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

Is there really plastic in street drugs?
Research found the industrial chemical BTMPS in fentanyl. Learn about BTMPS, why it might be appearing in fentanyl supplies, and how people can stay safe.

What is tramadol?
Tramadol is a synthetic opioid analgesic (or painkiller) generally used to treat moderate pain. Learn more about Tramadol and what it is used for here.

What does "harm reduction" even mean?
Understanding the principles of harm reduction is key to treating & managing opioid use disorder. Find out what harm reduction is and how it can help with addiction.

Are cough and cold medicines addictive?
Misusing cold medicines is physically dangerous and can potentially lead to addiction. Understand the risks of cold medicine abuse.

What happens when you overdose?
Opioid overdoses can be potentially fatal, so quick medical attention can save lives. Understand how to recognize the signs & symptoms of an opioid overdose.

Human misuse of veterinary drugs: The dangers of using animal drugs
Learn about the dangers of human misuse of veterinary drugs. Find out how these drugs are regulated and understand the risks associated with them.

Shifting the narrative with the F*ck Rehab campaign
Marketing (and many other things) got us into this problem. Now we need it to get us out. A look at Ophelia’s new “F*ck Rehab” marketing campaign.

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.

The dangers of detox for opioid addiction
Many think detox is the best treatment for opioid addiction, but it's often unsuccessful & can cause harm. Understand the dangers of detox & the benefits of MAT.

What to expect from opioid withdrawal
The prospect of going through opioid withdrawal can be terrifying, so knowing what to expect from the experience can offer some assurance during the process.

How Good Samaritan laws can help prevent fatal overdoses
In the event of an overdose, Good Samaritan laws can help increase the chances those that need immediate medical assistance receive prompt care.

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.

How can you identify heroin?
Being able to correctly identify heroin and the different forms it can come in is essential to avoiding accidental exposure and overdose.

Oxycodone vs. hydrocodone: The differences and risks you need to know about
Oxycodone and hydrocodone, two different prescription opioids, have been the gateway into opioid use disorder. Understand the differences & risks of each drug.

How to administer naloxone
Naloxone quickly reverses the effects of opioids. Knowing how it works & how to administer it safely can be lifesaving for someone experiencing an overdose.

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.

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.

X-Waivered clinicians: getting to the bottom of a nationwide shortage and finding solutions
Understand what an X-Waivered clinician is, the qualifications it takes to be certified, and why there are not enough to meet the needs of those dealing with OUD.

What is heroin?
Understand the origins of heroin, including the different forms this drug takes, how it affects the human body, and how medication-assisted treatment can help.

Does Medicaid cover drug treatment services?
If you’re on Medicaid or eligible to enroll, you might be wondering: Does Medicaid cover drug treatment services? Learn more about Medicaid coverage!

Managing opioid addiction treatment around the holidays
Prepare for the holiday season by recognizing common triggers and working on a specific relapse prevention plan. Learn more here!

What you need to know about xylazine misuse
The spread of xylazine, also known as tranq, found in street drugs has caused increases in overdose-related deaths. Learn about its overdose risks & effects.

The challenges of opioid addiction treatment in rural communities
Why are rural communities particularly vulnerable to the opioid epidemic? Learn more about the opioid epidemic in rural communities in this post.

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.
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Kensington’s opioid problem: how one Philadelphia neighborhood is grappling with substance use
The opioid epidemic has impacted many communities, including Philadelphia's Kensington. Read about this neighborhood's ongoing struggle with substance abuse.

Care team story: Emily W.
Meet Emily, one of the care coordinators at Ophelia. Read to learn about who Emily is and what motivates her to continue this work.