Addiction is a difficult illness to cope with, and opioid addiction can be particularly challenging. The impact of opioid addiction on an individual and their loved ones can be devastating. If you have a loved one struggling with opioid addiction, it can be hard to know how to help. Here, we will discuss strategies for…
Read MoreOver the years, drug use and drug addiction has continued to escalate. While many individuals would love to get help for their addiction, many are fearful of entering detox because of the discomfort that is associated with drug and alcohol withdrawals. Fortunately, many treatment programs utilize medications to help manage withdrawal symptoms that can be…
Read MoreMillions of people have struggled with an addiction to drugs or alcohol. Although treating a substance use disorder is a great thing, there are risks associated with doing an at-home detox. Because their bodies become dependent on the substance and their brains rely on it to regulate their bodies and emotions, stopping the substance suddenly…
Read MoreMost individuals have had something traumatic happen to them or have witnessed a traumatic event at some point throughout their lives; this can include anything from bullying, medical trauma, physical abuse, natural disasters, mass shootings, and many more. There are several risk factors for developing substance use disorder, but is trauma one of them? Read…
Read MoreOpioid overdose deaths have risen dramatically in the United States over the past two decades. Prescription drugs are an essential part of helping improve the quality of life for those who suffer from acute or chronic pain. However, the misuse and abuse of these drugs, especially opioids, have become a serious national health problem. So,…
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The DSM-IV-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) describes depression this way: “The essential feature of a Major Depressive Episode is a period of at least 2 weeks during which there is either depressed mood or the loss of interest or pleasure in nearly all activities.” Seasonal Affective Disorder occurs in climates where there…
Read MoreRecovery is a life-long journey that often includes changing attitudes, behaviors, and even environment. Even with a robust support network, the internal work can lead many people to feel like they are facing the challenges of recovery alone. Feelings of loneliness during addiction recovery are not uncommon – but simply knowing that fact doesn’t make…
Read MoreCocaine has been around for centuries. It is an extremely addictive stimulant drug made from leaves of the coca plant that causes euphoric and positive feelings. Back in the mid-1800’s, cocaine was even used as an ingredient in Coca-Cola and wine and was used as a remedy for hay fever and other common illnesses. Many…
Read MoreMethamphetamine use has skyrocketed over the past decade, and risky use patterns and increasing diversity in the population using methamphetamine suggests that it will continue to grow. These trends have also produced growth in the number of people dying from overdose and developing addictions to methamphetamine. With all of methamphetamine’s harmful effects, why do people…
Read MoreIf you have a friend or loved one experiencing active addiction, you may have thought more than once about organizing an intervention. But “interventions” have been sensationalized on dramatic television programs and through other media. Sometimes, in the desperation that often accompanies loving someone who is experiencing active addiction, it can seem attractive to hold…
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