Below, we cover many different topics relating to addiction and what steps to take to overcome it.
When drug or alcohol use progresses to compulsive, uncontrolled use, this is known as addiction. People who are addicted to substances cannot stop using them on their own, even when continued use has serious and widespread consequences. When full-blown addiction is reached, prolonged abstinence always causes painful and potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms to manifest. Also known as substance use disorder or alcohol use disorder, addiction is a complex disease affecting the brain and all of the body's functions and internal systems. Addiction cannot be cured. However, it can be successfully managed with the right approach.
Why should a person use buprenorphine for opioid addiction? Buprenorphine is a semi-synthetic opioid derived from the opium plant. It’s a partial narcotic, meaning it doesn’t activate the brain’s mu opioid receptor as completely as other full opioids do, including heroin, oxycodone and fentanyl. It’s also much longer-acting than most opioids are, except for methadone, …
Outpatient rehab ultimately aims to enable the individual to lead a sober and productive life. The programs are a good option for those who are employed, have a supportive family life, and have a mild addiction. Those completing inpatient treatment and needing additional support to maintain their sobriety may benefit from outpatient rehab. According to …
Most people have heard of OxyContin, Oxycodone, Methadone, and Fentanyl, which are all opioids and, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Schedule II narcotics. But there are many others just like them, including oxymorphone, an opioid that entered the market shortly after receiving approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). But just …
Opiates rank as one of the most addictive types of drugs out there. Also known as opioids, opiates are narcotics that are often prescribed legally to relieve chronic pain or to treat individuals who have suffered injuries resulting in pain. Heroin, a highly illicit drug, is also in this category. Having an addiction to opiates …
People typically drink alcohol for its relaxing effects, and many adults are capable of only having one or two drinks before they stop for the day. Unfortunately, people with an alcohol addiction may not be able to stop drinking, even when they’ve had a dangerous amount. Other people may feel the urge to binge drink …
When medications are used properly, said substances can provide relief of physical and emotional pain and help people survive bouts with potentially serious illnesses. However, even therapeutic drugs can elicit significant side effects capable of precipitating lasting health concerns. One such product is known as Adderall. Adderall Overview Adderall is a substance comprised of primary …
Deciding that you’re ready for drug or alcohol rehab is but one step in a lifelong journey. For many people, this step proves incredibly daunting. Immediately after you’ve committed to treatment, you may be plagued by a number of surprising and persistent fears. Even the very idea of success can be intimidating. However, recognizing and …
Denial is a key characteristic of addiction. Most addicts believe that they have everything under control. If you’ve already made an effort to talk to your loved one about addiction, they’ve probably assured you that they can limit their drug use or stop using entirely whenever they want. Although these assertions can be incredibly frustrating, …
Gratitude is often something that we perceive as being solely for the benefit of others. Showing gratitude enriches the lives of those who receive it. They feel valued by grateful words and actions. They also understand that we appreciate all that they do. However, feelings of gratitude can be just as beneficial for those who …
Relapse isn’t a sign of failed recovery. Instead, for many people, it’s actually part of the recovery process. Relapsing often indicates the need for additional addiction treatment, or the need to receive another treatment type. In fact, it’s estimated that between 40 and 60 percent of recovering addicts will experience a relapse at one point …
Adderall is a prescription stimulant that acts on the central nervous system (CNS). This brand-name drug is designed to reduce hyperactivity, improve focus, and extend a person’s attention span. Adderall is commonly prescribed for conditions like narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Although Adderall is effective in these applications, long-term use of this drug …
Addiction often takes priority over self-care. When you’re addicted to drugs or alcohol, things like eating well, sleeping well, and practicing good stress management go out the window. Most addicts trade these things off for unhealthy coping habits that supply instant gratification or relief. When they’re tired or hungry, they may use stimulants to “take …
Like many people, you may be under the impression that completing inpatient treatment will cure your addiction. Unfortunately, addiction is a chronic disease. It is also an incredibly complex mental health issue. Although inpatient rehab will give you the skills and tools that you need for keeping your recovery on track, you’ll have to make …
Stepping away from alcohol for just 30 days could provide some surprising benefits. Although alcohol incites feelings of euphoria and relaxation, it’s actually a powerful toxin that undermines the health and functioning of your liver, your kidneys, your heart, and your immune system. Just a short respite from alcohol use can have a significant impact …
Although gender-based differences in substance use disorder are steadily declining, men still have a significantly higher likelihood of struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. Whereas women often use drugs or alcohol for emotional relief, men frequently use substances to establish or strengthen social bonds. In general, men have more tolerant attitudes and beliefs about substance …
Relapse is the recurrence of any disease that’s gone into remission. Given that both substance use disorder and alcohol use disorder are classified as complex, chronic illnesses, the return to using drugs or alcohol after any prolonged period of abstinence is known as a relapse. In addiction recovery, relapse is always a major risk. This …
Choosing to enter rehab is the best thing that addicts can do for themselves. For those who love them, the start of addiction treatment is often a time of tremendous hope. When recovery is successful, it gives families the opportunity to heal, and the chance to begin their lives anew. Although much of the addiction …
Alcohol and insomnia often go hand in hand. In fact, between 30 and 75 percent of people who regularly consume alcohol struggle with insomnia. Although alcohol is a depressant that can put you in a relaxed, drowsy state, this doesn’t mean that it’s good for your sleep quality. Struggling to fall asleep and regularly contending …
Having a close friend or family member struggle with addiction is never easy. Like many people, you may think that you’re making the best of a bad situation by cleaning up your loved one’s messes, fixing their problems, and providing temporary assistance to keep their lives from getting worse. This is known as enabling. Unfortunately, …
Choosing to go to drug and alcohol rehab is an important step towards reclaiming your life. Unfortunately, not everyone can commit to spending one to three months on a closed campus for inpatient treatment. Many people have families to care for, jobs to attend, or other pressing responsibilities. Sometimes the costs of inpatient treatment simply …
Many people living with substance use disorder have an underlying mental health issue. This is known as dual diagnosis. In some instances, the pain and mood swings caused by an untreated mental health disorder are catalysts for substance use. People turn to drugs or alcohol to relieve symptoms that they don’t understand and that exist …
Watching a loved one struggle with addiction is never easy. Unfortunately, addicts can have a hard time admitting that they’re addicted. Denial is a very real and very common part of struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. Even when addicts regularly suffer consequences as the result of their behaviors, they often imagine themselves as being …
Staying sober while celebrating the holidays can be a real challenge. Despite all of the warm, cozy feelings that the holidays incite, this time can also create a tremendous amount of stress. Not only is there pressure to see and be seen by countless friends and family members, but there’s also the prospect of being …
Alcohol detox and withdrawal typically occur in two distinct phases. The early stage of alcohol detox is largely characterized by intense and potentially dangerous physical withdrawal symptoms. This is known as acute withdrawal. For most people, the acute withdrawal period lasts between one and two weeks. With medical management and the right interventions, the body …
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