AARC Blog

Understanding Kratom: History, Uses, Key Considerations, and Addiction

While the numbers are not overwhelming at this point, it is important to address the growing popularity of kratom and its potential impact. Let’s dig into the nature of kratom, its historical background, and key considerations that individuals should be aware of when it comes to kratom use. I. What is Kratom? Kratom Overview: Kratom,…

All You Need to Know about K2: Addiction, Abuse, and Treatment

What is K2? K2, also known as spice or synthetic marijuana, is an herbal substance that is chemically modified to produce mind-altering effects, similar to or perhaps even more potent than marijuana. The chemicals in K2 are manufactured to mimic the effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the psychoactive component of marijuana. While people usually…

Frequently Abused Stimulants

Drug abuse has become a problem that doesn’t seem to be ending soon. Nearly every country has some proportion of drug abuse cases wherein people are illegally trading and consuming drugs. Both prescription and non-prescription drugs have become quite popular among the addicts. In this post, let’s talk about stimulant drugs and their types that…

What Does Rehab Look Like?

Rehab is a process that helps people suffering from addiction stand back on their feet to live a healthy life. Every year, millions of people seek substance abuse treatment to manage their addiction and contain the disorder to achieve long-term health. Rehab is the best way to do that, but you must never consider it…

What’s Better: Individual or Group Therapy?

When you are going through the first initial stages of addiction recovery, you will likely go through some different kinds of therapy to help you cope with this newfound sobriety. When you’ve been trapped in addiction for some time, it can be a difficult thing to overcome. Your brain has been rewired to think that…

Importance of Detox for Substance Abuse and Alcohol

If you are looking for substance or alcohol abuse treatment it’s important to understand the importance of detox in terms of recovery. There isn’t a recovery option that is suitable for every substance or situation — and that’s why finding the right program is important. Proper substance abuse treatment that is catered specifically for the…

Long-term Effects of Addiction

Drug addiction takes only a couple of attempts to develop but takes a huge amount of time to cure and turn life sober again. What’s even more horrific is the fact that the addiction might not even completely eradicate from your body and you will always be battling the effects of it. And apart from…

Celebrity Deaths Due To Drugs in 2020

Living like a celebrity has its own set of perks. You live your life like the way you want. It’s all glitz and glamour around you. One tends to feel like they are on top of the world. Although however, glamorous and positive you may find it, there’s never denying the parts which make it…

Impact of Decriminalizing Drug Possession – AZ Prop 207

Arizona just legalized marijuana and has passed prop 207 to decriminalize drug possession. Oregon, too, has become the first state to pass measure 110 and has taken the first step towards making the healthcare system more empathetic and inclusive for addicts. Here’s everything you need to know. The overall impact of Oregon measure 110  The…

The Story of Tony Hsieh: Don’t Delay Help

The sad and unexpected demise of Tony Hsieh left many people sad and numb. Not just the close ones who knew him but the millions of others whom he inspired. He was a person full of positivity and wanted to impact as many lives as he could in a positive manner. The 46-year-old entrepreneur was…

How a bad economy and unemployment affects alcohol addiction

Every time the economy takes a hit, people turn to alcohol to take the repercussions in stride. And it’s because a poor economy usually leads to a drastic loss of jobs, assets, savings, and source of livelihood for many. In fact, individual unemployment is a risk factor for alcohol misuse. Office workers may not be…

Impact of Election Stress & Anxiety on Addiction

The year 2020 started with a bang and it refuses to stop with the rollercoaster of surprises. We’ve had a lot to deal with so much that it feels like the universe accidentally put a decade worth of misery in the same year. And then, came the election. We’re still counting the votes, in case you’ve…

Drug Addiction Usage Trends During the Economic Recession

The country officially entered an economic recession earlier this year. Although it’s easy to blame the pandemic for it, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Throughout 2019, several news sources published reports confirming the fact that the U.S. economy is going to take a major hit. This was way before the possibility of a…

The Dangers of Inappropriate Medicine Disposal to Our Water Systems

Image Source The development of medical projects is increasing over the years. From all the research made by the experts in the field utilized with technological upgrades, they came up with various medicines that help maintain people’s health. However, once these medicines get improperly handled, several hazardous effects might occur. Many consumers tend to dispose…

How to Find Drug Addiction Treatment That is Affordable

We can’t emphasize this enough that more than 10 million people are experiencing some form of addiction and that only a percentage of the entire population is getting the medical attention that they deserve. Because addiction recovery is a time-consuming and exhausting process, it’s becoming difficult to find affordable addiction programs every day. From low-cost…

How To Recognize Drug Abuse & Detect Substance Use Disorder

Teenage drug abuse is an incredibly prevalent issue in the U.S. Whether it’s to feel good or escape from reality, doing drugs comes with serious consequences. Since October is the national substance abuse prevention month, here’s everything you need to know about how to recognize drug abuse as a problem and ways to overcome it….

Alcohol Addiction

Substance abuse disorder of any sort is deteriorating to one’s mental and physical health, however, there is one type of addiction that hides in plain sight and does the most damage – alcoholism. Alcohol addiction or alcoholism is a type of substance abuse disorder where a person gets the uncontrollable cravings to drink alcohol. This…

Addiction Is A Disease, Not A Choice

Addiction is a complex disorder that most people still fail to understand. Scientific studies are focused on deciding whether addiction is a choice or a genuine disease. However, there is enough evidence now to support the claim that substance abuse disorder is in fact a disease and has nothing to do with an individual’s personal…

Arizona Addiction Recovery Center Makes Newsweek’s Best Addiction Treatment Centers List

Arizona Addiction Recovery Center (AARC) was recently featured in Newsweek’s 2020 iteration of the Best Addiction Treatment Centers list. The list was made in partnership with Statista Inc., a research firm. This is the first time Arizona Addiction Recovery Center has made the list and we’re very excited to be nominated on one of the…

How Loneliness Can Cause Addiction

Addiction is not a disease where you would find people standing outside your room to take an update on your well-being. It is an incredibly lonely disease where sometimes even the society pays less heed to those suffering from a substance abuse disorder. There are two ways addiction patients are perceived by society. First, they…

Red Light Therapy

Red light therapy (RLT) has a history of over 40 years now and is known to be beneficial for several health-related issues. Although the benefits of this therapy may seem fishy at first and look no less than a modern-day miracle, this concept is not new to the medical world. Red light therapy may have…

Meth Addiction

Addiction has come out as a global issue that is quickly consuming many healthy individuals across the globe. Many substances are constantly abused by young adults and even teenagers these days, where the substances used are either prescription medicines such as opiates, painkillers, etc., or illicit drugs like heroin, cocaine, meth, and marijuana. Although both…

Celebrating National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month 2020

Many people who suffer from substance abuse disorder know that it is not easy to completely recover from this disease. In fact, the recovery phase stands as the most difficult period of the whole addiction treatment process. However, while it is certainly difficult to get out of addiction, it is definitely not impossible. Many campaigns…

Ways to Fight Against Depression

Mental illnesses, unlike other diseases, cannot be treated alone using medications. They are complex brain disorders that trigger the brain to produce a series of self-doubting, disturbing, and negative emotions that are detrimental to one’s health. Although various mental illnesses have become quite common across the globe, depression is still one psychological condition that many…

Celebrities Who Have Suffered From Addiction

Substance abuse disorder has become a global problem and due to the complexity of this disease, complete treatment of this condition is often difficult to accomplish. This disorder can affect anyone irrespective of their gender, race, or background. Also, since there is a lot of stigma around addiction, those suffering are often isolated and neglected…

Demographics Vulnerable to Addiction

If there is one thing that we all can learn from addiction, it has to be discrimination. Addiction is one such disease that puts less focus on race, background, culture, religion, and any other aspect. It is a brain disorder that impacts everyone equally. Even age is not a parameter that can stop addiction from…

How to Properly Detox

If there is one thing that this year has taught us, it is the dire need to stay fit and healthy. It has become imperative to focus on our well-being now more than ever before. There are a lot of ways to stay and maintain good health, including a healthy routine and a workout regime….

Holistic Treatments for Addiction Recovery

Addiction treatment programs are often curated differently based on the patient and their health condition. Many people need a different set of approaches combined with alternative and holistic treatment methods to completely deal with addiction. Whereas the health condition of others can make the medicated approach seem more reliable for the recovery. Whilst the basis…

Reasons Someone Might Develop an Addiction

A few years back, addiction was treated as a condition that results from the morally ill behavior of an individual. It was straight up tagged as a sign of one’s inability to control their actions and was viewed as a weakness. However, with advancements in technology and more research focused on addiction, it has become…

Correlation between PTSD and Addiction

Substance abuse has emerged to become one of the most common disorders globally. Addiction is a brain disease that, if not taken seriously, can further worsen and degrade the usual function of a healthy brain. Mental illness poses a similar risk to an individual and is detrimental to their wellbeing. However, various studies and research…

Bend and Stretch: Physical Exercises for a Healthy Spine

Back pain may cause serious health problems if you keep ignoring it for a long time. If you feel pain on your back, you should pay attention to it as it could indicate something serious. If the pain becomes unbearable, then you have to see your doctor. Even in early addiction from drug or alcohol…

Drug Abuse Among Teenagers

Substance abuse and alcohol addiction have emerged to become one of the most common disorders in our society. This health condition has a direct and serious impact on any individual, irrespective of their age and gender. You can be young or you can be in your fifties, addiction has an equal chance of engulfing you…

Addiction and Drug Abuse Among College Students

Going to college is among the most exciting times in a person’s life. For many college students, it is their first time away from home. It also gives people who have remained relatively sheltered for most of their life the chance to experience more freedom. This freedom offers them a chance to learn and grow….

Kanye West’s Battle with Mental Health

Kanye West is a well-known name in the hip hop industry since 2007. He gained an iconic position in the industry and is perceived to have a modern-day musical brilliance. Kanye’s peculiar behavior and comments were viewed as a part of his unique style and it never hinted anything other than his flamboyant personality. However,…

The Relationship Between Peer Pressure and Drug Abuse

We’ve all experienced peer pressure in one way or another. Peer pressure can be something harmless, like your friends getting you to eat sushi, or something toxic, such as using drugs/alcohol. Research has shown that there is a link between negative peer pressure and drug abuse. Negative Peer Pressure Negative peer pressure occurs when someone…

How a Pet Can Help With Addiction Recovery

Congratulations! You’ve taken that first step towards recovery. The journey ahead is hard, but that doesn’t mean that you have to go through it alone. Animal-assisted therapy has been around for a long time to provide comfort and love to those suffering from mental illnesses. However, using a pet for addiction recovery is a new…

3 Ways Exercise Helps With Addiction Recovery

Battling addiction can be a challenge for just about anyone. After all, it is a struggle against your basal instincts. If you are considering rehab to rid yourself of drug addiction, you should know the benefits that exercise can provide during your treatment. Let’s look at why exercise is such a powerful tool during addiction…

Treating Co-Occurring Disorders

Treatment for co-occurring disorders, or addiction and mental health disorders, was once considered to be different from each other. Depending on the issue, dedicated medical attention was provided to the patients using therapeutic approaches that were different from each other. Due to this, many people who suffered from mental health issues such as bipolar disorders,…

Outdoor Therapy (For addiction recovery)

Outdoor therapy, also known as wilderness therapy, is a creative approach to treating addictive behavior. The therapists use nature to help those struggling with various forms of substance abuse along with emotional and mental disorders. Outdoor therapy also employs numerous adventures to engage individuals and teach them a number of life lessons and skills. Such…

Common Triggers You May Run Into In Recovery

Addiction is a disease that fights to stay alive even when the patient has undergone several treatments. Recovery from this disorder is difficult and comes with a variety of roadblocks and challenges. Experts say that relapsing is common during recovery wherein the patients go back to misusing the substance they did before the treatment began….

Outdoor Therapy in Sedona

Various health experts and outdoor-program instructors have agreed that outdoor therapy is beneficial for addiction treatment. While this therapy alone cannot be considered as a cure for addiction disorder, it can be paired with traditional treatment methods to give better results. These are frequently added to the curriculum by some of the leading addiction treatment…

How Bad Is Addiction In Arizona?

Did you know that the United States stands seventh in the list of most affected countries by addiction? Different types of substance abuse and a rapid growth of prescription drugs have resulted in the country’s misery. Many parts of the country are badly affected while in some places, the situation seems to be normal. In Arizona,…

Video Gaming Addiction: Symptoms, Causes, Prevention

It’s not out of the ordinary for a person to depend on materials, habits, etc. to cope with difficult situations. Unfortunately, these temporary mechanisms become hobbies, and eventually addictions. One such harmless hobby that has now turned into a worrisome agenda for doctors around the world is video gaming. Remember the times when an occasional…

How to Manage Withdrawal Amidst the Pandemic

As of today, a significant part of the nation is shut down amid demands for social distancing during the pandemic. This continued call for isolation is causing a number of recovering individuals with drug addiction to face long periods without vital support services for treatment and recuperation.  When deaths from drug overdose are ascending in…

Yoga Therapy (For Addiction Recovery)

Addiction is a disease and it accounts for 5.3% of total deaths globally. Therefore, all recovery programs are specifically designed to deal with illnesses and disorders. Some time ago, we published a guide on holistic addiction treatment, which mentioned yoga therapy as one of the most effective recovery aids. Yoga teaches discipline. It allows you…

How to Support Someone with Anxiety?

If you know someone who is struggling with anxiety, then you have probably felt the urge to help them even though you are unsure of where to start. It’s painful to see a loved one feeling weak and tired, and having no motivation to do things they once enjoyed. So if you are witnessing anxiety…

How to Effectively Build & Design a Drug Treatment Facility for the Best Client Experience Ever!

How to effectively build & design a drug treatment facility Drug addiction treatment is more than strictly following the recommended state licensing regulations for addiction treatment program Arizona. Various factors come into play that can significantly influence the recovery process, and one of them is the design of the treatment center. It is, therefore, safe…

Everything You Should Know About Schedule 1 Drugs

Drugs have a more profound impact on our bodies and mind than we can imagine. They can cause severe dependency and eventually addiction. However, they are classified into different categories depending on legalities and the risk we expose ourselves to when we use them. So one of the drug categorizations is Schedule 1 drugs. Schedule…

Everything You Need to Know About Schedule II Drugs

After the Vietnam War in the 60s, using drugs for recreational purposes became a major hit for many Americans. President Lyndon Johnson and President Richard Nixon declared a War on Drugs in 1960 and 1970, respectively. To take measures against narcotics and drug addiction, the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) came into action as a part…

6 Countries With The Worst Drug Problems

The United States is believed to be home to the world’s worst drug problems. Although this is a known fact, other countries also experience high rates of drug addiction and abuse. To make things worse, not a lot of these countries offer solutions and if there is any, addicts often do not get the treatment…

All About Schedule IV Drugs

The United States mandated the Controlled Substance Acts or CSA as a drug policy, under which the manufacture, use, possession, importation, and distribution of substances are regulated. Under the said Act, it is stated that all substances that are regulated in some way under federal law must be put into five schedules. These substances can…

What Addiction To Heroin Looks Like

Drug addiction is no joke. It’s an issue that plagues this world and it never shows any signs of slowing down. More specifically, illicit drugs have become a huge issue in the United States. Studies show that illicit drugs cost the United States more than $193 million in healthcare, criminal, or lost work productivity costs….

What is Gray Death?

It is a known fact that drug users and manufacturers mix different kinds of drugs in order to achieve a more potent drug to use or sell. One of these mixed drugs is what many call the “gray death”. What is it made of? How does it affect your body? If you are looking for…

Demographics Vulnerable To Addiction

Anybody can develop an addiction regardless of who they are, their race, social status, beliefs, or gender. However, it can be difficult to digest as to why some demographics are more prone to it than others and despite having morals or being raised in a good family, there are plenty of factors that could increase…

What to Know About Schedule V Drugs

The Drug Enforcement Administration in the United States has a classification system for all types of drugs or chemicals used to make drugs in the country. Each of them is categorized and includes a scheduled ranking for each class of substances. One of them is the schedule V drugs which are the least harmful of…

The Importance of Mental Health Awareness

Mental health is as important as your physical well being. However, people often overlook this and some even deny the very existence of bad mental health. Due to this, it has become difficult to spot the people struggling with their mental health. They can be your colleagues, your neighbor, a family member, or even someone…

Substance Abuse in Men vs. Women

For many years, the research done on addiction to drugs and alcohol has mostly been conducted on men and they were the only participants over the decades of study. However, this yielded bias medical results as there are also women who have problems with substance abuse. That all changed in 1990 when several U.S. organizations…

What is Lean and How Dangerous Is It?

Drug addicts are known for mixing different kinds of substances in order to achieve a new kind of high. One of these known mixed drug concoctions is commonly known as Lean. What is lean and how dangerous is it? If you are looking for answers, then this article is the one you need. What is…

Common Reasons Why People Develop Addictions

Though there are some well-adjusted individuals that just happen to try a substance at some point and get hooked, most of the time, long-term addiction is caused and sustained due to other issues in the person’s life. Trauma, stress, circumstances beyond our control, and even genetics can all play a role in why people develop…

Common Reasons Why Addiction Happens

As you may now know, drug addiction is a chronic and compulsive disorder of the mind that makes the person habitually use substances in order to achieve the desired effects of the trademark high. In America, about 20 million people who were addicted to drugs and alcohol in 2013 did not receive the needed treatment…

May is Mental Health Month

May is also known as the Mental Health Awareness month. This month is dedicated to helping raise awareness and educating the public about the ongoing mental health illnesses that some people have. It is also celebrated to help those who are living with these conditions and at the same time come up with strategies to…

How Addiction Effects Your Health

When we talk about addiction, the first thing that comes in mind are drugs and alcohol. However, addiction is not limited to these substances alone. Understand that, addiction is a disease that affects your behavior and overall health of certain parts of the brain and the body. When you are addicted, you can’t resist the…

First Step Into Recovery: Withdrawal

Recovering from drugs is not an easy road. You will experience a lot of discomfort and pain, especially during the withdrawal period. However, withdrawal is something you cannot avoid since it is part of your detoxification and recovery. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to ease the uncomfortability of withdrawal. If you are going through…

8 Reasons Why it’s Not Too Late to Tap into The CBD Market

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is in the middle of a business explosion. The cannabis-derived compound is gaining popularity due to its therapeutic properties. CBD products are now sold across America and other countries as well. The products range from gummies and tinctures to skincare oils and soft drinks The industry is already worth more than $1…

A List of Most Addictive Substances

For many years, researchers have classified and ranked the most addictive substances in the world by the factors influencing the addiction, the degree of tolerance, and the intensity of the withdrawal symptoms once the drug addict decides to stop using. With these factors, researchers were able to rank specific drugs according to their addictiveness. So…

Hobbies That Can Help You With Recovery

Hobbies enrich our lives. Most everyone can name at least one thing they like to do in their spare time, or that they are passionate about. Hobbies provide an escape from the stress and expectations of our daily lives, which is especially important in the life of a recovering addict. Unfortunately, when a person develops…

Relationship Between Military Service and Addiction

Current and former servicemen and women are vulnerable to many mental health issues due to the stress and trauma incurred from combat and witnessing violence. Active combat experience along with injuries, illnesses, homesickness as well as anxiety puts them at greater risk for substance use disorders. Veterans suffer from the pressure and complications of going…

What is Carfentanil?

Synthetic opioids are among the most illegal substances sold in the market today and one of those synthetic opioids we’re going to talk about today is called Carfentanil. What is Carfentanil and how does it affect the body? Here’s what you need to know. Carfentanil is a synthetic opioid that is similar to heroin, but…

Can Marijuana be Addictive?

Marijuana is one of the most popular drugs that can be easily accessed to due to its availability. Medical and recreational marijuana dispensaries can be found on nearly every corner, especially in states where it has been legalized. Because of this, as well as the lower social stigma for using it, many people have found…

Prescription Drug Abuse Facts

The use of illegal drugs is not the only problem in the United States, but also the abuse of prescription drugs. In fact, the number of prescription drug abuse cases in this country has risen dramatically over the last few years.  Prescription drug abuse is when someone takes medication for another reason outside of its…

Naltrexone Implants for Addiction Recovery Treatment

Naltrexone is one of the few drugs that can be incorporated into addiction recovery treatment programs to help those struggling with substance abuse to more easily overcome withdrawal symptoms. It has been instrumental in changing the lives of thousands of addicts for the better. Naltrexone tablets and injections are FDA-approved medications that reduce drug or…

Cope With Anxiety During Coronavirus Pandemic

Coronavirus locked hundreds of thousands of people in their homes and introduced us to an entirely new meaning of social distancing. While we are socially distancing from each other, it seems that we cannot escape from our thoughts and worries in these uncertain times. It has now been more than a month since the novel Coronavirus…

Is Addiction a Disease or Not?

It has been long debated as to whether or not addiction is a disease or a choice. In the 1930s, it was believed that addiction was the result of amoral and deviant personalities, even by doctors and medical professionals. In their eyes, the people who became addicted to substances simply lacked the moral judgment and…

How To Tell If Someone You Know Has Developed An Addiction?

No one wants to believe that their loved one might have developed an addiction and one may even find themselves in disbelief or even denial when the truth comes out. We care about our loved ones and helping them overcome addiction may seem scary and even impossible. However, addiction can be treated, and there are…

Coping with Dual Diagnosis

A dual diagnosis is a term used to describe a condition in which an individual is simultaneously struggling with substance abuse disorder and mental health issues. It is often common for those with mental health disorders like depression, bipolar, or borderline personality disorder to use things like drugs, alcohol, gambling and sex as a means…

More People Seeking Addiction Treatment During COVID-19 Pandemic

In a time like this with the entire nation (and much of the world) on lock-down due to COVID-19, addiction treatment programs have made the transition to online-only. This includes post-recovery treatment such as therapy, doctor’s appointments, peer support groups, etc. You would think that this would have an adverse effect on the number of…

Patient Increase in Rehabs During COVID-19

In a time like this with the entire nation — and much of the world — on lockdown, addiction treatment programs have made the transition to online-only. This includes post-recovery treatment such as therapy, doctor’s appointments, peer support groups, etc. You would think that this would have an adverse effect on the number of people…

Finding a Hobby In Recovery

Being in recovery is like being tossed at sea for a long time, not really sure where you are going or if you’re going to make it out alive. So when you do finally recover, it can be exciting but also extremely scary. You basically have to re-learn how to live life again, which includes…

Successful Addiction Recovery During a Crisis

The world is an uncertain place right now due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and it’s left many people feeling anxious, isolated, and afraid for the future. Due to recommendations from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people have been taking shelter in their homes to minimize the risk of spreading the disease. Unfortunately,…

Music Therapy in Addiction Treatment

Rehabilitation programs offer various types of therapies to individuals in recovery. Among these types, music therapy is one of the tools that many people may not have fully understood. Different studies show that music therapy can provide healing to individuals in many aspects of their well-being. This includes physical, emotional and mental healing which could…

Recovery at Home During Coronavirus Quarantine

These are hard times. These are times when you question your own safety, despite the measures that you have taken to protect yourself and your family. We are fighting an invisible enemy and no one knows how long this will last. Unfortunately, the stay-at-home and quarantine measures have led to many therapists, healthcare providers, and…

Essentials for Living a Happy, Sober Life

Successfully completing a rehabilitation program is one of the most difficult things a person can do, but it’s an amazing accomplishment. Now, if you are wondering how life is going to be post-recovery, we understand. The future can be uncertain when you’ve gotten used to living a life of active addiction. But if you have…

Video Game Addiction

Video games  have rapidly evolved over the past few decades. What started as simple 2-bit pixel arcade games quickly turned into virtual reality graphic wonders. These days, adults and children alike have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to video games and consoles. While these digital games can be a fun, harmless…

What to Expect During Detox

Detoxing is the first step to recovering from addiction. Making the choice to detox means that you are facing the facts and admitting that you are in need of help, which takes real courage. That is why it is important that you know what to expect through this process. Detoxing can be stressful and uncomfortable,…

Just How Successful Are Interventions?

Seeing loved ones who are consumed with addiction can be heartbreaking. It leaves family members and close friends feeling helpless. As the addiction worsens, the more alarming it gets, and most of the time the addict will not be ready to admit the fact that they have a problem. If you are dealing with an…

Naltrexone Implants for Addiction

Treatments for opiate addiction have certainly evolved over the years. Scientists have developed amazing ways to help people recover from substance abuse and regain control over their lives. One of the most popular drugs used in helping treat addiction is Naltrexone. This drug is an opioid antagonist that blocks the receptors from registering the effects…

What To Do After Relapse

You finally made it through your treatment and you are doing alright. You are able to stay away from drugs or alcohol for a while which is a good thing. And then one night, just like that, a friend asked you out for a drink. Just one drink, it won’t hurt you, right? The next…

Inpatient vs. Outpatient Recovery

Treatment programs for drug and alcohol addictions generally fall into one of two categories: Inpatient vs outpatient recovery. While both inpatient and outpatient recovery focus on treating addiction, inpatient requires a full immersion in the program, while outpatient allows the patient to go about their lives while still working on becoming sober. It is important…

Individual vs. Group Therapy

In addiction treatment programs, usually patients will get to undergo both individual and group therapy to help them overcome their addiction. But what are the differences? Is one better than the other? Do you really need to do both? In order to understand what you can get from these therapies, we have narrowed everything down…

The Importance of Setting Boundaries in Recovery

Creating healthy boundaries while you are in recovery is essential for your well-being and success. But setting boundaries when you are not used to doing so can be an immense challenge. Luckily, you are not alone. Most people who decide to set out on the path towards sobriety struggle with this aspect of recovery. It’s…

Is Addiction a Disease?

Addiction is a serious issue that many people in the United States are dealing with, whether it be with themselves or a loved one. In the 1930s, doctors and medical professionals thought addiction was the result of amoral and deviant personalities but now recognize it as a disease. In their eyes, the people who became…

Stem Cells Being Used For Addiction Treatment

You may have heard about stem cell research and how it can help heal the body from a number of diseases but can it be used for addiction treatment? Before we answer that, it’s important that you understand what stem cells are and what they can do to heal the human body. What are Stem…

What the Early Stage of Recovery Looks Like

Recovery is such a sweet word for those who have been battling addiction for a long time. Each person who embarks on a journey to lifelong sobriety will have a different experience. This article will provide you with a good overview of what you can expect in the early stage of recovery, and also offer…

How Does Trauma Relate to Addiction?

Unaddressed trauma from the past is one of the biggest contributors to addiction. But how? Psychological trauma often happens to those who have significant damage to their psyche when a person has experienced a stressful event or situation. Trauma causes problems when the person needs to face the stress that is beyond their ability to…

Dangers of Psychoactive Drugs

Among the many drugs used and abused today, those considered as psychoactive drugs are proven to be dangerous when consumed in high doses. Since each drug has different effects and potency levels, it can be addicting to the user and is proven to be dangerous after a period of long-term use. For these reasons, it…

Increase in Hand Sanitizer Addiction as Coronavirus Threatens America

Please Don’t Drink the Hand Sanitizer! It’s mind blowing to think of someone deliberately drinking hand sanitizer to get an alcohol buzz / high. However, just as many teens drink cough syrup or inhale whip cream vapors from a can, or try Jenkem, or even alcohol soaked tampons, many have discovered hand sanitizers as the…

How‌ ‌to‌ ‌Prepare‌ ‌for‌ ‌the‌ ‌Coronavirus‌ ‌

The Coronavirus or COVID-19 is perhaps one of the most alarming diseases to spread all over Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. With coronavirus now hitting the United States with 90 cases and 6 confirmed deaths, health experts have been warning people that the spread of this virus may be inevitable. This means that you…

Setting Goals During Recovery

Most people achieve things they desire in life by setting goals. Through this, they will have a clearer idea of what they are trying to do in life. When people are caught up in addiction, their main goals are to get drunk or high. All other goals in life a person has created for themselves…

Tips to Stop Smoking

Smoking is a known cause of death around the world. Even though facts say that it is dangerous, people still continue to use cigarettes and tobacco products. The harmful effects can be lethal even in a short time of usage. People around you will also suffer from secondhand smoke. The great news is that smoking…

Different Options For Holistic Treatment For Addiction Recovery

When it comes to addiction recovery treatments, there are traditional methods and then there are non traditional methods. Currently, a variety of holistic therapies, including acupuncture, equine (horses) rehabilitation, psych counseling, biochemical healing, hypnotherapy, meditation, watsu (water therapy), yoga, rods, sound therapy, and much more are delivered by various by treatment facilities all across America….

What Are Co-Occuring Disorders?

Problems of mental health and substance abuse affect people from all backgrounds and often are found as a co-occuring discorder. Such illnesses are widespread, chronic and often serious, but they are treatable and can be recovered from. Such problems will influence how a person communicates and makes decisions. Today, we’re going to discuss what is…

Getting Much Needed Support During Recovery

Recovering is crucial during your rehabilitation and the best way to recover is when you have the much-needed support during this stage of your life. Of course, depending on the people you have, the support may or may not be there and unfortunately, there are those who don’t have any support system at all thus…

The True Impact of Addiction

Having an addiction is not only harmful and stressful to an individual but also poses an overwhelming number of side-effects on them and their life. When one is addicted, the impact physical, mental, financial and even the relational aspect of their lives are affected which turns a healthy person into a frail shadow of their…

Handling Anxiety During Recovery

Nearly everyone deals with anxiety at some stage in their lives which can be manipulative and cause a person to develop negative thoughts. Sometimes, people may not realize they struggle with anxiety until they experience something like a panic attack. Substance abuse is a seemingly quick and easy fix for people that struggle with this…

Carfentanil vs Fentanyl

Synthetic opioids are a category of drugs intended to ease discomfort and imitate narcotics like codeine and morphine that occur naturally. These appear to be very strong and implying only a small amount of the medication is needed to produce a certain result. Although pharmaceutical companies develop synthetic opioid drugs, they are also developed illicitly…

Is Kratom Dangerous?

You may have learned about kratom (Mitragyna speciosa), a herbal medicine commonly used to relieve pain and soreness in southeast Asia. From a kind of evergreen is a tree-like Southeast Asian plant belonging to the same plant family as coffee and gardenias. For several hundred years, Kratom has served as a herbal remedy for a…

How Dangerous is Fentanyl?

One of the most potent illegal drugs being abused by many people today is the drug fentanyl. It is a highly-addictive opioid that is more potent than heroin or morphine. There is a big risk of overdosing from fentanyl which is why it is considered to be very dangerous. Long-term health problems, as well as…

Benefits of Lifetime Therapy

Most people who undergo a one-month procedure or drug withdrawal plan end their medication unexpectedly. Patients may be safe after the study, but it doesn’t mean therapy will end. Long-term therapy is not covered by most health insurance companies. Most patients, therefore, avoid seeking help not because they do not require extra treatment but because…

Why You Should Never Do Solo Recovery

An estimated 23 million Americans suffer from addiction today which makes it one of the most alarming conditions in health crises in United States history. About 10% of these numbers are able to get the needed treatment which is why this makes sobering statistics look bleak. If you or someone you know is seeking treatment…

Xanax: The Latest and Most Dangerous Drug Craze

Addiction to any type of drug and/or alcohol is one of the reasons why people have had many serious illnesses. In general, some drugs are meant to treat illnesses of some kind, misuse could put an individual in a more complicated situation. It is best to know more about drugs before use to minimize the…

Commonly Abused Prescription Drug

The use of a prescription drug in a manner not meant by the prescriptive practitioner is prescription drug misuse. Prescription drug abuse or complications include everything from snorting and swallowing ground-up drugs to high-grade suffering for a friend’s prescription. Although the consequences are detrimental, drug abuse can become chronic. A growing problem will impact all…

Withdrawal (What To Expect and How To Handle It)

Without a doubt, people who are addicted to drugs and alcohol are much happier when they quit. Many survival tales demonstrate how amazing life will be when you place your dependency behind you. When you change a daily pattern, you will have to modify it to help your body work differently. You need to learn…

Impact of Long-term Drug & Alcohol Abuse

Drug abuse not only impacts the individual but also its associates, relatives, employers and everyone else. This breaks the interactions between the user and those they need, rendering seeking assistance much harder for the consumer. Every behavior an individual does has an effect on them and their life. Repeated and persistent behavior, like substance abuse,…

Medicare Open Enrollment: Do I Need It?

Due to the various enrollment windows that Medicare has, most people tend to get confused about whether they need to do anything during them. The Medicare Open Enrollment Period starts on January 1st and ends on March 31st each year. Don’t confuse this enrollment period with the Annual Election Period, which starts on October 15th and…

Dangers of Hallucinogens

Hallucinogens are drugs that have often been misused and abused for their effects. Though some people say they can open up the mind to new ideas and beliefs, in the long run, they can be detrimental to a person’s mental and physical health. Some people can even abuse them enough to create a dependency on…

Holding An Intervention

It can be a difficult thing to deal with when you have someone in your life that is addicted to drugs or alcohol. It may seem like your actions are doing nothing to help the situation. You don’t know how to get support for your loved one to stop the abuse. However, we’re here to…

Stats and Facts About Addiction

Knowing the statistics on the illegal use of drugs and alcohol can save your life. Educating oneself on the drug and alcohol statistics will give you an idea of how it can impact not only your life but an entire community as well. So if you are looking for the right stats on substance abuse,…

Addiction Among Teens

Forming an addiction at a young age may not be as obvious compared to adults but the signs and symptoms can be easily identified. Most of the time, people don’t really know what they have an addiction until it is too late. So if you want to know more information about addiction among teens, this…

Tips For Fighting Seasonal Affective Disorder

Have you noticed that you feel extra down-in-the-dumps around a certain time of year? That perhaps the blues hit you harder in winter than they do in summer? We are made to feel like the holiday season should be a happy time, so it can be extra confusing to experience these negative emotions. But there’s…

Best Methods for Preventing Relapse

Upon detox, everybody has the best intentions to stay sober. Sadly, the National Institute’s latest research on drug abuse shows that within a year of addiction treatment, over 60% of those suffering from addiction will succumb to relapse. Those statistics may sound shocking to those who have not experienced addiction. However, anyone with firsthand experience with…

The 5 Stages of Addiction

Addiction is something that people all over the world suffer from. But how does this kind of problem form? Today, we’re going to be talking about the 5 stages of addiction and what each stage looks like. What are the 5 Stages of Addiction? Addiction is defined as a “chronic reappearing cerebral disease” the National…

Understanding Customized Holistic Treatment

There are many people who are addicted to alcohol or any drug. This addiction can lead to various types of health problems and can also lead to death. Some people can overcome these addictions and tell about their past experiences. Traditionally, such an addiction can be treated through lectures, group therapy, and many others. The duration…

Addiction In Sports

Spectator fans line arenas and stadiums every year to watch their favorite athletes in practice. They’re idolized by fans, young athletes want to be them, and company advertisers want to partner with them. Like millions of Americans, however, athletes battle with substance abuse to drugs and alcohol. A day scarcely passes where we don’t hear…

Medicare: Questions About Rehab

Around 17 percent of adults 60 years old and older are affected by prescription drug and alcohol abuse, according to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Seniors are especially susceptible to the effects of substance abuse because their bodies aren’t able to metabolize these substances as easily and experience an increase in brain…

Dual Diagnosis Defined

Dual diagnosis refers to a person who has developed an addiction alongside a mental health issue. These issues can differ from person to person. Someone may be depressed or anxious and struggle with alcohol consumption. Others might habitually use marijuana while suffering from schizophrenia. No matter the substance or mental illness, dual diagnosis is a…

Dangers of Prescription Drug Abuse

The use of a prescription drug is only meant to be administered by a licensed practitioner. Prescription drug abuse or inappropriate usage is when a person starts to use a prescribed medication outside of a doctor’s instructions. This could be someone continuing medication use after it is no longer needed or using more of the…

Videogame Addiction is Real

It’s fun to get a hobby you enjoy doing. But can you push an interest too far? And when does it transform into an addiction? This is the problem that video games analysts are trying to answer. Video games, with the advent of very basic gameplay, have caught American interest since the 1970s. Although the…

What Factors Cause Addiction

It’s hard for a person outside of addiction to understand why someone abuses substances. What these people do not realize is that addicts believe substances help them enjoy or cope with life. What they don’t realize is that they have actually developed a serious dependency to substances.  Substance and addiction problems are dynamic and often…

How Trauma Causes Addiction

Childhood trauma and other traumatic events are usually the main cause of daily struggles for some people. The act of keeping trauma-related memories hidden and out of mind can be exhausting and over time, a person can develop their own skills to cope with it. However, even after years of keeping these memories, one bad…

Different Schedules of Drugs

The Controlled Substances Act places every drug in a schedule based on its medical value and its potential for abuse. The Federal Government has generally delegated this enforcement to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The DEA inquires first if a medication can be abused to start a schedule. If it is valid, it is put…

How to Deal With Anxiety Without Substance Abuse

Unwanted feelings like anxiety can often lead a person to begin abusing drugs and alcohol. Many individuals use these substances to numb the feelings temporarily and feel more relaxed around other people, others do so to cope with feelings of anxiety around relationships, work, and school. Over time, frequent use of these substances can result…

Animal Assisted Therapy

There is something healing about having an animal around, isn’t there? Having a pet companion has even been proven to help people’s overall well-being. Whether a person is suffering from PTSD or other disorders, having an animal companion has proven to be beneficial to a person’s overall health. So what is animal-assisted therapy? Today, we’re…

How Being Outdoors During Recovery is Beneficial

Being with nature is healing and this is something we have all personally experienced. You may not realize it, but being outside, in the sun, around nature is actually healing. There’s something about breathing fresh air and feeling the breeze blowing on your face that makes you feel at ease. Nature relaxes you which is…

Homelessness and Substance Abuse

There are numerous challenges every day, such as unemployment, housing, and food, that homeless people encounter. For many, drug abuse is a single issue in an increasing list of issues that exacerbate their situation, leading to imprisonment, mental disorders, and even suicide. The broader meaning of homelessness The origins of homelessness and drug use have…

Effects Heroin Has on You

Heroin is one of mankind’s most dangerous and addictive drugs. The drug is also quite cheap, but people who are addicted can put hundreds of dollars a day into their habit. Heroin, which grows in Mexico, Asia, and South America, comes from a bloom called opium poppy. The drug is highly potent and has been…

Diseases That Addiction Can Cause

Addiction and substance abuse is a worldwide problem, especially in the United States. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has reported in 2014 that over 10% of people ages 12 and older have or were actively using illegal substances as well as alcohol. So it is not surprising to see a lot of people…

Is Addiction A Choice?

The long-debated question: Is addiction a choice? Or is it a disease? Short answer, it’s a disease, but more on that later. Unfortunately, there is still a massive stigma around addiction, making it out to be a choice rather than a disease that can be treated. People often think will-power is enough to beat addiction,…

The Problem of Dealers Lacing Cocaine With Fentanyl

The opioid crisis has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives in the United States of America in the last two decades. As the government struggles to come up with a competent solution to the issue, there’s another situation which is the next evident American calamity. An alarming fraction of US cocaine now contains fentanyl; a huge…

Why Do Former Addicts Relapse?

There are plenty of cases where a former drug or alcohol addict goes through relapse and you can’t help but wonder, “why do they choose to do this to themselves?” To understand why this happens we must first understand relapse. Relapse occurs when someone returns to substance abuse after a period of abstinence. This is…

What The Detox Process Looks Like

The process of recovery is not an easy step to take, and it takes a lot of patience. Detox from drugs and alcohol can be dangerous, and to ensure safety you have to get assistance from medical professionals. The risk of at-home detox, or when detox is done on your own, is high. If an…

What Comes After Recovery?

Have you recently made the decision to live a sober life or are thinking about living one? Have you ever thought about what comes after recovery? Well then, this article is for you! These are the kind of things addicts think about when they are debating whether or not to kick their bad habits. “What…

Different Forms of Therapy for Former Addicts

For someone trying to overcome an addiction, there’s no “one size fits all” method of treating it. Even after treatment, there is a multitude of different therapies that help a person to continue living their life in sobriety. Because each person who struggles with addiction is in a unique situation, there are different methods of…

Substance Abuse Among The LGBT Community

It is fantastic to see that our country, and other countries around the world, have made steps towards the acceptance of people in the LGBT community. This is a relatively new movement of acceptance, even though people in the LGBT community have been fighting for acceptance and equal rights throughout many decades. Up until June…

Commonly Abused Prescription Medications

Prescription Medications have long been reported to be abused by people. This is because these medications are available in drugstores and supermarkets across the world. Typically, prescribed medications are safe to take if used at recommended doses. However, like any type of drug, prescribed meds can also be abused. If taken more than the prescribed dosage,…

Tips For Living A Happy Sober Life

No one actually wants to be an “addict.” No one wants to sacrifice their friends, family, health, etc to feed an addiction. At the root of every substance abuse disorder, there is a pain. Usually deep pain, that the person is trying to numb the only way they know-how. But it’s difficult to want to…

Meth Addiction

If you are at all a fan of the show Breaking Bad, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of this drug. Methamphetamine, or meth for short, is one of the most potent drugs on the illicit drug market today. If you are ever in an area that is less than fortunate, chances are you may…

What is the 12-Step Program?

Addiction is a complex and life-threatening issue. It affects the brain and normal bodily function. It also affects a person’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being. It is contagious, and one person may influence other people into the lifestyle of addiction. Addiction holds no bias, it can take ahold of anyone regardless of gender, race, education…

Facts About Addiction

Addiction is a chronic disease that affects the normal functions of the body and the central nervous system. An individual who becomes a victim of substance abuse often experience changes in their body such as loss in concentration, dilated pupils, extreme tolerance, and withdrawal when they stop using. An individual also becomes so dependent on…

Mental Illness & Addiction

Mental Illness and Addiction are disorders that affect cognitive and behavioral aspects of a person. If you both suffer from addiction and mental illness, you may have what we call dual diagnosis. Dealing with substance abuse and mental disorder is a struggle. It is hard to deal with substance abuse when you are struggling with…

Dangers of LSD

Lysergic acid diethylamide known as LSD was introduced in the 1960s and 1970s. It was formulated from ergot, a fungus that is found on rye. Rye is a kind of grass which is used as a turfgrass, and sometimes a pasture grass for livestock. It is known by the names, blotter, acid, purple haze, and…

Cocaine Addiction

Of all the illicit drugs out there, cocaine is one of the worst.  This drug has gained notoriety over the years and has gained popularity in the party scene. Now, what is cocaine and what makes it so addictive?  The White Powder Cocaine is popularly known for its white powdery appearance that, when inhaled, reacts…

Importance of Goal Setting

When you are stuck living a life consumed by substance abuse, you are living a life filled with nothing but loneliness and sadness. Addiction has a way of taking over your life, making it nearly impossible to stop regular substance abuse. The only way to beat this seemingly unbeatable urge is by going through an…

Addiction in College

Substance abuse is a widespread issue all over the world, and it affects everyone, regardless of demographics. Anyone can be a victim, sellers do not have a specific niche as their target and college students are no exception. 1 out of 4 college students is a victim of addiction. Students in college can be overwhelmed…

What To Do When Your Partner Is Suffering From Addiction

Addiction is not an easy thing to deal with, especially if someone you love is going through it. Have you ever found yourself in this type of situation? You are married to or dating someone who is actively struggling with addiction and substance abuse. Though the person may have some self-destructive habits, you still love…

Demographics Vulnerable to Addiction

Addiction is an issue that is rampant all over the world, not just here in the U.S. Out of the 7.7 billion people around the world, statistics show that there are about 240 million people worldwide who struggle with addiction. A study done in 2015 by Australian researchers showed that 240 million people struggle with…

Finding A Support System In Recovery is Important

Addiction can be one of the loneliest experiences one can face. The nature of the illness creates rifts between family, friends, and relationships. However, during recovery, having a support system to lean on is one of the biggest contributing factors to success (Boisvert, et. al). A strong support system greatly reduces your chances of relapsing….

Addiction Around the World

Substance abuse is not only a problem in the United States but also all over the world. Countries all over the world have their own share of substance abuse issues and a huge number of people suffering from addiction. What are the types of substances being abused around the world? Read more to know what…

Other Types of Addiction (Besides Drug and Alcohol Abuse)

Addiction is not only limited to substance abuse and alcohol abuse. Addiction is a negative pattern of behavior of an individual that can result in compulsive behaviors. A person’s body obsessively craves a substance or behavior to get some kind of reward. A person who experiences addiction may have a serious mental illness that should…

The Dangers of Juuling & Vaping

Just because it looks cool, doesn’t mean you have to vape too. Vaping seemed like an “alternate” solution to smoking but while this seems like a good idea, it does have its advantages and disadvantages. If you have seen people smoke vape but still have a vague idea of what it is then this article…

Triggers: What Are They?

A person who is addicted to drugs and alcohol can have many triggers. But what exactly are triggers? How can one avoid them? If you are looking for answers then this article will help shed light on that. Here’s what you need to know about triggers. What is a trigger? A trigger can almost be…

What is Xanax?

Relaxation is a hard thing to come by these days, but people are able to find ways of making it happen. Some people try and take time for mental relaxation through activities like walks, yoga, meditation, listening to music, doing art, etc. However, not everyone develops healthy habits like these. Some people develop extremely unhealthy…

Benefits of Inpatient and Outpatient Recovery

Recovery treatment is a practice for individuals who are suffering from different kinds of addiction such as drugs, alcohol, or sex. You should understand that the faster you acknowledge that you need help, the faster you receive a solution. Recovery treatment helps address the needs of a person in need of recovery and finding what’s…

Most Common Drugs that People Become Addicted To

Drug addiction is more common than you think. About 21.5 million adults in the US struggle with addiction and that number seems to continue to grow year-over-year. 2019 has been a difficult year in the world of fame, as the news of a celebrity death due to a drug overdose hits headlines far too often….

Long-Term Impacts of Alcohol Blackouts

When it comes to alcohol consumption, binge drinking to the point of blacking out has unfortunately become very common among both adults and teenagers. While many people describe a blackout as simply one ‘drinking too much’, what they fail to realize is that it can have serious impacts on their brain. Blackouts cause the brain to…

What is the Opioid Epidemic?

If you’ve watched the news in the past few years, chances are you’ve heard of an epidemic we’ve been facing in this country. We aren’t talking about poverty, healthcare, or anything like that, we’re talking about the Opioid Epidemic. This epidemic has been plaguing U.S. citizens for years and it’s time we put a stop…

How to Deal With Recovery In the Workplace

The process of recovery is not an easy one and it can take a long time to fully recover from a past addiction. Addiction is a disease that can take complete control of your life, manipulating your mind, body, and soul and changing you into something you previously weren’t. Though addiction is hard to beat,…

Hemp vs. Marijuana: Know the Differences

There are still a lot of people who don’t know the difference between hemp and marijuana. While both came from the cannabis family, there are a lot of differences if you take a closer look at the two. As the demand for CBD rises, the industry has developed into a market that is independent and…

How Addiction Can Affect Your Life

Have you been suffering from addiction? How are you coping? Is life as good as it gets or does it gets worse every day? Perhaps you’ve answered this question already. If not, then it’s time we talk about the effects of drugs in your life and what it can do. Physical Effects How a person…

What is Salvia?

It seems like each year, more and more people are just looking oaddictut for a different kind of “high” that they turn to alternative drugs. Some of which may be marked as “safe” or even “natural” but they are still labeled illicit. One of these drugs is salvia; what is it? Where did it come…

Addiction To Video Games

Video games were created to be enjoyed and shared with family and friends, but what if you played more than you should? This could lead to an alarming video game addiction without you even noticing it. According to the World Health Organization or WHO, a lot of gamers suffer from what they call the “Gaming…

Risks of Doing Recovery on Your Own

Any drug or alcohol addicted person would like to recover from their addiction. In fact, a lot of people want to go through rehabilitation, but not all of them would take the step in admitting themselves into a treatment center. Some even take it into a whole other approach and this is to recover on…

What is Lean?

If you are familiar with hip-hop/club culture, you’ve probably heard this drink go by many names. Lean, Purp, Purple Drank, Sizzurp, Drank, Dirty Sprite, and many other names. Lean is a concoction that many artists and celebrities have dabbled in over the years. Artists like Future, Lil Wayne, Justin Bieber, Soulja Boy and celebrities like…

Using Medica Insurance for Addiction Treatment

For people that are suffering from addiction, cutting cold turkey doesn’t always work, that’s why rehabilitation centers offer addiction treatment to ensure long-term sobriety. However, these programs can be pricey for most people and many of them end up having to pay out of pocket. Clearly, this is not ideal for most people and this…

Effects of Adderall Use

Adderall is one of the most common drugs used to treat ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, as well as narcolepsy. If you have taken this drug without being diagnosed with ADHD or narcolepsy, then you are at risk of health problems. This drug is part of prescription medications that are adapted abused for illicit….

Hallucinogenics: You’re Hallucinating If You Think These Aren’t Bad For You

Hallucinations happen as a side effect of a drug or medication given to a patient. However, there are plenty of drugs out there that can cause hallucinations even if the person taking it does not have any illness. These are commonly known as hallucinogens. What is Hallucination? Hallucinations are defined as things you see, feel,…

Educating Your Child on Substance Abuse

Seeing your child addicted to drugs and alcohol is every parent’s worst nightmare. In fact, no parent would want that to happen to their child. That is why educating your child early on about substance abuse is very important. Keep in mind that addiction is a disease and so you must do everything you can…

Everything You Need to Know About Cocaine

Cocaine or also known as crack, coke, blow, snow, nose candy, flake, sleet, gravel, rocks, and nuggets is one of the oldest and strongest drugs that we have encountered. In fact, it has been around for 5000 years when the natives of the Andes Mountains started chewing coca leaves in order to help sustain them…

Benefits of Infrared Saunas

Everyone has a different form of therapy that works for them, but have you ever heard of infrared saunas? It’s a somewhat new health trend that people are talking about, even doctors and other health professionals are vouching for its benefits! If you don’t already know what these saunas are, they are heated rooms where…

Factors That Can Contribute to Addictive Behaviors

To contribute means to add something or to cause something, so when we say factors that can contribute to addictive behaviors, it basically means the things that make a person addicted or can cause a person to become addicted to certain behaviors or substances. That being said, it is important to know what these factors…

Substance Abuse in College

During college, people experience many new and exciting things. However, it is not always so wonderful. It’s where students learn how to deal with stress in class, party and yes, even do drugs and alcohol. Because of this, a lot of students become more susceptible to substance abuse over time. Why Do Students in College…

Sublocade: New Opioid Treatment

One of the most commonly abused drugs is opioids. Using opioids, even if it’s a one-time thing, can still be incredibly addictive. Even worse, it can lead to an overdose or death if you are not careful when using it. If you are already using opioids, then you need to stop before you cause some…

Addiction in Athletes

Professional athletes are faced with bucket loads of pressure like the constant pressing of competition, regular training to maintain excellent form, fear of injuries, and even the fact that they’re always in the spotlight. These and the demands of everyday life create an intense amount of pressure for athletes. This is one of the reasons…

Free Will and Addiction: Is it a Choice?

Drug abuse and addiction are perhaps some of the hardest battles people have ever fought. Some are successful at defeating it but most of the time, people struggle off and on. Think of how many celebrities died because of drug addiction and overdose? Actors, actresses, musicians, artists, and people outside of those careers have their…

Family History With Addiction

Family is the first unit of the society where love and care are shown, but if the family has a history of being dysfunctional and substance abusers, there’s a big chance that love and affection are not present and the cycle will not end. However, if you already know that addiction runs in the family,…

Addiction Doesn’t Mean You’re a Bad Person

Addiction is a complicated and often misunderstood disease. This disease affects every facet of a person’s life, can have life-threatening effects, and even lead to permanent damage. In order to recover from addiction, treatment is necessary. Understanding what makes addiction a disease helps to eliminate the stigma surrounding addiction and can lead to more people…

What to Know About Interventions

Do you have a loved one that suffers from drug or alcohol addiction? Do you want them to go through intervention? If yes, then this article can help you with that as we discuss what it means to have interventions and what you can do to help your loved one. Here’s what you need to…

Dangers of Fentanyl-laced Crack

“Crack”, is a street name that has been given to cocaine that has been processed from cocaine hydrochloride to a ready-to-use free base for smoking. Rather than requiring the more volatile method of processing cocaine using ether, it is processed with ammonia or sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and water heated to remove the hydrochloride, thereby…

Club Culture & Substance Abuse

We live in a society where people work 9 to 5 so they can live it up on the weekend. Oftentimes, people ‘live it up’ in the clubs or at parties on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. People meet up with friends to go dancing and have a good time together. Though there is nothing wrong…

Wasp Spray. An Alternative To Methamphetamine.

Wasp hotshots are a new addition to the drug market and are illegal. The existence of wasp and hornet killers is not news, as they’ve been known for several years. But, this chemical is fast becoming a very dangerous novel method of getting high. Several individuals have found out that when one injects anti-wasp spray…

Toad Licking Trend

People do extreme things and could consume worse stuff than you can possibly imagine. One example of these extremes is toad licking. For strange reasons, toad licking is gradually becoming a serious phenomenon, especially in young people. These young people do this without paying attention to its harmful effects on health and lifestyle. Toad licking is…

Dangers of Long-term Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol is probably one of the easiest substances to get hold of and abuse. Because it is found in wine, beer, and spirits, it is an easy thing to abuse since it can simply be drunk. While a bottle of beer or a glass of wine may not hurt anyone, it starts to become alarming…

Connection Between Substance Abuse & Depression

Depression has become a major issue in today’s society. In the United States alone, there are over 17.1 million people affected every year by this every year. 17.1 million are is about 7.1% of the United States population, that’s a huge number. There is no one route cause for depression, but a vast majority of…

Is Gabapentin a Legitimate Treatment for Drug Abuse?

American illicit drug culture has infiltrated the “legal” market as drug pushers have found a loophole in the system that has opened the floodgates to the hypocrisy in the law and addiction treatment. Again, this isn’t based on malice aforethought but the triggers that arise during the drug and alcohol withdrawal process and how medication-assisted…

Dangers of Vapes & Juuls

In the last few decades, studies have been surfacing showing the detrimental effects of smoking cigarettes. But, just when you thought the craze around cigarettes was dying down, new trends have been introduced into the scene: Vapes & Juuls. What is a vape/Juul? Simply put, these are electronic cigarettes or e-cigs. These e-cigs contain flavored…

Choice vs Disease: The Addiction Debate

Would anyone in their right mind choose to have an addiction to drugs or alcohol? This is a common debate, depending on who you ask. This question is charged with so much political, moral, scientific, and financial controversy that it’s become an explosive topic. Even in a room with barely more than two people, you’ll…

Why Some People are More Prone to Addiction than Others

Addiction is a complex disorder and like many other mental and physical disorders, some people are more prone to it than others. An individual feature cannot be blamed as the sole cause of addiction. Instead, a number of factors play a part in paving out the path that leads to addiction. In most cases, people…

6 Benefits of Yoga in Addiction Recovery

When it comes to addiction recovery, it’s no easy process. Depending on how serious an addiction is, recovery can look different from person to person. There are many forms of recovery therapy, but what may help one person, may not help the other. Some of the most common forms of detox therapy are medicinal and…

Carfentanil Could Be Genocide for Drug Addicts

Drug addiction comes with its own set of stigmas. Some may be justified, others not so much. For those addicted to drugs, stigmas don’t bother them much because they are consumed with feeding their habit. However, no one using actually wants to die, they just want to remove their pain. It is in this quest…

What Happens When You Leave Rehab Early?

Addiction is a chronic relapsing disease that requires treatment. Rehab is a necessary step on the road to recovery, but can prove to be challenging at times. There are many reasons why someone may decide to leave rehab early. None of them are worth the cost of what that decision may have to your health….

College Grads and Workforce Expectations

For most college grads, the time after graduation is filled with mixed emotions. Where exhilaration meets fear and the road to their tomorrows is paved with uncertainty. And the hopes of landing that first job making all their personal sacrifices along the way well worth it. This is the standard for American students. As our…

Choice vs Disease: Which One Should Addiction Fall Under?

Would anyone in their right mind make the choice to become addicted to drugs or alcohol? Well, it kind of depends on who you ask. This question is charged with so much political, moral, scientific, and financial controversy that it’s become an explosive topic. Even in a room with barely more than two people, you’ll…

What are Hard Drugs?

The terminology surrounding drugs can often be confusing and misleading. Drug use should never be taken lightly. All drugs, no matter their perceived level of danger, can prove to be life threatening. When becoming educated on drugs and drug use, it is important to keep this in mind. If you or someone you know is…

Diabetes and Alcohol Use

While the effects of alcohol can be random and life-threatening, those with diabetes should be especially cautious. Alcohol effects vary from person to person, some of which can become dangerous quickly. Those with diabetes can be affected in different ways, due to their disease. This makes knowing your limits when it comes to alcohol very…

What Your Life Will Look Like Without Drugs

A healthy mind and body is key to finding success and happiness in our daily lives. Addiction is a potentially life-threatening roadblck that prevents us from experiencing all of what our life has to offer. Thankfully, treatment is never out of reach. There is always hope for a better tomorrow and it only takes one…

How do I Tell my Child I Know They are Abusing Drugs?

As a parent, you now know that your child is facing something dangerous head on. This is a scary and confusing time, for both of you. Stay strong as a parent, seek the help you need, and present your child options for treatment. After understanding drug abuse and addiction, you can become better aware of…

What is the Difference Between Crack and Cocaine?

Cocaine and crack are sometimes considered to be the same thing. However, they are different substances. Both of these substances can lead to a host of problems, including addiction, overdose, and even death. Understanding the difference can help you or a loved one recognize symptoms and get the help they need. How Drugs Affect The…

The Facts About Heroin

Heroin addiction affects the lives of millions of people across the nation. But, how much is really known about this drug? Heroin can cause serious and sometimes life threatening effects that affect both the body and the mind. Thankfully, there are treatment options that can help to reverse these effects and put those suffering on…

The Risks Of Working While Under The Influence Of Drugs

Substance abuse impacts every aspect of a person’s life, including their work environment. Dangerous effects and life threatening symptoms follow drug abuse wherever it goes. That means that working while under the influence of drugs can cause serious harm to not only you, but also those you work with. What is Drug Abuse? Drug abuse…

How do You Live with Someone Suffering From Alcoholism?

Any amount of alcohol can prove to have dangerous consequences, some of which can be life-threatening. Alcoholism is more than the occasional drink or a random glass of wine. Heavy drinkers and those who binge drink are at an increased risk for developing alcoholism. When someone drinks consistently, in high quantities, their tolerance will begin…

How to Host an Intervention

Helping a loved one who is struggling with addiction can feel daunting at times. However, an intervention is an important event hosted by family and friends. This helps the person suffering to understand that they have the love and support of the people around them. It also brings to light how their addiction has truly…

What are Gateway Drugs

The theory that if you consume “milder” drugs it can lead to more powerful drug use has been around for years. Identifying drug abuse is the first step in combating gateway drugs. Gateway drugs can take several forms, all of which are dangerous and could have life threatening consequences. If you or someone you know…

Drinking & Driving: How Dangerous is It?

The consequences surrounding drinking and driving are very real and should never be taken lightly. Those who suffer from alcohol use disorders are often the most at risk for engaging in driving while under the influence. Alcohol use disorders require treatment and those who are suffering deserve help. If you or someone you know has…

Are You Struggling With Cocaine Abuse?

Drug abuse and addiction development does not mean you have a flawed character. It is not a sign of weakness. Those who suffer from cocaine addiction can often feel frustrated, confused, and may even be in denial. It is important to remember that recovery is never out of reach. Understanding addiction and the warning signs…

Mental Health Issues that Stem From Drug Abuse

The brain is powerful, yet very delicate. Drugs and alcohol can severely affect how your brain functions, leading to serious consequences. Alongside addiction and substance use disorders, someone can develop a mental health issue. This could be a prior underlying issue or it could be the result of substance abuse. Both, require medical treatment. If…

How to Talk to Your Teen About Drugs

The teenage years are hallmarked as being the time of risk-taking behavior and independence. However, this time in a person’s life is also a crucial developmental milestone. It can be a confusing time for teenagers and a stressful time for their parents. But, talking to your teen about drugs does not have to be hard…

How to Tell Your Family About Your Addiction

Those who are suffering from addiction, a chronic brain disease, can end up harboring their secret for too long. This could be due to experiencing feelings of guilt, shame, and regret. Symptoms and effects of addiction that are left untreated can end up being life-threatening. Opening up to your friends and family takes a massive…

Alcoholism and the Functioning Alcoholic

When people think of alcoholism, they normally do not think of a successful CEO. The fact of the matter is, alcoholism can happen to anyone. Those who demonstrate success, despite their addiction to alcohol, are known as functioning alcoholics. Although these people do not seem to have a disease, they are in fact suffering and…

Detoxing at Home is Dangerous

Detoxing is a crucial part of the treatment and recovery process. The process can often seem daunting. While detoxing can lead to dangerous symptoms and possibly life-threatening conditions, when it is done safely the risks are significantly lowered. However, some people who are suffering from addiction may assume that detoxing at home is a great…

Relapse Happens In Three Stages

Relapse is not a single moment. Relapse is actually a process that occurs in stages. These stages could last for months or even years before someone physically relapses. It is important to remember that relapse does not mean that you have failed your recovery journey. This bump in the road can be seen as a…

Alcohol Poisoning: Signs And Symptoms

Alcohol poisoning is a dangerous condition. The consequences of alcohol poisoning can result in severe health issues, some of which can be permanent. The signs of alcohol poisoning may be difficult to distinguish, but need to be identified so the person can receive prompt medical care. Those who are suffering from alcohol abuse are at…

What to Expect When You are Detoxing

Addiction is a chronic brain disease that has the capability to affect anyone. This condition requires proper professional treatment in order for those suffering to enter recovery. The first step to treating drug and alcohol addiction is for the patient to enter a stage known as detox. Detoxing can cause withdrawal symptoms in a patient,…

Premature Ageing and Alcoholism

Alcohol, whether occasional use or binge drinking episodes, can have disastrous effects on a person’s health. Alcohol is a toxin, as well as a depressant, and causes the body to have to alter its processes in order to flush it out. One of the most common symptoms of alcoholism is premature aging, as our skin…

Alcohol Consumption & Binge Drinking

Alcohol affects millions of lives every day. Even a minimal amount of alcohol can have life altering consequences. Those who drink excessively in one sitting are known as binge drinkers. This act of heavy drinking can have disastrous effects on a person’s life, including leading to alcoholism, coma, or even death. If you or someone…

Traumatic Experiences many Alcoholics go Through

Traumtic experiences many alcoholics go through

Ecstasy Affects Your Brain During and After Use

Ecstasy is often viewed as a feel-good drug that can be fun to take occasionally in group settings. People often take ecstasy at festivals and raves. Ecstasy comes in pill form often and can be a variety of shapes and colors. Many people have no idea how much MDMA is in each Ecstasy pill and…

The Benefits of Support Groups

Often, those who are struggling with addiction can feel isolated and misunderstood. It is an important step to recovery that someone who is suffering from this chronic disease receives the support they need and deserve. Support groups, especially as part of a treatment program, can be widely beneficial to the recovery process. If you or…

Is Your Spouse Facing Addiction?

Addiction is a chronic mental and medical illness that affects the brain and it has adversely impacted millions of people across the United States. Substance abuse and addiction can cause not only physical harm but also emotional and behavioral problems. People suffering from addiction cannot control their impulses and when addiction is left untreated, it…

Addiction and Suicide Prevention

Addiction is a chronic mental illness that is characterized by continual misuse of substances. It is considered a substance use disorder that impacts the brain long-term in damaging ways. A leading cause of death in the United States, suicide is also a major health problem. If addiction or suicide is left unaddressed, it can result…

You Don’t Have to Prove Your Worth to Get Medical Attention

Devastating millions of lives of people across the United States, addiction is the most severe relapsing form of substance use disorders. The changed behavioral symptoms generally associated with addiction can result in overdose, physical and mental health issues, and more life-threatening conditions. In addition to harming the person suffering from addiction in long-lasting ways, substance…

What Are the Treatment Options for Someone Suffering from Addiction?

Drug and alcohol abuse through self-medicating is one of the leading causes of addiction, and it is likely to produce life-threatening symptoms. Addiction is indicated by continued drug-seeking and misuse of substances, consequently affecting the brain in long-term harmful ways. A mental and medical illness that devastates millions of Americans, addiction is the most severe…

Drug Use Among Athletes

Athletic life can be stressful in many aspects. Athletes may decide to use drugs for many reasons caused by environmental, physical, and psychological stressors. These reasons generally consist of performance enhancement due to pressure to perform, coping mechanism for dealing with retirement, and self-treatment for physical pain, injuries, and mental illness. If repeated and overused,…

What is Self-Medicating?

Not everyone seeks professional help when dealing with the symptoms of possible mental illness, and some people try to remediate their situation on their own. Self-medication is the use of medicines or other substances by individuals, who are often hiding and denying self-diagnosed, underlying physical and mental health issues, to alleviate and treat said conditions….

Understanding Drug Abuse: Addiction, Treatment, and Recovery

Drug abuse and addiction can be difficult to understand, especially if a loved one has been suffering. There are common misconceptions that surround drug abuse, making it a disease that is highly stigmatized. Through scientific research, more is known than ever before about the mental and physical effects this dangerous disease can pose. Drug addiction…

Prenatal Cocaine Exposure

When a woman is in active addiction during her pregnancy, the drugs can significantly affect the baby. A mother’s health helps to mold that of her baby’s. These drugs reach the baby by traveling through the mother’s placenta. This exposure can lead to lifelong complications that can affect not only the mind but also the…

Why Drugs Aren’t ‘Cool’

Millions of people every day suffer from drug abuse and addiction, making this a worldwide epidemic. Substance use and abuse can lead to addiction, overdose, and even death. Someone who is abusing drugs will experience negative social, mental, and physical effects. If you or someone you love is struggling with drug abuse, seek help today….

How to Explain Alcoholism to a Child

There are millions of children that have alcoholic parents in the United States today. Often, children of those suffering from addiction could be feeling alone and isolated. They may feel like nobody could understand the pain they are going through. Children are all going through development processes that will help to shape them into adults….

Are Celebrities and Artists More Vulnerable to Substance Abuse?

To be at your creative best, you need to put in an extensive amount of physical and emotional input. The topic of Celebrity Addiction has come up more and more over the last few years, as many of the artists we know and love are suffering from it. The fact that the creative and/or entertainment…

Signs a Loved One is Suffering from Drug Abuse

Drug abuse can cause life-threatening conditions and can lead to addiction. Addiction is a chronic brain disease that affects millions across the United States. Addiction cannot be controlled by the individual and causes changes to every facet of that person’s life. This compulsivity and lack of control can have devastating consequences. If you suspect your…

How Does Social Media Influence Alcohol Use?

Social media has a heavy influence on most people’s lives. Social media provides excellent tools for keeping in contact with loved ones and sharing tidbits from everyday life. However, there are some dangerous concerns surrounding social media. Besides false realities and bullying, the alcohol and drinking culture the United States is experiencing is being propelled…

How Does Alcoholism Start?

Alcohol can affect everyone differently and anyone can become addicted to alcohol. However, it takes more than someone taking a sip of alcohol in order to become addicted. Someone who even only drinks socially may not experience addiction. Most people who become addicted to alcohol did not plan on it. That social drinker may begin…

What to Do if an Alcoholic Refuses Help

When help is offered, most alcoholics will turn it down. When an alcoholic refuses to get help for their addiction, their loved ones can often feel helpless. They might be in denial and doesn’t see the problem. You hate seeing your loved one go down this dark and dangerous path. You want them to get…

What to do if You Think Your Teen is on Drugs

Suspecting your teen is on drugs could be a scary time. It is also a time where you might have a few questions and not know what to do next. Before you approach your teen, there are a few things you should do. If your teen is in fact addicted to drugs, they will not…

What’s Wrong With Excessive Alcohol Use

Alcohol is a legal substance however, the dangers surrounding alcohol are quite large. Since it is legal, alcohol is readily available at various locations at almost all hours. The legality surrounding alcohol makes many people ask, “what is wrong with alcohol?”. Alcohol consumption can not only lead to addiction but can also cause other disastrous…

Trends in Drug and Alcohol Addiction

Drug and alcohol addiction is a widespread disease, affecting loved ones all over The United States. When a person experiences addiction, temporary and permanent changes can occur to the brain’s reward pathways. This can prove to be fatal. Below, we have outlined trends in drug and alcohol addiction. If you or someone you know is…

The Dangers of Peer Pressure

The transition from the teenage years to adulthood is hallmarked for being the time for finding out who you “really” are, experimentation, and risky behavior. There could be various reasons why a teenager or young adult gives into the pressure pushed on them by their peers, but it can have damaging consequences. Peer pressure can…

Social Effects of Drug Abuse

Addiction is a brain disease that can cause permanent brain damage, as well as severely affect both the mind and body. People that are experiencing substance abuse disorder often experience changes in their behavior, perceptions, judgment, and decision making. People can begin taking drugs for a variety of different reasons, including: Peer pressure An addict…

How the Family Affected by Drug Abuse

Drug and alcohol addiction can affect all facets of a person’s life, including their body and mind. One of the areas of their life that will become affected are their personal relationships with their family members. This family dynamic will be tested and strained in new ways than ever before, causing emotional turmoil not only…

The Effects of Substance Abuse on Rural Communities

Substance abuse can cause brain, behavior, and body alterations that can leave an individual in a severe state of distress. This disease of the person’s brain can cause lasting and even permanent damage to not only their brain but also their body. Substance abuse and substance abuse disorders are commonly linked to inner cities. Granted,…

Living Sober After Treatment

Everyone can recover from addiction, although their paths to becoming sober will not always be the same. It all starts with the need and desire for change, beginning with instilling the belief that you can overcome the disease. Recovery remains a lifelong process of improving your health, habits, and overall well-being. However, staying substance-free can…

The Permanent Effects of Drugs on the Mind

All drugs have potential side effects that could be damaging to your mind and body. The abuse of drugs is known as drug addiction and is considered a chronic brain disease. Someone who is abusing drugs could experience short term or long term effects, which will vary from person to person. However, some of the…

The Effects of Alcohol on the Fetus

Alcohol has the capabilities to affect the bodily systems in different ways, often depending on the amount of alcohol consumed, as well as frequency. Addiction to alcohol can cause kidney failure and other adverse health effects. A pregnant woman who consumes alcohol can negatively affect the most pertinent stages of fetal development. Alcohol is considered…

Is Brain Stimulation the Solution to Addiction

Drug addiction is a chronic disease that affects a little over five percent of the population. Several different addiction treatment models such as brain stimulation may have many factors in common. However, each individual should have a plan designed specifically for them by a healthcare professional. Each person going through addiction will be on their…

Traits of an Addictive Personality

Someone who is worried about developing an addiction may be inclined to find traits of an addictive personality. Finding out these traits may allow the person to rid themselves of the title of being affected by a disease. However, they may just want to know what to keep in mind and what red flags there…

Opioids in American History

The worldwide opioid epidemic isn’t the fault of any single individual, nor could it have been stopped. This is a clear case of history repeating, but with a slight variation. While information concerning the numbers of those who died of drug overdoses in the past is hard to find, it’s undoubtedly true that many people…

Journaling During Addiction Recovery

Addiction is a tough thing to fight and people have different ways of battling against it. What may work for one person as a coping mechanism, may not work for someone else. Some people will choose group therapy, music therapy, art therapy, etc. There are plenty of different kinds of therapy that people in recovery…

Substance Abuse Among Cancer Patients

There are pain medications for pretty much any kind of pain, ranging from minor to severe. However, chronic pain isn’t an easy thing to deal with. Often times, it can be unbearable so doctors prescribe stronger medications to help a person deal with the pain. These types of medications provide a sense of relief from…

Family Therapy During Addiction Recovery

Addiction is something that can affect everyone, not just someone suffering from it. Yes, addiction is toughest on the addict themselves, but this doesn’t mean that other people aren’t affected too. It’s a disease that can affect the entire family. The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependency calls it a “family disease”. This disease…

Profile of the Leaders of the War on Addiction

From the testimony of Barry McCaffrey, a Clinton-era Drug Czar, one would think that the Netherlands is ground zero for the war on drug addiction on the planet. The official’s scathing 1998 review of his visit to the country was riddled with condescension and fear-mongering of a terrifying and gruesome situation across the ocean. The…

Side Effects Of Meth Use

In the United States of America alone, there are over 21 million people (12 or older) that suffer from substance abuse; that makes up 10% of Americans. Worldwide, there are over 247 million who suffer from the same issue. This can range from alcohol addiction all the way to heroin addiction. Today, we are going…

Meditation During Addiction Recovery

In 2011, there were over 20 million people who suffered from addiction. Of those 20 million, only 3 million people received proper treatment to overcome their addictive behaviors, that’s 15%. There is no doubt that that number has increased or at least stayed the same. It can be hard for someone to come to terms…

Vitamin D and It’s Effects on Mental Health

Did you know that depression is an issue that over 18 million Americans deal with every year? That’s 1 out of every 10 people; that number is extremely high. According to statistics, this disorder takes more lives every year than homicide (41,000 annual deaths to suicide and 16,000 deaths to homicide). There are over 290…

Drug Addiction in the Medical Field

It’s no secret that having a job in the health profession is a highly stressful experience. Stress in medical practice has always been well-discussed and thoroughly researched. The medical profession, whether you’re a nurse, a physician’s assistant, a doctor, or any other professional in the field, involves taking care of other people’s lives; mistakes or…

How Negative Attitudes Trigger Relapse

Looking for a breath of fresh air in your life? Yeah… I know, who isn’t? Even if you’ve perched yourself atop a mountain to feel gentle, clean, cool breezes it doesn’t mean that the toxicity of everyday life is gone. That’s because many of the harmful elements we experience come from other people. Negative attitudes…

Hollywood High: The Elite and Drug Abuse

People dream of being rich and famous when they’re young. The thrill, the lights, the action, the attention, the wealth; though people dream of a career in the middle of the fame that Hollywood offers, there is a dark side to the glitz and glam. Drug addiction has affected many of the Hollywood greats, both…

Destination Rehab: The Perks of Getting Treatment in Arizona

The modern world we live in is a glamorous one: social media has opened up a portal of possibilities, and life can be documented by photos and videos of selfies, group shots, local spots and international must-sees. Destination vacations are popular in a way that they’ve never been before, and there have been some unexpected…

Hemp For Addiction Recovery

Because addiction is such a complex thing to recover from, people have started to discover a variety of ways to help someone recover from it. Addiction is by no means an easy thing to get over; it takes a lot of mental and physical training to actually kick substance abuse. Yoga, Adventure, Music, Medical, Equine,…

Money, Pharma and Illicit Drugs

There is no way to know exactly how much money circulates through and as a result of the pharmaceutical industry. Similarly, it’s impossible to know, for sure, how much money is generated from illicit drug sales, and other profits for the industry. Despite Big Pharma being required to report their earnings, every single penny can’t…

Top Interventionists in Arizona

Getting an addict to accept help is one of the hardest parts of the recovery process. A person must be willing to go through the challenges that come along with rehab, and sometimes they need that initial push to get them to understand the severity of their condition. Families and close friends sometimes opt for…

Withdrawal and Rehab

The effects of withdrawal can be mild for some people, but for so many others, they’re terrifying. Withdrawal happens when a substance to which you’re addicted becomes scarce, or nonexistent. Withdrawal is the body’s way of telling you that you’re dependent on the drug’s effects to maintain yourself. Drug cravings are overwhelming during withdrawal, and…

Sources of Different Drugs

Where did drugs come from? The answer is both simple, and complex. Clearly, early man realized that certain compounds produced feelings of ecstacy, and bolstered energy. In fact, humans were never the only beings that sought out the opportunity for a little mind-bending, and actively used psychotropic drugs. Cats, for example, have used catnip since…

1-888-No-To-Drugs

1-888-No-To-Drugs (or 1-888-668-6378) is a hotline for The Foundation for a Drug-Free World. The Foundation for a Drug-Free World is a nonprofit public benefit corporation that empowers youth and adults with a database full of facts and information about drugs and harmful substances so that they may make informed decisions that will hopefully lead to…

Codependency and Addiction

Let’s say there is a married couple, Lucy and Tom. Lucy suffers from a substance abuse disorder such as alcoholism. Lucy’s alcohol addiction quickly encompasses everything about Tom’s life, to the point where he starts neglecting his own mental health and wellbeing. In this scenario, Lucy is the addict, and Tom is the caretaker. This…

Friendship After Drug Rehab

After drug rehab, going back to normal everyday life can be a bit difficult. You just came from a place where you admitted your faults, were mentally and emotionally analyzed, and exposed your inner demons in front of strangers. This was probably far outside of your comfort zone, but it was beneficial in the long…

Redefining “Getting High”

As human beings, we thrive on those rare feelings of total elation and happiness. You know, those times when you feel a burst of energy and zest for life that makes you believe you can take on the world? It’s in our nature to chase the kinds of experiences that will provide those pleasurable sensations…

Mixing Fentanyl – Hazards and Dangers

As the drug epidemic continues, the trend of abusing opioids and alcohol is steadily growing. This has significantly raised the concerns of health regulators and drug enforcement officials. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism report over 16 million Americans suffering from alcoholism and about 91 people die in the US every day due…

How to Get the Most Out of Your Inpatient Treatment Experience

As people become more educated about substance abuse, they are beginning to recognize the signs and symptoms of addiction sooner. Once these characteristics are noticed, friends and family often encourage the person to seek help. Inpatient residential treatment programs are the best option for many people in need of help. Aside from the outward symptoms…

What is Carfentanil?

There is no denying that all drugs can pose a serious threat to anyone’s health. However, there are some that are more dangerous than others. One of the most dangerous and most addictive drugs is carfentanil. In this blog, we’ll discuss what carfentanil is, the effects of it, and how it can be treated. The…

The Weight of Alcoholism

Alcohol abuse and addiction is a public health crisis that has been ongoing for at least the last several centuries. Ancient civilizations in and around present-day India were the first to ferment grain into alcohol. Civilizations around the Mediterranean Sea are credited with brewing the world’s first beer. It was weak stuff, of course, and…

Alcohol, Heart Disease, and Women

For ages, in our society, we’ve associated alcoholism with men. Similarly, we’ve considered heart disease to be a men’s problem. But in recent years, those stereotypes are changing. Progress All of the progress made by women advocates over the years have often focused on civic matters – the right to vote, for example, propelled the…

Past Life Experiences and Their Role in Addiction

The connection between past life experiences and addiction can’t be argued. The reason an addiction is developed generally stems from an experience, physical or emotional. This is why it is essential that an addict confront their past, and acknowledge its role in their addiction as they progress with recovery. At an early age, we develop…

How We Might Solve the Opioids Crisis

According to an interview, one of the things that Breaking Bad got right was the life of a drug dealer, and how life becomes a combination of addicting, and ultimately irresistible thrills – the thrill is real, but so is the danger. Despite this, millions of people all over the world participate in the manufacture…

How We Might Solve the Opioids Crisis

According to an interview, one of the things that Breaking Bad got right was the life of a drug dealer, and how life becomes a combination of addicting, and ultimately irresistible thrills – the thrill is real, but so is the danger. Despite this, millions of people all over the world participate in the manufacture…

A Crash Course on Drug Abuse and Domestic Violence

Exact numbers are not clear, but whatever the number of incidences of domestic violence related to drugs, any domestic violence is bad. If you suspect that you’ve witnessed domestic violence, or if you’re experiencing domestic violence, call the police, especially if you see an incident – you might save someone’s life. Bear in mind, also,…

A Crash Course on Drug Abuse and Domestic Violence

Exact numbers are not clear, but whatever the number of incidences of domestic violence related to drugs, any domestic violence is bad. If you suspect that you’ve witnessed domestic violence, or if you’re experiencing domestic violence, call the police, especially if you see an incident – you might save someone’s life. Bear in mind, also,…

Mental Health & Financial Abuse in Relationships: Here’s What You Should Know

Any form of abuse can lead to a poor mental state, wreaking havoc on a person’s cognitive clarity which has the potential to cause addiction. When it comes to domestic abuse, many people think that it involves either physical assault or verbal abuse. However, financial abuse is an important aspect that often goes unnoticed. In…

Mental Health & Financial Abuse in Relationships: Here’s What You Should Know

Any form of abuse can lead to a poor mental state, wreaking havoc on a person’s cognitive clarity which has the potential to cause addiction. When it comes to domestic abuse, many people think that it involves either physical assault or verbal abuse. However, financial abuse is an important aspect that often goes unnoticed. In…

Nation’s First Opioid Hotline Opens in AZ

The only way to overcome a crisis or danger is to get immediate help before the situation harms you in any manner. Drug addiction is indeed a crisis that the country is struggling with. As per the latest national survey, it is reported that 21.5 million Americans above the age of 12 are battling with…

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Addiction

Founded by Dr. Aaron T. Beck in the 1960s, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based mental health counseling technique. In addition to treating several mental health issues, CBT is widely used in addiction treatment today. First Off, What is CBT? Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a type of ‘talk therapy’ where the client is encouraged…

Marijuana: What Parents Need to Know

Every parent worries about the health and well being of their children. As they grow older and step in the “experimental phase” of their lives, it’s only natural for parents to worry about their safety and the choices they make. If you are a parent of a teenager or a young adult, at some point…

Stress Management Techniques

Due to our fast-paced lives, most of us hardly ever get time to relax and take a moment for ourselves. Did you know that the stress of your daily routine builds up and can take a toll on your health? According to the World Health Organization, stress is a major problem in 2019 that adversely…

Signs of Gambling Addiction

Most people fail to realize that a gambling addiction is just as harmful as a drug addiction. It may not show physical signs but the emotional, psychological and financial damages are quite evident in all cases. The problem with gambling is that it attracts people by offering an easy way to make a quick buck….

Long-Term Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Millions of people across the world suffer at the hands of post-traumatic stress disorder. In America alone, 3.5% of the population is reported to struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. It is a condition that results due to a traumatic event that a person has gone through. This could be a trauma endured personally…

Why We Love Outpatient Treatment

Drug addiction rehabilitation programs generally offer two options for the term of your treatment: residential programs and outpatient programs. Inpatient residential treatment programs are generally considered to be the better of the two options, as you’re immersed in an environment that is comforting and attentive, with the opportunity to spend as much time with the…

Mental Illness and Drug Abuse

An Overview of Mental Illness and Drug Abuse The links between mental illness and drug addiction can surprise you, but will make perfect sense. People living with mental illness will try to seek relief from their symptoms every bit as much as a person who is mentally healthy, but suffering from a physical ailment. Mental…

Casualties of the War on Drugs

Most people seem to understand that the United States’ contemporary War on Drugs hasn’t been nearly as successful as what was expected, and needed. In some ways, the drug war has made the problems with drug and alcohol addiction worse: taking people away from their families without ensuring effective treatments affects communities that don’t have…

Post-Rehab Allies

Your journey to lifelong sobriety will inevitably have good days and bad days. The good days, of course, are for you to cherish as part of your progress, but the bad days can be extremely difficult to overcome. Depression, cravings for drugs, anxiety, and uncertainty can weigh on a recovering person, and even with proper…

Commonly Abused Over the Counter Drugs

When it comes to drug abuse, we often think about street drugs. Therefore, it might come as a surprise that after marijuana, over the counter (OTC) medicines are the most commonly abused drugs. Although their intended purpose is to help promote the health, a number of people increasingly use them for other reasons that are…

Drug-Related Crime

The face of drug addiction often looks like a poor non-white person living in an urban area. As more people have become informed, the face of drug addiction has changed: the face of the Opioid Crisis is rural and white. Opioids are also responsible for the sweeping majority of drug overdose deaths today, and each…

Sex Workers and Drugs

What leads any person to life as a sex worker varies wildly – some were kidnapped and forced into prostitution, some ran away and needed the money for food, and still others made the professional decision to enter the industry. Understanding drug abuse and drug and alcohol addiction in sex workers means looking closely at…

Substance Abuse Issues in Cancer Patients

Chronic pain is intolerable. Whether it’s a mild backache, post-surgery pain, arthritic pain or cancer-induced pain, it is nearly impossible to cope with constant discomfort without medicinal relief. In essence, pain relief medications are actually important for your health and wellbeing. Not only do they alleviate the pain that interferes with your daily life, but…

What Happens to Drug Abusers?

Drug abuse begins in a variety of ways. Despite the huge number of people living with addiction to drugs and alcohol, there are often similarities in the stories of people living with addiction. Spending copious amounts of time in pursuit of a high will often place one squarely in the path of law enforcement, and…

Outpatient Care and Other Post-Rehab Options

There is no existing cure for addiction. Addiction is a disease, and the effects can cause lifelong struggles, which can result in relapse, or addictions to new substances or even habits. There are people who, after completing rehab, turn to food, sugar, sex, or a variety of other excesses to satiate their desire to latch…

Beautiful Boy and the Realities of Drug Addiction

Hollywood has a problem. For the most part, it remains unable to authentically tell stories of drug addiction. With the exception of the recent movie, Beautiful Boy, the film industry generally tends to toss aside nuanced questions such as “how does addiction affect the family?” or “what exactly does recovery entail?” Instead, it skews towards…