In the fall of 2019, a new synthetic opioid made its debut in the U.S. The drug, called isotonitazene (ISO), is as dangerous and deadly as fentanyl, prompting the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to send out national warnings nationwide. What exactly is ISO, and why is it such a threat in the world of opiates?

What Is Isotonitazene?

Isotonitazene (ISO) or “new fentanyl,” is one of the newest synthetic opioids gaining popularity within the world of designer drugs. ISO belongs to the benzimidazole class of opioids. Its potency is similar to fentanyl, and it can be found in pill form, powder, and liquid. Isotonitazene was first synthesized in the 1950s as an opioid alternative for medical use and remained in obscurity until 2019 when it was identified by authorities in the Midwest U.S. In 2020, the DEA classified ISO as a Schedule I substance.

The primary source of isotonitazene is China, where it’s manufactured, marketed, and then exported worldwide. It’s typically mixed with other drugs to create a more potent and cheaper end product. In 2022, the DEA reported that most of the ISO they analyzed was in the form of “cheap filler” for other illicit substances, such as heroin, or sold as counterfeit versions of opioids like hydromorphone.

The population that’s likely to abuse isotonitazene appears to be the same as those abusing prescription opioid analgesics, heroin, tramadol, fentanyl, and other synthetic drugs. As with many synthetic opioids, isotonitazene’s effects range from euphoria and numbness to breathing difficulty, coma, and death.

Why Is Isotonitazene Dangerous?

The major concern is that the potency of isotonitazene can—and has—caused deadly overdoses in unsuspecting victims. While there’s still limited study data available because ISO is so new to the scene, overdose deaths involving the drug have been reported in Europe, Canada, and the midwestern U.S.

Because isotonitazene is produced and distributed illegally, many users are unaware of its strength and potential risks. People can unwittingly consume doses that far exceed safe limits, increasing the likelihood of unintentional overdoses and other health risks. The drug acts on the central nervous system, depressing respiratory function. This effect, coupled with its potency, heightens the risk of respiratory failure—a critical factor in each fatal opioid overdose.

Tragically, many overdose victims have no idea they’re ingesting this dangerous and extremely potent drug. According to the DEA, ISO currently can only be properly identified after a lab test, so most people don’t realize they’re buying it until it’s too late.

Drug addiction is a far-reaching and complicated issue that affects millions worldwide. In 2021, 46.3 million people aged 12 or older had a substance use disorder (SUD) in the past year, including  24.0 million who had a drug use disorder and 7.3 million people who had both an alcohol use disorder and a drug use disorder. Understanding drug addiction and why some get caught up in its drip leads to a commonly asked question: What is the most addictive drug?

What Is Drug Addiction?

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite adverse consequences. While people can become addicted to many substances from coffee to gambling, drug addiction (or substance use disorder) can be difficult to overcome.

Getting hooked on drugs like marijuana, nicotine, or heroin can happen to anyone. It often starts when someone tries a recreational drug in social situations, just to see what it’s like. But for some, especially with opioids, things escalate and become more regular. With opioids, it can even start when someone takes prescribed medicines or gets them from others who have prescriptions.

Different drugs have different risks, and some, like opioid painkillers, can get you hooked faster than others. So, it’s important to be aware of the risks and how quickly addiction can happen.

Understanding the neurobiology of drug addiction is important. The most dangerous drugs impact the brain’s reward system, creating a cycle of cravings and compulsive use. This leads to a cycle of addiction and the need for a professional treatment program. 

Have you ever found yourself wondering, “What do crack pipes look like?” or perhaps discovered a strange item among a loved one’s possessions? If so, you’re not alone. From the ins and outs of crack itself to what a crack pipe actually looks like, we’ll provide the insight you need to build a better understanding.

What Is Crack?

Crack is the crystalline (solid) form of cocaine, hence the name crack cocaine. Crack is made by adding ammonia to a mixture of cocaine and water, creating a milky white solution known as a freebase. This combination elicits a quick, intense high. The powerful euphoric effects, while incredibly short-lived, are the reason why crack is considered the most addictive form of cocaine.

To truly understand why people abuse crack, it’s important to understand its origins, production, and how it differs from its powdered counterpart, cocaine.

When it comes to medications and their classifications, it’s easy to get lost in the sea of pharmaceutical terms. One question that has been gaining attention is, “Is ketamine an opioid?”

What Is Ketamine? 

Ketamine is a powerful drug with a number of medical uses. Originally used as anesthesia during surgery, ketamine is now used in hospitals for pain relief, as a sedative, and as a promising antidepressant. The medical use of ketamine is approved by the FDA, and these days, ketamine therapy is considered safe and effective. While ketamine has an impressive list of benefits and potentially lifesaving uses, many people abuse it without medical supervision.

When used recreationally, ketamine (slang terms include cat valium, K, special K) is a dissociative analgesic. This refers to its pain-relieving qualities, as well as the “out-of-body” effect some users experience. Ketamine can induce a state of sedation (feeling calm and relaxed), immobility, relief from pain, and amnesia (no memory of events while under the influence of the drug). Because of its sedative effects, many people use it as a date-rape drug.

Like many recreational drugs, ketamine can cause specific changes in your brain chemistry that may lead to misuse, abuse, or addiction. Because of its addictive nature and effects on brain chemistry, ketamine is now classified as a Schedule III controlled substance. It can be found laced in weed, as a powder, and as an injection.

How Long Does Ketamine Stay in Your System?

If you’re wondering, “How long does ketamine last?” you have to look at its half-life (the time it takes for the body to get rid of 50 percent of the drug). The half-life of ketamine can range from 45 minutes to four hours. Ketamine usually clears from the body within one to three days. The exact time it takes your system to eliminate ketamine depends on a variety of factors, like:

• Age
• Health
• Body mass
• Metabolism
• Drug dosage

Is Ketamine an Opioid?

The clear-cut answer is no: ketamine is not an opioid. Despite being used for pain relief and having sedative properties, ketamine works differently from opioids. Opioids primarily bind to mu-opioid receptors, altering the perception of pain and often leading to euphoria. In contrast, ketamine targets NMDA (N methyl D aspartate), blocking the activity of glutamate. Opioids act as central nervous system depressants, creating a sense of relaxation and euphoria. Ketamine, on the other hand, induces dissociation and alters sensory perception.

Why Is There Confusion About Ketamine vs Opioids?

In 2018, an article was published about using ketamine in combination with an opioid receptor blocker also known as naltrexone. Researchers found that patients given ketamine with naltrexone had less of an antidepressant effect. From
this, people presumed that since ketamine’s effect was decreased with an opioid-receptor blocker, then it must be an opioid.

However, another pilot study that looked at the combination of naltrexone and ketamine found that pre-treatment with naltrexone had no effect on ketamine’s antidepressant effect. Instead, they found it may actually be a benefit for those who have a combined alcohol use disorder with depression.

Because the overwhelming evidence shows that ketamine works primarily on the NMDA receptor, then it is not a true opioid.

Is Ketamine Addictive?

Like many addictive recreational drugs, ketamine can cause specific changes in your brain chemistry that may lead to misuse, abuse, or addiction. That said, evidence suggests that ketamine has a low potential for addiction compared to opioids.

Studies indicate that Ketamine users are less likely to develop a dependency on the drug. The dissociative and hallucinogenic effects may deter recreational use, reducing the risk of habitual consumption. However, after prolonged misuse of ketamine, users develop tolerance. When you develop a tolerance for ketamine, you end up needing more of the drug to get the same effects. After continued use of ketamine, you can develop a strong psychological dependence on ketamine.

A ketamine high is short and can end abruptly. Thus, ketamine users often take the drug in a binge pattern to maintain the high over a long time. This can lead to building tolerance quickly. When stopping ketamine use, ketamine withdrawal symptoms begin—typically around 24 hours after your last dose. Frequent ketamine users report trying but often failing to stop using ketamine, so medical supervised detox is recommended.

What Is Ketamine Therapy?

Actor Matthew Perry’s tragic death from “the acute effects of ketamine” raised many questions about the drug. But the truth is ketamine therapy — a treatment Perry was receiving under medical supervision — is an exciting frontier in mental health treatment. This innovative approach involves the controlled administration of ketamine to alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. Unlike traditional antidepressants, Ketamine often delivers rapid relief, making it a promising option for individuals who haven’t responded well to other treatments.

In 2021, international group of experts on mood disorders published a paper on the current evidence of two forms of the ketamine — a nasal spray called esketamine and intravenous ketamine — for managing treatment-resistant depression. They noted that the drugs offer “opportunity and hope” to patients, but that there is an “urgent need to clarify the long-term efficacy of these agents as well as significant unanswered questions with respect to safety.” A trusted physician or mental health-care provider should be consulted and present if ketamine therapy is a treatment option for you.

The Experience: Does Ketamine Therapy Get You High?

An intriguing aspect of ketamine therapy is an altered state of consciousness. Patients may experience a “K-hole,” characterized by profound dissociation and introspection. However, it’s essential to distinguish this from the typical notion of getting high. The therapeutic effects of Ketamine are rooted in its ability to reset neural pathways, offering a new perspective to those struggling with mental health challenges.

Candidacy Considerations

While Ketamine therapy holds promise, it’s not suitable for everyone. Ketamine treatment, in general, is for people suffering from serious mental illness who have tried other medications with little or no relief. It has been most widely studied in people with treatment-resistant depression and acute suicidality. It may also benefit patients with conditions such as PTSD, OCD, bipolar depression, anxiety and eating disorders.

Who Is Not a Good Candidate for Ketamine Therapy?

People with certain conditions such as psychosis generally are not candidates for therapeutic ketamine.

Ketamine Addiction Treatment at Aliya 

If you or a loved one are struggling with ketamine use, Aliya Health Group’s treatment programs are here to help. Detox is the first step on your path to recovery. Medical detox provides a highly structured care plan, including 24/7 monitoring. It’s a way to safely and effectively begin treatment for drug addiction. You’ll have high-quality support as you go through ketamine withdrawal.

Your medically supported detox will cater to your unique treatment needs. That’s why medical detox begins with a comprehensive assessment. You’ll meet with a medical doctor and discuss your medical and psychiatric history. Then licensed professionals will assist you with an individualized plan.

Your treatment plan may include:

• Individual counseling
• Group counseling
• Transportation aid
• Skills to manage cravings
• Aftercare referrals

Treatment does not end with medical detox. After reaching stability, you will need aftercare support for your psychological well-being. This is crucial to addiction recovery. Our team will work with you to create a specialized treatment approach to support your full recovery from ketamine addiction.

Treatment after detox includes:

• Relapse prevention
• Therapy
• Medical support
• Mental health support
• Life-skills training

While it can feel scary to begin the detox process, the prognosis for recovery from ketamine abuse is very good. And you don’t have to do it alone. Allow us to help you take your first step on your journey to recovery.

In the world of illicit substances, a new term has surfaced causing concern and raising questions: super meth. What is super meth, and how does it differ from regular meth? More importantly, what makes it so dangerously potent? Here, we delve into the shadows, shedding light on the origins, consequences, and treatment options for this new super meth substance.

What Is Super Meth?

When U.S. drug legislation moved ephedrine and pseudoephedrine behind pharmacy counters in 2006, meth cartels completely reinvented their processes. The result was a more potent, accessible, and affordable version of standard methamphetamine: super meth. Originating primarily from unregistered super meth labs in Mexico, this variant’s potency surpasses that of regular meth, posing heightened risks to individuals and communities alike.

While regular methamphetamine is already a highly addictive and harmful stimulant, super meth takes these dangers to a new level. Super meth is at least 93% pure and the high can last up to 24 hours. Some users add fentanyl to try and balance out their high, but that combination makes it more deadly.

What Makes Super Meth Dangerous?

The danger of super meth lies in its strength and the covert nature of its production. Unlike regulated pharmaceuticals, Mexican super meth is manufactured in an illicit, unregistered super meth labs. Each super meth lab operates outside the bounds of safety regulations, leading to an unpredictable and hazardous final product.

The increased potency of super meth intensifies the risks associated with its use. Users are exposed to elevated health risks, including severe cardiovascular issues, neurological damage, and a higher likelihood of addiction. The unregulated production process also introduces the potential for harmful contaminants, making the health hazards associated with this new super meth even greater.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Meth Abuse?

Individuals under the influence of meth can exhibit various physical, behavioral, and psychological.

Physical signs of meth addiction include:

• Decreased appetite
• Rapid weight loss
• Skin sores because of picking at skin
• Dilated pupils
• Burns on lips or fingers resulting from holding red-hot pipes or smoking from them
• Poor dental hygiene, known as “meth mouth”
• Chest pain
• Anxiety
• Increased heart rate
• Flushed skin
• Raised body temperature
• Drug cravings
• Long-term physical signs of meth addiction include:
• Heart disease
• Rotten teeth
• Respiratory issues
• Liver failure
• Kidney failure
• Premature aging
• Seizures
• High blood pressure
• Malnutrition

Behavioral signs of meth addiction include:

• Neglecting responsibilities, such as work or school
• Spending more time with new friends
• Losing interest in or giving up previously enjoyed activities
• Withdrawing from family and friends
• Eating less – Meth suppresses the appetite.
• Picking or scratching at skin – Meth creates the sensation of bugs crawling on the skin, causing itchiness.
• Sleeping less – People using meth can go several days, or even weeks, without sleeping.
• Aggression
• Acting suspiciously and secretively
• Long-term behavioral signs of meth addiction include:
• Disrupted sleep schedule
• Loss of friends and disconnection from loved ones
• Stealing or borrowing money
• Legal trouble resulting from violent behavior

Mental and emotional signs of meth addiction:

• Euphoria (intensely pleasurable feelings of excitement and happiness)
• Hyper alertness
• Bursts of motivation to complete tasks
• Paranoia
• Anger
• Delusions (beliefs that are not grounded in reality)
• Hallucinations – Seeing, hearing, feeling, tasting, or smelling things that are not there

Understanding these signs helps friends, family, and community members to identify potential cases of meth abuse, prompting timely intervention and support for those in need. Overdosing on meth is extremely dangerous and can lead to multiple organ failure, so immediate action is essential.

Meth Withdrawal Symptoms

As meth use continues, the body becomes more tolerant of the drug. The user will need to consume higher doses to get the same effects. Once you stop taking meth, you’ll experience withdrawal symptoms as your body readjusts to functioning without it.

Meth withdrawal symptoms can include:

• Intense cravings for meth
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Fatigue
• Agitation
• Paranoia
• Trouble sleeping
• Loss of appetite
• Psychosis (a break from reality)
• Seizures

Withdrawal symptoms can be difficult to cope with, and they may last for weeks or even months. Many people who try to quit meth on their own relapse because the withdrawal symptoms are so uncomfortable. This is why it’s so important to seek help from a reputable addiction treatment center.

How Is Meth Addiction Treated?

Addressing methamphetamine addiction requires a multifaceted approach. The treatment process typically involves several key components:

Detoxification

The first step is often detoxification, where the body is cleansed of the drug. Medical supervision may be necessary to manage withdrawal symptoms and ensure a safe transition to sobriety.

Therapy

Behavioral therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), are instrumental in addressing the psychological aspects of addiction. These therapies help individuals understand and modify destructive patterns of thinking and behavior.

Support Groups

Support groups provide a sense of community and understanding. Connecting with others who have faced similar challenges can be a powerful motivator for those on the path to recovery.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

In some cases, medications may be prescribed to help manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms. These medications, when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, can support individuals in their journey to recovery.

Aftercare

Aftercare is a crucial component of long-term recovery. It may involve ongoing therapy, support group participation, and strategies to prevent relapse.

Meth Addiction Treatment at Aliya

Whether you’re addicted to meth or super meth, or care about someone who is, Aliya Health Group is here to help. It can be difficult to seek treatment on your own and just as hard to confront your loved one you suspect is using meth. It’s important to face the issue before you or your loved one fall too far into meth addiction.

Aliya Health Group offers different levels of care are available depending on how severe the meth abuse is. Our meth addiction treatment options include:

• Residential treatment
• Partial hospitalization programs
• Intensive outpatient treatment
• Outpatient rehab
• Aftercare planning
• Sober living environment

We offer evidence-based treatment for meth abuse that includes approaches like:

• Individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to meth addiction
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), focusing on mindfulness and emotion regulation to cope with difficult situations and triggers
• Motivational interviewing (MI), to explore uncertainties about change and develop the motivation to recover
• Alternative therapies like art therapy, music therapy, and biofeedback
• Co-occurring disorders treatment (concurrently treating anxiety, depression, etc.)
• Specialized trauma treatments like EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing)
• Holistic approaches like yoga, art therapy, fitness, and nutrition counseling
• Aftercare planning, such as connecting you with community resources
• 12-step groups and alternatives

If you’re looking for more information about our meth treatment programs or would like a confidential consultation, contact us today.

Methamphetamine (meth) is a strong stimulant that’s become a major player in the world of substance abuse. One of the key questions that arises is, “what does methamphetamine look like?” From the physical characteristics of meth to its various forms and the broader impact of its use, understanding this dangerous drug can save lives.

What Is Crystal Meth?

Crystal meth (methamphetamine) is a potent and highly addictive central nervous system stimulant. Some slang terms you might hear for methamphetamine are meth, chalk, crank, crystal, glass, tweak, ice, or tina. Originating from illegal labs, crystal meth is a man-made drug derived from amphetamine, a synthetic mood-altering stimulant.

A Japanese chemist first synthesized meth in 1893. In 1919, the chemist Akira Ogata streamlined the manufacturing process. He created crystal meth by combining phosphorus and iodine. Today, meth is typically made by combining over-the-counter medications and toxic chemicals. The process is dangerous, leading not only to the production of the drug but also hazardous waste.

The production, sale, and use of methamphetamine are illegal in most places due to its high potential for abuse and severe health risks.

What Does Meth Feel Like?

Methamphetamine greatly increases the release of dopamine in the brain, resulting in intense feelings of pleasure and euphoria. Smoking or injecting meth puts the drug very quickly into the bloodstream and brain, causing an immediate, intense “rush” or “flash.” This lasts only a few minutes and is described as extremely pleasurable. Snorting or oral ingestion produces a euphoric high, but not an intense rush. Snorting produces effects within 3 to 5 minutes, and oral ingestion produces effects within 15 to 20 minutes.

How Long Is Meth in Your System?

Many people wonder: how long does meth last? The effects of meth can last anywhere from around 8-24 hours, depending on how much is taken, the time of day, how it was administered (IV, oral, etc.), how well the kidneys and liver are functioning, and your unique body chemistry. The physical consequences of meth use can be severe, including dental issues (often referred to as “meth mouth”), skin sores, and mental health deterioration.

Startling Meth Statistics

Among people aged 12 or older in 2021, about 2.5 million people reported using methamphetamine in the past 12 months. Statistics also indicate a disturbing rise in methamphetamine-related incidents. In 2021, approximately 32,537 people died from an overdose involving psychostimulants with abuse potential other than cocaine (primarily methamphetamine).

What Does Methamphetamine Look Like?

Because methamphetamine can be produced using many different methods, its appearance can vary dramatically. In its purest form, meth is a white crystalline powder that’s odorless, bitter-tasting, and dissolves easily in water or alcohol.

Depending on how the meth was made, it can come in a variety of hues, including brown, yellow-gray, orange, blue, and pink. Meth manufacturers have been known to add food coloring or dye to batches of meth to help sell their product. Meth producers will often cut real meth with other substances, or sell counterfeit powders to pass it off as what looks like meth.

Meth can also be compressed into pill form or a less-common waxy, gooey oil called meth base.

People use methamphetamine in several ways. Some smoke it, some snort it, and others inject it. The way it’s consumed can affect the intensity and duration of the drug’s impact.

Meth’s Portrayal in Society and Media

Often depicted as a destructive force, methamphetamine’s impact on individuals and communities has been showcased in many documentaries, TV shows, and movies. Characters struggling with addiction are portrayed as erratic, desperate, and sometimes violent. These portrayals serve as cautionary tales, aiming to highlight the dangers of methamphetamine abuse.

It’s essential to recognize that media portrayals can sometimes oversimplify the complex issue of methamphetamine addiction. While they shed light on the negative aspects of the drug, they may not capture the underlying factors contributing to addiction, such as socioeconomic challenges, mental health issues, and lack of access to proper treatment. The media’s portrayal can also contribute to the stigmatization of individuals facing methamphetamine addiction. This stigma can hinder their willingness to seek help and perpetuate misconceptions about the nature of addiction.

Depictions of meth use and distribution can also have a real-world impact. Several years ago, for example, meth manufacturers started adding blue coloring to the drug to mimic the supposedly pure-blue meth featured on the TV series Breaking Bad.

Signs and Symptoms of Meth Abuse

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of meth abuse is crucial for early intervention. Here are some key indicators:

Behavioral Signs

• Hyperfocus and repetitive behaviors, like constantly picking at the skin or compulsively cleaning
• Social isolation
• Strained relationships

Psychological Signs

• Cognitive impairment, including memory issues, limited attention span, poor decision-making abilities, impaired judgment
• Mood swings ranging from extreme euphoria to intense irritability, are common
• Hyperactivity, talkativeness
• Paranoia and hallucinations
• Aggression

Physical Health Signs

• Cardiovascular issues, such as high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and increased risk of heart attack
• Tooth loss and decay (known as “meth mouth)
• Erratic sleep patterns
• Rapid weight loss
• Dilated pupils
• Acne

Environmental Clues

• Presence of paraphernalia, such as pipes, syringes, or small bags with crystal-like residue, can indicate meth use

How Is Crystal Meth Addiction Treated?

Addressing crystal meth addiction involves a comprehensive approach that considers an individual’s physical, mental, and social aspects. Treatment typically includes:

• Detoxification under medical supervision to safely remove methamphetamine from the body
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy, individual and group counseling, support groups
• Medication to manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings

Meth Treatment at Aliya Health Group

A meth addiction is difficult to overcome, but possible with the right treatment, support, and motivation. Aliya Health Group offers evidence-based substance abuse and mental health treatment that addresses the root causes of methamphetamine addiction.

Our holistic approach to addiction treatment teaches you healthier ways to cope without the drug and helps you begin repairing the mental and physical effects of meth abuse. Our tailored treatment programs encompass:

Detox Services: Medically supervised detoxification to ensure a safe withdrawal process.

Therapeutic Approaches: To address the underlying causes of addiction, including trauma, a dual-diagnosis, and other challenges

Aftercare Planning: Continued support and resources for a successful transition back to daily life

If you or someone you know is struggling with methamphetamine addiction, seeking help is the first step towards a healthier future. Aliya Health Group is here to support you on that journey.