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Effective Treatments for Opioid Addiction

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Drug addiction is a global issue that directly affects people, their families, and communities. One of the most serious health issues currently affecting Americans is opioid addiction.

Opioid use disorder is a condition like many other medical illnesses, meaning it requires medical intervention. Opioid detoxification using safe and effective methods provided by trained clinicians can lead to a successful recovery. Complete detoxification and counseling are often the most effective options to treat opioid addiction.

What is Opioid Addiction?

Opioid addiction is a condition that affects brain function in which a person regularly finds and uses drugs such as fentanyl, heroin, and prescription pain killers, despite the negative consequences. It is a brain disorder because addiction can alter how the brain operates. Aside from all the harmful effects on a person’s health, addiction impairs how someone thinks and feels. This impairment may lead to other dangerous actions and can damage ties with loved ones. Without effective detox and emotional treatment, addiction may have critical or fatal consequences.

Addiction Treatment

Seeking professional help is the primary step to a complete and successful recovery. The next step is finding a treatment center with experienced and qualified clinicians that can tailor the opioid addiction treatment protocol to fit each patient’s unique needs.  It is critical for a successful treatment outcome that the clinician understands the patient’s health history.

Intake

Usually, an intake assessment occurs before treatment is scheduled. That way, patients and treatment center personnel can review specific factors to decide if this is the right treatment program. Questions are asked to understand the patient’s current situation, health history, and expectations. The more information that all parties have, the better-educated decision they can make.

Common intake questions include:

  • How long have you been using drugs?
  • What type of drugs?
  • What other medications are you currently taking?
  • Are there particular circumstances or needs?
  • Family health history.
  • Are there other mental or chronic problems?

Waismann Method® Opioid Treatment Specialists

When patients are admitted to a hospital to undergo a rapid detox or a medically assisted opioid detox like the one Waismann Method provides, they undergo a comprehensive physical examination on the first day. Opioid users do not have the same physiological responses as other patients, so it is imperative to rule out any unknown health conditions that could jeopardize their safety during medical opiate detoxification.

This thorough evaluation will include tests to find both health problems and drugs present in the patient’s system because different drugs can cause different reactions.  Every patient’s circumstance is different, so determining the best treatment option is a shared decision between the patient and the physician. It’s essential to choose a treatment program that is willing to discuss and provide the patient several treatment settings and options to determine the most appropriate plan. Patient participation in treatment decisions and recovery plans is shown to improve outcomes significantly.

Rapid Detox and Medically Assisted Opioid Detoxification

There are three main choices for opioid detoxification:  Rapid detox under sedation, in-hospital medical detox, and medically assisted withdrawal management at a licensed treatment center, like Domus Retreat.   Treatment can occur in several different places or settings depending on the medication used, the patient’s health, and other determining factors.

Sedation Assisted Opioid Detoxification (Rapid Detox)

Typically, rapid detox involves a licensed anesthesiologist administering an opioid antagonist while the patient is under sedation in a hospital. In theory, the procedure precipitates a withdrawal while accelerating the detox timeline while patients are asleep.

The big selling point of rapid detox is that it is a quick, effective, and much more comfortable way to come off opioid drugs, especially for people trying to detox from long-acting medications, such as suboxone and methadone.

The problem?

Many people who undergo rapid detox do not understand what the procedure does and how and where it should be performed. In fact, medical professionals have been known to mislead their patients, implying that they could reverse years of addiction in a couple of days.

As a result, patients are discharged too early. They feel emotionally and physically vulnerable, which leads to an intense urge to use, and relapse occurs. The implication of promising overnight cures is highly irresponsible and even cruel.

The benefits.

There are good and bad professionals in any field. There are also responsible, honest physicians and negligent ones. Detoxification under sedation is an excellent option for those who cannot get through an arduous opioid withdrawal. Still, it is NOT an overnight miracle, and it should not be described as one.  As with any medical procedure, rapid detox needs to be performed with sufficient inpatient time for evaluation, treatment, and recovery care.

Waismann Method Rapid Detox

Most Waismann Method® rapid detox patients receive a private room in an accredited hospital for three days, followed by four to seven days at Domus Retreat for recovery care. At Domus, we assist each patient with the emotional and physical transition, which substantially maximizes the safety and effectiveness of the detoxification.

Professional inpatient care for a few days after rapid detox is essential to help individuals successfully navigate the adjustment and recovery phase.  Long-term opioid intake raises hormonal activity, which plays a primary role in stress. After detox, people are more vulnerable to anxiety-related issues, leading to cravings and eventually relapse. At Domus, patients are provided with several therapeutic services and supportive medications, making rapid detox a much more pleasant, but more importantly, safe procedure.

All opioid-dependent patients who have withdrawn from opioids, especially in such a rapid manner, should be advised that they are at increased risk of overdose due to reduced opioid tolerance. Providing patients a few days of recovery care to regain a bit of their physical and emotional strength dramatically reduces the risk of an overdose.

In-hospital Medically Supervised Detox

Medically supervised opioid detoxification in a hospital involves administering medications to reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms when a patient discontinues their opioid use.  The primary purpose of a supervised withdrawal is to safely and successfully transition the patient to an opioid-free state. In a hospital, the medical team can control any clinical manifestations during detoxification.

During the hospital stay, which usually lasts from 2 to 4 days, the Waismann Method team works diligently to reduce the acute withdrawal symptoms during detox. Patients receive 24-hour monitoring in their private room while the medical staff accesses physical health conditions. The goal is to achieve complete detoxification with minimum discomfort to start non-addictive medications (Naltrexone and Vivitrol) for craving management therapy.

Withdrawal Management at Domus Retreat Treatment Program

The treatment process at Domus Retreat begins with a medical assessment, including medical history, psychological reviews, and other applicable diagnostic tools. The evaluation results determine the safest and most effective treatment plan to follow.

Professional staff continuously evaluate clients and prescribe supportive medications,  as clinically indicated, so that patients remain comfortable.

If more specialized medical care is necessary, the patient may be admitted to a private hospital for more extensive care.

The medical director receives reports on symptoms, medications, and progress.  Domus’s clinical team consults with the medical staff to ensure patients receive the care they need for emotional and physical disorders. This individualized approach to treating opioid use disorder is designed to start the healing process of the mind, body, and spirit.

Regardless of which detoxification is right for you, a patient should always expect to be treated with respect and dignity. Patients should also feel heard and cared for.   When treating someone for opioid addiction, detoxification combined with counseling and other emotional support is highly recommended.

For Daniel, journalism is a way of life. He lives and breathes art and anything even remotely related to it. Politics, Cinema, books, music, fashion are a part of his lifestyle.

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The Definitive Handbook on DOT Drug Testing for Workplace Safety

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Introduction:

In today’s world, ensuring workplace safety is a top priority for employers across various industries. When it comes to safety-sensitive positions, such as those in transportation, maintaining a drug-free workplace is crucial. The Department of Transportation (DOT) recognizes this importance and has established comprehensive drug testing regulations to promote safety and prevent accidents.

In this definitive handbook, we will delve into the intricacies of DOT drug testing, its significance, procedures, and the responsibilities of both employers and employees.

What is DOT Drug Testing?

DOT drug testing is a standardized procedure mandated by the Department of Transportation to screen employees in safety-sensitive positions for drug use. The objective is to ensure that individuals responsible for critical tasks, such as operating commercial motor vehicles, are free from the influence of drugs that may impair their ability to perform their duties safely.

The Importance of DOT Drug Testing for Workplace Safety

Workplace safety is not something to be taken lightly, especially in industries where lives are at stake. DOT drug testing plays a pivotal role in maintaining a safe work environment by deterring drug use and identifying employees who may pose a risk due to substance abuse. By implementing rigorous drug testing programs, employers can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents, protect their workforce, and safeguard public safety.

DOT Drug Testing Regulations and Requirements

The DOT has established comprehensive regulations that outline specific circumstances under which drug testing is required. These regulations encompass various testing scenarios, including pre-employment, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, return-to-duty, and follow-up testing.

· Pre-Employment Testing

Before an individual assumes a safety-sensitive position, they must undergo a drug test. This test serves as a crucial screening process to ensure that prospective employees are drug-free before joining the workforce.

· Random Testing

Random drug testing is an essential component of DOT drug testing programs. It involves selecting employees for testing without prior notice or suspicion. The randomness of this testing method acts as a strong deterrent against drug use among employees.

· Post-Accident Testing

In the unfortunate event of a workplace accident, DOT regulations require drug testing of employees involved in the accident. This testing aims to determine if drug use contributed to the incident and helps employers take appropriate measures to prevent future accidents.

· Reasonable Suspicion Testing

If an employer has reasonable suspicion that an employee is using drugs, they have the right to request a drug test. This type of testing is based on observable signs, such as behavioral changes, erratic performance, or physical symptoms, that raise suspicion of drug use.

· Return-to-Duty Testing

Employees who have tested positive for drugs or violated drug testing regulations must complete a return-to-duty process, which includes a drug test. This testing ensures that employees are no longer using drugs before they resume safety-sensitive duties.

· Follow-Up Testing

Following a positive test result or a violation, employees may be subjected to follow-up testing as part of their rehabilitation program. This testing helps monitor their progress and ensures their continued compliance with drug-free workplace policies.

Conclusion

Ensuring workplace safety is a shared responsibility between employers and employees, especially in safety-sensitive positions. DOT drug testing plays a vital role in promoting a drug-free work environment and safeguarding public safety. By adhering to DOT regulations and implementing comprehensive drug testing programs, employers can reduce the risks associated with substance abuse, protect their workforce, and foster a culture of safety.

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Danny Masterson sentenced to 30 years to life for two rapes

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Danny Masterson, a US actor, was found guilty of raping two women and was given a sentence of 30 years to life in jail.

At the time of his offenses in the early 2000s, Masterson was a cast member of the TV show That ’70s Show.

Masterson, 47, was accused of avoiding responsibility by relying on his fame as a famous Scientologist, according to the prosecution.

Before imposing a sentence, Judge Charlaine Olmedo enabled the victims of his acts to read impact statements in court.

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Leah Remini, a well-known former Scientologist and actress, was present at the court on Thursday and consoled the women before and after they gave their testimony.

US media stated that one of the women remarked, “I wish I had reported him to the police earlier.”

I’m sorry, another woman said to Masterson. I can no longer bear your illness, according to Reuters.

Masterson didn’t say anything at all during the hearing.

His wife, Bijou Phillips, was spotted in court sobbing as the judge pronounced his sentence—the harshest penalty permitted.

After the initial jury was unable to reach a verdict in 2022, Masterson underwent a retrial and was found guilty in May. After being found guilty, Masterson was placed under jail because he posed a flight risk.

Three women who said he had sexually assaulted them at his Hollywood home between 2001 and 2003—during the height of his television fame—led to the actor’s conviction.

He gave them drugs before assaulting them, according to testimony presented to the jury.

Of his three accusers, he was found guilty of rape by two of them. A mistrial was declared over the third accuser’s allegations, and the prosecution stated they have no plans to retry the case.

In a statement provided to BBC News, Alison Anderson, a lawyer for two of the victims, said that the ladies “have displayed tremendous strength and bravery, by coming forward to law enforcement and directly participating in two grueling criminal trials.”

These brave women helped hold a cruel sexual predator accountable today “despite persistent harassment, obstruction, and intimidation,” she said.

Prosecutors claimed throughout the trial that the Church of Scientology had assisted in covering up the assaults, a claim that the group has vehemently refuted.

Both Masterson and all three of his accusers were Scientologists at the time of the attacks. Many of the women claimed it took them years to come forward because Church of Scientology leaders allegedly told them not to call the police about the rape.

Prosecutors claim that Scientology leaders threatened one survivor with losing her membership unless she agreed to a non-disclosure agreement and took a $400,000 (£320,000) payment.

Judge Olmedo permitted discussion of the theology and practices of Scientology during the trial, which infuriated the group.

The Church of Scientology said there was “not a scintilla of evidence supporting the scandalous allegations that the Church harassed the accusers” in a statement following the verdict in May.

Leah Remini, an actress, has a reputation for being a vocal opponent of religion.
SOURCE OF IMAGE: GETTY IMAGES
picture caption
Leah Remini, an actress, has been vocal in her criticism of the Church of Scientology and is shown here during a movie screening.
One woman testified in court on Thursday about being rejected by her mother, a Scientologist who is still active.

According to her account, “She texted me and told me to never contact her again,” as quoted by the LA Times.

She had told me beforehand that she wanted Danny Masterson to be imprisoned for what he had done to me, but not at the expense of her religion.

Another woman claimed that the Church of Scientology had treated her unfairly ever since she spoke out.

“For almost seven years now, the cult of Scientology has terrorized, harassed, and invaded my privacy daily since the week I came forward to police,” she claimed, adding, “But I don’t regret it.”

At the height of the #MeToo movement in 2017, Masterson was accused of rape for the first time. He refuted the charges and insisted that all of the interactions were consensual.

After a three-year investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department, charges were filed. Due to insufficient evidence and the passing of the statute of limitations, prosecutors decided not to press charges in two other cases.

Jessica Barth, who established Voices in Action in the wake of the #MeToo movement, also attended Thursday’s sentence.

One of the women who accuse scandalized Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein of assault was Ms. Barth. Her nonprofit promotes reporting of abuse and encourages others to do the same.

According to a Los Angeles court official, the judge rejected Masterson’s defense team’s plea for a new trial prior to the hearing.

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Drugs regulator issues alert after pharma firm Abbott India recalls antacid syrup Digene Gel

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d at their facilities in Goa. Images via digeneindia.com

Healthcare professionals, customers, patients, wholesalers, distributors, and regulatory agencies have been informed about the voluntary recall of Abbott India’s well-known antacid syrup Digene Gel, produced at its Goa facility, by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization .

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