Opus Mental Health

Acamprosate Benefits – Key Role in Alcohol Recovery Journey

Pill container and pills spilled out, with the text What is Acamprosate?

Formally known as acamprosate calcium or the brand name Campral, this is one of three medicines with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for the treatment of alcohol dependence.  Below we cover more about how acamprosate is helpful for alcoholism, the side effects, and other things to know about the prescription medication to help with […]

Alcohol and Jaundice: Understanding the Connection and Risks

Yellowing of the eyes due to alcohol jaundice

Alcohol jaundice refers to someone having yellowing of the whites of the eyes or skin due to a buildup of excess bilirubin. Excess bilirubin is caused when the bile duct is obstructed or by liver disease, which can stem from heavy alcohol consumption or an alcohol use disorder but can occur because of other reasons […]

Long-Term Alcohol Effects – Brain Health Explained

long term effects of alcohol on the brain.

In both the short- and long-term, the effects of alcohol on the brain and the body can be profound. Potential long-term effects of alcohol on the brain can contribute to cognitive decline and damage. The good news is that it is possible to reverse some of the brain and mental effects of alcohol. The Immediate […]

Delirium Tremens Symptoms – Causes and Treatment Insights

An image of a doctor holding a medical chart with the text "Delirium Tremens: 5 Facts".

Delirium tremens is one possible symptom or form of alcohol withdrawal. Also known as DTs, this symptom is relatively rare and usually occurs in instances of severe, long-term chronic abuse of alcohol.  Below we talk more about the delirium tremens definition and what you should know about this symptom of major withdrawal.  What Are Delirium […]

CIWA Protocol – Managing Alcohol Withdrawal Effectively

What is the CIWA Protocol?

The CIWA Protocol is a way to assess the severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms in someone with alcohol dependence. Severe withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous or deadly, so proper medical attention and care are necessary. What Does CIWA Stand For? CIWA stands for the Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol. You’ll also see the CIWA […]

Statistics by Gender – Comprehensive Insights and Analysis

Substance Abuse Statistics by Gender

One of the greatest lines of delineation between humans is gender, and it affects almost all aspects of human life, such as roles, behavior, orientation, and many more. The case is the same with substance abuse, where the effects of drugs on the male and female gender are essentially different.  Moreover, statistics continue to reveal […]

Marijuana in Your System – How Long Does It Stay?

How long does Marijuana stay in your system?

How long does marijuana stay in your system? You might ask this question if you have to take a drug test or you’re facing a similar situation. Odds are if you are thinking about this question at all, your relationship with marijuana might be problematic. In general, marijuana might be detected in bodily fluids for […]

Nicotine Withdrawal Duration – How Long Does It Last?

How long does nicotine withdrawal last

When the body becomes used to regular nicotine consumption, quitting smoking may be difficult because of the unpleasant nicotine withdrawal symptoms. This adds to the fear and leaves many smokers in withdrawal wondering, “can lungs heal after smoking?” Tobacco products, such as cigarettes and cigars, contain the addictive chemical nicotine. An individual’s brain function may […]

Weight-Loss from Drug Use – Exploring Health Implications

Recognizing weight loss from drug use

Drug use is one of the many ways to lose weight today, and recognizing this fact helps you to put your physical health into perspective. While weight loss may sometimes just be a side effect of using, however, it could be the major reason for using them. Moreover, in extreme situations, these medications could be […]

Black Tar Heroin – Effects, Risks, and Treatment Options

What does black tar heroin look like?

There are a few types of heroin, including black tar heroin. The primary differences between the types of heroin are what they look like and what they contain. The overall effects are similar between the types. What is Heroin? Heroin is at the center of the opioid epidemic in the U.S ., which has claimed hundreds […]