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Prescription drug addiction is a growing problem in the U.S. with the National Institute of Drug Abuse estimating that 20% of the U.S. population have used prescription drugs for non-medical reasons at some point in their lives. With data only looking at those who have overdosed on prescribed medication and have been abusing them, the numbers point to more than 8 million citizens with a prescription drug addiction at any one time.

What is Prescription Drug Addiction?

Addiction causes compulsive drug seeking and use even when harmful consequences are involved. While many may think of illegal drugs when talking about a drug addiction, the number of “legal addicts,” or those with a prescription drug addiction continue to rise. Abusing drugs whether legal or illegal, lead to changes in the brain’s structure and function which have a negative impact on one’s personal or professional life. Addiction is a chronic often relapsing brain disorder.

Common Medications of Prescription Drug Addiction

There are three classes of medications that are typically abused with prescription drug addiction taking over a person’s life. The three classes are 1) opioids, 2) stimulants, and 3) central nervous system depressants.

• Opioids – may be used effectively to treat pain on a short term basis; used long-term they may lead to prescription drug addiction and physical dependence. Over-use can easily lead to a life threatening overdose. Prescription medications properly prescribed and taken are not an addiction, however if the need for more and more opioids begins to take a front seat in your life it may be time to seek help. Working with a qualified addiction psychiatrist is the best option for breaking the hold prescription drug addiction has on you.
• Stimulants – may be used to treat medical issues of ADHD, ADD, depression, narcolepsy and numerous other problems. Working with an experienced mental health professional the use of these medications has proven effective for millions of people with a specific diagnosis such as ADHD, ADD, or depression for example. Using these medications for enjoyment can quickly turn into a difficult to stop prescription drug addiction. It may even be possible that these medications may be what the doctor prescribes after a comprehensive evaluation.
• Central nervous system depressants – medications such as Xanax, Valium, Klonopin or Ativan may be used to treat anxiety, panic, insomnia, and sleep disorders. These medications work by decreasing brain activity resulting in a calm or drowsy state. These medications can quickly become both physically and psychologically addicting and are prescribed on a short-term basis if at all possible. Having a seasoned prescription drug addiction doctor working with you is the top choice when your well-being, mental and physical health are involved.

Local Treatment for Prescription Drug Addiction

Help is as close as your phone. Give our office a call to set up an appointment.

Male smokers account for significantly higher numbers than female smokers, with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting worldwide numbers that show men smoke about 5 times as much as women. In the U.S., with an estimated 47 million smokers, 24% of men smoke compared to 18% of women. The numbers for nicotine addiction in Georgia run slightly lower with 23% of male smokers versus 15% of women smokers.

Men vs. Women on Nicotine Addiction

Research has shown more men have a nicotine addiction than women. Data also shows that women make fewer attempts to quit smoking, quit for shorter periods of time for each attempt, and smoke for a longer period of time over their lifetime than men. Males with a nicotine addiction report an easier time than females when trying to “kick the habit.”

Hormonal Fluctuations Often Keep Women Smoking

The Psychiatry Journal published a new study from the University of Montreal detailing the impact the menstrual cycle has on the strength of nicotine cravings. Adding in the symptoms that accompany the menstrual cycle results in frequent lengthy times when the decision to quit smoking is at battle with the incontrollable urge to smoke.

The university’s data indicates that the urge to smoke is strongest for a period of time after the monthly menses; additionally decreases in both estrogen and progesterone during a woman’s cycle significantly deepen any withdrawal symptoms at the same time those with a nicotine addiction crave a “smoke.”

Five Top Reasons Women Have Harder Time Ending Nicotine Addiction

• Stress and anxiety are the top relapse triggers for women
• Women tend to experience more severe withdrawal symptoms than men
• Smoking cessation products (nicotine gum, nicotine patches, etc) more effective in men due to gender differences in how nicotine affects the brain; females are typically less responsive to products to help end nicotine addiction
• Weight gain is a frequent reason women start smoking again
• Fluctuating hormones that occur monthly during the menstrual cycle often de-rail attempts at quitting

An experienced and well-practiced psychiatrist will consider the different effectiveness of treatment unique to women when designing the overall medication and treatment plan to successfully achieve smoking cessation.

Dr. Darvin Hege is the local psychiatrist of choice for your nicotine addiction and smoking cessation. Medication and adjunct therapies may be part of your recovery from nicotine addiction. Let a doctor design a treatment plan that meets your unique needs. Dr. Hege’s office is located in Atlanta in the Sandy Springs/Dunwoody area, and he provides convenient appointment times for patients who need flexible hours.

Prescription drug addiction affects more than 15 million people in the U.S. The numbers of adult abuse of prescription drugs now far exceeds all of those that abuse cocaine, inhalants, heroin and hallucinogens combined.  The National Institute on Drug Abuse estimates that 48 million have used prescription medication for non-medical purposes at some point in their lifetime; this number indicates that around 20% of the U.S. population have abused at least one of their prescription drugs.

Prescription Drugs and OTC Medications Commonly Abused

In recent years WebMD reports that studies of the reasons for doctor or ER visits show a dramatic increase in the abuse of prescription and OTC (over-the-counter) medications. Addiction drug treatment programs show just as sharp an increase in drug addiction admissions. The drugs most commonly abused are:

• Opioid Pain Relievers such as Vicodin, Opana, or OxyContin, codeine, morphine
• Stimulants used for ADHD such as Adderall, Concerta, or Ritalin
• Depressants for relieving anxiety or sleep disorders such as Valium, Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin

The OTC drugs that are most commonly abused are:

• Cough and cold OTC remedies that contain dextromethorphan

What is Prescription Drug Addiction?

Addiction is a chronic brain disease that typically has numerous periods of relapse into abuse. Abusing drugs, including prescription medication leads to actual changes in the function and structure of the adult brain.

Following the dosage and frequency of a prescription may become more and more difficult to follow, affecting self control and the ability to make good sound decisions. Visits to the ER or to multiple doctors for more medications is abuse and the intense impulses to take more drugs become more and more frequent.

There is Help for Prescription Drug Addiction

Prescription and OTC medications are very effective when they are taken as ordered. Long term pain relief medication use however, such as with an opioid, can lead to drug abuse with both physical dependence and addiction. Professional help is crucial for a sound recovery.

An experienced psychiatrist and other medical professionals can help change the direction your prescription drug use is heading. Call the office for an appointment.

In a recent study on addiction relapse by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, it was found that illicit drug use is now at its highest level in the U.S. One reason for the escalating rate of drug abuse are those with a prior drug addiction who now present with an addiction relapse. The National Institute on Drug Abuse makes note there is a 40% to 60% addiction relapse rate.

Statistics of Addiction Relapse

Addiction affects everyone, from family and friends, work buddies, employers, and even affects the community cost of caring for those with addiction from the local to state level. There are more than 2.1 million U.S. ER visits a year directly related to drug abuse. Addiction to prescribed medications is at 27.1% of the ER visits or well over 1/2 million people, and it actually has higher rates of occurrence than the 21.2% related to illicit drug use, which is still more than 425,000 people.

Long Term Addiction Relapse Data

Addiction and substance abuse is typically viewed as “addiction relapse prone.” While the rates of relapse may seem overwhelming, receiving vital mental health treatment from an experienced practitioner has significant impact on the rate of relapse, making recovery possible.

Long term study data has found that among drug abusers (prescribed and illicit) 27% died within a 20 year period, and only 27% still remained in recovery. Proper treatment is critical not only for recovery; continuing treatment is vital for long term health and to protect against the pull of addiction relapse.

Quality of Life Parameters versus Addiction Relapse

Achieving recovery and avoiding addiction relapse does reap the rewards of leading a functional life that can be measured in strength of relationships and friendships, mental health status, gainful employment and optimal physical health. Recovery with proper addiction relapse therapy can and does work to bring you into a fuller, positive life.

Atlanta Addiction Specialist

Dr. Hege has decades of experience working in Atlanta with addiction concerns. His successful treatment regime may include medication, detox, individual treatment, outpatient recovery, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or any number of adjunct therapies to meet your individual needs. Call the office and get back on the road to recovery and a functional satisfying life.

The use of tobacco and nicotine can become an addiction that is as difficult to break as alcohol, cocaine and morphine abuse. The CDC, Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates almost 44 million people in the U.S. smoke cigarettes with over 68% of those smokers making repeated attempts to quit. The desire to quit smoking continues throughout a person’s life, with almost 45% of smokers 65 years of age and older still fighting the battle against nicotine addiction. 

The Physical and Psychological Addiction of Nicotine

The National Institute of Health reports that tobacco use, the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S., accounts for one-fifth of deaths every year. Nicotine addiction comes with a variety of physical and psychological effects that are often tied together, making the attempt to quit even more difficult.

For example, smoking typically decreases appetite, and the fear of weight gain affects the ability to successfully quit. Nicotine also boosts mood and alertness, often masking underlying depression, which leaves those trying to quit with a loss of motivation and well-being.

Symptoms of Nicotine Withdrawal

Research indicates about 50% of smokers suffer from at least four symptoms associated with nicotine withdrawal. Common symptoms reported are:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Irritability and anger
• Increased hunger, appetite, and weight gain
• Insomnia and drowsiness
• Headache
• Intense craving for nicotine

Nicotine withdrawal symptoms can begin within a couple hours of quitting, with symptoms peaking in about 3 days. Partnering with a nicotine addiction psychiatrist will ease symptoms experienced using prescription medication to reduce cravings in combination with cognitive behavioral therapy. A successful addiction withdrawal program will address both the physical and psychological obstacles to quitting.

Quitting Smoking with Mental Health Issues

A psychiatrist with a successful history of treating nicotine addiction and other mental health issues develops a treatment plan addressing both the addiction and any underlying psychiatric issues. A diagnosis of depression, anxiety disorder, ADD, or bipolar disorder significantly reduces the success rate in overcoming nicotine addiction. Treatment tailored to an individual’s overall needs plus their mental health concerns has proven most successful in prevention of relapse during and after nicotine withdrawal.

Medication Support during Withdrawal and Beyond

Several medications are available from a certified nicotine addiction psychiatrist. Chantix, a medication recently approved for nicotine addiction, has higher success rates for both 3 month and 1 year nicotine abstinence. Other medications with a history of success for tobacco and cigarette addiction withdrawal are Zyban, Wellbutrin, and buproprion. Diagnosis of mental health disorders may require a combination of medications to effectively treat the whole person and their needs.

Atlanta Tobacco and Nicotine Addiction Psychiatrist

Tobacco and nicotine withdrawal is difficult and repeated episodes of relapse are common. Dr. Hege, Atlanta’s tobacco and nicotine addiction psychiatrist has a long history of experience and documented success.

Call to set up an appointment, and let Dr. Hege work to help relieve your withdrawal symptoms, manage any mental health issues, and strengthen your resolve and ability to quit for good.

Cocaine is an extremely powerful central nervous system stimulant. Up to 75% of the people who try cocaine become addicted to it. The Stop Cocaine Addiction website reports well over 2 million cocaine addicts in the U.S., and only 25% of those who try to quit will succeed without outside help. Cocaine addiction is a chronic relapsing disease that is the result of changes in the brain and the uncontrollable need to obtain the drug.

Cocaine Addiction Tied to the Brain’s Pleasure Center

Cocaine has a direct and immediate affect on the pleasure center of the brain which produces euphoria and feelings of being hyper-energized. The “high” quickly fades, and within 30 minutes the desire or craving to use the drug again returns. Repeat use of cocaine results in increased tolerance and the need to use more of the drug in order to achieve the same feelings.

Cocaine Addiction Relapse Easily Triggered

The National Institute of Drug Abuse states that repeated use of cocaine causes disruptions in the brain chemistry responsible for the regulation of mood and pleasure. Strong cravings for cocaine can be triggered by a memory associated with past use, even when it may be months to a year since it was last used. With memories at every corner, the need to use cocaine becomes too strong to resist. Help is available from cocaine addiction medical professionals.

Depression Common Psychological Withdrawal Symptom

Very often the attempt to stop using cocaine fails because of the psychological withdrawal experienced. There is no true medical detox for cocaine addiction as the drug is water soluble and leaves the body fairly quickly. Developing depression is a common, often overwhelming occurrence during cocaine withdrawal which often pushes an addict to use cocaine to relieve their depression.

Dual Treatment Highly Successful for Cocaine Withdrawal

The psychological withdrawal, depression, and the memories that trigger relapse can be successfully treated by a trained expert in cocaine addiction withdrawal. Very often a dual method such as a medication regime in conjunction with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, CBT, closely monitored by your addiction psychiatrist has the best success. Dr. Hege does not provide CBT, but can recommend someone who does.

Medications Prescribed for Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms

Prescribed medications for cocaine withdrawal symptoms may include Disulfuram to help reduce the degree of cocaine cravings, and N-acetyl-cysteine as a nutritional supplement. Dependending on your evaluation, other medications may be used to help reduce fatigue, help relax muscular tension, help stabilize your moods or work to reduce cocaine’s euphoric effects (i.e., modinifil, baclofen, naltrexone, Topomax).

Atlanta Cocaine Addiction Withdrawal Psychiatrist

Dr. Darvin Hege, M.D. is a well recognized authority on successfully treating cocaine addiction and the associated withdrawal symptoms such as depression, violence, insatiable hunger, irritability and aggression, overwhelming fatigue and disturbed sleep patterns. Contact us today for an evaluation.

Columbia University research studies have documented that opioid addiction in the U.S. tripled during the ’90s. Statistics from 2009 indicate nearly 2 million Americans were either dependent on or abusing opioid prescription pain medication such as OxyContin/oxycodone, Vicodin/hydrocodone or Demerol/meperidine.

Atlanta Opioid Addiction Needs Long-Term Treatment

Opioid addiction is more common than the abuse or dependence on any other type of prescription medication and two-times greater than those addicted to cocaine. The World Health Organization presents opioid dependence as a complex health condition that typically requires long-term treatment.

Opioid addiction is viewed as a life-long chronic illness or disease, such as diabetes, asthma, or heart disease, which can be successfully managed but not “cured.” The development of a pharmacological treatment regime under the direct care of an opioid addiction psychiatrist has proven to be the most successful in overall management of opioid dependence.

Common Indicators of Georgia Opioid Dependence

While a thorough evaluation by an Atlanta opioid addiction psychiatrist provides the foundation for developing a comprehensive medical and medication treatment plan, the following list of behaviors may be the impetus that drives you to make an appointment with Darvin Hege, M.D.,  expert in opioid dependence with over two decades of experience in the field.

Generally, a person who exhibits three or more of the following behaviors may be considered opioid dependent:

• Reports withdrawal symptoms when opioid medications are stopped or significantly reduced, often using other drugs to help diminish withdrawal symptoms
• Increasing amounts of opiates taken, or taking them for longer periods of time
• Needing to take more of the opioid medication in order to get the same effect that you once experienced
• Wanting to quit, however are unsuccessful time and time again
• Increased time is spent trying to obtain more of the medication
• Finding the recovery period from taking opiates take longer and longer
• Employment issues arise, such as missing work, being late for work, not being able to perform work properly, or being unable to find work if unemployed
• Spending less time with friends and family who do not use opioids
• Continuing to use opiates even when faced with negative consequences

Georgia Opioid Dependence Takes Control of Your Life

Opioid dependence slowly takes over and controls your life. Opiates are highly addictive and by their nature activate the brain’s pleasure and reward centers while making changes in the brain’s structure and function. The belief often forms that opioids are necessary for survival and attempts are made by any means to obtain opioid medications, either legally or illegally.

Atlanta Opioid Addiction Psychiatrist

By the time a person develops a dependence on opioids their brain no longer functions normally without these drugs in their system. Brain centers that involve judgment, perception and caution become impaired.

The Atlanta opioid addiction psychiatrist Dr. Darvin Hege has successfully helped patients regain the life they once had through an individually constructed, medically managed pharmacological treatment plan. Call the office and begin to live your life once again.

Prescription opioid pain reliever use has more than doubled in the past 5 years. The National Institute for Drug Abuse and the World Health Organization have defined that dependence on opioids, such as prescription pain medication and heroin, are now recognized as a long-term brain disease — a medical condition and narcotic addiction that can be successfully treated by experienced psychiatrists and other medical specialists.

Statistics on Opiate Addiction and Abuse

With over 7-million people in the U.S. addicted or dependent on an opiate drug or prescription pain medications, the cost is almost $500 billion dollars a year. Emergency room visits related to prescription drug abuse well exceeds 1 million visits a year; in almost 400,000 of these visits the patient received a prescription for opioid pain relievers. The Institute of Addiction Medicine states that opioid painkillers are chemically similar to heroin and can be just as addictive.

Break the Chains of Physiological Addiction with SUBOXONE Film

Developing an addiction to opioids can happen to anyone. Management of pain, chronic or acute, can include a prescription for opioids which include for example: Vicodin, OxyContin, codeine, Kadian, or Percocet. Once a dependence on these medications develops, the willpower loses out again and again in the fight against the chemical, psychological, and behavioral stronghold of opioid addiction. Opioid addiction takes more than willpower to overcome the fight — it takes a medically managed and proven medication treatment plan.

Your Atlanta narcotic addiction psychiatrist Darvin Hege, M.D. may prescribe SUBOXONE Film while carefully monitoring your opioid withdrawal day by day until you are able to manage monthly medication reassessments. SUBOXONE Film assists with reduction of narcotic cravings as well as easing your body through the withdrawal symptoms. SUBOXONE Film, whose active ingredient is buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, produces less of a euphoric effect than a full opioid would, thus helps to suppress withdrawal symptoms and reduce narcotic cravings.

SUBOXONE Film Prescriptions Can be Called in to a Pharmacy

SUBOXONE Film contains both buprenorphine and naloxone which provides a medically monitored way to withdrawal over time as well as mixing in an ingredient that discourages misuse of the medication. Buprenorphine attaches to opioid receptors suppressing both the uncomfortable cravings and the symptoms of withdrawal. Naloxone has no physiological effect if SUBOXONE Film is taken as prescribed.

Atlanta Opioid Addiction Psychiatrist Has High Success Rate

If opioid pain medications have taken control of your life, there is a way back. The highly regarded Atlanta narcotic addiction psychiatrist Darvin Hege, M.D. is available to help bring you out of the clutches of pain medication addiction so you can make your life and family first priority again.

Call the office to schedule a confidential initial meeting and evaluation.