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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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,...
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...
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...
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...
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,...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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,...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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....
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...
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,...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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....
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...
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....
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?...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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,...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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....
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...
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...
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,...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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,...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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....
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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....
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 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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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....
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...
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....
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,...
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...
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,...
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...
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...
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...
How NAD IV Therapy Can Help Addiction
NAD is a co-enzyme that plays a major role in the metabolic processes in the different systems of our body like digestion, mental clarity, aging, cognition, our overall health as well as energy levels. It helps increase your body’s serotonin levels which is a...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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?...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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....
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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,...
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...
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...
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...
War Veterans and Substance Abuse
A person who isn’t involved in a war (non-military people) probably can’t comprehend how emotionally scarring it is to be sent to one. The sound of guns, bombs and the scary life-threatening situations a soldier goes through can affect them greatly once they go back...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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?...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
How Does Addiction Start?
Addiction is a complicated and powerful disease, affecting millions across the United States. When and how it will affect someone is still being studied rigorously, but there are factors that help to shed light on this disease. Understanding this disease may be the...
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....
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....
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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....
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...
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...
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...
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,...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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....
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...
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...
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...
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?”....
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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....
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...
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...
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...
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....
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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,...
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,...
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...
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?...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Who Pays for Drugs, Alcohol, and Rehab?
Who pays for drugs, alcohol, and rehab? In a strictly physical sense, the user pays for these things. Drug and alcohol addiction can drain your body of energy, and steady use can eventually kill you. While the user may pay the ultimate price, society, too, pays when a...
Where to Turn When Someone You Love is Addicted
You may not always know when someone you love is living with addiction to drugs and alcohol. Changing behavior and increased secrecy could be addiction, but it could also be a sign of an affair, job loss the person isn’t yet ready to discuss, or another unrelated...
The Difficulty of Opioid Addiction
Opioids and opiates are some of the most powerful drugs known to man. Full-blown addiction can affect a person in as little as two uses. Opium is arguably the oldest drug in the world, and was almost definitely the most widely-used pain reliever at one point in...
Rehab in Other Countries
The United States is far from the only country with a serious drug problem, and not enough resources to resolve it quickly. Drugs are getting stronger, making it more difficult for every country to keep up with their growing population living with addiction to drugs...
Why Your Sobriety Birthday Should Be Celebrated
Have you ever received a trophy for something you achieved? If yes, doesn’t it feel amazing? And if not, don’t you wish that you did? Trophies are a tangible reward for your achievements. In a glorious structure, they symbolize your achievements. They make you feel...
Substance Abuse in the Military
Life in the military is different from that of civilians. Yet, members of the armed forces are just as susceptible to substance use/abuse culture and its effects as civilians. According to the health care trends of the military, the use of recreational or illegal...
Important Considerations for Rehab
Beating drug addiction starts with you - the person living with addiction - making a conscious choice that a life centered around drugs isn’t feasible anymore. Without making that initial personal decision, it is nearly impossible for a person to successfully complete...
How to Utilize Your Money After Rehab
You’re on your way on to the rest of your life after rehab, and that is an amazing accomplishment. Drug and alcohol rehabilitation is a difficult process - as good as huge amounts of substances may have made you feel in the past, ridding yourself of them and...
6 Recovery Podcasts You Should Be Listening To
Addiction treatment and recovery is a long journey. Aside from dealing with its impacts on your health, you also have to confront the emotional burden that comes along with the process. You may become depressed or think of turning back to your old ways due to...
Drug Use By Decade, Part II
Don't miss part one of this article. 1950s Many people are surprised to learn that the advent of methamphetamines in the United States really began after World War II. After having been outlawed in Germany, and supposedly given, briefly, to kamikaze pilots in Japan,...
Drug Use by Decade, Part I
Recreational drug use, however it’s been perceived, or whatever the legality, has been a social norm in many countries since the 16th century. At that time, Europe and most of Asia had hundreds of opium dens, buildings that functioned as meeting places, brothels, and...
5 Best Drug Addiction Recovery Books
Looking forward to overcoming an alcohol or drug addiction? Aside from medical treatment, the support of your family and friends is crucial to help you return to your routine life. It motivates you to stay away from substance abuse and can lead to a quicker recovery....
The Legal History of Addictive and Illegal Drugs
Not everyone knows that much of the illicit drug market had humble or medicinal beginnings. This means, of course, that at some point, virtually every addictive drug, or some form of it, was not only legal, but used to be openly and widely promoted. Some of the worst...
Dangers of Drug Use for Women
Drug use and drug addiction is universally dangerous. While the high of any drug may provide a sense of relaxation and/or happiness, the side effects and possibilities of addiction are rarely worth the trouble. Maintaining your distance from drugs and alcohol could be...
Lean: A Codeine Cocktail
Opioids. The term probably makes you think of pills and needles, heroin, Oxycontin, Vicodin, morphine, the list goes on. But Codeine (another variation of opiate) is prescribed in liquid form as cough syrup, meaning that patients will drink it as their manner of...
Drugs and Stereotypes
Who is addicted to what? This is a question asked not only on a micro-, person-to-person level, but also of our society. What is it that makes certain drugs attractive, and others less attractive? (Hint: cost plays a role is nearly every transaction between users and...
Common Triggers for Recovering People
Completing drug rehabilitation is no small feat. You have to have the opportunity for rehab (a luxury not granted to every person), and the rehabilitation program itself has to be well-rounded. You need plenty of support from social networks, easy access to medical...
Addictive Properties of Popular Drugs
What makes a drug addictive? The easy answer is simply to say that exposure to some substances carries the risk, and that people should stay away if they don’t want to become addicted. But that’s the simple answer. The actual answer is far more complex: it begins with...
Building Healthy Relationships Post-Recovery
One of the biggest challenges recovering addicts face is trying to rebuild those special relationships with the people closest to them. At Arizona Addiction Recovery Center, we encourage our clients and their families to enroll in our family guidance and counseling...
The Absolute Danger of Synthetic Drugs
As if the danger of drugs whose names are well-known to the average person weren’t enough, there is a new danger in the world of recreational drugs: synthetic drugs. Synthetic drugs are a relatively new problem - the most popular ones have only been in use for a few...
How Rehab Works
The first step to resolving a problem is admitting that the problem exists, but that first step is often the most difficult. When it comes to addiction, many people have a difficult time differentiating between ‘partying’ and ‘having a good time’ and the steady habits...
Recovery: Secret Society
I remember growing up with the preconceived notion that all addicts were weak minded and unsalvageable. The powerless “junkie” in the alleyway was a threat to my self righteous ignorance. If addiction was not a matter of will power, then that would mean I was...
Drug Addiction in Children and Teens
Many people can’t face addiction - the sight of someone they love struggling to maintain control of their lives can be overwhelming. One person’s drug addiction can affect the lives of everyone around them. Any parent, for example, will tell you that they don’t want...
The Other Dangers of Addiction
While it’s widely understood and accepted that drug addiction has a host of physical symptoms, the social and financial aspects of drug addiction tend to be overshadowed by the intense and often deadly physical side of the disease. Those who love and support addicted...
Personality Disorders That Coexist with Substance Abuse
There are several reasons that trigger substance abuse among individuals. It may not always be the factor of curiosity alone that leads one towards substance abuse. It can be social and personal factors as well that can compel you towards finding relief in the effects...
How Addiction Impacts the Foster Care System
No one wants to stay in foster care, but certain circumstances can lead you to spend your precious childhood days away from your own home. Whether your parents passed away, they abandoned you, or can’t take care of you due to their financial problems, you may be sent...
Drug Testing for Welfare Fund Recipients: How It Impacts the Nation
Drug testing promotes a positive environment and assists the government in dealing with the addiction problem more effectively. But the US government attracted negative publicity when they approved a law requiring that people who need financial support must undergo...
Opioid Addiction: A Growing Problem in Orange County, CA
Opioids are prescription drugs that relieve chronic pain and are often prescribed to alleviate discomfort after surgery. It’s safe to take these drugs when a qualified doctor advises you to use them to improve your health. But if you ignore your prescription and...
Art Therapy During Rehabilitation Treatment
Drug addiction recovery is a complicated process. Treatment that involves several different therapies can benefit patients in many ways. The ultimate purpose of the process is to ensure optimal recovery and long-term sobriety. Because each person’s experience is...
Addiction in the Workplace – What to Do If an Employee Has an Addiction
The costs of substance abuse can be devastating to businesses. Employees who abuse either alcohol or drugs will be likelier to make mistakes while on the job, miss work, get injured, and have conflicts with co-workers and supervisors. It’s therefore important that...
The 3 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 being addicted. From time to time, you hear that a celebrity lost their life due to a drug overdose. Unless you’re fully aware of the causes and symptoms of drug abuse, you...
Does Personality Type Affect Addiction?
As far as substance abuse and addiction are concerned, it is evident that there is no single factor responsible. Addicts vary in gender, age, weight, profession, nearly everything: it’s impossible to categorize addiction, or create a general outline of someone with a...
Medical Detox: What to Expect
Addiction treatment will take you through many steps and many processes. The first and most integral stage of your recovery will begin with a period of medical detox. 1 out of 3 of our patients at Arizona Addiction Recovery Center will go through medical detox during...
First Responders: Mental Health and Addiction
First responders deal with stressors and trauma on a monumental level. A daily stressor for the average office worker might be a broken printer or missed deadline. But for firemen, policemen, paramedics, military personnel, and other servicemen, these stressors...
The Role of Ego in Addiction Recovery
Recovering from drug addiction is not an easy feat. People who, luckily, do not go through it often wonder why addicts find it so difficult to control their urges for their addiction. For them, walking away from their addiction and following the path to recovery may...
Antidepressants Addiction
Our understanding of mental health is steadily increasing. This means that more people are seeking treatment to deal with serious issues like anxiety and depression. Sure, antidepressants are the leading and the most popular treatment for a number of disorders but...
Substance Abuse and Risk of HIV/AIDS Among Addicts
Illicit substance abuse is rather common in people with viral infections such as HIV/AIDS. Nearly 50% of the people with HIV/AIDS are reported to have a history of drug abuse disorders. An extensive usage of alcohol or drugs can increase the potential risk for the...
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...
Relationships After Addiction: Dating Strategies to Follow in Addiction Recovery
Dating relationships and finding the one is not an easy feat. It can be a long journey full of uncertainties. Everyone experiences these feelings but for individuals who are recovering from addiction, these emotions may be a lot more intense. It is natural for...
Weight Gain and Addiction Recovery
Addictions have the power to rob you of the ability to prioritize your needs. When the top priority on your to-do list lies in the acquisition or consumption of drugs, it’s easy to forget to tend to even the most basic of needs. These include eating consistently,...
The Benefits of the Wim Hof Method (WHM) in Addiction Treatment
What is The Wim Hof Method As time progresses, so do techniques and holistic methods when it comes to health and wellness. Things that seemed scientifically impossible at one point have proven to be achievable, and the Wim Hof Method is one of them. The Wim Hof method...
The Eight Dimensions of Wellness
When those who are suffering from substance abuse make the eight dimensions of wellness a part of their life's daily routine, it's possible to see an improvement in their physical and mental health. To experience wellness, one must be in a good place mentally and...
Benefits of Community Service During Recovery
Recovery is a time of realization. You’re establishing yourself again, re-discovering your purpose in life, and making active changes to maintain sobriety. Once you’ve reached a stable state of recovery, it is likely that you’ll look back on all of the outlets and the...
Bath Salts: What You Need To Know
When a person is suffering from an addiction, they are no longer in control. The desire to get high can be an urge so strong that some individuals turn to unconventional substances in order to experience any type of mood/behavioral change. One of these substances is...
Recovery Revolution: How America’s Treatment Landscape Has Changed
Changing attitudes toward drug addiction have revolutionized recovery treatment in the United States. Just decades ago, the majority of society believed people with drug dependency issues were criminals. Before that, the country considered these people mentally...
Mac Miller – Understanding Addiction and Mental Health
Mac Miller’s death has created waves among all types of communities: his family, celebrities and his circle of close friends, admiring fans, and those involved in the legal battle regarding opioids and other prescription drugs. The Big Picture Before touching on the...
4 Psychedelic Drugs That Could Treat Mental Health Disorders
Laws in the United States and other countries have made it difficult for scientists to study the effects that psychedelic drugs have on the human mind. The research that has been done, however, suggests that some of these substances could treat mental health disorders...
Mixing Prescription Medications: The Dangers of Poly-Drug Use
Poly-drug use can be a very dangerous form of substance abuse that involves the simultaneous use of two or more drugs at the same time, or mixing drugs within a short timeframe. It is well-known that using illegal drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamines, opiates,...
Clearing Up the Negative Stigma Around Addiction and Addicts
In a study done by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), there are over 21 million adults (over the age of 12) in America who have a substance abuse disorder. This survey was done in 2014, and the numbers continue to grow. With that magnitude of those...
College Behavior with Lasting Effects: Binge Drinking
If you watch popular movies and TV shows, they easily give the impression that college is all about getting drunk and staying out until the sun comes up. It looks like every night is one big party, and the fun activities all involve alcohol consumption. It seems like...
Prescription Stimulants and The Associated Risks You Should Know About
In the general debate on prescription drug abuse, the concerns raised are mainly centered around opioids. It is undeniable that misuse of opioids is a huge problem and continues to fuel a variety of health and addiction-related issues. However, there are a handful of...
5 Benefits of Long-term Life Support
Sobriety isn't a short term fix. Even after completing a drug rehabilitation treatment program, you will still need ongoing support from loved ones around you as well as therapists and medical professionals. Many stressful situations you didn't expect may occur, and...
How Guided Meditation Helps Create a Better Atmosphere for Recovery
Recovering from addiction is not easy under any circumstance. One of the most efficient ways for an addict to fully recover is to get to the root reason of the addiction. For some, the reason for their substance abuse may be due to depression, fear, or anxiety. Others...
Five Warning Signs of Addiction
Many substance users have a difficult time realizing that they have crossed the line between normal substance use to addiction. Usage is easily reasoned away because of special occasions, or stressful days, so some struggle to realize that they've grown addicted to...
5 Ways to Support a Loved One in Recovery from Opioid and Heroin Addiction
The opioid epidemic is sweeping the nation and is more present than ever here in Arizona. In the past year, there have been over 1,500 deaths and nearly 10,000 overdoses related to opioid usage in The Grand Canyon State. Drug addiction is a very serious problem and...
Overcoming Addiction When You Find Out You’re Pregnant
Overcoming a drug addiction can be hard for someone to do. If you are struggling from a drug addiction and have recently found out that you are pregnant, you need to do whatever it takes to get off of the drugs right away. Pregnancy in addicts is not uncommon, as...
Stars Who Struggle: Celebrities Can Be Addicts, Too
What's better than being a well-known celebrity? You have fame, fortune, fans, and anything you could possibly want at your fingertips. However, for celebrities that struggle with addiction, that last part also means that their drug of choice is readily available...
Five Signs Your Loved One May Have a Gambling Addiction
People tend to think of addicts as people who are hooked on some type of drug or substance. Only in the last 10 years has the idea that someone could become addicted to a habit been received as possible. Gambling addictions and drug addictions are similar in many...
Understanding the Long-Term Impact a DUI Can Have on Your Life
“I’ll drive, I’m only going to have one drink”. Drinking and driving can be a very dangerous combination. While under the influence of any substance, it isn’t smart to operate a vehicle or convince yourself you’re capable of doing so. Many people drink and drive...
What You Should and Shouldn’t Do for Successful Drug Rehab Treatment
The addiction recovery process is plagued by several misconceptions. These misconceptions often lead drug addicts to develop a certain mindset pertaining to the success or failure of drug rehab treatment. It is important for people to realize that every treatment plan...
Juuls, E-cigarettes, & Vapes: The New Face of Nicotine Addiction
Although many new age products are being marketed as a method of kicking one's addiction, the reality is that people are just trading in one addiction for another. For those who aren’t yet familiar, Juuls, E-cigarettes, and vapes are modern devices used to mimic the...
Drug Abuse Treatment: Indulging In Self-Care
One of the main reasons why treatment programs are not pursued by people suffering from addiction is due to negative assumptions pertaining to the recovery process. Recovery, inarguably, is extremely challenging, but there are simple and easy-to-implement ways that...
6 Signs Indicating You Need Drug Rehab
According to statistics, 23.5 million people in the United States are suffering from a drug abuse disorder. This alarming number has instigated the drug control and healthcare authorities to take measures, and as a result, over fifteen thousand drug rehab facilities...
Drug Addiction Treatment Levels You Should Know About
One of the reasons why people with addictions do not pursue addiction treatment is due to the myths concerning recovery programs. The information circulating the internet is often exaggerated, or completely false. Regardless, reading these horror stories can be quite...
Affording Drug Addiction Treatment: What Are Your Payment Options?
In the United States, only 50% of people with a substance abuse disorder undergo addiction treatment programs. One of the prevailing reasons for avoiding treatment is the misconception that it is too expensive and unaffordable. This keeps the majority of the...
Importance of Fitness During Addiction Recovery
Drug addiction is a chronic problem. It has the tendency to impact the structure of your brain and body, pushing you toward compulsive behaviors. When you choose to pursue addiction recovery, you must involve yourself in healthy habits and practices that will keep you...
Battle Your PTSD in a Productive Way
There are many people who come home after a stint in the military only to face a far different battle than they were used to seeing on the field. Battling PTSD can be very difficult for someone to do on their own and getting help for the condition is the only way to...
5 Causes of Drug and Alcohol Dependency in Young Adults
No matter your age, addiction is a disease with the propensity to wreak havoc on not only the individual, but their loved ones as well. It’s easy for this generation to make it seem like they’re living the perfect life through photos and social media. But no matter...
Breaking Free: Heroin Addictions
Heroin is a profoundly addictive drug, and its continual use brings about high levels of physical dependence. When abusers use heroin they often describe a pleasurable sensation, or what they call a “high.” This feeling of total euphoria is what gets users hooked to...
Maintaining Sobriety: Surrounding Yourself With Like-Minded People
You have completed your treatment and you’re ready to go home. But nothing is the same anymore: you have changed. Now, you are a new person. You are sober, and you are committed to remaining that way. Who you choose to surround yourself with will either encourage your...
Stigma and Addiction
The truth is many people can attest to having experienced some form of discrimination in their life. Maybe because they look different or have done things that are “deplorable” in the eyes of society. The fact is, many addicts experience a lot of negative thoughts...
How Can You Make Your Addiction Recovery Easier?
Sobriety is not an easy process. It takes substantial effort to overcome your dependency on alcohol or other substances. It requires strong dedication and willingness to get through the ups and downs of the recovery process. No matter how prepared you are for rehab,...
Choosing the Right Addiction Treatment
It can be difficult finding the right addiction treatment program that suits your needs. At Arizona Addiction Recovery Center, you’ll find that we offer a variety of treatment programs for all types of addiction. Whether you are seeking help for yourself, a friend, or...
What is Drug Rehab Like?
Addiction can be crippling for individuals who suffer from its powerful vices. You may feel as if you have little control when you feel an urge to carry out your addiction. It may seem hopeless as you find yourself falling, day after day, to the one thing that is...
Rehabilitation: Integrated Life and Recovery Coaching
Drug Recovery Center - Scottsdale Fighting an addiction is by far one of the hardest challenges to overcome. Leaving behind a lifestyle in order to improve your well-being is essential. Our Southwest substance abuse center based in Scottsdale offers some of the best...
Long-Term Health Risks of Xanax Abuse
Prescription drug abuse has climbed significantly over the past two decades. Xanax quickly became a popular choice for illegal recreational use after its introduction in the early 1980’s. The drug’s ability to relax the user was a draw for many to keep wanting to use...
Addiction Recovery: Nutrition and Exercise
Recovering from addiction involves eliminating toxins from the body and re-establishing physical and mental wellbeing. Addicts need more just detox: eating a well-balanced diet and exercising regularly are key elements in maintaining good health during recovery. Here...
How Dangerous is Meth?
Methamphetamine (meth) is one of the most addictive drugs available today. It often comes in a crystallized form with a bluish tint, and is similar in appearance to glass. Meth is also available as tiny white rocks and colorless crystals. On the street, meth goes by...
10 Shocking Facts About Prescription Drug Abuse
Prescription drug use and the resulting overdoses are on the rise nationwide. With billions of dollars spent on marketing, media is reluctant to report the true toll that prescription medications have taken on society. The first step in addressing any problem is...
Top 10 Signs of Alcohol Abuse
Understanding the signs of alcohol abuse is the first step in possibly saving the life of someone you love, or maybe even your own. Many signs of alcohol abuse are similar to those of recreational drinkers. The biggest difference often lies in the severity of the...
Phoenix Arizona Addiction Recovery Treatments
With the proper Addiction Treatment Program, complete addiction recovery can be attained and sustained. The Addiction Recovery Process can start with either a medical detox or inpatient recovery treatment. For those who have completed sober living and are ready to...
The Need For Alcohol Addiction Treatment
Treatment for Alcohol Addiction The treatment for alcohol addiction starts with the first step of any recovery process: accepting the fact that a problem exists, and that the problem must be treated. People with alcohol dependency tend to be reluctant in acknowledging...
Intervention and Family Guidance
At Arizona Addiction Recovery Center we created the intervention and family guidance program because we understand that Addiction Treatment is not an easy journey. Addicts often struggle during and after treatment and therefore, require all the support they can get....
What is Outpatient Rehab for Alcoholism?
Alcohol can easily influence the mental wellbeing of its consumers and coerce them into developing a dependency on it. Research has shown that over 7 percent of the adult population in America has some form of alcohol abuse disorder. When a person feels unable to curb...
Signs of Drug or Alcohol Addiction Live in the Eyes
Countess people have struggled, or are struggling, with drug or alcohol addictions across the country. To help prevent serious health damage or even death, it is important to be able to identify signs of addiction so that intervention and subsequent treatment and...
How to Feel Comfortable with Affection after Drug Addiction
Drug addiction can impact all areas of a person’s life – professional, personal, financial, etc. The damage to personal relationships can be devastating. It is especially difficult for spouses and significant others to regain intimacy after going through addiction,...
Yoga as Complementary Therapy for Addiction Recovery
It’s estimated that one in three Americans suffer or have suffered from a substance abuse disorder. Similarly, to other psychological disorders, if left untreated addiction can persist for years and can manifest itself with periods of remission and relapse. Since the...
How Narcissism and Selfies Lead to Addiction and Suicide
Criticism about Facebook’s presence and business practices may have taken a toll on its user base. As of earlier this year, the site carries more than 2.1 billion users worldwide. Although the company took a hit, both on stock value and public perception, there...
Is Marijuana a Precursor to Opioid Abuse?
What if you were a skeptic? Had a chronic health condition. And were left with a life-altering decision – how to best manage your pain. This is a situation that many of us have faced, live with today or will encounter at some point down the road. And if you don’t just...
Handling Alcoholism in an Aging Father and Why It’s on the Increase
It’s almost Father’s Day. While many sons and daughters contemplate where to take Dad to celebrate, other children dread the decision. For those having to deal with alcoholism in an aging father, the idea of brunch or dinner without the request for multiple beers or a...
Letter of the Law Coming Down on Drug Rehabs and Misleading Practices
There’s been a lot of talk about the drug crisis in the United States. There’s been media focus from the news, reality TV shows and the White House on how to best combat our losing battle with the opioid epidemic. While the attention is on the stronger formulations in...
Weekend Is Tipping Point for Addiction Treatment and Overdoses
For those of us who work in behavioral health to guide, treat and manage addiction treatment programs, we notice peaks and valleys in our calls for admissions. Vacancies are far and few between as there are more people in need of drug or alcohol treatment than there...
Why Runner’s High Is a Great Replacement for Drugs and Alcohol
Addiction to a specific drug (alcohol included), food or sex is fueled by the same premise – the need for it overrides sound mind, judgment and self-control putting the person at risk. On a more basic level, any addiction can be driven by a person’s desire to feel...
The Truth About Kratom and a Recent Recall Sheds Doubt on Safe Use
I had never heard of kratom or kakuam or ketum until last month while chatting it up with a friend of mine who’s very active in the skater community. He said kratom use is widespread and has concerns that many of his friends are addicted to it. I used him why he...
Science Uncovers Possible Link Between PTSD and Addiction
The physical, emotional, and mental trauma that many people in the military go through is unimaginable for those who have not experienced it. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) occurs when your present life is affected by trauma that you went through in the past....
Is Prescription Drug Abuse in Arizona Different than Elsewhere in the U.S.
It’s hard to turn your back on the current opioid epidemic across the United States. Nearly every day, news reporters and the White House will provide commentary about the subject. There are new statistics being shared about how it’s affecting communities from coast...
Marijuana Is Natural Medicine but Fake Pot Kills that Perception and More
When the idea of massive dispensaries taking over the hidden marijuana industry first caught buzz in communities around the country, it seemed like just another far-fetched dream from a cannabis lover who was trippin’. But here we are and there it is. Medical...
Help for Cocaine Relapse Found in Obesity Drug
People who struggle with weight gain or obesity know the benefits of wearing clothing with thin, vertical, white lines. The effect is slimming. But for those who are fighting cocaine addiction or the urge to break sustained recovery, the very term white lines can be...
The Painfully Slow, Nasty Way Alcohol Breaks Family
When you indulge in the ongoing overconsumption of alcohol, you are not only subjecting yourself to a chronic problem but also exposing your family, colleagues and other people around you to avoidable stress, unnecessary drama and a host of serious problems....
How Can We Treat Drug Abuse If There Aren’t Enough Addiction Experts?
Talk is cheap when it comes to addiction treatment. Sure, there’s more media attention than ever on the growing drug problem in America. It makes our policymakers and government agencies look like they care. Talk helps use forge the fight in increasing awareness about...
Why the Weight of Teenage Drug Addiction Falls on Our Teachers
Influencers are an important part of our lives but perhaps not more than during the teenage years. Adolescent experiences differ greatly today, compared to what was generations before but what does remain is the state of the human brain between the ages of 12 and 18....
Why Adults Without ADHD Take Adderall and How It’s Killing the American Dream
Democracy has its perks – if you do well. Our benchmark in what “doing well” means varies from community to community and culture to culture. But if you believe in capitalism and do what you can to practice it Monday through Friday, there’s a certain kind of pressure...
7 Ways to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo and Stay Sober in Arizona
It’s not every year that Cinco de Mayo falls on a Saturday. But for 2018 it does, making the opportunity for celebrating the Mexican army’s victory over France (Battle of Puebla, 1862) more lively. The holiday isn’t just for those with family history tied to the...
GHB, KnoNap, Roofies and the Risks of Dating
It usually starts innocently. You decide to meet up with your friends after work or on the weekend for some laughs and libations. Maybe you’ve virtually met someone on an online dating service and it’s time for that first face-to-face. So, you head to your favorite...
Addiction Isn’t Just for the Privileged Few, Is Drug Rehab Just for the Wealthy?
If you were to randomly pick a corporation, a local high school or neighborhood in America and use as a cross-section of the population, a good portion of those in the group could claim a tie-in with addiction. Whether a person has active drug or alcohol addiction, is...
Blunt Truth – Marijuana Ingredient Helps Addicts Stay Clean
One would think that with the easing up on marijuana law (per individual U.S. State), public sentiment about cannabis use would lighten (pun intended). It depends upon the social circles and the accepted traditions and practices. Perceptions vary because facts remain...
Addicted and Pregnant in Arizona and How to Survive
Many women have the opportunity to plan their pregnancies. For those who are addicted to drugs or alcohol, looking into the future as a mother-to-be is masked by the cycle of withdrawal and the desperate need for the next high. But this isn’t just about the adult...
Why Drug Addiction Is Prevalent in Healthcare and How It Affects Us All
There’s a twisted aspect of drug addiction, in addition to the turmoil it brings to the addict and everyone he or she touches (figuratively speaking). When each of us has a medical issue, we seek the advice and care of licensed practitioners who have the education,...
The Cocaine Come Back and Why It’s Trending 30 Years Later
Cocaine used to be known as the glamor drug, from Hollywood notables to the rich and self-entitled across the United States. This preferred powder was the go-to-giddy-up at parties and provided a quick hit of adrenaline before performances, even if it was just...
The Truth About Pain Relief and Opioid Myths, Uncovered
The Truth About Pain Relief and Opioid Myths Uncovered Nothing can be more painful (literally and figuratively) than living with chronic pain, desperately searching for an answer to get rid of it only to experience increasing levels of pain. If you’re experiencing...
Binge Drinking, Memory and Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease
When most people hear the term binge drinking, a visual of a young, carefree, 20-something year old likely comes to mind or a memory of your former self of days gone by. Though according to many recent studies, there is an uptick in binge drinking in older American...
Why Women Ignore Benzo Addiction and the Stigma Behind It
Put on your thinking cap for this one because I’ll be throwing a lot of information your way that will be disheartening though necessary. As this article unfolds, you’ll find that it’s a logical progression of how, as women, we have come to perceive ourselves as...
Is Video Gaming a Gateway Drug to Other Addiction?
You might be thinking, “it’s just gaming” but according to the World Health Organization (WHO) video gamers have something much larger to worry about than the size of their screen. In a bold move, WHO will officially add gaming disorder to its International...
Do Pets Help Addiction Recovery?
When most people hear the words addiction rehab or drug detox, “warm and fuzzy” is the last description that comes to mind. But many treatment facilities and sober living homes have introduced pets into their program. Dogs, cats and horses provide immense medical...
What’s Love Got to Do with Addiction?
When a conversation is had about drug or alcohol addiction, you wouldn’t naturally assume that it included the subject of love, unless there was a quarrel about how substance abuse is ruining a personal relationship. But humans’ internal chemical reactions to love...
Why Having Skin in the Game Affects Addiction Recovery
Many of us have a stubborn streak. It’s hard to admit to a mistake, a fault or indiscretion. An essential part of the 12-step recovery program is for an addict to acknowledge that there is a problem with drugs or alcohol. It’s hard to own one’s unfortunate...
How to Help Your Parents When They’re Addicted to Pain Pills
As the U.S. population continues to age, more people are living longer but not necessarily better. As we get older, physical and mental agility begin to wane due to age-related conditions such as arthritis, compromised circulation, weakened immune system, dementia and...
Connecting Attitude and Addiction Shapes Our Culture
Understanding the many factors creating a predisposition to drug or alcohol addiction have been the focus of countless case studies, whitepapers and peer-led conferences. Environmental influences, family history, genetics and exposure to trauma weigh heavy on the...
Drug Abuse at Work Costs Human Resources and Workers Comp Millions
There’s a lot of talk online, on television, on radio and on mobile phones about the latest and greatest sexual harassment or sexual abuse story. Like many other thousands of women, I have stories to tell. I guess that’s why they call it MeToo#. But there’s a story...
How to Fund Drug Rehab Fast
If only it were just as easy to get effective treatment for addiction as it is to find drugs or alcohol, the rate of relapse would invariably be reduced. But it isn’t, for a multitude of reasons. Although addiction is defined as a disease, social perception in the...
Top 10 Tips to Stay Motivated in Recovery
Addiction can be a curse. Until you acknowledge it, accept it and overcome it. The ideology needed to live well, despite the disease, follows many of the same principles as what is recommended for non-addictive types. Once these top 10 tips to stay motivated are put...
Regrets after Recovery Are for Quitters
Sounds like a double-edged sword but it’s true. Once you’ve gone through treatment for alcohol or drug addiction, feeling regretful for what’s been done in the past or having regrets over some life decisions is an expected part of the recovery process. Regrets after...
How Underdogs Beat the Odds of Addiction
How Underdogs Beat the Odds of Addiction This is a loaded statement: How underdogs beat the odds of addiction. Firstly, it presents a few assumptions. That there are two kinds addicted people, the underdog and the favored. That underdogs might not beat addiction. That...
How to Do the Holiday Office Party Sober Like You Mean It
It’s that time of year that brings back memories by sound, scent and vibrant color. Holiday cheer, however you experience it, can heighten the emotions and bring out relapse triggers that feel like they’re coming from left field. For many that have been through “the...
Remembering the Heroes Can Spark PTSD
The United States has made honoring our armed services veterans an important part of our culture as Americans. Throughout history and as time continues to march onward, people from all walks of life take a moment or two out of their day to give thanks to those who...
What is sex addiction?
Sex is very important if we want to keep our entire body in check and take care of our hormonal system. But while sex is natural and healthy, some people have to deal with a constant sex addiction where it's a necessity. They feel the need to have sex (in some form)...
How does alcohol affect the body?
Alcohol is one of the most commonly used substances around the world, right next to caffeine and tobacco. But what exactly happens to your body when you consume an alcoholic beverage and when does it become a problem? For 30% of American adults (21 and older),...
Depression Signs and Symptoms
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, at 1-800-273-8255 It is completely natural for you to feel down at certain times of your life. But when such feelings don’t go...
Tips for Managing Boredom in Recovery
Tips for Managing Boredom in Recovery Recovering from addiction can become too boring, and sometimes the primary reason for relapse. This is why most people who are under recuperation are recommended with a long list of things that they can do while trying to pick up...
Crime And Drug Use
It should be no surprise that there seems to be a strong relationship in between drug use and crimes committed. Drug use can be found in every part of United States, especially in high traffic areas like Arizona and the border. Drug addiction is indiscriminate of age...
One Dependency For Another?
The following article dated July 8th, 2016 is being re-posted with permission from recovery historian Bill White's blog. For more information and great posts like this, visit his site at www.williamwhitepapers.com. One Dependency For Another? It is not uncommon for...
The New Marijuana Problem
The New Marijuana Problem With more states bringing medical and recreational marijuana programs online, there is a new brand of marijuana problem revealing itself, acceptance. As of this writing, there are 29 states with programs that permit the use of marijuana in...
How to Treat a Co-Occurring Disorder
For those who have co-occurring issues, treatment needs to be handled differently. So what is a co-occurring disorder and how do you treat it? What is a co-occurring disorder? Co-occurring disorders, also known as a dual diagnosis, is when someone suffers from both a...
Addiction is Nothing to be Ashamed of
After so many years of addiction professionals trying to get the public to understand, people are realizing that addiction is nothing to be ashamed of. People from all walks of life, every race, and every religion struggle with addiction. The reasons for addiction are...
When It’s Time for an Intervention, Here’s What to Do
When someone you love has become addicted to drugs or alcohol, you need to get the person help as quickly as possible before the addiction gets out of control. Since most addicts won't admit they have a problem, it's essential to stage an intervention. When it's time...
Addiction: The Difference Between Abuse and Dependence
There are actually two types of addiction: substance abuse and substance dependence. Regardless of the substance, either type can cause complete disruption in a person’s life, as well as the lives of their friends, family and loved ones. Understanding what addiction...
Will Declaring a National Emergency Solve the Opioid Crisis?
The opioid crisis in the United States has been steadily on the rise. Addiction experts see the results every day as more and more people seek addiction help. It’s a serious national crisis that affects public health as well as social and economic welfare, and was...
When Social Drinking Turns Into Alcoholism
People often have a hard time determining if their drinking habits, or the drinking habits of their loved one or spouse, are “normal”. What exactly is a social drinker versus an alcoholic? How do you know when it’s time to get help? This article will help you...
Understanding Why Drug Addicts Relapse and How to Avoid It
Relapse is a common step in addiction recovery. Up to 60% of patients who receive substance abuse treatment will relapse within one year. Addiction recovery is an extremely difficult process, and for many, it takes several attempts to completely stop using drugs or...
Get Professional Help for Drug Addiction
For those unfamiliar with the complexities of drug addiction, they assume that drug addiction is a choice, and overcoming the addiction is as simple as making a different choice, but nothing could be further from the truth. Drug addiction is a disease, and overcoming...
Young Professionals Addiction is on the Rise
There is a disturbing trend that is happening all across the United States. The demographic with the largest increase in drug addiction is young professionals. The 20 to 30-year old age group has seen a significant uptick in drug use; moreso among those considered to...
The Opioid Addiction Crisis in Arizona is Real: The Statistics Say it All
The opioid crisis in Arizona is increasing at a frightening rate and AZ health officials, law enforcement, and medical professionals are desperately trying to find a solution. In June of this year, the Arizona Department of Health Services released a telling report on...
Medical Detox to Overcome Addiction
In many instances when a person who is suffering from addiction finally reaches out for help, one of the first steps to overcoming that addiction is to rid your body of the substance you are abusing. This step may likely include medical detox as part of the treatment....
What are Treatment Options for Drug and Alcohol Addiction?
Addiction is a very powerful and personal experience for everyone; no two people experience addiction the same way. People become addicted for a variety of reasons, so it only makes sense that treatment options for drug and alcohol addiction should also vary. The...
What to Do When Your Spouse Has a Drug Addiction
When you suspect that your spouse has an addiction problem, it’s sometime difficult to come to grips with the concept that it is happening to someone who you’ve been married to and trust. Many spouses mistake signs of addiction for stress, exhaustion, or burnout....
Manhattan doctor busted for writing 14,000 unnecessary painkiller prescriptions, even to addicts
A Manhattan physician, who describes himself on his website as a “good old-fashioned family doctor,” was caught giving unneeded painkiller prescriptions, allegedly knowing some of his patients were hooked on the pills. “Brooklyn federal prosecutors said Dr. Martin...
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism releases 5-year action plan
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism releases 5-year action plan A section of the National Institutes of Health, The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, has released its five-year strategic plan to allocate resources to understand and...
Tiger Woods, arrested on suspicion of DUI, blames prescriptions
Tiger Woods, arrested on suspicion of DUI, blames prescriptions. Golfer Tiger Woods was arrested on Memorial Day in Florida on suspicion of driving under the influence. However he says alcohol was not involved and he had “an unexpected reaction to prescribed...
Beat the Heat with Books!
As the weather heats up, and we tend to seclude ourselves into the comfort of our air conditioned homes, you may notice you have more free time on your hands. A way to consume this free time is by reading. Don’t know where to start? TED speakers have thrown together a...
Is America’s Drug Problem Fueling a Binge Drinking Epidemic?
"America is binge drinking way more than 10 years ago." “A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine today calculated an increase in drinking over the past decade, escalating from 31 percent to 39.6 percent of adults drinking five or more drinks...
Helping Addicts, Ultra Runner To Tackle Boston Marathon Course 4 Times
Helping Addicts, Ultra Runner To Tackle Boston Marathon Course 4 Times “For every small step Henry Ward takes, it reminds him of just how far he’s come and the stranger he may help just down the road.” Ward is a ultra-runner, meaning he runs very far distances for...
The Major Things that Have Been Learned About the American Heroin Industry
The Major Things that Have Been Learned About the American Heroin Industry So far 2017 has been the best year yet for gangs and cartels who import and distribute the drugs in the United States. Heroin is inexpensive to make and even more addictive, but this more...
Organizations Working Hard to Curb Painkiller Addiction in the Valley
Organizations Working Hard to Curb Painkiller Addiction in the Valley In 2015, Arizona had one of the highest rates of drug overdose deaths. In order to prevent this ongoing issue, several East Valley organizations have joined together to curb addiction to...
Coed Addiction Treatment Versus Male and Female-Only Rehabs
With so many drug and alcohol treatment centers out there, how do coed rehab settings compare to gender-specific (male & female-only) programs? For a number of years, professionals in the mental health and substance abuse treatment fields have weighed the...
The Pain of Seeing a Close Friend Falling to Drug Addiction
As a joyous straight A student growing up, seeing my friend Sheila sinking into the world of substance abuse and mental health illness was a heart breaker for me. When I was growing up, drug addiction wasn’t even a blip in our world. Good kids coming from nice...
What is the Difference Between Drug Rehab and Sober Living Homes?
What are the differences between going the route of sober living & recovery housing versus drug rehab for those fighting addiction? Basically, the only similarities between drug rehab centers and sober living homes (also referred to as addiction recovery...
Expansion Announcement for Arizona Addiction Recovery Center
Arizona Addiction Recovery Center is officially announcing our expansion and substance abuse treatment & detox location in Phoenix, AZ. It's no wonder that, given the enormous rise in drug and alcohol related overdoses and deaths, addiction treatment...
Tips for Managing Addiction Recovery During the Holidays
The holiday season may not be filled with joy & cheer for all, especially those in drug & alcohol addiction recovery, but here's some tips to change that... Wishing someone a happy holiday is so common, yet those mere words can trigger a host of emotions for...
Treating Drug and Alcohol Addictions in Men and Women
Is residential substance abuse treatment more effective in a mixed coed environment, or in gender-specific (male-only and female-only) drug rehab settings? . Treatment for drug addiction is a complex process, both for males and females. Drug rehab centers for men-only...
Advanced Addiction Treatment Therapies | EMDR, CBT and DBT
Arizona Addiction Recovery Center in Phoenix, AZ now offers more advanced therapy services for substance abuse treatment, such as CBT, DBT and EMDR. Advanced treatment therapies have become increasingly effective in addressing substance abuse and drug...
The Need for Better Drug Addiction Treatment Centers in America
It's time for better residential & outpatient addiction treatment centers in the U.S., especially for those with dual-diagnosis/mental health disorders! As the mother of a recovering crack addict, I can speak from personal and painful experience of the need...
The Importance for Residential Addiction Treatment in Today’s Society
With today’s enormous increase in substance abuse and mental health related issues, residential and inpatient addiction treatment centers are more important than ever. Substance abuse has earned a spotlight in the Election race. It was hard not to be touched by...
Video Testimonials and Reviews on AARC | SRC
Video Testimonials and Reviews on AARC | SRC We love 'em...Arizona Addiction Recovery Center & Scottsdale Recovery Center absolutely love the many video reviews and testimonials we're always receiving. Thank You! As always, the staff at Arizona Addiction Recovery...
Effective Inpatient Addiction Treatment for Younger Adults
Since younger adults relapse on drugs and alcohol more frequently, how can they improve their success following a stay at an inpatient addiction treatment center? Substance abuse seems to be on the rise, particularly for the younger adult population....
Do Luxury and Comforts Benefit the Rehab Process?
"Do Luxury and Comforts Help or Hurt the Drug Rehab Process?" For those in need of residential drug rehab or treatment for drug or alcohol addiction, does the presence of luxury, comforts and amenities help or hinder the recovery process? It's pretty much...
How to Find Phoenix, Arizona’s Best Inpatient Drug Rehabs
Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona have some of the nation’s best inpatient and residential drug rehab treatment centers, but how can you tell which they are? A contributing article by an AARC graduate... Many of Arizona’s leading addiction treatment programs have the...
Sobriety and Sanity During the Holidays
Understanding and avoiding the all too common pitfalls during the holidays, and integrating relapse prevention to better maintain sobriety from drug or alcohol addiction. Well it's that time of year again, the time when it seems like everyone in recovery is...
What Exactly is a Drug Rehab for Young Adults?
How does residential addiction treatment for young adults vary from other drug rehab programs? And what makes Arizona a better region in this regard? For those of you out there that have had the pleasure of admitting into a residential drug treatment program...
