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Imodium Addiction News 2020
While searching for an alternative to opioid painkillers such as Vicodin and Oxycontin, some addicts are now turning to the diarrhea drug Imodium for a high, studies show.According to the researchers, this abuse of Imodium — with its key ingredient, loperamide — is a growing problem in the United States.
William Eggleston, the author of the study, said that individuals have been overdosing in search of either self-treatment of opioid withdrawal symptoms or euphoria, sometimes with fatal outcomes.
Eggleston added that although loperamide is safe in therapeutic doses, it is extremely dangerous in higher doses.
Eggleston and his team published their findings — case reports involving two patients — in the April 29 online edition of the Annals of Emergency Medicine journal. Each of the two people took massive doses of loperamide, and both overdosed. Despite receiving emergency medical treatment, both died anyway.
Experts are taking the two cases to represent a growing, alarming trend. 
The report shows that between 2010 and 2011, there was a 10-fold rise in web forum postings concerning oral loperamide abuse. Most (70%) of the postings discussed using the drug to self-treat a discomforting opioid withdrawal, while 25 percent focused on using loperamide to get high.
This may end in tragic results. According to the researchers, there was a 71% hike in loperamide abuse/misuse-related calls to poison control centers across the U.S. between 2011 and 2014.
Eggleston, who works with the Syracuse, Upstate New York Poison Center, blamed loperamide’s accessibility, over-the-counter legal status, low cost, and lack of social stigma for its massive potential for abuse.
He added that as law enforcement and regulators tighten access to prescription opioid painkillers, addicts are increasingly “seeking alternative drug sources.”
While speaking to CBS News, addiction expert Dr. Scott Krakower said the trend is not too surprising.
Eggleston explained that loperamide is an opioid agent that helps to bind receptors in the brain and causes a similar high or euphoria. The physician at Northwell Health in Glen Oaks, N.Y., stressed that the amount needed to achieve a high with loperamide is enormous — probably 50 to 300 pills of Imodium per day.
Additionally, Eggleston believes that doctors and healthcare workers must be more aware of the danger.
“This is another reminder that all drugs, including those sold without a prescription, can be dangerous when not used as directed,” he said.
Why Wait, Reach Out Now
At United Recovery Project, we offer intensive and unique programs for patients dealing with Imodium addiction. We offer various luxury treatment services to our patients, including drug detox, partial hospitalization programs, intensive outpatient programs & sober living, and alumni programs.
Throughout your stay at the facility, a team of specialists will monitor you to ensure a comfortable and safe recovery.
If you or someone you love is struggling with an Imodium addiction, do not hesitate to call us on 855-580-4810 to start your drug addiction treatment.
