Understanding Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine 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…

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Understanding Meth Addiction

Methamphetamine 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…

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Alumni Testimonial: My Hazy Shade of Winter at Palmetto Addiction Recovery Center

Alumni Testimonial: My Hazy Shade of Winter at Palmetto Addiction Recovery Center   Before I got to Palmetto in December of 2013, I’d wanted help for months, but couldn’t seem to administer it myself. I would down bottle after bottle of MD 20/20, wondering when in the world this whole alcoholism thing was going to…

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What is the Purpose of an Intervention?

If 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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Heroin: A Deadly Resurgence

– J. David Hammond, MD   Philip Seymour Hoffman. Another talented young man whose battle with addiction ended his life all too soon. Whenever a public figure or celebrity dies in a public way from addiction, the media turns its attention once again to the subject of substance abuse. Articles are written, reports are filed,…

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How Can We Prevent Drug Abuse Among Youth?

Every parent wants their children to grow up healthy and happy. It’s no surprise that many parents worry about drug abuse among youth – both their own children and their peers. Preventing drug use isn’t just an issue for parents; healthy and happy youth are a crucial component of a healthy community. Here, we’ll take…

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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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