How Long Does It Take for Brain Chemistry to Return to Normal?

Medical professionals and scientists continue to study the effects of addiction and substance use on the brain. One thing is certain: substance use (and especially prolonged substance use) can fundamentally change your brain chemistry. Some substances can significantly alter your brain chemistry in as little as one use, and even seemingly “harmless” substances can have…

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Making the “Jump” Off Suboxone – When the “Solution” Becomes the Problem

– Dr. Jay Piland, ABAM   A recent press release for Bunavail says it all: First and Only FDA-Approved (Buccal Formulation) of Buprenorphine and Naloxone to compete in the $1.7 Billion and Growing U.S. Opioid Dependence Market. Heroin and prescription opiate addiction are massive, under-treated and under-reported conditions in the United States. According to 2013…

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Can you ever be cured of an addiction?

Addiction can disrupt your life and the lives of those around you. Whether you’re struggling with addiction or have started your journey to recovery, addiction can cause feelings of loneliness and desperation. At some point in your recovery – or maybe several points – you may find yourself asking: “Isn’t there a cure?!” Take it…

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7 Tips for Achieving Long Term Recovery

Whether you’re just exploring recovery options for addiction, you’ve just finished an inpatient or intensive outpatient recovery program, or you’ve been in recovery for years, maintaining your sobriety is a lifelong journey. There are no quick fixes or miracle cures for addiction; long term recovery requires patience with yourself and the process. Here are seven…

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Why Did I Relapse? Top Triggers of Relapse

– Dr. Jay Piland, ABAM   On your journey to recovery and sobriety, relapse can feel like a major failure, and the resulting stress and anxiety can cause feelings of hopelessness. But it’s important to know that relapse happens in many paths to recovery and, while not necessarily inevitable or unavoidable, is a common occurrence.…

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A person in a white shirt and jeans sits on a tree stump in a park, holding their forehead with one hand. The background is blurred with sunlight filtering through the trees, suggesting signs of alcoholism as they appear to be lost in deep thought or contemplation.

Self Image & Addiction

Stewart Bedillion, MA, LPC   King Solomon said, “As a man thinks in his heart so is he.” Solomon was simply stating something that I observe every day working with patients at Palmetto: people generally become what they believe they are. Society refers to this concept as self-image, self-worth, or self-regard. If it is true…

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Four people stand arm in arm at the edge of a grassy hill, facing a sunset. They overlook a vast, serene landscape, finding solace as the sun casts a warm, golden light. In this tranquil moment, they gather strength to resist any relapse into past troubles.

Staying Faithful to Addiction Treatment During the COVID-19 Lockdown

COVID-19 has created unprecedented circumstances of isolation that can spell disaster for those undergoing or considering addiction treatment. With multiple states and cities issuing shelter-in-place regulations and enforcing social distancing policies, it’s time to discuss the realities of dealing with addiction treatment during the coronavirus pandemic.  While many business and public places have been shut…

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A man and woman embrace in a green park. The woman, wearing a blue top, has her eyes closed, resting her head on the mans chest. The man, in a checked shirt, holds her closely, with his eyes closed, surrounded by lush greenery.

Addiction Affects the Whole Family

Experts in the field of chemical dependency have defined addiction as a family disease. The disease significantly impacts each member of the family, not just the person using the alcohol or drugs. When chemical dependency begins to take control of a person in the family, other members of the family instinctively adjust their own behaviors.…

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young woman staring out cafe window curious about different types of addiction

What are the Different Types of Addiction?

There are two broad types of addiction. These are substance addiction and process addiction, also known as behavioral addiction. Research has shown a surprising amount of similarities between the two along with positive responses to addiction treatment. Similarities Between Types of Addiction There are some common indications of addiction that apply to substance addiction and…

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