Addiction Medicine

Our program’s mission is to be a leading addiction medicine program that provides education about substances of abuse and treatment for their misuse to: Alcohol, Opioids, Stimulants, Cigarettes, etc.

What is Alcohol Use Disorder?

Alcohol use disorder is when your drinking causes serious problems in your life, yet you keep drinking. You may also need more and more alcohol to feel drunk. Stopping suddenly may cause withdrawal symptoms.

What are alcohol withdrawal symptoms and when do they start?

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms usually occur within 8 hours after the last drink but can occur days later. Symptoms usually peak by 24 to 72 hours but may go on for weeks.

Common symptoms include:

Anxiety or nervousness
Depression
Fatigue
Irritability
Jumpiness or shakiness
Mood swings
Nightmares
Not thinking clearly
Sweating, clammy skin
Enlarged (dilated) pupils
Headache
Insomnia (sleeping difficulty)
Loss of appetite
Nausea and vomiting
Pallor
Rapid heart rate
Sweating, clammy skin
Tremor of the hands or other body parts

What is Stimulant Use Disorder?

Stimulant use disorder is the continued use of stimulants despite harm to the user. Stimulants include cocaine, amphetamine, methamphetamine, MDMA (also known as ecstasy or molly), and prescription drugs such as Adderall and Ritalin.

What are stimulant withdrawal symptoms and when do they start?

Stimulants affect the body’s central nervous system and increase neurotransmitter activity inside the brain. After heavy or prolonged use, the user’s brain becomes reliant on the drugs to regulate cognitive function and focus. During the first 24 to 72 hours after the last use, former users begin to experience withdrawal symptoms

Common symptoms include:

Jittery reactions
Anxiety
Chills
Dehydration
Dulled senses
Slowed speech
Loss of interest
Slowed movements
Slow heart rate
Irritability
Hallucinations
Paranoia
Fatigue
Depression
Increased appetite

What is Opioid Use Disorder?

OUD is the physical and psychological dependence on opioids, substances found in some painkillers that require a prescription and in illegal drugs such as heroin. Opioids are prescribed to treat pain. With prolonged use, the analgesic effect may decrease and the pain may worsen. Stopping suddenly may cause withdrawal symptoms.

What are opioid withdrawal symptoms and when do they start?

Opioid withdrawal symptoms are unpleasant effects that can occur if you suddenly stop or suddenly reduce your dose of opioid medicines. They can also happen if you take another medicine that blocks the opioid from working.

Common symptoms include:

Hot and cold flushes, sweating, and “goosebumps”
Feeling anxious or irritable
Cravings for opioids
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and lack of appetite
Tremor (shaking)
Watery eyes, runny nose and sneezing
Yawning and disturbed sleep

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