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.
Long-term alcohol abuse can do more than damage the liver or increase the risk of chronic disease. In some cases, it can lead to a devastating condition known as wet brain—a form of brain damage caused by severe vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency. This condition, medically known as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS), can result in lasting cognitive …
When a loved one is trapped in the cycle of addiction, it’s natural to feel helpless. One of the most proactive steps families can take is staging a carefully planned intervention. But equally important is understanding the response to intervention—how the individual might react, emotionally and behaviorally, and how you can navigate that moment with …
Grief is a deeply personal, often overwhelming experience. When someone experiences a profound loss—whether it’s the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or a life-altering change—it can disrupt every part of their life. For many Mississippians, that grief is compounded by something even more difficult: addiction. The link between addiction and …
Living with chronic pain is difficult enough—but when addiction enters the picture, it becomes even more complex. Across Mississippi, individuals suffering from long-term pain often find themselves dependent on substances originally prescribed to help them. At Mississippi Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center (MSDATC), we recognize the close relationship between chronic pain and addiction—and we offer …
Benzodiazepines (commonly known as benzos) are prescription medications used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. While they can be effective short-term, prolonged use often leads to dependence. When someone tries to stop or reduce their use after a period of regular use, they may experience benzo withdrawal, which can be both physically and psychologically distressing. …
If you’re thinking about stopping drug use, you may wonder what happens next. One of the biggest concerns for people entering recovery is withdrawal. The truth is, drug withdrawal symptoms can be challenging—but with the right help, they are manageable. At Mississippi Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center, we guide you through every step of the …
Addiction reshapes the brain. But neuroplasticity and addiction recovery can reshape it again. For individuals struggling with substance use, it often feels like their thoughts, behaviors, and even emotional reactions work against them. That’s because addiction literally changes how the brain operates—strengthening some neural pathways while weakening others. But through a remarkable process called neuroplasticity, …
A new and alarming threat has entered Mississippi’s already dangerous drug landscape: xylazine. Known on the street as “tranq,” this veterinary sedative is increasingly showing up in illicit fentanyl and heroin supplies, especially in rural parts of the South. Unlike opioids, xylazine is not reversed by naloxone (Narcan), making overdoses more complex and more deadly. …
Understanding addiction means more than addressing substance use alone—it requires exploring the emotional and relational patterns that shape behavior. One key factor often overlooked in treatment is attachment style—the way individuals connect with others based on early life experiences. In Mississippi, where family and community ties run deep, attachment styles can significantly influence both the …
Peer pressure is a powerful force—especially for adolescents and young adults—but its influence doesn’t end at graduation. In Mississippi, where close-knit communities can be both supportive and enabling, understanding the link between peer pressure and addiction is essential for prevention and recovery. What Is Peer Pressure? Peer pressure is the influence exerted by people within …
If you’ve ever searched “sober living near me” while in the midst of recovery, you’re not alone. For individuals in Mississippi—especially in Biloxi and the surrounding Gulf Coast—finding a safe, structured environment after completing addiction treatment can be one of the most important steps toward lasting sobriety. Mississippi Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center understands that …
Substance use disorders continue to affect individuals and families throughout the Mississippi Gulf Coast, with Gulfport being no exception. While the journey to recovery can be daunting, local resources can make all the difference. Mississippi Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center, located nearby in Biloxi, proudly offers personalized, evidence-based addiction treatment for Gulfport residents, helping individuals …
Ketamine therapy has emerged as a groundbreaking treatment for depression, especially in cases where traditional antidepressants have failed. Once known primarily as an anesthetic—or a street drug—ketamine is now being used in clinical settings across the U.S., including Mississippi. But while this treatment offers rapid relief for many, it also raises important concerns for individuals …
For many, holidays bring joy, celebration, and connection. But for those navigating addiction recovery, these special dates can be surprisingly complex. Whether it’s a major holiday like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or the 4th of July, or a personal anniversary tied to trauma or loss, special occasions can stir emotions, trigger memories, and challenge sobriety. At Mississippi …
When you think of someone struggling with alcoholism, the image that often comes to mind is someone whose life is visibly unraveling — missed work, financial instability, or broken relationships. But what happens when the person battling alcohol dependency is outwardly successful? In Mississippi, and especially in places like Biloxi, this phenomenon is far more …
Alcohol withdrawal can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening emergencies. Among the most severe outcomes is a condition called delirium tremens (DTs), a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention. If you or a loved one is preparing to stop drinking after prolonged or heavy alcohol use, understanding delirium tremens symptoms is critical for safety. This article …
Drug addiction can feel isolating and overwhelming. When you start looking for drug addiction help near me, it’s often because you want immediate, trusted support close to home. For individuals and families in Biloxi and across Mississippi, the Mississippi Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center (MSDATC) provides accessible, compassionate care tailored to your unique needs. Why …
In today’s fast-paced world, our brains are constantly bombarded with stimuli — from social media notifications to instant rewards. This overstimulation can lead to what experts call a dopamine imbalance, which plays a crucial role in addiction and mental health challenges. If you’re seeking recovery in Biloxi or elsewhere in Mississippi, understanding the concept of …
The human brain is an incredibly complex organ, with many chemicals playing vital roles in regulating mood, motivation, and behavior. Among these, serotonin and dopamine stand out as two of the most important neurotransmitters involved in mental health and addiction. If you or a loved one are seeking addiction treatment in Biloxi or elsewhere in …
For individuals navigating addiction and mental health challenges in Mississippi, the right medication can play a powerful role in recovery. While newer antidepressants like SSRIs are more commonly prescribed today, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) still have a place in treatment — especially in cases where modern options fall short. But what exactly are TCAs, and why …
In the world of addiction, it’s easy to assume that danger only lies in illicit substances. But what if the threat comes from a medication legally prescribed by your doctor? For many individuals across Mississippi and beyond, this is exactly the reality they face. Prescription drug abuse doesn’t always begin with reckless choices—it often starts …
Blackouts are a serious and often misunderstood consequence of heavy alcohol or drug use. While the term might be tossed around casually in pop culture, the reality of a blackout is far from harmless. For individuals struggling with substance use, blackouts can be a red flag—indicating a deeper problem that warrants professional attention. So, what …
What is the Opioid Crisis? The Opioid Crisis refers to the dramatic rise in opioid misuse, addiction, and overdose deaths across the U.S. Over 80,000 people died from opioid-related overdoses in 2022, and approximately 79,400 in 2023, nearly double the numbers from just a few years ago. Though recent CDC data shows a hopeful 27% …
In Mississippi, substance use disorders continue to impact individuals, families, and communities at an alarming rate. While addiction is often seen as a standalone issue, the truth is far more complex. At Mississippi Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center (MSDATC) in Biloxi, we see every day how deeply intertwined addiction and mental health are. One cannot …
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