A Short History of Opioid Use As early as 5000 BCE, Sumerians living in southern Mesopotamia were consuming or smoking the leaves and flowers of opium poppy plants. Archaeologists have interpreted ideograms found in Sumerian writing examples that translate as HUL GIL, which means "joy plant" or "rejoicing". As early ... Read More
Search Results for: opioid
Signs That Someone May Have Opioid Addiction
According to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control's National Center for Health Statistics, opioid-related deaths in the United States increased from 56,064 to 75,673 during the 12 months ending April 2021. This shocking statistic shows that it's critical for family members and loved ones to recognize the ... Read More
The Overdose Dangers of Opioid Tapering – How to Avoid Them
Despite efforts nationwide to subdue to the ongoing opioid epidemic, many states are still fighting a losing battle. In fact, for the 12-month period ending in March 2021, overdose deaths from all drugs hit an all-time high at nearly 100,000, most of which were from opioids. Unfortunately, the unprecedented stress and ... Read More
The Opioid Crisis in Perspective: Deaths, Lawsuits and Reforms
In 2017, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) declared the opioid epidemic in the United States a "public health emergency." It's only been a few years since that has happened, but it seems a lot of progress has been made with the opioid crisis. We are now in a position to reflect on the situation and ... Read More
Is There a Vaccine for Opioid Addiction?
For the past several years, not just in the wake of COVID, the news has been filled with talk of vaccines. We debate their use on social media, follow news reports about the efficacy of certain vaccines, and eagerly await updates about new vaccines to treat a wide range of health conditions. The news, now, of course, ... Read More
The Terrifying Path from an Opioid Prescription to Heroin Addiction
How do prescription opioids lead to heroin use? The answer to that question is one that every American can benefit from knowing, in light of distressingly high rates of addiction to painkillers in this country. Heroin is a highly addictive drug that's made from morphine, which is a natural substance that's taken ... Read More
Is the Opioid Crisis Over or Amping Up in the Pandemic?
The opioid crisis in America has been the result of a mix of misleading claims, irresponsible prescribing practices and under-regulated "pill mills." But, with legislation aimed at limiting prescriptions and rehab centers with more resources for treatment, the crisis has slowed in recent years. As we look back on the ... Read More
Opioid Addiction
Opioids and their subset of opiates are some of the most historically abused group of drugs. As a drug that produces euphoric effects, an altered state of consciousness, pain relief, or other mind-body effects—with religious experiences. Indeed, the precursors of opiate addiction probably trace back to early ... Read More
