Although jokes about having to drink to deal with the stress of raising children is a common parenting trope, the more recent concept of “wine mom” raises concerns about crossing the line from harmless unwinding at the end of the day, to a more serious issue of alcohol use disorder (AUD). Understanding the signs of alcohol […]
Heroin is a highly addictive opioid drug derived from morphine. There is no FDA-approved medical use for this potent drug, so any use of it is considered heroin abuse. As an illicit drug, heroin is obtained on the street and may be cut with other substances, like the even more powerful opioid, fentanyl. It is
Most prescription or illicit drugs fall into one of these four categories: depressants, stimulants, inhalants, or hallucinogens. Drugs are classified based on their effects on the mind and body. For example, depressants are named as such because they depress or slow down the functions of the central nervous system (CNS), while stimulants stimulate the system,
Some people’s addiction to opioids begins after receiving a prescription to treat chronic moderate to severe pain. Unfortunately, once someone is dependent on opioids, it is not so simple to stop using them. Opioid withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable enough to make abstinence feel impossible. The good news is there are ways to manage withdrawal
Treating and Managing Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms Read More »
Enjoying a drink or two on special occasions or having a glass of wine or beer with dinner can be relatively harmless for most people. But when alcohol consumption becomes heavier or more frequent, it can lead to dependence or reliance on the substance, which is generally an indication that a person needs to rethink
Polysubstance abuse, a term that describes using two or more substances simultaneously, can occur intentionally or unintentionally. Some people mix substances to achieve a more intense effect, such as using cocaine and alcohol at a party to elevate mood and lower inhibitions. On the opposite end, some people engage in polysubstance abuse without realizing it,
The start of a new year is the perfect time to reflect on your goals and what you want out of life. If you have been struggling with addiction and finding it difficult to quit drugs or alcohol, the beginning of a new year is the perfect time to develop a plan and put it
Methamphetamine, or meth, is a potent stimulant drug often used illicitly in the form of crystal meth, which, as the name suggests, resembles small crystals or rocks. Using the drug puts you at risk of various side effects, ranging in severity. One of the most detrimental mental health effects of methamphetamine is a condition known
Cocaine is a potent stimulant drug that has been used for many years. Indigenous people from the Amazon rainforest are said to have chewed the leaves of the coca plant to increase their energy. Fast forward to modern times, and people are still seeking this drug for the elevation in energy. Something to help them
Committing to overcoming addiction is an admirable goal, but it is not without its challenges. A whole-person approach to recovery is often the most effective, as it addresses substance misuse along with the contributors to addiction. No recovery plan is complete without cognitive-behavioral therapy or other forms of psychotherapy for addiction. Therapy combined with support