Our blog
Here, you’ll find resources, tips, and stories that will help support patients and their loved ones.

How Addictive Is Kratom? What Regular Users Need to Know
Kratom is often assumed to be harmless. But for some people, it can cause physical dependence or even develop into a substance use disorder. Learn what kratom does inside the body, what research says about its addictive potential, which products carry the highest risk, and when it might make sense to speak with a clinician through Ophelia.

Overdose prevention guide
This post covers how to prevent an opioid overdose, how to identify one in an emergency, and what not to do.

What is ketamine?
Find out about ketamine, its uses, regulations, & therapy. Understand its risks, benefits, and signs of misuse for informed decision-making on treatment options.

How long does oxycodone stay in the body?
Discover the facts about oxycodone's half-life, detection times in blood, urine, saliva & hair, and how to clear this commonly abused opioid from the body.

What you should know about oxycodone
Understand the basics of oxycodone, where this narcotic drug comes from, how it’s used, and what role it plays in the ongoing opioid epidemic.

Why it’s so hard to identify fentanyl
Fentanyl's high risk of dependence & overdose make it extremely dangerous. It's important to know what to look for & what forms it comes in to minimize your risk.

The history of addiction rehab and why we need a different approach for opioids
Explore the evolution of addiction treatment & rehabilitation and understand how these developments have shaped modern approaches to overcoming substance abuse.

States that most often prescribe opioids to Medicaid patients
Ophelia explored how U.S. prescription opioid dispense rates in 2021 varied by state using Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services data.

Is kratom actually effective for mental health?
Kratom is becoming an increasingly popular alternative for mental health treatments. Find out how it can be addictive and may potentially make symptoms worse.

What do families need to know about teens + kratom?
Understand the risks & potential side effects of kratom for teens and learn how to talk to your teens about the dangers of this natural substance.

Understanding the connections between substance use disorder + mental health co-occurrences
Understand the connection between substance use disorder & mental health. Learn about co-occurring conditions, risk factors, and available treatments.

Better Together: How Mental Health Support Can Make Recovery Stronger
Recovery takes strength, but you don’t have to do it alone. Brave Health is proud to partner with Ophelia to support your full recovery journey.

What are communities doing to make naloxone more accessible?
Discover how communities are increasing access to naloxone to combat the opioid crisis and how this increased availability can help save more lives.

How access to naloxone medication like Narcan—used to reverse opioid overdoses—varies in each state
Ophelia examined how naloxone access varies by state using data compiled by the SAFE Project, a nonprofit organization working to combat America's opioid epidemic.
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New York state’s opioid crisis + local efforts
Find out more about the opioid crisis in New York state. Learn about the local initiatives to address and combat the state's opioid situation.

Is there a connection between vaping + OUD?
Explore the link between vaping and opioid use disorder (OUD) and how e-cigarette use may impact treatment outcomes and addiction risk.

Is alcohol use really a problem during OUD treatment?
Discover the risks of alcohol use during OUD treatment. Learn why mixing substances like Suboxone and alcohol can be dangerous and detrimental to recovery.

Understanding polysubstance use: What happens when alcohol + opioids go together?
People addicted to alcohol are more likely to also become dependent on other substances, such as opioids. Understand polysubstance use disorder and its risks.

What you need to know about Suboxone® drug interactions
Learn about the potential drug interactions with Suboxone and substances to avoid. Understand the risks & effects with combining Suboxone with other medications.

The do’s + don’ts of managing other substances while on Suboxone®
Suboxone® can interact with other substances which might make it less effective. Use this quick guide to help you stay safe during your treatment.

Does Suboxone® help with pain?
Understand Suboxone's role in pain relief. Learn about buprenorphine's effects and alternatives for pain management in opioid use disorder patients.

Microdosing buprenorphine for OUD: What you should know about the Bernese method
Discover the Bernese method, a microdosing approach using buprenorphine for opioid use disorder treatment and learn how it differs from standard methods.

OUD + menopause
Opioid use at any point in life can have a significant impact on older women. Gain a better understanding of the relationship between menopause and opioids.

How do opioids affect endocrine health?
Gain a better understanding of how opioids affect your body. This guide covers how the endocrine system works & the effects of opioids on the endocrine system.
