achieve specific, sought-after effects. Among the well-known synthetic drugs are synthetic opioids like fentanyl, which is significantly more potent than heroin. […]
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Narcotics can be defined as substances that influence an individual’s mood and behaviour. Narcotics are commonly manufactured and sold for illegal purposes. Narcotics refer to a group of drugs that affect the central nervous system and have pain-relieving properties. These drugs act on certain receptors in the brain, blocking pain and creating a sense of […]
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Opioids, including both prescription drugs and illegal substances like heroin, are potent pain-relief medications derived from the poppy plant or synthesized in laboratories. Common prescription opioids like oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl and morphine work by blocking pain signals and enhancing pleasure in the brain. However, despite their effectiveness in managing severe pain, such as post-surgical pain, […]
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Narcotics refer to a class of drugs that have strong pain-relieving properties and are known to induce sedation and drowsiness. Opioids, such as morphine, heroin, oxycodone and fentanyl, are examples of narcotics that are widely recognised in addiction treatment. The World Health Organization’s lexicon for alcohol and drug terms typically refers to opiates or opioids […]
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Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, significantly more potent than morphine, developed for managing severe pain, especially in cancer patients. Since its creation in 1960, fentanyl’s high potency, 50 to 100 times that of morphine, has made it a critical tool in medical settings for acute and chronic pain relief. However, its strength also contributes to […]
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Administering a substance via injection involves delivering it into the body through a syringe or needle, commonly directly into the bloodstream. This method, frequently associated with drug administration, carries significant health risks, including the potential for transmitting HIV, hepatitis and other bloodborne pathogens. Additionally, injection drug use can cause physical complications such as collapsed veins, […]
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Opioid dependence occurs when an individual cannot stop using opioid drugs like codeine, oxycodone or hydrocodone, leading to a physical and psychological reliance. Commonly prescribed for pain relief, opioids such as morphine, hydrocodone, oxycodone and fentanyl are effective but carry a high risk of dependence. Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) is a significant public health issue […]
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