Opioid Withdrawal Insomnia: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatment

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Many people get opioid withdrawal insomnia. It is one of the most common complaints from people undergoing this process. Self-care steps and medications can help a lot with managing these symptoms. This guide highlights the signs and symptoms of opioid withdrawal and insomnia. It also provides information on how to connect with effective treatment options. […]

The Ohio Opioid Crisis: Facts, Statistics, & Solutions

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A recent OSU (Ohio State University) study reveals that the opioid epidemic inflicts an annual financial toll on Ohio of almost $9 billion, a figure that parallels the state’s yearly expenditure on K-12 education. From 2014 to 2016, rates of opioid overdoses fatalities in Ohio were the highest in the United States. Although statewide initiatives […]

What Is Hydromorphone?

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Hydromorphone, marketed as Dilaudid, is an opioid analgesic prescribed to alleviate severe pain by intercepting pain signals within the brain. Administered orally in tablet form, it should be ingested with water as directed to achieve optimal therapeutic effects. Read on to learn more about this prescription medication and discover how to connect with compassionate and […]

Opioid Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline, & Treatment

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Individuals grappling with opioid dependence may face challenging and distressing symptoms of opioid withdrawal upon discontinuing use. If you or someone close to you is dealing with opioid misuse or addiction, it might be beneficial to understand more about opioid withdrawal management, and to explore strategies for managing and alleviating the symptoms associated with withdrawal […]

Hydrocodone and Alcohol: The Dangers of Mixing Them

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Mixing hydrocodone and alcohol can cause a dangerous chemical reaction that can create potentially dangerous and even fatal side effects in the body.  Chemically, a combination like alcohol and hydrocodone can have dangerous unpredictable side effects mentally and physically and can put others in close proximity at risk as well as the individual can become […]

Morphine Addiction: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatment

A man in distress, with his hands on his head, as he deals with the side effects of Morphine addiction

Morphine addiction – clinically described as opioid use disorder – can occur when the opiate is used long-term, even when it is prescribed by a healthcare provider. The rapid progression from legitimate medical use to abuse and dependency is a common concern with morphine and other prescription opiates. With the U.S. opioid crisis still unresolved, […]

Oxycodone Side Effects

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Oxycodone is a potent Schedule II opioid medication prescribed for the treatment of severe pain. In addition to the intended effects of oxycodone, the prescription medication may also trigger undesired outcomes. While not all of these side effects always manifest, medical intervention may be necessary if they do. Long term side effects of oxycodone may […]

Is Kratom Addictive?

man looks out at ocean representing is kratom addictive

Is kratom addictive? Not necessarily, but dependence can develop as the brain adjusts to the presence of the substance, and withdrawals when stopped. Kratom, a plant-derived substance with origins in Southeast Asia, has garnered attention for its potential health benefits as well as its risks. One of the primary concerns surrounding kratom is its addictive […]

What is a COWS Score (Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale)?

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 COWS is a standardized tool used to measure and quantify the severity of withdrawal symptoms in individuals undergoing opioid detoxification. Opioid addiction is a serious and widespread problem that affects millions of people worldwide. When individuals decide to take the courageous step towards kickstarting their recovery, they often face the daunting challenge of opioid withdrawal. […]

Is Hydrocodone an Opioid?

A man stands looking out at a sunset to represent the question, "Is hydrocodone an opioid?".

Hydrocodone is an opioid painkiller that requires a prescription and is commonly used to alleviate moderate to severe pain.  Unlike other natural opioids such as morphine and codeine, hydrocodone is partially synthesized. Hydrocodone is often prescribed under the brand name Vicodin for short-term pain relief after dental surgery or injury. Regular use of hydrocodone pain […]

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Christopher Glover CDCA

My name is Christopher Glover, and I am from Cincinnati, Ohio. I am currently in school and working to grow in competence to better support our community. As a recovering individual I know the struggles that you or a loved one can go through and that there is help for anything you may be struggling with.

The hardest part is asking for help and we are here as a team to best support you and your decision to start your journey towards a better future. Connect with Chris on LinkedIn

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Amanda Kuchenberg PRS CDCA

I recently joined Ohio Community Health Recovery Centers as a Clinical Case Manager. I am originally from Wisconsin but settled in the Cincinnati area in my early 20s.  My career started in the fashion industry but quickly changed as I searched to find my drive and passion through helping others who struggle with addiction. 

As someone who is also in recovery, I wanted to provide hope, share lived experience, and support others on their journey.  I currently have my Peer Recovery Support Supervision Certification along with my CDCA and plan to continue my education with University of Cincinnati so I can continue to aid in the battle against substance addiction. Connect with Amanda on LinkedIn.

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Patrick McCamley LCDC III

 Patrick McCamley (Clinical Therapist) is a Cincinnati native who has worked in substance use disorder/co-occurring mental health disorder treatment since 2019. Patrick received his bachelors degree in psychology from University of Cincinnati in 2021 and received his LCDC III (Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor) license from the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board in 2022. Patrick has worked in Clinical Operations, Clinical Case Management, and Clinical Therapy throughout his career.

Patrick has tremendous empathy and compassion for the recovery community, being in recovery himself since 2018. Patrick is uniquely qualified to be helpful because of the specific combination of his academic background and his own experience in recovery.

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Bill Zimmerman CDCA

Bill Zimmerman is a Greater Cincinnati Area native who has worked in substance use disorder/co-occurring mental health disorder treatment since 2018. Bill received his (Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant) license from the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board in 2020.

Bill has worked in Clinical Operations in both support and supervision, and Program facilitating and 12 step recovery support during his career. Bill has a passion for the recovery community, having been in recovery himself since 1982. Connect with Bill on LinkedIn

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Taylor Lilley CDCA, PRS

Growing up in Louisiana with addiction running rampant on both sides of my family. A life away from drugs and alcohol seemed impossible for someone like me. I remember what it was like sitting across from someone thinking there is no way they could ever understand what I was going through.

Sharing my experience offers a credibility and a certain type of trust with clients that only someone who has walked down this road can illustrate. To immerse myself further into the field of addiction, I am currently studying at Cincinnati State for Human and Social Services.  I hope I never forget where I came from, if I can do it, so can you!

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Thomas Hunter LSW

Hello my name is Thomas Hunter. I was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. I am a licensed social worker.In my scope of practice I have worked in the areas of mental health and recovery for thirty years. The clients I have worked with in my career have ranged in age from seven to seventy.

I strive each day to serve my purpose of helping those in need and I believe I do so by utilizing all of my experiences to accomplish my goal of supporting those who desire to establish their sobriety and maintain it in their recovery. Connect with Thomas on LinkedIn.

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Mary D.Porter,LICDC

 My name is Mary D. Porter. I received my Masters of Social Work in 2008 from The University of Cincinnati. I received My Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor Licensure in 2001. I retired from The Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center on April 14, 2014. Currently, I am the Associate Clinical Director for The Ohio Community Health Recovery Centers in Cincinnati.. Due to the fourth wave of the Opioid Epidemic in 2019,  I decided to enter back into the workforce to assist the addicted population.

The overdoses were astounding and I wanted to help.  I consider myself  to be an advocate for the addicted population. My compassion, resilience, empathy, wisdom, knowledge, experience and  love I have for this forgotten population goes beyond words. I consider what I do for the addicted population as a calling versus a “career,” because I too was once an “addict and alcoholic.” Today I am 45.5 years alcohol and substance free.

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Ben Lemmon LCDC III

Hello, my name is Ben Lemmon, and I’m the Vice President and Clinical Director at Ohio Community Health Recovery Centers. I’ve been working in the addiction and mental health field since 2013 and decided to enter the field after overcoming my own challenges with addiction.

When I first meet a client, I always explain to them that the reason we are meeting is because they are not capable of obtaining or maintaining sobriety, and my goal is to create a person that can maintain sobriety. I believe a person’s personality is made up of their thoughts, feelings and actions and my job is to help clients identify the thoughts, feelings and actions that have them disconnected from recovery and provide them with the tools to live a healthy and happy life. Connect with Ben on LinkedIn