Opioids

Opioids are a class of substances that bind to the opioid receptors found throughout different systems and organs within the body. Opioids are considered depressants as they slow down breathing, heart rate, and brain activity.

Some examples of opioids are:

• illicit (illegal) substances, such as heroin

• pain reliever medications available by prescription, such as codeine, morphine, oxycodone, and hydromorphone

• and synthetic (man-made) substances, such as fentanyl and carfentanil

While these substances can be powerful and effective pain relievers, they can also be extremely dangerous and highly addictive due to their psychoactive properties and euphoric effects. The potential for problematic use and development of a substance use disorder is highly likely. Opioid use can be fatal, in that, use may lead to overdose and death.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines, also known as tranquilizers, are a class of psychoactive substances. Benzodiazepines are depressants, with the ability to reduce brain activity and other bodily functions.

Prescription medications are offered to treat a variety of conditions, such as anxiety and panic disorders, muscle spasms and seizures, and nervousness and sleeplessness.

Common examples of such medications include:

• alprazolam (Xanax, Xanax XR)

• diazepam (Valium, Diastat Acudial, Diastat)

• lorazepam (Ativan)

In many ways, benzodiazepines mimic the effect of alcohol and are sometimes even used to control alcohol withdrawal. Unfortunately, they are associated with physical and psychological dependence, and withdrawal symptoms. They can cause overdose and death, especially when used in combination with alcohol or other substances.

At trueNorth, we use the evidence based approaches outlined in the Ashton Manual to help people who are using benzodiazepines.

Nicotine

Nicotine is the addictive chemical found in tobacco. Nicotine acts as both a stimulant and a depressant. Nicotine in higher doses provides a stimulating effect immediately after use, while low doses have been found to have a depressant effect. Various other factors impact the effect of nicotine, such as your mood and environment.

Some examples of tobacco products include:

• cigarettes

• cigars

• Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS)

Nicotine is a remarkably addictive drug. Each year, less than 7% of nicotine users are able to successfully quit on their own. Fortunately, there are a number of effective medications that are now available to help people stop smoking. These medications can double the chances of successfully quitting when compared with willpower alone.

Alcohol

Alcohol is a legal, controlled substance with a depressant effect. Effects of alcohol varies from person to person.

Alcohol is commonly consumed as a drink in various forms, such as:

• beer

• wine

• hard liquor

Alcohol can cause harm both through its immediate effects, such as alcohol poisoning, impaired driving, and injuries due to falls, as well as through its long-term effects such as cancer, cirrhosis, and dependence.

Many people are still not aware that effective anti-craving medication options are available to help people reduce or stop their problematic drinking. These medications can be particularly effective when combined with counselling, 12-step recovery principles, and other psychosocial supports.

Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT)

Methadone is one of the most effective medications we have in the fight against the opioid epidemic. For more than 50 years, methadone has been in use as the first-line treatment for opioid use disorder. When prescribed by a knowledgeable team of health professionals, methadone is both safe and effective.

❝ Prolonged oral treatment with this medicine diminishes and often eliminates opiate use, reduces transmission of many infections, including HIV and hepatitis B and C, and reduces criminal activity. ❞
— National Institute of Health (NIH), Consensus Devleopment Conference Statment (November 17-19, 1997)

Buprenorphine Maintenance Treatment (BMT)

Dr. Chris Cavacuiti and the rest of the trueNorth team have been at the forefront of Suboxone (brand name for a medication that contains buprenorphine and naloxone). research and treatment for over a decade. Our efforts have included the development of the Suboxone: A Handbook for Patients and clinical research on the effectiveness of Suboxone in treating opioid use disorder.

Visit our Resources web page for more information on other treatment alternatives. 

Visit our Locations web page to find a trueNorth site nearest you.