Q1 2021 Newsletter
Table of Contents ZICOH® PATENTS ISSUED We are very excited to announce Vivera has received our United States patent for ZICOH®! The revolutionary medical software and technology behind ZICOH® is designed to prevent abuse of prescription drugs and enhance communication between patients and providers. The ZICOH® device is a dose-controlled drug delivery system that provides […]
Understanding the Relationship Between PTSD and Opioid Use Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder people can develop after witnessing or experiencing a life-threatening event. PTSD may cause intrusive memories, adverse changes in thinking and mood, alterations in physical and emotional reactions, and avoidance. The elevated response associated with these symptoms, including hypervigilance and exaggerated startle, can be unbearable, causing those with […]
The Three Waves of the Opioid Epidemic
The opioid epidemic refers to the dramatic increase in prescription and non-prescription use in the U.S. It also encompasses the opioid-related overdoses that resulted from that increase. Between 1999 and 2018, nearly 450,000 died from an overdose involving opioids. The opioid-related deaths came in three distinct waves: Prescription opioids Heroin Synthetic opioids The first wave […]
Opioid Misuse: What You Should Know
Opioids are safe for most people when taken as prescribed for a short period. Unfortunately, many people misuse these medications to achieve a euphoric effect. By doing so, they increase the risk of addiction, overdose, and death. Here are a few things you should know about opioid misuse. How Do Opioids Work? Opioids affect many places […]
4 Reasons Why Sleep Worsened During the Pandemic
Getting enough sleep is essential for your immune system to function optimally. Adequate sleep is associated with a reduced risk of infection and an improved ability to recover from illness. On the other hand, sleep deprivation can affect how effectively the body can protect itself against disease. Sleep is crucial as we continue to fight […]
A Brief History of the Opioid Epidemic
In 1775, opium made its way to the U.S. In the 1800s, opioids were used to treat everyday ailments, from coughs to chronic pain. During the U.S. Civil War, doctors commonly prescribed them to treat soldiers. By the late 1800s, opioids were available over-the-counter. Bayer brands started selling heroin for pain relief and coughing. As […]
How COVID-19 Negatively Affected Mental Health
Mental health has been a topic of interest for a while. For years, the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation in the U.S has been increasing. Unfortunately, the pandemic presented many challenges that can negatively affect a person’s well-being. For some, it triggered mental health issues, and for others, it exacerbated pre-existing challenges. The […]
How COVID-19 Worsened Loneliness Among Seniors
Relationships can have a direct impact on a person’s overall health and well-being. Adults who maintain strong ties with others often report fewer health problems and may even live longer than those who report feeling lonely or isolated. Unfortunately, many seniors experience increased loneliness as they age, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated the […]
3 Reasons Why Opioids and COVID-19 Don’t Mix
Using opioids can be dangerous at any time, but it can be particularly hazardous during the COVID-19 pandemic. For one, COVID-19 and opioid use are a dangerous combination. Here’s why. 1. Opioids and COVID-19 affect breathing. Opioids can slow breathing, which can decrease oxygen in the brain, increasing the risk of hypoxemia. Hypoxemia occurs when […]
