Actiq Addiction and Abuse
Siobhan Morse, Executive Director of The National Institute for Holistic Addiction Studies discusses Actiq addiction and abuse.
What is Actiq?
Actiq is a fentanyl lozenge. It is a narcotic opioid pain medication used to treat breakthrough pain in people with cancer.
Breakthrough pain are flares of pain that break through regularly scheduled maintenance pain medication.
Actiq comes as a lozenge on a handle. Just like all narcotic medications, the potential for abuse is high with Actiq.
Actiq Addiction and Abuse
What are the effects of Actiq?
According to The National Institute on Drug Abuse, like heroin, morphine, and other drugs, Actiq works by binding to the body’s opiate receptors which are highly concentrated in the areas of the brain that control pain and emotions.
When opiate drugs such as Actiq bind to these receptors, they can drive up dopamine levels in the brain reward areas, producing a state of euphoria and relaxation.
What is Actiq addiction and abuse?
Actiq abuse could include: altering Actiq dose or using more lozenges than needed, taking it for unintended reasons, or repeated chronic use despite the potential negative consequences.
Potentially addictive drugs such as Actiq activate the brain’s reward and pleasure centers. This stimulation could cause patients to chase the rewarding feelings, in turn causing them to crave the drug more and more.
Powerful psychological and physiological cravings are indicative of a drug dependency.
What are some of the side effects of Actiq?
The side effects of Actiq include: euphoria, drowsiness, respiratory depression and arrest, nausea, confusion, sedation, constipation, unconsciousness, coma, addiction, and even death.
What are the withdrawal symptoms of Actiq?
Because the patient can develop both a physical and psychological addiction to this powerful opioid, Actiq withdrawal can affect people in a number of ways.
Symptoms of Actiq withdrawal can include: abdominal pain, anxiety, confusion, hot flashes, irritability, insomnia, loss of appetite, muscle aches, night sweats, rapid breathing, stuffy or runny nose, and tremors.
Clearly, those who have used stronger doses of Actiq for longer periods of time will experience the most severe withdrawals.
Actiq Addiction and Abuse
Click Here to Download a PDF version of this report.
[powerpress]
Do you have more questions about Actiq Addiction and Abuse?
Our experienced counselors are available 24 hours a day to take your call and get you the help or information you need.
Call our Toll-Free Recovery Hotline at 1-800-839-1682 and discover the best treatment options for you.
Our drug rehab center offers a unique and affordable holistic approach to addiction treatment.
Our holistic addiction and treatment program has helped addicts from all over the United States, Europe and Canada overcome their substance addictions and achieve long term recovery. We treat the individual’s specific needs, including working with families.
