Drug Addiction

We know that addiction is a debilitating illness that takes us away from ourselves and robs us of our goals, our life purpose, and our identity. Addiction can also separate us from our loved ones, causing intense emotional pain for everyone involved. Addiction keeps us shrouded in a cloud of shame, disappointment, regret and embarrassment.… Read On »

We all want to support our friends and loved ones, especially when they are facing major challenges such as battling a substance use disorder. We often feel that if we can help them past a difficult time, things will get better. However, when dealing with substance use disorders, behaviors that are typically helpful and supportive… Read On »

Today, the term “aftercare,” a term referring to additional support given following a patient’s exit from a residential program, has been replaced by “continuing care.” Continuing care involves the active treatment of addiction beyond the initial phase of recovery. An addiction treatment program can give you a good start in recovery, but it’s only a… Read On »

Everyone’s experience of addiction recovery is a little different. Your age, where you are in life, what drugs you used, how long you used them, your family situation, your health, and many other factors will make your experience different from everyone else’s. However, many going through recovery experience the same effects during the early stages.… Read On »

The major risk factors for addiction include genetics, having parents or siblings who have substance use disorders, childhood abuse or trauma, early substance use, or having a mental health challenge such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, OCD, schizophrenia, and others. However, there is another factor that may put you at higher risk of developing a… Read On »

Addiction can do pervasive damage to your life. People seeking help for addiction typically cite relationship damage, career damage, and the need for more life stability as their reasons for entering treatment. And these are all important things that fall victim to addiction, but what often underlies them is the financial damage. Not being able… Read On »

Xanax is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the world. It’s a fast-acting benzodiazepine that’s typically prescribed for anxiety or insomnia. While it works well when used occasionally for stopping an anxiety attack or getting some sleep during a stressful time, regular use can quickly lead to dependence and addiction. As little as… Read On »

We all could use more energy, and that’s especially true for anyone starting out in addiction recovery. There are several reasons someone just starting her recovery journey may be feeling tired, lethargic, and unmotivated. One is poor nutrition. Many addictions cause you to eat too little, and what you do eat is often readily available… Read On »

Heroin bought on the street is almost never pure heroin. The actual heroin content can vary widely, usually between about 50 percent and 80 percent. It is almost always cut or laced with something else. When heroin is “cut” that means whatever is added to it is just filler with little or no psychoactive effect.… Read On »

  Drug addiction is a complex neurobiological disease that requires integrated treatment of the mind, body, and spirit. It is considered a brain disease because drugs change the brain — they change its structure and how it works. Without treatment, these brain changes can be long-lasting. Addiction is chronic, it is progressive, and if left… Read On »