We have seen articles about the rise of opioid use in the United States and by the rule of numbers this means that it is likely that someone you know or love is struggling with opioid addiction. But what do we do when we observe addiction behaviors in our families, or among our friends? Addiction…
The word ‘detox’ is used in marketing for everything from tea to toothpaste these days, and it can be difficult to know what it means in the field of addiction. The detox process is when a person spends a set period of time to rid their body of unhealthy or toxic substances. Drug addiction detox…
Drug and alcohol addiction therapy is a helpful tool for those who are newly in recovery and for those who have sustained recovery for years. Behavior therapy is one approach to therapy that can be useful for those who struggle with addiction. It specifically addresses the behaviors people can learn to prevent the recurrence of…
Binge drinking is unsafe no matter how old you are. For college students, drinking too much can seem like a rite of passage. Parties and peer pressure can create an environment where college students feel like they need to drink excessively to enjoy themselves. However, binge drinking, which is defined as five or more drinks…
What role does the family play in addiction? Families can be a source of support for those who are working to overcome substance use issues, but they can also enable destructive behaviors. Some individuals are more likely to struggle with addiction as a result of a family history of substance use disorders. Conflict is common…
Detox is a process in which the body naturally removes substances like drugs and alcohol from the body and begins the process of healing. The actual process of detoxing takes time. The length of time and the way a person feels during the process depend on the type of drugs used and factors such as…
For many individuals who are working to overcome addiction, partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) are effective choices for the early stages of treatment. These outpatient programs offer flexibility while also providing daily support and accountability. Individuals who take part in these programs develop the tools they need to maintain sobriety long-term. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic,…
Cocaine works to stimulate the brain and body, causing feelings of a “rush” during use. Other drugs can also produce this feeling, which may contribute to their use before, after, or during cocaine addiction. Finding treatment for cocaine addiction or reliance on other stimulants begins with learning as much about the problem as possible and…
Drug or alcohol abuse treatment often starts with detox. But, how can someone know if they need detox before going to treatment? The body typically will send signals to indicate that the substance has a stronghold on it. Recognizing these symptoms may help in the decision of whether to go to detox. However, don’t stop…
Stopping an addiction does not happen overnight. In fact, for many people, the process can take weeks or months because the mind needs to readapt to sobriety. Behavioral therapy is one form of treatment many recovery centers use to help participants establish new habits and avoid relapse. Anyone who has tried to change a habit…