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:
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Dual diagnosis treatment programs for co-occurring disorders
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