AARC Blog

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,…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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….

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 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 (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…

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 (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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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….

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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 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,…

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…

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…

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…

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, 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…

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….

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…

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,…

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…

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…

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…

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 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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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….

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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 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…

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…

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…

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…

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 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…

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…

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…

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…

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 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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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,…

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…

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…

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 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…

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,…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…