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Demerol is the trade name of Pethidine / meperidine which is a rapid-acting opioid analgesic drug used to treat pain. In the United States and Canada, Pethidine or meperidine is more commonly known by its brand name Demerol whereas in many parts of the world, it is too known as isonipecaine; lidol; pethanol; piridosal; Algil; Alodan; Centralgin; Demerol; Dispadol & Dolantin etc.
Chemically, Demerol is 4-Piperidinecarboxylic acid, 1-methyl-4-phenyl-ethyl ester hydrochloride.
Demerol Prescription, Dosage & Administration:
Demerol, a narcotic analgesic, is prescribed for the relief of moderate to severe pain. Dosage is adjusted by physician according to the severity of the pain and the response of the patient. The verbal solution is often a pleasant-tasting, nonalcoholic solution containing 50 mg of meperidine hydrochloride per 5ml teaspoon. The tablets generally contain 50 mg or 100 mg of the analgesic. It is delivered as its hydrochloride salt in tablets, as a syrup, or by intramuscular or intravenous injection although it is less effective orally than on parenteral administration (as by intramuscular or intravenous injection).
Demerol Abuse:
Demerol contains meperidine, a mu-agonist opioid with an abuse liability similar to morphine and is a controlled substance. Abuse of Demerol poses a risk of overdose and death. This risk is increased with concurrent abuse of Demerol with alcohol and other substances. Intramuscular or intravenous abuse of crushed tablets can be expected to result in local tissue necrosis, infection, pulmonary granulomas, and increased risk of endocarditis and valvular heart sickness. In addition, such sort of drug abuse is commonly associated with transmission of infectious diseases such as hepatitis and HIV.
Effects of Demerol Abuse:
The major hazards of Demerol, as with other narcotic analgesics, are respiratory depression and to a lesser degree, circulatory depression; respiratory arrest, shock, and cardiac arrest etc.
The maximum frequently observed adverse reactions include lightheadedness, dizziness, sedation, vomiting, nausea, & sweating. These effects seem to be more prominent in ambulatory patients and in those who are not experiencing severe pain. In such individuals, lower doses are advisable. Some adverse reactions in ambulatory patients may be alleviated whether the patient lies down.
Miscellaneous:
There is a category of drugs called MAO Inhibitors. Drugs in this category include the antidepressants phenelzine & tranylcypromine. Whether you are taking these antidepressants or have used them in final 2-3 weeks, inform your physician well in advance because when taken with Demerol, these MAO Inhibitors can cause unpredictable, severe, & occasionally fatal reactions.
The narcotic antagonist, naloxone hydrochloride, is a specific antidote against respiratory depression which may result from over dosage or strange sensitivity to narcotics, including meperidine. Therefore, an appropriate dose of this antagonist should be administered, preferably by the intravenous route, simultaneously with efforts at respiratory resuscitation.
Demerol Testing:
A diverse array of techniques is available to test for drug abuse and Demerol or Pethidine/meperidine containing compounds are no exception. As with other drugs, some quantity of Pethidine/meperidine remains unchanged while rest of it forms different metabolites.
These unchanged Pethidine or meperidine compounds and their metabolized products can be detected using any of the following methods:
•Urine based Pethidine/meperidine/metabolite testing
•Hair follicle based Pethidine/meperidine/metabolite detection
•GC based Pethidine/meperidine/metabolite detection
•Mass spec based Pethidine/meperidine/metabolite testing
•Pethidine/meperidine/metabolite-specific antibody based diagnostic kits
Archive for the ‘Drug Abuse’ Category
Demerol: Prescription Drug Abuse & Testing
March 9th, 2010 
admin Drug abuse Clinic: Experience the Perfect Mode of Drug Abuse Treatment
March 1st, 2010 admin 
In the present world, drug abuse is one of the maximum complex phenomenons. According to a recent report, it has been known that there are millions of people who are suffering from the curse of this addiction. No doubt, drug abuse is a complex but treatable chaos, that drastically affects brain function and behavior of the concerning persons. As per the medical experts’ research, the brain’s structure and function get altered due to heavy usage of drug. The patients can too suffer from certain physical changes which might persist even after stopping of its intake.
Apart from the aforesaid facts, there are several other physical as well as psychological problems can occur due to drug abuse. That’s why it should be treated through proper drug abuse treatment clinic as early as possible. Recollect, only early treatment can remedy a patient in the maximum hassles-releaseway.
At present, thousands of drug abuse centers available all over the US which conduct a wide range of treatment programs for the addicted people. But these days, these treatment programs follow some effective rules and principles such as:
Treatment Clinic should be readily available Group & individual counseling Right medications – the maximum vital aspect The treatment programs must access the patients for infectious diseases.
Maximum of the modern treatment centers maintain the aforesaid principles, but while choosing it you need to keep some points in your mind i.e.
Clinic has well qualified & experienced physicians and experts Qualified nursing staffs and other staffs 24×7 support and patient care
Moreover, it is suggested to all those people who are suffering from drug abuse – immediately get treated through an experienced drug abuse treatment center, because early treatment can easily alleviate a patient from the curse of drug addition.
Parents Need to Take the Lead Against Drug Abuse
February 28th, 2010 admin 
By Rev. Ned Wicker,
Drug-Addiction-Support.org
I recollect a conversation I had with a police detective some 35 years ago. He was telling me approximately what a mother had told him over the phone approximately her teenaged son. “Once he’s out of the house, he’s not our problem.” The detective, who served an upscale suburban community, was explaining to me that parents can be irresponsible and in his mind nearly criminal in their neglect of children.
Parents are the maximum vital people in a child’s life. They set the tone for everything. Whether parents abuse drugs, the children are likely to abuse drugs. Whether husbands beat their wives, their sons will likely be wife beaters too. Whether parents divorce and abandon their children, those children are not likely to become model parents either. Parents are the front line in the prevention of drug abuse and there’s so much they can do to attempt to secure the best possible future for their children.
The distress is parents want schools to do everything. Teachers become parents, because “once he’s out of the house he’s not our problem.” What happens in the domestic is more vital than what happens in the classroom. Parents can set the example by being informed. That starts with understanding the dangers of prescription medication. What is in your medicine cabinet? Do you know what medications are in the house, and how much of that medication you have? Are medications out of date?
Take an stock and keep track of what is in the house.
Whether a medication runs out too quickly, that is a sign that someone might be abusing that drug. Conversation to your kids and make this a family project.
Teens particularly will experiment with drugs. They hear approximately the experiences of their friends. They want to be cool and portion of the crowd. Whether they experiment with the drugs in your house, what will happen? Whether you have a pain medication, what will that do? Whether you have a stimulant of some kind, what will that do? What are the dangers of overdose? Question yourself, what are the dangers to my child?
Take control. Be the parent, the adult. Have an open conversation with your children approximately drugs, particularly the drugs in your house. Stay on summit of it and know the stock. Make connections with principals and teachers at the school, with your family doctor and pharmacist, and with local law enforcement officials.
Be savvy. Know what is in your house, in the community and the potential negative impact it will have on your family. Drug abuse prevention starts in the domestic with responsible parents. Having this family discussion and having a plot approximately how to handle the medications in your domestic will be an effective preventative measure.
Posted in Drug Abuse 
Tags: Addiction Support, Police Detective, Prevention Of Drug Abuse 
No Comments »Drug Abuse and Treatment
February 27th, 2010 admin 
Drug abuse rages rampant in our world nowadays! Drug addiction is a complex but treatable sickness that affects brain function and behavior. Drug abuse alters the brain’s structure and function and can result in changes that persist long after the drug use has stopped. Despite the potential devastating consequences abusers are too at risk for relapse.
Principles Of Drug Abuse Treatment
There are certain effective principles based on which the treatment of drug abuse is done.
§ Addiction is a complex but treatable sickness
§ Single treatment can not be give to everyone
§ Drug abuse treatment should be readily available
§ Effective treatment covers the multiple needs of the individual
§ Staying the course or remaining in treatment for the entire duration
§ Individual and group counseling
§ An vital element in treatment is right medications
§ For excellent progress continual monitoring and assessment of the individuals are done
§ Awareness that many drug-addicts too have mental disorders
§ First step to treating the addiction is by giving medically helped detox
§ It is not necessary to have voluntary drug treatment but it is effective
§ Fixed monitoring to avoid drug use lapses during treatment
§ Treatment programs should assess patients for infectious diseases
What to see for when choosing a Drug Abuse Treatment Program
There are many drug abuse treatment programs available so how to find that you have chosen the best one?
§ In-patient care for 24 hours
§ A staff of experienced physicians and trained therapists
§ Qualified nursing staff
§ Numerous additional support personnel
The drug abuse treatment should provide each patient with an individualized treatment plot encompassing detoxification, rehab and additional support through a variety of specialized aftercare programs. The patients who require specialized treatment for homosexual-friendly rehab, sexual abuse treatment, dual diagnosis treatment and other special services should be available for them.
Drug Abuse Recovery – One Day at a Time
Recovery of drug abuse is an on going process you cannot get “cured”. A monumental step to accepting drug treatment is by understanding that one can not get recovered in one day as the abuse didn’t occur in one day.
Drug abuse treatment has many steps beginning with detox and moving on to the addiction treatment program, on-going support and relapse prevention. Modern life skill s will be learned and how to deal with cravings, thoughts, and the urge to start the addictive behavior all over again are learnt by an individual during the drug recovery process.
Additional Recovery Tools
A number of effective drug abuse recovery tools are available for those seeking treatment. For instance some programs may incorporate meditation techniques, holistic approaches and exercise programs like yoga to assist the drug abuse patient to relax and remain focused on recovery issues. Some programs use art therapy or music therapy to allow individuals to communicate through their creative expressions.
Prevention Of Drug Abuse
No missive is ever total without mentioning drug abuse prevention techniques, which are an vital portion of any addiction recovery program. You can learn to avoid the allure and continue on a road to long-lasting recovery by learning the triggers that influence abusive behavior
Get a healthy and fulfilled life by saying no to drugs of any kind.
Effects Of Drug Abuse; Family And Friends
February 18th, 2010 admin 
Dealing with Drug Abuse in the Family
What precisely is drug abuse?
The use of a drug for a nontherapeutic effect. Some of the maximum commonly abused drugs are alcohol; nicotine; marijuana; amphetamines; barbiturates; cocaine; methaqualone; opium alkaloids; synthetic opioids; benzodiazepines, including flunitrazepam (Rohypnol); gamma-hydroxybutyrate; 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy); phencyclidine; ketamine; and anabolic steroids. Drug abuse may lead to organ hurt, addiction, and disturbed patterns of conduct. Some illicit drugs, such as heroin, lysergic acid diethylamide, and phencyclidine hydrochloride, have no recognized therapeutic effect in humans. Use of these drugs often incurs criminal penalty in addition to the potential for physical, social, and psychological harm.
Ecstasy – Course A – Article
Drug abuse does not fair effect those abusing the drug – it too effects those around the user, including (but not limited to); family, friends and co-workers. In this article I’ll clarify two things to you; what these effects are, and how you can get assist to tackle them.
Effects:
Children, youthful children particularly, are easily affected by drug abusing parents. When a child’s parents are abusing drugs openly it can thrust the child into viewing themselves as different. It might seem like a small thing, but feeling different from everybody else is one of the maximum common roads to depression, and depression kills more than drugs – indirectly. He or she may feel outward from their peers or even strangers in their own domestic – whether you had a drug abusing parent, would you take your friends domestic to play the play station?
It too puts a heavy implication on them to develop an OCD or even worse, wind up involved in crime.
The friends of a drug addict will often feel rejected as the drug abuser starts to stay at domestic taking drugs rather than going out with friends, this can lead to the friends feeling not only rejected, but it too puts them in a tough situation. Friends are vital and whether a person is going to quit drugs – then they will need all of the support they can get!
Drug abuse has a very negative effect on a person’s financial status. Drugs are not cheap at the best of times – but it doesn’t assist that drug dealers tend to offer them at a low price first, and then raise the price when the user is addicted so that they are prepared to pay absurd amounts of money for a ‘fix’. Whether money isn’t legally available then an addict might eventually be pressured into crime or ‘service’ – which means they’ll be either stealing money to pay for drugs, or they’ll be ‘working’ illegally for drugs.
Assist:
Assist can come from many places, below is a list I compiled of websites and organisations which I feel can assist you!
Websites and Organizations;
http://www.lifeline.org.uk
www.drugsline.org
‘Unhooked’
Codeine: Prescription Drug Abuse & Testing
February 14th, 2010 admin 
Introduction:
Codeine or methylmorphine is an opiate used for its analgesic, antitussive and antidiarrheal properties. It is marketed as the salts codeine sulfate and codeine phosphate. Codeine hydrochloride is more commonly marketed in continental Europe and other regions.
Codeine is an alkaloid found in opium in concentrations ranging from 0.3 to 3.0 percent. While codeine can be extracted from opium, maximum codeine is synthesized from morphine through the process of O-methylation. The chemical name of codeine phosphate is 7,8-Didehydro-4,5alpha-epoxy-3-methoxy-17-methyl morphinan-6alpha-ol phosphate (1:1) (salt) hemi-hydrate.
Codeine Dosage & Administration:
Each soluble tablet contains 30 mg (0.074 mmol) or 60 mg (0.15 mmol) of codeine phosphate. Codeine is secure at dosage from 10-60mg at once. But, when Codeine is used recreationally it is between 60mg to 400 mg in one shot. Whether an individual uses more than 400 mg in one shot, it exceeds the quantity of drug the liver can metabolize at once which means that it will be wasted. Codeine is generally taken orally, rectally (via the anus) and is too given as a shot. It is never, but, be snorted, smoked or injected intravenously.
Codeine Prescription:
Codeine is medically prescribed for the relief of moderate pain and cough suppression. It is made into tablets either alone or in combination with aspirin or acetaminophen (i.e., Tylenol with Codeine,). As a cough suppressant, codeine is found in a number of liquid preparations. Codeine is too used to a lesser extent as an injectable solution for the treatment of pain.
Codeine Abuse:
Codeine products are largely diverted from valid sources to the illicit market where it forms the daily dose of a large chunk of drug abusers. Prescription drug abuse involves multi-billion dollar market in the US alone and codeine is a meaningful “contributor” to it!
Euphoric effects associated with opiates are one of the major reasons for wide spread codeine usage. Simple availability of codeine further promotes its use for recreational purposes. Codeine can be obtained either over the counter in low doses or through prescription combination drugs.
Effects of Codeine Abuse:
Fair like any other prescription drug abuse, Codeine abuse is largely reflected in the physiological state of health of a drug abuser. There are many common adverse drug reactions that are associated with the use of codeine. These include – euphoria, itching, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dry mouth, miosis (pupil shortening), orthostatic hypotension, urinary retention and constipation. Compared to morphine, codeine produces less analgesia, sedation, and respiratory depression, and is generally taken orally. But, as with maximum other drugs, prolonged use of codeine results in development of tolerance to many of its effects and thus, abuser too becomes tolerant to its therapeutic effects.
Prescription Laws:
In the United States, Codiene is regulated by the Controlled Substances Act. It is a controlled substance for pain-relief products containing codeine alone or more than 90 mg per dosage unit. Preparations for cough or diarrhea containing small amounts of codeine in combination with two or more other active ingredients may be dispensed in amounts up to 4 fl. oz. per 48 hours without a prescription. In locales where dilute codeine preparations are non-prescription, anywhere from very few to perhaps a moderate percentage of pharmacists will sell these preparations without a prescription.
Codeine Testing:
There is diverse array of techniques available to test for drug abuse and codeine is no exception. It can be detected using any of the following methods:
•Urine based codeine testing
•Hair follicle based Codeine detection
•Gas Chromatography based Codeine detection
•Mass spectrometry based Codeine testing
•Codeine-specific Antibody based detection kits
Maximum of the codeine is excreted within 24 hours. But, 5% to 15% of codeine remains unchanged and some portion may too exist as a product of glucuronide conjugates of codeine and its metabolites which may be detected by above said methods.
How Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Prescription Drug Abuse Affects You?
February 11th, 2010 admin 
Attention deficit hyperactivity chaos (ADHD) is a highly publicized childhood chaos that affects approximately 5 percent to 7 percent of all children. Millions of individuals receive prescription drugs for ADHD every year and various central nervous system (CNS) stimulants like Ritalin & Adderall are frequently prescribed by physicians for ADHD as they have a notably calming and “focusing” effect on those with ADHD, particularly children.
Ritalin, chemically known as Methylphenidate, is a stimulant that produces pharmacological effects similar to those of cocaine and amphetamines. As a result, a growing number of incidents of ADHD prescription medicine abuse have been associated with teens and youthful adults nowadays. Many teens are using it for weight reduction since it is a powerful appetite suppressant while others are using it for wakefulness, increased attentiveness, increased focus, & euphoria.
When abused, the tablets are either taken orally or crushed and snorted. Some abusers dissolve the tablets in water and inject the mixture into the veins. Common neurological effects of drug abuse includes impaired memory and learning ability, destitute concentration, confusion, panic attacks, flashbacks, impaired motor function, & seizures to name a few. Various common physical effects of drug abuse may include changes in heart rate and blood pressure, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, abnormal weight loss, and increased body temperature, danger to heart, liver, kidneys, chest pain, stomach cramps, & hormonal changes.
Small-term effects can include nervousness and insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, palpitations, headaches, changes in heart rate and blood pressure, skin rashes and itching, abdominal pain, weight loss, and digestive problems, toxic psychosis, psychotic episodes, drug dependence syndrome, and severe depression upon withdrawal while long-term effects may include tremors, muscle twitching, fevers, convulsions, headaches, irregular heartbeat, anxiety, hallucinations, and delusions, excessive repetition of movements and meaningless tasks, and sensation of bugs or worms crawling under the skin.
Users who inject drugs intravenously are at a higher risk of contracting viruses such as HIV and hepatitis, and often suffer from abscesses & collapsed veins as insoluble fillers in the tablets can block the small blood vessels. Moreover, excessive doses of Ritalin over a long period of time can produce addiction & may lead to development of tolerance so that larger doses are needed to produce the desired effect.
When a child’s performance and behavior improve soon after starting medication, the child, parents, and teachers tend to applaud the drug for causing the sudden changes. Unfortunately, when people see such instant improvement, they often reckon medication is all that’s needed. But medications don’t remedy ADHD; they only control the symptoms on the day they are taken. Although the medications assist the child pay better attention and total school work, they can’t increase knowledge or improve academic skills. The medications assist the child to use those skills he or she already possesses. So, behavioral therapy, emotional counseling, and practical support must be given to ADHD children so that they can cope with everyday problems and feel better approximately themselves.
Behavioral Couples Therapy for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse
February 9th, 2010 admin 
Product Description
This eminently practical guide presents an empirically supported approach for treating people with substance abuse problems and their spouses or domestic partners. Behavioral couples therapy (BCT) explicitly focuses on both substance use and relationship issues, and is readily compatible with 12-step approaches. Provided are all the materials needed to introduce BCT; implement a recovery contract to support abstinence; work with clients to increase positive activiti… More >>
Tales of a Zany Mystic
February 8th, 2010 admin 
Product Description
L.B. White is Zany Mystic. A wild roller coaster ride of substance abuse, jail, angelic encounters and decades of triumph over AIDS. With wit and humor, this spiritual journey entertains and inspires…. More >>
Drug Use and Abuse: A Comprehensive Introduction
February 7th, 2010 admin 
Product Description
Current and insightful, the up-to-date Sixth Edition of Howard Abadinsky’s DRUG USE AND ABUSE: A COMPREHENSIVE INTRODUCTION offers an interdisciplinary, comprehensive survey of all aspects of the drug and alcohol abuse issue, including the impact of drugs on our society; their history and the pharmacological impact of drugs on the body; drug policy implications; the criminal justice system response; the effects, treatment, and prevention of abuse; theories of use; t… More >>
