Addiction Addiction implies that a drug dependency has developed to such an extent that it has serious detrimental effects on the user (referred to as an addict). They may be chronically intoxicated, have great difficulty stopping the drug use, and be determined to obtain the drug by almost any means. The term addiction is inextricably linked to society's reaction to the user, and so medical experts try to avoid using it, preferring dependence instead. Heroin Rapid Detox As an Opioid heroin use escalates as the body’s tolerance for the drug increases. The increased tolerance is the cause of many overdose deaths given that the heroin user may be injecting 3 to 5 times the lethal dose in order to maintain their high. Rapid detoxification from high tolerance heroin use is extremely dangerous and can be fatal. Relapse for a heroin user after some period of absence can also be fatal as their tolerance level is no longer present and the same amount used during their last episode prior to a period abstinence will often kill the user. Oxycontin Addiction: Oxycontin is a prescription painkiller used for moderate to high
pain relief associated with injuries, bursitis, dislocations, fractures, neuralgia,
arthritis, lower back pain and pain associated with cancer. It contains oxycodone,
an opium derivative and is produced in a time released tablet. Oxycontin commonly
referred to as OC, OX, Oxy, Oxycotton and kicker, was introduced in 1996 and has
had a rapid escalation of abuse. The tablets can be chewed, crushed and snorted
like cocaine, crushed and dissolved in water and then injected like heroin. The
most serious side effect is respiratory depression, particularly dangerous for
the elderly. Oxycontin
addiction and demand has resulted in pharmacy robberies and forged
prescriptions. The estimated number of people aged 12 or older with an oxycontin
addiction has increased from 1.9 million in 2002, to 3.1 million in 2004.
The largest increase occurred among young adults aged 18 to 25.Binge Drinking: According to a rent study conducted by Kathryn Graham, et al of the University of Western Ontario psychology department "Depression is most strongly related to a pattern of binge drinking,"
Binge Drinking is defined in the study as consuming at least 5 alcoholic beverages at one sitting.
Whether Binge Drinking resulted in the development depression or whether depression contributed to a persons binge drinking was unclear in this study.
Rohypnol (Flunitrazepam) is a benzodiazepine class of drug. It is primarily used as a hypnotic/sedative type of drug in Europe and South America. It is primarily used for sedation for general anesthesia. Flunitrazepam has similar pharmacological effects to other benzodiazepines but is 10 times more potent than valium. Rohypnol is not manufactured nor has it been approved for clinical use in the United States. It has been widely used in Europe and South America for more than a decade.
The majority of Rohypnol in the USA has been smuggled in from Europe, South America and Mexico. Recent seizures indicate that a significant amount of the drug is smuggled and distributed by the Israelis and Russian drug traffickers. Illicit use of Rohypnol originated in Europe in the 1970s and has increased worldwide since then. However, Rohypnol did not appear in the United States until the early 1990s.
Dose
Flunitrazepam is marketed under the trade name Rohypnol. It is available as a 1- and 2-milligram tablet. In Europe, liquid preparations are available for intravenous use. The effects of flunitrazepam appear approximately 15 to 20 minutes after oral administration, and last for approximately four to six hours. Some residual effects can persist up to 12 hours or more after administration.
Rohypnol Abuse
The drug is frequently available at raves, night clubs, all night parties and bars. The drug has been widely used as a “date rape” drug. Most users of Rohypnol also abuse other drugs including methamphetamine, alcohol and heroin. In the United States, Rohypnol is used widely in Texas and Florida where it is popular among high school students. All reports indicate that the population which uses Rohypnol is rapidly growing. Numerous seizures of the illegal drug have been made by the DEA.
Rohypnol is abused by individuals especially high school students and college students. In the US, each tablet costs about 2-4$. It is usually ingested with alcohol and frequently mixed with other drugs (cocaine, marijuana). Individuals who take it with alcohol report a euphoric feeling and lightheadedness.
Date Rape
Flunitrazepam is known to induce antegrade amnesia in sufficient doses; individuals are unable to remember certain events that they experienced while under the influence of the drug. This property of flunitrazepam has been used by males to aid in the commission of a sexual assault. Most victims do not remember or recall sexual assault, the assailant, or the events surrounding the event.
If an individual suspects that he or she has been a victim of a flunitrazepam-facilitated sexual assault, laboratory testing for flunitrazepam should be done as soon as possible. Recent technological advances can detect flunitrazepam and related compounds in urine for up to 5 days after administration of a single dose of Rohypnol and up to a month in hair.
In the United Kingdom, the use of flunitrazepam has been connected to robbery from sedated victims. Many individuals are robbed each year after having their drinks spiked with sedatives, making drug-assisted robbery as common as drug-assisted rape.
Side effects
Flunitrazepam is considered to be one of the most addictive of the benzodiazepines. It can produce several side effects including:
• Drowsiness, Fatigue
• Gait problems
• Dizziness, lethargy
• Lack of motor coordination
• Slurred speech
• Amnesia and forgetfulness
• Confusion
• nausea, vomiting
• Respiratory depression
Overdose with rohypnol can lead to coma, respiratory arrest and death. Although the drug is classified as a depressant, Rohypnol can cause paradoxical reactions in some individuals that may include excitability or aggressive behavior.
Rohypnol Addiction
Both short and long term use can lead to physical dependence on Rohypnol. The addictive features are more pronounced in individuals who use Rohypnol in large doses for a long time. Long-term use of flunitrazepam can result in psychological and physical dependence and the appearance of withdrawal symptoms when the drug is discontinued.
Flunitrazepam impairs cognitive and psychomotor skills, affects reaction time and driving skills. The use of this drug in combination with alcohol potentiates these side effects, and can lead to toxicity.
Legal status
Flunitrazepam is currently a Schedule III drug under the international Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971; in the United States, it is on Schedule IV. According to FDA Associate Director for Domestic and International Drug Control
Nicholas Reuter:
Flunitrazepam was "temporarily controlled in Schedule IV pursuant to a treaty obligation under the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. At the time flunitrazepam was placed temporarily in Schedule IV . . . there was no evidence of abuse or trafficking of the drug in the United States."
Rohypnol is currently under consideration to be rescheduled to Schedule I, and is already considered such in the States of Florida, Idaho, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania. Most states have introduced legislation that provide for stiff prison terms for the possession of flunitrazepam; penalties for use or distribution include life in prison, should death or serious injury occur.
The drug must be declared to US Customs upon arrival. If a valid prescription cannot be produced, the drug may be subject to Customs search and seizure, and the traveler may face criminal charges or deportation.
This website is dedicated to providing quality chemical
dependency and addiction related resources and rehab
center listings so you can make an informed
decision that can alter the course of your life or that of your
loved one. For immediate assistance call our toll free helpline
at 800-559-9503 or you can go to our form and fill out an inquiry
and we will get back to you.
Treatment and Addiction Articles Feed
