Latest news with #Suboxone
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Mom Becomes Addicted to Feel Free Energy Shot, Consuming 8 a Day: 'I Couldn't Stop' (Exclusive)
The supplement, which contains kratom and is sold at gas stations, "will ruin you financially, mentally," Lauren Albert claimsNEED TO KNOW Lauren Albert started drinking Feel Free, a kratom and cava-infused supplement widely available at gas stations She soon began drinking 8 energy shots a day, she says, and became so addicted that she now still takes Suboxone, a prescription medication for opioid abuse Lauren claims Feel Free ruined her mental and financial health and derailed her sobriety journeyAt first, Lauren Albert thought the small blue bottle of Feel Free was a 'fabulous replacement' for alcohol. The mom of three never sought out the energy shot, which is marketed as a "plant-based herbal supplement." But when she went away with family to celebrate her sister's birthday in September 2023, the Airbnb host gifted the family some bottles of Feel Free in lieu of wine. When Lauren, now 30, tried Feel Free, 'I just felt a wave of euphoria wash over me,' she tells PEOPLE exclusively. 'That one time is all it took for me.' Lauren, who lives in Pleasant Hill, Calif., said on the way home from the Airbnb, she stopped to pick up another bottle, which is readily available at gas stations and convenience stores. At the time, she was sober and remembers thinking, 'I really miss drinking, and this is a great replacement and it's not making me visibly messed up,' she said. 'It scratched the itch." Feel Free is made with leaf kratom product — an ingredient the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency has listed as a "Drug and Chemical of Concern." It can lead to addiction, the DEA says, and can cause euphoric or sedative effects, depending on the dose. It retails for $8 to $10 per shot. Kratom is often bought as pills, or in powdered form — and it's currently under fire as U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr, is moving to ban 7-OH, a concentrated version of kratom. Per the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, it's 'a potent opioid that poses an emerging public health threat.' In a statement to PEOPLE, manufacturer Botanic Tonics said the company "does not use extracts or isolates. Leaf kratom is different than concentrated 7-OH,' and "We support the FDA announcement" to ban 7-OH. "Botanic Tonics is leading the industry in our commitment to providing consumer education and transparency and we will continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of our customers above all else," the company said. "Highlights of our efforts include voluntarily implementing substantial improvements to our product labeling. Additionally, we voluntarily raised the minimum purchase age for all products to 21+ and added visible serving size indicators, clearer ingredient information, and comprehensive warnings. " In a July 29 statement, the FDA issued a warning against kratom — in all forms — citing "the risk of serious adverse events, including liver toxicity, seizures, and substance use disorder." The agency noted that newborns who were exposed to kratom in the womb exhibited withdrawal symptoms. "Kratom is not appropriate for use as a dietary supplement," the agency said. Christine Carter, director of medical services at Sana Lake Recovery in Missouri, and who has treated many patients addicted to Feel Free, agrees with the FDA. She says the version of the drug doesn't matter. 'You're still acting on the same receptors, whether it's a leaf-based or whatever form of kratom.' Lauren says at the start of her Feel Free addiction, she was drinking one bottle a day — and then quickly moved up to two. By December, Lauren was drinking up to eight bottles of Feel Free a day, spending thousands on the product. Carter tells PEOPLE that because 'kratom acts on your opioid receptors, it can cause dependence and it can cause withdrawal symptoms — no different than using opioids.' As she explains, "if you take it at a lower dose, you can have more of that stimulant effect, and if you take it at higher doses, [it] can be more euphoric or sedative. We generally see more of the euphoric [effect] when they come in for admission." For Lauren, the addiction was immediate: 'As soon as it started to wear off, I'm like 'I gotta get more.' ' She said when she would go without Feel Free, she'd feel 'very lethargic, cranky … just shaky, sweaty, tired, can't really see straight or think straight until you get that back in your body.' She decided to quit after struggling financially to support her Feel Free habit. 'It was very financially stressful because I was spending way more on those that I was making. I was just wasting my life, and all my resources, but I couldn't stop.' Her husband Cameron realized the extent of her addiction when he began to discover empty bottles of Feel Free around the house. 'I knew I couldn't quit on my own,' says Lauren, 'I think I was subconsciously trying to get caught." It took suboxone — a prescription medication used to treat opioid addiction — to help Lauren stop buying the shots. But the Feel Free, she says, triggered a relapse in her sobriety, and this time, Lauren began using cocaine "because it wasn't alcohol.' Two stints in rehab followed. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "It was 100% the Feel Free that kicked off the whole thing, 'cause I was totally sober before that,' she says. 'I didn't start doing any other drugs until like a couple of months into the Feel Free journey.' Lauren is far from alone in her struggle; There's a subreddit devoted to Feel Free addiction, r/QuittingFeelFree, and a larger community r/QuittingKratom, with more than 50,000 members. Many posters say they started on Feel Free as an alternative to alcohol. However, Botanic Tonics tells PEOPLE in a statement, 'This product is not marketed as or positioned as an alcohol alternative." Yet in 2023, a class action lawsuit alleged that the company posted social media ads with the hashtag #alcoholalternative, per CBS News. The supplement has become very popular in the last six months, Carter says. When you look at the ingredients in Feel Free, she tells PEOPLE, "you're playing on the same receptors in your brain that you would if you were taking opioids or taking benzodiazepines [marketed as Valium or Xanax] or drinking alcohol ... you're not doing anything good for yourself." Now six months sober, Lauren shares the story of her recovery — from alcohol, hard drugs, and the little blue bottles you can buy anywhere — on TikTok at @pinnkcloudcontent: 'I have like I feel a moral duty to get this out there,' she tells PEOPLE. 'This is something you need to steer clear of. It will ruin you financially, mentally. It'll put you into withdrawals. It is no better than any other drug. It's just as bad.' If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP. Read the original article on People
CBS News
6 days ago
- CBS News
Attorney caught attempting to smuggle drugs to inmate at Michigan prison
Contraband material, including paper film suspected to be Suboxone, was confiscated after an attorney/client visit at Central Michigan Correctional Facility, the Michigan Department of Corrections said. "This recovery protected countless individuals from potential illness, overdose, or violence associated with the sale of these drugs or from those under the influence," MDOC Director Heidi E. Washington said. "I want to especially commend our officers, whose vigilance and dedication were instrumental in this drug bust." During the visit on Monday, an attorney was allegedly seen passing a package to a client who is currently incarcerated at the facility in St. Louis. After searching the prisoner, officers found 211 strips of paper film suspected to be Suboxone, 68 grams of a brown waxy substance and 45 grams of a white powder. Michigan State Police were called for further investigation, and a search of the attorney's car discovered additional Suboxone strips and white powder. Because the matter is still under investigation, officials have not released the names of the attorney or inmate. The corrections department did say the inmate is under discipline and investigation according to department policy. "As the nature of contraband continues to evolve, the department continues to implement effective strategies to deter and halt such illegal activities," Correctional Facility Administration Deputy Director Jeremy Bush said.
New York Times
7 days ago
- Business
- New York Times
It Was a Promising Addiction Treatment. Many Patients Never Got It.
In 2005, J. was a young pharmacist, in the middle of a divorce, when he decided he needed a change. He was outgoing, a former rugby player, and he had begun to feel out of place among his quiet co-workers. 'Does a pharmacist ever come over to you and chitchat?' he says. 'They're very mousy and very introverted.' For his new job, J. — who asked to be referred to by his first initial to protect his privacy — had in mind something a little more glamorous: pharmaceutical sales. He found a contract position at Reckitt Benckiser Pharmaceuticals, a U.S. subsidiary of a household-goods company based in Britain that was best known for Lysol and French's mustard. The company had recently introduced Suboxone, a groundbreaking new medication in the United States that treats opioid addiction. Much like nicotine gum, Suboxone worked as a substitute, binding to the same receptors in the brain as illicit opioids, taking away withdrawal symptoms, quelling cravings and making it hard to continue misusing drugs. At other companies — like Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin — sales reps regularly trawled doctors' offices and used company credit cards to treat physicians to expensive meals and lavish trips. At Reckitt, sales reps were told they had a different mandate. 'You weren't a credit card on legs,' says Chris Hassan, who oversaw Reckitt's sales force at the time. Reps held the title 'clinical liaisons,' and their job was not only to sell Suboxone but also to convince doctors that addiction was a disease, not a moral failing, and that it could be treated with medication instead of prison sentences. Reckitt hired people of all backgrounds — counselors and behavioral-health clinicians as well as traditional salespeople, including ones they recruited from Purdue Pharma. Those who had sold OxyContin, Hassan notes, seemed especially motivated to sell the solution to the problem they had helped cause. 'The people that had mirrors in their home and had to look at themselves, they didn't like what they saw,' he says. 'Purdue was a great source of hires for us.' Almost right away, however, it became clear that most doctors were not lining up to care for addicted patients. Some were the same physicians who were driving the opioid crisis by overprescribing painkillers. Others felt ill equipped to treat substance users or dismissed such patients as untrustworthy. An addicted patient was 'a liar or crook,' says George Agapios, an Indiana doctor who initially resisted offering treatment. He describes many physicians' feelings in that era as: 'The people associated with it were not exactly the cream of the crop — so let's not waste our time.' Several doctors turned Reckitt reps away from their offices. There were other problems too. Pharmacies didn't stock Suboxone, and insurance typically didn't cover it. Many patients didn't have health insurance anyway, making the medication prohibitively expensive. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Time Business News
06-08-2025
- Health
- Time Business News
How Long Suboxone Remains in Your System and the Withdrawal Timeline Explained
Suboxone is a pharmaceutical formulation combining buprenorphine and naloxone. Primarily used in the treatment of opioid dependence, it binds to the same receptors targeted by drugs like heroin or oxycodone. Buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, mitigates cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing a significant euphoric high. Naloxone, an opioid antagonist, is added to deter intravenous misuse. This synergistic blend creates a ceiling effect that limits opioid intoxication, making it an effective maintenance therapy. However, due to its long-acting nature, the drug lingers in the system longer than many realize, raising questions about detox duration and withdrawal experiences. Understanding how long a substance remains active in the body is essential for both medical and personal reasons. Typically, Suboxone—a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone—has a half-life that allows it to stay in your system for an extended period. How Long does suboxone stay in your system depends on several factors including dosage, frequency of use, metabolism, and liver function. On average, traces may be detectable in urine for up to 14 days, though the effects usually taper off within a few days. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance related to treatment or testing. The body's metabolism plays a crucial role in processing and eliminating Suboxone. Individuals with a high basal metabolic rate tend to clear substances more rapidly. This is because enzymes in the liver—particularly cytochrome P450 3A4—break down buprenorphine. Variations in this enzymatic activity create noticeable discrepancies in drug clearance among users. Chronic use leads to accumulation in fatty tissues, extending the drug's half-life. Someone using Suboxone daily for months or years will take longer to eliminate it compared to a person on a short-term taper. The dosage also matters; higher doses can prolong detection and intensify withdrawal symptoms. The liver, as the central detox organ, is essential in the metabolism of Suboxone. Impaired hepatic function can substantially delay drug clearance. Additionally, genetic polymorphisms in metabolizing enzymes can alter the pharmacokinetics of buprenorphine, making the elimination process either faster or slower depending on one's unique biochemical blueprint. Urinalysis is the most common method for detecting Suboxone. Buprenorphine can be found in urine for up to 7–10 days after the last dose, depending on usage patterns and metabolism. Naloxone, due to its short half-life, is usually undetectable after 48 hours. In blood, Suboxone typically remains detectable for up to 2–5 days. Because blood concentrations reflect current intoxication rather than long-term exposure, this method is often used in clinical settings rather than routine screening. Saliva tests can detect Suboxone within 24–96 hours, making them suitable for recent use assessment. Hair follicle testing, though less common, can trace Suboxone for up to 90 days, providing a long-term window into substance use history. Buprenorphine has a notably long half-life ranging from 24 to 42 hours, which contributes to its prolonged presence in the body. Complete systemic elimination can take up to 8–10 days after the final dose. Naloxone, by contrast, has a short half-life of just 2–12 hours. The extended half-life of buprenorphine allows for once-daily dosing but also makes withdrawal a slow, gradual process compared to shorter-acting opioids. Typically begins 24–72 hours after the last dose. Symptoms include anxiety, muscle aches, runny nose, and insomnia. These are the harbingers of withdrawal, often subtle at first but increasingly persistent. From day 3 to day 7, symptoms escalate. Gastrointestinal distress, intense cravings, chills, and irritability dominate. This stage is the most physically taxing, and many relapses occur here without medical or emotional support. After the acute phase, symptoms may persist for weeks or even months. Known as PAWS, this stage includes lingering psychological symptoms such as depression, mood swings, and anhedonia. While not as physically intense, the emotional toll can derail recovery if not properly managed. Tapering under medical supervision is the safest method for discontinuing Suboxone. Gradual dose reduction allows the body to recalibrate opioid receptor activity. Clonidine, anti-nausea agents, and sleep aids may be prescribed to ease symptoms. Psychological support—via therapy, group counseling, or 12-step programs—is critical during and after the taper. Nutritional interventions, hydration, and light exercise also foster physiological stability. In some cases, long-term use of buprenorphine at reduced dosages may be recommended as part of a harm-reduction approach. Suboxone's extended presence in the body offers therapeutic benefits but complicates the withdrawal process. Individual factors heavily influence how long Suboxone remains in the system and the intensity of its exit. Understanding the timeline, preparing for each stage, and embracing a multi-dimensional support system can transform a daunting process into a manageable journey. Recovery demands resilience, informed choices, and time—three pillars that, when combined, lay the foundation for sustained sobriety. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time Business News
06-08-2025
- Health
- Time Business News
Beyond Abstinence: Building a Sustainable Life in Recovery
Recovery is often portrayed as a singular event—the day one stops using substances. But true recovery is neither static nor confined to abstinence. It is a dynamic journey, a deliberate reconstruction of life into something meaningful and enduring. Sustainability matters because without it, the foundation of sobriety remains fragile, prone to the tremors of stress, isolation, or unresolved pain. Finding Support for a Healthier Tomorrow Access to compassionate and knowledgeable medical professionals is essential when beginning the path to recovery. For those seeking treatment options for opioid dependence, finding Suboxone doctors near me can be a vital step toward lasting sobriety. These specialists not only provide medically-assisted treatment but also offer the guidance and support necessary to navigate the challenges of recovery. Many of these doctors create personalized treatment plans tailored to the patient's unique needs, improving the likelihood of success. With the right support system in place, individuals can regain control of their lives and work toward a healthier, drug-free future. Emotional resilience is not a trait bestowed overnight; it is forged through daily practices that stabilize the mind. Cognitive distortions—those insidious whispers of self-doubt or fatalism—must be unraveled. Therapeutic modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy or mindfulness-based interventions can rewire thought patterns, allowing the brain to seek equilibrium rather than chaos. By nurturing psychological flexibility, individuals develop the capacity to withstand life's volatility without reverting to old habits. Sobriety devoid of purpose can feel hollow, a sterile state of merely avoiding. Identifying values and passions transforms recovery from an act of deprivation into one of creation. Purpose acts as ballast, anchoring individuals against the unpredictable tides of craving or despair. Whether through creative pursuits, advocacy, or service to others, meaning provides the connective tissue between personal growth and collective contribution. No one sustains recovery in isolation. Healthy relationships—rooted in mutual respect and accountability—become scaffolding for stability. Community support groups, mentorship, and professional networks offer both structure and a sense of belonging. Importantly, boundaries must be cultivated to protect progress, ensuring that connections are life-affirming rather than corrosive. The body, long neglected or abused in addiction, becomes a crucial ally in healing. Nutrient-rich diets repair biochemical imbalances; movement invigorates both muscles and mood. Restorative practices like yoga or breathwork recalibrate the nervous system, aligning physical vitality with mental clarity. The pursuit of health is not ornamental—it is foundational, giving recovery tangible momentum. A sustainable life requires practical scaffolding. Financial independence fosters dignity, while meaningful employment reinforces self-worth. For some, vocational training or entrepreneurship offers a pathway out of cycles of instability. Aligning work with personal values amplifies fulfillment, transforming labor from a mere necessity into an instrument of growth. Recovery is not about arriving; it is about evolving. Setbacks, though painful, are not failures but data—evidence of what requires recalibration. Lifelong learning, whether through formal education or self-directed exploration, ensures that curiosity remains a guiding force. Growth becomes less about avoiding collapse and more about expanding horizons. A Path Toward Healing and Recovery Finding the right support during addiction recovery can make all the difference. Many individuals struggling with opioid dependence benefit from medication-assisted therapy, which helps manage withdrawal symptoms and reduces cravings. Searching for suboxone treatment near me can connect you with local clinics and healthcare providers offering evidence-based care. These programs often combine medication with counseling, creating a holistic approach that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction. Whether you're just beginning your journey or looking to maintain long-term recovery, nearby treatment options provide the tools and support necessary for lasting change and a healthier future. Sustainable recovery is an intricate tapestry woven from psychological strength, physical vitality, purposeful action, and supportive relationships. It rejects the notion that sobriety is merely the absence of substances and instead embraces it as the presence of a life worth living. To thrive beyond abstinence is to envision a future not defined by survival, but by the audacity to flourish. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
