How to Stop Using Opioids and Stimulants
Polydrug use is common and Affect is uniquely able to treat it successfully
“Goofballing” is a slang term used to describe the dangerous practice of mixing opioids, such as heroin, with stimulants, such as methamphetamine or cocaine. This combination of depressants and stimulants can produce intense, unpredictable effects and significantly increases the risk of overdose and other serious health complications.
The opposing actions of these substances on the central nervous system—one slowing it down and the other speeding it up—can lead to severe cardiovascular stress, respiratory issues, and potentially fatal outcomes. Due to these high risks, “goofballing” is considered highly dangerous and is strongly discouraged by medical professionals.
Polysubstance use, specifically the combination of stimulants and opioids, poses severe health risks and complicates addiction treatment. Leveraging telemedicine offers a promising path to recovery, providing accessible and effective care.
This article delves into the prevalence of polysubstance use, the dangers of fentanyl, health consequences, treatment duration, and the role of contingency management and harm reduction.
Having revolutionized treating stimulant use disorders with its science-backed program and app, Affect Therapeutics stands out as a top treatment provider for these complicated cases.
With medications, therapy, and an app to motivate your recovery, Affect’s program can help you beat addiction to opioids and stimulants
Prevalence of Stimulant and Opioid Use
Polysubstance use involving stimulants and opioids is alarmingly common. According to recent studies, nearly 15% of opioid users also consume stimulants like methamphetamine or cocaine. This combination amplifies the effects of each drug, increasing the risk of addiction and complicating the detox process. The concurrent use of these substances requires specialized treatment approaches to address the unique challenges presented.
The Dangers of Fentanyl
Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, significantly heightens the dangers associated with polysubstance use. Even in minute quantities, fentanyl can be lethal, and its presence in illicit drugs has led to a surge in overdose deaths.
Users may inadvertently consume fentanyl-laced substances, unknowingly increasing their risk of a fatal overdose. The potency of fentanyl necessitates urgent and comprehensive intervention strategies.
Health Consequences of Polysubstance Use
The combined use of stimulants and opioids leads to severe health consequences, including cardiovascular issues, respiratory depression, mental health disorders, and increased risk of infectious diseases.
Stimulants can exacerbate anxiety, paranoia, and psychosis, while opioids can cause severe respiratory depression and sedation. Together, these substances place an immense strain on the body, often resulting in long-term health complications or death.
Treatment Duration
Recovery from polysubstance addiction is a long-term process that varies for each individual. Detoxification alone can take several weeks, depending on the severity of the addiction. Comprehensive treatment, including behavioral therapies and Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), typically spans several months to years.
Continuous support through telemedicine ensures that patients receive consistent care, which is crucial for sustained recovery.
Contingency Management and Harm Reduction
Contingency management and harm reduction are effective strategies in a comprehensive treatment plan for polysubstance use. Contingency management uses positive reinforcement to encourage sobriety by providing tangible rewards for meeting treatment goals.
Harm reduction focuses on minimizing the adverse effects of drug use through strategies like needle exchange programs and supervised consumption sites. Combined with MAT, these approaches enhance the effectiveness of treatment, reduce relapse rates, and improve overall health outcomes.
Why Affect Therapeutics is a Leading Treatment Provider for Polysubstance Use Disorders
Affect Therapeutics stands out as a top-tier option for treating polysubstance addiction, particularly for stimulant use, where no FDA-approved medications currently exist. Affect’s innovative app and telehealth program have proven to be in the top 1% of treatment providers in terms of effectiveness.
Our comprehensive approach includes personalized care plans, regular telemedicine consultations, and support from a dedicated team of healthcare professionals. By leveraging technology, Affect Therapeutics provides accessible, consistent, and high-quality care, making it a leader in addiction treatment.
Conclusion
Successfully quitting the use of stimulants and opioids requires a multifaceted approach, leveraging the benefits of telemedicine to provide accessible and effective care.
Understanding the prevalence and dangers of polysubstance use, especially involving fentanyl, highlights the need for urgent and comprehensive treatment strategies. By incorporating contingency management and harm reduction into a long-term treatment plan, individuals can achieve sustained recovery.
Affect Therapeutics, with our cutting-edge app and telehealth program, offers an exemplary model for treating polysubstance addiction, achieving results that place it among the very best in the field.
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