Heroin is an incredibly addictive substance that is responsible for many thousands of fatal overdoses in the U.S. each year. As an illicit opioid, heroin is a significant contributor to our nation’s current opioid epidemic. Unfortunately, many people who use heroin won’t get the heroin addiction treatment they need before severe consequences occur. With the…
Women face different and unique issues when it comes to substance abuse. They are known to use smaller quantities of drugs than men. However, the small doses women consume have more substantial effects on them. As a result, addiction and women often go hand-in-hand. External factors often drive women to turn to alcohol and drug…
Xanax is a prescription medication often used to treat some forms of insomnia, anxiety, and seizures. It is also highly addictive. Xanax abuse occurs when a person consumes more of the drug than is prescribed for them or uses it without a prescription. For those using it as an anxiety treatment, it’s not safe to…
Self-medicating involves using available medications or drinking alcohol to treat medical and mental health conditions that a person diagnosed for themselves without a doctor’s help. Most people do some type of self-medicating. When you have a cold and take an over-the-counter cold remedy, or when you hurt yourself and take a pain reliever to help,…
Few people are equipped to deal with a loved one with an addiction. Inevitably, when someone in the family has an addiction, others in the house may either withdraw or become combative. It’s easy to see why addiction can cause frustration, hurt feelings, and mistrust in the home. However, if you are going to help…
Addiction treatment is typically divided into three stages: detox, rehab, and aftercare. These stages fit into two main types of programs: outpatient treatment and residential treatment. The categories can be subdivided into further categories. Why so many choices for addiction treatment? Because your addiction story is unique and should be handled at the right level.…
Once you complete your rehab, you will need as much support as possible to transition back into daily life and sustain your recovery without relapse. While there are many aftercare options such as sober living homes, continued therapy, or an alumni program, one of the most effective forms of guidance that you can get is…
Now that you have committed to going to an addiction treatment center, it is time to prepare for detox and rehab. You want to make your stay as comfortable and fulfilling as possible. Preparing for rehab essentially involves deciding what you will take and what you need to expect when you arrive. Preparing in advance…
When you are in pain, reaching for painkillers may seem like a natural response; at least, that might be what your doctor says. However, the dangers of painkillers are both evident and hidden. Regardless of how dangerous opioids are, the common perception of the drugs is that they are not only harmless but helpful. As…
Addiction recovery does not end when you complete your substance abuse treatment program. It is a continual process of growth beyond drug or alcohol addiction. As a result, it is a battle every day to avoid relapse and live a life of sobriety. Avoiding relapse includes identifying the signs of relapse and acting quickly to…