Joshua Rivera

A PEth blood test measures phosphatidylethanol, a direct alcohol biomarker that forms in blood in the presence of ethanol and can reflect alcohol exposure over a longer window than breath or blood alcohol testing.

An EtG test looks for ethyl glucuronide, a direct metabolite of alcohol that can remain detectable after ethanol itself is no longer measurable.

Protracted benzodiazepine withdrawal refers to withdrawal-related symptoms that persist beyond the expected acute withdrawal period after benzodiazepine reduction or discontinuation.

Cocaine withdrawal can cause fatigue, depressed mood, sleep changes, increased appetite, slowed thinking, anxiety, irritability, anhedonia, and cravings. Treatment focuses on safety, support, and ongoing care for stimulant use disorder.

Methamphetamine withdrawal can cause fatigue, depression, sleep changes, increased appetite, anxiety, irritability, and cravings. Treatment focuses on assessment, safety, sleep, nutrition, and ongoing care for stimulant use disorder.

A stimulant crash is the early, often intense period of fatigue and low mood after stimulant use stops; withdrawal is the broader syndrome that can continue beyond the crash for days or weeks.

Anhedonia is a reduced ability to feel pleasure or interest. It can occur during early addiction recovery and withdrawal, but it can also be associated with depression or other conditions that deserve clinical assessment.

Protracted withdrawal refers to symptoms that persist, evolve, or appear after the expected acute withdrawal period. The pattern varies by substance, and evidence is stronger for some drugs than others.

Nasal and injectable naloxone both reverse opioid overdose. Nasal products are simple to use without needles, while injectable naloxone may be given into a muscle, under the skin, or intravenously depending on the product and setting.

Nalmefene and naloxone are FDA-approved opioid overdose reversal medications. Nalmefene lasts longer in the body, while naloxone has broader availability and multiple over-the-counter products.