Latest news with #Suboxone
Winnipeg Free Press
2 days ago
- Health
- Winnipeg Free Press
Another front in the drug-addiction battle opens at Siloam Mission
A four-litre jug of orange juice and a stack of tiny cups are the signs that Siloam Mission has just wrapped up the second day of providing a life-saving treatment for drug addiction on Thursday. The juice dilutes methadone, one form of opioid agonist therapy — a treatment for addiction to opioids including heroin, fentanyl and oxycodone. It involves taking medication, such as methodone and Suboxone, that reduces withdrawal symptoms for 24 to 36 hours. It is the current standard of front-line care for opioid use disorder in Manitoba. It can be used short term or for several years and doesn't get the patient high. The Canadian Centre for Substance Use and Addiction says it reduces the risk of overdose, alcohol-related deaths, suicide, cancer and other illnesses because it increases a person's access to overall medical care and improves the chance of early intervention and treatment. MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Kris Allen Pharmacist at 432 Health Group talks about the on-site opioid agonist treatment (OAT) which the group will be providing medical supplies for. 'This would be for folks who are looking to be sober,' Tobi Jolly, Siloam's interim director of community wellness, said at the medical centre at Siloam. 'Withdrawal can be very dangerous for folks. Detox has a long waiting list here in Winnipeg, so if they're trying to do that on their own, it's just super unsafe for them.' The program, which began at Siloam's Saul Sair Health Centre at 300 Princess St. on Wednesday, is scheduled to operate seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. It was started following multiple instances in which people who wanted to be sober were unable to access timely resources, forcing them to continue using opioids, Jolly said. 'It's long waiting lists everywhere they go, (and) this is where a lot of our community members feel safe and comfortable,' she said. A nurse practitioner, who can diagnose opioid use disorder and offer counselling, will be on site several days a week. A pharmacist will be on hand each day to administer the medication, which can't be taken home. Patients' treatment will be recorded and tracked. The pharmacist and nurse are employed by 432 Health Group, a Winnipeg company that offers a range of medical services. Last year, the firm asked Siloam how it could help, and staff overwhelmingly requested opioid agonist therapy resources. In the first two days, five patients were treated, but staff expect word to spread quickly and more people to show up. 'Withdrawal can be very dangerous for folks. Detox has a long waiting list here in Winnipeg, so if they're trying to do that on their own, it's just super unsafe for them.'–Tobi Jolly 'We're building it,' said Kris Allen, a pharmacist with 432 Health Group. 'As new needs come to us, we're going to fill those gaps.' In Manitoba, 320 nurses and doctors are approved to prescribe opioid agonist therapy. Some are out of reach for the people Siloam serves because many don't have health cards and aren't able or willing to leave the neighbourhood on a daily basis, Jolly said. Manitoba's seven Rapid Access to Addictions Medicine clinics, which are run by the provincial government and provide urgent addictions treatments, including opioid agonist therapy, have long lineups and are, at times, forced to turn people away. Quitting 'cold turkey' is not just painful, but can put the person at a higher risk of overdose and death. While the proposed supervised consumption site would be a crucial complement to Manitoba's harm reduction framework, Jolly said Siloam's new program is meant to intervene immediately if a patient is ready today. Wednesdays Columnist Jen Zoratti looks at what's next in arts, life and pop culture. 'A lot of solutions that are long term, they're going to take a while to happen,' she said. 'More detox beds and more treatment are a long ways away.' The supervised consumption site plan is in the 'review stage,' as per Health Canada's website, which notes it is 'awaiting key information before decision can be taken.' The provincial government submitted its application in November 2024. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba removed some post-training requirements for a doctor to be able to prescribe Suboxone in 2023 in an effort to increase access to care. Since then, there's been an uptick in the number of doctors providing the treatment, but there's demand for more, said Dr. Marina Reinecke, an addictions medicine physician and consultant for the college's prescribing practices program. MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Allen and Tobi Jolly, Interim Director of Community Wellness at Siloam Mission. '(It's) certainly not what we would consider adequate access or easy access for most patients,' she said. 'We still have a long way to go in terms of developing those services, but things have improved a lot.' While it is the standard of care, opioid agonist therapy is considered higher-barrier to some and works best in conjunction with other treatment, Reinecke said. 'Safe consumption sites are low barrier. We need them for overdose prevention and as an access point,' she said. 'Opioid agonist therapy is one of the more intensive therapies that people who use safe consumption sites can then sort of graduate into.' Shared Health said in an email it's 'excited' another opioid agonist treatment provider is operating in Winnipeg. Malak AbasReporter Malak Abas is a city reporter at the Free Press. Born and raised in Winnipeg's North End, she led the campus paper at the University of Manitoba before joining the Free Press in 2020. Read more about Malak. Every piece of reporting Malak produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Time Business News
2 days ago
- Health
- Time Business News
Inside the Mind of an Addict
Addiction is often seen through a fog of misunderstanding. To many, it's merely a string of bad decisions, a lack of willpower, or a moral failing. But within the mind of an addict lies a complex, storm-ridden landscape where logic is distorted, emotions are raw, and survival instincts are rewired. To understand addiction, one must momentarily suspend judgment and embrace empathy. What may look like chaos from the outside is, internally, a relentless psychological war—one that few can articulate and even fewer can truly fathom. Opioid use disorder can be treated with a range of medications tailored to individual needs and circumstances. While exploring options, many wonder, is Sublocade the same as Suboxone? Although both contain buprenorphine and help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, they differ significantly in form and administration. Sublocade is a once-monthly injectable, offering consistent levels of medication without the need for daily dosing. In contrast, Suboxone is a sublingual film or tablet taken daily and contains both buprenorphine and naloxone. The choice between the two depends on medical advice, lifestyle factors, and personal preferences in the recovery journey. Inside the addicted brain, the machinery of pleasure and reward begins to malfunction. At the center of this hijacking is dopamine—a neurotransmitter that, under normal circumstances, motivates us to seek out food, social connection, and novelty. But drugs and alcohol flood this system with unnatural surges, triggering euphoric highs that far surpass any natural reward. With repeated exposure, the brain adapts. It begins to require the substance just to feel 'normal.' The prefrontal cortex, responsible for reasoning, impulse control, and decision-making, becomes subdued. Survival instincts once tied to nourishment and relationships are now chained to the addiction itself. Neuroscience shows us that the brain's reward circuitry is rewired—not just metaphorically, but biologically. This is not a mere habit; it is a profound alteration of the brain's operating system. Within the addict's mind, a ceaseless internal monologue plays out. Cravings aren't simple urges—they're commanding, persuasive, and often suffocating. A single thought—'I need it'—echoes until it becomes unbearable. To live with such intensity of desire, the brain constructs elaborate justifications. 'I deserve this.' 'Just one more time.' 'I can stop whenever I want.' These aren't lies told to others—they're whispered to oneself, over and over, until belief forms around them like a cocoon. Guilt frequently follows, like a haunting specter. But guilt doesn't stop the cycle. It often fuels it. The shame of past use becomes the rationale for future use. And so the wheel turns, faster and darker. Emotional Entanglement: Shame, Isolation, and Despair Addiction does not exist in a vacuum. It is not merely physical—it is profoundly emotional. Many addicts describe a persistent, gnawing sense of shame. Not just for what they've done, but for who they believe they've become. This shame breeds isolation. Friends and family may drift away, or be pushed away. The addict becomes a solitary figure in their own story, trapped in a mental prison where despair is a daily visitor. The emotional terrain is scorched. Joy feels distant. Hope flickers weakly. And yet, paradoxically, the substance that created the pain is seen as the only salve to relieve it—even briefly. To an addict, reality is filtered through a cracked lens. Priorities shift in irrational ways. An overdue bill, a sick child, a lost job—none of these compete with the urgency of getting the next fix. This is not apathy. It's triage. The addicted brain perceives the drug as vital, not optional. Reality becomes narrowly focused, obsessed, and compulsively navigated toward the next encounter with the substance. The world shrinks. Dreams vanish. The future becomes a concept too painful to consider. All that matters is now—and now is dictated by addiction. Despite the darkness, there are moments—brief and piercing—when clarity breaks through. An addict may suddenly see their reflection and recognize a stranger. They may recall a forgotten version of themselves. Or they may simply sit with an unbearable feeling and think, I want this to stop. These moments, though fleeting, are significant. They signal that the human spirit, though battered, is not broken. They are windows—fragile and vital—through which recovery often begins. Such glimpses don't guarantee change, but they create cracks in the wall. And through those cracks, light can eventually pour in. The roots of addiction stretch deep. Often, trauma sits at the core—unprocessed, unspoken, unresolved. Abuse, neglect, loss, or violence can hollow out a person's sense of self, leaving behind a vulnerability that substances exploit. Genetics also play their role. Some are born with predispositions toward impulsivity, anxiety, or novelty-seeking behavior. Environmental factors—poverty, family dysfunction, peer influence—layer on additional risks. Addiction is not born from weakness. It is the confluence of biology, psychology, and circumstance. It is the brain and the world colliding in unfortunate symmetry. Quick Action Saves Lives When responding to an opioid overdose, the speed and ease of drug delivery can make all the difference. That's why understanding naloxone administration routes is crucial for both medical professionals and bystanders. Naloxone can be given intranasally, intramuscularly, subcutaneously, or intravenously, depending on the situation and the form available. Intranasal sprays are widely used due to their simplicity and effectiveness without the need for needles. However, medical personnel may prefer intravenous administration for rapid action in clinical settings. The flexibility of delivery methods ensures that naloxone can be used promptly, helping reverse potentially fatal overdoses within minutes. To truly confront the crisis of addiction, society must rehumanize the addict. These are not lost souls or moral failures—they are people ensnared in a neuropsychological labyrinth few choose to enter. Treatment, support, and recovery require more than punishment or abstinence. They require understanding. Compassion is not leniency—it is strategy. And when we look inside the mind of an addict, not to condemn but to comprehend, we unlock the possibility of real, enduring change. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time Business News
4 days ago
- Health
- Time Business News
Choosing Between Outpatient vs Inpatient Addiction Recovery Centres: Pros and Cons
Inpatient addiction recovery, often referred to as residential treatment, involves a structured environment where individuals live onsite at a rehabilitation facility for a designated period. These centres are designed to provide intensive care through medical supervision, therapy sessions, and peer support, all within a controlled, substance-free setting. Patients are removed from their everyday triggers, creating a secluded atmosphere conducive to healing. This type of care is typically chosen for those with severe dependencies, co-occurring disorders, or previous unsuccessful attempts at sobriety. When taking medications like Suboxone, understanding how long they remain in your system is essential for managing treatment and avoiding interactions. On average, How Long does suboxone stay in your system depends on several factors including metabolism, liver function, dosage, and frequency of use. Typically, traces of the drug can be detected in urine for up to 7 days and in saliva for a few days after the last dose. Blood tests may show shorter detection windows, while hair tests could reveal its presence for up to 90 days. Individual results, however, may vary significantly. Inpatient centres offer a cloistered atmosphere where every aspect of the day is scheduled, monitored, and optimized for recovery. From morning meditations to evening group therapies, patients are immersed in a therapeutic environment that eliminates distractions and reinforces sobriety. The insular design shields them from negative influences and high-risk social circles. This structured cocoon allows for deeper introspection and faster behavioral recalibration, especially beneficial during the precarious early stages of detoxification and emotional withdrawal. Outpatient programs integrate recovery into the real world, allowing participants to apply coping strategies in real-time. This concurrent exposure to everyday life challenges while receiving treatment can fortify resilience. Patients navigate relationships, work stress, and societal pressures, all while remaining anchored to professional guidance. Though it requires a greater degree of personal discipline, this model promotes sustainable recovery patterns and empowers individuals with practical, situational awareness. Inpatient recovery is typically more intensive and elongated, with stays ranging from 30 to 90 days or longer depending on clinical recommendations. The constant medical supervision ensures that any physical or psychological emergencies are promptly addressed. The encompassing schedule also includes one-on-one therapy, nutritional counseling, and group work, allowing for a holistic healing trajectory. The long-term commitment often correlates with improved treatment outcomes for those with deeply entrenched addictions. Outpatient treatment unfolds through scheduled sessions that vary in frequency—sometimes daily, often a few times a week. This structure allows individuals to receive quality care without relinquishing their roles as employees, parents, or students. The manageable commitment is particularly suitable for those in the early stages of dependency or for individuals stepping down from an inpatient program. However, its lower intensity may be insufficient for those who require constant accountability and supervision. The comprehensive nature of inpatient treatment often comes with a steep price tag. Costs can range from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars depending on facility amenities, staff qualifications, and program length. While many centres accept insurance, coverage limitations can make this option financially inaccessible for some. Despite the cost, the investment often reflects the depth of care, continuous support, and improved long-term outcomes. Outpatient care generally costs significantly less, as patients are not provided lodging, meals, or round-the-clock medical supervision. Many insurance plans offer robust coverage for outpatient services, making them financially viable for a larger segment of the population. This affordability allows individuals to seek prolonged or repeated treatment without the burden of overwhelming medical debt, making it a pragmatic option for sustained recovery. Inpatient treatment often necessitates physical separation from one's immediate environment, including family and friends. While this isolation can feel emotionally taxing, it also removes potential enablers and allows for focused self-exploration. The removal from toxic environments is, for some, a necessary step toward genuine rehabilitation. However, it may also strain personal relationships, especially when children or dependents are involved. One of the salient advantages of outpatient recovery is the continuous engagement with one's social network. Family therapy sessions can be incorporated, encouraging open communication and healing among loved ones. Daily interaction with family and peers helps reinforce accountability and provide emotional anchoring. This model can be particularly beneficial for those whose recovery is bolstered by strong familial support systems. For individuals grappling with chronic addiction or co-occurring mental health disorders, inpatient care often proves indispensable. The intensive structure and integrated psychiatric support allow for simultaneous treatment of substance abuse and underlying psychological conditions such as depression, PTSD, or anxiety. This dual-diagnosis approach enhances recovery outcomes and reduces the risk of relapse through comprehensive intervention. Outpatient recovery is generally well-suited for those with mild to moderate addiction levels, high motivation for change, and stable home environments. These individuals benefit from the freedom to maintain routines while gradually integrating recovery strategies. The lower intensity also serves as a suitable continuation of care after a successful inpatient experience, offering a step-down model that sustains progress without abrupt disengagement. Choosing between outpatient and inpatient addiction recovery centres is not a matter of better or worse—it's about alignment with personal needs, severity of addiction, and available resources. Each model offers distinct advantages and limitations. What proves transformative for one may be insufficient for another. The path to sobriety is deeply individual; therefore, selecting the right treatment setting requires careful evaluation, professional guidance, and an honest assessment of one's circumstances and commitment to change. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Business Upturn
4 days ago
- Health
- Business Upturn
Comprehensive Healthcare Renames Yakima Walk-In Clinic to Wellness Now Clinic
YAKIMA, Wash., July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Comprehensive Healthcare today announced that its Yakima Walk-In Clinic has been renamed Wellness Now Clinic to better represent its role in the community as a trusted and accessible source of whole-person medical care. The clinic will continue to offer walk-in, no-appointment-needed services for individuals seeking medical attention. Opened in 2024 with the support of a $4 million federal grant, the clinic was established to address gaps in access to primary care. It provides treatment for minor illnesses and injuries, routine check-ups and other essential health services. 'The name Wellness Now Clinic reflects our mission to provide accessible, whole-person care – when and where people need it most,' said Jodi Daly, Ph.D., CEO of Comprehensive Healthcare. 'The clinic has received strong community response, and this new name further reinforces our commitment to providing reliable medical care for the Yakima community and beyond.' Designed to meet immediate care needs and serve as a bridge to longer-term services, the Wellness Now Clinic offers general medical and preventive care, as well as on-site diagnostic testing, lab services and same-day Suboxone access for individuals seeking treatment for opioid use disorder. The clinic is open to everyone, regardless of insurance status. It accepts most major insurance plans and provides affordable payment options for those without coverage. In the last year, the clinic has provided nearly 2,500 services to 1,500 patients. 'We see clients walk through our doors every day who might otherwise go without care,' said Dr. Gillian Zuckerman, addictionologist and Wellness Now Clinic director. 'As we continue to establish the Wellness Now Clinic as a go-to medical resource in the community, our goal is to provide compassionate, convenient care that not only meets immediate health needs but also helps reduce the burden on local emergency rooms. It's all about keeping our community healthy, connected and supported.' The Wellness Now Clinic is located at 402 S. 4th Ave, Entrance 4, and is open Tuesday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and on Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information about Comprehensive Healthcare and the Wellness Now Clinic, visit About Comprehensive Healthcare: As one of largest behavioral health organizations in the state of Washington, Comprehensive Healthcare serves clients in the Greater Columbia Region. Comprehensive Healthcare is a Joint Commission accredited organization, providing compassionate, individualized behavioral healthcare since 1972. As a non-profit organization, Comprehensive Healthcare is dedicated to delivering high quality, evidence-based services to individuals, families and organizations. To learn more, visit Comprehensive Healthcare's website at Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same. Ahmedabad Plane Crash
Time Business News
11-07-2025
- Health
- Time Business News
12 Steps, Many Paths: Modern Alternatives to Traditional Recovery
Introduction The 12-step program, popularized by Alcoholics Anonymous in 1939, has long stood as the gold standard in addiction recovery. Rooted in spiritual awakening and communal accountability, it has offered solace to millions. Yet, as society becomes more diverse and clinical understandings of addiction deepen, many are turning to alternative paradigms. Recovery is no longer a monolithic journey. It is a mosaic—individualized, evolving, and replete with varied routes toward wholeness. In today's landscape of mental health and addiction recovery, combining medications requires careful consideration. One such example is the use of Suboxone and Adderall, which can present both therapeutic benefits and potential complications. Suboxone is commonly prescribed to manage opioid dependence, while Adderall is used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). When used together, these medications can interact in complex ways, affecting mood, energy levels, and overall treatment outcomes. Medical supervision is essential to ensure safety, minimize risks, and monitor effectiveness. Personalized treatment plans can help patients achieve stability and maintain progress in both recovery and mental health. Limitations of the Traditional 12-Step Framework For all its historic success, the 12-step model is not universally resonant. Its core principle of surrendering to a higher power, though comforting to some, alienates others who seek a secular or scientific approach. Spiritual overtones can feel dogmatic, particularly to those from non-religious or marginalized spiritual backgrounds. The prescriptive nature of the program—twelve linear steps applied to diverse life stories—can feel inflexible. It presumes uniformity where variance exists. Moreover, the emphasis on powerlessness, while intended as a means to humility, may undermine self-efficacy for individuals in need of empowerment over submission. Accessibility also remains a barrier. Meetings may not align with the cultural, gender, or linguistic needs of all participants, limiting its reach in a pluralistic society. Secular Recovery Programs: Rational and Evidence-Based Models Modern recovery increasingly gravitates toward secular, empirically grounded models. SMART Recovery (Self-Management and Recovery Training) epitomizes this shift. Grounded in cognitive-behavioral science, it rejects the notion of powerlessness, advocating instead for self-directed change. Through disputing irrational beliefs and cultivating resilience, participants learn to regulate their impulses and reshape thought patterns. LifeRing Secular Recovery offers an abstinence-based but spiritually neutral space. Meetings are conversational rather than didactic, focused on building what it calls the 'Sober Self.' Its ethos promotes mutual respect and individual sovereignty. Such models attract those who value critical thinking, personal agency, and evidence over faith. They are neither superior nor inferior to 12-step—they simply serve a different psychological and philosophical temperament. Therapeutic and Clinical Modalities Professional treatment models have expanded dramatically. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) target the underlying mechanisms of addiction—maladaptive thinking and emotional dysregulation. Unlike peer-led groups, these are facilitated by clinicians trained in psychological science. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) has also become a cornerstone in treating substance use disorders, particularly opioid addiction. Drugs like buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone help manage cravings and reduce relapse risk. Though controversial in abstinence-only circles, MAT is validated by substantial empirical support. Moreover, integrated treatment for co-occurring disorders—such as depression, PTSD, or bipolar disorder—recognizes that substance use is often a symptom of deeper psychic wounds. Addressing addiction without exploring the mental terrain beneath it is a Sisyphean task. Holistic and Mind-Body Healing Pathways The resurgence of holistic modalities signals a broader cultural embrace of integrative healing. Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) merges Buddhist principles with clinical rigor, helping individuals cultivate present-moment awareness and compassion for their triggers. Yoga and breathwork reintroduce the body into recovery. These somatic practices anchor individuals in sensation, helping to process trauma and reduce autonomic hyperarousal. Many find that healing is not merely intellectual or emotional—it is cellular. Nature therapy, eco-sobriety retreats, and even psychedelic-assisted therapies (in clinical settings) are expanding the palette of recovery. These modalities invite a reconnection not just to self, but to the sacred ecology of existence. Technology-Driven Recovery Avenues In the digital age, recovery has leapt from meeting halls into the cloud. Smartphone apps offer daily affirmations, habit trackers, and virtual sponsor access. Platforms like I Am Sober, Loosid, and Sober Grid foster online communities, breaking geographic barriers. Teletherapy and online recovery groups have proven vital, especially during the pandemic. The anonymity, convenience, and diversity of digital resources make them particularly appealing to introverts, rural populations, and those with mobility limitations. Emerging technologies now use artificial intelligence to predict relapse risk based on mood inputs and behavioral data. These tools, while not replacements for human connection, add a layer of real-time support that was previously unthinkable. Culturally-Responsive and Community-Based Models Healing must be contextualized. Indigenous recovery frameworks center on ceremony, storytelling, and ancestral wisdom. Sweat lodges, talking circles, and plant medicine rituals have helped communities reclaim sobriety and spiritual agency after generations of colonial disruption. LGBTQ+-affirming programs recognize the specific traumas faced by queer and trans individuals. These spaces do not just tolerate diversity—they are constructed around it, addressing minority stress, identity formation, and chosen family dynamics. Spiritual, but not necessarily religious, recovery centers offer metaphysical nourishment without theological constraints. They embrace pluralism—welcoming all seekers, skeptics, and souls in flux. Understanding pill identification is crucial for safe medication use. The 970 orange pill is commonly known as Tizanidine 4 mg, a muscle relaxant prescribed to relieve muscle spasms caused by conditions such as multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injuries. Its orange color and '970' imprint help distinguish it from other medications. Tizanidine works by blocking nerve impulses and reducing muscle tone, offering relief from tight or rigid muscles. However, it can cause drowsiness or low blood pressure, so it's important to follow dosing instructions carefully. Patients should always confirm pill identity with a pharmacist to avoid potential medication errors. Conclusion Recovery is not a doctrine. It is a dynamic, living process—a kaleidoscope of paths converging on a shared destination: liberation. While the 12-step tradition remains a vital cornerstone, it is no longer the sole edifice. Modern alternatives, from neuroscience-informed therapies to soul-centric rituals, expand the lexicon of healing. Each path, whether secular or sacred, clinical or communal, offers a beacon to those navigating the labyrinth of addiction. In honoring this diversity, we build a recovery culture rooted in empathy, innovation, and unyielding hope. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
